Animal mother and child observation device and animal mother and child observation system

Abstract

To provide an animal mother and child observation device and an animal mother and child observation system capable of objectively proving that a predetermined number of days have passed since the birth date of a larva of an animal.SOLUTION: Information on a mother and a child of an animal to be observed is collected and stored for a predetermined number of days by using a mother and child observation device 1 at least having: a data input unit 11 to which images obtained by photographing the mother and the child of the animal after birth are input at all times or at predetermined intervals; an individual detection unit 12 for detecting the mother and the child from the input images and extracting images for each individual; a body weight estimation unit 13 for estimating the body weight of each individual from the images extracted by the detection unit 12; and a mother and child information storage unit 14 in which the body weight of each individual estimated by the body weight estimation unit 13 is stored for a predetermined number of days at a frequency of at least once a day.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an animal mother and baby observation device and an animal mother and baby observation system that observe the mother and baby of an animal after giving birth and store the information. [Background technology]

[0002] The Act on Welfare and Management of Animals prohibits the sale, transfer for sale, and exhibition of dogs and cats, which are often kept as pets, before 56 days of age (8 weeks of age) (however, in the case of dogs designated as natural monuments, before 49 days of age (7 weeks of age)).The Act on Welfare and Management of Animals also requires pet shops and other animal dealers to, before purchasing, selling, or otherwise trading animals, interview the other party to ensure that they are not violating any relevant laws and regulations regarding animal trading, and that there is no risk of them violating them, and if a violation is confirmed, to not trade animals with that party.

[0003] In relation to support for animal breeding management, a system has been proposed for managing the breeding conditions, mainly targeting livestock such as cows and pigs (see Patent Document 1). In the information processing system described in Patent Document 1, a photographing device is installed in a breeding facility, photographs are taken of the animals to be raised, which are color-coded to which individual information is linked, and the health and fattening conditions of the animals are determined from the images and sent to a user terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-157321 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As mentioned above, animal dealers also need to confirm that a certain number of days have passed since the animals they purchase, but unless the animals are born at a veterinary clinic or the like, only breeders or other breeding businesses know the birth date of puppies or kittens, and there is no way to prove that the animals are 56 days (8 weeks old) or 49 days (7 weeks old). Furthermore, the system described in Patent Document 1 aims to automate the health management of animals being kept, which has previously been done visually, and to reduce the burden on keepers, but it cannot prove the date of birth or whether a certain number of days have passed since birth.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an animal mother-and-child observation device and an animal mother-and-child observation system that can objectively prove that a specified number of days have passed since the birth of a baby animal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The animal mother-and-child observation device of the present invention comprises a data input unit into which images of mother and child animals after birth are input constantly or at predetermined intervals; an individual detection unit that detects the mother and child from the images and extracts images of each individual; a weight estimation unit that estimates the weight of each individual from the images extracted by the detection unit; and a mother-and-child information storage unit that stores the weight of each individual estimated by the weight estimation unit at least once a day for a predetermined number of days. For example, if the animal is a dog or a cat, the mother-and-child information storage unit stores information for at least 56 days, whereas if the animal is a dog designated as a national treasure, the mother-and-child information storage unit stores information for at least 49 days. The mother-child observation device of the present invention may further include an individual identification unit that identifies individuals from the image extracted by the individual detection unit, and the mother-child information storage unit may store information about each individual identified by the individual identification unit. In the mother-and-child observation device of the present invention, the mother-and-child information storage unit can also store images of the mother and child being observed. The mother-child observation device of the present invention may further include a behavior discrimination unit that detects an individual performing a specific behavior from the image and discriminates that behavior, and the discrimination results of the behavior discrimination unit may be stored in the mother-child information storage unit. The mother-child observation device of the present invention may further include an information output unit that outputs the information stored in the mother-child information storage unit.

[0008] The animal mother-child observation system of the present invention comprises the above-mentioned mother-child observation device, an imaging device that photographs the mother and child of the animal to be observed and transmits the images to the mother-child observation device, and a user terminal that can be connected to the mother-child observation device via a network, wherein images of the mother and child taken by the imaging device are input into the mother-child observation device, and information about the mother and child stored in the mother-child observation device is displayed on the user terminal at the user's request. The mother-and-child observation system of the present invention may further include a veterinary medical personnel terminal connectable to the mother-and-child observation device via a network, wherein information about the mother and child for a predetermined number of days stored in the mother-and-child information storage unit is transmitted from the mother-and-child observation device to the veterinary medical personnel terminal, and whether the information about the mother and child for the predetermined number of days is approved or not is transmitted from the veterinary medical personnel terminal to the mother-and-child observation device, and the information approved by the veterinary medical personnel is displayed on the user terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, photographs of mother and baby animals are taken after birth, and information on each individual identified from the images is stored at least once a day for a specified number of days, making it possible to objectively prove that a specified number of days have passed since the birth of a baby animal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation of a mother-child observation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram showing an example of detection by the individual detector 12 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the weight estimation unit 13. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in a mother-child information storage unit 14. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mother-and-child observation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display on the user terminal 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mother-and-child observation system according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0012] (First embodiment) First, a mother-and-child observation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation of the mother-and-child observation device of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the mother-and-child observation device 1 of this embodiment is a device that observes mother animals and their babies after giving birth and stores the information, and includes at least a data input unit 11, an individual detection unit 12, a weight estimation unit 13, and a mother-and-baby information storage unit 14, and may further include an information output unit 15, an individual identification unit 16, and a behavior determination unit 17 as necessary.

[0013] [Animals to be observed] Examples of animals that can be observed with the mother-and-child monitoring device 1 of this embodiment include, but are not limited to, pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, and ferrets, as well as livestock such as cows, pigs, sheep, and horses. The device can also be applied to various animals kept by humans. Among these animals, dogs and cats are particularly suitable, as their ages from the day of birth need to be monitored.

[0014] [Data Entry Section 11] Images of mothers and babies of animals to be observed are input continuously or at predetermined intervals into the data input unit 11. The images input into the data input unit 11 are, for example, taken by an imaging device or the like installed in the breeding facility and sent to the mother-and-baby observation device 1 via a network such as the Internet, and may be either moving images or still images.

[0015] In addition to the image of the animal being observed, the data input unit 11 may also input information about the mother and her offspring, such as the mother's name, date of birth, breed, microchip number, and the offspring's sex, name, or a symbol or number for identification, as well as information about the owner (e.g., breeder), such as the name of the business or the name of the animal handler.

[0016] [Individual detection unit 12] The individual detection unit 12 detects mother animals and young animals from the images input to the data input unit 11 and extracts images for each individual animal. The method for detecting mother animals and young animals from the input images is not particularly limited, and can be implemented using known machine learning models such as deep neural networks, convolutional neural networks, and support vector machines. The above-mentioned machine learning models may be used alone, or multiple machine learning models may be used in combination.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of detection by the individual detection unit 12. In detection using a machine learning model, for example, a mother and her young are detected as shown in Fig. 2, and an image of the mother (area surrounded by a solid line) and images of each of the young (areas surrounded by dashed lines) are extracted from the image. Extraction of images by the individual detection unit 12 should be performed at least once a day, but because the condition of young animals is prone to change, it is preferable to perform the extraction once every minute to several minutes.

[0018] [Weight Estimation Section 13] The weight estimation unit 13 estimates the weight of each individual from each image extracted by the individual detection unit 12. The method for estimating the weight of each individual is not particularly limited, but for example, a method can be applied in which the correlation between the weight of the animal to be observed and the image area is determined in advance, and the weight is estimated from the area (size) of the image of each individual extracted by the individual detection unit 12. Here, the area (size) of the image of each individual can be calculated, for example, from the length and width of the image, the perimeter, the number of pixels, etc.

[0019] The weight of each individual estimated by the above-described method may be further corrected based on auxiliary information such as the distance between the camera and the subject (the individual), their relative positions, the individual's age in days, weeks, and years, breed, and sex, thereby improving the accuracy of the weight estimation. The weight estimation unit 13 may also estimate the number of young animals in addition to the weight estimation for each individual. The weight of each individual estimated by the above-described method is then stored in the maternal and child information storage unit 14 at least once a day, for example, in descending order of estimated weight.

[0020] The weight estimation unit 13 can also compare the weight estimated on the day with the estimated weight of the previous day stored in the mother-child information storage unit 14, and store the result (weight difference) together with the estimated weight in the mother-child information storage unit 14. Furthermore, if it is determined that the estimated weight of the young is not increasing smoothly as a result of comparison with the estimated weight stored in the mother-child information storage unit 14, an alert can be issued indicating that "there may be problems in raising the young."

[0021] [Individual Identification Section 16] The individual identification unit 16 is provided as needed and identifies each individual (mother and young) from the image of that individual extracted by the individual detection unit 12. The method of identifying the individual is not particularly limited, but for example, young and mother can be distinguished by body size. Furthermore, if there are multiple young, each individual can be identified by, for example, the size or physical characteristics of the young, but it becomes easier to identify each individual by attaching a tag such as a string or ribbon of a different color to each individual.

[0022] The color of the tag attached to the juvenile can be determined using machine learning methods such as deep learning or image processing methods such as computer vision. However, to improve extraction and recognition accuracy, it is preferable to select tags of different colors for each juvenile. Furthermore, since tags may become hidden by hair as the juvenile grows, it is preferable to make the tag large enough to be recognized even when the juvenile grows.

[0023] [Behavior Discrimination Unit 17] The behavior discrimination unit 17 is provided as needed to detect an individual dog exhibiting a specific behavior from the image input to the data input unit 11 and discriminate the behavior. Examples of behaviors detected by the behavior discrimination unit 17 include sleeping, sleeping position, eating, drinking, defecation, urination, yawning, smiling, eating a foreign object, abnormal gait, trembling, not drinking milk from mother, being pinned under mother, wanting to be pampered by mother, wanting to play with other dogs, fighting frequently, playing with toys, etc., but are not limited to these and can be appropriately selected and set according to the purpose. The behaviors detected by the behavior discrimination unit 17 may be one type or two or more types.

[0024] The method for detecting the above-mentioned behavior is not particularly limited, and depending on the behavior to be detected, methods such as deep learning (CNN, YOLO, etc.), machine learning (decision tree, time series analysis, etc.), and computer vision (computer vision) methods (color detection, edge detection, etc.) can be appropriately selected or combined and used. When a specific behavior is detected by the behavior discrimination unit 17, the details of the detected behavior, the individual performing the behavior, the date and time of detection, etc. are stored in the mother-child information storage unit 14.

[0025] By providing a behavior discrimination unit 17 and detecting and discriminating the behavior of each individual, it is possible to perform individual identification that reflects the individuality of each young animal, thereby improving the accuracy of individual identification.In addition, it is possible to obtain effects such as understanding the health status of both mother and child, early detection of dangers that could lead to serious accidents during rearing, determining whether behavior is appropriate for the age and further checking for possible violations of the law, and providing customers with individual-specific information such as personality at the time of sale.

[0026] [Maternal and Child Information Storage Unit 14] The mother-and-child information storage unit 14 stores the weight of each individual estimated by the weight estimation unit 13 at least once a day for a predetermined number of days. Here, the predetermined number of days is, for example, at least 56 days if the animal under observation is a dog or a cat, and at least 49 days if the animal under observation is a dog designated as a national treasure. In addition to the estimated weight of each individual, the mother-and-child information storage unit 14 may also store, for example, information on each individual identified by the individual identification unit 16, whether the mother and her offspring under observation (mother and all young) have been confirmed, the condition of each individual identified by the behavior discrimination unit 17 (whether or not a specific behavior is being performed), input images of the mother and her offspring, or extracted images of each individual.

[0027] The mother and child information storage unit 14 may further store information about the mother and child animals being observed, such as the mother's name, age, date of birth, breed, microchip number, etc., which are input into the data input unit 11, and the young's sex, name or a symbol or number for distinguishing them, age in days, breed, collar or tag color, etc., information about the young's father (name, breed, age, etc.), information about the owner (breeder, etc.) such as the name of the business or the name of the animal handler, the ID number of the camera used to take the photos, etc., linked to the weight of each individual estimated by the weight estimation unit 13.

[0028] [Information output section 15] The information output unit 15 outputs the information stored in the mother-child information storage unit 15 to a display device, an external terminal, or the like, in response to a request from a user or the like.

[0029] [Operation] Next, we will explain the operation of the mother-and-child observation device 1. When observing a mother and her child animals using the mother-and-child observation device 1 of this embodiment, images of the mother and her child to be observed are input into the data input unit 11 of the mother-and-child observation device 1. At that time, information about the mother and her child animals to be observed, such as the mother's name, age, date of birth, breed, microchip number, etc., and the baby's sex, name or identifying symbol or number, age in days, breed, collar or tag color, etc., information about the baby's father (name, breed, age, etc.), information about the owner (e.g., breeder) such as the name of the business or the name of the animal handler, the ID number of the camera used for taking the images, etc. may be input from the data input unit 11.

[0030] Next, individual detection unit 12 detects the mother and baby from the input images and extracts an image of each individual. Then, weight estimation unit 13 estimates the weight of the individual appearing in each image extracted by individual detection unit 12 and stores the weight in mother-child information storage unit 14. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of weight estimation unit 13, and Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in mother-child information storage unit 14. For example, if a still image is extracted every minute from a video of the mother and child being observed, or if still images of the mother and child being observed are taken every minute and the images are input to mother-child observation device 1, individual detection unit 12 detects the mother and child and extracts an image of each individual every minute.

[0031] The weight estimation unit 13 then estimates the weight of each individual from the extracted images, and sorts and stores the weights estimated from each extracted image taken at the same time in descending order (heaviest weight), as shown in Figure 3. At this time, it is preferable that the weight estimation unit 13 also estimates the number of young from each extracted image taken at the same time, and stores the number of young together with the weight estimates.

[0032] The weight estimation unit 13 calculates the average value of the accumulated estimated weights for each individual, and stores the average value in the mother-child information storage unit 14 at least once a day, for example, in descending order of average estimated weight. In this case, the average value may be calculated using all estimated weight data of the same rank, but it is preferable to use the most frequent value ("3" in the case of Figure 4) of the number of young estimated from the extracted image as the actual number of young, extract only the estimated weight data linked to that number, and calculate the average value of the estimated weights of the same rank. This can improve the accuracy of weight estimation.

[0033] The mother-and-child information storage unit 14 may store the mother-and-child images used for detection along with the estimated weight (average estimated weight) and number of young animals for each individual animal, and these images can also be used as a record of mother-and-child observation. Furthermore, in the mother-and-child observation device 1 of this embodiment, the series of operations described above is performed continuously for at least 56 days in the case of dogs or cats (at least 49 days in the case of dogs designated as national treasures), and information for those days is stored in the mother-and-child information storage unit 14.

[0034] The operations of the individual detection unit 12 and the weight estimation unit 13 may be performed individually, or may be performed simultaneously using, for example, artificial intelligence (AI). The artificial intelligence used here may be either a general-purpose or specialized type, and may be any of the well-known types such as logistic regression, decision tree, k-means algorithm, multilayer perceptron, recurrent neural network, deep neural network, and convolutional neural network, and publicly available software may be used.

[0035] In this case, the method for training the artificial intelligence may be either machine learning or deep learning, but deep learning is preferred. Deep learning is an advanced version of machine learning and is characterized by its ability to automatically find features. Furthermore, the training method for generating the trained model is not particularly limited, and publicly available software or libraries may be used, or transfer learning may also be used. Specifically, DIGITS (the Deep Learning GPU Training System) published by NVIDIA may be used. Furthermore, a trained model may be generated by transfer learning using ResNet, MobileNet, or EfficientNet as the artificial intelligence (neural network) and Pytorch or the like as the machine learning library (deep learning library). Other known support vector machines, such as those published in "Introduction to Support Vector Machines" (Kyoritsu Shuppan), may also be used.

[0036] Meanwhile, in mother-child observation device 1 of this embodiment, individual identification section 16 may identify an individual from each image extracted by individual detection section 12, and the result may be stored in mother-child information storage section 14 together with the estimated weight of each individual estimated by weight estimation section 13. Furthermore, mother-child observation device 1 of this embodiment can also detect an individual performing a specific behavior from input mother-child images, determine the behavior, and store the result in mother-child information storage section 14.

[0037] As described above in detail, the mother-and-child observation device of this embodiment can automatically create a growth record of the child (baby) for a predetermined number of days from images taken of the mother and child being observed, so in the case of dogs and cats, for example, it can objectively prove that a puppy or kitten has reached 8 weeks of age (56 days from the date of birth) or 7 weeks of age (49 days from the date of birth). Furthermore, the mother-and-child observation device of this embodiment can also prevent fraudulent practices such as swapping of young animals (babies) by performing individual identification in addition to weight estimation.

[0038] The mother and child observation device of this embodiment records observation information at least once a day for a specified number of days. Therefore, even if the observation start date is after the birth date, it is clear that more than the specified number of days have passed since the birth date as long as the specified number of days has passed since the observation start date. Therefore, even if the birth date of a dog or cat is unknown, it can be easily proven that the dog or cat is 8 weeks old (56 days from the birth date) or 7 weeks old (49 days from the birth date).

[0039] Furthermore, the mother-and-child monitoring device of this embodiment can automatically create growth records simply by photographing the rearing facility, which is expected to reduce the burden on breeders and other breeding businesses. In addition, the images and growth records from birth to 8 or 7 weeks of age are valuable not only to breeders and other breeding businesses but also to future owners as promotional materials at the time of sale and as information records that can be provided after purchase.

[0040] (Second embodiment) Next, a mother-child observation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the mother-child observation system of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, a mother-child observation system 10 of this embodiment has the mother-child observation device 1 of the first embodiment described above, an image capturing device 2, and a user terminal 3, and the image capturing device 2 and user terminal 3 are connectable to the mother-child observation device 1 via the Internet 4.

[0041] [Imaging device 2] The imaging device 2 photographs the mother and child animals being observed constantly or at predetermined intervals, and transmits the images (video or still images) to the mother-child observation device 1, and is installed in a breeding facility such as a cage where the mother and child are kept. The imaging device 2 is not particularly limited in type as long as it can transmit the captured images to the mother-child observation device 1 via the Internet 4, and any known imaging device can be used.

[0042] Alternatively, an ID number may be assigned to each imaging device 2, and that number may be input into the mother-child observation device 1 as information about the mother and child photographed by that imaging device 2, and stored in association with observation information such as estimated weight obtained by the mother-child observation device 1. By assigning an ID number to the imaging device and storing that number in the mother-child observation device 1, it becomes easier to ensure consistency in the recognition of the animals being observed among keepers at the breeding facility, users, and system administrators, and it can also be used as material to objectively prove that breeding management is actually being carried out on site.

[0043] [User terminal 3] The user terminal 3 is a terminal owned by the owner (such as a breeder) of the animal being observed. By connecting the mother-and-child observation device 1 to the user terminal 3, the user can input information about the mother and child being observed, check their current and past conditions, and easily check the age in days and weeks of the young animal (baby). The user terminal 3 can be, for example, a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet computer, or personal computer.

[0044] [Operation] In the mother-and-child observation system 10 of this embodiment, images of a mother and her baby animals taken by the imaging device 2 are input to the mother-and-child observation device 1 via the Internet 4. Furthermore, in response to a request from a user, information about the mother and her baby being observed that is stored in the mother-and-child observation device 1 is sent to the user terminal 3 via the Internet 4 and displayed on the display unit of the user terminal 3.

[0045] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of display on the user terminal 3. The information displayed on the user terminal 3 and its display format are not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in Fig. 6, a calendar can be displayed for each individual, and an extracted image for that day can be displayed in the column for the day of observation.

[0046] As described above in detail, the mother-and-child observation system of this embodiment can automatically create a growth record of the offspring (juvenile) for a predetermined number of days from images of the mother and child of the animal being observed taken with the imaging device and display it on a user terminal. Therefore, breeders and other breeding businesses can objectively prove that puppies or kittens are 8 weeks old (56 days from the date of birth) or 7 weeks old (49 days from the date of birth) simply by installing an imaging device in their breeding facilities.

[0047] The configuration and effects of this embodiment other than those described above are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0048] (Modification of the second embodiment) Next, a mother-and-child observation system according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the mother-and-child observation system of this modified example. In Fig. 7, the same components as those of the mother-and-child observation system of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 5 are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted. As shown in Fig. 7, the mother-and-child observation system 20 of this modified example is provided with a veterinary medical personnel terminal 5 in addition to the components of the mother-and-child observation system 10 of the second embodiment described above, and this veterinary medical personnel terminal 5 is connectable to the mother-and-child observation device 1 via the Internet 4.

[0049] [Veterinary Medical Personnel Terminal 5] The veterinary medical personnel terminal 5 is a terminal owned by a veterinarian or animal hospital. By connecting the mother and child monitoring device 1 to the veterinary medical personnel terminal 5, the veterinary medical personnel can confirm and approve the information about the mother and child being monitored that is stored in the mother and child monitoring device 1. Here, "veterinary medical personnel" refers to veterinarians, animal nurses, and other personnel involved in veterinary medicine, and in particular, those who have the ability to certify the age of animals. The veterinary medical personnel terminal 5 can be, for example, a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet computer, or personal computer.

[0050] [Operation] In the mother-and-child observation system 20 of this modified example, information about the mother and child for a predetermined number of days stored in the mother-and-child information storage unit 14 is sent from the mother-and-child observation device 1 to the veterinary medical personnel terminal 5. A veterinarian or other veterinary medical personnel then checks the information about the mother and child sent by the veterinary medical personnel terminal 5 and sends the result, i.e., whether or not they approve the information about the mother and child stored in the mother-and-child information storage unit 14, to the mother-and-child observation device 1. Information about whether the veterinary medical personnel approves or disapproves the information about the mother and child is stored in the mother-and-child information storage unit 14 of the mother-and-child observation device 1, along with the information about the mother and child. Then, if approval is obtained from the veterinary medical personnel, a message indicating that the veterinary medical personnel has approved the information about the young animal (baby) is displayed on the user terminal 3, along with individual information about the young animal (baby).

[0051] As described above in detail, the mother and child monitoring system of this modified example can obtain approval from veterinary medical personnel, thereby improving the reliability of proof that a predetermined number of days have passed since the date of birth. Note that the configuration and effects of this modified example other than those described above are the same as those of the second embodiment described above.

[0052] The present invention can also have the following configuration. [1] a data input unit into which images of mother and calf animals after birth are input continuously or at predetermined intervals; an individual detection unit that detects the mother and child from the image and extracts an image for each individual; a weight estimation unit that estimates the weight of each individual from the image extracted by the detection unit; a mother-and-child information storage unit that stores the weight of each individual estimated by the weight estimation unit at least once a day for a predetermined number of days; An animal mother and child observation device having the same. [2] the animal is a dog or a cat, The animal mother-and-child observation device according to [1], wherein the mother-and-child information storage unit stores information for at least 56 days. [3] The animal is a dog designated as a national treasure, The animal mother-and-child observation device according to [1], wherein the mother-and-child information storage unit stores information for at least 49 days. [4] further comprising an individual identification unit that identifies an individual from the image extracted by the individual detection unit, The animal mother-and-child observation device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the mother-and-child information storage unit also stores information on each individual identified by the individual identification unit. [5] The animal mother-and-child observation device according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the mother-and-child information storage unit also stores images of the mother and child being observed. [6] Further, a behavior discrimination unit is provided for detecting an individual performing a specific behavior from the image and discriminating the behavior, The animal mother-and-child observation device according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the mother-and-child information storage unit also stores the results of the determination made by the behavior determination unit. [7] The animal mother-and-child observation device according to any one of [1] to [6], further comprising an information output unit that outputs the information stored in the mother-and-child information storage unit. [8] The mother-and-child monitoring device according to any one of [1] to [7], an imaging device that photographs the mother and her baby after giving birth and transmits the image to the mother-and-baby observation device; a user terminal that can be connected to the mother-and-child observation device via a network; and The image of the mother and child taken by the imaging device is input into the mother-and-child observation device, An animal mother-and-child observation system in which, at the user's request, information about the mother and child stored in the mother-and-child observation device is displayed on the user terminal. [9] Further, a veterinary medical personnel terminal connectable to the mother and child monitoring device via a network is provided, The information on the mother and child for a predetermined number of days stored in the mother and child information storage unit is transmitted from the mother and child observation device to the veterinary medical professional terminal, The veterinary medical personnel terminal transmits to the mother and child observation device whether the information on the mother and child for the predetermined number of days is approved or not, The user terminal displays information approved by veterinary personnel. The animal mother-child observation system described in [8]. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1. Mother and child observation device 2. Imaging device 3. User terminal 4. Internet 5 Veterinary medical personnel terminal 10, 20 Mother and child observation system 11 Data entry section 12 Individual detection unit 13 Weight estimation section 14 Maternal and child information storage unit 15 Information output section 16 Individual Identification Unit 17 Behavior Discrimination Unit

Claims

1. a data input unit into which images of mother and calf animals after birth are input continuously or at predetermined intervals; an individual detection unit that detects the mother and child from the image and extracts an image for each individual; a weight estimation unit that estimates the weight of each individual from the image extracted by the detection unit; a mother-and-child information storage unit that stores the weight of each individual estimated by the weight estimation unit at least once a day for a predetermined number of days; An animal mother and child observation device having the same.

2. the animal is a dog or a cat, 2. The animal mother-and-child observation device according to claim 1, wherein the mother-and-child information storage unit stores information for at least 56 days.

3. The animal is a dog designated as a national treasure, 2. The animal mother-and-child observation device according to claim 1, wherein the mother-and-child information storage unit stores information for at least 49 days.

4. further comprising an individual identification unit that identifies an individual from the image extracted by the individual detection unit, 2. The animal mother-and-child observation device according to claim 1, wherein the mother-and-child information storage unit also stores information about each individual identified by the individual identification unit.

5. 2. The animal mother-and-child observation device according to claim 1, wherein the mother-and-child information storage unit also stores images of the mother and child being observed.

6. Further, a behavior discrimination unit is provided for detecting an individual performing a specific behavior from the image and discriminating the behavior, 2. The animal mother-and-child observation device according to claim 1, wherein the mother-and-child information storage section also stores the results of the determination made by the behavior determination section.

7. 2. The animal mother-and-child observation device according to claim 1, further comprising an information output unit that outputs the information stored in the mother-and-child information storage unit.

8. The mother-and-child monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, an imaging device that photographs the mother and her baby after giving birth and transmits the image to the mother-and-baby observation device; a user terminal that can be connected to the mother-and-child observation device via a network; and The image of the mother and child taken by the imaging device is input into the mother-and-child observation device, An animal mother-and-child observation system in which, at the user's request, information about the mother and child stored in the mother-and-child observation device is displayed on the user terminal.

9. Further, a veterinary medical personnel terminal connectable to the mother and child monitoring device via a network is provided, The information on the mother and child for a predetermined number of days stored in the mother and child information storage unit is transmitted from the mother and child observation device to the veterinary medical professional terminal, The veterinary medical personnel terminal transmits to the mother and child observation device whether the information on the mother and child for the predetermined number of days is approved or not, The user terminal displays information approved by veterinary personnel. The animal mother-and-child observation system according to claim 8.

Images