System, control device, and program

Abstract

To provide a system by which damage caused by the intrusion of wildlife can be reduced.SOLUTION: A system includes an output device, a sensor, and a control device. The output device outputs a medium or a material. The sensor generates sensor information by sensing a peripheral environment at a position where the output device is installed. The control device controls the output device and the sensor. The control device includes a processing part and a control part. The processing part acquires environment information on a change in the peripheral environment according to the output medium or material using the sensor information. The control part changes at least one of the presence or absence of output of the medium or the material by the output device and output contents for outputting the medium or the material on the basis of the environment information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a system, a control device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Birds and animals may invade areas such as solar power plants, wind power plants, railway facilities, airports, and farmland. Invading birds and animals can cause damage such as damage to facilities.

[0003] For example, land suitable for installing mega solar power plants is decreasing around urban areas, and more mega solar power plants are being installed in mountainous areas. Compared to urban areas, mountainous areas are home to more birds and animals, and the frequency of damage to power generation equipment caused by these invading birds and animals is increasing. Furthermore, damage to power generation equipment can lead to a decrease in power generation or even a halt in power generation.

[0004] When equipment fails, workers must travel to the site. However, areas such as mountainous regions are often difficult to access, and the time and cost required for workers to travel is significant. Furthermore, due to labor shortages, it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure personnel for operation and maintenance (O&M). This calls for labor-saving and labor-saving measures for O&M. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-115679 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 63-304935 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 63-317037 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Takashi Matsuda, "Reliable Discrimination of Similar Faces: Deer Identification System (One Hundred Views to the Future)," [online], April 7, 2015, Nihon Keizai Shimbun Online Edition, [Retrieved February 9, 2024], Internet<URL:https: / / www.nikkei.com / article / DGXLASJB27H57_R00C15A4AA1P00 / > [Non-patent document 2] Masahiko Susaki and five others, "Horse Identification Using Eye Features," Transactions of Information Processing Society of Japan, August 2000, Vol. 41, No. 8, pp. 2317-2326 [Non-patent document 3] Keiji Osawa and three others, "Research and Development of Output Devices for Deer and Other Animals (Basic Research) = Aversion Response of Wild Deer to Electronic Sounds Using High-Cycle Carrier Waves =," [online], April 16, 2018, Tsuruga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Energy Industry Entrepreneurship Research Group, [Retrieved February 9, 2024], Internet<URL:http: / / www.tsuruga.or.jp / top / shika.pdf> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the population of wildlife such as deer, wild boars, and bears is on the rise. Therefore, it is expected that the damage to facilities caused by wildlife intrusion will continue at a high level. Therefore, it is necessary to realize new functions that can reduce the damage caused by wildlife intrusion.

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a system, a control device, and a program that can reduce damage caused by the invasion of birds and animals. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to an embodiment, the system includes an output device, a sensor, and a control device. The output device outputs a medium or a substance. The sensor generates sensor information by sensing the surrounding environment of a location where the output device is installed. The control device controls the output device and the sensor. The control device includes a processing unit and a control unit. The processing unit uses the sensor information to acquire environmental information regarding changes in the surrounding environment in response to the output of the medium or the substance. The control unit changes at least one of whether or not the output device outputs the medium or the substance and the output content of the medium or the substance based on the environmental information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a control device included in the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a medium management table used in the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a bird / animal / medium management table used in the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a medium control process executed in the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first measurement example of the repellent effect in the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second measurement example of the repellent effect in the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third measurement example of the repellent effect in the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth measurement example of the repellent effect in the system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 1 is a system for deterring birds and animals 5 from invading a specific area.

[0013] The specific area is an area where facilities that would be damaged (impaired) by the intrusion of the wild animals 5 are installed. Specifically, the specific area is an area that includes, for example, a solar power plant, a wind power plant, a railway facility, or an airport. Alternatively, the specific area may be farmland where crops that would be damaged (injured) by the intrusion of the wild animals 5 are grown. The specific area may also be an area where facilities that affect the lives of the wild animals 5 are installed. For example, this may be an area where wind power generation facilities are installed, or a road for vehicles.

[0014] The birds and animals 5 are birds and animals to be repelled. In other words, the birds and animals 5 are specific types of animals and birds that may cause damage if they invade. Specifically, the birds and animals 5 are, for example, Asiatic black bears, Japanese sika deer, wild boars, and crows. The birds and animals 5 may also be specific types of animals and birds whose lives may be affected by the equipment. Specifically, the birds 5 are, for example, white-tailed eagles and Steller's sea eagles.

[0015] The system 1 uses a medium 6-1 or a substance 6-2 that repels the birds and animals 5 to deter the intrusion of the birds and animals 5. For example, the system 1 outputs the medium 6-1 or the substance 6-2 in response to the intrusion of the birds and animals 5 into a specific area, thereby excluding the birds and animals 5 from the specific area and encouraging the birds and animals 5 to avoid intrusion into the specific area.

[0016] The system 1 includes, for example, a sensor 11, an output device 12, and a control device 13. The sensor 11 and the control device 13 are connected by wire or wirelessly and are capable of communicating with each other (i.e., sending and receiving information). The output device 12 and the control device 13 are connected by wire or wirelessly and are capable of communicating with each other. Alternatively, they may be connected by a communication network and capable of communicating with each other, and the control device 13 may be installed in a remote location.

[0017] The sensor 11 is a device that generates information (data) by sensing the surrounding environment 2 where the output device 12 is installed. Specifically, the sensor 11 detects physical or chemical information in the surrounding environment 2 and generates information based on the detected physical or chemical quantities. The information generated by the sensor 11 is also referred to as sensor information. The sensor 11 operates, for example, continuously. Alternatively, the sensor 11 may operate intermittently to reduce power consumption. Note that the surrounding environment 2 shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the range corresponding to the surrounding environment 2 (i.e., the range that can be sensed by the sensor 11) can be set arbitrarily depending on the specific area and the sensor 11 used.

[0018] The sensor 11 includes, for example, at least one of a camera (imaging device), a microphone, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and a radio connected to an antenna for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves. Alternatively, the sensor 11 may include any combination of two or more of the camera, microphone, infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, and radio. The sensor 11 also includes a communication device for communicating with the outside (e.g., the control device 13). The sensor 11 transmits sensor information to the control device 13 via the communication device, for example, in real time or at regular intervals.

[0019] The sensor information is, for example, time-series information. The sensor information is used to acquire information (hereinafter referred to as environmental information) regarding changes in the surrounding environment 2 in response to the medium 6-1 or substance 6-2 output by the output device 12. The changes in the surrounding environment 2 include, for example, the intrusion of birds and animals 5 and the behavior (reaction) of the birds and animals 5 in response to the output medium 6-1 or substance 6-2. The effect of the output medium 6-1 or substance 6-2 on the birds and animals 5 is also referred to as a repellent effect. The repellent effect of a certain medium 6-1 or substance 6-2 may decrease, for example, if the birds and animals 5 become accustomed to the output of the medium 6-1 or substance 6-2 (for example, by experiencing the output multiple times).

[0020] The output device 12 is a device that outputs a medium 6-1 or a substance 6-2. The output device 12 outputs the medium 6-1 or the substance 6-2 to, for example, a bird or animal 5 that has invaded a specific area (for example, the surrounding environment 2).

[0021] The medium 6-1 is a medium that is expected to have a repellent effect on the birds and animals 5. The medium 6-1 includes, for example, sound waves, smells (gas), light, images, and electromagnetic waves. The medium 6-1 may be any combination of two or more of sound waves, smells, light, images, and electromagnetic waves.

[0022] The substance 6-2 is a substance (object) that is expected to have a repellent effect on the birds and animals 5. The substance 6-2 includes, for example, water (liquid) and a ball (solid). The substance 6-2 may be a combination of water and a ball.

[0023] Furthermore, the output device 12 may output any combination of the medium 6-1 and the substance 6-2. In the following, for ease of understanding, at least one of the medium 6-1 and the substance 6-2 may be simply referred to as the medium 6.

[0024] The output device 12 has a configuration for outputting the medium 6. For example, when outputting sound waves, the output device 12 has a speaker. When outputting light, the output device 12 has lighting (light source). When outputting an odor, the output device 12 has a spray unit. When outputting water, the output device 12 has a water discharge unit. Similarly, for other types of medium 6, the output device 12 has an output mechanism for outputting that medium 6. Furthermore, the output device 12 may have multiple output mechanisms for outputting multiple types of medium 6, respectively.

[0025] The output device 12 also includes a communication device for communicating with the outside (for example, the control device 13). The output device 12 receives information indicating at least one of whether or not the medium 6 is to be output and the content (output content) of the medium 6 from the control device 13 via the communication device. The output device 12 outputs the medium 6 based on the received information.

[0026] The control device 13 is a device that controls the operations of the sensor 11 and the output device 12. The control device 13 is realized, for example, as a computer. The control device 13 controls the output of the medium 6 by the output device 12, for example, using sensor information received from the sensor 11.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control device 13. As shown in FIG.

[0028] The control device 13 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 21, a storage 22, a communication device 23, and a random access memory (RAM) 24. The CPU 21, the storage 22, the communication device 23, and the RAM 24 may be connected via, for example, a bus 20.

[0029] The CPU 21 is, for example, at least one processor that controls the operation of various components within the control device 13.

[0030] The storage 22 is a storage device including a nonvolatile memory, and is realized as, for example, a solid-state drive (SSD) or a hard disk drive (HDD).

[0031] The communication device 23 is a device configured to perform wired or wireless communication. The communication device 23 includes a transmitter for transmitting signals (i.e., data and information) and a receiver for receiving signals. The communication device is configured to be able to communicate with each of the sensor 11 and the output device 12 by complying with any communication method such as a wired local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN, mobile communication, or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0032] The RAM 24 is a volatile memory. The RAM 24 is realized, for example, as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). The memory area of ​​the RAM 24 is allocated as a storage area for, for example, an operating system (OS), drivers, and various application programs. The application programs include, for example, a bird and animal damage prevention program 241.

[0033] The bird and animal damage prevention program 241 is a program that controls the output of the medium 6 by the output device 12 using sensor information received from the sensor 11. The bird and animal damage prevention program 241 is loaded from the storage 22 to the RAM 24 when executed, for example.

[0034] Furthermore, the memory area of ​​the RAM 24 may be allocated as a storage area for a medium management table 242 and a bird / animal-medium management table 243. The medium management table 242 is data for managing the output contents of the medium 6 output from the output device 12. The bird / animal-medium management table 243 is data for managing the correspondence between the bird / animal 5 and the output contents of the medium 6 used for that bird / animal 5. The medium management table 242 and the bird / animal-medium management table 243 are loaded into the RAM 24 from the storage 22, for example, when the bird / animal damage prevention program 241 is executed.

[0035] The configurations of the medium management table 242 and the bird / animal-medium management table 243 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0036] 3 shows an example of the configuration of the medium management table 242. The medium management table 242 includes a plurality of entries corresponding to a plurality of output contents related to the medium 6. Each of the plurality of entries includes, for example, a medium ID field, a type field, a pattern field, a wavelength field, and a frequency field.

[0037] In an entry corresponding to a certain output content, the medium ID field indicates identification information (medium ID) that can uniquely identify the output content. In other words, the medium ID field is set with the medium ID assigned to the corresponding output content.

[0038] The type field indicates the type of medium 6 (i.e., medium 6-1 or material 6-2) used in the corresponding output content. In the type field, for example, one medium 6 such as "sound wave" or "light" is set. Also, a combination of multiple media 6 such as "sound wave and light" may be set in the type field.

[0039] The pattern field indicates the pattern used for the corresponding output content. For example, if sound waves are used as the medium 6, the pattern field will contain a time-series output pattern of sound waves (time waveform data). For example, if light is used as the medium 6, the pattern field will contain a time-series output pattern of light (light emission pattern).

[0040] The wavelength field indicates the wavelength of light used in the corresponding output content. Specifically, when light is used as the medium 6, the wavelength of that light is set in the wavelength field. Note that when light is not used as the medium 6, no value is set in the wavelength field.

[0041] The frequency field indicates the frequency of the sound wave used in the corresponding output content. Specifically, when sound waves are used as the medium 6, the frequency of the sound wave is set in the sound wave field. Note that, when sound waves are not used as the medium 6, no value is set in the wavelength field. Note that, the pattern of the frequency used in the corresponding output content may be set in the pattern field.

[0042] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the output content corresponding to medium ID "000" is specified to output sound waves of frequency F1 in output pattern A. The output content corresponding to medium ID "001" is specified to output sound waves of frequency F2 in output pattern B. The output content corresponding to medium ID "002" is specified to output sound waves of frequency F2 in output pattern A and to output light of wavelength W1 in emission pattern A. Furthermore, the output content corresponding to medium ID "035" is specified to output light of wavelength W1 in emission pattern B.

[0043] The above-described configuration of the medium management table 242 allows the system 1 (more specifically, the control device 13) to manage the output contents of various media 6. Note that the configuration of the medium management table 242 shown in FIG. 3 and the output contents of the media 6 managed by the medium management table 242 are examples. The medium management table 242 can be information in any format that can manage the output contents of various media 6 that are expected to have a repellent effect on birds and animals 5.

[0044] For example, each entry in the medium management table 242 may include an output device ID field. The output device ID field indicates identification information (output device ID) that can identify one or more output devices 12 that should output the medium 6, among multiple output devices 12 installed in different locations. This allows the output device 12 that should output the medium 6 to be specified as the output content of the medium 6.

[0045] FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the bird / animal-medium management table 243. The bird / animal-medium management table 243 includes n entries corresponding to n birds / animals 5 (or n heads, n feathers). The n birds / animals 5 may be n types of birds / animals, or may be n individual birds / animals. Each of the n entries includes a bird / animal ID field, a medium ID field, and m medium history fields. n is, for example, any integer equal to or greater than 1. m is, for example, any integer equal to or greater than 1.

[0046] In an entry corresponding to a certain bird or animal 5, the bird or animal ID field indicates identification information (bird or animal ID) that can uniquely identify the bird or animal 5. Specifically, the bird or animal ID field may be set with, for example, a bird or animal ID assigned to the type of the corresponding bird or animal 5 (e.g., a deer). Alternatively, the bird or animal ID field may be set with, for example, a bird or animal ID assigned to an individual bird or animal 5 (e.g., a specific deer).

[0047] The medium ID field indicates identification information (medium ID) that can uniquely identify the output content of the medium 6 used for the corresponding bird or animal 5. As described above with reference to the medium management table 242 in FIG. 3, the medium ID is associated with, for example, information that indicates the specific output content of the medium 6.

[0048] Each of the m medium history fields indicates a medium ID indicating the output content of a medium 6 previously used on the corresponding bird or animal 5 (i.e., a medium ID previously set in the medium ID field). The m medium history fields include, for example, a first medium history field, a second medium history field, ..., and an mth medium history field. Medium IDs may be set in the first medium history field, the second medium history field, ..., and the mth medium history field in order of the most recent time they were set in the medium ID field, for example. The output content of a medium 6 corresponding to a medium ID set in a medium history field has already been used on the corresponding bird or animal 5, and is expected to have a low repellent effect. Therefore, a medium ID set in a medium history field is not set in the medium ID field corresponding to that bird or animal 5, for example.

[0049] In the example shown in Fig. 4, for example, it is specified that the output contents of medium 6 with medium ID "152" should be used for bird and beast 5 with bird and beast ID "001". It is also shown that the output contents of medium 6 with medium ID "078" and medium ID "138" have been used in the past for bird and beast 5 with bird and beast ID "001".

[0050] Also, for example, it is specified that the output content of medium 6, whose medium ID is "035", be used for bird and animal 5, whose bird and animal ID is "002". The output content of medium 6, whose medium ID is "035", is to output light of wavelength W1 in light emission pattern B, as defined in the medium management table 222 shown in FIG.

[0051] The above-described configuration of the bird / animal-medium management table 243 enables the system 1 to manage the output contents of the medium 6 to be used for each bird / animal 5. Specifically, for each bird / animal 5, the system 1 can manage the output contents of the medium 6 to be currently used and the output contents of the medium 6 that has already been used in the past and whose repellent effect has decreased.

[0052] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control device 13. The control device 13 includes a storage unit 100, a first determination unit 101, a second determination unit 102, and a control unit 103, for example.

[0053] The storage unit 100 is a storage area realized as, for example, the RAM 24 (or the storage 22). The storage unit 100 stores, for example, a medium management table 242 and a bird / animal-medium management table 243.

[0054] The first determination unit 101, the second determination unit 102, and the control unit 103 are functions that are realized by the CPU 21 executing the bird and animal damage prevention program 241, for example.

[0055] The first judgment unit 101 and the second judgment unit 102 are processing units that use sensor information received from the sensor 11 to acquire environmental information regarding changes in the surrounding environment 2 in response to the medium 6-1 or substance 6-2 output by the output device 12.

[0056] The control unit 103 controls the operation of each unit in the sensor 11, the output device 12, and the control device 13. For example, based on the environmental information received from the first determination unit 101 or the second determination unit 102, the control unit 103 changes (determines) at least one of whether or not the medium 6-1 or the substance 6-2 is to be output by the output device 12 and the content of the medium 6-1 or the substance 6-2 to be output.

[0057] Specifically, the first determination unit 101 generates environmental information (hereinafter also referred to as first environmental information) indicating whether or not a bird or animal 5 has invaded, using sensor information for a first period ((1) in FIG. 5). The first environmental information is, for example, information relating to a bird or animal 5 that has invaded the surrounding environment 2. The first determination unit 101 operates, for example, continuously. Alternatively, the first determination unit 101 may operate intermittently to reduce power consumption.

[0058] For example, if the sensor 11 is a camera, the sensor information is video data including multiple images in a time series. In this case, the first determination unit 101 performs a detection process to detect a bird or animal 5 that has invaded the surrounding environment 2 from the images. The detection process uses, for example, pattern matching using physical features corresponding to the bird or animal 5 to be detected, or a learning model that detects the bird or animal 5 from input images. The learning model is, for example, a mathematical model or a physical model. The learning model is generated by machine learning using a large amount of image data of the bird or animal 5 to be detected.

[0059] The first determination unit 101 may further perform at least one of detecting the type of bird or animal 5, detecting the number of individuals of the bird or animal 5 (or the number of individuals of each type of bird or animal 5), and identifying the individual bird or animal 5, by a detection process using sensor information. For example, as described in Non-Patent Document 1, individual deer can be identified with high accuracy based on the pattern of hair growth. Also, for example, as described in Non-Patent Document 2, individual horses can be identified using the characteristics of their eyes.

[0060] Furthermore, the first determination unit 101 may detect various birds and animals 5 using the sensor information, and then determine whether the detected birds and animals 5 are birds and animals 5 that are targets to be repelled. For example, the first determination unit 101 may detect Asiatic black bears, Japanese sika deer, wild boars, Japanese macaques, cats, crows, pigeons, etc., and then determine whether the birds and animals 5 include Asiatic black bears, Japanese sika deer, and wild boars that are targets to be repelled.

[0061] The first determination unit 101 performs a detection process using the sensor information, and sends to the control unit 103 first environmental information indicating whether or not a bird or animal 5 (i.e., a bird or animal 5 to be repelled) has been detected ((2) in FIG. 5). The first determination unit 101 may send to the control unit 103 first environmental information further including at least one of the type of bird or animal 5 detected, the number of individuals of the detected bird or animal 5 (or the number of individuals of each type of bird or animal 5), and the identified individuals of the bird or animal 5.

[0062] The control unit 103 changes (determines) whether or not to output the medium 6 from the output device 12 based on the first environmental information received from the first determination unit 101.

[0063] For example, when the control unit 103 receives first environmental information indicating that a bird or animal 5 has been detected from the first determination unit 101, the control unit 103 activates the second determination unit 102 ((3) in FIG. 5). Then, the control unit 103 acquires the output content of the medium 6 corresponding to the detected bird or animal 5 from the storage unit 100 ((4) in FIG. 5). Specifically, the first determination unit 101 acquires, for example, a medium ID associated with the bird or animal ID of the detected bird or animal 5 from the bird or animal-medium management table 243. The bird or animal ID of the detected bird or animal 5 may be a bird or animal ID indicating the type of the bird or animal 5, or may be a bird or animal ID indicating an individual bird or animal 5. The first determination unit 101 acquires the output content of the medium 6 associated with the acquired medium ID from the medium management table 242. Then, the first determination unit 101 instructs the output device 12 to output the medium 6 based on the acquired output content ((5) in FIG. 5). As a result, the output device 12 outputs the medium 6 with the output content according to the instruction.

[0064] In response to being activated by the control unit 103, the second determination unit 102 uses the sensor information for the second period to generate environmental information (hereinafter also referred to as second environmental information) indicating whether the repellent effect of the medium 6 output from the output device 12 against the invading bird or animal 5 has decreased ((6) in FIG. 5). The second environmental information is information regarding changes in the bird or animal 5 in response to the output medium 6. The second period is, for example, a period that follows the first period. More specifically, the second period is, for example, a period that follows the point in time when the output device 12 starts outputting the medium 6 after the first period.

[0065] The second determination unit 102 performs a measurement process to measure, from an image, the repellent effect of the medium 6 output by the output device 12 against an invading bird or animal 5. In the measurement process, the repellent effect is measured based on at least one of the following: the stopping time of the bird or animal 5 corresponding to the output medium 6, the distance between the bird or animal 5 and the output device 12, the number of birds or animals 5 in the surrounding environment 2, the frequency with which the bird or animal 5 invades the surrounding environment 2, and the heart rate of the bird or animal 5 corresponding to the output medium 6. For example, if the measured repellent effect is lower than a specific level, the second determination unit 102 generates second environment information indicating that the repellent effect is lower than the specific level (i.e., the repellent effect is insufficient).

[0066] Specifically, the second determination unit 102 measures the stopping time (first stopping time) of the bird or animal 5 in response to the output medium 6. In this case, the sensor 11 is, for example, a camera. If the first stopping time is shorter than a first threshold, the second determination unit 102 generates second environmental information indicating that the first stopping time is shorter than the first threshold. Alternatively, if the first stopping time is shorter than the stopping time (second stopping time) of the bird or animal 5 in response to the medium 6 the previous time it entered the surrounding environment 2, the second determination unit 102 generates second environmental information indicating that the first stopping time is shorter than the second stopping time.

[0067] For example, Non-Patent Document 3 describes the deer's repellent reaction when sound waves are used as the medium 6. Specifically, Non-Patent Document 3 describes that when deer first hear unfamiliar sound waves, they stop for a long time, but as they get used to them, the stopping time gradually becomes shorter.

[0068] Therefore, the second determination unit 102 may, for example, conduct an experiment in advance on the bird or animal 5 to be repelled, measure the distribution of the pause times, and set the threshold value. Specifically, the second determination unit 102 may, for example, set the first threshold value to a time obtained by shortening the pause time when the bird or animal 5 first experiences the output of a specific medium 6 (for example, the pause time when it first hears a specific sound wave) by a specific percentage. The specific percentage may be, for example, 50%.

[0069] The second determination unit 102 may measure the distance (first distance) between the bird or animal 5 and the output device 12 using sensor information. In this case, the sensor 11 is, for example, a camera, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a wireless device. If the first distance is shorter than the second threshold, the second determination unit 102 generates second environmental information indicating that the first distance is shorter than the second threshold. Alternatively, if the first distance is shorter than the distance (second distance) between the bird or animal 5 and the output device 12 the last time it entered the surrounding environment 2, the second determination unit 102 generates second environmental information indicating that the first distance is shorter than the second distance.

[0070] The second determination unit 102 may use sensor information to measure the number of birds and animals 5 (first number of individuals). In this case, the sensor 11 is, for example, a camera. If the first number of individuals is greater than a third threshold, the second determination unit 102 generates second environmental information indicating that the first number of individuals is greater than the third threshold. Alternatively, if the first number of individuals is greater than the number of birds and animals 5 the previous time they invaded the surrounding environment 2 (second number of individuals), the second determination unit 102 generates second environmental information indicating that the first number of individuals is greater than the second number of individuals.

[0071] The second determination unit 102 may use sensor information to measure the frequency (first frequency) at which the bird or animal 5 invades the surrounding environment 2 during the second period. In this case, the sensor 11 is, for example, a camera. If the first frequency is higher than a fourth threshold, the second determination unit 102 generates second environmental information indicating that the first frequency is higher than the fourth threshold. Alternatively, if the first frequency is higher than the frequency (second frequency) at which the bird or animal 5 invades the surrounding environment 2 during a third period before the second period, the second determination unit 102 generates second environmental information indicating that the first frequency is higher than the second frequency. The second period and the third period are, for example, periods of the same length.

[0072] Furthermore, the second determination unit 102 may measure the heart rate (first heart rate) of the bird or animal 5 using sensor information. In this case, the sensor 11 is, for example, a radio equipped with an antenna. The radio receives, via the antenna, reflected waves of electromagnetic waves output by the output device 12. These reflected waves are electromagnetic waves that are generated by reflection when the electromagnetic waves are incident on the bird or animal 5. The second determination unit 102 measures the heart rate of the bird or animal 5, for example, based on the reflected waves. If the first heart rate is lower than a fifth threshold, the second determination unit 102 generates second environmental information indicating that the first heart rate is lower than the fifth threshold. Alternatively, if the first heart rate is not higher than the heart rate (second heart rate) of the bird or animal 5 before the medium 6 is output by the output device 12 by a sixth threshold or more, the second determination unit 102 generates second environmental information indicating that the first heart rate has not increased by a sixth threshold or more. The second heart rate is, for example, the heart rate of the bird or animal 5 in the first period. When measuring the heart rate before outputting the medium 6 (the second heart rate) and the heart rate after outputting the medium 6 (the first heart rate), the control unit 103 activates the second determination unit 102 before causing the output device 12 to output the medium 6.

[0073] Furthermore, the second determination unit 102 may generate the second environmental information based on any combination of two or more of the stopping time of the bird or animal 5 according to the output medium 6, the distance between the bird or animal 5 and the output device 12, the number of birds or animals 5 in the surrounding environment 2, the frequency with which the bird or animal 5 invades the surrounding environment 2, and the heart rate of the bird or animal 5 according to the output medium 6. Furthermore, the second determination unit 102 is capable of measuring various indices relating to the repellent effect of the medium 6 against the bird or animal 5, not limited to the examples described above. The second determination unit 102 may generate second environmental information indicating that the repellent effect has decreased, based on the measured indices.

[0074] The second determination unit 102 sends the generated second environmental information to the control unit 103 ((7) in FIG. 5).

[0075] The control unit 103 can change the output content of the medium 6 output from the output device 12 to the invading bird or animal 5 based on the first environmental information received from the first determination unit 101 and the second environmental information received from the second determination unit 102 ((8) in FIG. 5). For example, if the control unit 103 receives first environmental information indicating that a bird or animal 5 has been detected from the first determination unit 101, and then receives second environmental information indicating that the repellent effect of the current output content of the medium 6 has decreased, the control unit 103 changes the medium ID (first medium ID) currently associated with the bird or animal ID of the detected bird or animal 5 in the bird or animal-medium management table 243 to another medium ID. Specifically, the control unit 103 identifies an entry (hereinafter referred to as the target entry) in the bird or animal-medium management table 243 that includes the bird or animal ID of the detected bird or animal 5. For example, the control unit 103 excludes the medium ID (first medium ID) currently set in the medium ID field of the target entry and the medium IDs set in each medium history field, and selects a new medium ID (second medium ID) from the medium management table 242. Then, the control unit 103 newly sets the second medium ID in the medium ID field of the target entry. In addition, the control unit 103 sets the first medium ID that was set in the medium ID field in the medium history field of the target entry.

[0076] As a result, for example, when the first determination unit 101 generates environmental information (hereinafter also referred to as third environmental information) regarding a bird or animal 5 that has invaded the surrounding environment 2 using sensor information from a third period that is later than the second period, the control unit 103 can instruct the output device 12 to output the medium 6 with changed output content based on the third environmental information. In response to this instruction, the output device 12 outputs the medium 6 with the changed output content. Note that the bird or animal ID of the bird or animal 5 indicated in the third environmental information is, for example, the same as the bird or animal ID of the bird or animal indicated in the first environmental information.

[0077] With the above configuration, the system 1 can output the medium 6 that has a high repellent effect against invading birds and animals 5. If the repellent effect of the medium 6 against the birds and animals 5 decreases, the system 1 changes the output content of the medium 6. This allows the system 1 to maintain the output of the medium 6 that has a high repellent effect against the birds and animals 5. In other words, the repellent effect of the output by the output device 12 against the birds and animals 5 can be maintained for a long period of time. Therefore, the system 1 can reduce damage caused by the intrusion of the birds and animals 5 and the impact on the birds and animals 5 themselves.

[0078] In contrast to this, for example, a system according to a comparative example may determine that a bird or animal has become accustomed to the sound waves or light simply because the bird or animal remains still (for example, stops for a long time) after sound waves or light are output. Based on this determination, the system of the comparative example changes the sound waves or light output to the bird or animal.

[0079] However, as described above in this embodiment, there is a possibility that the bird or animal 5 will stop in response to the output medium 6 (for example, out of caution against the output medium 6). Therefore, the system of the comparative example simply determines that the bird or animal is habituated to the sound waves or light, and therefore does not fully consider the reaction and behavior of the bird or animal 5 in response to the output medium 6. Therefore, there is a possibility that the system of the comparative example will erroneously determine the repellent effect of the medium 6 on the bird or animal 5 (for example, the bird or animal 5's habituation to the medium 6). Furthermore, there is no consideration given to controlling the output content of the medium 6 for each individual bird or animal 5, or controlling the output content of the medium 6 when a large number of birds or animals 5 invade. Therefore, there is a possibility that the repellent effect of the output on the bird or animal 5 will not be sustained for a long period of time in the system of the comparative example.

[0080] In the system 1 of this embodiment, the first determination unit 101 and the second determination unit 102 use sensor information to acquire environmental information regarding changes in the surrounding environment 2 in response to the output medium 6 (for example, the intrusion of a bird or animal 5, or the behavior of the intruding bird or animal 5). Then, the control unit 103 changes at least one of whether or not the output device 12 outputs the medium 6 and the content of the output of the medium 6, based on the environmental information. This allows the system 1 to maintain the repellent effect of the output against the bird or animal 5 for a long period of time, thereby reducing damage caused by the intrusion of the bird or animal 5 into a specific area and the impact on the bird or animal 5 itself. For example, the system 1 can prevent facility equipment from being destroyed by the bird or animal 5, thereby minimizing economic losses.

[0081] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of a medium control process executed by the control device 13. The medium control process is a process for using sensor information to control the medium 6 output from the output device 12. The control device 13 executes the medium control process, for example, in response to the system 1 being started up.

[0082] First, the first determination unit 101 determines whether or not an intrusion of a bird or animal 5 into the surrounding environment 2 has been detected, using the sensor information (sensor information for a first period) received from the sensor 11 (step S101). While detecting an intrusion of a bird or animal 5 into the surrounding environment 2, the control unit 103 may operate the sensor 11 and the first determination unit 101 and stop other components (for example, the second determination unit 102), thereby reducing the power consumed by the system 1.

[0083] If the intrusion of a bird or animal 5 has not been detected (No in step S101), the first determination unit 101 returns to step S101. That is, the first determination unit 101 repeats the process of step S101 until the intrusion of a bird or animal 5 is detected.

[0084] If the intrusion of a bird or animal 5 is detected (Yes in step S101), the first determination unit 101 identifies the detected bird or animal 5 (step S102). Specifically, the first determination unit 101 identifies the type of bird or animal 5. The types of bird or animal 5 include, for example, Asiatic black bears, Japanese sika deer, wild boars, Japanese macaques, cats, crows, and pigeons. The first determination unit 101 then determines whether the identified bird or animal 5 is a bird or animal to be repelled (step S103). Birds and animals to be repelled include, for example, Asiatic black bears, Japanese sika deer, wild boars, and crows.

[0085] If the identified bird or animal 5 is not a bird or animal to be repelled (No in step S103), the first determination unit 101 returns to step S101. That is, the first determination unit 101 repeats the processes from step S101 to step S103 until it detects the intrusion of a bird or animal 5 to be repelled.

[0086] If the identified bird or animal 5 is a bird or animal to be repelled (Yes in step S103), the first judgment unit 101 sends information (first environmental information) indicating that the bird or animal 5 to be repelled has invaded to the control unit 103 (step S104).

[0087] The control unit 103 activates the second determination unit 102 in response to receiving first environmental information indicating that a bird or animal 5 to be repelled has invaded (step S105). The control unit 103 determines the output content of the medium 6 (hereinafter also referred to as the first medium 6) to be used against the bird or animal 5 to be repelled, using the bird or animal-medium management table 243 and the medium management table 242 (step S106). Specifically, the control unit 103 acquires the medium ID associated with the bird or animal 5 to be repelled (bird or animal ID) from the bird or animal-medium management table 243. The control unit 103 acquires the output content of the medium 6 (i.e., the first medium 6) associated with the acquired medium ID from the medium management table 242. The control unit 103 then instructs the output device 12 to activate and output the first medium 6 (step S107). The output device 12 is activated and outputs the first medium 6 in response to the instruction from the control unit 103.

[0088] The second determination unit 102 measures the repellent effect of the first medium 6 against the repelling target bird or animal 5 using the sensor information (sensor information for the second period) received from the sensor 11 (step S108). The second determination unit 102 determines whether the measured repellent effect is sufficient (step S109). The second determination unit 102 determines whether the repellent effect is sufficient, for example, based on the relationship between a value indicating the repellent effect and a threshold value. Specifically, the second determination unit 102 determines whether the time (stop time) during which the repelling target bird or animal 5 stops in response to the output of the first medium 6 is equal to or greater than a first threshold value. If the stop time is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, the second determination unit 102 determines that the repellent effect of the first medium 6 against the repelling target bird or animal 5 is sufficient. On the other hand, if the stop time is less than the first threshold value, the second determination unit 102 determines that the repellent effect of the first medium 6 against the repelling target bird or animal 5 is insufficient.

[0089] If the repellent effect is sufficient (Yes in step S109), the second determination unit 102 notifies the control unit 103 of second environmental information indicating that the repellent effect of the first medium 6 against the target bird or animal 5 is sufficient (step S110). In response to this notification, the control unit 103 stops the operation of the second determination unit 102 (step S111) and proceeds to step S115.

[0090] If the repellent effect is not sufficient (No in step S109), the second determination unit 102 notifies the control unit 103 of second environmental information indicating that the repellent effect of the first medium 6 against the bird or animal 5 to be repelled is not sufficient (step S112). In response to this notification, the control unit 103 changes the output content of the medium 6 used against the bird or animal 5 to be repelled from the first medium 6 to the output content of another medium 6 (hereinafter referred to as the second medium 6) (step S113). Specifically, the control unit 103 changes, for example, the medium ID specifying the output content of the medium 6 in an entry including the bird or animal 5 to be repelled (bird or animal ID) in the bird or animal-medium management table 243 from the medium ID of the first medium 6 to the medium ID of the second medium 6. Then, the control unit 103 stops the operation of the second determination unit 102 (step S114) and proceeds to step S115.

[0091] In this way, the second determination unit 102 is started in step S105 and stopped in step S111 or step S114. In other words, the second determination unit 102 operates only during the period when it is necessary to measure the repellent effect. This allows the control device 13 to consume less power.

[0092] Next, the control unit 103 determines whether or not to end the medium control process (step S115). The control unit 103 determines to end the medium control process when, for example, the system 1 is to be stopped.

[0093] If the medium control process is not to be ended (No in step S115), the process returns to step S101 by the first determination unit 101.

[0094] When the medium control process is to be ended (Yes in step S115), the control unit 103 ends the medium control process.

[0095] Through the above medium control process, the first determination unit 101 detects the bird or animal 5 to be repelled using sensor information. The control unit 103 determines the first medium 6 to be used against the bird or animal 5 to be repelled, and causes the output device 12 to output the first medium 6. The second determination unit 102 uses the sensor information to measure the repellent effect of the first medium 6 against the bird or animal 5 to be repelled. If the repellent effect is not sufficient, the control unit 103 changes the medium 6 to be output to the bird or animal 5 from the first medium 6 to another medium 6. This allows the control device 13 to recover the repellent effect against the bird or animal 5 by outputting the other medium 6. Therefore, the control unit 103 can sustainably and effectively reduce damage caused by the intrusion of the bird or animal 5 into a specific area, and the impact on the bird or animal 5 itself.

[0096] In the medium control process, the measurement of the repellent effect of the medium 6 in step S108 and the determination of whether the repellent effect is sufficient in step S109 are performed after the output device 12 outputs the medium 6 in response to the instruction in step S107. However, the measurement of the repellent effect of the medium 6 in step S108 and the determination of whether the repellent effect is sufficient in step S109 may be performed independently of the timing of outputting the medium 6, such as before the output device 12 outputs the medium 6.

[0097] Next, with reference to Figs. 7 to 10, several specific examples of acquiring environmental information and changing the output content of the medium 6 will be described. The second determination unit 102 of the control device 13 acquires second environmental information using sensor information received from the sensor 11. The second environmental information includes, for example, information regarding the behavior of the bird or animal 5 in response to the medium 6. As the behavior of the bird or animal 5 in response to the medium 6, for example, the repellent effect of the medium 6 on the bird or animal 5 is measured. The control unit 103 controls the output content of the medium 6 in response to the second environmental information.

[0098] 7 shows a first measurement example of the repellent effect in the control device 13. In the first measurement example, the second determination unit 102 measures the repellent effect of the medium 6 on the bird or animal 5 based on the stopping time of the bird or animal 5 in response to the output medium 6. This is based on the characteristic that when the bird or animal 5 repeatedly experiences the output content of the same medium 6 (for example, repeatedly listening to the same sound waves), the repellent effect of this output content on the bird or animal 5 decreases, and the stopping time of the bird or animal 5 becomes shorter.

[0099] For example, if the sensor 11 is a camera, the sensor information is video data including multiple images in time series. The second determination unit 102 uses the video data to measure the time during which the bird or animal 5 stops in response to the output of the medium 6.

[0100] In the example shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of images 61 are shown in time series. The plurality of images 61 are images obtained by capturing images of the surrounding environment 2 using a sensor 11 (here, a camera). Each of the plurality of images 61 includes a bird or animal 5 that has invaded the surrounding environment 2. Here, it is assumed that the output device 12 outputs the first medium 6 at time T10 when the first image 610 is captured. The time when image 611 is captured is assumed to be time T11. The time when image 612 is captured is assumed to be time T12.

[0101] The second determination unit 102 detects that the bird or animal 5 stopped (remained still) from time T10 to time T11, and then moved at time T12, by analyzing the multiple images 61. Then, the second determination unit 102 calculates the time during which the bird or animal 5 was stopped, from time T10 to time T11, as the stopping time of the bird or animal 5 (hereinafter referred to as the first stopping time).

[0102] If the first stopping time is shorter than the first threshold value, or if the first stopping time is shorter than the stopping time (second stopping time) of the bird or animal 5 in response to the first medium 6 the previous time it entered the surrounding environment 2, the control unit 103 determines that the repellent effect of the first medium 6 is insufficient. Then, the control unit 103 changes the output content of the medium 6 used against the bird or animal 5. Specifically, the control unit 103 changes, for example, the medium ID set in the medium ID field in the entry in the bird or animal-medium management table 243 corresponding to this bird or animal 5 to another medium ID.

[0103] On the other hand, if the first stop time is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, or if the first stop time is equal to or greater than the second stop time, the control unit 103 determines that the repellent effect of the first medium 6 is sufficient. In this case, the control unit 103 does not change the output content of the medium 6 used against the bird or animal 5. Specifically, the control unit 103 does not change the medium ID in the entry in the bird or animal-medium management table 243 corresponding to this bird or animal 5, for example.

[0104] The first threshold value can be determined in advance. For example, the system 1 is installed and then operated on a trial basis, and the second determination unit 102 records, for example, in the memory unit 100, the progress of the stop time of the bird or animal 5 when the predetermined medium 6 is output. The control unit 103 sets, for example, a statistical value based on the distribution of the recorded stop times as the first threshold value. This statistical value is, for example, the median, the average, or a value corresponding to the top X% of the stop times sorted in a specific order (ascending or descending). X% is, for example, 30%. The first threshold value may be set for each type of bird or animal 5, or for each individual bird or animal 5.

[0105] 8 shows a second measurement example of the repellent effect in the control device 13. In the second measurement example, the second determination unit 102 measures the repellent effect of the medium 6 on the bird or animal 5 based on the distance between the bird or animal 5 and the output device 12. This is based on the characteristic that when the bird or animal 5 repeatedly experiences the output content of the same medium 6, the repellent effect of this output content on the bird or animal 5 decreases, and the bird or animal 5 begins to approach the output device 12.

[0106] For example, if the sensor 11 is a camera, the sensor information is video data including multiple images in time series. The second determination unit 102 uses the video data to measure the distance between the bird or animal 5 and the output device 12. Note that the positions of the sensor 11 and the output device 12 are assumed to be known to the second determination unit 102.

[0107] In the example shown in FIG. 8, multiple images 62 included in the video data are shown. The multiple images 62 are images obtained by capturing images of the surrounding environment 2 using the sensor 11 (here, a camera). Image 620 is an image taken when the bird or animal 5 is closest to the output device 12 in the first period P11. Image 621 is an image taken when the bird or animal 5 is closest to the output device 12 in the second period P12 that follows the first period P11. The first period P11 and the second period P12 are, for example, periods of the same length. The first period P11 is the period when the bird or animal 5 previously invaded the surrounding environment 2. The second period P12 is the period when the bird or animal 5 is currently invading the surrounding environment 2.

[0108] The second determination unit 102 measures a distance D1 between the bird or animal 5 and the output device 12 by analyzing the image 620. The distance D1 is the shortest distance between the bird or animal 5 and the output device 12 in the first period P11. The second determination unit 102 also measures a distance D2 between the bird or animal 5 and the output device 12 by analyzing the image 621. The distance D2 is the shortest distance between the bird or animal 5 and the output device 12 in the second period P12.

[0109] If the distance D2 is shorter than the second threshold value, or if the distance D2 is shorter than the distance D1 the bird or animal 5 last entered the surrounding environment 2, the control unit 103 determines that the repellent effect of the medium 6 (first medium 6) currently being output to the bird or animal 5 is insufficient. Then, the control unit 103 changes the output content of the medium 6 used against the bird or animal 5.

[0110] On the other hand, if the distance D2 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, or if the distance D2 is equal to or greater than the distance D1, the control unit 103 determines that the repellent effect of the first medium 6 is sufficient. In this case, the control unit 103 does not change the output content of the medium 6 used against the bird or animal 5.

[0111] In the example shown in Figure 8, the control unit 103 determines that the repellent effect is insufficient because, for example, the distance D2 in the second period P12 is shorter than the distance D1 in the first period P11, and changes the output content of the medium 6 used against the birds and animals 5.

[0112] The second threshold value can be determined in advance. For example, the system 1 is installed and then operated on a trial basis, and the second determination unit 102 records, for example, in the storage unit 100, the change in the distance between the bird or animal 5 and the output device 12 over a specific period after the predetermined medium 6 is output. The control unit 103 sets, for example, a statistical value based on the distribution of the recorded distances as the second threshold value. This statistical value is, for example, the median, the average, or a value corresponding to the top X% of the distances sorted in a specific order. The second threshold value may also be set for each type of bird or animal 5, or for each individual bird or animal 5.

[0113] 9 shows a third measurement example of the repellent effect in the control device 13. In the third measurement example, the second determination unit 102 measures the repellent effect of the medium 6 on birds and animals 5 based on the population of birds and animals 5. This is based on the characteristic that as birds and animals 5 repeatedly experience the output content of the same medium 6, the repellent effect of this output content on birds and animals 5 decreases, and the population of birds and animals 5 appearing near the output device 12 increases.

[0114] For example, if the sensor 11 is a camera, the sensor information is video data including a plurality of images in time series. The second determination unit 102 counts the number of birds and animals 5 using the video data.

[0115] In the example shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of images 63 included in the video data are shown. The plurality of images 63 are images obtained by capturing images of the surrounding environment 2 using a sensor 11 (here, a camera). Image 630 is, for example, an image taken in a first period P21 when the number of birds and animals 5 was at its highest. Image 631 is an image taken in a second period P22 that follows the first period P21 when the number of birds and animals 5 was at its highest. Image 632 is an image taken in a third period P23 that follows the second period P22 when the number of birds and animals 5 was at its highest. The first period P21, the second period P22, and the third period P23 are, for example, periods of the same length.

[0116] The second determination unit 102 detects one bird or animal 5-1 by analyzing image 630, and calculates the number of birds or animals 5 to be 1. The second determination unit 102 detects two birds or animals 5-1 and 5-2 by analyzing image 631, and calculates the number of birds or animals 5 to be 2. The second determination unit 102 detects three birds or animals 5-1, 5-2, and 5-3 by analyzing image 632, and calculates the number of birds or animals 5 to be 3.

[0117] Here, for example, a first case is assumed in which the second period P22 is the period in which the bird or animal 5 has invaded the surrounding environment 2 this time, and the first period P21 is the period in which the bird or animal 5 has invaded the surrounding environment 2 previously.

[0118] In the first case, if the number of individuals in the second period P22 is greater than the third threshold value, or if the number of individuals in the second period P22 is greater than the number of individuals in the first period P21, the control unit 103 determines that the repellent effect of the medium 6 (first medium 6) currently being output to the birds and animals 5 is insufficient. Then, the control unit 103 changes the output content of the medium 6 used against the birds and animals 5.

[0119] On the other hand, if the number of individuals in the second period P22 is equal to or less than the third threshold value, or if the number of individuals in the second period P22 is equal to or less than the number of individuals in the first period P21, the control unit 103 determines that the repellent effect of the first medium 6 is sufficient. In this case, the control unit 103 does not change the output content of the medium 6 used against the birds and animals 5.

[0120] In the example shown in Figure 9, the control unit 103 determines that the repellent effect is insufficient because, for example, the number of individuals in the second period P22 (=2) is greater than the number of individuals in the first period P21 (=1), and changes the output content of the medium 6 used against the birds and animals 5.

[0121] Also, for example, a second case is assumed in which the third period P23 is the period in which the bird or animal 5 has invaded the surrounding environment 2 this time, and the second period P22 is the period in which the bird or animal 5 has invaded the surrounding environment 2 previously.

[0122] In the second case, if the number of individuals in the third period P23 is greater than the third threshold value, or if the number of individuals in the third period P23 is greater than the number of individuals in the second period P22, the control unit 103 determines that the repellent effect of the medium 6 (first medium 6) currently being output to the birds and animals 5 is insufficient. Then, the control unit 103 changes the output content of the medium 6 used against the birds and animals 5.

[0123] On the other hand, if the number of individuals in the third period P23 is equal to or less than the third threshold value, or if the number of individuals in the third period P23 is equal to or less than the number of individuals in the second period P22, the control unit 103 determines that the repellent effect of the first medium 6 is sufficient. In this case, the control unit 103 does not change the output content of the medium 6 used against the birds and animals 5.

[0124] In the example shown in Figure 9, the control unit 103 determines that the repellent effect is insufficient because, for example, the number of individuals in the third period P23 (=3) is greater than the number of individuals in the second period P22 (=2), and changes the output content of the medium 6 used against the birds and animals 5.

[0125] The third threshold value can be determined in advance. For example, the system 1 is installed and then operated on a trial basis, and the second determination unit 102 records, for example, in the storage unit 100, the transition in the number of birds and animals 5 that appeared in the vicinity of the output device 12 (i.e., the surrounding environment 2) during a specific period after the predetermined medium 6 was output. The control unit 103 sets, for example, a statistical value based on the distribution of the recorded number of birds and animals 5 as the third threshold value. This statistical value is, for example, a value equivalent to X% of the maximum value, an average value, or a median value. Alternatively, an observer or the like may set a numerical value such as 2 or 3 as the third threshold value. The third threshold value may also be set for each type of birds and animals 5, or for each individual bird or animal 5.

[0126] 10 shows a fourth example of measurement of the repellent effect in the control device 13. In the fourth example of measurement, the second determination unit 102 measures the repellent effect of the medium 6 against birds and animals 5 based on the frequency with which the birds and animals 5 invade the surrounding environment 2 (hereinafter also referred to as the intrusion frequency). This is based on the characteristic that as the birds and animals 5 repeatedly experience the output content of the same medium 6, the repellent effect of this output content against the birds and animals 5 decreases, and the intrusion frequency of the birds and animals 5 increases. The second determination unit 102 may obtain the intrusion frequency for each type of birds and animals 5 and measure the repellent effect of the medium 6 for each type of birds and animals 5.

[0127] For example, if the sensor 11 is a camera, the sensor information is video data including a plurality of images in time series. The second determination unit 102 measures the intrusion frequency of the birds and animals 5 using the video data.

[0128] 10 shows a plurality of images 64 included in the video data. The plurality of images 64 are images obtained by capturing images of the surrounding environment 2 using the sensor 11 (here, a camera). Image 640 is an image taken when a new intrusion of a bird or animal 5 into the surrounding environment 2 is detected in a first period P31. Images 641, 642, and 643 are each an image taken when a new intrusion of a bird or animal 5 into the surrounding environment 2 is detected in a second period P32 that follows the first period P31. The first period P31 and the second period P32 are, for example, periods of the same length.

[0129] For example, the second determination unit 102 calculates 1 as the intrusion frequency of the bird or animal 5 in the first period P31 based on the number of images 640 in which a new intrusion of the bird or animal 5 into the surrounding environment 2 is detected in the first period P31. The control unit 103 calculates 3 as the intrusion frequency of the bird or animal 5 in the second period P32 based on the number of images 641, 642, and 643 in which a new intrusion of the bird or animal 5 into the surrounding environment 2 is detected in the second period P32.

[0130] If the intrusion frequency in the second period P32 is higher than the fourth threshold value, or if the intrusion frequency in the second period P32 is higher than the intrusion frequency in the first period P31, the control unit 103 determines that the repellent effect of the medium 6 (first medium 6) currently being output to the birds and beasts 5 is insufficient. Then, the control unit 103 changes the output content of the medium 6 used against the birds and beasts 5.

[0131] On the other hand, if the intrusion frequency in the second period P32 is equal to or less than the fourth threshold value, or if the intrusion frequency in the second period P22 is equal to or less than the intrusion frequency in the first period P31, the control unit 103 determines that the repellent effect of the first medium 6 is sufficient. In this case, the control unit 103 does not change the output content of the medium 6 used against the birds and animals 5.

[0132] In the example shown in Figure 10, the control unit 103 determines that the repellent effect is insufficient because, for example, the intrusion frequency in the second period P32 (=3) is higher than the intrusion frequency in the first period P31 (=1), and changes the output content of the medium 6 used against the birds and animals 5.

[0133] The fourth threshold value can be determined in advance. For example, the system 1 is installed and operated on a trial basis, and the second determination unit 102 records, for example, in the memory unit 100, the time at which a bird or animal 5 is detected near the output device 12 during a specific period after a predetermined medium 6 is output. The control unit 103 uses the recorded time to calculate the number of times the bird or animal 5 is detected per unit period as the intrusion frequency. The control unit 103 sets, for example, the fourth threshold value to a value that is twice the intrusion frequency during the unit period immediately after the output medium 6 is changed, or a value that is X% higher than the minimum value of the calculated intrusion frequency per unit period. X% is, for example, 50%. The fourth threshold value may be set for each type of bird or animal 5, or for each individual bird or animal 5.

[0134] Furthermore, the second determination unit 102 may measure the repellent effect of the medium 6 on the bird or animal 5 based on the heart rate of the bird or animal 5 that has invaded the surrounding environment 2. This is based on the characteristic that when the bird or animal 5 repeatedly experiences the output content of the same medium 6, the repellent effect of this output content on the bird or animal 5 decreases, and the heart rate of the bird or animal 5 no longer increases.

[0135] For example, if the sensor 11 is a wireless device equipped with an antenna, the sensor information is data on reflected waves of electromagnetic waves output by the output device 12. The second determination unit 102 measures the heart rate of the bird or animal 5 using the data on the reflected waves. For example, the second determination unit 102 measures the heart rate of the bird or animal 5 corresponding to the output of the medium 6 using data on the reflected waves after the medium 6 is output by the output device 12. Note that the second determination unit 102 may also measure the heart rate of the bird or animal 5 in a normal state (second heart rate) using data on the reflected waves before the medium 6 is output by the output device 12.

[0136] If the first heart rate is lower than the fifth threshold value, or if the first heart rate is not higher than the second heart rate by the sixth threshold value or more, the control unit 103 determines that the repellent effect of the medium 6 (first medium 6) currently being output to the bird or animal 5 is insufficient. Then, the control unit 103 changes the output content of the medium 6 used against the bird or animal 5.

[0137] In contrast, if the first heart rate is equal to or greater than the fifth threshold, or if the first heart rate is higher than the second heart rate by equal to or greater than the sixth threshold, the control unit 103 determines that the repellent effect of the first medium 6 is sufficient. In this case, the control unit 103 does not change the output content of the medium 6 used against the bird or animal 5.

[0138] The fifth and sixth thresholds can be determined in advance. For example, the system 1 is installed and then operated on a trial basis, and the second determination unit 102 records the heart rate of the bird or animal 5 after a specific medium 6 is output, or before and after the medium 6 is output, for example, in the memory unit 100. The control unit 103 uses the recorded heart rate to set, for example, a value that is X% lower than the heart rate when the specific medium 6 is output for the first time, as the fifth threshold. X% is, for example, 30%. The control unit 103 also uses the recorded heart rate to set, for example, a value that is Y% of the heart rate before the medium 6 is output (the second heart rate), as the sixth threshold. Y% is, for example, 50%. The fifth and sixth thresholds may be set for each type of bird or animal 5, or for each individual bird or animal 5.

[0139] In this way, the second determination unit 102 can more accurately detect the habituation of the bird or animal 5 to the medium 6 by measuring various indicators (second environmental information) of the repellent effect related to the medium 6 (more specifically, the output content of the medium 6). The control unit 103 can then control the output content of the medium 6 according to the second environmental information. This allows the system 1 to maintain the repellent effect of the output against the bird or animal 5 for a long period of time, thereby reducing damage caused by the intrusion of the bird or animal 5 and the impact on the bird or animal 5 itself.

[0140] As described above, this embodiment can reduce damage caused by the intrusion of birds and animals. The output device 12 outputs a medium 6-1 or a substance 6-2. The sensor 11 generates sensor information by sensing the surrounding environment 2 at the location where the output device 12 is installed. The control device 13 controls the output device 12 and the sensor 11. In the control device 13, the first determination unit 101 and the second determination unit 102 use the sensor information to acquire environmental information regarding changes in the surrounding environment 2 according to the output medium 6-1 or substance 6-2. The control unit 103 changes at least one of whether or not the output device 12 outputs the medium 6-1 or substance 6-2 and the output content for outputting the medium 6-1 or substance 6-2, based on the environmental information.

[0141] This allows the system 1 to maintain the output of the medium 6 that has a high repellent effect against the birds and animals 5. In other words, the repellent effect of the output from the output device 12 against the birds and animals 5 can be maintained for a long period of time. Therefore, the system 1 can reduce damage caused by the intrusion of the birds and animals 5 and the impact on the birds and animals 5 themselves.

[0142] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0143] The following additional notes are provided regarding the above-described embodiment. <1> an output device that outputs a medium or substance; a sensor that generates sensor information by sensing the surrounding environment of a location where the output device is installed; a control device that controls the output device and the sensor, The control device a processing unit that acquires environmental information regarding a change in the surrounding environment according to the outputted medium or substance using the sensor information; a control unit that changes at least one of whether or not the medium or the substance is output by the output device and the output content of the medium or the substance based on the environmental information; system. <2> the processing unit acquires the environmental information regarding birds and animals that have invaded the surrounding environment using the sensor information. <1> The system described in <3> The processing unit identifies the individual bird or animal using the sensor information and acquires the environmental information related to the individual bird or animal. <2> The system described in <4> the processing unit acquires the environmental information based on at least one of a first stopping time of the bird or animal corresponding to the output medium or substance, a first distance between the bird or animal and the output device, a first population of the bird or animal, a first frequency of the bird or animal invading the surrounding environment, and a first heart rate of the bird or animal corresponding to the output medium or substance; <2> The system described in <5> The control unit changes the output content based on the environmental information when the first stop time is shorter than a threshold value or when the first stop time is shorter than a second stop time of the bird or animal corresponding to the medium or the substance output when the bird or animal last entered the surrounding environment. <4> The system described in <6> the control unit changes the output content based on the environmental information when the first distance is shorter than a threshold value or when the first distance is shorter than a second distance between the bird or animal and the output device the previous time the bird or animal entered the surrounding environment. <4> or <5> The system described in <7> the control unit changes the output content when the first population is greater than a threshold value based on the environmental information, or when the first population is greater than a second population of the birds and animals the previous time they invaded the surrounding environment. <4> ~ <6> 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: <8> The first frequency is a frequency at which the bird or animal invades the surrounding environment during a first period of time, the control unit changes the output content when, based on the environmental information, the first frequency is higher than a threshold value or when the first frequency is higher than a second frequency at which the bird or animal invaded the surrounding environment during a second period prior to the first period. <4> ~ <7> 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: <9> the control unit changes the output content when, based on the environmental information, the first heart rate is lower than a first threshold value, or when the first heart rate is not higher than a second heart rate of the bird or animal before the medium or the substance is output by the output device by a second threshold value or more. <4> ~ <8> 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: <10> the processing unit acquires first environmental information related to a bird or animal that has invaded the surrounding environment using the sensor information for a first period; the control unit causes the output device to output the medium or the substance based on the first environmental information; the processing unit acquires second environmental information related to a change in the bird or animal in accordance with the output medium or substance using the sensor information in a second period that is later than the first period; the control unit changes the output content based on the second environmental information. <1> ~ <9> 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: <11> the processing unit acquires third environmental information regarding the bird or animal that has invaded the surrounding environment by using the sensor information in a third period that is later than the second period; and the control unit causes the output device to output the medium or the substance with the changed output content based on the third environmental information. <10> The system described in <12> a processing unit that acquires environmental information regarding a change in the surrounding environment in response to the output medium or substance, using sensor information generated by sensing the surrounding environment of a position where an output device that outputs a medium or substance is installed; and a control unit that changes at least one of whether or not the output device outputs a medium or a substance and the output content of the medium or the substance based on the environmental information; A control device comprising: <13> A program executed by a computer, the program causing the computer to: a step of acquiring environmental information regarding a change in the surrounding environment in response to the output medium or substance, using sensor information generated by sensing the surrounding environment of a position where an output device that outputs a medium or substance is installed; a step of changing at least one of whether or not the output device outputs a medium or a substance and the output content of the medium or the substance based on the environmental information; A program that executes the following. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 1...system, 2...surrounding environment, 5...birds and animals, 6-1...medium, 6-2...substance, 11...sensor, 12...output device, 13...control device, 21...CPU, 22...storage, 23...communication device, 24...RAM, 100...memory unit, 101...first judgment unit, 102...second judgment unit, 103...control unit, 241...bird and animal damage prevention program, 242...medium management table, 243...bird and animal-medium management table.

Claims

1. an output device that outputs a medium or substance; a sensor that generates sensor information by sensing the surrounding environment of a location where the output device is installed; a control device that controls the output device and the sensor, The control device a processing unit that acquires environmental information regarding a change in the surrounding environment according to the outputted medium or substance using the sensor information; a control unit that changes at least one of whether or not the medium or the substance is output by the output device and the output content of the medium or the substance based on the environmental information; system.

2. the processing unit acquires the environmental information regarding birds and animals that have invaded the surrounding environment using the sensor information. The system of claim 1 .

3. The processing unit identifies the individual bird or animal using the sensor information and acquires the environmental information related to the individual bird or animal. The system of claim 2 .

4. the processing unit acquires the environmental information based on at least one of a first stopping time of the bird or animal corresponding to the output medium or substance, a first distance between the bird or animal and the output device, a first population of the bird or animal, a first frequency of the bird or animal invading the surrounding environment, and a first heart rate of the bird or animal corresponding to the output medium or substance; The system of claim 2 .

5. The control unit changes the output content based on the environmental information when the first stop time is shorter than a threshold value or when the first stop time is shorter than a second stop time of the bird or animal corresponding to the medium or the substance output when the bird or animal last entered the surrounding environment. The system of claim 4.

6. the control unit changes the output content based on the environmental information when the first distance is shorter than a threshold value or when the first distance is shorter than a second distance between the bird or animal and the output device the previous time the bird or animal entered the surrounding environment. The system of claim 4.

7. the control unit changes the output content when the first population is greater than a threshold value based on the environmental information, or when the first population is greater than a second population of the birds and animals the previous time they invaded the surrounding environment. The system of claim 4.

8. The first frequency is a frequency at which the bird or animal invades the surrounding environment during a first period of time, the control unit changes the output content when, based on the environmental information, the first frequency is higher than a threshold value or when the first frequency is higher than a second frequency of the bird or animal invading the surrounding environment during a second period prior to the first period. The system of claim 4.

9. the control unit changes the output content when, based on the environmental information, the first heart rate is lower than a first threshold value, or when the first heart rate is not higher than a second heart rate of the bird or animal before the medium or the substance is output by the output device by a second threshold value or more. The system of claim 4.

10. the processing unit acquires first environmental information regarding a bird or animal that has invaded the surrounding environment using the sensor information for a first period; the control unit causes the output device to output the medium or the substance based on the first environmental information; the processing unit acquires second environmental information related to a change in the bird or animal depending on the medium or the substance output by using the sensor information for a second period that is later than the first period; The control unit changes the output content based on the second environmental information. The system of claim 1 .

11. the processing unit acquires third environmental information regarding the bird or animal that has invaded the surrounding environment by using the sensor information for a third period that is later than the second period; and the control unit causes the output device to output the medium or the substance with the changed output content based on the third environmental information. The system of claim 10.

12. a processing unit that acquires environmental information regarding a change in the surrounding environment in response to the output medium or substance, using sensor information generated by sensing the surrounding environment of a position where an output device that outputs a medium or substance is installed; and a control unit that changes at least one of whether or not the output device outputs a medium or a substance and the output content of the medium or the substance based on the environmental information; A control device comprising:

13. A program executed by a computer, the program causing the computer to: a step of acquiring environmental information regarding a change in the surrounding environment in response to the output medium or substance, using sensor information generated by sensing the surrounding environment of a position where an output device that outputs a medium or substance is installed; a step of changing at least one of whether or not the output device outputs a medium or a substance and the output content of the medium or the substance based on the environmental information; A program that executes the following.

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