JP2013220065A - Pet guide system and pet monitoring system using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pet guide system, capable of monitoring the pet surely more than before in a pet monitoring system.SOLUTION: A pet monitoring system 10 includes: a tablet PC 11; a control stand 12; and a guide device 13. The tablet PC 11 is provided with a camera for monitoring a pet 41, and remote-operated from a smart phone 20 operated by an owner 42. The control stand 12 is enabled to perform the infrared communication with the guide device 13 according to an instruction from the tablet PC 11. The guide device 13 receives the instruction from the tablet PC 11 through the control stand 12 by the infrared communication. The guide device 13 stimulates the sense of the pet 41 according to the received instruction from a first information terminal, whereby the pet 41 is guided within the photographing range of a camera of the tablet PC 11.

Description

  The present invention relates to a pet guidance system and a pet monitoring system using the same.

  In recent years, the importance of pets to humans has increased. Under such circumstances, the owner wants to be able to check the state of the pet even when away from the pet, such as when going out. For this reason, various pet monitoring systems that monitor pets from remote locations have been known.

  In order to monitor a pet in the pet monitoring system, it is necessary to place the pet within the shooting range of the monitoring camera. However, since the pet moves freely, it is extremely difficult to keep such a pet within the shooting range of the camera.

  Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a feeding device that includes a speaker, a camera, a communication module, and the like and can be operated remotely. The speaker can reproduce a voice or the like that the owner calls a pet in accordance with an instruction from a terminal device operated by the owner. When a voice calling the pet is emitted from the speaker, the pet approaches the feeding device. As a result, the pet is within the shooting range of the camera. A video signal indicating an image captured by the camera is transmitted to the terminal device operated by the owner via the communication module. In this way, the owner can monitor the pet.

Utility Model Registration No. 3160312

  However, in the bait feeding device described in Patent Document 1, since a speaker and a camera for attracting pets are integrally configured, the pet cannot be guided within the shooting range of the camera, or the shooting range of the camera Even if it can be guided in, there is a possibility that it cannot be guided to a desired position. Specifically, as a result of the pet approaching the speaker, the pet is guided to the opposite side of the camera mounting surface, for example, and is out of the camera shooting range, or the pet is too close to the camera for monitoring. Inappropriate images may be taken. In such cases, the owner cannot adequately monitor the pet.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a pet guidance system that can perform pet monitoring more reliably than ever in a pet monitoring system, and a pet monitoring system using the same.

A first aspect of the present invention is a pet guidance system,
A first communication unit for performing communication of the first communication method and a camera are connected to an external first information terminal that can be remotely operated by communication of the first communication method, and different from the first communication method and wireless A control device including a first second communication unit for performing communication of a second communication method which is a communication method;
The second communication unit includes a second second communication unit for performing communication of the second communication method, and is received by communication of the second communication method using the first second communication unit and the second second communication unit. And a guidance device for stimulating a pet's feeling and guiding the pet within a shooting range of the camera in response to an instruction from the first information terminal.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention,
The guidance device includes:
A guiding body for performing the operation of guiding the pet;
And a guidance control unit that receives an instruction from the first information terminal via the second second communication unit and controls the guidance main body in accordance with the instruction.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention,
The guide main body part is characterized by stimulating the vision of the pet.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention,
The guiding body part is:
A simulated animal formed in the shape of an animal,
An operation control unit that operates the simulated animal according to control by the guidance control unit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the fourth aspect of the present invention,
The simulated animal includes a light source unit that senses vibration and emits light.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention,
The guide main body includes a laser device capable of irradiating light according to control by the guide controller.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is the sixth aspect of the present invention,
The guide main body unit determines a light irradiation destination of the laser device within an imaging range of the camera, supports the laser device, and changes a support state of the laser device according to control by the guide control unit. It further includes a support part.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the present invention,
The guiding body part is:
With a mirror,
A laser device fixing portion for fixing the laser device so that light is emitted from the laser device to the mirror;
A mirror support unit that determines a reflection destination of light emitted from the laser device within a photographing range of the camera, supports the mirror, and changes a support state of the mirror according to control by the guidance control unit; It is characterized by including.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect of the present invention,
The guidance main body includes a second information terminal that can be remotely operated and has a guidance display,
The guidance display displays an image that attracts the pet's interest in accordance with control by the guidance control unit.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention,
The guiding main body part is characterized by stimulating hearing of the pet.

An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the tenth aspect of the present invention,
The guide main body includes an audio output unit that outputs a voice that attracts the pet's interest according to control by the guide control unit.

A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the second aspect of the present invention,
The guiding main body part is characterized by stimulating the sense of smell of the pet.

A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the twelfth aspect of the present invention,
The guide main body includes a scent jetting unit that jets a scent preferred by the pet in accordance with control by the guidance control unit.

A fourteenth aspect of the present invention provides any one of the first to thirteenth aspects of the present invention,
The second communication method is an infrared communication method.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourteenth aspects of the present invention,
The control device is configured to be connectable to a first information terminal formed in a flat plate shape.

A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is the fifteenth aspect of the present invention,
The control device is configured to be able to connect the control device with the first information terminal being substantially upright.

A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is a pet monitoring system,
A pet guiding system according to any of the first to sixteenth aspects of the present invention;
The first information terminal.

An eighteenth aspect of the present invention is a pet monitoring system,
A pet guiding system according to any of the first to thirteenth aspects of the present invention;
The first information terminal,
The first information terminal and the control device are integrally configured.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the seventeenth aspect or the eighteenth aspect of the present invention,
The first information terminal further includes a main body display that is provided in a shooting direction of the camera and capable of displaying an image of a person remotely operating the first information terminal through communication of the first communication method. Features.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, an instruction from an external first information terminal that can be remotely operated by communication of the first communication method is given to the guidance device by communication of the second communication method via the control device. . The guide device guides the pet within the shooting range of the camera of the first information terminal by stimulating the sense of the pet in accordance with an instruction from the first information terminal. For this reason, the pet is surely within the shooting range of the camera. Furthermore, since the guidance device is controlled by communication of the second communication method, which is a wireless communication method, the placement of the guidance device can be set relatively freely. As a result, the pet can be guided to a desired position within the shooting range of the camera. Therefore, by using the pet guiding system according to the first aspect of the present invention in the pet monitoring system including the first information terminal, the pet can be monitored more reliably than before. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the control device is used when the control device and the first information terminal are provided as separate components and the first information terminal does not have the communication function of the second communication method. Thereby, the guidance device controlled by the communication of the second communication method can be controlled. For this reason, by using the pet guidance system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the pet monitoring can be performed without performing a special specification change in the ready-made first information terminal that does not have the communication function of the second communication method. Monitoring of pets in the system can be performed more reliably than before.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, an effect similar to that of the first aspect of the present invention can be achieved by using a guidance device that further includes a guidance main body and a guidance control unit.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the pet can be guided within the photographing range of the camera by stimulating the visual sense of the pet with the guiding main body.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a pet can be attracted to the guiding main body by stimulating the vision of the pet using a simulated animal that operates according to the control of the operation control unit. For this reason, the pet can be guided within the photographing range by arranging at least the guiding main body of the guiding device within the photographing range of the camera. In addition, it is possible to play a moving simulated animal by chasing a pet.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the light source included in the simulated animal senses vibration and emits light, thereby increasing the pet's interest in the simulated animal. For this reason, it is possible to reliably keep the pet within the shooting range of the camera.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, a pet can be attracted to the light emitting point by generating a light emitting point with the laser device and stimulating the vision of the pet. For this reason, it is possible to guide the pet within the shooting range by generating a light emitting point on a wall or a screen positioned within the shooting range of the camera.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the light emitting point can be moved by changing the support state of the laser device. For this reason, the pet's interest in the light emitting point can be increased. Thereby, a pet can be reliably kept within the photographing range of the camera. In addition, the moving light emitting point can be played by chasing the pet.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the embodiment using the reflected laser light from the mirror, the same effect as that of the seventh aspect of the present invention can be achieved by changing the support state of the mirror.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the pet can be attracted to the guiding main body by stimulating the pet's vision using an image that attracts the pet's interest. For this reason, the pet can be guided within the photographing range by arranging at least the guiding main body of the guiding device within the photographing range of the camera.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the pet can be guided within the shooting range of the camera by stimulating the hearing of the pet with the guiding main body.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, a pet can be attracted to the guiding main body by stimulating the pet's hearing using a voice that draws the pet's interest. For this reason, the pet can be guided within the photographing range by arranging at least the guiding main body of the guiding device within the photographing range of the camera.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the pet can be guided within the photographing range of the camera by stimulating the olfaction of the pet by the guiding main body.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the pet can be attracted to the guiding main body by stimulating the smell of the pet using the scent preferred by the pet. For this reason, the pet can be guided within the photographing range by arranging at least the guiding main body of the guiding device within the photographing range of the camera.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, since the infrared communication method is adopted as the second communication method, the first second communication unit and the second second communication unit have a relatively simple configuration. For this reason, a pet guidance system is realizable at low cost.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, a first information terminal (for example, a tablet PC) formed in a flat plate shape can be connected to the control device.

  According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to monitor a first information terminal (eg, tablet PC) that is difficult to stand upright substantially upright.

  According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, a pet monitoring system can be realized using the pet guiding system and the first information terminal according to any of the first to sixteenth aspects of the present invention.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the pet guiding system and the first information terminal according to any of the first to fourteenth aspects of the present invention are used, and the first information terminal and the control device are used. A pet monitoring system can be realized by integrally configuring.

  According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, an image of a person who remotely operates the first information terminal (hereinafter referred to as “pet owner” in the description of the effects of the invention) is displayed on the display. Can do. For this reason, it is possible to give the pet a sense of security even when the owner is out. In addition, although it is conceivable that the pet is attracted to the owner's video, the display is provided in the shooting direction of the camera, so that it is difficult for the pet to come off from the shooting range of the camera. Even if the pet is out of the shooting range of the camera, the owner can guide the pet within the shooting range of the camera by operating the guidance device.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a pet monitoring system and an information terminal related thereto according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure which looked at the principal part of the pet monitoring system which concerns on the said 1st Embodiment from the functional surface. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the main body of the pet monitoring system which concerns on the said 1st Embodiment. (A) is a front view of a monitoring main body. (B) is a side view of the monitoring main body. (C) is a plan view of the monitoring main body. It is a figure for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of a guidance apparatus. (A) is a figure for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of the guidance apparatus in a horizontal direction. (B) is a figure for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of the guidance apparatus in a perpendicular direction. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the 1st guidance apparatus in the said 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the modification of the said 1st guidance apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the 2nd guidance apparatus in the said 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the 3rd guidance apparatus in the said 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the modification of the said 3rd guidance apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the 4th guidance apparatus in the said 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the 5th guidance apparatus in the said 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the pet monitoring system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and the information terminal relevant to it. It is a block diagram which shows the structure which looked at the principal part of the pet monitoring system which concerns on the said 2nd Embodiment from the functional surface. It is a figure which shows the structure of board PC of the pet monitoring system which concerns on the said 2nd Embodiment. (A) is a front view of board PC. (B) is a side view of the board PC. (C) is a plan view of the board PC.

  Hereinafter, first and second embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<1. First Embodiment>
<1.1 Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a pet monitoring system 10 and an information terminal related thereto according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the pet monitoring system 10 and the smartphone 20 are capable of bidirectional communication via a network 30. The pet monitoring system 10 is used to monitor the pet 41. The smartphone 20 is typically used by the owner 42 of the pet 41. The owner 42 can control the pet monitoring system 10 by operating the smartphone 20. Further, the owner 42 can check the video of the pet 41 transmitted from the pet monitoring system 10 on the smartphone 20.

  The pet monitoring system 10 includes a tablet PC 11, a control table 12, and a guidance device 13. Hereinafter, the tablet PC 11 and the control table 12 are collectively referred to as a “monitoring main body unit 50”. The control table 12 and the guidance device 13 are collectively referred to as a “pet guidance system 60”. In the present embodiment, the first information terminal is realized by the tablet PC 11, and the control device is realized by the control table 12.

  The tablet PC 11 can communicate with the network 30 by the first communication method. As the first communication method in the present embodiment, for example, a wireless communication method such as a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) method or a 3G method can be adopted. Note that the tablet PC 11 may be able to directly communicate with the smartphone 20 without going through the network 30. In this case, as a communication method (first communication method) used between the tablet PC 11 and the smartphone 20, either a wireless communication method or a wired communication method may be adopted. Need to be able to communicate at relatively distant locations. Moreover, it may replace with tablet PC11 and may use a smart phone or another mobile phone. In the following description regarding the present embodiment, it is assumed that the first communication method is the Wi-Fi method. In the following description, the Wi-Fi communication is referred to as “Wi-Fi communication”.

  A tablet PC 11 is connected to the control table 12. The control table 12 can communicate with the guidance device 13 by the second communication method in response to an instruction from the tablet PC 11. As the second communication method in the present embodiment, for example, an infrared communication method can be adopted. Of the infrared communication systems, an infrared remote control system (hereinafter simply referred to as “remote control system”) is employed instead of a system conforming to the IrDA (Infrared Data Association) standard (hereinafter simply referred to as “IrDA system”). It shall be. However, the IrDA method may be adopted. In the following description regarding the present embodiment, it is assumed that the second communication method is a remote control infrared communication method. In the following description, the remote control type infrared communication system communication is simply referred to as “infrared communication”.

  The guidance device 13 can communicate with the control table 12 by the second communication method. The guidance device 13 receives an instruction from the tablet PC 11 via the control table 12 by infrared communication. The guidance device 13 stimulates the sense of the pet 41 according to the received instruction from the first information terminal, thereby guiding the guidance device 13 within the imaging range of the camera (not shown) of the tablet PC 11.

  The smartphone 20 can communicate with the network 30 by the Wi-Fi method or the 3G method. Instead of the smartphone 20, another mobile phone, tablet PC, desktop PC, notebook PC, board PC, or the like may be used.

<1.2 Pet monitoring system>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration in which the main part of the pet monitoring system 10 according to the present embodiment is viewed from the functional aspect. As described above, the pet monitoring system 10 includes the tablet PC 11, the control table 12, and the guidance device 13.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the tablet PC 11 includes a network communication unit 111, a first main body control unit 112, a camera 113, a display 114, a touch panel 115, a speaker 116, and a first connection unit 117.

  The network communication unit 111 functions as an interface unit for performing Wi-Fi communication. In the present embodiment, the first communication unit is realized by the network communication unit 111.

  The first main body control unit 112 controls each unit of the tablet PC 11. The first main body control unit 112 controls the camera 113, the display 114, the touch panel 115, and the speaker 116 according to an instruction from the smartphone 20 via the network communication unit 111, and controls the control table via the first connection unit 117. 12 is instructed. In addition, the first main body control unit 112 transmits a video signal indicating a video captured by the camera 113 to the smartphone 20 via the network communication unit 111. The first main body control unit 112 can also control each unit in accordance with an input from the touch panel 115. The first main body control unit 112 is mainly configured by a computer including a CPU 1121, a memory 1122, an HDD (hard disk drive) 1123, and the like. Various operations of the tablet PC in the present embodiment are realized by the CPU 1121 executing a predetermined program stored in the HDD 1123 or the like. The predetermined program can be installed from a predetermined server via the network 30, for example.

  The camera 113 is used for performing various shootings. In the present embodiment, the camera 113 is used as a monitoring camera for monitoring the pet 41. The camera 113 can perform photographing at a desired timing of the owner 42 in accordance with an instruction from the smartphone 20. Note that the owner 42 may start shooting with the camera 113 and may end shooting by an operation using the touch panel 115. The camera 113 transmits a video signal indicating the captured video to the first main body control unit 112. Then, the video signal transmitted to the first main body control unit is transmitted to the smartphone 20 by the first main body control unit 112 as described above. For this reason, the owner 42 can confirm the video image | photographed with the camera 113 in real time. The arrangement plane of the camera 113 used as the surveillance camera is not particularly limited, but is preferably the same plane as the arrangement plane of the display 114. That is, the camera 113 used as the surveillance camera is preferably an in-camera. The camera 113 may be an out camera arranged on the surface opposite to the arrangement surface of the display 114, and an out camera may be provided in addition to the camera 113 that is an in camera.

  The display 114 displays various images. In the present embodiment, the display 114 can display an image taken by the smartphone 20. Specifically, a video signal indicating a video shot by the camera of the smartphone 20 is transmitted to the first main body control unit 112 via the network communication unit 111, and the video indicated by the video signal is displayed on the display 114. For example, the video of the owner 42 taken with the camera of the smartphone 20 can be displayed on the display 114 in real time. In the present embodiment, a display for the main body is realized by the display 114.

  The touch panel 115 is used for performing various inputs for operating the tablet PC 11. The touch panel 115 is disposed on the display 114 or formed integrally with the display 114.

  The speaker 116 outputs various sounds. The speaker 116 can output, for example, voice collected by the smartphone 20, but this is not essential for the present invention.

  The first connection unit 117 functions as a connection interface unit with an external device. In the present embodiment, the first connection unit 117 is used for connection with the control stand 12, but can also be used for connection with other devices. An instruction from the tablet PC 11 is given to the control table 12 via the first connection unit 117. Note that a plurality of types of first connection portions 117 may be provided in the tablet PC 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control table 12 includes a second connection unit 121, a second main body control unit 122, and an infrared transmission unit 123.

  The second connection unit 121 functions as a connection interface unit with the first information terminal such as the tablet PC 11. An instruction from the tablet PC 11 is given to the second main body control unit via the first connection unit 117 and the second connection unit 121. Note that a plurality of types of second connection units 121 may be provided on the control table 12 in correspondence with a plurality of types of first information terminals.

  In response to an instruction from the tablet PC 11, the second main body control unit 122 gives an instruction to the guidance device 13 via the infrared transmission unit 123. The second main body control unit 122 may give an instruction to the tablet PC 11 via the second connection unit 121.

  The infrared transmission unit 123 functions as a transmission side interface unit for performing infrared communication. In the present embodiment, a first second communication unit is realized by the infrared transmission unit 123.

  The control table 12 may operate by being supplied with power from the tablet PC 11 through the second connection unit 121 or the like, may have an internal power supply, and may operate by using the internal power supply.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the guidance device 13 includes an infrared receiving unit 131, a guidance control unit 132, and a guidance body unit 133. The induction device 13 has a built-in power supply and operates by using the built-in power supply.

  The infrared receiving unit 131 functions as a receiving side interface unit for performing infrared communication. In the present embodiment, a second second communication unit is realized by the infrared receiving unit. An instruction from the control table 12 is given to the guidance control unit 132 via the infrared transmission unit 123 and the infrared reception unit 131.

  The guidance control unit 132 operates the guidance main body unit 133 in response to an instruction from the control table 12. Specifically, when a signal instructing the operation start of the guidance main body 133 (hereinafter referred to as “ON signal”) is transmitted from the control stand 12, the guidance control unit 132 starts the operation of the guidance main body 133. On the other hand, when a signal for instructing the end of the operation of the guidance main body 133 (hereinafter referred to as “OFF signal”) is transmitted from the control stand 12, the guidance control unit 132 ends the operation of the guidance main body 133. Note that the guidance control unit 132 may automatically end the operation of the guidance main body 133 after a certain period of time has elapsed since the reception of the ON signal, and the OFF signal may not be used.

  In response to an instruction from the guidance control unit 132, the guidance main body unit 133 performs an operation of stimulating the sense of the pet 41 and guiding the pet 41 within the imaging range of the camera 113. There are two types of operations of the guiding main body 133, that is, a case where the operation is controlled according to the operation of the smartphone 20 by the owner 42 and a case where the operation is automatically controlled during monitoring of the pet 41.

  First, a case where the operation of the guiding main body 133 is controlled according to the operation of the smartphone 20 by the owner 42 will be described. When the owner 42 wants to start the operation of the guide main body 133, the operation corresponding to the ON signal from the smartphone 20 by the operation of the owner 42 causes the network communication unit 111, the first main body control unit 112, the first connection unit 117, And supplied to the second main body control unit 122 via the second connection unit 121. Then, an ON signal is generated by the second main body control unit 122 and given to the guidance control unit 132 via the infrared transmission unit 123 and the infrared reception unit 131, so that the guidance control unit 132 starts the operation of the guidance main body unit 133. Let The procedure for the owner 42 to end the operation of the guiding main body 133 is basically the same as the procedure for starting the operation, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, a case where the operation of the guiding main body 133 is automatically controlled during monitoring of the pet 41 will be described. Here, “being monitored by the pet 41” means a period from when shooting of the camera 113 is started in accordance with the operation of the smartphone 20 by the owner 42 to the end of shooting, or the touch panel 115 by the owner 42 is used. This refers to the period from the start of shooting by the camera 113 to the end of shooting. In this case, an instruction corresponding to the ON signal is given from the first main body control unit 112 to the second main body control unit 122 via the first connection unit 117 and the second connection unit 121 at regular intervals. Then, an ON signal is generated by the second main body control unit 122 and given to the guidance control unit 132 via the infrared transmission unit 123 and the infrared reception unit 131, so that the guidance control unit 132 starts the operation of the guidance main body unit 133. Let Note that the second main body control unit 122 generates an ON signal at regular intervals regardless of an instruction from the first main body control unit 112, and this is transmitted to the guidance control unit 132 via the infrared transmission unit 123 and the infrared reception unit 131. You may make it give to. Note that the procedure for ending the operation of the guidance main body 133 is basically the same as the procedure for starting the operation, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

<1.3 External structure of main body>
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of the monitoring main body 50 of the pet monitoring system 10 according to the present embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 3 (A) is a front view of the monitoring body 50, FIG. 3 (B) is a side view of the monitoring body 50, and FIG. 3 (C) is a plan view of the monitoring body 50. It is. “X”, “Y”, and “Z” in FIGS. 3A to 3C represent the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, respectively. Similar X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are also shown in FIG. 4A, FIG. 4B, FIG. 14A, FIG. 14B, and FIG. Yes. Hereinafter, the positive direction side and the negative direction side of the Z-axis are referred to as “front side” and “back side”, respectively. Further, the positive side and the negative side of the X axis are referred to as “right side” and “left side”, respectively. The positive direction side and the negative direction side of the Y axis are referred to as “upper surface side” and “lower surface side”, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the control table 12 is formed in a trapezoidal shape. Further, the control table 12 is provided with a receiving portion 124 for making the tablet PC 11 substantially upright, and the second connecting portion 121 is disposed in the receiving portion 124. The tablet PC 11 is inserted into the receiving portion 124, and the tablet PC 11 is connected and fixed to the control table 12 by the first connection portion 117 and the second connection portion 121. In this way, the tablet PC 11 that is difficult to stand up can be substantially upright.

  The display 114 (and the touch panel 115) is provided toward the shooting direction of the camera 113. Specifically, the display 114 is disposed on the same surface as the surface on which the camera 113 is disposed. As described above, when the tablet PC 11 is connected and fixed to the control table 12, the surface of the tablet PC 11 on which the display 114 and the camera 113 are arranged is located on the front side. The orientation of the display 114 and the camera 113 can be determined by the orientation of the second connection portion 121 that is a male or female connection portion, for example. In addition, when the 2nd connection part 121 is a male type, a 1st connection part is a female type, and when the 2nd connection part 121 is a female type, a 1st connection part is a male type.

  The speaker 116 is disposed on the front side. However, the speaker 116 may be disposed at another position (back side, right side, left side, top side, or bottom side).

  Since the camera 113 is disposed on the front side surface, the guidance device 13 is disposed on the front side (not shown). For this reason, the infrared transmission part 123 is arrange | positioned in the front side of the control stand 12 from a viewpoint of transmission / reception with the infrared receiving part 131 of the guidance apparatus 13. FIG. However, the infrared transmission unit 123 may be arranged on the right side surface, left side surface side, upper surface side, lower surface side, or back surface side of the control stand 12.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the depth on the front side of the receiving portion 124 (referring to the length in the Y-axis direction) is such that the upper end on the front side of the receiving portion 124 does not lie on the display 114 in the Z-axis direction. It is desirable to set the degree. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the portion near the lower surface side of the display 114 from being buried and hidden in the receiving portion 124. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the depth on the back side of the receiving portion 124 is not particularly limited.

  The above description is the same even when a smartphone or the like is used instead of the tablet PC 11. In addition, the shape of the control stand 12 demonstrated here, the connection method of the tablet PC 11 and the control stand 12, etc. are only illustrations, and are not specifically limited.

<1.4 Arrangement of guidance device>
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the guidance device 13. More specifically, FIG. 4A is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the guidance device 13 in the horizontal direction (referred to as the X-axis direction), and FIG. 4B represents the vertical direction (referred to as the Y-axis direction). It is a figure for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of the guidance apparatus 13 in.). The shooting range of the camera 113 is determined by the horizontal shooting range and the vertical shooting range. As shown in FIG. 4A, the horizontal photographing range is determined by the photographing angles α and α in the positive and negative directions of the X axis with respect to the normal line located at the center of the camera 113. The shooting range in the vertical direction is determined by the shooting possible angles β and β in the positive and negative directions of the Y axis with respect to the normal line located at the center of the camera 113, as shown in FIG. It is desirable that at least the guide main body 133 of the guide device 13 is disposed within the horizontal and vertical imaging ranges (except for a third guide device described below and its modifications).

<1.5 Examples of guidance devices>
Various implementation examples of the guidance device 13 are conceivable. Here, as an implementation example of the guidance device 13, the first to fifth guidance devices will be described as examples.

<1.5.1 First Guiding Device>
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first guiding device 13a in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the first guide device 13 a includes a base plate 134 and a guide main body 133 disposed on the base plate 134. The base plate 134 incorporates an infrared receiving unit 131 and a guidance control unit 132. The base plate 134 functions as a member that controls the guide body 133 while supporting the guide body 133.

  The guiding main body 133 includes a turning control unit 301 and a simulated animal 302. The turning control unit 301 turns the simulated animal 302 according to the control by the guidance control unit 132. In the present embodiment, an operation control unit is realized by the turning control unit 301. The simulated animal 302 is formed in a shape simulating an animal. The simulated animal 302 is preferably a model of an animal that the pet 41 is interested in.

  The turning control unit 301 includes a motor 304, a rotation shaft 305, a hook 306, and a string 307. The rotation of the motor 304 is controlled by the guidance control unit 132. The rotating shaft 305 is connected to the motor 304. One end of the collar 306 is connected to the upper end of the rotating shaft 305. One end of a string 307 is connected to the other end of the collar 306. A simulated animal 302 is connected to the other end of the string 307.

  When the ON signal is received from the control table 12 by the infrared receiver 131, the guidance controller 132 operates the motor 304. Specifically, the guidance control unit 132 operates the motor 304 so as to repeat three types of operations of right rotation, left rotation, and stop on the horizontal plane irregularly. For this reason, the rotating shaft 305 rotates irregularly, and the simulated animal 302 moves irregularly through the rod 306 and the string 307. Thereby, the vision of the pet 41 can be stimulated and the pet can be attracted to the guiding main body 133. Therefore, the pet 41 can be guided into the photographing range by disposing at least the guiding main body 133 of the guiding device 13 within the photographing range of the camera 113. Moreover, the moving simulated animal 302 can be made to chase the pet 41 and play.

  When the infrared signal is received from the control table 12 by the infrared receiving unit 131, the guidance control unit 132 stops the motor 304. For this reason, the simulated animal 302 stops.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a modified example of the first guiding device 13a. In this modification, as shown in FIG. 6, the simulated animal 302 of the first guiding device 13a shown in FIG. The light source unit 303 includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a vibration detection unit that senses vibration and controls light emission of the LED, and a power supply unit such as a button battery. As a result of the pet 41 being attracted to the guiding main body 133, the pet 41 may touch the simulated animal 302. At this time, the vibration detection unit senses the vibration and causes the LED to emit light. Note that the LED can also emit light due to vibration caused by the turning motion. Such a light emission of the LED can increase the interest of the pet 41 with respect to the simulated animal 302. Note that a power supply wire or the like may be used in place of the string 307 so that the power source unit 303 is not provided with a power source. Alternatively, the light source unit 303 may not be provided with a vibration detection unit, and the LED may emit light at all times or at regular intervals.

<1.5.2 Second Guiding Device>
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the second guiding device 13b in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the second guide device 13 b includes a base plate 134 and a guide main body 133 disposed on the base plate 134. The basic configuration of the base plate 134 is the same as that in the first guide device 13a.

  The guide main body 133 includes a box 311 and an IC recorder 312 provided in the box 311. The box 311 is not essential. The IC recorder 312 has a playback function as well as a recording function. The IC recorder 312 is recorded with a voice that attracts the interest of the pet 41 (hereinafter referred to as “attracting voice”), such as a bird's feather sound. In the present embodiment, an audio output unit is realized by the IC recorder 312.

  When the infrared signal receiving unit 131 receives the ON signal from the control table 12, the guidance control unit 132 causes the IC recorder 312 to reproduce the invitation voice recorded in advance. For this reason, the hearing of the pet 41 can be stimulated and the pet can be attracted to the guiding main body 133. Therefore, the pet 41 can be guided into the photographing range by disposing at least the guiding main body 133 of the guiding device 13 within the photographing range of the camera 113. In addition, as a method for reproducing the attracting voice, various methods that attract the pet's interest, such as continuous reproduction, intermittent reproduction, and reproduction with a predetermined pattern, can be adopted. Various playback methods may be realized by the function of the IC recorder 312 itself, or may be realized by the control of the guidance control unit 132.

  When the infrared receiving unit 131 receives the OFF signal from the control table 12, the guidance control unit 132 causes the IC recorder 312 to stop reproducing the invitation voice that has been recorded in advance.

<1.5.3 Third Guiding Device>
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the third guiding device 13c in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the third guide device 13 c includes a base plate 134 and a guide main body 133 disposed on the base plate 134. The basic configuration of the base plate 134 is the same as that in the first guide device 13a.

  The guiding main body 133 includes a movable laser pointer support portion 321 and a laser pointer 322. In the present embodiment, the laser device support unit and the laser device are realized by the movable laser pointer support unit 321 and the laser pointer 322, respectively. The movable laser pointer support unit 321 supports the laser pointer 322 by setting the irradiation destination of the laser light L1 of the laser pointer 322 to a wall 323 (which may be a screen or other object) located within the imaging range of the camera 113. . In addition, the movable laser pointer support unit 321 changes the support state of the supported laser pointer 322. Specifically, the movable laser pointer support unit 321 swings the laser pointer 322 within a range where the irradiation destination of the laser light L1 of the laser pointer 322 does not deviate from the shooting range of the camera 113. Such an operation can be realized using, for example, a servo motor. Further, the movable laser pointer support portion 321 can control ON / OFF of the switch of the laser pointer 322. The laser pointer 322 may have a built-in power supply, and may be supplied with power from the base plate 134 via the movable laser pointer fixing portion 321.

  When the infrared signal is received from the control table 12 by the infrared receiving unit 131, the guidance control unit 132 causes the movable laser pointer support unit 321 to turn on the switch of the laser pointer 322, and the movable laser pointer support unit 321 receives the laser pointer. The supporting state of 322 is changed. For this reason, a light emission point appears on the wall 323 within the imaging range of the camera 113 and the light emission point moves. Thereby, the vision of the pet 41 can be stimulated and the pet 41 can be attracted to the moving light emitting point. Therefore, the pet 41 can be guided within the shooting range of the camera 113. In addition, since the pet 41 is more interested in the light emission point due to the movement of the light emission point, the pet 41 can be reliably kept within the shooting range of the camera 113. Although the pet 41 is less interested in the light emission point, the laser pointer 322 may be fixed and the light emission point may not be moved.

  When the infrared receiving unit 131 receives an OFF signal from the control table 12, the guidance control unit 132 causes the movable laser pointer support unit 321 to turn off the switch of the laser pointer 322, and the laser pointer by the movable laser pointer support unit 321. The change of the support state of 322 is stopped.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a modified example of the third guidance device 13c. As shown in FIG. 9, in this modification, in the third guidance device 13c shown in FIG. 8, a laser pointer fixing portion 324 is provided instead of the movable laser pointer support portion 321 and the guidance main body portion 133 is further movable. A type mirror support 325 and a mirror 326 are provided.

  The laser pointer fixing unit 324 sets the irradiation destination of the laser light L1 of the laser pointer 322 to the mirror 326 and fixes the laser pointer 322. The laser pointer fixing unit 324 can control ON / OFF of the switch of the laser pointer 322.

  The movable mirror support unit 325 supports the mirror 326 by setting the reflection destination of the laser beam L1 emitted from the laser pointer 322 (that is, the irradiation destination of the reflected laser beam L2) to the wall 323 located within the imaging range of the camera 113. To do. The movable mirror support 325 changes the support state of the supported mirror 326. Specifically, the movable mirror support unit 325 swings the laser pointer 322 within a range where the irradiation destination of the reflected laser light L2 does not deviate from the shooting range of the camera 113. Such an operation can be realized using, for example, a servo motor.

  When the infrared signal is received from the control table 12 by the infrared receiving unit 131, the guidance control unit 132 causes the laser pointer fixing unit 324 to turn on the switch of the laser pointer 322, and the movable mirror support unit 325 supports the mirror 326. To change. For this reason, similarly to the third guidance device 13c, a light emission point appears on the wall 323 within the imaging range of the camera 113 and the light emission point moves. Thereby, the vision of the pet 41 can be stimulated and the pet 41 can be attracted to the moving light emitting point. Accordingly, the pet 41 can be guided within the shooting range of the camera 113. In addition, since the pet 41 is more interested in the light emission point due to the movement of the light emission point, the pet 41 can be reliably kept within the shooting range of the camera 113. Although the pet 41 is less interested in the light emission point, the mirror 326 may be fixed and the light emission point may not be moved.

  When the infrared signal is received from the control table 12 by the infrared receiving unit 131, the guidance control unit 132 causes the laser pointer fixing unit 324 to switch off the laser pointer 322 and supports the mirror 326 by the movable mirror support unit 325. Stop changing.

<1.5.4 Fourth Guiding Device>
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of the fourth guide device 13d in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the fourth guide device 13 d includes a base plate 134 and a guide main body 133 disposed on the base plate 134. The basic configuration of the base plate 134 is the same as that in the first guide device 13a.

  The guiding main body 133 includes a scent ejection device 331 that ejects a scent 332 preferred by the pet 41. When the pet 41 is, for example, a cat, the scent 332 can be, for example, a matabi scent.

  When receiving the ON signal from the control table 12 by the infrared receiving unit 131, the guidance control unit 132 causes the scent ejection device 331 to eject the scent. For this reason, the sense of smell of the pet 41 can be stimulated and the pet can be attracted to the guiding main body 133. Therefore, the pet 41 can be guided into the photographing range by disposing at least the guiding main body 133 of the guiding device 13 within the photographing range of the camera 113. In addition, the injection of the scent 332 by the scent injection device 331 may be performed only once after receiving the ON signal, or may be performed every certain period after receiving the ON signal.

<1.5.5 5th guidance apparatus>
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the fifth guiding device 13d in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the fifth guide device 13 d includes a base plate 134 and a guide main body 133 disposed on the base plate 134. The basic configuration of the base plate 134 is the same as that in the first guide device 13a.

  The guide main body 133 includes a tablet PC 341. The tablet PC 341 used in the fifth guidance device 13d has basically the same configuration as the tablet PC 11 used in the pet monitoring system 10 except that the operation is controlled by the guidance control unit 132. The tablet PC 341 is arranged on the base plate 134 such that the display surface of the display 342 is on the upper side (the side not in contact with the base plate 134). In the present embodiment, a display for guidance is realized by the display 342. In the HDD of the tablet PC 341 or the like, data (hereinafter referred to as “attraction video data”) indicating a video that attracts the pet 41 (hereinafter referred to as “attraction video data”) is stored in advance. When the pet 41 is, for example, a cat, as the attraction image, for example, an image of goldfish swimming can be adopted. In addition, the connection method of tablet PC341 and the base board 134 is not specifically limited, A well-known various method can be used. Further, the tablet PC 341 may be supplied with power from the base plate 134.

  When receiving the ON signal from the control table 12 by the infrared receiving unit 131, the guidance control unit 132 causes the control unit in the tablet PC 341 to display an attraction video on the display 342 based on the pre-stored attraction video data. Instruct. For this reason, the invitation video is displayed on the display 342. Thereby, the vision of the pet 41 can be stimulated and the pet can be attracted to the guiding main body 133. Therefore, the pet 41 can be guided into the photographing range by disposing at least the guiding main body 133 of the guiding device 13 within the photographing range of the camera 113. Moreover, when the image | video in which a goldfish swims is employ | adopted as an invitation image | video, it can be made to let a pet 41 (cat) chase a goldfish and to play. In addition to the display of the attraction video, sound corresponding to the attraction video may be output from the speaker.

  When the OFF signal is received from the control table 12 by the infrared receiving unit 131, the guidance control unit 132 supports the control unit in the tablet PC 341 so as to stop displaying the attraction video on the display 342. For this reason, the display of the invitation video on the display 342 is stopped.

<1.6 Effect>
According to the present embodiment, in the pet monitoring system 10, an instruction from the tablet PC 11 that can be remotely operated by Wi-Fi communication is given to the guidance device 13 by infrared communication via the control table 12. The guide device 13 guides the pet 41 within the photographing range of the camera 113 of the tablet PC 11 by stimulating the sense of the pet 41 in accordance with an instruction from the tablet PC 11. For this reason, the pet 41 surely falls within the shooting range of the camera 113. Furthermore, since the guidance device 13 is controlled by infrared communication, the arrangement of the guidance device 13 can be set relatively freely. Thereby, the pet 41 can be guided to a desired position within the shooting range of the camera 113. Therefore, monitoring of the pet 41 can be performed more reliably than before.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, even if the tablet PC 11 does not have an infrared communication function, the guidance device 13 controlled by infrared communication can be controlled by using the control stand 12. For this reason, by using the control table 12 and the guidance device 13, the pet 41 can be monitored more reliably than before without any special specification change in the ready-made tablet PC 11 having no infrared communication function. The possible pet monitoring system 10 can be easily realized. Moreover, since the infrared transmission part 123 and the infrared receiving part 131 are comparatively simple structures, the pet guidance system 50 is realizable at low cost.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the control stand 12 is provided with the receiving portion 124 for making the tablet PC 11 substantially upright, and the second connecting portion 121 is arranged in the receiving portion 124. For this reason, the tablet PC 11 that is difficult to stand up can be made substantially upright by connecting the tablet PC 11 to the control table 12 and being fixed by the first connection part 117 and the second connection part 121. Thereby, it is possible to monitor the camera 113 and the display 114 in a state in which the camera 113 and the display 114 are reliably directed to the guidance device 13 (or the wall 323 when the third guidance device 13c is used).

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the video of the owner 42 can be displayed on the display 114, the sense of security can be given to the pet 41 even when the owner 42 is out. Although it is conceivable that the pet 41 is attracted to the video of the owner 42, since the display 114 is provided in the shooting direction of the camera 113, it is difficult for the pet 41 to be detached from the shooting range of the camera 113. Even if the pet 41 is out of the shooting range of the camera 113, the owner 42 can guide the pet 41 within the shooting range of the camera 113 by operating the guidance device 13.

  In addition, when the guidance device 13 is realized by the first guidance device 13 a, the pet is attracted to the guidance main body 133 by stimulating the vision of the pet 41 using the simulated animal 302 that operates irregularly. Can do. For this reason, the pet 41 can be guided within the photographing range by disposing at least the guiding main body 133 of the guiding device 13 within the photographing range of the camera 113. Further, the pet 41 can be caused to chase the simulated animal 302 and play.

  Further, when the guiding device 13 is realized by a modification of the first guiding device 13a, the LED built in the simulated animal 302 senses vibration and emits light, thereby making the pet 41 interested in the simulated animal 302. Can be increased. For this reason, the pet 41 can be reliably kept within the photographing range.

  Moreover, when the guidance device 13 is realized by the second guidance device 13b, the pet can be attracted to the guidance main body 133 by stimulating the hearing of the pet 41 using the attraction voice. For this reason, the pet 41 can be guided within the photographing range by disposing at least the guiding main body 133 of the guiding device 13 within the photographing range of the camera 113.

  Moreover, when the guidance device 13 is realized by the third guidance device 13c, the pet 41 can be attracted to the light emission point by generating a moving light emission point and stimulating the vision of the pet 41. For this reason, the pet 41 can be guided within the shooting range of the camera 113. Moreover, the moving light-emitting point can be played by chasing the pet 41. By the way, as for the third guiding device 13c, the light emitting point only has to appear within the photographing range of the camera 113, and therefore it is not necessary to arrange the third guiding device 13c itself within the photographing range. That is, the degree of freedom of arrangement of the third guidance device 13c is higher than that of other types of guidance devices 13. Note that the same effect can be obtained when the guidance device 13 is realized by a modification of the third guidance device 13c.

  Further, when the guiding device 13 is realized by the fourth guiding device 13d, the pet can be attracted to the guiding main body 133 by stimulating the sense of smell of the pet 41 using the scent 332 preferred by the pet 41. . For this reason, the pet 41 can be guided within the photographing range by disposing at least the guiding main body 133 of the guiding device 13 within the photographing range of the camera 113.

  Further, when the guiding device 13 is realized by the fifth guiding device 13e, the pet can be attracted to the guiding main body 133 by stimulating the vision of the pet 41 using the attraction image. For this reason, the pet 41 can be guided within the photographing range by disposing at least the guiding main body 133 of the guiding device 13 within the photographing range of the camera 113. Furthermore, when the sound corresponding to the attraction video is output from the speaker, the pet 41 can be more reliably attracted to the guiding main body 133 by stimulating the hearing of the pet 41. Thereby, the pet 41 can be more reliably guided within the shooting range of the camera 113.

  In the present embodiment, the tablet PC 11 or the like is used as the first information terminal. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the tablet PC 11, an IP (Internet Protocol) camera having the same functions as the network communication unit 111, the first main body control unit 112, the camera 113, the first connection unit 117, and the like of the tablet PC 11 may be used. When this IP camera can stand on its own, the control table 12 does not have to be provided with a function for making the above-described tablet PC 11 substantially upright.

<2. Second Embodiment>
<2.1 Overall configuration>
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the pet monitoring system 10 and the information terminal related thereto according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12, the pet monitoring system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a board PC 15 instead of the tablet PC 11 and the control table 12 in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the board PC 15 corresponds to the monitoring main body unit 50. In addition, about the component same as the said 1st Embodiment among the components of this embodiment, the same referential mark is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.

  The board PC15 includes the main functions of the tablet PC 11 and the control table 12 in the first embodiment. In other words, the board PC 15 is configured by integrally configuring the tablet PC 11 and the control stand 12 in the first embodiment and internally connecting them. In this way, in the present embodiment, the first information terminal and the control device are realized by the board PC 15. Further, the pet guiding system is realized by the function corresponding to the control table 12 of the board PC 15 and the guiding device 13.

  Communication with the network 30 is possible by the first communication method. As the first communication method in this embodiment, for example, a communication method using an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) line which is a wired communication method or a communication method using an optical fiber line can be adopted. Note that, as in the first embodiment, a Wi-Fi method, a 3G method, or the like may be employed as the first communication method. Similarly to the first embodiment, the board PC 15 may be able to communicate directly with the smartphone 20 without going through the network 30. In this case, as a communication method (first communication method) used between the board PC 15 and the smartphone 20, either a wireless communication method or a wired communication method may be adopted. Need to be able to communicate at relatively distant locations. In the following description regarding the present embodiment, it is assumed that the first communication method is a communication method using an optical fiber line. Further, in the following description, communication of a communication method using an optical fiber line is referred to as “optical fiber communication”.

  The board PC 15 can communicate with the guidance device 13 by the second communication method. As in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the second communication method in this embodiment is a remote control infrared communication method. Instead of the board PC 15, a desktop PC or notebook PC having the same function as the board PC 15 may be used. Further, instead of the board PC 15, a tablet PC having the same function as the board PC 15 may be used. However, when using a tablet PC, a means for making the tablet PC self-supporting for monitoring the pet 41 is required. Instead of the board PC 15, an IP camera having the same functions as the network communication unit 111, the first main body control unit 112, the camera 113, and the infrared transmission unit 119 of the board PC 15 may be used. In the case of using an IP camera, a separate means is not required as in the case of using a tablet PC.

<2.2 Pet monitoring system>
FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration in which the main part of the pet monitoring system 10 according to the present embodiment is viewed from the functional aspect. The pet monitoring system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a board PC 15 and a guidance device 13.

  The board PC15 includes a keyboard 118a, a mouse 118b, and an infrared transmission unit 119 instead of the touch panel 115 and the first connection unit 117 included in the tablet P11 in the first embodiment. The infrared transmission unit 119 has the same function as the infrared transmission unit 123 in the first embodiment. The board PC 15 may include a touch panel 115 and a first connection unit 117.

  The network communication unit 111 included in the board PC 15 functions as an interface unit that performs optical fiber communication. The first main body control unit 112 included in the board PC 15 has the function of the second main body control unit 122 in addition to the function of the first main body control unit 112 in the first embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the first main body control unit 112 included in the board PC 15 controls the infrared transmission unit 119 without passing through the first connection unit 117, the second connection unit 121, and the second main body control unit 122. To do. In this way, the board PC 15 can communicate with the guidance device 13 by the second communication method.

  The keyboard 118a and the mouse 118b are used for performing various inputs for operating the board PC15. The infrared transmission unit 119 functions as a transmission side interface unit for performing infrared communication. An instruction from the board PC 15 is given to the guidance device 13 via the infrared transmission unit 119. In the present embodiment, the first second communication unit is realized by the infrared transmission unit 119. In addition, since the function of each part of the guidance device 13 is the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

<2.3 External configuration>
FIG. 14A is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of the board PC 15 of the pet monitoring system 10 according to the present embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 14 (A) is a front view of the board PC15, FIG. 14 (B) is a side view of the board PC15, and FIG. 14 (C) is a plan view of the board PC15. As shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C, the board PC15 includes a PC main body 151, a support 152, and a bottom 153. The support part 152 supports the PC main body part 151. The bottom part 153 makes the support part 152 substantially upright.

  The PC main body 151 is configured by integrally combining a first main body control unit 112, a camera 113, a display 114, a speaker 116, and an infrared transmission unit. Note that a keyboard 118a and a mouse 118b are connected to the PC main body 151, but the illustration is omitted in FIGS. 14A to 14C for convenience. In the present embodiment, two speakers 116R and 116L are provided as the speaker 116, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  Similar to the tablet P11 in the first embodiment, the display 114 is provided toward the shooting direction of the camera 113. Specifically, the display 114 is disposed on the same surface as the surface on which the camera 113 is disposed.

  The two speakers 116R and 116L are arranged on the front side. However, the two speakers 116R and 116L may be arranged at other positions (back side, right side, left side, top side, or bottom side).

  Since the camera 113 is disposed on the front side surface, the guidance device 13 is disposed on the front side (not shown). For this reason, from the viewpoint of transmission / reception with the infrared receiver 131 of the guidance device 13, the infrared transmitter 119 is disposed on the front side of the PC main body 151. However, the infrared transmitter 119 may be arranged on the right side, the left side, the top side, the bottom side, or the back side of the PC main body 151.

<2.4 Effect>
According to the present embodiment, by using the board PC 15 including the network communication unit 111 and the infrared transmission unit 119 as the monitoring main body unit 50, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. As the guidance device 13, any one of the first guidance device 13a to the fifth guidance device 13e may be adopted as in the first embodiment.

<3. Other>
In each of the embodiments described above, the infrared communication method is adopted as the second communication method, but the present invention is not limited to this. As the second communication method, a method compliant with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard (hereinafter simply referred to as “Bluetooth method”) may be employed. According to Bluetooth communication, communication troubles due to obstacles can be reduced compared to infrared communication. Moreover, each external appearance structure of the monitoring main-body part 50 in the said 1st Embodiment and board PC15 in the said 2nd Embodiment is a mere illustration, and this invention is not limited to these. In addition, the above-described embodiments can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pet guidance system that enables pet monitoring in a pet monitoring system more reliably than before, and a pet monitoring system using the same.

10. Pet monitoring system 11. Tablet PC (first information terminal)
12 ... Control stand (control device)
13 ... Guiding device 15 ... Board PC (first information terminal, control device)
41 ... Pet 42 ... Owner 50 ... Monitoring main body 60 ... Pet guidance system 111 ... Network communication unit (first communication unit)
112 ... 1st main body control part 113 ... Camera 114 ... Display (display for main bodies)
115 ... Touch panel 116 ... Speaker 117 ... First connection unit 121 ... Second connection unit 122 ... Second main body control unit 123 ... Infrared transmission unit (first second communication unit)
131 ... Infrared receiver (second second communication unit)
132 ... Guidance control unit 133 ... Guiding main body unit 134 ... Base plate 301 ... Turning control unit (operation control unit)
302 ... Simulated animal 303 ... Light source unit 312 ... IC recorder (voice output unit)
321 ... Movable laser pointer support (laser device support)
322 ... Laser pointer (laser device)
324 ... Laser pointer fixing part (laser device fixing part)
325 ... Movable mirror support (mirror support)
326 ... Mirror 331 ... Scent injection device (scent injection unit)
341 ... Tablet PC (second information terminal)
342 ... Display (guidance display)

Claims (19)

A first communication unit for performing communication of the first communication method and a camera are connected to an external first information terminal that can be remotely operated by communication of the first communication method, and different from the first communication method and wireless A control device including a first second communication unit for performing communication of a second communication method which is a communication method;
The second communication unit includes a second second communication unit for performing communication of the second communication method, and is received by communication of the second communication method using the first second communication unit and the second second communication unit. A pet guidance system comprising: a guidance device that stimulates a pet's sensation and guides the pet within a shooting range of the camera in response to an instruction from the first information terminal. The guidance device includes:
A guiding body for performing the operation of guiding the pet;
The apparatus further comprises a guidance control unit that receives an instruction from the first information terminal via the second second communication unit and controls the guidance main body in accordance with the instruction. The pet guidance system described in.   The pet guiding system according to claim 2, wherein the guiding main body stimulates the vision of the pet. The guiding body part is:
A simulated animal formed in the shape of an animal,
The pet guide system according to claim 3, further comprising an operation control unit that operates the simulated animal according to control by the guide control unit.   The pet guiding system according to claim 4, wherein the simulated animal includes a light source unit that senses vibration and emits light.   The pet guiding system according to claim 3, wherein the guiding main body includes a laser device capable of irradiating light according to control by the guiding control unit.   The guide main body unit determines a light irradiation destination of the laser device within an imaging range of the camera, supports the laser device, and changes a support state of the laser device according to control by the guide control unit. The pet guiding system according to claim 6, further comprising a support part. The guiding body part is:
With a mirror,
A laser device fixing portion for fixing the laser device so that light is emitted from the laser device to the mirror;
A mirror support unit that determines a reflection destination of light emitted from the laser device within a photographing range of the camera, supports the mirror, and changes a support state of the mirror according to control by the guidance control unit; The pet guiding system according to claim 6, comprising: The guidance main body includes a second information terminal that can be remotely operated and has a guidance display,
The pet guidance system according to claim 3, wherein the guidance display displays an image that attracts the pet's interest according to control by the guidance control unit.   The pet guiding system according to claim 2, wherein the guiding main body stimulates hearing of the pet.   The pet guiding system according to claim 10, wherein the guiding main body includes a voice output unit that outputs a voice that attracts the pet's interest in accordance with control by the guiding control unit.   The pet guiding system according to claim 2, wherein the guiding main body stimulates the sense of smell of the pet.   The pet guiding system according to claim 12, wherein the guiding main body includes a scent ejecting unit that ejects a scent preferred by the pet in accordance with control by the guiding control unit.   The pet guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second communication method is an infrared communication method.   The pet guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the control device is configured to be connectable to a first information terminal formed in a flat plate shape.   The pet control system according to claim 15, wherein the control device is configured to be able to connect the control device with the first information terminal substantially upright. A pet guiding system according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
A pet monitoring system comprising the first information terminal. The pet guidance system according to any one of claims 1 to 14,
The first information terminal,
The pet monitoring system, wherein the first information terminal and the control device are integrally configured.   The first information terminal further includes a main body display that is provided in a shooting direction of the camera and capable of displaying an image of a person remotely operating the first information terminal through communication of the first communication method. The pet monitoring system according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that

Images