Individual management server device, system, method, and program

Abstract

This individual management server device comprises: an individual identification unit that, on the basis of identification information including identification data and an identification device ID from an identification device that acquires identification data on the basis of a feature of an individual, creates individual identification information including an individual ID and an identification device ID of a database corresponding to the identification data; a setting information storage unit that stores setting information in which the identification device ID, probability, an application range, a location ID, and a priority of the identification device ID are set in association with each other; and an individual specifying unit that specifies the individual and the location thereof on the basis of the individual identification information and the setting information from one of the individual identification units. In the identification device, the identification data in the database is of a different type for each of the plurality of individual identification units (FIG. 22).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [Statement about related applications] The present invention is based on a priority claim of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-013331 (filed January 31, 2022), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present invention relates to an individual management server device, a system, a method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In livestock farming, it is desirable to identify individual livestock animals for purposes of shipping management, disease control, etc. However, the characteristics of livestock animals, which tend to move and get dirty, make it difficult to identify them individually.

[0003] One method of identifying animals is to immobilize them, but this causes stress to the animals and is undesirable from the perspective of animal welfare. There are also methods for identifying livestock animals by attaching tags such as ear tags, ear notches, brands, leg bands, and leg rings to them (see, for example, Patent Document 1), but these methods can be painful to attach, and can make the tag unidentifiable if it comes off or becomes dirty. Identification is also impossible if the livestock animal does not move to a specific position for tag reading. There are also methods for identifying livestock animals by reading their biometric information (e.g., fundus, pupils, etc.) (see, for example, Patent Document 2), but because livestock animals do not adjust their height or move in a way that allows for biometric identification like humans, it is difficult to identify livestock animals.

[0004] Therefore, in order to identify individual livestock animals without placing a burden on them, one possible method is to attach a transmitter or RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​that transmits identification information to the livestock animals and receive the identification information (see, for example, Patent Documents 3 to 5). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-29239 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2017 / 077676 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2017 / 046997 [Patent Document 4] Patent Publication No. 2019-208483 [Patent Document 5] Patent Publication No. 2010-4861 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The following analysis is provided by the present inventors.

[0007] However, with the methods described in Patent Documents 3 and 4, it is difficult to attach a transmitter to small livestock animals such as chickens and chicks, so there is a possibility that it will be impossible to identify individual livestock animals. Also, with the method described in Patent Document 5, the range that can be read by the RFID reader is limited, so in order to identify individual livestock animals in a large field, many RFID readers need to be installed, and it is difficult to install RFID readers so that they cover the entire area. These problems are not limited to livestock animals, and similar issues can be said about other objects as well.

[0008] The main objective of the present invention is to provide an individual management server device, system, method, and program that can contribute to individual identification of objects, even in large locations or for small objects, while avoiding placing a burden on the objects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An individual management server device according to a first aspect comprises: a plurality of individual identification units configured to create individual identification information including the identification data and identification device ID from a corresponding identification device among a plurality of identification devices that are installed at different predetermined locations and acquire identification data based on characteristics of an individual or its accessories, based on identification information including the identification data and identification device ID from a corresponding identification device in the identification information, and a database in which identification data and individual IDs are previously associated; a setting information storage unit that stores setting information for each of the plurality of identification devices, in which the identification device ID, the accuracy or matching rate at which an individual can be identified by the identification device corresponding to the identification device ID, an application range that specifies the range to which the accuracy applies, a location ID related to the location where the identification device corresponding to the identification device ID is installed, and a priority of the identification device ID related to identification devices used at the location related to the location ID are associated; and an individual identification unit configured to identify the individual and its location based on the individual identification information from at least one of the plurality of individual identification units and the setting information, and the identification data in the database is of a different type for each of the plurality of individual identification units.

[0010] The individual management system according to the second aspect comprises a plurality of identification devices that are installed at different predetermined locations and configured to acquire identification data based on characteristics of an individual or its accessories, and to acquire different types of identification data at different locations, and an individual management server device according to the first aspect.

[0011] An individual management method according to a third aspect is an individual management method for managing an individual using hardware resources, and includes the steps of: creating individual identification information including identification data from a corresponding identification device among a plurality of identification devices that are installed at different predetermined locations and acquire identification data based on characteristics of the individual or its accessories, and the identification information including the identification data and an identification device ID from the corresponding identification device, and a database in which identification data and individual IDs are previously associated; and identifying the individual and its location based on the individual identification information from at least one of the plurality of individual identification units and preset setting information, wherein the plurality of identification devices include identification devices that acquire different types of identification data at different locations, and the setting information associates, for each of the plurality of identification devices, an identification device ID, a degree of accuracy or matching rate at which the individual can be identified by the identification device corresponding to the identification device ID, an application range that specifies the range within which the accuracy applies, a location ID related to the location where the identification device corresponding to the identification device ID is installed, and a priority order of the identification device ID related to identification devices used at the location related to the location ID.

[0012] A program according to a fourth aspect is a program that causes hardware resources to execute a process for managing individuals, and causes the hardware resources to execute the following processes: creating individual identification information, based on identification information including identification data and an identification device ID from a corresponding identification device among a plurality of identification devices that are installed at different specified locations and acquire identification data based on characteristics of the individual or its accessories, and a database in which identification data and individual IDs are previously associated, the individual ID in the database that corresponds to the identification data in the identification information, and the identification device ID; and identifying the individual and its location based on the individual identification information from at least one of the plurality of individual identification units and preset setting information, wherein the plurality of identification devices include identification devices that acquire different types of identification data at different locations, and the setting information associates, for each of the plurality of identification devices, an identification device ID, a degree of accuracy or matching rate at which an individual can be identified by the identification device corresponding to the identification device ID, an application range that specifies the range in which the accuracy applies, a location ID related to the location where the identification device corresponding to the identification device ID is installed, and a priority order of the identification device ID related to identification devices used at the location related to the location ID.

[0013] The program can be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can be a non-transient medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, or an optical recording medium. The present disclosure can also be embodied as a computer program product. The program is input to a computer device from an input device or an external device via a communication interface, stored in a storage device, and drives a processor according to predetermined steps or processes. The processing results, including intermediate states as needed, can be displayed at each stage on a display device, or the computer device can communicate with the outside world via the communication interface. For example, a computer device for this purpose typically includes a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and, if necessary, a display device, all of which can be connected to each other via a bus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the first to fourth aspects, it is possible to contribute to the individual identification of objects even in large locations or for small objects, while minimizing the load on the objects. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an individual management system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of on-site placement of an identification device in an individual management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a first individual identification unit database set in a first individual identification unit of an individual management server device in the individual management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a database for a second individual identification unit set in a second individual identification unit of an individual management server device in the individual management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a database for a third individual identification unit set in a third individual identification unit of an individual management server device in the individual management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of first setting information set in setting information of an individual management server device in the individual management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of second setting information set in the setting information of the individual management server device in the individual management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of third setting information set in the setting information of the individual management server device in the individual management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the data configuration of identification information created by an identification device in the individual management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 10] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of individual identification information created by an individual identification unit of the individual management server device in the individual management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of individual identification information accumulated in an individual identification unit of the individual management server device in the individual management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart schematically showing the operation of the individual management server device in the individual management system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an individual management system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the creation of a second individual identification unit database and third setting information by a machine learning unit of an individual management server device in an individual management system according to embodiment 2. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an individual management system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is an image diagram showing an example of the placement of an identification device and a moving object in an on-site environment in an individual management system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of identification information created by a third identification unit of a moving object in an individual management system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of a site to which an individual management system according to a fourth embodiment is applied. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an individual management system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the data configuration of detection information created by a detection device in an individual management system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 21] 13 is a flowchart schematically showing the operation of the individual management server device in the individual management system according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 22]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an individual management system including an individual management server device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of hardware resources. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, where reference numerals are used in this application, they are intended solely to facilitate understanding and are not intended to limit the present invention to the illustrated embodiments. Furthermore, the following embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the present invention. Furthermore, connecting lines between blocks in the drawings, etc., referred to in the following description, include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows are used to schematically indicate the flow of main signals (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality. Furthermore, although not explicitly shown, input and output ports exist at the input and output ends of each connecting line in the circuit diagrams, block diagrams, internal configuration diagrams, connection diagrams, etc., shown in this disclosure. The same applies to input and output interfaces. A program is executed via a computer device, which includes, for example, a processor, a storage device, an input device, a communication interface, and, if necessary, a display device. The computer device is configured to communicate with internal or external devices (including computers) via the communication interface, whether wired or wireless.

[0017] [Embodiment 1] An individual management system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the individual management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of on-site placement of an identification device in the individual management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the data configuration of a first individual identification unit database set in a first individual identification unit of an individual management server device in the individual management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the data configuration of a second individual identification unit database set in a second individual identification unit of an individual management server device in the individual management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the data configuration of a third individual identification unit database set in a third individual identification unit of an individual management server device in the individual management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the data configuration of first setting information set in the setting information of the individual management server device in the individual management system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the data configuration of second setting information set in the setting information of the individual management server device in the individual management system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the data configuration of third setting information set in the setting information of the individual management server device in the individual management system according to embodiment 1. Fig. 9 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the data configuration of identification information created by the identification device in the individual management system according to embodiment 1. Fig. 10 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the data configuration of individual identification information created by the individual identification unit of the individual management server device in the individual management system according to embodiment 1. Fig. 11 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the data configuration of individual identifying information accumulated in the individual identifying unit of the individual management server device in the individual management system according to embodiment 1.

[0018] The individual management system 1 is a system that manages information about each individual object (here, livestock animals) (see FIG. 1). The individual management system 1 has a function to identify and specify each individual livestock animal without contact. The individual management system 1 has a function to manage the behavior of each individual livestock animal. The individual management system 1 can be used to manage the weight, physique, etc. of livestock animals. The individual management system 1 can be applied to livestock animals in general, and can also be applied to plants and other animals. The individual management system 1 may also be applied to security fields that require identification. The individual management system 1 includes identification devices 11A-11L, 12A-12M, 13A-13N and an individual management server device 20.

[0019] The identification devices 11A to 11L, 12A to 12M, and 13A to 13N are devices that acquire identification data (e.g., RFID data, vein characteristic data, physique characteristic data, etc.) based on characteristics of livestock animals (individuals) or their accessories (e.g., RFID, veins, physique, body temperature, dirt, behavior (gestures, movements), etc.) (see FIG. 1). The identification devices 11A to 11L, 12A to 12M, and 13A to 13N are installed in different predetermined locations, for example, as shown in the example of FIG. 2, at least one device is installed in each of the barn 2, aisle 3, and pasture 4 at the livestock farm. The identification devices 11A to 11L, 12A to 12M, and 13A to 13N are fixed (see embodiment 3 for non-fixed types). The identification devices 11A to 11L, 12A to 12M, and 13A to 13N periodically attempt to acquire identification data at preset time intervals. When the identification devices 11A to 11L, 12A to 12M, and 13A to 13N are able to acquire identification data, they create identification information (see FIG. 9) including the acquired identification data, the acquisition date and time, and their own identification device ID, and transmit this information to the individual management server device 20. The identification devices 11A to 11L, 12A to 12M, and 13A to 13N are classified into first identification devices 11A to 11L, second identification devices 12A to 12M, and third identification devices 13A to 13N, which acquire different types of identification data. Although there are three types of identification devices in FIG. 1, at least two types of identification devices are sufficient. 1, the identification devices 11A-11L, 12A-12M, and 13A-13N use devices (e.g., RFID readers, sensors, and cameras) suitable for acquiring RFID data, vein characteristic data, and physique characteristic data as identification data. However, devices (e.g., thermal cameras, temperature sensors, hyperspectral cameras, odor sensors, and cameras) suitable for acquiring other types of identification data (e.g., body temperature characteristic data, body temperature distribution characteristic data, dirt characteristic data, odor characteristic data, and behavior characteristic data) may also be used. Furthermore, the identification devices 11A-11L, 12A-12M, and 13A-13N may use other identification devices as long as they can identify livestock animals. Furthermore, the identification devices 11A-11L, 12A-12M, and 13A-13N may be identification devices that utilize the results of using a separate actuator (not shown; for example, a device that acts on livestock animals) to stimulate the five senses of livestock animals.For example, a brush used to clean livestock animals may be controlled by an actuator, and the reaction (gestures, movements) may be identified by the identification devices 11A to 11L, 12A to 12M, and 13A to 13N. Furthermore, there are L, M, and N units of the first identification devices 11A to 11L, second identification devices 12A to 12M, and third identification devices 13A to 13N, respectively, but at least one of each is sufficient.

[0020] The first identification devices 11A-11L are devices that identify livestock animals based on the RFID of an RFID tag attached to the livestock animals (see FIG. 1). For example, RFID readers can be used as the first identification devices 11A-11L. The first identification devices 11A-11L are connected to the individual management server device 20 so as to be able to communicate (wired communication, wireless communication). Each of the first identification devices 11A-11L is assigned its own unique identification device ID. The first identification devices 11A-11L have a clock function that manages the date and time. The first identification devices 11A-11L periodically attempt to read (sens) RFID data at preset time intervals. When the first identification devices 11A-11L successfully read RFID data (identification data), they create identification information (see FIG. 9) including the read RFID data, the date and time of reading, and their own identification device ID, and transmit the information to the first individual identification unit 21 of the individual management server device 20. The first identification devices 11A to 11L are installed at predetermined positions on-site, and in the example of FIG. 2, are installed in areas #1 to #5 of the barn 2 where livestock animals often gather.

[0021] The second identification devices 12A to 12M are devices that identify livestock animals based on their vein characteristics (see FIG. 1). The second identification devices 12A to 12M may be, for example, a hyperspectral camera or a sensor device that captures the vein pattern of a livestock animal by irradiating it with near-infrared light to acquire vein characteristic data (e.g., vein pattern image data). The second identification devices 12A to 12M are connected to the individual management server device 20 so as to be able to communicate (wired communication or wireless communication). Each of the second identification devices 12A to 12M is assigned its own unique identification device ID. The second identification devices 12A to 12M have a clock function that manages the date and time. The second identification devices 12A to 12M periodically attempt to acquire vein characteristic data (sensing, photographing) at preset time intervals. When the second identification devices 12A to 12M are able to acquire vein characteristic data (identification data), they create identification information (see FIG. 9) including the acquired vein characteristic data, the acquisition date and time, and their own identification device ID, and transmit this information to the second individual identification unit 22 of the individual management server device 20. The second identification devices 12A to 12M are installed at predetermined positions on-site, and in the example of FIG. 2, they are installed near area #1 of the barn 2 and near area #28 of the farm 4.

[0022] The third identification devices 13A to 13N are devices that identify livestock animals based on their physical characteristics (e.g., volume, skeleton) (see FIG. 1). Examples of the third identification devices 13A to 13N include an image processing device that uses a distance sensor to measure the distance between the camera and the livestock animal while photographing the livestock animal with a camera and processing the image to acquire physical characteristic data, and an image processing device that uses a three-dimensional sensor to photograph the surface shape of the livestock animal and process the image to acquire physical characteristic data (e.g., point cloud data). The third identification devices 13A to 13N are connected to the individual animal management server device 20 so as to be able to communicate (wired communication, wireless communication). Each of the third identification devices 13A to 13N is assigned its own unique identification device ID. The third identification devices 13A to 13N have a clock function that manages the date and time. The third identification devices 13A to 13N periodically attempt to acquire physical characteristic data (sensing, photographing) at preset time intervals. When the third identification devices 13A to 13N are able to acquire physique characteristic data (identification data), they create identification information (see FIG. 9) including the acquired physique characteristic data, the acquisition date and time, and their own identification device ID, and transmit this information to the third individual identification unit 23 of the individual management server device 20. The third identification devices 13A to 13N are installed at predetermined positions on-site, and in the example of FIG. 2, they are installed near area #11 of the barn 2, near area #17 of the aisle 3, and near area #32 of the pasture 4.

[0023] The individual management server device 20 is a device that manages information about each individual livestock animal (see FIG. 1). The individual management server device 20 has a function of identifying an individual livestock animal and its location based on at least one type of identification information (see FIG. 9) collected from the identification devices 11A-11L, 12A-12M, and 13A-13N. When the individual management server device 20 collects multiple types of identification information, it has a function of identifying an individual livestock animal and its location by complementing each other's identification information. The individual management server device 20 can be, for example, a server device equipped with a computer including a processor, memory, network interface, etc. The individual management server device 20 is connected to the identification devices 11A-11L, 12A-12M, and 13A-13N so that it can communicate (wirelessly or via wired communication) with them. In the example of Figure 1, the individual management server device 20 can be virtually configured to include a first individual identification unit 21, a second individual identification unit 22, a third individual identification unit 23, an individual specification unit 24, and a setting information storage unit 25 by using memory and executing a program in a processor.

[0024] The first individual identification unit 21 is a functional unit (see FIG. 1) that performs individual identification based on identification information (see FIG. 9) from the first identification devices 11A to 11L. A database (see FIG. 3) that associates RFID data with individual IDs is preset in the first individual identification unit 21. Here, the individual ID is a unique ID assigned to each individual livestock animal. When the first individual identification unit 21 receives identification information from the first identification devices 11A to 11L, it reads out from the database the individual ID corresponding to the identification data (here, RFID data) in the received identification information, creates individual identification information (see FIG. 10) based on the read individual ID and the received identification information, and transmits it to the individual specification unit 24. The individual identification information here is information that associates the individual ID, the date and time the RFID data was read, and the identification device ID of the identification device that read the RFID data.

[0025] The second individual identification unit 22 is a functional unit that performs individual identification based on identification information (see FIG. 9) from the second identification devices 12A to 12M (see FIG. 1). A database (see FIG. 4) that associates vein feature data with individual IDs is previously set in the second individual identification unit 22. The vein feature data is acquired by identifying an individual livestock animal using a second identification device (any of 12A to 12M) after the individual livestock animal has been identified in advance. Upon receiving identification information from the second identification devices 12A to 12M, the second individual identification unit 22 reads from the database the individual ID corresponding to the identification data (here, the vein feature data) in the received identification information, creates individual identification information (see FIG. 10) based on the read individual ID and the received identification information, and transmits the information to the individual identification unit 24. The individual identification information here is information that associates the individual ID, the acquisition date and time of the vein feature data, and the identification device ID of the identification device that acquired the vein feature data.

[0026] The third individual identification unit 23 is a functional unit that performs individual identification based on identification information (see FIG. 9) from the third identification devices 13A to 13N (see FIG. 1). A database (see FIG. 5) that associates physical characteristic data with individual IDs is preset in the third individual identification unit 23. The physical characteristic data is acquired by identifying an individual livestock animal using a third identification device (any of 13A to 13N) after the individual livestock animal has been identified in advance. Upon receiving identification information from the third identification devices 13A to 13N, the third individual identification unit 23 reads from the database the individual ID corresponding to the identification data (here, the physical characteristic data) in the received identification information, creates individual identification information (see FIG. 10) based on the read individual ID and the received identification information, and transmits it to the individual specification unit 24. The individual identification information here is information that associates the individual ID, the acquisition date and time of the physical characteristic data, and the identification device ID of the identification device that acquired the physical characteristic data.

[0027] The individual identification unit 24 is a functional unit that identifies the individual animals and their positions based on the individual identification information from the individual identification units 21 to 23 (see FIG. 10) and the first to third setting information in the setting information storage unit 25 (see FIGS. 6 to 8) (see FIG. 1). When the individual identification unit 24 receives the individual identification information from the individual identification units 21 to 23, it reads the accuracy, location ID, and priority order of the identification device ID used corresponding to the identification device ID in the received individual identification information from the first to third setting information, identifies the individual animal (individual ID) and position (location ID) of the livestock animal based on the read accuracy, location ID, and priority order of the identification device ID used, creates individual identification information (see FIG. 11) based on the read accuracy, the identified individual ID and location ID, and the received individual identification information, and stores the individual identification information organized by individual ID.

[0028] The individual identification information here is information that associates the individual ID of the individually identified livestock animal, the acquisition date and time of the identification data, the identification device ID and accuracy of the identification device that acquired the identification data, and the location ID of the location of the individually identified livestock animal. The accuracy in the individual identification information is selected based on the first setting information (see FIG. 6). The location ID in the individual identification information is selected based on the second setting information (see FIG. 7). The "◯" after the identification device ID in the individual identification information is the identification device ID selected based on the third setting information (see FIG. 8). Note that the individual identification information includes the identification device IDs and accuracy of all identification devices that were able to acquire identification data, and the identification device ID and accuracy columns for identification devices that were not able to acquire identification data are left blank. The individual identification information is accumulated in chronological order, but individual identification information related to individuals (individual IDs) that are inconvenient in terms of time and location may be excluded.

[0029] The setting information storage unit 25 is a functional unit that stores information (first to third setting information; see FIGS. 6 to 8) required for individual identification by the individual identification unit 24 (see FIG. 1).

[0030] Here, the first setting information is setting information that associates an identification device ID, accuracy (or matching rate), and application range (see FIG. 6). The first setting information is set at the time of installation. The identification device ID is a unique ID assigned to each of the identification devices 11A to 11L, 12A to 12M, and 13A to 13N. The accuracy is the precision (precision) with which the identification devices 11A to 11L, 12A to 12M, and 13A to 13N can identify an individual. The accuracy is a high value for an identification device that identifies congenital characteristics (characteristics that do not change over time), and a low value for an identification device that identifies acquired characteristics (characteristics that change over time), and serves as an index of the validity of the individual identification information. The matching rate is a value obtained by comparing identification data with 100% accuracy with identification data acquired by the corresponding identification device in advance. The applicable range is a range that specifies the range in which the accuracy is applied (corresponding to the range of distance, angle, direction, etc. from the identification devices 11A to 11L, 12A to 12M, 13A to 13N). Note that the accuracy and applicable range generally have the characteristic that the accuracy decreases as the distance becomes longer and increases as the distance becomes shorter to a certain extent, so that it may be stepped by setting multiple combinations according to the distance or by expressing it as an equation for the distance.

[0031] The second setting information is setting information that associates an identification device ID with a location ID (see FIG. 7). The second setting information is set at the time of installation. Here, the location ID is a unique ID assigned to each location (e.g., areas #1 to #32 in FIG. 2) that is obtained by dividing the livestock farming site (e.g., dividing it into a grid).

[0032] The third setting information is setting information that associates a location ID, an identification device ID, and a priority order of the identification device ID used (see FIG. 8). The third setting information is set at the time of installation. Here, the priority order of the identification device ID used is the priority order of the identification device ID related to the identification device used at the location related to the location ID, and the higher the accuracy in FIG. 6, the higher the priority order is set. The priority order of the identification device ID used is used to use the identification information obtained from the identification device with the second priority when, for example, identification information cannot be obtained from the identification device with the first priority due to a malfunction or communication failure.

[0033] Next, the operation of the individual management server device in the individual management system according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 12 is a flow chart that schematically shows the operation of the individual management server device in the individual management system according to embodiment 1. Please refer to Fig. 1 for the configuration of the individual management system.

[0034] First, the individual identification units 21-23 of the individual management server device 20 periodically collect identification information (see FIG. 9) from the identification devices 11A-11L, 12A-12M, and 13A-13N (step A1). Here, the identification information may be collected from any of the identification devices 11A-11L, 12A-12M, and 13A-13N. Furthermore, all identification information is collected regardless of whether it is used for individual identification or not.

[0035] Next, the individual identification units 21 to 23 create individual identification information (see FIG. 10) based on the collected identification information and a preset database (see FIGS. 3 to 5) (step A2).

[0036] Next, the individual identification unit 24 of the individual management server device 20 identifies the individual livestock animal (individual ID) and location (location ID) based on the created individual identification information (see FIG. 10) and the first to third setting information (see FIGS. 6 to 8) stored in the setting information storage unit 25 (step A3). Here, when identifying the individual livestock animal and its location, if there are multiple pieces of individual identification information, the individual identification information including the identification device ID corresponding to the highest accuracy in the first setting information (or the identification device ID with the highest priority of the used identification device ID in the third setting information) is used.

[0037] Next, the individual identification unit 24 creates individual identification information (see FIG. 11) based on the first to third setting information stored in the setting information storage unit 25, the identified individual ID and location ID, and the received individual identification information (step A4).

[0038] Next, the individual identification unit 24 organizes and stores the created individual identification information by individual ID (step A5), and then ends the process and returns to the start after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0039] According to embodiment 1, various types of identification devices 11A to 11L, 12A to 12M, and 13A to 13N are used to complement each other, and livestock animals can be individually identified in their original state or with minimal accessories, thereby contributing to the individual identification of livestock animals in large areas or with small livestock animals while minimizing stress on the livestock animals.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the accuracy of identifying livestock animals that are difficult to identify individually can be improved, and by making it possible to identify the animals individually, more precise health management and shipping management can be carried out.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the accumulation of individual identification information enables early detection of sick individuals, which can contribute to preventing the spread of disease.

[0042] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, by identifying individuals in shipping management, it becomes possible to determine the appropriate amount of feed and the appropriate shipping time.

[0043] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, livestock animals are not immobilized and identified, so they are not subjected to stress and can be said to be raised in a way that complies with animal welfare.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, various types of identification devices 11A to 11L, 12A to 12M, and 13A to 13N are used, so that even small livestock animals to which sensors cannot be attached can be individually identified in a non-contact manner.

[0045] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, various types of identification devices 11A to 11L, 12A to 12M, and 13A to 13N are used, so that it is possible to identify livestock animals even when they are dirty or moving.

[0046] Furthermore, according to embodiment 1, by combining identification devices with various degrees of accuracy, including identification devices with low accuracy, it is possible to accurately identify individuals over a wide range, so there is no need to install the same type of identification device with high accuracy in every location, making it possible to identify individuals with an inexpensive configuration.

[0047] [Embodiment 2] An individual management system according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the individual management system according to embodiment 2. Fig. 14 is an image diagram showing the creation of a second individual identification unit database and third setting information by the machine learning unit of the individual management server device in the individual management system according to embodiment 2.

[0048] Embodiment 2 is a modified example of embodiment 1, and adds a machine learning unit 26 that updates (including adding new data to) the databases in the second individual identification unit 22 and the third individual identification unit 23 based on the individual identification information created by the individual identification unit 24 (see Figure 13).

[0049] At the time of introduction, a database (corresponding to FIG. 3) is set only in the first individual identification unit 21, which has the highest accuracy of individual identification, and a database (corresponding to FIGS. 4 and 5) is not set in the second individual identification unit 22 and the third individual identification unit 23, which have a lower accuracy of individual identification. In the initial stage of operation, the second individual identification unit 22 and the third individual identification unit 23 are unable to create individual identification information, and therefore transfer the identification information (corresponding to FIG. 9) from the second identification devices 12A to 12M and the third identification devices 13A to 13N to the individual identification unit 24. Using the date and time as a clue, the individual identification unit 24 creates individual identification information (see FIG. 14) based on the individual identification information (corresponding to FIG. 10) from the first individual identification unit 21, the identification information (corresponding to FIG. 9) transferred from the second individual identification unit 22 and the third individual identification unit 23, and the first setting information (corresponding to FIG. 6) and the second setting information (corresponding to FIG. 7) stored in the setting information storage unit 25.

[0050] If the created individual identification information contains an identification device ID related to the second identification devices 12A to 12M and the third identification devices 13A to 13N, the machine learning unit 26 creates a database in the second individual identification unit 22 and the third individual identification unit 23 (see Figure 14; equivalent to Figures 4 and 5) using the individual ID corresponding to the identification device ID and the identification data in the identification information from the second identification devices 12A to 12M and the third identification devices 13A to 13N.

[0051] Furthermore, even if a database (corresponding to FIGS. 4 and 5) has already been set in the second individual identification unit 22 and the third individual identification unit 23, the identification data may change due to the growth of the livestock animals, etc., and the identification data may no longer correspond to the individual ID. In such a case, the second individual identification unit 22 and the third individual identification unit 23 are unable to create individual identification information and therefore transfer the identification information (corresponding to FIG. 9) from the second identification devices 12A-12M and the third identification devices 13A-13N to the individual identification unit 24. The individual identification unit 24 uses the date and time as a clue to create individual identification information (see FIG. 14) based on the individual identification information (corresponding to FIG. 10) from the first individual identification unit 21, the identification information (corresponding to FIG. 9) transferred from the second individual identification unit 22 and the third individual identification unit 23, and the first setting information (corresponding to FIG. 6) and second setting information (corresponding to FIG. 7) stored in the setting information storage unit 25.

[0052] If the created individual identification information contains an identification device ID related to the second identification devices 12A to 12M and the third identification devices 13A to 13N, the machine learning unit 26 updates the databases in the second individual identification unit 22 and the third individual identification unit 23 (see Figure 14; equivalent to Figures 4 and 5) using the individual ID corresponding to the identification device ID and the identification data in the identification information from the second identification devices 12A to 12M and the third identification devices 13A to 13N.

[0053] Furthermore, the machine learning unit 26 may update the third setting information (corresponding to FIG. 8) in the setting information storage unit 25 based on the identification device ID, accuracy, and location ID in the created individual identifying information (see FIG. 14). This can save the effort of setting the third setting information. Furthermore, the machine learning unit 26 may update the accuracy and application range of the first setting information (corresponding to FIG. 6) based on the created individual identifying information and a preset calculation formula.

[0054] The other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0055] According to the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, various types of identification devices 11A to 11L, 12A to 12M, 13A to 13N are used to complement each other, and individual livestock animals can be identified in their original state or with minimal accessories, thereby contributing to the individual identification of livestock animals in large areas or with small livestock animals while minimizing the burden on the livestock animals.

[0056] Furthermore, according to embodiment 2, by using various types of identification devices 11A to 11L, 12A to 12M, and 13A to 13N to learn while complementing each other, it is possible to automatically set up the database without initial setting up the database in the second individual identification unit 22 and the third individual identification unit 23, and it is also possible to automatically set up the database in the individual identification units 21 to 23 when an identification device is added.

[0057] Furthermore, according to embodiment 2, it is possible to perform individual identification that also takes into account the growth of livestock animals by utilizing congenital features (e.g., RFID, iris, etc.) that are highly reliable for individual identification and acquired features (e.g., veins, physique, etc.) that are less reliable for individual identification, thereby reducing the effort required to set individual IDs that correspond to identification data related to acquired features.

[0058] [Embodiment 3] An individual management system according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the individual management system according to the third embodiment. Fig. 16 is an image diagram showing an example of the arrangement of an identification device and a mobile object in the individual management system according to the third embodiment at a site. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a schematic example of the data configuration of identification information created by the third identification unit and mobile object control unit of the mobile object in the individual management system according to the third embodiment.

[0059] The third embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, in which any one of the identification devices 11A to 11L, 12A to 12M, and 13A to 13N (third identification device 31 in FIG. 15) is mounted on a moving body 30 (for example, a drone) to enable non-fixed operation (see FIGS. 15 and 16). The individual management server device 20 includes a moving body control unit 27 that controls the moving body 30 and the third identification device 31.

[0060] The mobile object control unit 27 controls the position and orientation of the mobile object 30 so that the mobile object 30 moves along a preset route (see FIG. 15). The mobile object control unit 27 receives identification information from the third identification device 31, adds a location ID corresponding to the preset position of the mobile object 30 to the identification information, and transmits the added information to the third individual identification unit 23 (see FIG. 17). Since the mobile object 30 is not located in a fixed position, a location ID (one of areas #1 to #32 in FIG. 16) corresponding to the position of the mobile object 30 in the control information of the mobile object control unit 27 is added. The location ID can be used to identify the location of an individual livestock animal.

[0061] The mobile body 30 is an object that moves within a livestock farming site (see FIGS. 15 and 16). For example, a drone, a mobile vehicle, etc. can be used as the mobile body 30. The position and orientation of the mobile body 30 are controlled by the mobile body control unit 27. The mobile body 30 is equipped with a third identification device 31 (which may be the first identification device or the second identification device). The third identification device 31 is similar to the third identification devices 13A to 13N, and creates identification information for livestock animals and transmits it to the mobile body control unit 27.

[0062] Other configurations and operations are the same as those of embodiment 1. Furthermore, embodiment 3 may be applied to embodiment 2.

[0063] According to embodiment 3, similar to embodiment 1, various types of identification devices 11A to 11L, 12A to 12M, and 13A to 13N are used to complement each other, and individual livestock animals can be identified in their original state or with minimal accessories, thereby contributing to the individual identification of livestock animals even in large areas or with small livestock animals, while minimizing the burden on the livestock animals.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, the position and orientation of the third identification device 31 are controlled by the moving body 30, so that the identification accuracy of the third identification device 31 can be improved.

[0065] [Embodiment 4] The individual management system according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 18 is an image diagram showing an example of a site to which the individual management system according to the fourth embodiment is applied.

[0066] Embodiment 4 is a modification of embodiment 1, and is provided with a guide means (guide fence 5 in FIG. 18) to guide livestock animals through an area where sensing or photography is performed by an identification device (third identification device 13B in FIG. 18) installed near a location where livestock animals frequently pass (passage 3 in FIG. 18). In addition to the guide fence 5 as shown in FIG. 18, the guide means may be a guide device that guides livestock animals while they are being cleaned with a brush, a device that utilizes the topography such as a slope or a depression, or a device that utilizes the characteristics of livestock animals (for example, the tendency of piglets to always approach their sows without getting lost). Other configurations are the same as embodiment 1. Furthermore, embodiment 4 may be applied to embodiments 2 and 3.

[0067] According to embodiment 4, similar to embodiment 1, various types of identification devices are used to complement each other, and individual livestock animals can be identified in their original state or with minimal accessories, thereby contributing to the individual identification of livestock animals in large areas and for small livestock animals, while minimizing the burden on the livestock animals.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the fourth embodiment, by using a guiding means to guide livestock animals through an area where sensing or photography is performed by the identification device 13B, it is possible to improve the identification accuracy of the identification device.

[0069] [Embodiment 5] An individual management system according to embodiment 5 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 19 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the individual management system according to embodiment 5. Fig. 20 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the data configuration of detection information created by a detection device in the individual management system according to embodiment 5.

[0070] Embodiment 5 is a modified example of embodiment 1, in which detection devices 41A to 41L, 42A to 42M, and 43A to 43N are used instead of the identification devices (11A to 11L, 12A to 12M, and 13A to 13N in FIG. 1), and identification units 51 to 53 are added to the individual management server device 20.

[0071] The detection devices 41A to 41L, 42A to 42M, and 43A to 43N are devices that acquire detection data (e.g., camera data, sensor data, etc.) based on characteristics of livestock animals or their accessories (e.g., RFID, veins, physique, body temperature, dirt, behavior (gestures, movements), etc.) (see FIG. 19). At least one of the detection devices 41A to 41L, 42A to 42M, and 43A to 43N is installed in a different location. The detection devices 41A to 41L, 42A to 42M, and 43A to 43N are fixed. The detection devices 41A to 41L, 42A to 42M, and 43A to 43N periodically attempt to acquire detection data at preset time intervals. When the detection devices 41A-41L, 42A-42M, and 43A-43N acquire detection data, they create detection information (see FIG. 20) including the acquired detection data, the acquisition date and time, and their own identification device IDs, and transmit this information to the individual management server device 20. The detection devices 41A-41L, 42A-42M, and 43A-43N are classified as first detection devices 41A-41L, second detection devices 42A-42M, and third detection devices 43A-43N, which acquire different types of detection data. Although FIG. 19 shows three types of detection devices, at least two types of detection devices are sufficient. Furthermore, various detection devices may be used as the detection devices 41A-41L, 42A-42M, and 43A-43N as long as they are capable of detecting livestock animals. Furthermore, the detection devices 41A to 41L, 42A to 42M, and 43A to 43 may be detection devices that utilize the results of using separate actuators (not shown; for example, devices that act on livestock animals) to stimulate the five senses of livestock animals. Furthermore, there are L, M, and N units of the first detection devices 41A to 41L, second detection devices 42A to 42M, and third detection devices 43A to 43N, respectively, but at least one of each is sufficient.

[0072] The identification units 51 to 53 are functional units (see FIG. 19) that perform identification based on detection information (see FIG. 20) from the detection devices 41A to 41L, 42A to 42M, and 43A to 43N. A database that associates detection data with identification data is preset in the identification units 51 to 53. When the identification units 51 to 53 receive detection information from the detection devices 41A to 41L, 42A to 42M, and 43A to 43N, they read out from the database the identification data corresponding to the detection data in the received detection information, and create identification information (corresponding to FIG. 9) based on the read identification data and the received detection information, and transmit it to the individual identification units 21 to 23. The identification information here is information that associates the identification data with the acquisition date and time of the detection data, and the detection device ID of the detection device that acquired the detection data.

[0073] Other configurations are the same as those of embodiment 1. Furthermore, embodiment 5 may be applied to embodiments 2 to 4.

[0074] Next, the operation of the individual management server device in the individual management system according to embodiment 5 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 21 is a flow chart that schematically shows the operation of the individual management server device in the individual management system according to embodiment 5. Please refer to Fig. 19 for the configuration of the individual management system.

[0075] First, the identification units 51-53 of the individual management server device 20 periodically collect detection information (see FIG. 20) from the detection devices 41A-41L, 42A-42M, and 43A-43N (step B1). Here, the detection information may be collected from any of the detection devices 41A-41L, 42A-42M, and 43A-43N. Furthermore, all detection information is collected regardless of whether it is used for individual identification or not.

[0076] Next, the individual identification units 21-23 of the individual management server device 20 create identification information (corresponding to FIG. 9) based on the collected detection information (see FIG. 20) and a preset database (corresponding to FIGS. 3-5) (step B2). Thereafter, similar to steps A2-A5 of FIG. 12, individual identification information (corresponding to FIG. 10) is created (step B3), the individual livestock animal (individual ID) and location (location ID) are identified (step B4), individual identification information (corresponding to FIG. 11) is created (step B5), the individual identification information is accumulated (step B6), and then the process ends and returns to the start after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0077] According to embodiment 5, various types of detection devices 41A to 41L, 42A to 42M, and 43A to 43N are used to complement each other, and livestock animals can be individually identified in their original state or with minimal accessories, thereby contributing to the individual identification of livestock animals even in large areas or with small livestock animals, while minimizing the burden on the livestock animals.

[0078] Furthermore, according to the fifth embodiment, the detection devices 41A to 41L, 42A to 42M, and 43A to 43N installed on-site can be simpler and cheaper than the identification devices, thereby reducing the cost of the system.

[0079] [Embodiment 6] An individual management server device according to embodiment 6 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 22 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an individual management system including an individual management server device according to embodiment 6.

[0080] The individual management server device 20 is a server device that performs processing for managing individuals. The individual management server device 20 includes individual identification units 29A to 29N, a setting information storage unit 25, and an individual identification unit .

[0081] The individual identification units 29A-29N generate individual identification information including an individual ID in the database corresponding to the identification data in the identification information and the identification device ID, based on identification information including identification data and the identification device ID from a corresponding identification device (for example, 14A) among a plurality of identification devices 14A-14N that are installed at different predetermined locations and acquire identification data based on the characteristics of an individual or its accessories, and a database in which identification data and individual IDs are previously associated. The plurality of identification devices 14A-14N include identification devices 14A-14N that acquire different types of identification data at different locations.

[0082] The setting information storage unit 25 stores setting information for each of the multiple identification devices 14A to 14N, in which an identification device ID, a degree of accuracy (which can also be a matching rate) that an individual can be identified by an identification device (e.g., 14A) corresponding to the identification device ID, an application range that specifies the range to which the accuracy applies, a location ID relating to the location where the identification device corresponding to the identification device ID is installed, and a priority of the identification device ID relating to the identification device (e.g., 14A) used at the location relating to the location ID are associated with each other.

[0083] The individual identification unit 24 identifies the individual and its location based on the individual identification information from any one of the plurality of individual identification units 29A to 29N and the setting information.

[0084] According to the sixth embodiment, various types of identification devices 14A to 14N can be used to complement each other and identify the individual objects in their original state or with minimal accessories, thereby contributing to the individual identification of objects in large locations or even for small objects, while minimizing the load on the objects.

[0085] The individual management server devices according to the first to sixth embodiments can be configured using so-called hardware resources (information processing devices, computers), and can use those having the configuration shown in Fig. 23. For example, the hardware resources 100 include a processor 101, a memory 102, a network interface 103, and the like, which are interconnected by an internal bus 104.

[0086] 23 is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the hardware resource 100. The hardware resource 100 may include hardware (e.g., an input / output interface) that is not shown. Furthermore, the number of units such as the processor 101 included in the device is not intended to be limited to the example shown in FIG. 23, and for example, multiple processors 101 may be included in the hardware resource 100. The processor 101 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or the like.

[0087] The memory 102 may be, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0088] The network interface 103 may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) card, a network adapter, a network interface card, or the like.

[0089] The functions of the hardware resource 100 are realized by the processing modules described above. The processing modules are realized, for example, by the processor 101 executing a program stored in the memory 102. The programs can be updated by downloading them over a network or by using a storage medium that stores the programs. Furthermore, the processing modules may be realized by semiconductor chips. In other words, it is sufficient that the functions performed by the processing modules be realized by software being executed on some kind of hardware.

[0090] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0091] [Appendix 1] a plurality of individual identification units configured to create individual identification information including the individual ID of the database corresponding to the identification data in the identification information and the identification device ID, based on identification information including the identification data and identification device ID from a corresponding identification device among a plurality of identification devices that are installed at different predetermined locations and acquire identification data based on characteristics of an individual or its accessories, and a database in which identification data and individual IDs are previously associated; a setting information storage unit that stores, for each of the plurality of identification devices, setting information that is set in association with an identification device ID, a degree of accuracy or a matching rate at which an individual can be identified by an identification device corresponding to the identification device ID, an application range that specifies a range to which the degree of accuracy applies, a location ID relating to a location where an identification device corresponding to the identification device ID is installed, and a priority order of the identification device ID relating to an identification device used at a location relating to the location ID; an individual identification unit configured to identify the individual and its location based on the individual identification information from at least one of the plurality of individual identification units and the setting information; Equipped with the identification data in the database is a different type of identification data for each of the plurality of individual identification units; Individual management server device. [Appendix 2] The system further includes a machine learning unit that updates the database based on an individual ID of the individual identified by the individual identification unit and an identification device ID of the identification device that is the source of the identification information. 2. The individual management server device according to claim 1. [Appendix 3] Further, a guide fence is provided at a location where any one of the plurality of identification devices is installed so as to guide the movement of the individual. 3. An individual management server device according to claim 1 or 2. [Appendix 4] a mobile body control unit configured to control a mobile body equipped with another identification device that acquires identification data based on characteristics of an individual or its accessories, and to add a location ID corresponding to the location of the mobile body to identification information including the identification data from the other identification device and an identification device ID based on control information of the mobile body; the individual identification unit is configured to create individual identification information including the individual ID of the database, the identification device ID, and the location ID corresponding to the identification data in the identification information to which the location ID from the mobile object control unit is added. An individual management server device according to any one of appendices 1 to 3. [Appendix 5] a plurality of identification units configured to create, based on detection information including detection data from corresponding detection devices among a plurality of detection devices that are installed at different predetermined locations and acquire detection data based on individual characteristics, and detection information including detection device IDs, the identification data in the first database corresponding to the detection data in the detection information, and identification information including the detection device IDs, and a first database in which detection data and identification data are previously associated; a plurality of individual identification units configured to create individual identification information including the individual ID of the second database corresponding to the identification data in the identification information and the detection device ID, based on the identification information from the identification unit and a second database in which identification data and individual IDs are previously associated; a setting information storage unit that stores, for each of the plurality of detection devices, setting information that is set in association with a detection device ID, a degree of accuracy or a matching rate at which an individual can be identified by a detection device corresponding to the detection device ID, an application range that specifies a range to which the degree of accuracy applies, a location ID relating to a location where a detection device corresponding to the detection device ID is installed, and a priority order of the detection device ID relating to a detection device used at a location relating to the location ID; an individual identification unit configured to identify the individual and its location based on the individual identification information from at least one of the plurality of individual identification units and the setting information; Equipped with the plurality of detection devices include detection devices that acquire different types of detection data at different locations; Individual management server device. [Appendix 6] a plurality of identification devices that are installed at different predetermined locations and configured to acquire identification data based on characteristics of the individual or its accessories, and to acquire different types of identification data at different locations; An individual management server device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3; An individual management system comprising: [Appendix 7] a plurality of identification devices that are installed at different predetermined locations and configured to acquire identification data based on characteristics of the individual or its accessories, and to acquire different types of identification data at different locations; A mobile body equipped with another identification device that acquires identification data based on the characteristics of an individual or its accessories; an individual management server device according to Supplementary Note 4; An individual management system comprising: [Appendix 8] a plurality of detection devices installed at different predetermined locations and configured to acquire detection data based on characteristics of the individual, and to acquire different types of detection data at different locations; an individual management server device according to Supplementary Note 5; An individual management system comprising: [Appendix 9] An individual management method for managing an individual using hardware resources, comprising: creating individual identification information including the individual ID of the database corresponding to the identification data in the identification information and the identification device ID, based on identification information including the identification data and identification device ID from a corresponding identification device among a plurality of identification devices that are installed at different predetermined locations and acquire identification data based on characteristics of an individual or its accessories, and a database in which identification data and individual IDs are previously associated; Identifying the individual and its location based on the individual identification information from at least one of the plurality of individual identification units and preset setting information; Including, the plurality of identification devices include identification devices that acquire different types of identification data at different locations; The setting information associates, for each of the plurality of identification devices, an identification device ID, a degree of accuracy or a matching rate at which an individual can be identified by the identification device corresponding to the identification device ID, an application range that specifies a range within which the degree of accuracy is applied, a location ID relating to a location where the identification device corresponding to the identification device ID is installed, and a priority order of the identification device ID relating to the identification device used at the location relating to the location ID. Individual management methods. [Appendix 10] A program that causes hardware resources to execute processing for managing individuals, a process of creating individual identification information including the individual ID of the database corresponding to the identification data in the identification information and the identification device ID, based on identification information including the identification data and identification device ID from a corresponding identification device among a plurality of identification devices that are installed at different predetermined locations and acquire identification data based on characteristics of an individual or its accessories, and a database in which identification data and individual IDs are previously associated; a process of identifying the individual and its location based on the individual identification information from at least one of the plurality of individual identification units and preset setting information; causing the hardware resource to execute the plurality of identification devices include identification devices that acquire different types of identification data at different locations; The setting information associates, for each of the plurality of identification devices, an identification device ID, a degree of accuracy or a matching rate at which an individual can be identified by the identification device corresponding to the identification device ID, an application range that specifies a range within which the degree of accuracy is applied, a location ID relating to a location where the identification device corresponding to the identification device ID is installed, and a priority order of the identification device ID relating to the identification device used at the location relating to the location ID. program.

[0092] The disclosures of the above-cited patent documents are incorporated herein by reference and may be used as the basis or part of the present invention, as necessary. Modifications and adjustments of the embodiments and examples are possible within the scope of the entire disclosure of the present invention (including the claims and drawings), and further based on the basic technical concept thereof. Furthermore, various combinations and selections (or non-selections, as necessary) of the various disclosed elements (including each element of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible within the scope of the entire disclosure of the present invention. In other words, the present invention naturally includes various modifications and alterations that would be possible by a person skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure and technical concept, including the claims and drawings. Furthermore, with regard to the numerical values ​​and numerical ranges described in this application, any intermediate values, lower values, and smaller ranges are deemed to be included, even if not explicitly stated. Furthermore, the disclosures of the above-cited documents, when used in part or in whole in combination with the disclosures herein as part of the disclosure of the present invention, in accordance with the spirit of the present invention, are also deemed to be included in (belong to) the disclosures of this application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1. Individual Management System 2. Livestock barn 3 aisles 4. Ranch 5 Guide fence 6 Domestic animals (objects) 11A~11L 1st identification device 12A~12M 2nd identification device 13A~13N 3rd identification device 14A~14N Identification device 20 Individual management server device 21 First Individual Identification Unit 22 Second Individual Identification Unit 23 Third Individual Identification Department 24 Individual Identification Department 25 Setting information storage unit 26 Machine Learning Department 27 Mobile control unit 28 Fourth Individual Identification Unit 29A~29N Individual Identification Unit 30 Mobile 31 Third Identification Device 41A~41L First detection device 42A~42M Second detection device 43A~43N Third detection device 51 First Identification Unit 52 Second Identification Section 53 Third Identification Section 100 Hardware Resources 101 processors 102 memory 103 Network Interface 104 Internal Bus

Claims

1. a plurality of individual identification units configured to create individual identification information including the identification data from a corresponding identification device among a plurality of identification devices that are installed at different predetermined locations and acquire identification data based on characteristics of an individual or its accessories, and the individual ID of the database corresponding to the identification data in the identification information, and the identification information including the identification device ID, based on the identification data and identification information including the identification device ID, and a database in which identification data and individual IDs are previously associated; a setting information storage unit that stores, for each of the plurality of identification devices, setting information that is set in association with an identification device ID, a degree of accuracy or a matching rate at which an individual can be identified by an identification device corresponding to the identification device ID, an application range that defines a distance range to which the degree of accuracy applies, a location ID relating to a location where an identification device corresponding to the identification device ID is installed, and a priority order of the identification device ID relating to an identification device used at a location relating to the location ID; an individual identification unit configured to identify the individual and its location based on the individual identification information from at least one of the plurality of individual identification units and the setting information; Equipped with the identification data in the database is a different type of identification data for each of the plurality of individual identification units; Individual management server device.

2. The system further includes a machine learning unit that updates the database based on an individual ID of the individual identified by the individual identification unit and an identification device ID of the identification device that is a source of the identification information.

2. The individual management server device according to claim 1.

3. further comprising a guiding means installed to guide the movement of the individual to a location where any one of the plurality of identification devices is installed; 2. The individual management server device according to claim 1.

4. a mobile unit control unit configured to control a mobile unit equipped with another identification device that acquires identification data based on characteristics of an individual or its accessories, and to add a location ID corresponding to the location of the mobile unit to identification information including the identification data from the other identification device and an identification device ID based on control information of the mobile unit; the individual identification unit is configured to create individual identification information including the individual ID, the identification device ID, and the location ID of the database corresponding to the identification data in the identification information to which the location ID from the mobile object control unit is added.

2. The individual management server device according to claim 1.

5. a plurality of identification units configured to create, based on detection information including detection data from a corresponding detection device among a plurality of detection devices that are installed at different predetermined locations and acquire detection data based on individual characteristics, and detection information including a detection device ID, the identification data in the first database corresponding to the detection data in the detection information, and identification information including the detection device ID, and a first database in which detection data and identification data are previously associated with each other; a plurality of individual identification units configured to create individual identification information including the individual ID of the second database corresponding to the identification data in the identification information and the detection device ID, based on the identification information from the identification unit and a second database in which identification data and individual IDs are previously associated; a setting information storage unit that stores, for each of the plurality of detection devices, setting information that is set in association with a detection device ID, a degree of accuracy or a matching rate at which an individual can be identified by a detection device corresponding to the detection device ID, an application range that defines a distance range to which the degree of accuracy is applied, a location ID relating to a location where a detection device corresponding to the detection device ID is installed, and a priority order of the detection device ID relating to a detection device used at a location relating to the location ID; an individual identification unit configured to identify the individual and its location based on the individual identification information from at least one of the plurality of individual identification units and the setting information; Equipped with the detection data in the first database is a different type of detection data for each of the plurality of identification units, the identification data in the second database is identification data of a different type for each of the plurality of individual identification units; Individual management server device.

6. a plurality of identification devices installed at different predetermined locations and configured to acquire identification data based on characteristics of the individual or its accessories; The individual management server device according to claim 1; An individual management system comprising:

7. a plurality of identification devices installed at different predetermined locations and configured to acquire identification data based on characteristics of the individual or its accessories; A mobile body equipped with another identification device that acquires identification data based on the characteristics of an individual or its accessories; The individual management server device according to claim 4; An individual management system comprising:

8. a plurality of detection devices installed at different predetermined locations and configured to acquire detection data based on characteristics of the individual; The individual management server device according to claim 5; An individual management system comprising:

9. An individual management method for managing individuals using an individual management server device, comprising: The individual management server device includes a plurality of individual identification units and individual specification units, a step of creating individual identification information including the individual ID of the database corresponding to the identification data in the identification information and the identification device ID, based on identification information including the identification data and identification device ID from a corresponding identification device among a plurality of identification devices that are installed at different predetermined locations and acquire identification data based on characteristics of an individual or its accessories, and a database in which identification data and individual IDs are previously associated with each other, using the plurality of individual identification units; a step of identifying the individual and its location by the individual identification unit based on the individual identification information from at least one of the plurality of individual identification units and preset setting information; Including, the identification data in the database is identification data of a different type for each of the plurality of individual identification units, The setting information associates, for each of the plurality of identification devices, an identification device ID, a degree of accuracy or a matching rate at which an individual can be identified by the identification device corresponding to the identification device ID, an application range that specifies a distance range to which the degree of accuracy applies, a location ID relating to a location where the identification device corresponding to the identification device ID is installed, and a priority order of the identification device ID relating to the identification device used at the location relating to the location ID. Individual management methods.

10. A program that causes a computer serving as an individual management server device to execute a process for managing individuals, The individual management server device includes a plurality of individual identification units and individual specification units, a process of creating individual identification information including the individual ID of the database corresponding to the identification data in the identification information and the identification device ID, based on identification information including the identification data and identification device ID from a corresponding identification device among a plurality of identification devices that are installed in different predetermined locations and acquire identification data based on characteristics of an individual or its accessories, and a database in which identification data and individual IDs are previously associated with each other, by the plurality of individual identification units; a process by the individual identification unit to identify the individual and its location based on the individual identification information from at least one of the plurality of individual identification units and preset setting information; causing a computer serving as the individual management server device to execute the steps; the identification data in the database is identification data of a different type for each of the plurality of individual identification units, The setting information associates, for each of the plurality of identification devices, an identification device ID, a degree of accuracy or a matching rate at which an individual can be identified by the identification device corresponding to the identification device ID, an application range that specifies a distance range to which the degree of accuracy applies, a location ID relating to a location where the identification device corresponding to the identification device ID is installed, and a priority order of the identification device ID relating to the identification device used at the location relating to the location ID. program.

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