Animal observation support devices, systems, methods, and programs

Abstract

To shorten the waiting time for directly observing an animal, the behavior and state thereof that each visitor to a zoo wants to observe.SOLUTION: An animal observation support device (1) comprises: an acquisition unit (11) which acquires observation information observed by a prescribed observation device for an animal reared in a zoo; a first specification unit (12) which specifies a corresponding notification condition on the basis of the observation information from the plurality of notification conditions; a second specification unit (13) which specifies a portable terminal associated with the specified notification condition from the plurality of observation conditions in which the portable terminal possessed by each visitor is associated with the notification condition; and a notification unit (14) which notifies the specified portable terminal of guide information to an observation point of an animal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an animal observation support device, system, method, and program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for transmitting moving image data obtained by photographing the situation of each animal in a zoo to a server and distributing the moving image data via the Internet. With the technique according to Patent Document 1, moving images of the daily life state of animals can be viewed live or recorded at home or the like. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for predicting the behavior of an observation target such as an animal. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for detecting an abnormality of a pet and notifying the abnormality to the owner or a person other than the owner.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, the techniques according to Patent Documents 1 to 3 described above have a problem that it is difficult to directly observe the desired behavior and state of a desired animal for each visitor to the zoo. For example, in Patent Document 1, since the user views the moving image data of the animal via the screen, a sense of presence cannot be obtained. Further, in Patent Document 2, since the behavior prediction results of a specific animal are uniformly notified, the individual needs of each visitor cannot be satisfied. In addition, Patent Document 3 is intended for detecting unexpected situations of pets and cannot be applied to services for visitors to the zoo.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is, in light of the aforementioned issues, to provide an animal observation support device, system, method, and program that helps reduce the waiting time for each zoo visitor to directly observe the animals they wish to observe individually, as well as their behavior and condition. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The animal observation support device relating to this disclosure is An acquisition means for acquiring observation information obtained from animals kept in a zoo using a predetermined observation device, A first identification means for identifying the relevant notification condition from among multiple notification conditions based on the observation information, A second identification means for identifying a mobile device associated with the aforementioned identified notification condition from among multiple observation conditions, each of which is associated with a mobile device possessed by a visitor. A notification means for notifying the identified mobile terminal of information guiding it to the animal observation location, It is equipped with.

[0007] The animal observation support system related to this disclosure is Observation equipment installed in the zoo, The observation device is connected to an animal observation support device, The aforementioned animal observation support device is An acquisition means for acquiring observational information observed by the observation device for animals kept in the aforementioned zoo, A first identification means for identifying the relevant notification condition from among multiple notification conditions based on the observation information, A second identification means for identifying a mobile device associated with the aforementioned identified notification condition from among multiple observation conditions, each of which is associated with a mobile device possessed by a visitor. A notification means for notifying the identified mobile terminal of information guiding it to the animal observation location, It is equipped with.

[0008] The animal observation support method related to this disclosure is: Computers Observational information is obtained from animals kept in zoos using designated observation devices. From among multiple notification conditions, the relevant notification condition is identified based on the observation information. From among multiple observation conditions, each associated with a mobile device possessed by a visitor and notification conditions, the mobile device associated with the specified notification condition is identified. The identified mobile device will be notified with information guiding it to the animal observation location.

[0009] The animal observation support program related to this disclosure is An acquisition process for obtaining observation information from animals kept in a zoo using a predetermined observation device, A first identification process that identifies the applicable notification condition from among multiple notification conditions based on the observation information, A second identification process involves identifying a mobile device associated with a specified notification condition from among multiple observation conditions, each of which is associated with a mobile device possessed by a visitor. A notification process is performed to notify the identified mobile device of information guiding it to the animal observation location. Have the computer execute it. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] This disclosure provides animal observation support devices, systems, methods, and programs that help reduce the waiting time for each zoo visitor to directly observe the animals they wish to observe individually, as well as their behavior and condition. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the animal observation support device according to this first embodiment. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows the flow of the animal observation support method according to this embodiment 1. [Figure 3]It is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the animal observation support system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile terminal according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the animal observation support device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of the notification condition table according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the observation condition table according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the observation condition registration process according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of the options for the observation conditions according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the animal observation support process according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the observation condition registration process according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of the observation condition table according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the animal observation support process according to Embodiment 3.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted as necessary for clarity of explanation.

[0013] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the animal observation support device 1 according to this embodiment 1. The animal observation support device 1 is an information processing device that observes the behavioral state of animals kept in a zoo and notifies the relevant visitors when the animals reach the state that each visitor has individually desired. The animal observation support device 1 comprises an acquisition unit 11, a first identification unit 12, a second identification unit 13, and a notification unit 14.

[0014] The acquisition unit 11 acquires observation information from animals kept in the zoo using a predetermined observation device (not shown). Here, the observation device is a camera, sensor, etc., installed in the zoo. The observation information includes information such as the animal's movement status, location information, and body surface temperature detected or measured by the sensor, as well as images of the animal taken by the camera. If the animal is fitted with a non-contact IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, the observation information may also include the location information of the tag sensor detected by a tag sensor (an example of an observation device), and the distance information from the non-contact IC chip.

[0015] The first identification unit 12 identifies the appropriate notification condition from among multiple notification conditions based on observation information. Notification conditions are conditional information for notifying visitors of the timing and location of animal observation to their mobile devices. For each type of animal, the notification conditions are defined as combinations of various conditions that can be identified from observation information such as animal attribute information and behavior. Note that multiple observation locations may be set for each animal. Also, observation locations may be defined as being included in the combination of notification conditions.

[0016] The second identification unit 13 identifies the mobile device associated with the identified notification condition from among multiple observation conditions, each of which is associated with a mobile device carried by each visitor. The multiple observation conditions are pre-registered for each visitor in the animal observation support device 1 or other storage device (not shown).

[0017] The notification unit 14 notifies the identified mobile device of guidance information to the animal observation point. For example, the notification unit 14 may notify guidance information to lead visitors to the observation point included in the identified notification conditions.

[0018] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of the animal observation support method according to this embodiment 1. First, the acquisition unit 11 acquires observation information obtained from animals kept in the zoo using a predetermined observation device (S11). Next, the first identification unit 12 identifies the appropriate notification condition from among a plurality of notification conditions based on the observation information (S12). Then, the second identification unit 13 identifies the mobile terminal associated with the identified notification condition from among a plurality of observation conditions, each of which is associated with a mobile terminal carried by a visitor (S13). After that, the notification unit 14 notifies the identified mobile terminal of guidance information to the animal observation point (S14).

[0019] Thus, with this embodiment, visitors receive notifications on their mobile devices when the notification conditions included in the observation conditions for the animal they wish to see are met. The notification information then makes it easier for visitors to move to observation points where they can easily see the desired animal in their desired state. Therefore, it is possible to help reduce the waiting time for each individual visitor to directly observe the animal they wish to see and its behavior and condition.

[0020] The animal observation support device 1 includes a processor, memory, and storage device (not shown in the diagram). The storage device stores a computer program that implements the processing of the animal observation support method according to this embodiment. The processor loads the computer program from the storage device into the memory and executes the computer program. As a result, the processor realizes the functions of the acquisition unit 11, the first identification unit 12, the second identification unit 13, and the notification unit 14.

[0021] Alternatively, each component of the animal observation support device 1 may be implemented with dedicated hardware. Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device may be implemented by general-purpose or dedicated circuits, processors, etc., or combinations thereof. These may be composed of a single chip or multiple chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device may be implemented by a combination of the aforementioned circuits, etc., and programs. Additionally, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), quantum processor (quantum computer control chip), etc., can be used as the processor.

[0022] Furthermore, if some or all of the components of the animal observation support device 1 are implemented by multiple information processing devices or circuits, these devices may be centrally located or distributed. For example, the information processing devices or circuits may be implemented in a form in which each is connected via a communication network, such as a client-server system or a cloud computing system. In addition, the functions of the animal observation support device 1 may be provided in SaaS (Software as a Service) format.

[0023] <Embodiment 2> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the animal observation support system 1000 according to this second embodiment. The animal observation support system 1000 is an information system that notifies visitors U1 to U3 of the observation of a predetermined animal AN, etc., in zoo z in a way that meets their individual needs. The animal observation support system 1000 includes a camera 101, a sensor 102, a tag sensor 103, a contactless IC tag 104, an animal observation support device 200, and mobile terminals 300-1 to 300-3. Note that multiple cameras 101, sensors 102, and tag sensors 103 may be installed in the animal area 100. Also, it is assumed that at least one of the cameras 101, sensors 102, and tag sensors 103 is installed in zoo z. The cameras 101, sensors 102, tag sensors 103, animal observation support device 200, and mobile terminals 300-1 to 300-3 are connected to communicate via a network N. Here, network N is a wired or wireless communication line, and may include the Internet.

[0024] Zoo z houses animals AN within an animal area 100. The animal area 100 is an area accessible to visitors for observation and viewing of animals AN, and is typically an enclosure or outdoor living space. Camera 101, sensor 102, and tag sensor 103 are examples of observation devices installed within the animal area 100. Note that observation devices may be installed outside the animal area 100, as long as they are within Zoo z. Camera 101 is an example of a photographic device that photographs animals AN within the animal area 100 and transmits the captured images to an animal observation support device 200 via the network N.

[0025] Sensor 102 may be a detector that detects the movement of an animal AN within a predetermined range, or a measuring instrument that measures the surface temperature of an animal AN. When sensor 102 detects or measures the movement of an animal AN, it transmits the detection information or measurement information to the animal observation support device 200 via the network N. The detection information may include, for example, the ID of sensor 102, the location information of sensor 102, the date and time of detection, and the estimated distance and direction from sensor 102 to the animal AN. The measurement information may include, for example, the ID of sensor 102, the location information of sensor 102, the date and time of measurement, and the surface temperature. In addition, sensor 102 may detect the operating state and behavior of an animal AN within a predetermined range and include this in the detection information. For example, an acceleration sensor or a LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) sensor may be used for sensor 102.

[0026] Furthermore, a contactless IC tag 104 may be attached to the animal AN. The contactless IC tag 104 may also be called a contactless IC chip. The contactless IC tag 104 stores identification information such as a tag ID in its internal electronic storage medium. The electronic storage medium of the contactless IC tag 104 may also contain identification information of the attached animal AN, name, species, sex, and other individual information. The contactless IC tag 104 transmits at least the tag ID to the tag sensor 103 via short-range wireless communication. In addition to the tag ID, the contactless IC tag 104 may also transmit individual information.

[0027] The tag sensor 103 detects the contactless IC tag 104 via short-range wireless communication, receives the tag ID and other information from the contactless IC tag 104, and transmits the detection information, including the tag ID and other information, to the animal observation support device 200 via the network N. The detection information may include, for example, the tag ID of the contactless IC tag 104, individual information of the animal AN, location information of the tag sensor 103, detection date and time, and estimated distance and direction from the tag sensor 103 to the contactless IC tag 104. Furthermore, the tag sensor 103 can be said to have a function to identify the type of animal AN when it receives individual information from the contactless IC tag 104. Alternatively, the tag sensor 103 may have a database that associates tag IDs with individual information. In that case, the tag sensor 103 may refer to the database, identify the individual information associated with the received tag ID, and include it in the detection information.

[0028] Animal area 100 may have one or more observation points P1 to P3 around it. Observation points P1, etc. are examples of places where visitors U1, etc. can observe animals AN. The degree to which visitors can observe animals AN at observation points P1, etc. may vary depending on the location and behavior of animals AN within animal area 100. Furthermore, observation points P1, etc. may be designated in advance for each visitor, depending on the location and behavior of animals AN.

[0029] Mobile terminal 300-1 is a wireless communication terminal carried by visitor U1 within zoo z. Mobile terminal 300-2 is a wireless communication terminal carried by visitor U2 within zoo z. Mobile terminal 300-3 is a wireless communication terminal carried by visitor U3 within zoo z. Each of mobile terminals 300-1 to 300-3 has the same configuration and may be collectively referred to as mobile terminal 300 below.

[0030] The mobile terminal 300 is an information processing device equipped with wireless communication capabilities, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet. The mobile terminal 300 registers the visitor's observation conditions with the animal observation support device 200. The mobile terminal 300 also acquires location information using GPS (Global Positioning System) functionality, etc., and returns the current location information in response to a request from the animal observation support device 200. Furthermore, if the observation information acquired from the animal AN matches the visitor's observation conditions, the mobile terminal 300 receives and displays guidance information from the animal observation support device 200 to the observation point P1, etc., for observing the animal AN.

[0031] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile terminal 300 according to this second embodiment. The mobile terminal 300 comprises a reception unit 310, a transmission unit 320, a location information acquisition unit 330, a receiving unit 340, and a display unit 350. The reception unit 310 receives information regarding observation conditions from a user, such as a park visitor. The transmission unit 320 transmits a registration request, including the received information, to the animal observation support device 200 via the network N. The transmission unit 320 also transmits location information to the animal observation support device 200 via the network N in response to a request for location information from the animal observation support device 200.

[0032] The location information acquisition unit 330 acquires the current location information of the mobile terminal 300 using its GPS function. The location information acquisition unit 330 may store the acquired location information in memory (not shown) or the like. The receiving unit 340 receives location information requests and guidance information from the animal observation support device 200 via the network N. The display unit 350 displays the received guidance information on a display device (not shown).

[0033] The mobile terminal 300, although not shown in the diagram, includes a processor, memory, storage device, communication interface unit, wireless communication circuit, GPS communication circuit, etc. The storage device stores a program in which the processing of the mobile terminal 300 is implemented. This program implements the processing of the reception unit 310, transmission unit 320, location information acquisition unit 330, receiving unit 340, and display unit 350 described above. The processor loads the program from the storage device into memory and executes the program. In this way, the processor realizes the functions of the reception unit 310, transmission unit 320, location information acquisition unit 330, receiving unit 340, and display unit 350 described above.

[0034] Returning to Figure 3, we continue the explanation. The animal observation support device 200 is an example of the animal observation support device 1 described above. The animal observation support device 200 is an information processing device that receives observation information from a camera 101, etc., via the network N, identifies notification conditions and mobile terminal information based on the observation information, and notifies the identified mobile terminal of guidance information when the conditions are met. The animal observation support device 200 may be redundantly implemented on multiple servers, and each functional block may be implemented on multiple computers.

[0035] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the animal observation support device 200 according to this second embodiment. The animal observation support device 200 comprises a storage unit 210, a memory 220, a communication unit 230, and a control unit 240. The storage unit 210 is a storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory. The storage unit 210 stores an animal observation support program 211, a notification condition table 212, an observation condition table 213, and map information 214. The animal observation support program 211 is a computer program on which the animal observation support processing according to this embodiment is implemented.

[0036] The notification condition table 212 is a table that defines animal status information as notification conditions. Specifically, the notification condition table 212 is a table that defines combinations of animal attribute information and behavioral states for each type of animal. Furthermore, the notification condition table 212 may also include a range of observation distances for observing animals from observation points. In addition, the notification condition table 212 may include an upper limit on the travel distance required for visitors to move from their current location to the observation point. Furthermore, the notification condition table 212 may also include observation points.

[0037] Observation conditions table 213 is a table that associates each visitor's mobile device with notification conditions. Furthermore, notification conditions may be set for each combination of mobile device and animal species in observation conditions table 213.

[0038] Map information 214 is map information for zoo z, and includes information such as the locations of animal areas 100, observation points P1 to P3, and walkways accessible to visitors within zoo z. The animal observation support program 211, notification condition table 212, and map information 214 are pre-registered in the storage unit 210.

[0039] Figure 6 shows an example of a notification condition table 212 according to this second embodiment. The notification condition table 212 includes "No," "Condition Name," "Sex," "Behavioral State," "Observation Distance," and "Upper Limit of Travel Distance" as table attributes. Note that the notification condition table 212 may be defined for each animal kept at zoo z and subject to observation. Alternatively, the notification condition table 212 may further include "Animal Type" as a table attribute. Furthermore, the notification condition table 212 may further include "Observation Location" as a table attribute.

[0040] "No" indicates the record number in Notification Condition Table 212. "Condition Name" indicates the name or identification information of the notification condition. "Sex" indicates the sex of the animal that the visitor wishes to observe, either "male," "female," or "unspecified." "Behavioral Status" indicates the behavior or state of the animal that the visitor wishes to observe, such as "active," "stationary," "sleeping," or "eating." "Observation Distance" indicates the relative distance at which the visitor wishes to observe the animal is either "close," "far," or "unspecified." Observation distance is the distance that the visitor wishes to observe the animal from the observation point. In other words, observation distance can be said to be the distance required to observe the animal from the observation point. And "Observation Distance" can be said to be the range of observation distances that the visitor is willing to accept when they wish to observe. "Upper Limit of Travel Distance" is the upper limit of the travel distance required for the visitor to travel from their current location to the observation point. For example, "Upper Limit of Travel Distance" may be the range of distance that the visitor is willing to travel after receiving notification.

[0041] Figure 7 shows an example of an observation condition table 213 according to this second embodiment. The observation condition table 213 is a table in which notification conditions or no notification are set for each combination of mobile terminal information and target animal. The mobile terminal information shows the identification information, destination information, etc. of mobile terminals 300-1 to 300-3, each carried by visitor U1 to U3. The target animals are multiple types of animals kept at zoo z. For example, the combination of mobile terminal information "300-1" and target animal "lion" indicates that the notification condition name "Notification Condition 1" is set.

[0042] Returning to Figure 5, we continue the explanation. Memory 220 is a volatile storage device such as RAM (Random Access Memory), and is a storage area for temporarily holding information when the control unit 240 is operating. The communication unit 230 is an interface that performs communication processing between the inside and outside of the animal observation support device 200.

[0043] The control unit 240 is a processor, or control device, that controls each component of the animal observation support device 200. The control unit 240 loads the animal observation support program 211 from the storage unit 210 into the memory 220 and executes the animal observation support program 211. In this way, the control unit 240 realizes the functions of the receiving unit 241, the registration unit 242, the identification unit 243, the determination unit 244, the generation unit 245, and the transmission unit 246.

[0044] The receiving unit 241 is an example of the acquisition unit 11 described above. The receiving unit 241 uses the communication unit 230 to receive data transmitted from an external source via the network N and outputs it to the registration unit 242, etc. Specifically, the receiving unit 241 receives a request to register observation conditions from the mobile terminal 300. The receiving unit 241 also acquires observation information of animals AN kept in zoo z, observed by the camera 101, sensor 102, or tag sensor 103. The observation information includes, for example, location information of the animal AN detected by the sensor 102 or tag sensor 103 installed in zoo z, attribute information of the animal AN (species and sex), and at least one of the images of the animal AN taken by the camera 101 installed in zoo z. The receiving unit 241 also acquires the current location information of the mobile terminal 300 from the mobile terminal 300 identified by the identification unit 243. If the identification unit 243 identifies two or more candidate mobile terminals under multiple observation conditions, the receiving unit 241 obtains the current location information from the mobile terminal associated with each candidate.

[0045] The registration unit 242 registers the visitor's observation conditions in the observation conditions table 213 in response to a registration request from the mobile terminal 300.

[0046] The identification unit 243 is an example of the first identification unit 12 and the second identification unit 13 described above. The identification unit 243 identifies the appropriate notification conditions from the notification condition table 212 based on the observation information. Specifically, the identification unit 243 derives animal status information from the observation information and identifies notification conditions that satisfy the derived status information from the notification condition table 212. For example, the identification unit 243 may derive status information by performing predetermined processing, transformation, and estimation on the observation information. Specifically, the identification unit 243 may identify the type and sex of the animal associated with the tag ID, identify the animal's position within the animal area 100 by analyzing the distance between the observation device and the target animal and the captured images, identify visibility and observation distance from the position, and use these as analysis results. Furthermore, the identification unit 243 may derive status information by performing predetermined processing, transformation, and estimation from multiple types of observation information (raw data such as detection results). Furthermore, the specific unit 243 may derive situational information by performing predetermined processing, conversion, and estimation of multiple observational information obtained from multiple types of observation devices.

[0047] Furthermore, the identification unit 243 further derives the observation distance from the animal's location information included in the observation information, and identifies a notification condition from the notification condition table 212 that satisfies the derived situation information and whose derived observation distance falls within the range. This allows a notification to be sent to the visitor's mobile device if the animal is within the observation distance range desired by the visitor.

[0048] Furthermore, the memory unit 210 may store a database that associates tag IDs with individual information. In this case, the identification unit 243 may refer to the database and derive individual information associated with the tag IDs included in the observation information, that is, the type of target animal, etc.

[0049] Furthermore, the identification unit 243 identifies two or more notification conditions as candidates from the notification condition table 212, based on the observation information. In other words, the information obtained from the observation information includes the animal species, sex, behavioral state, observation distance, etc., and is part of the table attributes of the notification condition table 212. Therefore, there may be multiple records that can be identified from the notification condition table 212 based on the observation information.

[0050] Furthermore, the identification unit 243 may select observation locations from the specified notification conditions. For example, the identification unit 243 may identify observation locations that meet the observation distance range based on the location information of the target animal based on the observation information and the location information of each observation location.

[0051] Furthermore, the notification condition table 212 may include, in addition to or instead of, information indicating the degree to which the target animal is easily visible from the observation point. For example, even if the observation distance is relatively close, if the target animal is hidden behind something, it can be said that it is difficult to see from that observation point. In that case, the identification unit 243 may identify the observation point if the target animal is easily visible based on the relationship between the location information of the target animal and the location information of each observation point.

[0052] Furthermore, the identification unit 243 identifies a mobile terminal associated with the identified notification condition from the observation condition table 213. At this time, the identification unit 243 may identify as the notification destination a mobile terminal that has been determined by the determination unit 244 (described later) to be less than or equal to the upper limit of travel distance, from among a plurality of mobile terminals associated with the candidate notification condition.

[0053] The determination unit 244 determines whether a notification condition name specific to the target animal is registered in the observation condition table 213. The determination unit 244 also determines whether the distance between the observation point of the target animal and the mobile terminal is less than or equal to the upper limit of the travel distance for the registered notification condition name. In other words, the determination unit 244 determines whether or not to send a notification to the mobile terminal associated with the specified notification condition. At this time, the determination unit 244 may calculate the travel distance from the map information 214, the location information of the mobile terminal to be notified, and the observation point.

[0054] If the generation unit 245 determines that notification is necessary, it generates guidance information from the map information 214, the location information of the mobile device to be notified, and the observation point. Specifically, the generation unit 245 generates guidance information that shows the route from the current location of the mobile device (visitor) to the observation point within the zoo z. The generation unit 245 also generates guidance information that includes the type, sex, and behavior of the target animal that meets the observation conditions.

[0055] The transmitting unit 246 is an example of the notification unit 14 described above. The transmitting unit 246 transmits guidance information to the animal observation point to the identified mobile terminal. Specifically, the transmitting unit 246 should send guidance information when the distance between the acquired location information and the observation point of the target animal is less than or equal to the upper limit of the travel distance included in the identified notification conditions. This allows notifications to be sent when the travel distance is acceptable to the visitor, thereby improving visitor satisfaction.

[0056] Furthermore, the transmitting unit 246 may notify mobile terminals associated with candidates where the distance between the acquired location information and the animal observation point is determined to be less than or equal to the upper limit of the travel distance.

[0057] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the observation condition registration process according to this second embodiment. For example, visitor U1 registers observation conditions before or upon arrival at zoo z. First, the mobile terminal 300-1 displays an observation condition selection screen in response to visitor U1's operation. Then, the mobile terminal 300-1 accepts the visitor U1's selection of observation conditions for each type and classification of animal (S201).

[0058] Figure 9 shows an example of the observation condition options according to this second embodiment. Here, multiple classifications and options within each classification are shown for each target animal. Examples of classifications include, but are not limited to, "sex," "behavioral state," "observation distance," and "maximum movement distance." The classifications only need to correspond to the table attributes of the notification condition table 212 described above. Similarly, the options only need to be information that can be set for each classification within the notification condition table 212.

[0059] Returning to Figure 8, we continue the explanation. Next, the mobile terminal 300-1 transmits the selection information for observation conditions to the animal observation support device 200 (S202). The selection information is, for example, a combination of classification and options for each type of target animal. For example, visitor U1 may have selected "male," "active," "close," and "10m" for lions, no selection for tigers, and "male," "active," "close," and "20m" for elephants.

[0060] The animal observation support device 200 then receives the selection information for observation conditions from the mobile terminal 300-1 via the network N. The animal observation support device 200 then identifies the combination of notification conditions for each animal corresponding to the received selection information from the notification condition table 212 (S203). In the above example, the animal observation support device 200 identifies the combination of notification condition 1 for lions, no notification required for tigers, and notification condition 2 for elephants for the source mobile terminal 300-1.

[0061] Subsequently, the animal observation support device 200 associates the identified combination with the mobile terminal information and registers it in the observation condition table 213 (S204). In the example above, the record for mobile terminal information "300-1" in Figure 7 is registered. If the same mobile terminal has selected observation conditions multiple times, the observation conditions may be overwritten or the history may be saved.

[0062] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the animal observation support processing according to this embodiment 2. First, the receiving unit 241 acquires observation information of the target animal (S301). For example, the receiving unit 241 receives the captured image of the animal AN from the camera 101, the location information of the animal AN from the sensor 102, the tag ID from the tag sensor 103, etc., as observation information.

[0063] Next, the identification unit 243 identifies a list of notification condition names from the target animal notification condition table 212 that some of the conditions apply based on the observation information (S302). Specifically, first, the identification unit 243 identifies the type of target animal from the location of the observation device, the tag ID, and individual information. Then, the identification unit 243 derives the sex, behavioral state, and degree of observation distance from the observation information and lists the notification condition names of the records in the target animal notification condition table 212 that match the sex, behavioral state, and degree of observation distance. At this time, the identification unit 243 identifies observation points that satisfy the range of observation distance from the location information of the target animal and the location information of each observation point where the animal can be observed.

[0064] The determination unit 244 then determines whether there are any unselected notification condition names in the identified list (S303). If it is the first time, the process proceeds to step S304. Therefore, the identification unit 243 selects an unselected notification condition name from the list (S304). The determination unit 244 then determines whether the selected notification condition name is registered in the observation condition table 213 for the target animal (S305). If the notification condition name is not registered (NO in S305), the process returns to step S303.

[0065] On the other hand, if a notification condition name is registered (YES in S305), the identification unit 243 identifies the mobile terminal associated with the notification condition name from the observation condition table 213 (S306). Then, the transmission unit 246 sends a request for location information to the identified mobile terminal via the network N. In response, the reception unit 241 obtains the location information from the mobile terminal via the network N (S307).

[0066] Next, the determination unit 244 reads map information 214 from the storage unit 210 (S308). The determination unit 244 then calculates the distance traveled from the map information 214, the location information obtained from the mobile terminal, and the identified observation point. The determination unit 244 then determines whether the distance between the observation point of the target animal and the mobile terminal is less than or equal to the upper limit of the distance traveled for the selected notification condition name (S309). If it is not less than or equal to the upper limit (NO in S309), the process returns to step S303.

[0067] On the other hand, if the value is below the upper limit (YES in S309), the generation unit 245 generates guidance information from the map information 214, the location information of the mobile terminal to be notified, and the observation point (S310). Then, the transmission unit 246 transmits the generated guidance information to the mobile terminal identified above via the network N (S311). Accordingly, for example, mobile terminal 300-1 receives the guidance information and displays it on its screen. As a result, visitor U1 can understand, for example, that the male lion they desire is currently active, that the observation distance from the lion's observation point is relatively close, and that the distance from visitor U1's current location to the observation point is 10m. Visitor U1 can then easily move to the observation point by looking at the route in the guidance information and observe the desired lion directly in real time.

[0068] Subsequently, the process returns to step S303. If there are unselected notification condition names in the identified list (YES in S303), steps S304 to S311 are executed. On the other hand, if there are no unselected notification condition names in the identified list (NO in S303), that is, if processing has been performed for all notification condition names in the list, the animal observation support process is terminated.

[0069] Furthermore, the animal observation support processing may be performed either serially or in parallel for each target animal. It is also preferable that the animal observation support processing be performed periodically. For example, the animal observation support processing may be performed at one-minute intervals between opening and closing times.

[0070] According to this embodiment, by matching observation information obtained from contactless IC tags attached to animals or sensors and cameras installed nearby with observation conditions for animals entered from visitors' mobile terminals, it is possible to provide visitors with the opportunity to directly see animals in their desired state. For example, in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, in order to see an animal in the desired state, visitors could only either continuously observe the video and wait, or view the captured images later on a monitor. In other words, the aforementioned Patent Document 1 did not provide a sense of realism. In contrast, with this embodiment, visitors can effectively utilize their time by freely exploring other areas of zoo z without being bound by time or place until the desired animal reaches the desired state. Furthermore, when the desired animal reaches the desired state, guidance information is notified to the visitor's mobile terminal, allowing visitors to reach the observation point quickly and without getting lost, and see the animal in the desired state. In particular, visitors can also experience a sense of realism by seeing the animal in its desired state live.

[0071] <Embodiment 3> This third embodiment is a modification of the second embodiment described above. In this third embodiment, a posture image showing the posture of an animal that a visitor wishes to observe is used as the notification condition. Therefore, it is preferable to include a posture image in the notification condition. A posture image is an image that includes the posture, position, etc., of the animal that the visitor wishes to observe. The acquisition unit acquires images of animals taken by a camera, which is an observation device installed in the zoo, as observation information. The first identification unit identifies a notification condition that includes a posture image if the degree of similarity between the captured image and the posture image is above a threshold. The overall configuration of the animal observation support system according to this embodiment is the same as in Figure 3 described above, and explanations that overlap with the second embodiment, including other details, will be omitted as appropriate.

[0072] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the observation condition registration process according to this embodiment 3. First, it is assumed that visitor U1 has already acquired a posture image, i.e., a still image, showing the posture of the animal they wish to observe, which they have previously photographed or obtained. Then, the mobile terminal 300-1 receives the posture image for each type of animal and the upper limit of the movement distance from visitor U1 (S401).

[0073] Next, the mobile terminal 300-1 transmits the posture image and the upper limit of the movement distance to the animal observation support device 200 (S402). The animal observation support device 200 then receives the posture image and the upper limit of the movement distance from the mobile terminal 300-1 via the network N.

[0074] The animal observation support device 200 then registers the received posture image and upper limit of movement distance in the observation condition table 213a, associating them with the mobile terminal information (S403). Figure 12 shows an example of the observation condition table 213a according to this third embodiment. The observation condition table 213a shows that the posture image and upper limit of movement distance are set as notification conditions for each combination of mobile terminal information and target animal.

[0075] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the animal observation support process according to this third embodiment. First, the receiving unit 241 acquires an image of the target animal from the camera 101 (S501). Next, the identification unit 243 extracts an observation image indicating the region of the target animal from the captured image (S502). At this time, the identification unit 243 may identify the target animal by analyzing the observation image or by the installation position of the camera 101, etc.

[0076] The determination unit 244 then determines whether or not there are any unselected posture images for the target animal in the observation condition table 213a (S503). If there are unselected posture images (YES in S503), the identification unit 243 selects the unselected posture images and the upper limit of the movement distance from the observation condition table 213a (S504). The determination unit 244 then compares the observation image and the posture image and calculates the similarity (S505). The similarity may be a numerical value or level value indicating the degree of agreement or similarity through image matching. Alternatively, the determination unit 244 may calculate the feature quantities of the target animal from both the observation image and the posture image, compare the feature quantities, and calculate the similarity.

[0077] The determination unit 244 then determines whether the similarity is above or below a threshold (S506). If the similarity is below the threshold (NO in S506), the process returns to step S503. If the similarity is above or below the threshold (YES in S506), the identification unit 243 identifies the mobile terminal associated with the posture image from the observation condition table 213a (S507). The transmission unit 246 then sends a request for location information to the identified mobile terminal via the network N. In response, the reception unit 241 obtains the location information from the mobile terminal via the network N (S508). Subsequently, the determination unit 244 reads the map information 214 from the storage unit 210 (S509). The determination unit 244 then determines whether the distance between the observation point of the target animal and the mobile terminal is below or below the upper limit of the selected travel distance (S510). If it is not below the upper limit (NO in S510), the process returns to step S503. On the other hand, if the value is below the upper limit (YES in S510), the generation unit 245 generates guidance information as described above (S511). Then, the transmission unit 246 transmits the generated guidance information to the mobile terminal identified above via the network N (S512).

[0078] Thus, in this embodiment 3, by registering the posture image (and the upper limit of the movement distance) without making detailed selections as notification conditions, the same effects as in embodiment 2 described above can be achieved.

[0079] <Other Embodiments> Although the above embodiments were described as hardware configurations, the invention is not limited thereto. This disclosure can also be implemented by having the CPU execute computer programs to perform any desired processing.

[0080] In the examples described above, the program includes a set of instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium that includes electrically, optically, acoustically or otherwise propagating signals.

[0081] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, this disclosure may be implemented by combining the respective embodiments as appropriate.

[0082] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: (Note A1) An acquisition means for acquiring observation information obtained from animals kept in a zoo using a predetermined observation device, A first identification means for identifying the relevant notification condition from among multiple notification conditions based on the observation information, A second identification means for identifying a mobile device associated with the aforementioned identified notification condition from among multiple observation conditions, each of which is associated with a mobile device possessed by a visitor. A notification means for notifying the identified mobile terminal of information guiding it to the animal observation location, An animal observation support device equipped with the following features. (Appendix A2) The notification conditions include an upper limit on the distance that the visitor must travel from their current location to the observation point. The acquisition means acquires the current location information from the identified mobile terminal, The notification means notifies the guidance information when the distance between the acquired location information and the observation point of the animal is less than or equal to the upper limit of the travel distance included in the specified notification conditions. The animal observation support device described in Appendix A1. (Note A3) The first identification means identifies two or more notification conditions that can be identified based on the observation information as candidates, The acquisition means acquires current location information from a mobile terminal associated with each of the two or more candidates identified under the plurality of observation conditions. The notification means notifies the guidance information to the mobile terminal associated with a candidate where the distance between the acquired location information and the animal observation point is determined to be less than or equal to the upper limit. Animal observation support device as described in Appendix A2. (Note A4) The observation information includes at least one of the location information of the animal detected by the sensor, which is an observation device installed in the zoo, the attribute information of the animal, and an image of the animal taken by a camera, which is another observation device installed in the zoo. The notification conditions include setting situational information that includes at least one of the animal's species, sex, and behavior. The first specified means is, From the aforementioned observational information, information about the animal's condition is derived, From among the multiple notification conditions mentioned above, identify the notification condition that satisfies the derived situation information. An animal observation support device as described in any one of the items A1 to A3 in the appendix. (Note A5) The notification conditions further include the range of observation distance for observing the animal from the observation point, The first specified means is, The observation distance is further derived from the position information of the animal included in the observation information, From among the multiple notification conditions, identify the notification conditions that satisfy the derived situational information and whose derived observation distance satisfies the range. Animal observation support device as described in Appendix A4. (Note A6) The notification conditions include a posture image showing the posture of the animal that the visitor wishes to observe. The acquisition means acquires the images of the animals taken by the camera, which is an observation device installed in the zoo, as observation information. The first identification means identifies a notification condition that includes the posture image if the degree of similarity between the captured image and the posture image is equal to or greater than a threshold. Animal observation support device as described in Appendix A1 or A2. (Note B1) Observation equipment installed in the zoo, The observation device is connected to an animal observation support device, The aforementioned animal observation support device is An acquisition means for acquiring observational information observed by the observation device for animals kept in the aforementioned zoo, A first identification means for identifying the relevant notification condition from among multiple notification conditions based on the observation information, A second identification means for identifying a mobile device associated with the aforementioned identified notification condition from among multiple observation conditions, each of which is associated with a mobile device possessed by a visitor. A notification means for notifying the identified mobile terminal of information guiding it to the animal observation location, An animal observation support system equipped with the following features. (Note B2) The notification conditions include an upper limit on the distance that the visitor must travel from their current location to the observation point. The acquisition means acquires the current location information from the identified mobile terminal, The notification means notifies the guidance information when the distance between the acquired location information and the observation point of the animal is less than or equal to the upper limit of the travel distance included in the specified notification conditions. The animal observation support system described in Appendix B1. (Note C1) Computers Observational information is obtained from animals kept in zoos using designated observation devices. From among multiple notification conditions, the relevant notification condition is identified based on the observation information. From among multiple observation conditions, each associated with a mobile device possessed by a visitor and notification conditions, the mobile device associated with the specified notification condition is identified. The mobile device identified above will be notified with information guiding it to the animal observation location. Methods for supporting animal observation. (Note D1) An acquisition process for obtaining observation information from animals kept in a zoo using a predetermined observation device, A first identification process that identifies the applicable notification condition from among multiple notification conditions based on the observation information, A second identification process involves identifying a mobile device associated with a specified notification condition from among multiple observation conditions, each of which is associated with a mobile device possessed by a visitor. A notification process is performed to notify the identified mobile device of information guiding it to the animal observation location. An animal observation support program that uses a computer to perform the following actions.

[0083] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments (and examples), the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments (and examples). Various modifications to the structure and details of the present invention can be made, as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1. Animal observation support device 11 Acquisition Department 12. First specific section 13. Second Special Section 14 Notification Department 1000 Animal Observation Support System z zoo 100 Animal Area An animal 101 Camera 102 Sensors 103 Tag Sensor 104 Contactless IC Tags P1-P3 Observation Sites N Network 200 Animal observation support devices 210 Storage section 211 Animal Observation Support Program 212 Notification Conditions Table 213, 213a Observation Conditions Table 214 Map Information 220 memory 230 Communications Department 240 Control Unit 241 Receiving Unit 242 Registration Department 243 Specific part 244 Judgment section 245 Generation part 246 Transmitter 300, 300-1~300-3 Mobile devices 310 Reception Department 320 Transmitter 330 Location information acquisition unit 340 Receiver 350 Display section U1-U3 Visitors

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring observation information obtained from animals kept in a zoo using a predetermined observation device, A first identification means for identifying the relevant notification condition from among multiple notification conditions based on the observation information, A second identification means for identifying a mobile device associated with a specified notification condition from among multiple observation conditions for the visitor to observe the animals, where each visitor's mobile device is associated with a notification condition, A notification means for notifying the identified mobile terminal of information guiding it to the animal observation location, An animal observation support device equipped with the following features.

2. The notification conditions include an upper limit on the distance that the visitor must travel from their current location to the observation point. The acquisition means acquires the current location information from the identified mobile terminal, The notification means notifies the guidance information when the distance between the acquired location information and the observation point of the animal is less than or equal to the upper limit of the travel distance included in the notification conditions identified based on the observation information. The animal observation support device according to claim 1.

3. The first identification means identifies two or more notification conditions that can be identified based on the observation information as candidates, The acquisition means acquires current location information from a mobile terminal associated with each of the two or more candidates identified under the plurality of observation conditions. The notification means notifies the guidance information to the mobile terminal associated with a candidate where the distance between the acquired location information and the animal observation point is determined to be less than or equal to the upper limit. The animal observation support device according to claim 2.

4. The observation information includes location information of the animal detected by the sensor, which is an observation device installed in the zoo, attribute information of the animal, and images of the animal taken by a camera, which is another observation device installed in the zoo. The notification conditions include setting situational information that includes at least one of the animal's species, sex, and behavior. The first specifying means is, From the aforementioned observational information, information about the animal's condition is derived, From among the multiple notification conditions mentioned above, identify the notification condition that satisfies the derived situation information. The animal observation support device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The notification conditions further include the range of observation distance for observing the animal from the observation point, The first specifying means is, The observation distance is further derived from the position information of the animal included in the observation information, From among the multiple notification conditions, identify the notification conditions that satisfy the derived situational information and whose derived observation distance satisfies the range. The animal observation support device according to claim 4.

6. The notification conditions include a posture image showing the posture of the animal that the visitor wishes to observe. The acquisition means acquires the images of the animals taken by the camera, which is an observation device installed in the zoo, as observation information. The first identification means identifies a notification condition that includes the posture image if the degree of similarity between the captured image and the posture image is equal to or greater than a threshold. The animal observation support device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. Observation equipment installed in the zoo, The observation device is connected to an animal observation support device, The aforementioned animal observation support device is An acquisition means for acquiring observational information observed by the observation device for animals kept in the aforementioned zoo, A first identification means for identifying the relevant notification condition from among multiple notification conditions based on the observation information, A second identification means for identifying a mobile device associated with a specified notification condition from among multiple observation conditions for the visitor to observe the animals, where each visitor's mobile device is associated with a notification condition, A notification means for notifying the identified mobile terminal of information guiding it to the animal observation location, An animal observation support system equipped with the following features.

8. The notification conditions include an upper limit on the distance that the visitor must travel from their current location to the observation point. The acquisition means acquires the current location information from the identified mobile terminal, The notification means notifies the guidance information when the distance between the acquired location information and the observation point of the animal is less than or equal to the upper limit of the travel distance included in the notification conditions identified based on the observation information. The animal observation support system according to claim 7.

9. Computers Observational information is obtained from animals kept in zoos using designated observation devices. From among multiple notification conditions, the relevant notification condition is identified based on the observation information. From among multiple observation conditions for the visitor to observe the animals, each visitor has a mobile device that is associated with a notification condition, and the mobile device associated with the specified notification condition is identified. The mobile device identified above will be notified with information guiding it to the animal observation location. Methods for supporting animal observation.

10. An acquisition process for obtaining observation information from animals kept in a zoo using a predetermined observation device, A first identification process that identifies the applicable notification condition from among multiple notification conditions based on the observation information, A second identification process involves identifying a mobile device associated with a specified notification condition from among multiple observation conditions for the visitor to observe the animals, where each visitor's mobile device is associated with a notification condition. A notification process is performed to notify the identified mobile device of information guiding it to the animal observation location. An animal observation support program that uses a computer to perform the following actions.

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