JP7244816B2 - Animal Insemination Appropriate Time Detection System and Livestock Insemination Appropriate Time Detection Unit - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a livestock insemination suitable time detection system and a livestock insemination suitable time detection unit for livestock.

In order to breed livestock such as cattle and pigs, it is desirable to perform artificial insemination of livestock when the livestock is in the proper insemination period. Domestic animals reach the optimum insemination period after a certain period of time from the start of estrus. Therefore, if it is possible to detect signs of estrus appearing in domestic animals, it is possible to know whether or not the suitable time for insemination is approaching (for example, within half a day). Therefore, whether or not the livestock shows signs of estrus is examined, and when the signs of estrus appear in the livestock, it is determined that the appropriate time for insemination is approaching. For example, in the case of cows, the optimum insemination period of about 15 hours occurs multiple times in a cycle of about 21 days. Therefore, the user had to check the cows one by one at intervals of about 12 hours (twice/day), which was very troublesome and time consuming.

Signs of estrus in domestic animals include an increase in the number of steps taken, an increase in body temperature, and a reddening and reduction in wrinkles at the external cervical os (external os) in the vagina. It has been known. Therefore, in order to know the appropriate time for fertilization, we are investigating whether or not signs of estrus appear in livestock based on changes in the number of steps, body temperature, and external appearance of the uterine ostium.

Here, changes in the number of steps taken and changes in body temperature may be affected by factors other than estrus. For example, if livestock is raised by being tied to a fence one by one and can only walk within a narrow range, the number of walks of livestock is small, so it may be difficult to determine the increase or decrease in the number of walks. be. Therefore, depending on the breeding environment of livestock, it may be difficult to determine whether or not a sign of estrus appears in livestock based on changes in the number of walks of livestock. In addition, the body temperature of livestock may rise above normal due to poor physical condition such as a cold. In some cases, it is difficult to distinguish between estrus and estrus. For this reason, it may be difficult to determine whether or not the livestock shows signs of estrus based on changes in the body temperature of the livestock. As described above, there are factors other than estrus in the factors of changes in livestock walking speed and body temperature. It can be difficult to determine whether or not they are present.

On the other hand, the appearance of the uterine ostium of livestock is thought to change more reliably with estrus. Therefore, if it is determined whether or not signs of estrus appear in livestock based on changes in the appearance of the uterine ostium in the vagina of livestock, it is possible to more reliably determine whether or not signs of estrus appear in livestock. . Various techniques have been proposed that can be applied to observe the appearance of the uterine ostium of livestock. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,200,000 describes a mammalian speculum that includes a tube with an attached lighting device. The user inserts the tube of the mammalian colposcope of Patent Document 1 into the vagina of the domestic animal, turns on the lighting device, and looks into the tube from the outside of the domestic animal to see the uterine ostium in the vagina of the domestic animal. can be observed. In this way, the uterine ostium in the vagina of domestic animals is observed using the mammalian colposcope described in Patent Document 1, and it is examined whether or not the appearance of the uterine ostium is reddened and wrinkled. Then, as described above, it is possible to know whether or not livestock show signs of estrus.

JP 2008-295787 A

By the way, the length of the suitable insemination period and the length of the estrous period of domestic animals are limited. For this reason, for example, in the case where livestock is a cow, if it is possible to check whether or not signs of estrus have appeared in the livestock only once a day, discovering that signs of estrus have appeared in the livestock is delayed. , there are cases where it is difficult to perform artificial insemination of livestock at the appropriate time for insemination. In order to perform artificial insemination of domestic animals at the optimum time for insemination, it is desirable to examine whether signs of estrus appear in each domestic animal at least twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.

For example, if the domestic animal is a cow, in order to perform artificial insemination of the domestic animal at the appropriate time for insemination, when examining whether the domestic animal shows signs of estrus using the mammalian colposcope of Patent Document 1, twice in the morning and evening. As described above, since it is necessary to check each livestock individually, a great amount of labor is required for checking. Moreover, even if the uterine ostium is observed using the mammalian colposcope of Patent Document 1, it is not always easy to judge whether or not the livestock is in the suitable period for fertilization from the state of the uterine ostium. Therefore, even if the mammalian vaginal speculum of Patent Document 1 is used to examine whether or not signs of estrus appear in livestock, it is not easy to perform artificial insemination of livestock at the proper time for insemination.

The present invention was invented in view of such points, and the problem to be solved by the present invention is to make it easier for users to know that livestock shows signs of estrus. To provide a livestock insemination proper timing detection system.

In order to solve the above problems, a first aspect of the present invention is a livestock insemination suitable time detection system having a domestic animal suitable insemination time detection unit held in the vagina of a livestock, a light source for irradiating the uterine ostium in the vagina with light, an imaging device for creating image information obtained by imaging the uterine ostium, a control device, a communication device, and a battery, wherein the control device is an estrus estimation unit for estimating whether or not signs of estrus appear in the livestock based on the livestock condition information including the image information; and a notification unit that wirelessly transmits notification information to a preset transmission destination via the communication device when it is estimated that the appropriate timing for domestic animal insemination is detected.

Next, a second invention of the present invention is a domestic animal suitable time for insemination detection system having a domestic animal suitable time for insemination detection unit held in the vagina of a domestic animal and a domestic animal suitable time for insemination detection program, wherein the suitable time for domestic animal insemination detection The unit includes a light source for irradiating the uterine ostium in the vagina of the livestock with light, an imaging device for creating image information by imaging the uterine ostium, a communication device, and livestock condition information including the image information. , a control device having a transmission unit that transmits wirelessly to a preset destination via the communication device; an estrus estimating unit for estimating whether or not signs of estrus appear in the livestock based on the received livestock condition information, a management device separate from the unit; A livestock insemination appropriate timing detection system that functions as a notification unit that outputs notification information when it is estimated that signs of estrus are appearing.

Next, a third aspect of the present invention is a livestock insemination suitable time detection unit having a livestock suitable time for insemination detection unit held in the vagina of a livestock, and a management device separate from the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit. In the system, the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit includes a light source for irradiating the uterine ostium in the vagina of the livestock with light, an imaging device for creating image information by imaging the uterine ostium, and a communication device. a control device having a transmission unit that wirelessly transmits the livestock condition information including the image information to a preset destination via the communication device; and a battery; a receiving unit that is set as the transmission destination and receives the livestock condition information; and a notification unit that outputs notification information when the estrus estimation unit estimates that the livestock shows signs of estrus.

Next, a fourth aspect of the present invention is a livestock insemination appropriate timing detection system according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the image capturing device captures an image at each predetermined timing. The image information is created, the light source emits light at the timing when the image capturing device captures the image, and the estrus estimating unit accumulates the livestock state information, and the livestock state information is included in the accumulated livestock state information. Based on the image information, based on at least one of the change tendency of the color of the uterine cervix or the change tendency of the number of wrinkles of the uterine cervix, it is determined whether or not the livestock shows signs of estrus. Presumably, it is a livestock insemination appropriate timing detection system.

Next, a fifth invention of the present invention is a livestock insemination suitable time detection system according to the fourth invention, wherein the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit further includes body temperature detection means for detecting the body temperature of the livestock, and acceleration detection means for detecting acceleration related to movement of the livestock, and the livestock condition information further includes body temperature information detected by the body temperature detection means, and the acceleration detection. at least one of the acceleration information detected by means, and the estrus estimating unit accumulates the livestock condition information, and based on the image information contained in the accumulated livestock condition information, At least one of a tendency of change in the color of the cervix or a tendency of change in the number of wrinkles of the cervix, and the body temperature of the livestock based on the body temperature information contained in the accumulated livestock condition information. Based on at least one of a trend of change and a trend of change in the amount of activity of the livestock based on the acceleration information included in the accumulated state information of the livestock, whether or not signs of estrus appear in the livestock. It is a livestock insemination suitable time detection system that estimates whether.

Next, a sixth aspect of the present invention is a livestock insemination suitable time detection unit held in the vagina of a domestic animal, comprising: An imaging device for creating image information obtained by imaging a mouth, a control device, a communication device, and a battery, wherein the control device transmits livestock condition information including the image information via the communication device, It is a livestock insemination appropriate timing detection unit having a transmission section that transmits to a preset transmission destination by a wireless method.

According to the first invention, in the appropriate time for domestic animal insemination detection system, the appropriate time for domestic animal insemination detection unit includes an estrus estimating unit based on livestock state information including image information created by imaging the uterine ostium of the domestic animal by an imaging device. However, when it is estimated that signs of estrus appear in the livestock, the transmitting unit transmits the notification information to a preset transmission destination by a wireless method. Then, for example, when the destination is a personal computer, the transmitted notification information is displayed on the personal computer. By simply looking at the displayed notification information, the user can know that it is estimated that a sign of estrus has appeared in the livestock based on the appearance of the uterine ostium of the livestock. In this way, the livestock insemination suitable time detection system can know that the livestock is estimated to show signs of estrus based on the appearance of the uterine ostium of the livestock without directly touching the livestock. As a result, the livestock insemination suitable time detection system makes it easier for the user to know that signs of estrus are appearing in livestock.

According to the second invention, the suitable time for domestic animal insemination detection system uses the suitable time for domestic animal insemination detection unit and the management device, based on the livestock condition information including the image information of the uterine ostium in the vagina of the livestock imaged by the imaging device, The estrus estimating unit causes the management device to output notification information when estimating that signs of estrus appear in the livestock. Here, the image information is information created by imaging the appearance of the uterine ostium with an imaging device, and includes information on the appearance of the uterine ostium. The livestock insemination appropriate timing detection system can estimate whether or not signs of estrus appear in livestock based on the appearance of the uterine ostium of the livestock, output the estimated result, and notify the user. As a result, the livestock insemination suitable time detection system makes it easier for the user to know that signs of estrus are appearing in livestock.

According to the third invention, the suitable time for domestic animal insemination detection system uses the suitable time for domestic animal insemination detection unit and the management device based on the livestock condition information including the image information of the uterine ostium in the vagina of the livestock imaged by the imaging device, The estrus estimating unit causes the management device to output notification information when estimating that signs of estrus appear in the livestock. Here, the image information is information created by imaging the appearance of the uterine ostium with an imaging device, and includes information on the appearance of the uterine ostium. The livestock insemination appropriate timing detection system can estimate whether or not signs of estrus appear in livestock based on the appearance of the uterine ostium of the livestock, output the estimated result, and notify the user. As a result, the livestock insemination suitable time detection system makes it easier for the user to know that signs of estrus are appearing in livestock.

According to the fourth invention, the domestic animal insemination suitable period detection system detects at least a tendency of change in color of the cervix or a tendency of change in the number of wrinkles of the cervix from image information created by imaging the cervix. Based on one of them, it is estimated at predetermined timings whether or not signs of estrus appear in livestock. Here, the estimation of whether or not a sign of estrus appears in livestock is based on at least one of the tendency of change in the color of the cervix or the tendency of change in the number of wrinkles of the cervix. Both the color change tendency of the uterine ostium and the change tendency of the number of wrinkles of the uterine ostium are likely to change when domestic animals go into heat. As a result, the livestock insemination appropriate timing detection system can estimate with higher accuracy whether or not the livestock shows signs of estrus.

According to the fifth invention, the livestock insemination appropriate timing detection system detects the livestock based on at least one of the body temperature information of the livestock and the acceleration information related to the motion of the livestock as well as the image information of the photographed image of the uterine ectopic. Predict whether signs of estrus are present. As a result, the livestock insemination appropriate timing detection system can estimate with higher accuracy whether or not the livestock shows signs of estrus.

According to the sixth invention, the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit transmits the livestock state information including the image information of the uterine ostium in the vagina of the livestock imaged by the imaging device to a preset transmission destination by a wireless method. do. For example, if the destination is a personal computer, the transmitted image information of the cervical ostium is displayed on the personal computer. The user, without directly touching the domestic animal and directly observing the appearance of the uterine ostium, can determine the estrus of the domestic animal based on the appearance of the uterine ostium of the domestic animal simply by looking at the displayed image information of the uterine ostium. It is possible to estimate whether or not signs appear. In this way, the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit detects whether or not the livestock shows signs of estrus based on the appearance of the uterine ostium of the livestock without directly touching the livestock and directly observing the appearance of the uterine ostium. can be estimated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure explaining the whole structure of the domestic animal insemination suitable time detection system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a block diagram explaining a structure of the domestic animal insemination suitable time detection system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 4 is a flow chart for explaining an example of a processing procedure by the livestock insemination suitable time detection system according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of livestock condition information in a normal case where cows are not in heat according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of livestock condition information when a cow is showing signs of estrus in the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a screen display of a display device when a control device (CPU) of the management device causes the display device to display confirmation information; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of screen display of a display device when a control device (CPU) of the management device causes the display device to display notification information; FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a livestock insemination appropriate timing detection system according to a second embodiment; It is a flow chart explaining an example of a processing procedure by a domestic animal insemination suitable time detection unit in a 2nd embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a livestock insemination appropriate timing detection system according to a third embodiment;

Appropriate time for livestock insemination detection systems 1 to 3 according to embodiments of the present invention and suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit 100 (see the fourth embodiment) according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Livestock insemination suitable time detection systems 1 to 3 are systems for detecting the suitable insemination time of livestock. In the suitable time for insemination detection systems 1 to 3 and the appropriate time for insemination detection unit 100 (see the fourth embodiment) of the present invention, a cow 500 is an example of a livestock whose suitable time for insemination is to be detected. Incidentally, as shown in the suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit 100 in FIG. 1, the suitable time for livestock insemination detection systems 1 to 3 have a suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit held in the vagina 501 of a cow 500 (livestock). In the drawings and the following description, forward refers to the direction toward the interior of the vagina 501 of the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit when held in the vagina 501 of the cow 500, and backward refers to the opposite direction to the front.

● [Overall configuration of livestock insemination suitable time detection system 1 of the first embodiment (Figs. 1 to 7)]
Next, a first embodiment of a livestock insemination appropriate timing detection system will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a livestock insemination suitable time detection system 1 is composed of a livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100, a management device 200 (for example, a personal computer or a smart phone), and the like. Estimation (described later) as to whether or not signs of estrus have appeared is performed by the management device 200 instead of the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100 . The suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit 100 and the management device 200 may be supplied by the manufacturer, or the suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit 100 and the suitable time for livestock insemination detection program may be supplied by the manufacturer. When the livestock insemination suitable time detection program is supplied from the manufacturer, the livestock insemination suitable time detection program may be supplied, for example, by downloading from the Internet, or may be supplied in a storage medium such as a USB memory or a CD. The user can install the supplied domestic animal insemination suitable time detection program in his/her own personal computer or smart phone to use it as the management device 200 .

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a livestock insemination appropriate timing detection system 1. As shown in FIG. Also, FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the livestock insemination appropriate timing detection system 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the appropriate time for livestock insemination detection system 1 is managed separately from the appropriate time for livestock insemination detection unit 100 held in the vagina 501 of a cow 500 (livestock) and the appropriate time for livestock insemination detection system 1. and an apparatus 200 . Then, in the management device 200, a domestic animal insemination suitable time detection program is executed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100 includes a housing 10, two light sources 20, an imaging device 30, a communication device 40, a battery 50, a control device 60, a stopper 80, and the like.

The housing 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a size that can be accommodated in the vagina 501 of the cow 500 . Two light sources 20 , an imaging device 30 , a stopper 80 and the like are attached to the front side of the housing 10 . A communication device 40 , a battery 50 , a control device 60 and the like are attached inside the housing 10 . As shown in FIG. 1, when the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100 is held in the vagina 501 of the cow 500, the front side of the housing 10 is in contact with the cervical ostium 505 (external cervix) in the vagina 501 of the cow 500. The livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100 is held so as to face each other.

As shown in FIG. 2, two light sources 20 are attached to the front side of the housing 10, and are, for example, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and organic ELs (Organic Electro-Luminescence). The light source 20 is connected to the control device 60 , and light emission of the light source 20 is controlled by the control device 60 . As shown in FIG. 1, the light source 20 is attached to the front side of the housing 10, so when the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100 is held in the vagina 501 of the cow 500, the light source 20 ) in the vagina 501 (external os).

The imaging device 30 is a camera, and is attached to the front side of the housing 10 as shown in FIG. The imaging device 30 is connected to and controlled by the control device 60 . As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device 30 is attached to the front side of the housing 10, so that when the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100 is held in the vagina 501 of the cow, the imaging device 30 is positioned at the uterine ostium. 505 can be captured, image information of the captured image can be created, and livestock state information including the image information can be output to the control device 60 .

The communication device 40 has an antenna 41 as shown in FIG. 2, and uses the antenna 41 to transmit various information (livestock condition information in this case). The communication device 40 is connected to the control device 60, and the control device 60 can wirelessly transmit various information to the management device 200 using the communication device 40. FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, when the livestock suitable time for insemination detection unit 100 is held in the vagina 501 of the cow 500, the antenna 41 extends to the rear side of the suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit 100, and the rear end of the antenna 41 extends toward the cow. The length of the antenna 41 is adjusted so that it is outside the vagina 501 of 500 .

The antenna 41 may be provided so that the livestock condition information transmitted by the communication device 40 using the antenna 41 reaches the management device 200 (described later) outside the cow 500 . Therefore, the rear end of the antenna 41 does not necessarily have to be outside the vagina 501 of the cow 500, the antenna 41 may be housed inside the housing 10, and the length of the antenna 41 may be within the vagina 501 of the cow 500. can be as long as Transmission and reception of information between the communication device 40 and the management device 200 is, for example, transmission and reception conforming to low power consumption wide area communication (Low Power Wide Area Network: LPWAN) such as LoRaWAN (registered trademark). In addition, transmission and reception of information between the communication device 40 and the management device 200 may be performed according to, for example, an industrial wireless standard such as ISA100.11a, a short-range wireless communication standard such as Wireless HART (registered trademark), or Bluetooth (registered trademark). may be transmitted and received in compliance with Further, the communication device 40 may receive information as well as transmit information.

As shown in FIG. 2, the battery 50 is connected to the control device 60 and supplies power to the light source 20, the imaging device 30, the communication device 40, the control device 60, and the like. As the battery 50, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a primary battery can be used.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 60 has a known electronic circuit including a CPU 60A, a RAM 60B, a ROM 60C, an EEPROM 60D, an interface 60E (hereinafter the interface is referred to as I/F), a timer 60F, and the like. . In addition, the control device 60 is connected to the light source 20, the imaging device 30, the communication device 40, and the battery 50 as described above. The CPU 60A executes various arithmetic processes based on various programs stored in the ROM 60C and EEPROM 60D. The CPU 60A also has a transmission section 60A1, as will be described later. The RAM 60B temporarily stores the result of calculation by the CPU 60A, the image information output by the imaging device 30, and the like. The EEPROM 60D stores, for example, data to be read when the livestock insemination suitable period detection unit 100 is activated.

The control device 60 controls the light source 20 , imaging device 30 and communication device 40 . In addition, the control device 60 stores various information for performing these controls. The controller 60 has an EEPROM 60D as a non-volatile memory, but a flash memory or the like that retains memory without power supply may be added to the EEPROM 60D.

As shown in FIG. 2, the stopper 80 is made of flexible resin and formed into a bent rod shape, and is attached to the front side of the housing 10 . As shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 2, before the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100 is attached to the vagina 501 of the cow 500, the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100 has a cylindrical sleeve 81 (virtual line in FIG. 2). The stopper 80 is pressed radially inward of the housing 10 by a sleeve 81 . As a result, the length of the stopper 80 in the radial direction of the housing 10 is shortened (virtual line in FIG. 2), so that the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100 can be easily inserted into the vagina 501 from outside the body of the cow 500. can.

Then, after the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100 is put into the vagina 501 of the cow 500 , the sleeve 81 is removed from the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100 . As a result, the stopper 80 spreads in the radial direction of the housing 10, and the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100 is held in the vagina 501 of the cow 500 (livestock) by the stopper 80 spread in the radial direction.

The management device 200 has a communication device 210, a display device 220, a control device 250, a recording medium 251, etc., as shown in FIG.

The communication device 210 includes an antenna 211 and uses the antenna 211 to receive information (livestock condition information in this case). Communication device 210 is connected to control device 250 . As will be described later, when the communication device 210 receives the livestock state information and the like transmitted by the appropriate time for livestock insemination detection unit 100 by radio, the control device 250 transmits the livestock state information transmitted by the appropriate time for livestock insemination detection unit 100 to the communication device. 210. For this reason, the position of the management device 200 is set at a position where information from the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100 can be received.

The display device 220 is connected to the control device 250 . The display device 220 is, for example, a liquid crystal monitor.

The control device 250 has known electronic circuits including a CPU 250A, a RAM 250B, a ROM 250C, an EEPROM 250D, an I/F 250E, a timer 250F and the like, and a recording medium 251 and the like. The control device 250 is also connected to the communication device 210, the display device 220, and the like. The CPU 250A executes various arithmetic processes based on various programs stored in the RAM 250B, EEPROM 250D and recording medium 251, and the like. The CPU 250A also has a receiving section 250A2, an estrus estimating section 250A3, and a reporting section 250A4, as will be described later. The recording medium 251 retains data without power supply, and is, for example, a flash memory or a HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

The RAM 250B temporarily stores calculation results from the CPU 250A, livestock condition information (described later), and the like, and the EEPROM 250D stores, for example, data to be read when the management device 200 is started. The control device 250 controls the communication device 210, the display device 220, the recording medium 251, and the like. Also, the control device 250 and the recording medium 251 store various information for performing these controls. Recording medium 251 or EEPROM 250D stores a livestock insemination suitable time detection program that causes CPU 250A to execute an appropriate insemination period detection process, which will be described later.

● [Regarding the control of the livestock insemination suitable time detection system 1 of the first embodiment (Figs. 3 to 7)]
Next, an example of an execution processing procedure executed by the livestock insemination appropriate timing detection system 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 and the like. In addition, the livestock insemination appropriate period detection unit 100 executes livestock state information transmission processing, an example of which is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In addition, the management device 200 executes an appropriate insemination period detection process, an example of which is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

● [Livestock status information transmission process (Figures 3 to 5)]
When the suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit 100 is attached to the vagina 501 of the cow 500 and the control device 60 (CPU 60A) of the suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit 100 is activated, the control device 60 (CPU 60A) initializes the timer 60F. . Then, the flowchart of the livestock condition information transmission process shown in FIG. 3 is activated at predetermined time intervals T1 (for example, every 30 minutes), and when activated, the control device 60 (CPU 60A) advances the process to step S110.

In step S110, control device 60 (CPU 60A) detects the state of livestock and advances the process to step S120. In the present embodiment, the state of the livestock is the appearance of the uterine ostium 505 (see FIG. 1) of the cow 500 (livestock). The control device 60 (CPU 60A) controls the imaging device 30 so that the imaging device 30 captures an image of the uterine cervix 505 to create image information and output the image information to the control device 60 . At the timing when the imaging device 30 images the uterine ostium 505, the two light sources 20 (see FIG. 2) irradiate the uterine ostium 505 of the vagina 501 of the cow 500 (livestock) with light (see FIG. 1). As such, the control device 60 (CPU 60A) controls the light source 20 .

In step S120, control device 60 (CPU 60A) creates livestock condition information, and advances the process to step S130. The livestock condition information is information regarding the condition of the cow 500 . FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of livestock condition information in a normal case where the cow 500 is not in heat. As shown in FIG. 4, the livestock condition information includes a measuring device ID (A in FIG. 4), which is an ID unique to the livestock insemination suitable timing detection unit 100, and 4, and image information (C in FIG. 4). FIG. 4C schematically shows a photographed image of the uterine ostium 505 in a normal case where the cow 500 is not in heat.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of livestock condition information when the cow 500 shows signs of estrus. The livestock state information includes a measuring instrument ID (A in FIG. 5), information on the photographing date and time (B in FIG. 5), and image information (C in FIG. 5). FIG. 5C schematically shows a photographed image of the uterine ostium 505 when the cow 500 shows signs of estrus. As shown in FIG. 5C, a sign of estrus appearing in the appearance of the cervix of the cow 500 is less wrinkles than normal (see FIG. 4C). Another sign of estrus that appears in the appearance of the cervix of the cow 500 is that the appearance of the cervix 505 becomes redder than normal.

In step S130, the control device 60 (CPU 60A) uses the communication device 40 to wirelessly transmit livestock condition information to a preset transmission destination (management device 200), and ends the livestock condition information transmission process. . Note that the CPU 60A executing the process of step S130 transmits livestock state information including image information to a preset destination (management device 200) via the communication device 40 by a wireless method. It corresponds to the part 60A1 (see FIG. 2). Since the management device 200 is provided at a position where it can receive information from the suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit 100, in step S130, the suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit 100 transmits the livestock state information wirelessly. set earlier.

Further, as described above, the flowchart of the livestock condition information transmission process shown in FIG. Image information (see FIGS. 4C and 5C) is created (step S120), and livestock condition information (see FIGS. 4 and 5) including the image information is wirelessly transmitted to the management device 200 (step S130). Therefore, the control device 60 (CPU 60A) transmits the livestock state information including the image information of the uterine ostium 505 to the management device 200 every predetermined time T1 by the livestock state information transmission process (step S130). Here, the imaging device 30 takes an image at each predetermined timing (every predetermined time T1) and creates image information.

● [Optimal insemination period detection process (Figs. 3 to 7)]
When the control device 250 of the management device 200 is activated, a livestock insemination appropriate timing detection program or the like is read out from the recording medium 251 (see FIG. 2) or the EEPROM 250D. As a result, when the communication device 210 of the control device 200 receives the livestock condition information transmitted by the livestock insemination appropriate timing detection unit 100 every predetermined time T1, the CPU 250A of the control device 250 temporarily stores the livestock condition information in the ROM 250B. set to be stored automatically. Furthermore, the flowchart of the appropriate insemination detection process, an example of which is shown in FIG. 3, is activated at predetermined time intervals T2 (for example, at intervals of one minute), and when activated, the process proceeds to step S210.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 2, the CPU 250A of the control device 250 corresponds to the receiving section 250A2 that is set as the transmission destination of the livestock condition information and receives the livestock information. The receiving unit 250A2 of the control device 250 of the management device 200 is set as a transmission destination of livestock condition information wirelessly transmitted by the control device 60 (CPU 60A) of the livestock insemination appropriate timing detection unit 100. FIG. The receiving unit 250A2 receives the livestock state information transmitted from the suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit 100 using the communication device 210 .

In step S210, control device 250 (CPU 250A) receives livestock state information from livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100 during the period from the most recent execution of the suitable insemination time detection process shown in the flowchart in FIG. 3 to the present. Estimate whether or not If it can be estimated that livestock condition information has been received (YES), the process proceeds to step S220, and if it can be estimated that livestock condition information has not been received (NO), the process proceeds to step S230.

Incidentally, as described above, when the communication device 210 receives the livestock state information from the livestock insemination appropriate timing detection unit 100, the livestock state information is stored in the ROM 250B. In the optimum insemination period detection process, an example of which is shown in the flowchart in FIG. 3, at step S220 described later, after reading the livestock state information from the ROM 250B, the livestock state information is erased from the ROM 250B. Therefore, when the stored livestock state information is not stored in the ROM 250B, the period from the most recent execution of the appropriate insemination timing detection process shown in the flowchart in FIG. This is the case where livestock condition information has not been received during this period (step S210: NO). In addition, if the stored livestock condition information is stored in the ROM 250B, the livestock condition information has been received from the time when the optimum insemination period detection process shown in the flowchart in FIG. 3 was most recently executed to the present. case (step S210: YES).

Therefore, in step S210, control device 250 (CPU 250A) determines whether livestock condition information is stored in ROM 250B. If the livestock condition information is not stored in the ROM 250B, it is assumed that the livestock condition information has not been received (step S210: NO). If the livestock condition information is stored in the ROM 250B, it is assumed that the livestock condition information has been received (step S210: YES), and the process proceeds to step S220.

When proceeding to step S220, control device 250 (CPU 250A) causes recording medium 251 to record the livestock condition information stored in ROM 250B, and advances the process to step S230. As described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the livestock condition information includes the measuring instrument ID (see A and A of FIGS. B) and image information (see C in FIG. 4 and C in FIG. 5).

Therefore, in step S220, control device 250 (CPU 250A) associates the measuring instrument ID, the information on the photographing date and time, and the image information, which are included in the livestock condition information stored in ROM 250B, into livestock condition information. is recorded on the recording medium 251 as a data set. As a result, records of data sets of livestock condition information are accumulated in the recording medium 251 . As a result, a livestock condition information database is created in the recording medium 251, which is composed of a plurality of data sets of livestock condition information recorded in the past. Then, the CPU 250A can read the data set of past livestock condition information from the livestock condition information database recorded in the recording medium 251 .

When the process proceeds to step S230, based on the livestock condition information stored in the recording medium 251, the control device 250 (CPU 250A) selects image information in the most recent livestock condition information recorded in the recording medium 251. It is estimated whether signs of estrus appear in the cow 500 appearing in the photographed image, and the process proceeds to step S240. In step S210, even if it can be determined that livestock condition information has been received from livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100 (step S210: YES) or if it cannot be determined (step S210: NO), recording medium 251 records The medium 251 records a data set of livestock condition information recorded most recently and a plurality of data sets of livestock condition information recorded before the most recent time.

In step S230, the control device 250 (CPU 250A) estimates whether or not a sign of estrus of the cow 500 appears in the photographed image of the most recent image information recorded in the recording medium 251 or not. Here, as described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, as a sign of estrus, the external appearance of the cervix 505 of the cow 500 becomes redder and less wrinkled than normal.

Therefore, in step S230, the control device 250 (CPU 250A) performs a known image analysis process to determine the color change tendency SA corresponding to reddening and the reduction of wrinkles in the photographed image of the image information. A change tendency SB of the number of wrinkles is calculated. Furthermore, from the color change tendency SA, it is estimated whether or not the cow 500 shows signs of estrus. Also, it is estimated whether or not the cow 500 shows signs of estrus from the change trend SB of the number of wrinkles.

Here, the color change tendency SA is a value that increases as the uterine ostium 505 appearing in the photographed image of the image information becomes more reddish. Further, the change tendency SB of the number of wrinkles is a value that increases as the number of wrinkles of the cervix 505 appearing in the photographed image of the image information decreases. Therefore, when the color change tendency value SA is greater than the predetermined value SA1 (predetermined value SA1<color change tendency value SA), it can be estimated that the cow 500 is showing signs of estrus. It can be estimated that the sign of estrus of the cow 500 does not appear in the color change tendency value SA≦predetermined value SA1). Similarly, when the wrinkle number change tendency value SB is greater than a predetermined value SB1 (predetermined value SB1<wrinkle number change tendency value SB), it can be estimated that the cow 500 is in estrus. , it can be estimated that the cow 500 does not show signs of estrus if the number of wrinkles is not large (value SB of change tendency of number of wrinkles≤predetermined value SB1).

The color change tendency value SA is greater than a predetermined value SA1 (predetermined value SA1<color change tendency value SA), and the wrinkle number change tendency value SB is greater than the predetermined value SB1. If at least one of the condition (predetermined value SB1<value SB of change tendency in the number of wrinkles) is satisfied, it is assumed that the cow 500 is showing signs of estrus, and either condition is satisfied. If not, it is assumed that cow 500 is not showing signs of estrus.

Note that the CPU 250A executing the process of step S230 corresponds to the estrus estimation unit 250A3 (see FIG. 2). Estrus estimating section 250A3 estimates whether or not signs of estrus appear in cow 500 (livestock) based on livestock condition information (including image information) received from livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100. FIG. The estrus estimating unit 250A3 also determines the color change trend SA of the uterine ostium or the change trend SB of the number of wrinkles of the uterine ostium based on the image information included in the livestock condition information accumulated in the recording medium 251. Based on at least one of them, it is estimated whether or not the cow 500 (livestock) shows signs of estrus. Then, the livestock insemination suitable time detection program causes CPU 250A to estimate whether or not signs of estrus appear in cow 500 (livestock) based on the livestock condition information (including image information) received by management device 200. It functions as an estimation unit 250A3.

In step S240, control device 250 (CPU 250A) estimates whether or not signs of estrus have appeared in cow 500 using the result of estimating whether signs of estrus have appeared in cow 500 in step S230. If it can be estimated that signs of estrus have appeared in cow 500 (YES), the process proceeds to step S250A, and if it can be estimated that signs of estrus have not appeared in cow 500 (NO), step The process proceeds to S250B.

When the process proceeds to step S250A, the control device 250 (CPU 250A) outputs the notification information to the display device 220, thereby displaying the notification information on the display device 220 (see FIG. 2), and performing the optimal period detection process. exit. Note that the notification information means that signs of estrus of the cow 500 appear in the external appearance of the uterine ostium appearing in the photographed image of the most recent image information, and that the cow 500 is approaching the appropriate time for insemination (or if it is during the appropriate time for insemination). Therefore, the information (for example, F2 in FIG. 7, “Attention of appropriate timing of insemination”) indicates that attention should be paid to the appropriate timing of insemination of the cow 500 .

FIG. 7 shows an example of the screen display of display device 220 when control device 250 (CPU 250A) causes display device 220 to display notification information (F2 in FIG. 7) in step S250A. Step S250A is executed when it can be estimated that cow 500 is showing signs of estrus (step S240: YES). Therefore, the control device 250 causes the display device 220 to display notification information (for example, F2 in FIG. 7, "Attention of the appropriate time for insemination"), thereby reminding the user that it is necessary to pay attention to the appropriate time for insemination of the cow 500. inform.

A of FIG. 7 shows the measuring device ID of the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100 . FIG. 7 also shows the newest (most recent) photographed image B1 and its photographing date and time C1, the second latest photographed image B2 and its photographing date and time C2, and the third latest photographed image B3 and its photographing date and time C3. ing. The user looks at the photographed images of the appearance of the uterine ostium 505 in these photographed images B1 to B3 and the photographed dates and times of C1 to C3, and determines whether signs of estrus appear in the appearance of the cow 500 shown in the most recent photographed image B1. can be estimated. Here, by arranging the three (plural) photographed images B1 to B3 in chronological order and displaying them on the display device 220, the user can see the temporal change in the external appearance of the cervical ostium 505 and the appearance of the most recent photographed image B1. It is possible to more easily grasp whether the appearance of the cow 500 shows signs of estrus.

FIG. 7D shows the result of estimation as to whether or not signs of estrus appear in the cow 500 estimated from the color change tendency SA in step S230. FIG. 7E shows the result of estimation as to whether or not signs of estrus appear in the cow 500 estimated from the change tendency SB of the number of wrinkles in step S230. FIG. 7 is an example of the screen display of the display device 220 when it can be estimated that the cow 500 is showing signs of estrus. E of FIG. 7, which is an estimation based on the change trend SB of the number of cows 500, also shows "o" indicating that it can be estimated that the cow 500 is showing signs of estrus.

The CPU 250A executing the process of step S250A, when the estrus estimation unit 250A3 (see FIG. 2) estimates that the cow 500 (livestock) is showing signs of estrus (step S240: YES), , which corresponds to the notification unit 250A4 (see FIG. 2). Control device 250 (CPU 250A), in step S250A, when estrus estimation unit 250A3 estimates that signs of estrus have appeared in cow 500 (livestock) (step S240: YES), displays notification information on display device 220. (see F2 in FIG. 7). In step S250A, the livestock insemination suitable period detection program causes CPU 250A to detect information information when estrus estimation unit 250A3 estimates that cow 500 (livestock) is showing signs of estrus in step S250A (step S240: YES). to the display device 220 (see F1 in FIG. 7).

When the process proceeds to step S250B, the control device 250 (CPU 250A) outputs the confirmation information to the display device 220, thereby causing the notification information to be displayed on the display device 220 (see FIG. 6), and performing the suitable period detection process. exit. The confirmation information is information indicating that no signs of estrus of the cow 500 appear in the external appearance of the uterine ostium shown in the photographed image of the most recent image information, and that the cow 500 can be estimated to be in a normal state ( For example, "Normal" in F1 of FIG. Step S250B is a step that is executed when it can be estimated that the cow 500 does not show signs of estrus (step S240: NO). Therefore, the control device 250 causes the display device 220 to display confirmation information indicating that the cow 500 can be estimated to be in a normal state (for example, "Normal" in F1 of FIG. 6).

FIG. 6 shows an example of a screen display of display device 220 when control device 250 (CPU 250A) causes display device 220 to display confirmation information (F1 in FIG. 6) in step S250B. As with FIG. 7, A of FIG. As in FIG. 7, FIG. 6 shows the newest (most recent) captured image B1 and its captured date and time C1, the second newest captured image B2 and its captured date and time C2, the third newest captured image B3 and The shooting date and time C3 is shown. Here, by arranging the three (plural) photographed images B1 to B3 in chronological order and displaying them on the display device 220, the user can see the temporal change in the external appearance of the cervical ostium 505 and the appearance of the most recent photographed image B1. It is possible to more easily grasp whether the appearance of the cow 500 shows signs of estrus.

D of FIG. 6 shows whether or not signs of estrus have appeared in the cow 500 estimated from the color change tendency SA in step S230, and E of FIG. 6 shows the number of wrinkles in step S230. This indicates whether or not the cow 500 estimated from the change trend SB of estrus is showing signs of estrus. FIG. 6 is an example of the screen display of the display device 220 when it can be estimated that the cow 500 does not show signs of estrus. E of FIG. 6, which is an estimation based on the change trend SB of the number of cows 500, also shows "x" indicating that it can be estimated that the cow 500 does not show signs of estrus.

As described above, the livestock insemination suitable period detection unit 100 is created by the imaging device 30 capturing and creating livestock state information transmission processing (see FIG. 3) that is activated at predetermined time intervals T1 (for example, every 30 minutes). Livestock state information including the image information of the uterine ostium 505 is transmitted to the management device 200 at predetermined time T1 (predetermined timing T1) intervals (step S130). Then, the control device 250 (CPU 250A) of the management device 200 executes the suitable insemination timing detection process (see FIG. 3) that is activated at predetermined time T2 intervals (for example, one minute intervals). Control device 250 (CPU 250A) of management device 200 accumulates livestock condition information in recording medium 251 (step S220) through suitable insemination timing detection processing (see FIG. 3), and based on image information included in the accumulated livestock condition information. Then, it is estimated whether or not the cow 500 shows signs of estrus (step S230), and the result of the estimation is output to the display device 220 and notified to the user (steps S250A, S250B).

The image information is information created by imaging the appearance of the uterine ostium 505 with the imaging device 30 , and includes information on the appearance of the uterine ostium 505 . By means of the suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit 100, the management device 200, and the suitable time for livestock insemination detection program, the suitable time for livestock insemination detection system 1 detects signs of estrus for a cow 500 (livestock) based on the appearance of the uterine ostium 505 of the cow 500 (livestock). appears (step S230), and the result of the estimation can be output to the display device 220 and notified to the user (step S250A). Thus, the livestock insemination suitable time detection system 1 makes it easier for the user to know that the cow 500 (livestock) is showing signs of estrus.

The livestock insemination suitable time detection system 1 estimates whether or not signs of estrus appear in the cow 500 (livestock) (step S230), based on the appearance of the uterine ostium 505 of the cow 500 (livestock). and at least one of the number of wrinkles of the cervix 505 .

Conventionally, as signs of estrus in domestic animals, the temperature rises, the number of steps increases, and the appearance of the uterine ostium 505 (external cervical os, see FIG. 1) in the vagina 501 compared to when the animals are normal. It is known that wrinkles decrease as skin becomes redder. Therefore, conventionally, the estimation of whether or not signs of estrus have appeared in livestock has been based on the tendency of changes in body temperature and the number of steps, in addition to the tendency of changes in color and number of wrinkles of the uterine ostium 505. has been done based on

The body temperature of livestock may rise not only due to estrus but also due to poor physical condition such as a cold. There is a risk of misidentification as when For this reason, when estimating whether or not signs of estrus appear in livestock based on changes in body temperature, it may be difficult to estimate with high accuracy.

In addition, when estimating based on the trend of changes in the number of walks, it is important to determine whether livestock are showing signs of estrus because the range in which livestock can walk is limited for livestock that are raised in narrow spaces. can be difficult to estimate with high accuracy. In this way, when estimating based on the trend of change in the number of steps, it may be difficult to estimate with high accuracy whether or not signs of estrus appear in livestock, depending on the breeding environment of the livestock. Therefore, whether or not livestock show signs of estrus is estimated based on the change trend of body temperature or based on the change trend of the number of walking. Since there are factors other than estrus that affect the trend of change, it may not be estimated with sufficient accuracy.

On the other hand, both the change tendency of the color of the uterine ostium 505 and the change tendency of the number of wrinkles of the uterine ostium 505 show that the cow 500 (livestock) is in estrus before the predetermined time when the cow 500 (livestock) reaches the appropriate insemination period. It's easy to change depending on what you do. Therefore, the livestock insemination suitable time detection system 1 estimates whether or not the cow 500 (livestock) is showing signs of estrus, based on the color change trend SA of the uterine ostium 505 or the number of wrinkles on the uterine ostium 505. Since the estimation is made based on at least one of the change trends SB, it is possible to estimate with higher accuracy whether or not the cow 500 (livestock) shows signs of estrus.

● [Overall configuration of domestic animal insemination suitable time detection system 2 of the second embodiment (Fig. 8)]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a second embodiment of the livestock insemination appropriate timing detection system will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the livestock insemination suitable time detection system 2 is composed only of the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 1100 . In the livestock insemination suitable time detection system 1 of the first embodiment, the management device 200 estimates whether or not the cow 500 is showing signs of estrus. Now, the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 1100 estimates whether or not the cow 500 shows signs of estrus. Then, the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 1100 transmits notification information (e.g., e-mail) including the estimation result to a preset destination (e.g., e-mail address of the destination).

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a livestock insemination appropriate timing detection system 2 according to the second embodiment. The control device 1060 of the domestic animal suitable time for insemination detection unit 1100 has a recording medium 1061, and the CPU 1060A has an estrus estimating section 1060A3 and an informing section 1060A4, and executes an appropriate insemination information transmission process (see the flowchart in FIG. 9). Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, as the management device 200, for example, a personal computer 1201, a mobile information terminal 1202 having a communication function and a display function such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet terminal, etc. Use The personal computer 1201 and the portable information terminal 1202 receive livestock condition information including image information (see FIGS. 4 and 5), notification information (see F2 in FIG. 7), confirmation information (see FIG. 6 F1) can be received wirelessly and displayed.

● [Insemination appropriate timing information transmission processing (Fig. 9)]
Next, an example of an execution processing procedure executed by the suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit 1100 of the suitable time for livestock insemination detection system 2 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 and the like. In addition, the domestic animal suitable time for insemination detection unit 1100 executes an appropriate time for insemination information transmission process, an example of which is shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit 1100 is attached to the vagina 501 (see FIG. 1) of the cow 500 and the control device 1060 (CPU 1060A) of the suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit 1100 is activated, the control device 1060 (CPU 1060A) starts the timer 60F. to initialize. Then, the flowchart of the suitable insemination timing information transmission process shown in FIG. 9 is activated at predetermined time intervals T1 (for example, every 30 minutes), and when activated, the control device 1060 (CPU 1060A) proceeds to step S310.

The contents of steps S310 to S320 of the flowchart of the appropriate insemination information transmission process shown in FIG. 9 are the same as steps S110 to S120 of the livestock condition information transmission process flowchart shown in FIG. Further, the contents of steps S330 to S350, steps S360A and S360B of the flowchart of the suitable insemination period information transmission process shown in FIG. It is the same as S250B. Therefore, similar steps to all the steps of the flowchart of the suitable insemination information transmission process shown in FIG. 9 are described in the flowchart of the livestock condition information transmission process and the flowchart of the suitable insemination detection process shown in FIG. Therefore, the detailed description of the flowchart of the appropriate insemination timing information transmission process shown in FIG. 9 will be omitted below.

In step S310, control device 1060 (CPU 1060A) detects the state of the livestock and advances the process to step S320 (similar to step S110 in FIG. 3).

In step S320, control device 1060 (CPU 1060A) creates livestock state information and advances the process to step S330 (similar to step S120 in FIG. 3). Incidentally, at step S320, the livestock condition information is stored in the RAM 60B.

In step S330, control device 1060 (CPU 1060A) causes the livestock condition information stored in RAM 60B to be recorded in recording medium 1061, and proceeds to step S340 (similar to step S220 in FIG. 3).

In step S340, control device 1060 (CPU 1060A), based on the livestock condition information stored in recording medium 1061, determines whether the cow shown in the photographed image of the image information in the most recent livestock condition information recorded in recording medium 1061. It is estimated whether or not a sign of estrus appears in 500, and the process proceeds to step S350 (similar to step S230 in FIG. 3).

Note that the CPU 1060A executing the process of step S340 corresponds to the estrus estimation unit 1060A3 (see FIG. 8). Estrus estimation unit 1060A3 estimates whether or not signs of estrus appear in cow 500 (livestock) based on livestock condition information including image information. Here, the estrus estimating unit 1060A3 is based on the image information included in the livestock condition information accumulated in the recording medium 1061. SB, and whether or not the cow 500 (livestock) is showing signs of estrus is estimated.

In step S350, control device 1060 (CPU 1060A) estimates whether or not signs of estrus have appeared in cow 500 using the result of estimating whether signs of estrus have appeared in cow 500 in step S340. If it can be estimated that the cow 500 has a sign of estrus (YES), the process proceeds to step S360A, and if it can be estimated that the cow 500 has no sign of estrus (NO), step The process proceeds to S360B (similar to step S240 in FIG. 3).

When the process proceeds to step S360A, control device 1060 (CPU 1060A) uses communication device 40 to transmit notification information and livestock condition information to preset destinations (personal computer 1201 or mobile information terminal 1202) by wireless method. , and the appropriate insemination timing information transmission process ends. In step S360A, the livestock state information transmitted by control device 1060 (CPU 1060A) transmits, for example, the information shown in FIG. That is, the information transmitted by control device 1060 (CPU 1060A) is the following A to F2. Here, the control device 1060 (CPU 1060A) includes three pieces of livestock state information: the newest (most recent) livestock state information, the second newest livestock state information, and the third newest livestock state information. (See B1-B3 and C1-C3 in FIG. 7).
A; measuring device ID of livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 1100;
B1 to B3; image information of the photographed images B1 to B3 of the external appearance of the uterine ostium 505, respectively.
C1 to C3; shooting dates and times C1 to C3, corresponding to the image information of the shot images B1 to B3, respectively.
D: information indicating whether or not the cow 500 is showing signs of estrus estimated from the color change tendency SA, and information showing that it can be estimated that the cow 500 is showing signs of estrus.
E: Information indicating whether or not signs of estrus appear in the cow 500 estimated from the change trend SB of the number of wrinkles, and information indicating that signs of estrus appear in the cow 500 can be estimated.
F2; Notification information.

When personal computer 1201 or mobile information terminal 1202 receives notification information and livestock condition information from control device 1060 (CPU 1060A), as shown in FIG. 7, the above A to F2 are displayed to notify the user. is set to Here, by arranging the three (plural) photographed images B1 to B3 in chronological order and displaying them on the display device 220, the user can see the temporal change in the external appearance of the cervical ostium 505 and the appearance of the most recent photographed image B1. It is possible to more easily grasp whether the appearance of the cow 500 shows signs of estrus.

Note that the CPU 1060A executing the process of step S360A corresponds to the notification section 1060A4 (see FIG. 8). In the processing of step S360A, if the estrus estimation unit 1060A3 estimates that the cow 500 (livestock) is showing signs of estrus (step S350: YES), the notification unit 1060A4, via the communication device 40, The notification information is transmitted wirelessly to a preset transmission destination (personal computer 1201 or portable information terminal 1202) (step S360A).

When the process proceeds to step S360B, control device 1060 (CPU 1060A) uses communication device 40 to send confirmation information and livestock condition information to preset destinations (personal computer 1201 or mobile information terminal 1202) by wireless method. , and the appropriate insemination timing information transmission process ends. The livestock state information transmitted by control device 1060 (CPU 1060A) in step S360B is the same as in step S360A described above. Then, in step S360B, control device 1060 (CPU 1060A) transmits the information shown in FIG. 6, for example. That is, the information transmitted by control device 1060 (CPU 1060A) is the following A to F1. Here, the control device 1060 (CPU 1060A) includes three pieces of livestock state information: the newest (most recent) livestock state information, the second newest livestock state information, and the third newest livestock state information. (See B1-B3 and C1-C3 in FIG. 6).
A; measuring device ID of livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 1100;
B1 to B3: image information of each of the photographed images B1 to B3 of the external appearance of the uterine ostium 505 in FIG.
C1 to C3; shooting dates and times C1 to C3, corresponding to the image information of the shot images B1 to B3, respectively.
D: Information indicating whether or not the cow 500 is showing signs of estrus estimated from the color change tendency SA, and information showing that it can be estimated that the cow 500 is not showing signs of estrus.
E: Information indicating whether or not signs of estrus appear in the cow 500 estimated from the change trend SB of the number of wrinkles, and information indicating that it can be estimated that the cow 500 does not show signs of estrus.
F1; Confirmation information.

When the personal computer 1201 or the mobile information terminal 1202 receives the confirmation information and livestock condition information from the control device 1060 (CPU 1060A), it displays the above A to F1 as shown in FIG. 6 to notify the user. is set to Here, by arranging the three (plural) photographed images B1 to B3 in chronological order and displaying them on the display device 220, the user can see the temporal change in the external appearance of the cervical ostium 505 and the appearance of the most recent photographed image B1. It is possible to more easily grasp whether the appearance of the cow 500 shows signs of estrus.

In the livestock insemination suitable time detection system 2, the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 1100 is based on livestock state information including image information created by imaging the uterine ostium 505 of a cow 500 (livestock) by the imaging device 30. When 1060A3 estimates that the cow 500 (livestock) is showing signs of estrus (step S350: YES), the transmission unit notifies the preset transmission destination (personal computer 1201 or mobile information terminal 1202). The information is transmitted wirelessly (step S360A).

For example, if the destination is the personal computer 1201, the personal computer 1201 is caused to display the transmitted notification information. The user can know that the cow 500 (livestock) is presumed to show signs of estrus based on the appearance of the uterine ostium 505 of the cow 500 (livestock) just by looking at the displayed notification information. . In this way, the livestock insemination appropriate time detection system 2 detects that the cow 500 (livestock) shows signs of estrus based on the appearance of the uterine ostium 505 of the cow 500 (livestock) without directly touching the cow 500 (livestock). We can know what was estimated. Thus, the livestock insemination suitable time detection system 2 makes it easier for the user to know that the cow 500 (livestock) is showing signs of estrus. Similarly, when the transmission destination is the mobile information terminal 1202, the livestock insemination suitable time detection system 2 makes it easier for the user to know that the cow 500 (livestock) is showing signs of estrus.

● [Overall configuration of domestic animal insemination suitable time detection system 3 of the third embodiment (Fig. 10)]
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a third embodiment of the livestock insemination proper timing detection system will be described. In the domestic animal suitable time for insemination detection system 1 according to the first embodiment and the domestic animal suitable time for insemination detection system 2 according to the second embodiment, the livestock condition information includes image information regarding the appearance of the uterine ostium. In the livestock insemination suitable time detection system 3 of the third embodiment, as livestock state information, in addition to image information regarding the appearance of the uterine ostium, body temperature information and acceleration information of the cow 500 (livestock) (momentum based on acceleration ( activity amount)).

FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a livestock insemination suitable time detection system 3 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the livestock insemination suitable time detection system 3 is different from the livestock insemination suitable time detection system 1 (see FIG. 2) of the first embodiment by adding a temperature sensor 2031 (body temperature detection means) and an acceleration sensor 2032 (acceleration detection means) are added. In addition, the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 2100 is replaced with a temperature sensor 2031 (body temperature detection means) and an acceleration sensor 2032 (acceleration detection means) in comparison with the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 1100 (see FIG. 8) of the second embodiment. An additional configuration may be used, and the configuration of the appropriate domestic animal insemination detection unit 2100 in this case is omitted from the illustration.

As shown in FIG. 10, temperature sensor 2031 and acceleration sensor 2032 are connected to control device 60 . The temperature sensor 2031 has, for example, a thermocouple and is provided so as to be exposed on the surface of the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit through a heat insulating member, and detects the body temperature of the cow 500 and provides the detected body temperature information. Body temperature information is output to control device 60 . When the cow 500 (livestock) is in heat, the body temperature of the cow 500 (livestock) rises above normal. Therefore, when the body temperature of the cow 500 (livestock) is higher than normal, it is considered that the cow 500 (livestock) is showing signs of estrus. can be estimated.

The acceleration sensor 2032 detects acceleration related to movement of the cow 500 (livestock), detects acceleration information from the detected acceleration, and outputs the acceleration information to the control device 60 . The acceleration information is, for example, the integrated value ΣαdT (=Σ(acceleration α×unit minute time dT)) of acceleration α and predetermined unit minute time dT (for example, 0.1 second) within a predetermined time. The acceleration information (integrated value ΣαdT) increases as the cow 500 (livestock) moves more vigorously. Therefore, the acceleration information indicates the amount of activity of the cow 500 (livestock), and increases as the cow 500 is in heat and walks more. Therefore, when the value of the acceleration information increases, it can be estimated that the cow 500 (livestock) is in estrus.

The processing executed by the suitable time for livestock insemination detection system 3 of the present embodiment is the livestock condition information transmission processing and the suitable time for insemination detection processing similar to those of the suitable time for livestock insemination detection system 1 of the first embodiment (see the flowchart in FIG. 3). may be performed, or the appropriate insemination information transmission process (see the flowchart in FIG. 9) similar to the appropriate time for insemination detection system 2 of the second embodiment may be performed.

However, in both the processing of the suitable time for livestock insemination detection system 1 of the first embodiment and the processing of the suitable time for livestock insemination detection system 2 of the second embodiment, the livestock state information includes image information. However, as described below, in the processing executed by the livestock insemination suitable time detection system 3 of the present embodiment, in addition to image information, body temperature information output by the temperature sensor 2031 and the acceleration sensor 2032 are output as livestock condition information. Contains acceleration information.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, when executing a step similar to step S110 of the flowchart for livestock condition information transmission processing in FIG. 3 or step S310 in the flowchart for insemination suitable time information transmission processing in FIG. The following points are different. In step S110 (or step S310), the control device 60 (or the control device 60 corresponding to the control device 1060 in FIG. 8) acquires image information by controlling the light source 20 and the imaging device 30, and the temperature sensor 2031 Body temperature information is obtained based on the detection signal from the acceleration sensor 2032, and acceleration information is obtained based on the detection signal from the acceleration sensor 2032. It should be noted that the acquisition of the acceleration information may be performed every minute unit time by another process.

Further, in the present embodiment, when executing a step similar to step S120 in the flowchart of the livestock condition information transmission process in FIG. 3 or step S320 in the flowchart of the suitable insemination information transmission process in FIG. different. In step S120 (or step S320), control device 60 (or control device 60 corresponding to control device 1060 in FIG. 8) creates livestock condition information including the acquired image information, body temperature information, and acceleration information.

Further, in the present embodiment, when executing a step similar to step S220 of the flowchart of the appropriate insemination detection process in FIG. 3 or step S330 of the flowchart of the livestock status information transmission process in FIG. It is similar in that it is recorded on the recording medium 251 (see FIG. 10) or the recording medium 1061 (see FIG. 8).

Further, in the present embodiment, when executing a step similar to step S230 in the flow chart of the suitable insemination detection process in FIG. 3 or step S340 in the flow chart of the insemination suitable time information transmission process in FIG. In addition, based on livestock condition information including body temperature information and acceleration information, it is estimated whether or not signs of estrus appear in the cow 500 captured in the captured image of the image information.

Specifically, the control device 60 (or the control device 60 corresponding to the control device 1060 in FIG. 8) writes to the recording medium 251 (see FIG. 10) (or the management device 200 writes to the recording medium 1061 (see FIG. 8) 2) Based on the image information, body temperature information, and acceleration information included in the recorded past livestock condition information, the following "at least one of (A) and (B)" and "(C) and (D) It is presumed that a sign of estrus appears when at least one of" is satisfied or when "at least one of (A) to (D)" is satisfied.

(A) A case where the color of the cervical ostium based on the image information shows a color change tendency in which red becomes stronger over time.
(B) A case where the number of wrinkles in the cervical os based on image information shows a decreasing trend over time.
(C) A case in which the body temperature shows a tendency to change, that is, the body temperature rises by a predetermined temperature Δt [° C.] or more with respect to the normal body temperature (basal body temperature) obtained by averaging the body temperature based on body temperature information for a predetermined period in the past. .
(D) The amount of activity (amount of exercise) is higher than the average amount of activity (amount of exercise) based on the acceleration information for a predetermined period in the past by a predetermined value (1.5, etc.) times or more, the amount of activity ( momentum) shows a trend of change.

As a result, the livestock insemination suitable time detection system 3 can estimate with higher accuracy whether or not the cow 500 (livestock) is showing signs of estrus.

● [Overall configuration of domestic animal insemination suitable time detection unit 100 of the fourth embodiment (Fig. 2)]
Next, with reference to FIG. 2, a livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. The appropriate time for livestock insemination detection unit 100 of the fourth embodiment is a livestock appropriate time for insemination detection unit 100 having the same configuration as the appropriate time for livestock insemination detection unit 100 of the appropriate time for livestock insemination detection system 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. be. The suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit 100 of the fourth embodiment may have the same configuration as the suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit 2100 of the suitable time for livestock insemination detection system 3 of the third embodiment shown in FIG.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100 of the present embodiment provides livestock condition information including image information of the uterine ostium 505 in the vagina 501 of a cow 500 (livestock) captured by the imaging device 30. (As described in the third embodiment, image information, body temperature information, and acceleration information may be included in livestock condition information.) is transmitted wirelessly to a preset transmission destination. Then, for example, the transmission destination is set to an e-mail address, and for example, the livestock insemination appropriate timing detection unit 100 sets the e-mail attached with image information (image information, or image information, body temperature information, and acceleration information) as livestock condition information. sent to the specified email address. Further, in the fourth embodiment, the management device that receives the livestock condition information only displays image information (for example, image information attached to e-mail) included in the livestock condition information. No estimation is made as to whether or not signs of estrus are present. In the fourth embodiment, the user himself/herself confirms the image information displayed on the management device or the like to estimate whether or not the signs of estrus are present.

For example, when the destination is a personal computer (when the mail is received by the personal computer), the user causes the personal computer to display the transmitted image information of the cervical ostium 505 . Even if the user does not directly touch the cow 500 (livestock) and directly observe the appearance of the uterine ostium 505, the user can see the displayed image information of the uterine ostium 505 to see the external uterine cavity of the cow 500 (livestock). Based on the appearance of the mouth 505, it can be estimated whether the cow 500 (livestock) is showing signs of estrus. In this way, the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 100 can detect the cow 500 (livestock) based on the appearance of the uterine ostium 505 without directly touching the cow 500 (livestock) and directly observing the appearance of the uterine ostium 505 . It can be made possible to estimate whether or not signs of estrus appear in 500 (livestock).

● [Other embodiments]
The suitable time for domestic animal insemination detection systems 1 to 3 of the first to third embodiments and the suitable time for domestic animal insemination detection unit of the fourth embodiment of the present invention are limited to the above-described configuration, structure, shape, appearance, etc. However, various modifications, additions, and deletions are possible without changing the gist of the present invention.

In the domestic animal insemination appropriate timing detection systems 1 to 3 of the first to third embodiments, the notification information is displayed on the display device 220 to notify the user of the notification information, but the notification information is used by other means. person may be notified. For example, means for notification may be generation of sound, light emission using a light source, or printing of characters indicating notification information on paper or the like.

In the livestock insemination appropriate timing detection systems 1 to 3 of the first to third embodiments, three (plurality) captured images B1 to B3 including the latest captured image B1 are arranged in chronological order and displayed on the display device 220 (FIG. 6, FIG. 7, steps S250A and S250B in FIG. 3, and steps S360A and S360B in FIG. 9). Here, as one example, the number of captured images is three, and the number of captured images displayed on the display device 220 may be one or more. For example, even if the user views only the most recent captured image B1, the user can estimate whether or not signs of estrus appear in the appearance of the cow 500 captured in the most recent captured image B1. For this reason, in the livestock insemination appropriate timing detection systems 1 to 3 of the first to third embodiments, the display device 220 may display only the most recent photographed image B1.

In addition, the livestock suitable time for insemination detection unit 1100 of the suitable time for livestock insemination detection system 2 of the second embodiment transmits image information of three (plural) photographed images B1 to B3 including the most recent photographed image B1 (Fig. 6, steps S360A and S360B in FIGS. 7 and 9). The suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit 1100 of the suitable time for livestock insemination detection system 2 of the second embodiment and the suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit 100 of the fourth embodiment detect the image information of the latest captured image B1 (one image information ) may be sent. In this way, transmitting only the image information (one image information) of the most recent photographed image B1 is preferable because the power consumption of the appropriate livestock insemination detection units 1100 and 100 can be reduced.

In the appropriate time for livestock insemination detection systems 1 and 3 of the first and third embodiments, the appropriate time for livestock insemination detection unit 100 of the appropriate time for livestock insemination detection system 1 and the appropriate time for livestock insemination detection unit 2100 for the appropriate time for livestock insemination detection system 3 transmit, The livestock condition information is transmitted to the management device 200, and is directly transmitted to one device. Also in the livestock insemination suitable time detection system 2 of the second embodiment, the livestock state information transmitted by the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 2100 is transmitted to the personal computer 1201 or the portable information terminal 1202. device. As described above, in the first to third embodiments, the livestock condition information is directly transmitted to one device, but it is sufficient if the livestock condition information can be transmitted to a device that can display the livestock condition information (see FIGS. 6 and 7). , livestock condition information does not have to be sent directly to the destination.

For example, the livestock condition information is transmitted to a computer connected to a computer network such as the Internet or a local area network, and further, the computer is connected to other computers (management device 200, personal computer 1201, You may transmit to portable information terminal 1202).

Further, for example, a repeater for relaying information may be provided around the livestock (such as by hanging it on the neck of the livestock with a string or setting it on a fence), and the repeater may relay the livestock state information. That is, the appropriate time for livestock insemination detection unit 100, the appropriate time for livestock insemination detection unit 1100, or the appropriate time for livestock insemination detection unit 2100 can be connected to the management device 200, a computer connected to the above computer network, or a personal computer via a repeater. 1201, or the mobile information terminal 1202 or other destination device, the livestock state information and the like may be transmitted. Further, the destination of livestock condition information is not limited to one device, and may be a plurality of devices.

As described above, by transmitting livestock condition information via a computer network or a repeater, the target cow 500 to which the appropriate livestock insemination detection unit 100, the appropriate livestock insemination detection unit 1100, or the appropriate livestock insemination detection unit 2100 is attached. (livestock) and the device to which the livestock condition information is transmitted can be set longer. Therefore, the user can check whether or not signs of estrus appear in the cows 500 (livestock) in a wider range based on the device to which the livestock condition information is transmitted. can be easily known.

In the suitable time for livestock insemination detection systems 1 to 3 of the first to third embodiments and the suitable time for livestock insemination detection units 100, 1100, and 2100 of the fourth embodiment, the shape of the housing 10 (FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 8 and FIG. 10) may have any shape that can be accommodated in the vagina 501 of the cow 500, and does not necessarily have to be formed in a cylindrical shape. For example, the housing 10 may be box-shaped with an elliptical or polygonal cross-section.

In the domestic animal insemination appropriate timing detection systems 1 to 3 of the first to third embodiments, the stopper 80 (see FIGS. 1 and 2, 8, and 10) is attached to the front surface of the housing 10, but the stopper 80 should be able to hold housing 10 in vagina 501 of cow 500 (livestock). Therefore, the stopper 80 may be attached to a position other than the front surface of the housing 10, and the shape and number thereof may be changed as appropriate. For example, the stopper 80 may be attached to the side surface of the housing 10 .

In step S230 (see FIG. 3) of the flowchart of the suitable insemination detection process of the livestock insemination suitable period detection systems 1 and 3 of the first and third embodiments, the control device 250 (CPU 250A) performs a known image analysis process. , both the color change tendency SA corresponding to reddening and the wrinkle number change tendency SB corresponding to wrinkle reduction are calculated for the photographed image of the image information. However, in step S230 (see FIG. 3), control device 250 (CPU 250A) may calculate at least one of color change tendency SA and wrinkle number change tendency SB.

Further, in step S240 (see FIG. 3) of the flow chart of the suitable insemination detection process of the domestic animal insemination suitable time detection systems 1 and 3 of the first and third embodiments, when it can be estimated that the cow 500 is in estrus. (Step S230) is performed under the condition that the color change tendency value SA is greater than a predetermined value SA1 (predetermined value SA1<color change tendency value SA), and that the wrinkle number change tendency value SB is a predetermined value. At least one of the condition that the wrinkle number is greater than SB1 (predetermined value SB1<value SB of change tendency of the number of wrinkles) is satisfied. Here, the case where it can be estimated that the cow 500 is showing signs of estrus (step S230) may be the case where both conditions are met instead of at least one condition. The above is the same as step S350 (see FIG. 9) of the flow chart of the suitable insemination period information transmission of the domestic animal insemination suitable period detection system 2 of the second embodiment.

In the livestock insemination suitable period detection system 3 of the third embodiment, if the value of acceleration information is a value such as 0 during a period longer than a predetermined period (for example, half a day) and becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value , the livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 2100 can be considered to be discharged from the body of the cow 500 (livestock) to the outside of the body. Then, it can be considered that the cause of the excretion from the body of the cow 500 (livestock) to the outside of the body is that the cow 500 (livestock) is in a state before parturition. Therefore, when the value of the acceleration information is equal to or longer than a predetermined period (for example, half a day) and equal to or lower than a predetermined value, it may be notified that the cow 500 (livestock) is in a pre-delivery state. The livestock insemination appropriate timing detection unit 2100 may simply notify that the cow 500 (livestock) is discharged from the body.

In the suitable time for livestock insemination detection systems 1 to 3 of the first to third embodiments and the suitable time for livestock insemination detection unit 100 of the fourth embodiment, the number of light sources 20 provided in the suitable time for livestock insemination detection units 100, 1100, and 2100 is , for example two (see FIGS. 1, 2, 8 and 10). However, the number of the light sources 20 provided in the livestock insemination suitable time detection units 100, 1100, and 2100 may be one, or may be two or more. Here, when the number of the light sources 20 is one, the number of the light sources 20 is small, which is preferable in that the livestock insemination suitable time detection units 100, 1100, and 2100 can be made lighter. However, when the number of light sources 20 is one, shadows are generated between a portion where the cervical ostium 505 is exposed to strong light and a portion where the light is weakly shed, resulting in image analysis processing of the photographed image of the cervical ostium 505 (FIG. 3). , and step S340 in FIG. 9), there is a possibility that shadows may be erroneously determined to be wrinkles.

Therefore, when the number of light sources 20 is set to two or more, even if some of the light sources fail, the light sources 20 that are not failing can irradiate the uterine ostium 505 with light, and the light can be reliably delivered. By irradiating the uterine ostium 505 with light from a plurality of light sources 20 and a plurality of light sources 20, shadows are less likely to occur in the uterine ostium 505 to be imaged. This is more preferable in that the possibility of erroneous determination can be reduced.

1 Livestock Insemination Appropriate Time Detection System 100 Livestock Insemination Appropriate Time Detection Unit 10 Case 20 Light Source 30 Imaging Device 40 Communication Device 41 Antenna 50 Battery 60 Control Device 60A CPU
60A1 Transmitter 60B RAM
60C ROM
60D EEPROM
60E interface (I/F)
60F timer 80 stopper 81 sleeve 200 management device 210 communication device 211 antenna 220 display device 250 control device 250A CPU
250A2 Receiving section 250A3 Estrus estimating section 250A4 Reporting section 250B RAM
250C ROM
250D EEPROM
250E interface (I/F)
250F timer 251 recording medium 500 cow (livestock)
501 Vagina 505 Outer uterus SA Color change trend SA1 Predetermined value SB Wrinkle number change trend SB1 Predetermined value A Measuring device ID of livestock insemination appropriate timing detection unit 100
B, B1 to B3 Photographed images C, C1 to C3 Date and time of photographing D Whether or not signs of estrus appear in the cow estimated from the color change trend E Signs of estrus appear in the cow estimated from the change trend in the number of wrinkles Predetermined time T2 Predetermined time 2 Domestic animal insemination suitable time detection system 1100 Livestock insemination suitable time detection unit 1060 Control device 1060A CPU
1060A3 estrus estimating unit 1060A4 reporting unit 1061 recording medium 1201 personal computer 1202 portable information terminal 3 domestic animal insemination optimum period detection system 2100 livestock insemination optimum period detection unit 2031 temperature sensor (body temperature detection means)
2032 acceleration sensor (acceleration detection means)

Claims (6)

A livestock suitable time for insemination detection system having a livestock suitable for insemination detection unit held in the vagina of a domestic animal,
The livestock insemination suitable time detection unit includes:
a light source that irradiates the uterine ostium in the vagina of the livestock with light;
an imaging device that creates image information obtained by imaging the cervix;
a controller;
a communication device;
a battery;
has
The control device is
an estrus estimation unit for estimating whether or not signs of estrus appear in the livestock based on the livestock condition information including the image information;
a reporting unit that, when the estrus estimating unit estimates that signs of estrus appear in the livestock, transmits reporting information wirelessly to a preset destination via the communication device;
having
Appropriate timing detection system for livestock insemination. A domestic animal suitable time for insemination detection system comprising: a domestic animal suitable time for insemination detection unit held in the vagina of a livestock; and a domestic animal suitable for insemination detection program,
The livestock insemination suitable time detection unit includes:
a light source that irradiates the uterine ostium in the vagina of the livestock with light;
an imaging device that creates image information obtained by imaging the cervix;
a communication device;
a control device having a transmission unit that wirelessly transmits livestock condition information including the image information to a preset transmission destination via the communication device;
a battery;
has
The livestock insemination suitable time detection program includes:
a management device separate from the appropriate livestock insemination detection unit,
an estrus estimation unit for estimating whether or not signs of estrus appear in the livestock based on the received livestock condition information;
a notification unit that outputs notification information when the estrus estimation unit estimates that the livestock shows signs of estrus;
to function as
Appropriate timing detection system for livestock insemination. A domestic animal suitable time for insemination detection system comprising: a domestic animal suitable time for insemination detection unit held in the vagina of a domestic animal;
The livestock insemination suitable time detection unit includes:
a light source that irradiates the uterine ostium in the vagina of the livestock with light;
an imaging device that creates image information obtained by imaging the cervix;
a communication device;
a control device having a transmission unit that wirelessly transmits livestock condition information including the image information to a preset transmission destination via the communication device;
a battery;
has
The management device
a receiving unit that is set as the destination and receives the livestock condition information;
an estrus estimation unit for estimating whether or not signs of estrus appear in the livestock based on the received livestock condition information;
a notification unit that outputs notification information when the estrus estimation unit estimates that signs of estrus appear in the livestock;
having
Appropriate timing detection system for livestock insemination. The livestock insemination suitable time detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The imaging device captures images at predetermined timings to create the image information,
The light source irradiates light at the timing of imaging by the imaging device,
In the estrus estimation unit,
accumulating the livestock condition information;
Based on at least one of a tendency of change in the color of the cervix or a tendency of change in the number of wrinkles of the cervix based on the image information contained in the accumulated livestock condition information, the domestic animal to estimate whether signs of estrus appear in
Appropriate timing detection system for livestock insemination. The livestock insemination suitable time detection system according to claim 4,
The livestock insemination suitable time detection unit includes:
Furthermore, at least one of body temperature detection means for detecting the body temperature of the livestock and acceleration detection means for detecting acceleration related to movement of the livestock,
The livestock condition information further includes at least one of body temperature information detected by the body temperature detection means and acceleration information detected by the acceleration detection means,
In the estrus estimation unit,
accumulating the livestock condition information;
at least one of a tendency of change in the color of the cervix or a tendency of change in the number of wrinkles of the cervix, based on the image information contained in the accumulated livestock condition information;
A trend of change in the body temperature of the livestock based on the body temperature information included in the accumulated livestock condition information, or a change in the amount of activity of the livestock based on the acceleration information included in the accumulated livestock condition information. at least one of a trend;
estimating whether the livestock is showing signs of estrus based on
Appropriate timing detection system for livestock insemination. A livestock insemination suitable time detection unit held in the vagina of a livestock,
a light source that irradiates the uterine ostium in the vagina of the livestock with light;
an imaging device that creates image information obtained by imaging the cervix;
a controller;
a communication device;
a battery;
has
The control device is
a transmission unit that wirelessly transmits livestock condition information including the image information to a preset transmission destination via the communication device;
Suitable timing detection unit for livestock insemination.

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