JP2023169984A - Plant individual authentication apparatus and plant individual authentication method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a plant individual authentication apparatus and a plant individual authentication method that support protection of a plant individual by appropriately managing plant information.SOLUTION: A management server 10 includes a new registration unit 101 that registers plant individual information including an image of a plant individual input from an authentication authority terminal in storage means, a reference control unit 102 that causes a user terminal to refer to the plant individual information, and an update registration unit 103 that continues a status indicating a validity of the plant individual information until next expiration date when the image of the plant individual information registered in the storage means is updated by an owner terminal of the plant individual until a date defined according to seeds of the plant individual.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to an individual plant authentication device and an individual plant authentication method.

Conventionally, techniques for managing plant information have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a pedigree history in which information on animals and plants is written on an optical card with a large storage capacity and used in place of a conventional pedigree, and the information written in the conventional pedigree and subsequent rearing information are recorded and managed. The management system is described.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-007602

Here, it is necessary to properly preserve the precious plant species that are in danger of extinction, but at present, there are social issues such as the following.
(1) Protection and preservation of plant species For example, Operculicarya pachypus is attracting attention as an expensive garden plant, but due to overexploitation of its native habitat in Madagascar, it is currently classified as Appendix 2 of the CITES. , strict import regulations are in place. However, local overhunting and illegal imports continue to occur, and the species is at risk of extinction in the wild.

In addition, some individual plants have been designated as natural monuments by the national and local governments and are already receiving careful protection, but trees that have been loved by local communities for a long time cannot be disclosed to society or their growth status. Due to insufficient sharing of trees, there are cases where trees are easily felled for development plans by local governments and companies.

(2) Maintaining the lineage of valuable individual plants For example, the individual plants such as ``Jomon Sugi'' and ``Miharu Takizakura'' are carefully protected, and such individual plants can be cloned using vegetative culture such as cuttings and grafting. Conservation efforts are being carried out to preserve the lineage of these individuals for future generations, such as by propagating individuals. However, it is difficult to identify these propagated individuals due to growth changes over time, and a system for plant information management that can ensure reliability of identification is required. In addition, it is desirable for the national and local governments responsible for protection to know how many individuals are being propagated and protected, including the total number and age of the trees.

(3) Appropriate and reliable distribution of plants Plants grown by traders, guardians, and hobbyists are managed by labeling to identify the species, and protection of the species has been carried out for many years through propagation and transfer. On the other hand, it has been observed that some of these products contain similar incorrect products, and there is a need to create a system that allows general users to purchase genuine garden varieties certified by reliable experts with peace of mind.

For example, Cephalotus follicularis Hummer's Giant is the largest of its kind imported from Australia, and its clones are sold at high prices. This variety is attracting attention because it is strongly assumed that it was once an original or wild variety, but there are now incorrect products in circulation, and it is necessary to properly manage its lineage as a garden variety. There is.

(4) Countermeasures against theft of expensive garden plants In recent years, the theft of expensive bonsai and rare plants has become a problem. There is a need for an anti-theft system that can prevent and check theft and resale of stolen items.

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above points, and one aspect of the present invention is to provide an individual plant authentication system that supports the protection of individual plants by appropriately managing plant information.

In order to solve the above problems, an individual plant authentication device according to the present invention is an individual plant authentication device for individual plants to be managed, and includes individual plant information including an image of the individual plant inputted by a terminal of a certification authority. a new registration means for registering the individual plant information in the storage means; a reference control means for causing a user terminal to refer to the individual plant information; and a new registration means for registering the individual plant information in the storage means; The apparatus further comprises update registration means for continuing a status indicating the validity of the individual plant information until the next deadline when the image of the individual plant information registered in the storage means is updated.

According to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide an individual plant authentication system that supports the protection of individual plants by appropriately managing plant information.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration of an individual plant authentication system according to the present embodiment. It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a management server according to the present embodiment. It is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of a management server according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of an authentication authority according to the present embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a data composition of user DB105b concerning this embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of data composition of a plant DB concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of an authenticated individual DB according to the present embodiment. It is a diagram showing an example of data configuration requirements of an authentication entity DB 105d according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a usage flow model of the individual plant authentication system according to the present embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a new registration screen of plant individual information concerning this embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a reference screen of plant individual information concerning this embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of label output of plant individual information concerning this embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of an update registration screen of plant individual information concerning this embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
<System configuration>
(Network configuration)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a network configuration of an individual plant authentication system according to this embodiment. The individual plant authentication system 100 in FIG. 1 includes a management server 10, an authentication authority terminal 20, and a user terminal 30, which are connected via a network 50.

The management server 10 is a server device that manages information on individual plants. The management server 10 is managed by a certification system operator (an industry group, an operating organization, etc.). More specifically, when information on a plant individual is newly registered by an authentication authority via a network 50 such as the Internet, the management server 10 registers this in a DB (Data Base), and also registers the information on the registered plant. To make individual information publicly available for viewing by general users. In addition, as will be described in detail later, in the individual plant authentication system 100, information on registered individual plants needs to be updated regularly (referred to as update registration) in order to ensure the validity of that information over a long period of time. Therefore, when the information of the individual plant is updated and registered by the user who owns the individual plant and approved by the authentication authority, the management server 10 updates the status (valid, valid, (Not renewed, deleted, unknown, etc.) and the expiration date until the next renewal registration.

The authentication authority terminal 20 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer, and is an information terminal for the authentication authority to access the management server 10. The authorized person accesses and logs into the management server 10 using the authorized person terminal 20, and can refer to, register, change, delete (delete) individual plant information, approve update registration, etc. on the site. The certification authority is a person with specialized knowledge capable of determining plant species, and has been granted special certification authority under the certification system, such as approval of new registration and renewal registration of individual plants, by the certification system operator. I am a person. Specifically, the certification authority includes plant producers, importers, distributors, and academic experts.

The user terminal 30 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer, and is an information terminal for general users to access the management server 10. A user can access and log in to the management server 10 using the user terminal 30, and can refer to individual plant information, update registration, etc.

Note that a predetermined application program (for example, a general-purpose web browser or a dedicated application) is installed in advance on the authentication authority terminal 20 and the user terminal 30 in order to access the management server 10.

The network 50 is a communication network including wired and wireless communication networks. The network 50 includes, for example, the Internet, a public line network, WiFi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and the like.

(Hardware configuration)
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server according to the present embodiment. The management server 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 14, and a communication device 15.

The CPU 11 executes various programs and performs arithmetic processing. The ROM 12 stores programs necessary for startup. The RAM 13 is a work area that temporarily stores processing performed by the CPU 11 and stores data. The HDD 14 stores various data and programs. The communication device 15 communicates with other devices via the network 50.

(Software configuration)
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the management server according to the present embodiment. The management server 10 includes a new registration section 101, a reference search section 102, an update registration section 103, and a storage section 105 as main functional sections.

The new registration unit 101 has a function of registering plant individual information including an image of the plant individual inputted by the authentication authority terminal 20 in the storage means (HDD 14).

The reference search unit 102 has a function of allowing a user terminal to refer to and display plant individual information in a viewable manner.

The update registration unit 103 updates the image of individual plant information registered in the storage means by the owner terminal (authentication authority terminal 20 and user terminal 30) of the individual plant by the deadline specified according to the species of the individual plant. If the individual plant information is approved, it has a function to continue the status indicating the validity of the individual plant information until the next deadline.

Furthermore, when the image of the individual plant information is updated by the owner of the individual plant by the deadline, the update registration unit 103 sends the first image of the individual plant information before the update and the individual plant information after the update to the authentication authority. When an identification approval request with the second image of information is transmitted and an identification approval corresponding to the identification approval request is received, the status indicating the validity of the individual plant information is continued until the next deadline.

Furthermore, when the image of the individual plant information is updated by the owner of the individual plant by the deadline, the update registration unit 103 sends to the authentication authority the first image of the individual plant information before the update and the updated plant information. A process of identifying the individual information with the second image is executed, and when it is determined that the individual information is identified, the status indicating the validity of the individual plant information is continued until the next deadline.

The storage unit 105 has a function of storing an authentication authority DB 105a, a user DB 105b, a plant DB 105c, and an authentication individual DB 105d in a storage means. Each of these DBs will be described in detail later.

Note that each of these functional units is a functional unit according to the present invention, and it goes without saying that the management server 10 includes various other functional units necessary for managing individual plants. Each functional unit is realized by a computer program and an application program that are executed on hardware resources such as the CPU, ROM, and RAM of the computer that constitutes the management server 10. These functional units may be read as "means", "module", "unit", or "circuit". Further, each DB of the storage unit 105 in the management server 10 can also be placed in an external storage device on the network 50. Furthermore, the computer program and application program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

Further, since the authentication authority terminal 20 and the user terminal 30 are information terminals such as smartphones and PCs as described above, it goes without saying that they are equipped with display means, operation means, communication means, storage means, etc., for example.

(Each DB information)
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the authentication authority according to the present embodiment. The authentication authority DB 105a is a DB in which authority information of the authentication authority of the individual plant authentication system 100 is registered in advance. The authentication authority DB 105a according to the present embodiment includes, for example, the authentication authority's "authentication authority ID", "password", "authentication authority name", "person in charge", "location", "TEL", and "email address". ”, “authorized certification number”, “first registration date”, and “registered plant individual number”.

“Authentication authority ID” is a unique identifier (ID) assigned to each authentication authority. “Authentication authority ID” and “password” are the ID and password for the authentication authority to log into the management server 10. "Certification Authority Name", "Responsible Person", "Location", "TEL", and "Email Address" are the Certification Authority's name (company name, etc.), Responsible Person (natural person), location, and telephone number, respectively. number and email address.

The "certification authority number" is an identifier (number) given by the certification system operator as a certification authority. The "first registration date" is the date when the person was authenticated and registered as a certification authority. “Registered plant individual number” is the number of the plant individual newly registered by the certification authority.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the user DB 105b according to this embodiment. The user DB 105b is a DB in which user information of users of the individual plant authentication system 100 is registered in advance. The user DB 105b according to the present embodiment has data items such as a user's "user ID", "password", "name", "address", "TEL", "email address", and "owned plant individual number".

"User ID" is a unique identifier numbered for each user. “User ID” and “Password” are the ID and password for the user to log into the management server 10. "Name", "address", "TEL", and "email address" are the user's name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address, respectively. “Owned plant individual number” is the number of the registered plant individual owned by the user.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the plant DB according to the present embodiment. The plant DB 105c is a DB in which information regarding all plants that can be managed by the individual plant authentication system 100 is registered in advance. The plant DB 105c according to the present embodiment has data items such as "plant number", "general name", "genus", "species", "required image registration part", and "update registration (year)" of the plant.

"Plant No." is a unique identifier (number) assigned to each plant species. "Common name" is the common name of the plant. It does not necessarily have to be a scientific name. "Genus" and "species" are the genus and species officially announced by the scientific society of the plant.

The "required part for image registration" is part image data that is required to be uploaded and updated at the time of new registration and renewal registration of an individual plant according to the certification system. Images of plant parts are one of the important data for identifying individual plants, but the characteristics and characteristics of plant growth (changes over time) vary greatly depending on the species, so characteristics appear depending on the plant species. The parts are also different.

For example, in Pachypus of the genus Opelculicaria, the growth rate of branches does not reach 10 cm per year, and the branches develop in a zigzag pattern. In addition, in various species of the Prunus genus, such as Edohiganzakura, Yamazakura, and Someiyoshino, the species can be determined by the color and shape of the trunk, and the color and shape of flowers and leaves. Identification can be performed. It should be noted that general identification determination factors for plants include not only the overall image but also the shape and color of each part such as flowers, leaves, stems, and branches. In the present embodiment, in order to ensure highly accurate identification of plant individuals, plant part images that must be registered according to plant species at the time of new registration and update registration of plant individuals are defined in advance. Note that it goes without saying that it is possible to register parts other than the required image registration parts, and it is preferable that as many different part images as possible be uploaded from the viewpoint of highly accurate identification.

“Renewal registration (year)” is the next renewal deadline for renewal registration. Update registration includes updating (uploading) images of plant parts. Since growth rates and changes over time vary depending on the plant species, the ``Renewal registration (year)'' defines a period during which individual plant identification can be guaranteed with high accuracy. More specifically, the ``update registration (year)'' of plant species with a fast growth rate (many changes over time) is short, and the ``update registration (year)'' of a plant species with a slow growth rate (with little change over time) is long. stipulated.

For example, in the case of Pachypus of the genus Opelculicaria, the "required parts for image registration" are the whole body and the branches. In addition, the "Renewal Registration (year)" period is 3 years, which means that even if there are changes over the years, at the time of renewal registration, the certification authority must visually inspect the characteristics of this plant species (especially the characteristics of the branches). ), it is possible to accurately identify plant individuals during renewal registration. On the other hand, in the case of Pachypus belonging to the genus Opelculicaria, if there is a change over time of about 5 years, it is not desirable from the viewpoint of ensuring accuracy in the identification approval of individual plants.

On the other hand, in the case of Eduhiganzakura, which belongs to the Prunus genus, the "required parts for image registration" are defined as the whole, trunk, and leaves. Furthermore, the reason why the "Renewal registration (year)" is 5 years is because there is less change over time than Pachypus, and even if there is a change over time of about 5 years, at the time of renewal registration, the certification authority must visually inspect the plant. It is possible to accurately identify and approve the identification of individual plants based on the characteristics of the species (particularly the characteristics of the branches).

Note that identification according to the present embodiment refers to determining that plant individuals are the same, determining that they are the same, and determining by examining the taxonomic affiliation and species name of the organisms.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the authenticated entity DB according to this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of data configuration requirements of the authenticated entity DB 105d according to the present embodiment. The certified individual DB 105d is a DB in which information regarding each plant individual is registered by the certification authority and the user. On the certified individual DB 105d, plant individual information is updated and inherited as long as the same individual continues to exist. The items of the authenticated entity DB 105d are as shown in "Item Requirements" in FIG. 8, but some items will be further explained below.

The "plant individual number" of item NO1 is a unique identifier (number) assigned to each plant individual. "Plant No." of item NO2 corresponds to "Plant No." of the plant DB 105c, and the plant individual is associated with the plant species registered in the plant DB 105c.

Item No. 4 "Validity Date" indicates the expiration date of the validity period (which can also be called the next renewal registration deadline date) starting from the new registration/renewal registration date and defined according to the plant genus. The "validity period" is the period during which the validity of the plant individual information registered in the certified individual DB 105d is confirmed by the certification authority. "Status" in item NO5 indicates the status of the plant individual registered in the certified individual DB 105d. For example, it can be classified into valid, unupdated, deleted (dead, etc.), and unknown (stolen, missing, etc.).

Item No. 8 "Plant individual NO of parent stock" is information for maintaining the lineage of the individual plant, and indicates the individual plant NO of the parent stock from the perspective of the individual plant.

Item No. 11, "Individual image information", is plant part image data. Parts of a plant image include image data of various parts such as whole parts, flowers, leaves, stems, and branches, and as mentioned above, in the "required parts for image registration" of the plant DB 105c, the parts specified for the plant species are Always includes image data of the affected area.

Item No. 12 "ID of the authorized person who registered the plant" and item No. 13 "Authorized person who registered the individual" indicate the ID and name of the authorized person who newly registered the plant individual in the certified individual DB 105d. Item No. 14, “ID of a certification authority who approved the individual,” and item No. 15, “Certification authority who approved the individual,” indicate the ID and name of the certification authority who approved the renewal registration of the plant individual.

Item No. 16, "Date of first certification registration," indicates the date when the plant individual was first newly registered in the certified individual DB 105d. Item No. 17, “Certification Update Date” indicates the date of the last update registration and approval.

Item No. 18 "Owner's User ID", Item No. 19 "Individual Owner", and Item No. 20 "Individual Owner Contact Information" are the current ID, name, or name of the owner of the individual plant. , as well as contact information. The owner is not only a general user, but may also be, for example, a certification authority who is selling the individual plant.

Note that reference/edit privileges such as "1: Reference", "2: Registration", and "3. Change/Delete" are set according to the items in the authenticated individual DB 105d. In principle, general users are granted only the "1: View" authority for any item, but for item No. 11, "Image information of individual plants," they can upload image data of individual plants they own at the time of registration renewal up to the expiration date. You will also be given the "2: Registration" authority so that you can update yourself.

Note that the above-mentioned data items of each DB are just examples, and other items may be included as necessary.

<Overview>
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a usage flow model of the individual plant authentication system according to this embodiment.
S1: The certification system operator grants certification authority to specific producers, importers, distributors, academics, and other persons who wish to have the qualifications and authority of a certification authority through prescribed examinations and training. conduct. Additionally, the certification system operator can revoke the authority of the certification authority person as necessary.

S2: The authentication authority accesses the management server 10 using the authentication authority terminal 20, and newly registers plant individual information on the authentication individual DB 105d. The management server 10 (new registration unit 101) registers the plant individual information including the image of the plant individual inputted by the authentication authority terminal 20 in the authenticated individual DB 105d. The certification authority can also change or delete registered plant individual information as necessary.

For example, if the certification authority is a specific producer/importer/seller, the newly registered individual plant information is information on individual plants that the certification authority has produced, imported, or sold by itself. Further, for example, when the certification authority is an academic, the newly registered plant individual information is information about the plant individual that is registered in response to a request from a non-certification authority.

When newly registering individual plant information, the certifying authority carefully observes and contacts the actual individual plant to be newly registered, and at his/her own responsibility, sometimes includes the opinions of other certifying authorities. Legitimate plant species need to be identified. That is, the certification authority is responsible for the validity and accuracy of the registered individual plant information.

S3: The authentication authority can access the management server 10 using the authentication authority terminal 20 and refer to the plant individual information on the authentication individual DB 105d. The management server 10 (reference search unit 102) causes the authentication authority terminal 20 to refer to and display plant individual information in a viewable manner. For example, when the certification authority is a specific importer/seller, the individual plant information to be referred to is information on the individual plant that is about to be imported/purchased. It is also information (materials) about plants that are to be sold to users.

S4: General users can access the management server 10 using the user terminal 30 and refer to plant individual information on the certified individual DB 105d. The management server 10 (reference search unit 102) causes the user terminal 30 to refer to and display plant individual information in a viewable manner. The individual plant information that the user refers to is, for example, information about the individual plant that the user is about to purchase. Of course, the user's reference motive is not limited to the purpose of purchasing, but can freely refer to individual plant information for purposes such as investigation and research.

S5: The owner of the individual plant (general user and authentication authority) accesses the management server 10 using the user terminal 30, and updates and registers the plant individual information registered on the certified individual DB 105d within the expiration date. I do. Specifically, at least the owner updates (uploads) the latest image data of the individual plant he/she owns. As described above, the image data to be updated always includes image data of the part defined in the "image registration required part" of the plant DB 105c using the "plant number" of the owned plant individual in the authenticated individual DB 105d as a key. Note that for plant individuals whose updated registration of plant individual information has not been completed within the expiration date, the "status" on the certified individual DB 105d is not updated.

S6: When the update registration of plant individual information is performed, the management server 10 updates the authentication authority terminal 20 of the “authorization authority who registered the individual” or “authorization authority who approved the individual” on the authentication individual DB 105d. Sends a request for approval of update registration by a certification authority regarding updated individual plant information.

S7: When the certification authority receives a request for approval of renewal registration from Under the responsibility of , when the validity and accuracy of the updated individual plant information and the identification of the latest image data before and after the update are confirmed, an approval response is sent to the management server 10 to approve the updated registration. . On the other hand, if the authentication authority cannot confirm the validity and accuracy of the updated and registered individual plant information, it responds to the management server 10 with disapproval (return to the owner).

The management server 10 (update registration unit 103) updates the individual plant information on the certified individual DB 105d by the deadline specified according to the species of the individual plant by the owner terminal (authentication authority terminal 20 or user terminal 30) of the individual plant. When the image of is updated, the "Status" of item No. 5 indicating the validity of individual plant information is maintained/continued as valid until the next deadline.

<Screen example>
(Example of new registration screen for individual plant information)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a new registration screen for individual plant information according to the present embodiment. As described above, the authentication authority uses the authentication authority terminal 20 to log in and access the management server 10 by entering the authentication authority ID and password, and registers new plant individual information on the authentication individual DB 105d. (S2 in FIG. 9).

Specifically, the person authorized to authenticate carefully checks, observes, and appraises the actual individual plant that he or she wishes to newly register, and inputs information 1001 corresponding to items No. 1 to 24 in the certified individual DB 105d. In the item No. 11 "Image information of individual", image data of the individual plant including the essential parts to be registered is uploaded 1002. In the case of Opel Culicaria pachypus with "Plant No." OPP001 in Item No. 3, according to "Image Registration Required Parts" of the plant DB 105c, the parts that require image registration are the whole image and the branch image. However, the part images of plants to be uploaded are not limited to any essential parts. Since the body part images in the certified individual DB105d will be used as important judgment materials when identifying actual individuals in the future, the certification authority will select images of essential parts that clearly show the unique characteristics of the individual in question. It is recommended that you upload the

Note that the "Plant No." of item No. 2 can be selectively input by referring to the plant DB 105c. The values of "general name", "genus", and "species" corresponding to the "plant number" on the plant DB 105c selected and input at this time may be automatically input into item numbers 3, 6, and 7. Further, in accordance with the "image registration required part" of the plant DB 105c, the registration required part to be registered is prompted on the new registration screen. Further, the "expiration date" of item No. 4 may be automatically input according to "Renewal registration (year)" of the plant DB 105c and "first certification registration date" of item No. 16 (and "certification renewal date" of item No. 17). . If "Renewal Registration (Year)" in Plant DB 105c is 3 years, if 2018/1/1 is entered in Item No. 16 "Certification Initial Registration Date", 2021/1/1 will be entered in Item No. 4 "Expiry Date". can be automatically entered.

(Example of reference screen for individual plant information)
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a reference screen for plant individual information according to this embodiment. As described above, the authentication authority and the user can access the management server 10 via the network 50 such as the Internet, and inquire and refer to the plant individual information on the authenticated individual DB 105d (S3 and S4 in FIG. 9). .

Specifically, the authentication authority and the user perform a search 1003 for registered plant individuals using, for example, "plant individual number" as a key, and refer to information 1004 corresponding to items No. 1 to 24 of the certified individual DB 105d. It is possible to do so. In addition, in item No. 11 "Image information of individual", it is possible to refer to and display 1005 the image data of the individual plant, including the registration-required parts. In particular, item No. 11, "Individual image information," can be used to confirm that the actual individual plant is indeed a legitimate plant individual registered in the certified individual DB 105d by comparing it with the actual individual plant in hand and performing identification (identity determination). Used as judgment material.

In addition, the authentication authority and the user can output information on registered plant individuals. For example, when "output" 1006 is pressed, plant individual information on the authenticated individual DB 105d can be output in any output format (not shown).

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of label output of individual plant information according to the present embodiment. The label according to this embodiment is output by printing a QR code (registered trademark) and "individual name" on gardening label paper from a printing device (not shown). The QR code is information in which plant individual information including at least "plant individual number" from the authenticated individual DB 105d is encoded. Note that the QR code (registered trademark) may be in other code formats such as a barcode. By adding the output label to the individual plant (actual) potted plant as a horticultural label, the authentication authority and the user can use it to display information regarding the individual plant at the time of sale, appreciation, etc.

(Example of update registration screen for individual plant information)
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an update registration screen for individual plant information according to the present embodiment. As described above, the owner of the individual plant can access the management server 10 and update and register the individual plant information on the authenticated individual DB 105d (S5 in FIG. 9). This regular update system makes it possible to ensure the accuracy and reliability of individual plant information over the long term.

Specifically, the owner checks the information 1007 corresponding to items No. 1 to 24 in the certified plant DB 105d regarding the plant plant that he/she wishes to update and register. If there are any changes, request the certification authority to make the changes. Further, the owner updates (uploads) 1008 the latest image data of the individual plant to be updated and registered, including the registration-required parts in the item No. 11 "Image information of the individual". The plant part image to be updated at the time of update registration is an image taken of the same part as the previous image.

Furthermore, if the owner is a general user, the contents updated and registered by the user must be approved by an authentication authority. The certification authority visually compares the previous image data with the corresponding image data updated by the general owner user, and confirms that the updated plant individual has been registered in the certified plant DB 105d. If it is determined that it is identified as an individual plant (identical even considering changes over time), update registration is approved (S7 in FIG. 9).

The following embodiments are also mentioned.
- At the time of update registration, the management server 10 may use an AI program or the like to compare the previous image data and the corresponding image data updated this time, and make an image identity determination (automatic identification determination) that takes into account changes over time. . If the calculated same similarity score is equal to or higher than the predetermined score, the owner updates (uploads) the latest image data of the individual plant to item No. 11 "Image information of individual" and immediately updates the registration. Approval is possible.

- When an individual plant is stolen, the owner requests an authentication authority to change the "status" of the individual plant to theft on the authenticated individual DB 105d.

- Information items that can be referred to by general users may exclude information related to personal information (for example, NO items 19 and 20) from the viewpoint of privacy and security protection.

・If the expiration date has passed and the plant individual has not been registered for renewal, the data will be retained in the status of "unupdated", but the certification authority will either perform a retroactive update on the expiration date or a new plant individual number will be registered. You can either re-register.

- Each item (field) of the authentication individual DB 105d can be provided with required items or optional items depending on the item.

・The certification system operator who operates and manages the individual plant certification system is a plant industry association, etc., but the role of the certification system operator is to grant and revoke the authority of the certification authority, and to manage the database of registered certified plants. audits and corrections to determine if there are any inappropriate registrations, image searches on the internet for individuals registered as stolen items, and reconfiguration of the plant DB105c when there is a change in the genus or species of a plant or the registration of a new species. be.

<Example of use in endangered species conservation activities>
For example, plants listed in Appendix 1 of the CITES (CITES) are regulated in Japan under the Species Conservation Act, and CITES 1 plants and animals are regulated under the Internationally Rare Species of Wild Fauna and Flora in the Species Conservation Act. '', and the rule is that ``domestic transactions are prohibited in principle.''

Pachypodium ambongense falls under this category among tuberous plants that are currently being distributed at high prices as garden varieties.As the history of seedlings in Japan is short, the stem width exceeds 10 cm (estimated age is over 50 years). ) Individuals are assigned a source code of "O" determined by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. In addition, since the source code is written in the import permit for plants imported with permission, the import/collection permit number (for example, item No. 23) is entered in the plant individual DB 105d of the plant individual authentication system 100. An authentication rule is established that the code must be registered.

If the certification authority performs authentication without recording the type of source code specified above, or if the certification authority certifies with false source code, general users or other certification authorities who can refer to it The certification system operator can check the source code and notify the certification system operator if there is a suspicion of a suspicious registration. Establish a mechanism for reporting to authorities.

For example, if there is a suspicion that the specimen is the result of illegal trade, the certification system operator will report the suspicion to the authorities as being illegally imported or traded, and at the request of the authorities, disclose information based on the underlying law. The certification authority will be canceled if the certification authority is involved in illegal activities. On the other hand, if there is a deficiency in the registration in the certified individual DB due to a legal transaction, the certification system operator may correct the registered content in the certified individual DB such as adding source code, or update other certification/registration details of the certification authority. conduct an investigation.

As a result of the above, it is expected that by disseminating the individual plant authentication system 100, a mechanism for society to monitor illegal trade will function, and that it will check illegal imports and trade, and contribute to the protection of endangered species.

<Summary>
According to the individual plant authentication according to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve the following effects, for example.
(1) For endangered species and natural monuments, individual plant identification allows us to understand their numbers and distribution status. In addition, by registering the import/harvesting permit number (for example, item No. 23) in the plant individual DB 105d, it is possible to understand regulations on illegal harvesting/importing and the conservation status of growers, and to protect species appropriately. can be expected. Furthermore, by registering categories (for example, item No. 8) established by the Washington Convention, the national government, and local governments in the plant individual DB 105d, it can be expected to have the effect of raising awareness of conservation.

Plant individuals that require strict protection and that have been designated as natural monuments by the national or local governments, or that local residents have decided to protect as trees, must be registered in the plant individual database 105d by a certification authority and published on the Internet. This can be used to disseminate conservation activities to society. In addition, by registering the protection status (for example, item No. 8) of national natural monuments, local government natural monuments, and trees that are the subject of protection activities by local residents in the plant individual database, it can be expected to have the effect of raising awareness of protection. .

(2) In order to properly pass on the lineage of a valuable individual plant to future generations, the individual plant concerned and the individual plant propagated from the individual individual through cuttings, seedlings, etc. are authenticated, and in the plant individual DB 105d, item No. 21 "Aquaculture Register for "Method". In addition, since the "certification number of the parent stock" of item No. 9 is registered for the propagated individual, the "certification number of the parent stock" is linked to each other. As a result, it is expected that the plant lineage will be permanently protected with a high degree of precision, leading to branding of propagated individuals and wide-ranging transplantation.

(3) When purchasing rare and expensive plants, general users (purchasers) scan the QR code (registered trademark) written on the gardening label or the photo of the individual plant with a smartphone, etc., and contact the plant individual DB 105d. By doing this, you can confirm that the plant is a valid plant that has been officially registered and certified, and as a result, you can expect to purchase the plant with peace of mind.

In addition, producers, importers, and distributors can obtain certifier authority from the certification system operator and sell individual plants of official varieties under branding under the certification system. In addition, if a plant species that is already extinct in the wild is found to be in circulation as a garden variety through DNA analysis of plants in recent years, the ownership status of the variety can be confirmed from the plant individual DB 105d. Accurate management can be performed by reconfiguring the plant individual DB 105d. It is hoped that this will lead to re-evaluation of individual plants and activities to restore their natural habitat.

(4) When an individual plant is stolen, record the theft/missing in item No. 5 "Status" in the individual plant DB 105d. For example, if the individual plant is resold, the purchaser can record the "status" of the individual plant. When a plant is illegally exhibited on an Internet service, it becomes possible to infer and identify that the plant is stolen from the image of the individual plant, which can be used to deter theft and identify and recover stolen goods. Can be done.

It can be expected that the use of the present invention as a de facto standard by industries and local governments that protect and sell rare plants will lead to the further evolution of plant protection activities and the development of the industry.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an individual plant authentication system that supports the protection of individual plants by appropriately managing plant information. Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific examples according to preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that these specific examples may be modified without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. Obviously, various modifications and changes may be made to the examples. That is, the invention is not to be construed as limited by the details of the specific examples or the accompanying drawings.

The present invention provides a program that implements one or more functions of the embodiments described above to a system or device via a network or a recording medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device reads the program. This can also be achieved by a process of activation.

10 Management server 20 Authentication authority terminal 30 User terminal 50 Network 100 Individual plant authentication system 101 New registration section 102 Reference search section 103 Update registration section 105 Storage section

Claims (5)

An individual plant authentication device for individual plants to be managed,
new registration means for registering plant individual information including an image of the plant individual inputted by the authentication authority terminal in the storage means;
Reference control means for causing a user terminal to refer to the individual plant information;
If the image of the individual plant information registered in the storage means is updated by the owner terminal of the individual plant by the deadline specified according to the species of the individual plant, the individual plant information is updated until the next deadline. an update registration means for continuing the status indicating the validity of the
An individual plant authentication device comprising: The image of the individual plant includes a part image defined according to the species of the individual plant;
The individual plant authentication device according to claim 1, characterized by: The update registration means includes:
When the image of the individual plant information registered in the storage means is updated by the owner of the individual plant by the deadline specified according to the species of the individual plant,
transmitting to the authentication authority terminal an identification approval request for a first image of the individual plant information before the update registered in the storage means and a second image of the individual plant information after the update;
If identification approval corresponding to the identification approval request is received, continuing the status indicating the validity of the individual plant information until the next deadline;
The individual plant authentication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The update registration means includes:
When the image of the individual plant information registered in the storage means is updated by the owner of the individual plant by the deadline specified according to the species of the individual plant,
performing an identification determination process between a first image of individual plant information before the update registered in the storage means in the authentication authority terminal and a second image of the individual plant information after the update;
If the first image and the second image are determined to be identified by the identification determination process, continuing the status indicating the validity of the individual plant information until the next deadline;
The individual plant authentication device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: An individual plant authentication method in an individual plant authentication device for individual plants to be managed, the method comprising:
The individual plant authentication device includes:
a new registration step of registering plant individual information including an image of the plant individual inputted by the authentication authority terminal in a storage means;
If the image of the individual plant information registered in the storage means is updated by the owner terminal of the individual plant by the deadline specified according to the species of the individual plant, the individual plant information is updated until the next deadline. a renewal registration step that continues the status indicating the validity of the
An individual plant authentication method characterized by having the following.