Pet-friendly travel management system and pet-friendly travel management method
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JTB BUSINESS INNOVATORS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
【0006】 本発明の一態様によれば、ペットを同伴する旅行において、旅程を構成する各要素や法令等で設定された複雑な受け入れ条件と、同伴ペットの情報との合致を自動的且つ正確に判定し、円滑な予約、及び受け入れ条件が担保された旅行を実現することができる。
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Figure 0007898641000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a pet-accompanying travel management system and a pet-accompanying travel management method.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, a system is known that determines whether a reservation is possible based on travel conditions such as date and time, location, and number of people set by a user, and accepts a travel reservation based on the result. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that integrally crosses a plurality of services and can collectively reserve a travel itinerary generated based on conditions set by a user and the user's preferences.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] By the way, in recent years, the demand for traveling with pets has been increasing, and pets are being accepted more and more in accommodation facilities, public transportation, etc. However, in a travel reservation system as disclosed in Patent Document 1, complex problems specific to traveling with pets have not been solved. <000E027>Specifically, the user has to check whether it is possible to travel with a pet at each accommodation facility and public transportation facility to be used. In particular, in the case of overseas travel, since the laws and regulations and quarantine requirements of the destination country are different for each, it is very difficult for the user to individually check these conditions set for each destination country. In addition, accommodation facilities, public transportation periods, or destinations, etc. often set complex acceptance conditions, and it is very difficult for the user to accurately determine whether the accompanying pet meets those conditions at the time of reservation application. Furthermore, for accommodations, public transportation providers, and destinations, the information provided by users at the time of booking is insufficient to verify the authenticity of pets that do not actually meet the acceptance requirements (for example, failing to meet quarantine requirements or not having insurance), making it impossible to completely prevent pet impersonation. Therefore, in view of the above problems, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a pet-accompanied travel management system and a pet-accompanied travel management method that can automatically and accurately determine the match between the information of the accompanying pet and the complex acceptance conditions set by each element of the itinerary and laws and regulations when traveling with a pet, thereby enabling smooth reservations and travel that guarantees acceptance conditions. [Means for solving the problem]
[0005] A pet-accompanied travel management system according to one aspect of the present invention is an information processing system including a user terminal operated by a user and a server computer that can communicate with the user terminal via a network, which stores pet data including identification information and related information about the pet accompanied by the user, stores acceptance condition data including pet acceptance conditions set by the travel service provider, and when a reservation request for pet-accompanied travel is received from the user terminal, it compares the pet data of the accompanying pet with the acceptance condition data of the travel service provider to which the reservation is to be made to determine whether or not the pet-accompanied travel can be booked, and if it is determined that the reservation can be made and the reservation is made, it adds reservation information including the reservation details of the pet-accompanied travel to the pet data and stores it, and in the process of executing the pet-accompanied travel, it reads the microchip or biometric authentication information embedded in the accompanying pet using an authentication device installed at the travel service provider to which the reservation is to be made, and compares the read information with the identification information stored in the pet data to determine whether or not the accompanying pet is a legitimate pet corresponding to the reservation information. [Effects of the Invention]
[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, when traveling with a pet, it is possible to automatically and accurately determine the match between the information of the accompanying pet and the complex acceptance conditions set by each element of the itinerary and by laws and regulations, thereby enabling smooth booking and travel that ensures compliance with the acceptance conditions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a pet-friendly travel management system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram of the server. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of reservation data. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of pet data. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of acceptance criteria data. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of recommended data. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing an example of the process for determining whether a reservation is possible or not. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displaying alternative solutions. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a screen displaying recommended methods. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of the authenticity determination process. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a warning screen. [Figure 12] A flowchart illustrating an example of the process for calculating the level of discipline. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0008] <Summary of the Invention> The pet-accompanied travel management system and pet-accompanied travel management method according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings, citing specific embodiments. The specific configuration and operation of this embodiment will be described in detail in later paragraphs, but for the sake of explanation, it may be described from the perspective of a GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc. Note that the basic data processing technologies for realizing this embodiment (communication / transmission technology, data acquisition technology, data recording technology, data processing / analysis technology, image processing technology, and visualization technology, etc.) can be those of known technology, so detailed explanations may be omitted.
[0009] <Definitions of terms to aid in understanding the present invention> First, to facilitate understanding of this embodiment, the definitions of the main terms used in this specification (for example, terms used in the claims) are explained below.
[0010] (Traveling with pets) "Pet-friendly travel" refers to a type of travel that involves a series of itineraries, including transportation to and from the destination, and accommodation, for a user (pet owner) and their accompanying pet. Pet-friendly travel includes the use of various travel service providers such as accommodations, public transportation, travel agencies, and destinations, and refers to a type of travel where the acceptance conditions set by each provider apply according to their respective roles (arrangement, acceptance, etc.).
[0011] (Reservation Information) "Reservation information" refers to the information included in the reservation request for pet-friendly travel (such as the travel conditions specified by the user), and the information included in the confirmed reservation details generated when the reservation is made. The reservation information mainly includes the following: (1) Booking request: Travel itinerary, travel region, number of accompanying persons, candidate travel service providers to be booked, and identification information (or equivalent information) of accompanying pets, etc. (2) Determine reservation details: After the reservation is confirmed, the name of the travel service provider to be used, specific service details (such as room type, seat, or travel route, etc.), check-in and check-out dates and times, etc.
[0012] (Pet Data) "Pet Data" refers to all information related to the pet that uniquely identifies the accompanying pet and is used for determining the feasibility of travel reservations and the authenticity at the travel destination. Pet Data mainly includes the following three elements (identification information, supplementary information, and travel reservation information). These information generally play two roles: identification information (the basis for authenticity judgment) and supplementary information (the basis for reservation feasibility judgment). (1) Identification information: An individual identification code consisting of a unique combination of alphanumeric characters (e.g., microchip ID) for uniquely identifying the pet in the database. The identification information is recorded in a one-to-one correspondence in association with the microchip embedded in the pet or biometric information such as the pet's nose print or retina. (2) Supplementary information: Detailed information related to the identification information that serves as the criterion for determining travel feasibility. The detailed information includes, for example, information about the pet such as the owner's information, the pet's name, breed, size, age, date of birth, gender, coat color, health information, vaccination history of rabies vaccination and combined vaccine (hereinafter referred to as vaccination), insurance coverage status, training level, or vital data. (3) Travel reservation information: Information recorded when the reservation for pet-accompanied travel is confirmed. The travel reservation information includes identification information (or corresponding information) for specifying the confirmed reservation details.
[0013] (Training Level) "Training Level" refers to a comprehensive index (score) obtained by objectively and quantitatively evaluating the pet's behavioral stability and adaptability to the social environment based on objective and quantitative data. That is, the training level is not a subjective evaluation but an index based on objective and quantitative data, and the data includes behavioral analysis by machine learning. The level of obedience is calculated through information processing performed by the pet-friendly travel management system, which involves the following two main stages, and is used to compare against the acceptance conditions set by the travel service provider. (1) Multifaceted data collection and evaluation (generating inputs) The system collects and quantitatively evaluates the behavioral stability or personality traits of pets (e.g., frequency of barking in a specific environment, or presence or absence of aggressive posture) determined by a machine learning model based on heterogeneous objective data such as the user's etiquette compliance history, pet training history, and feedback (evaluations) from facilities previously used, as well as dynamic image data (including video and still images) acquired from camera devices, etc. (2) Scoring (final processing) All objective data collected and evaluated above are integrated and quantified using a predetermined algorithm (e.g., weighting) to calculate a comprehensive index indicating the final level of discipline.
[0014] (Travel service provider) "Travel service provider" refers to a facility or institution that accepts users and their accompanying pets, or a facility, organization, travel agency, or region that makes arrangements that affect the use of such services, as an element constituting the itinerary of a trip with pets. Each travel service provider sets its own standards for accepting pets and requires adherence to them, which specifically include the following: (1) Accommodation facilities (e.g., hotels, inns, or campsites) (2) Public transportation (e.g., airlines, railway companies, bus companies, or ferry companies) (3) Travel agencies (e.g., companies that arrange accommodation and public transportation, or plan, mediate, or sell travel products that combine these individually or in combination) (4) Specific countries or regions (e.g., national authorities or local governments of the destination country that set laws or quarantine requirements)
[0015] (Acceptance conditions data) "Acceptance Conditions Data" refers to all the criteria and restrictions set by a travel service provider to allow travel with pets. In other words, acceptance conditions data is the data that forms the basis for determining whether a reservation is possible, and it is cross-referenced with supplementary information within the pet data to determine whether a reservation for travel with pets is possible. The acceptance criteria data specifically includes the following: (1) Statutory and regulatory requirements: Conditions related to public regulations such as laws, quarantine requirements, and vaccination obligations of the destination country. (2) Facility / service-specific conditions: Conditions set independently by the service provider, such as accommodation or public transportation, including pet breed, size, sex, age, whether vaccinations or insurance are required, acceptable scores for training level, acceptable range of vital data (stress level, etc.), and restrictions on areas where pets are allowed.
[0016] (Microchip) A "microchip" is a small electronic device with wireless communication capabilities that is implanted under the skin of dogs and cats, and whose implantation and registration of information are mandated under the Animal Welfare and Management Act. Microchips record identification information (ID) to uniquely identify pets based on common standards and serve the following purposes: (1) Foundation for individual identification: Authentication devices such as microchip readers read identification information contactlessly, providing foundational data for determining the authenticity (regularity) of pets on-site. (2) Public information sharing: The identified information is linked to information about the owner and location registered in a database managed by a registration organization designated by the Minister of the Environment (e.g., the Japan Veterinary Medical Association), and is used for official identification in emergencies or when a pet gets lost. (3) Physical accompaniment: The microchip is implanted in the pet's body and is therefore kept as an inseparable part of the pet. When a user takes their pet to a travel service provider such as an accommodation facility, the microchip is always brought along with the pet to the location, enabling reliable authenticity verification on site. In other words, the identification information recorded on the microchip is data with high reliability and official backing.
[0017] (Biometric information) "Biometric information" refers to unique identification information obtained from the physical or behavioral characteristics of a pet being accompanied by a person. During the process of traveling with pets, biometric authentication information is read by authentication devices such as biometric scanners and compared with a template (identification information) that has been registered in advance in the pet data. This is used to determine authenticity in order to prevent impersonation. Biometric information specifically includes the following: (1) Physical characteristics: Non-contact data obtained from parts of the body that remain stable and do not change easily after ontogeny, such as nasal prints (patterns of wrinkles on the surface of the nose) or retina (patterns of blood vessels in the fundus of the eye). (2) Other biometric data: Data that digitizes behavioral characteristics such as voice patterns, DNA information, or walking patterns and uses them as identifiers.
[0018] (Recommended measures to meet acceptance requirements) "Recommended measures to meet acceptance conditions" refers to information extracted and presented by the pet-friendly travel management system based on data, which includes specific actions and preparations (solutions) that users (pet owners) should take to overcome the factors that resulted in the booking being deemed ineligible for pet-friendly travel. Recommended measures to meet the acceptance criteria include, for example, the following: (1) Physical and procedural measures: Recommended timing and locations for missing vaccinations, procedures for preparing necessary additional documents (health certificates, import permits, etc.), or recommendations for obtaining insurance if not currently covered. (2) Means of improving behavior and ability: If the cause is a low level of obedience score, recommended training programs to improve that level (e.g., online courses specializing in specific behaviors, or information on local trainers).
[0019] (Wearable devices) A "wearable device" is an electronic device that is attached to a pet being accompanied by a pet, and that continuously and non-invasively measures and records the pet's physiological and behavioral data. Wearable devices primarily acquire the following data and transmit it to a server computer as part of the accompanying information. (1) Vital data: Dynamic data relating to the pet's vital signs and activity level, such as heart rate, body temperature, respiratory rate, and activity level (steps, exercise intensity, etc.), to understand the pet's dynamic health status and stress level in real time. (2) Location information: Data about the pet's current location and movement history, obtained through GPS or other means.
[0020] (Stress level) "Stress level" refers to an index that indicates the degree of psychological and physiological stress on a pet, calculated using a predetermined algorithm based on vital data acquired from a wearable device. The stress level is calculated considering the pet's breed, age, and normal vital data baseline values, and is used to compare it with the acceptable stress level range (included in the acceptance conditions data) set by the travel service provider. The calculated stress level is primarily used for the following purposes: (1) Determination of eligibility for booking: The pet's physical and mental condition at the time of booking will be assessed to determine whether it can withstand travel. (2) Ensuring safety during travel: When verifying at the destination, check that the pet is not in an overly excited state.
[0021] (mediator) "Intermediate" refers to an information transmission medium that stores and displays authentication data such as identification information associated with a pet, or a reference token to such identification information, such as a two-dimensional code, barcode, or NFC tag, and that can be read by an authentication device without contact. The intermediary has the following functions and is used as a means to indirectly perform authenticity determination. (1) Information transmission function: It stores identification information or reference tokens and is readable by a general-purpose reader such as a smartphone. (2) Security function: The device is equipped with an electronic signature or timestamp information for tamper detection, and this is verified by an authentication device, ensuring the reliability (authenticity) of the intermediary itself.
[0022] (Machine learning model) A "machine learning model" refers to an information processing algorithm that has been trained to automatically extract and recognize complex patterns and features contained in video data of pet behavior acquired from a camera device, using that data as training data. Specifically, this includes convolutional neural network (CNN) models that have learned normal behavioral patterns according to species, age, or sex. This machine learning model analyzes a wide range of pet behaviors. For example, it analyzes a pet's posture, movements, frequency of barking, presence or absence of aggressive postures, appropriateness of elimination behavior, and response speed to commands in specific environments such as during meals, in the presence of other pets or people, or in situations with sudden noise. It then calculates a score for behavioral stability or personality traits. The output results are then used as one of several pieces of data to calculate objective indicators such as the degree of training.
[0023] (behavioral stability / personality traits) "Behavioral stability (or personality traits)" refers to an index that indicates the behavioral tendencies of a pet in a specific environment, which is automatically quantified using a machine learning model. The indicators of behavioral stability and personality traits are mainly composed of the following elements and are used to evaluate a pet's ability to adapt to society and its safety when using facilities. These elements are then scored by machine learning models and used as objective data for calculating the final level of training. In other words, the evaluation of "training," which tends to be subjective, is transformed into scientific and objective indicators. (1) Stability factors: frequency of vocalizations, presence or absence of aggressive postures such as growling or biting, appropriateness of elimination behavior, and response speed to commands, etc. (2) Personality traits: strong curiosity, high level of vigilance, or affinity towards people and other pets.
[0024] (Travel service management system / check-in processing) A "travel service management system" is an information processing system primarily used by travel service providers that handle on-site reception for daily business management. "Check-in processing" refers to the collaborative processing performed between the travel service provider and the server computer of the pet-friendly travel management system, specifically the process of updating the check-in status. A travel service management system is an existing system used by travel service providers to manage reservations, customer information, and facility usage status. Furthermore, the travel service management system works in conjunction with the server computer of the pet-friendly travel management system to perform check-in processing. Specifically, after successfully determining whether the pet is legitimate, the server computer sends a signal to the travel service management system to begin use via means such as API (Application Programming Interface) integration, updates the reservation status from "Reserved" to "Checked In," associates the identification information of the accompanying pet and the reservation information with the records on the travel service management system side, and adds the check-in result to the reservation information on the server computer for storage. This automates and simplifies on-site check-in operations and realizes consistent information management through inter-system integration.
[0025] <Configuration of the device constituting the pet-friendly travel management system according to one embodiment of the present invention> Next, the configuration of the device constituting the pet-accompanied travel management system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 1. The pet-friendly travel management system (hereinafter referred to as the information processing system S) according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, is a communication system that includes an information processing device (hereinafter referred to as the server 10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a user terminal 20 operated by the user, and an authentication device 30 used by the travel service provider. The information processing system S is a computer system that can provide users with services such as managing information related to pet-friendly travel, determining whether reservations are possible, and determining authenticity (hereinafter referred to as the pet-friendly travel service) by having these devices interconnected and cooperate via a network N (e.g., the Internet, LAN, WAN, etc.). Furthermore, the information processing system S is connected via network N to external travel service management systems T managed by each travel service provider. Although Figure 1 illustrates one travel service management system T, in reality, it is connected to travel service management systems T corresponding to the number of travel service providers.
[0026] (User) A user is a person who utilizes the functions of the information processing system S and can enjoy the benefits (pet-friendly travel service) provided by the functions of the information processing system S (more precisely, the server 10) by operating a designated device such as a user terminal 20. In this embodiment, the designated device is described using the user terminal 20 as an example, but the designated device may be a device installed in a store or the like that is not owned by the user, but can be used by entering a PIN or password or making a deposit when visiting the store or the like, such as a terminal or computer.
[0027] (Pets) In the information processing system S, accompanying pets refer to companion animals such as dogs and cats kept by the user (owner) of the user terminal 20. Pets may be fitted with a wearable device 40 to measure their behavior and biometric information. The wearable device 40 acquires vital data such as the pet's body temperature, heart rate, and activity level, and transmits this data to the server 10. In addition, at the facility of the travel service provider, the pet is brought before an authentication device 30 for reading identification information or biometric authentication information.
[0028] (server) Server 10 consists of a computer that performs various information processing tasks, such as generating, storing, and transmitting data necessary for managing pet-friendly travel, and specifically, a server computer for an SNS server or a server computer for a cloud service. Server computers for cloud services include server computers for ASP (Application Service Provider), SaaS (Software as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service), or IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service).
[0029] As hardware, server 10 includes a processor 10a, memory 10b, communication interface 10c, and storage 10d, as shown in Figure 1, and these devices are electrically connected via bus 10e. Furthermore, server 10 has the operating system (OS) and a dedicated program for processing information related to pet-friendly travel services installed as software.
[0030] The processor 10a may consist of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), an MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc.
[0031] The memory 10b may be composed of semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).
[0032] The communication interface 10c may be configured, for example, by a network interface card or a communication interface board. The data communication standard using the communication interface 10c is not particularly limited and may include wireless LAN communication, 3G to 5G or later generation mobile communication systems, or LTE (Long Term Evolution) based communication.
[0033] The storage 10d only needs to be capable of storing and accumulating various types of information, and may consist of flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), FD (Flexible Disc), MO disk (Magneto-Optical disc), CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), SD card (Secure Digital card), or USB memory (Universal Serial Bus memory), etc. Furthermore, the storage 10d may be built into the server 10 or attached to the server 10 as an external device. Additionally, the storage 10d may consist of an external computer (for example, a database server or online storage) connected to the server 10 in a communicative manner. As a technology for recording various types of data, distributed ledger technology such as blockchain may be used to prevent unauthorized data tampering.
[0034] (User terminal) The user terminal 20 is a client terminal used for making reservations for pet-friendly travel and performing related operations (such as registering pet data). The user terminal 20 can be comprised of, for example, a personal computer, smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, game console, television receiver capable of inputting information, and wearable device. As shown in Figure 1, the user terminal 20 has hardware components including a processor 20a, a storage device 20b, a communication interface 20c, an input device 20d, and a display 20e, all of which are electrically connected via a bus 20f. Examples of input devices 20d on the user terminal 20 include a touch panel, touchpad, buttons, a microphone, and various sensors. Although Figure 1 illustrates one user terminal 20, in reality, there are, of course, a number of user terminals 20 corresponding to the number of users.
[0035] (Authentication device) The authentication device 30 is an information reading device that is installed at the travel service provider (locally) that is the recipient of the reservation during the process of traveling with a pet, and is used to determine the authenticity of the accompanying pet (whether or not it is the legitimate pet at the time of reservation). The authentication device 30 has the capability to perform at least one or more of the following functions, and transmits the information it reads (acquired information) to the server 10 for comparison with pet data and determination of authenticity. (1) Direct reading of identification information: Non-contact reading of identification information from a microchip implanted in the accompanying pet (e.g., using a microchip reader). (2) Reading biometric information: Scan and read the biometric information of the accompanying pet (e.g., biometric scanner). (3) Indirect identification information reading: Reading identification information or tokens recorded on mediators such as two-dimensional codes or NFC tags (e.g., general-purpose reading devices such as smartphones). Furthermore, the authentication device 30 is not limited to a dedicated terminal installed by the travel service provider; it may also be a general-purpose mobile terminal owned by the pet owner or facility manager. Also, while Figure 1 illustrates one authentication device 30, in reality, there will naturally be a number of authentication devices 30 corresponding to the number of travel service providers, or even more.
[0036] <Functions of the device constituting the pet-accompanied travel management system according to one embodiment of the present invention> (server) The configuration of the server 10, which is one of the devices constituting the information processing system S according to this embodiment, will be explained again in terms of its functionality. As shown in Figure 2, the server 10 includes a storage unit 11, an information acquisition unit 12, a display control unit 13, a communication control unit 14, a reservation feasibility determination unit 15, an authenticity determination unit 16, an alternative suggestion unit 17, a recommended means suggestion unit 18, and a discipline level calculation unit 19. Of these, the storage unit 11 is implemented by memory 10b or storage 10d, and the other functional units are implemented through the cooperation of hardware devices constituting the server 10 and programs installed on the server 10. If the server 10 is composed of multiple computers, the above functions may be distributed so that each of the multiple computers performs different functions from one another. The following sections will provide a detailed explanation of each functional component.
[0037] (Storage part) The memory unit 11 stores various information necessary for managing pet-friendly travel, determining whether reservations are possible, and verifying authenticity. Specifically, the storage unit 11 stores user data (not shown), reservation data, pet data, acceptance conditions data, and various other information related to pet-friendly travel services.
[0038] User data is data containing personal information of users who use the functions of the information processing system S. Various types of information are linked to identification information (user ID) that identifies each user, and this information is stored for each user. For example, user data includes information such as account (username), email address, address and telephone number, payment information such as card information, information about pets owned (pet ID), and usage history of the information processing system S, including travel history. Furthermore, user data may also include other information, such as user etiquette compliance history and evaluations from facilities previously used.
[0039] As shown in Figure 3, reservation data is stored for each reservation, with various pieces of information linked to an identification piece (reservation ID) that identifies each reservation. For example, reservation data includes information such as the user who made the reservation (user ID), the reservation request, the reservation approval / rejection result, and the confirmed reservation details. The reservation request includes information such as the travel conditions specified by the user, for example, the travel itinerary, travel region, number of accompanying persons, the travel service provider to be booked (accommodation, transportation, etc.), and information about accompanying pets (pet ID). The confirmed reservation details are information generated when a reservation is made, and in addition to the content corresponding to the confirmed reservation request above, they include information about specific travel service details such as room type, seating, and check-in and check-out dates and times. In addition, other information besides that mentioned above, such as the results of authenticity determination by the authentication device 30, or the check-in results obtained through integration with the travel service management system T, may also be included in the reservation information.
[0040] As shown in Figure 4, pet data is stored for each pet, with various pieces of information linked to an identification piece (pet ID) that identifies each pet. For example, pet data includes identification information consisting of a unique alphanumeric combination to uniquely identify the pet (e.g., microchip ID), supplementary information, and travel reservation information. Supplementary information includes, for example, information to identify the owner (user ID), as well as detailed information about the pet such as the pet's name, breed, size, age and date of birth, sex, coat color, health information (medical history, chronic illnesses, allergies, and other special notes), vaccination history, insurance coverage, and obedience level. Obedience level is an objective and quantitative comprehensive index calculated by the obedience level calculation unit 19 described later. Travel reservation information includes information to identify the details of the confirmed pet-accompanied travel reservation (reservation ID). In addition, other information besides that mentioned above may be included as supplementary information, such as vital data (body temperature, heart rate, activity level, etc.) acquired by a wearable device 40 attached to the pet, or travel history.
[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the acceptance conditions data is stored for each travel service provider, with various pieces of information linked to identification information (such as facility IDs) that identifies the travel service provider. For example, acceptance criteria data includes information on legal and regulatory requirements, as well as facility and service-specific conditions. Legal and regulatory requirements include information on public regulations such as laws, quarantine requirements, and vaccination obligations in the destination country. Facility and service-specific conditions include information on conditions independently set by the service provider, such as restrictions on pet breeds (e.g., prohibition of certain dog breeds), size restrictions (acceptable range of weight or height), age restrictions, health status requirements, vaccination and insurance requirements, acceptable scores for obedience, and acceptable ranges for vital data (e.g., stress levels). Furthermore, other information besides that mentioned above, such as key information for referencing the recommended means data described later, may also be included in the acceptance criteria data.
[0042] As shown in Figure 6, the recommended means data is information about specific actions and preparations that the user (pet owner) should take to resolve the factors that prevented the reservation from being made. The recommended means (solutions) are stored linked to the category of rejection factor or the incompatible item in the pet data, and are structured so that the recommended means presentation unit 18, described later, can extract them based on the factor. For example, the recommended methods data includes the following information: (1) Information on legal and procedural measures: types of vaccinations, recommended timing of vaccinations, and a list of local veterinary hospitals or quarantine stations where vaccinations can be administered. (2) Information on means of improving ability: training programs specifically designed to improve obedience (online courses, trainer information, etc.), and the expected score improvement (probability) if such programs are implemented. (3) Information on insurance and health measures: Information on recommended pet insurance plans and a list of veterinary clinics where health checkups can be performed.
[0043] Furthermore, the various types of data stored in the memory unit 11 do not exist independently of each other, but are interconnected using identification information (user ID, pet ID, reservation ID, and facility ID, etc.) as a key. Furthermore, dynamic information from this data, such as training level and vital data, is updated to the latest information through periodic transmission from the wearable device 40 or by continuous recording of the information processing results by the training level calculation unit 19. This ensures that the latest data with high real-time accuracy is always used when performing reservation eligibility determination and authenticity determination.
[0044] (Information acquisition department) The information acquisition unit 12 acquires information (data) based on operations performed by the user on the user terminal 20 by communicating with the user terminal 20. The information acquired by the information acquisition unit 12 includes, for example, information regarding booking requests for travel with pets, information regarding new registration or updates of pet data, and information regarding access requests to user data. In addition to the above information, the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 12 includes information based on various selections, specifications, instructions, requests, orders, permissions, denials, registrations, and other input operations performed by the user.
[0045] (Display Control Unit) The display control unit 13 controls the user terminal 20 and displays information regarding the execution status and processing results of the pet-friendly travel service, as well as other related information, on the screen of the user terminal 20, such as the display 20e. Specifically, the display control unit 13 generates display data for displaying the results of information processing by the reservation feasibility determination unit 15, authenticity determination unit 16, alternative suggestion unit 17, and recommended means suggestion unit 18, etc., which will be described later, and transmits the generated display data to the user terminal 20 via the network N. For example, the display control unit 13 causes the user terminal 20's display 20e or the like to display a screen showing the following information. (1) Execution status: A screen that shows the progress of processing, such as a screen indicating that the reservation is being processed or a screen indicating that authenticity is being determined. (2) Processing result: A screen showing the result of the processing, such as the reservation availability determination result screen or the authenticity determination result screen. (3) Related information: screens for presenting alternatives (Figure 8), screens for presenting recommended methods (Figure 9), warning screens (Figure 11), as well as input operation screens for performing various input operations, and notification screens for notifying various information.
[0046] (Communications Control Unit) The communication control unit 14 controls the transmission and reception of various data and signals between the user terminal 20, the authentication device 30, the wearable device 40, and external devices such as the travel service management system T. In particular, the communication control unit 14 is responsible for the following important communication processing. (1) Communication with the authentication device 30: The device receives pet identification information (microchip ID, etc.) or biometric authentication information transmitted from the authentication device 30 and relays it to the authenticity determination unit 16. (2) Communication with wearable device 40: Vital data (heart rate, activity level, etc.) is periodically received from the wearable device 40 attached to the pet and transmitted to the training level calculation unit 19. (3) Integration with external systems: The system will communicate with the travel service management system T used by the travel service provider that handles on-site reception to send and receive signals and data necessary for booking confirmation and check-in processing after successful authenticity verification. Furthermore, the communication control unit 14 also performs processes such as sending response data to the user terminal 20 in response to information based on user operations acquired by the information acquisition unit 12, or reading and sending data recorded in the storage unit 11 in response to a request from an external device.
[0047] (Reservation availability determination unit) When the information acquisition unit 12 receives a reservation request for travel with a pet from the user terminal 20, the reservation eligibility determination unit 15 automatically and comprehensively compares the pet data of the accompanying pet with the acceptance conditions data of the travel service provider to which the reservation is to be made, and determines whether or not the reservation for travel with a pet is possible. The specific processing flow by the reservation eligibility determination unit 15 will be described later using the flowchart shown in Figure 7, but here we will explain the overview of the reservation eligibility determination. Based on the pet identification information (pet ID) included in the reservation request, the reservation eligibility determination unit 15 obtains the corresponding pet data supplementary information from the storage unit 11. On the other hand, based on the travel service provider information included in the reservation request, it obtains the corresponding acceptance condition data from the storage unit 11. Then, the reservation eligibility determination unit 15 uses logical operations to determine whether the pet data supplementary information satisfies the acceptance condition data for the following set of conditions.
[0048] The set of matching conditions executed by the reservation availability determination unit 15 includes the following: (1) Verification of legal and regulatory requirements: Determine whether the vaccination history, health information, and insurance coverage status in the pet data comply with the quarantine requirements and legal and regulatory requirements of the destination country. (2) Matching physical conditions: Determine whether the breed, size, age, etc. in the pet data meet the breed restrictions, size restrictions, and age restrictions set by the accommodation facility, public transportation facility, etc. (3) Matching behavioral and ability conditions: Determine whether the level of obedience in the pet data exceeds the acceptable score for obedience set by the travel service provider. (4) Dynamic data matching: Determine whether the stress level calculated based on the vital data in the pet data is within the acceptable range set by the travel service provider. The reservation availability determination unit 15 determines that a reservation is possible if it determines that all of the above conditions (1) to (4) are met. In this case, the reservation availability determination unit 15 may treat each condition item as a multidimensional set of conditions and calculate the impact of a single mismatch on the overall determination by weighting. On the other hand, if even one condition is not met, it determines that a reservation is not possible and, if necessary, cooperates with the alternative suggestion unit 17 or the recommended means suggestion unit 18, which will be described later, to instruct the display control unit 13 to display the alternative suggestion screen (Figure 8) or the recommended means suggestion screen (Figure 9).
[0049] (Authenticity Determination Department) The authenticity determination unit 16, in the process of carrying out a trip with a pet, works in conjunction with an authentication device 30 installed at the travel service provider that is the recipient of the reservation to determine whether the accompanying pet is a legitimate pet corresponding to the reservation information. The specific processing flow by the authenticity determination unit 16 will be described later using the flowchart shown in Figure 10, but here we will explain the overview of authenticity determination. The authenticity determination unit 16 receives identification information or biometric authentication information (acquired information) of the accompanying pet from the authentication device 30 via the communication control unit 14. This acquired information includes, for example, the code of the microchip ID embedded in the pet, or biometric authentication data such as nose print or retina. The authenticity determination unit 16 then compares the received acquired information with the identification information of the legitimate pet corresponding to the reservation information stored in the reservation data.
[0050] Specifically, the authenticity determination unit 16 performs the following processes. (1) Identification of reservation information: Based on the reservation identifier (reservation ID) or facility information included in the acquired information, the storage unit 11 identifies the reservation data to be matched. (2) Acquisition of identification information: Acquire the identification information of the legitimate pet linked to the identified reservation data. (3) Matching and Determination: The acquired information received from the authentication device 30 and the identification information of a legitimate pet obtained from the storage unit 11 are compared using a predetermined matching algorithm. Here, the matching algorithm may include, for example, a comparison of hash values for alphanumeric information such as a microchip ID, or a similarity determination by feature point matching for biometric authentication data such as a nose print or retina. If the matching result exceeds a pre-set acceptable threshold for the degree of agreement (e.g., a similarity of 95% or more in biometric authentication), it is determined that the matching was successful (it is a legitimate pet), and a signal for check-in processing is sent to the travel service management system T via the communication control unit 14. On the other hand, if it is determined that the result falls below the acceptable threshold (no match), the display control unit 13 is instructed to display a warning screen (Figure 11).
[0051] (Alternative proposal section) If the reservation feasibility determination unit 15 determines that the reservation is not possible, the alternative proposal unit 17 presents an alternative proposal with modified reservation request details to the user terminal 20. The alternative suggestion unit 17 identifies the reason why the reservation became unavailable and generates an alternative by extracting travel conditions (date, region, service provider, etc.) that can resolve that reason. The alternative suggestion unit 17 works in cooperation with the display control unit 13 to display the generated alternative on the display 20e of the user terminal 20 as an alternative suggestion screen as shown in Figure 8.
[0052] The alternative proposal unit 17 generates alternative proposals through the following process. (1) Factor analysis: The specific reasons for rejection when a reservation is not possible (which item in which condition group did not match) are obtained from the reservation eligibility determination unit 15, and the constraints that acted as inhibiting factors are extracted. For example, the direct causes that led to the mismatch in conditions are identified, such as "pet size limit exceeded" or "insufficient validity period of vaccination". (2) Exploring alternatives: Gradually relax or change the travel conditions of the booking request in order to eliminate the identified factors. Specifically, set the mismatched items as constraint relaxation parameters, and replace the original set of conditions with another set of conditions that adjusts these parameters (e.g., facilities with different acceptable thresholds or different dates), thereby extracting combinations of conditions that are acceptable even with the current pet attributes. In this process, for example, include and extract other service providers that have more relaxed acceptance criteria (e.g., acceptance of large dogs or acceptable thresholds for training level) while maintaining the same region and dates. (3) Confirmation of alternatives: For each of the extracted alternative condition candidates, the determination logic of the reservation feasibility determination unit 15 is re-executed. This confirms that reservations are definitely possible under the modified conditions, and then confirms them as the alternatives to be presented.
[0053] (Recommended methods section) If the reservation feasibility determination unit 15 determines that the reservation is not possible, the recommendation unit 18 presents the user terminal 20 with specific recommended measures (solutions) to resolve the unsuitable information (supplementary information) on the pet's side that caused the refusal. The recommended means presentation unit 18 extracts recommended means from the recommended means data based on identified factors and, in cooperation with the display control unit 13, displays them on the user terminal 20's display 20e as a recommended means presentation screen as shown in Figure 9.
[0054] The recommended means presentation unit 18 presents recommended means through the following process. (1) Identification of non-suitability factors: Among the specific reasons for rejection when a reservation is not possible, items that were caused by deficiencies or omissions in pet data (supplementary information) (e.g., not vaccinated, training level below acceptable score, not insured, etc.) are obtained from the reservation eligibility determination unit 15. (2) Extraction and presentation of recommended measures: Recommended measures corresponding to the identified factors are extracted from the recommended measures data. Specifically, the following information is provided, for example: (a) Statutory and procedural measures: Information such as recommended vaccination schedules to fulfill vaccination obligations and lists of local veterinary hospitals or quarantine stations where vaccinations can be administered. This information should also include the required number of vaccinations and waiting periods, and the estimated time required to complete the recommended measures and become eligible to travel. (b) Means of improving ability: If the level of discipline is insufficient, information such as recommended online or in-person training programs (e.g., those specializing in specific behaviors) to improve that score. In this case, the standard training period (duration) required to reach the target score will be presented, and schedule information will be generated and presented to support the development of an action plan for rescheduling. (c) Insurance and Health Measures: If the cause is lack of insurance, information on recommended pet insurance plans. (3) Presentation of likelihood of reservation availability: When the user performs the recommended action, the display control unit 13 is instructed to also show the likelihood (probability or achievable score) that the reservation request will become "available" and to encourage the user to take action.
[0055] (Discipline level calculation unit) The training level calculation unit 19 calculates a training level, which is a comprehensive index that evaluates the behavioral stability and adaptability to the social environment of the accompanying pet based on objective and quantitative data, and records it in the storage unit 11 as supplementary information for the pet data. The discipline level calculation unit 19 calculates the discipline level through information processing that mainly goes through the following two main stages, as will be described later using the flowchart shown in Figure 12. (1) Multifaceted data collection and evaluation (input generation): The training level calculation unit 19 acquires diverse objective data from the storage unit 11, such as the user's manners compliance history, the pet's training history, and evaluations from facilities used in the past. Furthermore, it takes video image data acquired from a camera device or the like as input and generates a score of the pet's behavioral stability or personality traits in a specific environment, determined by a machine learning model. This behavioral stability score includes, for example, the frequency of barking in a specific environment, the presence or absence of aggressive postures, the appropriateness of elimination behavior, and the response speed to commands. (2) Scoring (final processing): All objective data collected and evaluated in (1) above are integrated and quantified using a predetermined algorithm (for example, weighting according to the importance of each data element) to calculate a final overall index (score) indicating the level of obedience. The calculated level of obedience is updated before a reservation request for travel with a pet is made, or as needed, and is used by the reservation eligibility determination unit 15 to match the behavioral and ability conditions.
[0056] The functional units described above (information acquisition unit 12, display control unit 13, communication control unit 14, reservation feasibility determination unit 15, authenticity determination unit 16, alternative suggestion unit 17, recommended means suggestion unit 18, and training level calculation unit 19) are part of the main functional configuration of the server 10, and these functions work together to perform various information processing in the pet-accompanied travel management system.
[0057] The configurations and functions of the server 10, user terminal 20, and authentication device 30 have been described above. While the server 10, user terminal 20, and authentication device 30 generally possess various other functions, only the characteristic functions that contribute to the effectiveness of the information processing system S in this invention will be described here. Other known functions will not be illustrated or described.
[0058] <Method for managing pet-accompanied travel according to one embodiment of the present invention> Next, the flow of information processing (hereinafter referred to as the information processing flow) executed in the information processing system S having the above configuration will be described. The information processing flow adopts the pet-accompanied travel management method of the present invention and is realized by using the information processing system S which functions as a computer system. In other words, each step in the information processing flow corresponds to a component of the pet-accompanied travel management method of the present invention. The information processing flow described below is merely an example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps added, or the order of steps rearranged, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0059] (Reservation availability determination process) One of the information processing flows executed in the information processing system S is the process of determining whether a pet-friendly travel reservation is possible when a user makes a reservation for a trip with a pet. This process automatically and comprehensively compares the pet data of the accompanying pet with the acceptance conditions data of the travel service provider to which the reservation is being made. This process proceeds, for example, according to the flow shown in Figure 7. The screens displayed on the user terminal 20 during each process will also be described below. For example, Figures 8 and 9 are examples of screens displayed on the display 20e of the user terminal 20. In the following explanation, it will be assumed that the pet data (identification information and related information) of the accompanying pet has been pre-registered on server 10.
[0060] As shown in Figure 7, first, the processor 10a of the server 10 receives a reservation request from the user terminal 20 via the network N, which includes the travel itinerary, destination (travel region), desired facilities to use, and identification information (pet ID) of the accompanying pet (S101). Next, the processor 10a extracts supplementary information for the corresponding pet data from the storage unit 11 based on the pet ID included in the reservation request (S102). Furthermore, the processor 10a extracts acceptance condition data corresponding to the facility (accommodation facility, public transportation, etc.) that the user wishes to use, as included in the reservation request, from the storage unit 11 (S103).
[0061] Processor 10a compares the extracted pet data with the acceptance condition data and performs a multifaceted condition determination (S104). As described above, this determination is performed using logical operations on each condition group: legal and regulatory requirements, physical conditions, behavioral and ability conditions (training level), and dynamic data (stress level). The processor 10a determines whether the pet data satisfies all the conditions set in the acceptance conditions data (S105). If it determines that all conditions are met (S105: YES), it records the reservation information, including the reservation details, in the storage unit 11 (pet data, etc.) as a successful reservation (S106). It then displays a reservation completion (or payment notification) screen (not shown) on the user terminal 20 via the display control unit 13 (S107) and terminates the process.
[0062] On the other hand, if processor 10a determines that even one item does not meet the conditions (S105: NO), it determines that the reservation is not possible, identifies the specific reason why the reservation is not possible (S108), and then performs an alternative suggestion process, a recommended means suggestion process, or both, based on the type of the identified reason (S109). Specifically, if the processor 10a determines that the identified factor is a constraint on the facility side (such as a restriction on the type of accommodation, a size restriction, or full occupancy on a given date) (S110:YES), it extracts alternative accommodations, public transportation, or dates as alternatives that relax the travel conditions to resolve the identified factor, and after re-evaluating the availability of these options, it finalizes the alternatives (S111). Then, in cooperation with the display control unit 13, it displays an alternative proposal screen, as shown in Figure 8, on the user terminal 20 (S112). If the processor 10a determines that the issue is not a constraint on the facility side (S110:NO), it proceeds directly to the next step. Next, if the processor 10a determines that the identified factor is due to deficiencies in the supplementary information of the pet data (e.g., not having received vaccinations, insufficient training, or not having insurance) (S113: YES), it extracts specific recommended measures (solutions) corresponding to the factor from the recommended measures data stored in the memory unit 11 (S114), and in cooperation with the display control unit 13, displays a recommended measures presentation screen as shown in Figure 9 on the user terminal 20 (S115), and terminates the process. If the processor 10a determines that there are no deficiencies in the supplementary information (S113: NO), it terminates the process immediately. The above is an example of the reservation availability determination process in this embodiment.
[0063] (Authenticity determination process) Other information processing flows executed in the information processing system S include information processing (authenticity determination) that determines whether the accompanying pet is a legitimate pet corresponding to the reservation information, using an authentication device 30 installed by the travel service provider during the execution process of pet-accompanied travel. This proceeds, for example, according to the flow shown in Figure 10. The screens displayed on the user terminal 20 and the authentication device 30 during each process will also be explained below. For example, Figure 11 is an example of a warning screen displayed on the authentication device 30 when authentication fails. In the following explanation, we will assume that the reservation has been confirmed as a result of the reservation eligibility check process, and that the reservation information, including the legitimate pet identification information (microchip ID, etc.), has been registered in server 10 in advance.
[0064] As shown in Figure 10, first, at the reception desk of the travel service provider, the authentication device 30 reads individual identification information from the pet accompanying the user, and the processor 10a of the server 10 receives this individual identification information (acquired information) from the authentication device 30 via the network N (S201). At this time, the authentication device 30 immediately acquires the individual identification information on-site by scanning the pet's nose print or a two-dimensional code on which the microchip ID is encoded, and sends an authentication request to the server 10. The acquired information includes the microchip ID or biometric authentication information, as well as identification information read from an intermediary such as a two-dimensional code, and security verification data (electronic signature or timestamp information, etc.) to prove the legitimacy of the intermediary. Next, the processor 10a determines, based on the received information, whether or not it is information transmitted via an intermediary that requires security verification (S202). If it determines that it is information transmitted via an intermediary (S202:YES), it performs security verification, such as the validity of the digital signature, on the intermediary included in the received information (S203).
[0065] If the processor 10a determines that the acquired information is not information obtained via an intermediary (S202: NO), that is, if it determines that it has received direct identification information (such as a microchip ID), or if it determines that it has successfully performed security verification on the acquired information (S203: YES), it searches and identifies the reservation information to be matched from the storage unit 11 based on the acquired information (S204), and extracts the identification information of a legitimate pet associated with the identified reservation information (S205). Then, the processor 10a compares the acquired information (data read on site) with the legitimate pet identification information (registered correct data) extracted from the storage unit 11 and determines whether the two match (S206).
[0066] If processor 10a determines that the two match (S207: YES), it authenticates the accompanying pet as a legitimate pet and sends a signal to the travel service management system T to perform the check-in process (S208). Then, when processor 10a receives notification that the check-in is complete, it adds the result to the reservation information and records it (S209), and terminates the process. On the other hand, if processor 10a determines that security verification has failed (S203:NO), or that the two do not match (S207:NO), it determines that the pet is not legitimate (possibly a spoof), displays a warning screen as shown in Figure 11 on the authentication device 30, etc. (S210), and performs predetermined restriction processing such as invalidating the reservation information in question, notifying the facility administrator of the mismatch, or temporarily restricting the use of the user account (S211), and then terminates the process. The above is an example of the authenticity determination process in this embodiment.
[0067] (Discipline level calculation process) Another information processing flow executed in the information processing system S is the calculation of a "training level," which is a comprehensive index that evaluates the behavioral stability and adaptability to the social environment of the accompanying pet based on objective and quantitative data, and records it as pet data. This process proceeds, for example, according to the flow shown in Figure 12. This process is described as being executed as background processing, or as needed, before a reservation request is made, or when pet data is registered or updated.
[0068] As shown in Figure 12, first, the processor 10a of the server 10 acquires objective historical data from the storage unit 11, such as the user's manners compliance history associated with the target pet, past training history, and evaluations from facilities used in the past (S301). Next, the processor 10a acquires video image data or vital data related to the pet's behavior in a specific environment from a user terminal 20, a camera device (not shown) installed in a facility, or a wearable device 40 attached to the pet, etc., via the communication control unit 14 (S302).
[0069] The processor 10a inputs the acquired video image data, etc., into the aforementioned machine learning model (for example, a CNN model that has learned normal behavior patterns according to species, age, etc.) and performs scoring to indicate the behavioral stability or personality characteristics of the pet (S303). The processor 10a then integrates the acquired objective historical data and the calculated score, and quantifies it using a predetermined algorithm (for example, weighting calculation according to the importance of each data element) to calculate the final level of discipline (overall index) (S304).
[0070] The processor 10a records the calculated training level as supplementary information to the corresponding pet data in the storage unit 11, or updates it to the latest information (S305), and then terminates the process. The above is an example of the discipline level calculation process in this embodiment.
[0071] <Other Embodiments> Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely examples given to facilitate understanding of the present invention and do not limit it. In other words, the present invention can be modified or improved from the above embodiments without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, the present invention includes equivalents thereof.
[0072] For example, the screen examples shown in the drawings referenced in the above embodiment are merely examples, and the screen configuration, the content of the displayed information, and the GUI (Graphical User Interface) can be freely designed and modified according to the system design specifications and user preferences.
[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, all or part of the functions of server 10 may be provided on other servers 10 or user terminals 20, etc. For example, an edge computing configuration may be adopted in which the user terminal 20 or authentication device 30 holds the machine learning model and performs some of the inference processing. This can reduce the communication load and improve real-time performance.
[0074] Furthermore, although the above embodiments primarily used dogs as an example of accompanying pets, the application of the present invention is not limited to dogs. For example, it can be applied to any type of animal that meets the acceptance conditions of the service provider, such as cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, or exotic animals. In this case, the condition determination logic and machine learning models used are optimized to match the specific habits and behavioral characteristics of each animal species.
[0075] Furthermore, the data handled by this system may be interconnected with external databases of pet insurance companies, veterinary hospitals, pet hotels, or local governments via APIs or the like. For example, server 10 may be configured to dynamically connect with travel agency systems (travel service management system T), veterinary hospital management systems (not shown), and insurance company systems (not shown) via a communication network such as network N, and to directly acquire pet travel reservation information, vaccination information, medical history / medication information, and insurance enrollment information from external sources. By configuring the system so that on-site data is automatically reflected in this way, the input burden on users can be reduced while increasing the authenticity of the data.
[0076] Furthermore, the presentation of alternatives and recommended methods may not be limited to display on the display 20e, but may also be done through speech synthesis, vibration (haptics), or push notifications to smartwatches, etc. In addition, the system may be configured to issue reservation coupons for related training facilities or display links to e-commerce (Electronic Commerce) sites for necessary supplies in conjunction with the presentation of recommended methods.
[0077] Furthermore, the acceptance criteria data used in determining reservation availability may change dynamically depending on the season, time of day, or the reservation status of other users at the facility. The algorithms and machine learning models used for the determination can also be continuously retrained and updated based on accumulated data and user feedback.
[0078] Furthermore, the system to which the present invention is applied can be used not only for travel with pets, but also for reservation and entry management of all pet-related facilities such as dog runs, dog cafes, animal hospitals, and pet salons. In addition, the system may be configured to provide incentives such as a digital certificate usable at specific facilities or a discount on travel expenses to pets that have completed specific obedience training based on the recommended methods presented.
[0079] The information provided in the above embodiments, such as reservation availability determination, alternative options, and recommended methods, is for reference purposes only to assist the user's decision-making and does not fully guarantee safe use or accident prevention by the travel service provider. The final decision and legal responsibility for reservations and travel using this system rests with the facility manager or the user, who is the pet owner.
[0080] <Summary> [Note 1] An information processing system comprising a user terminal operated by a user and a server computer capable of communicating with the user terminal via a network, wherein the system stores pet data including identification information and related information about a pet accompanied by the user, stores acceptance condition data including pet acceptance conditions set by a travel service provider, and when a reservation request for pet-accompanied travel is received from the user terminal, it compares the pet data of the accompanying pet with the acceptance condition data of the travel service provider to be booked to determine whether or not the pet-accompanied travel reservation is possible, and if it is determined that the reservation is possible and the reservation is made, it adds and stores reservation information including the details of the pet-accompanied travel reservation in the pet data, and during the execution of the pet-accompanied travel, it reads the microchip or biometric authentication information embedded in the accompanying pet using an authentication device installed at the travel service provider to be booked, and compares the read information with the identification information stored in the pet data to determine whether or not the accompanying pet is a legitimate pet corresponding to the reservation information. According to the above configuration, the difficulty in determining whether or not pets are allowed to travel and the risks for the facilities are resolved at once, and it becomes possible to ensure consistent authenticity from the booking stage to the actual travel stage for pet-friendly travel. During the reservation process, the system automatically matches complex acceptance conditions with pet information, eliminating the need for users to individually verify details and ensuring smooth and reliable reservations. Furthermore, by linking reservation information to pet data after a reservation is confirmed, the system ensures traceability of the reservation history. On the other hand, during actual travel, biometric authentication technologies such as microchips or nose prints can be used to verify on-site that the pet is the one who was legitimately booked. This completely prevents fraudulent use through impersonation and allows travel service providers to offer a travel environment where pets can be welcomed with peace of mind (travel with guaranteed acceptance conditions). Therefore, when traveling with pets, it is possible to automatically and accurately determine the match between the information of the accompanying pet and the complex acceptance conditions set by each element of the itinerary and by laws and regulations, thereby enabling smooth booking and ensuring that the acceptance conditions are met during the trip.
[0081] [Note 2] The pet-accompanied travel management system described in Appendix 1, which, if the reservation eligibility is determined to be unsuitable for pet-accompanied travel, extracts other travel service providers that meet the acceptance criteria based on the travel itinerary and region included in the reservation request, and presents them to the user's terminal as alternatives. According to the above configuration, even if a reservation becomes unavailable, the system automatically extracts and presents alternative travel service providers that meet the diverse and complex requirements for accompanying pets on behalf of the user. This eliminates the need for the user to search for a travel destination again and prevents reservation cancellations through information processing.
[0082] [Note 3] The pet travel management system described in Appendix 1, which, if the reservation eligibility is determined to be unacceptable, presents the user terminal with recommended measures to meet the acceptance conditions that led to the unacceptability. According to the above configuration, the system identifies factors that prevent booking, provides data-driven recommendations for specific actions to meet those conditions, and assists in developing an action plan. By implementing these measures, users can access services that were previously unavailable as quickly as possible, increasing the flexibility of their travel planning and their opportunities to use services.
[0083] [Note 4] A pet-accompanied travel management system as described in Appendix 1, which determines whether a reservation is possible by comparing the conditions regarding the breed, size, sex, age, health information, vaccination history, insurance status, or training level of the pet included in the acceptance conditions data with the supplementary information included in the pet data. According to the above configuration, detailed supplementary information such as pet breed, size, and training level is quickly and comprehensively compared with acceptance conditions. This allows for accurate and safe reservation eligibility decisions that go beyond mere legal compliance and are tailored to the specific circumstances of the facility.
[0084] [Note 5] The pet-friendly travel management system described in Appendix 4 includes, as supplementary information, vital data acquired by a wearable device attached to the pet, calculates the pet's stress level or health condition based on the vital data, and determines whether a reservation is possible by comparing it with the acceptable stress level range or health condition conditions included in the acceptance conditions data. With the above configuration, stress levels and health status are determined based on real-time vital data from wearable devices, enabling a more rigorous and secure decision on whether or not to allow a reservation, taking into account the dynamic state at the time of reservation.
[0085] [Note 6] The pet-friendly travel management system described in Appendix 4 calculates the level of obedience based on at least one or more of the following: the user's history of following manners, the pet's training history, the pet's behavioral stability, and evaluations from facilities the pet has previously visited. According to the above configuration, objective data from multiple different sources, such as user history and past ratings, is collected and integrated to calculate the pet's training level. This allows information that is prone to subjective evaluation, such as training level, to be automatically incorporated into the reservation availability determination process as an objective and reliable indicator.
[0086] [Note 7] The pet-accompanied travel management system described in Appendix 6 calculates the level of training by using a machine learning model to determine the behavioral stability or personality traits of the pet, based on image data or video data of the pet's behavior acquired from a camera device installed in the user terminal or facility. With the above configuration, the behavioral stability of the pet is determined using a machine learning model based on camera data. This allows for the non-contact, automatic, and quantitative evaluation of the pet's behavioral characteristics, which is difficult to do manually, and significantly improves the accuracy of determining the level of training.
[0087] [Note 8] A pet travel management system as described in Appendix 1, wherein a server computer determines whether a pet is legitimate based on biometric information, including the pet's nose print or retinal information, read by an authentication device. According to the above configuration, authenticity is determined based on highly accurate biometric authentication information such as nose prints or retinal information, thereby improving the reliability of information reading, which was a drawback of microchips, and enhancing the reliability of preventing impersonation.
[0088] [Note 9] The pet travel management system described in Appendix 1 includes an authentication device that is associated with the identification information of a microchip and indirectly obtains the identification information from an intermediary that has been given an electronic signature or timestamp information for tamper detection, and the determination of whether or not it is a legitimate pet includes performing verification of the electronic signature or timestamp information. According to the above configuration, a means of indirectly obtaining the microchip's ID via an intermediary (such as a two-dimensional code, barcode, or NFC tag storing a token) is added, enabling diversification of authentication methods using general-purpose devices such as smartphones, even in environments where dedicated reading equipment is unavailable or difficult to read. Furthermore, since the electronic signature or timestamp information attached to the obtained intermediary is verified, it becomes possible to detect tampering with the intermediary or fabrication of information, thereby highly guaranteeing the reliability (authenticity) of authentication and effectively preventing fraudulent use.
[0089] [Note 10] The pet-friendly travel management system described in Appendix 1, which, when determined using an authentication device, confirms that the accompanying pet is a legitimate pet corresponding to the reservation information, performs a check-in process with the travel service management system used by the travel service provider to which the reservation is made, and adds the result to the reservation information in association with the reservation details. According to the above configuration, after confirming that the pet is legitimate, a check-in process is performed in the management system of the travel service provider, and the result is added to the reservation information. This automates and simplifies on-site check-in operations and enables consistent information management through system integration.
[0090] [Note 11] The pet-accompanied travel management system described in Appendix 1, which, if it is determined using an authentication device that the accompanying pet is not the legitimate pet corresponding to the reservation information, displays a warning to that effect on the authentication device or user terminal and invalidates the reservation information. With the above configuration, if it is determined that a pet is not a legitimate pet, a warning will be displayed and the reservation information will be invalidated. This ensures that unauthorized pet accompaniment is reliably prevented on-site and minimizes the risk of the facility's acceptance conditions being violated.
[0091] [Note 12] A method for managing travel accompanied by a pet, which is performed using an information processing system that includes a user terminal operated by a user, a server computer that can communicate with the user terminal via a network, and an authentication device installed at the travel service provider to which a reservation is to be made, the method comprising: a step of storing pet data including identification information and incidental information about the pet accompanied by the user; a step of storing acceptance condition data including pet acceptance conditions set by the travel service provider; a step of determining whether a reservation for travel accompanied by a pet is possible when a reservation request for travel accompanied by a pet is received, by comparing the pet data of the pet to be accompanied with the acceptance condition data of the travel service provider to which the reservation is to be made; a step of adding reservation information including the details of the travel accompanied by a pet to the pet data and storing it if it is determined that a reservation is possible and the reservation is made; and a step of reading a microchip or biometric authentication information embedded in the accompanied pet with the authentication device during the execution of the travel accompanied by a pet, and comparing the read information with the identification information stored in the pet data to determine whether the accompanied pet is a legitimate pet corresponding to the reservation information. According to the above configuration, when traveling with a pet, the system can automatically and accurately determine the match between the information of the accompanying pet and the complex acceptance conditions set by each element of the itinerary and by laws and regulations, thereby enabling smooth booking and ensuring that the acceptance conditions are met during the trip. [Explanation of symbols]
[0092] 10 servers 10a processor 10b memory 10c communication interface 10d storage 10e bus 11 Storage section 12 Information acquisition department 13 Display Control Unit 14. Communication Control Unit 15. Reservation Availability Determination Section 16 Authenticity Determination Department 17 Alternative proposal section 18 Recommended Methods Presentation Section 19. Training level calculation unit 20 User Terminals 20a Processor 20b Storage device 20c communication interface 20d Input device 20e Display 20f bus 30 Authentication devices 40 Wearable Devices N Network S Information Processing System T Travel Service Management System
Claims
1. An information processing system including a user terminal operated by a user and a server computer capable of communicating with the user terminal via a network, The aforementioned server computer The system stores pet data, including identification information and related information about the pets that the user is accompanied by. It stores acceptance conditions data, including the conditions for accepting pets set by the travel service provider. When a reservation request for pet-accompanied travel is received from the user terminal, the pet data of the accompanying pet and the acceptance conditions data of the travel service provider to which the reservation is to be made are compared to determine whether or not the pet-accompanied travel can be booked. (a) If, as a result of determining whether the reservation is possible, it is determined that the reservation is possible and the reservation is made, the reservation information including the details of the pet-accompanied travel reservation is added to the pet data and stored. During the process of carrying out the aforementioned pet-accompanied trip, the system receives microchip information or biometric authentication information embedded in the accompanying pet, which has been read by an authentication device installed by the travel service provider to which the reservation is made, and by comparing this with the aforementioned identification information based on the reservation information, it determines whether the accompanying pet is a legitimate pet corresponding to the reservation information. (b) If the determination of whether or not a reservation is possible results in a determination that the reservation is not possible, the user terminal is presented with recommended means to satisfy the acceptance conditions that caused the reservation to be impossible. Pet-friendly travel management system.
2. An information processing system comprising a user terminal operated by a user and a server computer capable of communicating with the user terminal via a network, The aforementioned server computer The system stores identification information about the pet the user is accompanying, as well as pet data including vital data acquired by a wearable device attached to the pet. The system stores acceptance condition data, including stress level tolerance ranges or health condition requirements, set by the travel service provider. When a reservation request for pet-accompanied travel is received from the user terminal, the stress level or health status of the pet is calculated based on the vital data, and the acceptance conditions data is compared to determine whether or not the pet-accompanied travel reservation is possible. If, as a result of determining whether the reservation is possible, it is determined that the reservation is possible and the reservation is made, the reservation information, including the details of the pet-accompanied travel reservation, is added to the pet data and stored. During the process of carrying out the aforementioned pet-accompanied trip, the system receives microchip information or biometric authentication information embedded in the accompanying pet, which has been read by an authentication device installed by the travel service provider to which the reservation is made, and compares this information with the aforementioned identification information based on the reservation information to determine whether the accompanying pet is a legitimate pet corresponding to the reservation information. Pet-friendly travel management system.
3. An information processing system comprising a user terminal operated by a user and a server computer capable of communicating with the user terminal via a network, The aforementioned server computer The system stores pet data, including identification information about the pets that the user is accompanied by. The system stores acceptance condition data, including the requirements regarding the well-behaved level of pets set by the travel service provider. When a reservation request for travel with a pet is received from the user terminal, the level of obedience of the accompanying pet is calculated by determining the behavioral stability or personality traits of the pet using a machine learning model based on image data or video data related to the pet's behavior acquired from the user terminal or a camera device installed at the travel service provider's facility. The calculated level of obedience and the conditions related to obedience included in the acceptance conditions data are used to determine whether or not the pet-friendly travel reservation is possible. If, as a result of determining whether the reservation is possible, it is determined that the reservation is possible and the reservation is made, the reservation information, including the details of the pet-accompanied travel reservation, is added to the pet data and stored. During the process of carrying out the aforementioned pet-accompanied trip, the system receives microchip information or biometric authentication information embedded in the accompanying pet, which has been read by an authentication device installed by the travel service provider to which the reservation is made, and compares this information with the aforementioned identification information based on the reservation information to determine whether the accompanying pet is a legitimate pet corresponding to the reservation information. Pet-friendly travel management system.
4. A method for managing pet travel performed by a processor, The aforementioned processor, The system stores pet data, including identification information and related information about the pets that the user is accompanied by. It stores acceptance conditions data, including the conditions for accepting pets set by the travel service provider. When a reservation request for pet-accompanied travel is received from a user terminal, the pet data of the accompanying pet and the acceptance conditions data of the travel service provider to which the reservation is to be made are compared to determine whether or not the pet-accompanied travel can be booked. (a) If, as a result of determining whether the reservation is possible, it is determined that the reservation is possible and the reservation is made, the reservation information including the details of the pet-accompanied travel reservation is added to the pet data and stored. During the process of carrying out the aforementioned pet-accompanied trip, the system receives microchip information or biometric authentication information embedded in the accompanying pet, which has been read by an authentication device installed by the travel service provider to which the reservation is made, and by comparing this with the aforementioned identification information based on the reservation information, it determines whether the accompanying pet is a legitimate pet corresponding to the reservation information. (b) If the determination of whether or not a reservation is possible results in a determination that the reservation is not possible, the user terminal is presented with recommended means to satisfy the acceptance conditions that caused the reservation to be impossible. How to manage travel with pets.
5. A method for managing pet travel performed by a processor, The aforementioned processor, The system stores identification information about the pet the user is accompanying, as well as pet data including vital data acquired by a wearable device attached to the pet. The system stores acceptance condition data, including stress level tolerance ranges or health condition requirements, set by the travel service provider. When a reservation request for pet-accompanied travel is received from a user terminal, the stress level or health status of the pet is calculated based on the vital data, and the acceptance conditions data is compared to determine whether or not the pet-accompanied travel reservation is possible. If, as a result of determining whether the reservation is possible, it is determined that the reservation is possible and the reservation is made, the reservation information, including the details of the pet-accompanied travel reservation, is added to the pet data and stored. During the process of carrying out the aforementioned pet-accompanied trip, the system receives microchip information or biometric authentication information embedded in the accompanying pet, which has been read by an authentication device installed by the travel service provider to which the reservation is made, and compares this information with the aforementioned identification information based on the reservation information to determine whether the accompanying pet is a legitimate pet corresponding to the reservation information. How to manage travel with pets.
6. A method for managing pet travel performed by a processor, The aforementioned processor, The system stores pet data, including identification information about the pets that the user is accompanied by. The system stores acceptance condition data, including the requirements regarding the well-behaved level of pets set by the travel service provider. When a reservation request for travel with a pet is received from a user terminal, the system calculates the level of obedience of the accompanying pet by determining the behavioral stability or personality traits of the pet using a machine learning model based on image data or video data related to the pet's behavior acquired from the user terminal or a camera device installed at the travel service provider's facility. The calculated level of obedience and the conditions related to obedience included in the acceptance conditions data are used to determine whether or not the pet-friendly travel reservation is possible. If, as a result of determining whether the reservation is possible, it is determined that the reservation is possible and the reservation is made, the reservation information, including the details of the pet-accompanied travel reservation, is added to the pet data and stored. During the process of carrying out the aforementioned pet-accompanied trip, the system receives microchip information or biometric authentication information embedded in the accompanying pet, which has been read by an authentication device installed by the travel service provider to which the reservation is made, and compares this information with the aforementioned identification information based on the reservation information to determine whether the accompanying pet is a legitimate pet corresponding to the reservation information. How to manage travel with pets.
7. The processor includes: The system stores pet data, including identification information and related information about the pets that the user is accompanied by. It stores acceptance conditions data, including the conditions for accepting pets set by the travel service provider. When a reservation request for pet-accompanied travel is received from a user terminal, the pet data of the accompanying pet and the acceptance conditions data of the travel service provider to which the reservation is to be made are compared to determine whether or not the pet-accompanied travel can be booked. (a) If, as a result of determining whether the reservation is possible, it is determined that the reservation is possible and the reservation is made, the reservation information including the details of the pet-accompanied travel reservation is added to the pet data and stored. During the process of carrying out the aforementioned pet-accompanied trip, the system receives microchip information or biometric authentication information embedded in the accompanying pet, which has been read by an authentication device installed by the travel service provider to which the reservation is made, and by comparing this with the aforementioned identification information based on the reservation information, it determines whether the accompanying pet is a legitimate pet corresponding to the reservation information. (b) If the determination of whether or not a reservation is possible results in a determination that the reservation is not possible, the user terminal is presented with recommended means to satisfy the acceptance conditions that caused the reservation to be impossible. A program to execute a process.
8. The processor includes: The system stores identification information about the pet the user is accompanying, as well as pet data including vital data acquired by a wearable device attached to the pet. The system stores acceptance condition data, including stress level tolerance ranges or health condition requirements, set by the travel service provider. When a reservation request for pet-accompanied travel is received from a user terminal, the stress level or health status of the pet is calculated based on the vital data, and the acceptance conditions data is compared to determine whether or not the pet-accompanied travel reservation is possible. If, as a result of determining whether the reservation is possible, it is determined that the reservation is possible and the reservation is made, the reservation information, including the details of the pet-accompanied travel reservation, is added to the pet data and stored. During the process of carrying out the aforementioned pet-accompanied trip, the system receives microchip information or biometric authentication information embedded in the accompanying pet, which has been read by an authentication device installed by the travel service provider to which the reservation is made, and compares this information with the aforementioned identification information based on the reservation information to determine whether the accompanying pet is a legitimate pet corresponding to the reservation information. A program to execute a process.
9. In the processor, The system stores pet data, including identification information about the pets that the user is accompanied by. The system stores acceptance condition data, including the requirements regarding the well-behaved level of pets set by the travel service provider. When a reservation request for travel with a pet is received from a user terminal, the system calculates the level of obedience of the accompanying pet by determining the behavioral stability or personality traits of the pet using a machine learning model based on image data or video data related to the pet's behavior acquired from the user terminal or a camera device installed at the travel service provider's facility. The calculated level of obedience and the conditions related to obedience included in the acceptance conditions data are used to determine whether or not the pet-friendly travel reservation is possible. If, as a result of determining whether the reservation is possible, it is determined that the reservation is possible and the reservation is made, the reservation information, including the details of the pet-accompanied travel reservation, is added to the pet data and stored. During the process of carrying out the aforementioned pet-accompanied trip, the system receives microchip information or biometric authentication information embedded in the accompanying pet, which has been read by an authentication device installed by the travel service provider to which the reservation is made, and compares this information with the aforementioned identification information based on the reservation information to determine whether the accompanying pet is a legitimate pet corresponding to the reservation information. A program to execute a process.