JP7477093B2 - Remote Management System - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a remote management system and management tag, and is suitable for use in remotely tracking and managing the positions and movements of livestock such as cows and other mammals.

When livestock such as cows are pastured in a pasture, a remote management system for pastured livestock is known as a system for grasping the location of the livestock in real time from a position away from the pastured livestock (see Patent Document 1). In this remote management system for pastured livestock, for example, a collar is attached to the cow and the cow is pastured in the pasture. The collar is equipped with a GPS receiver that receives radio waves from a GPS satellite and outputs data such as the current location, a position data generation unit that extracts desired data from the data from the GPS receiver and transmits the extracted data as a moving position signal (cow position data) with a preset cow identification code added, a radio that transmits the cow position data from the position data generation unit, and a power supply unit that supplies power to these. The power supply unit supplies power to the GPS receiver once every 10 to 20 minutes. Therefore, the cow position data is transmitted from the radio on the collar every 10 to 20 minutes. The monitoring center determines its own position based on radio waves from GPS satellites and receives cow position data. The image processing device at the monitoring center moves the position of each image on the map of the pasture on the screen based on the difference between its own position and the time that the cow position data was received, and displays point images based on the cow position data on the map.

However, in the grazing livestock remote management system described in Patent Document 1, power is supplied to the GPS receiver once every 10 to 20 minutes, which reduces the power consumption of the GPS receiver. However, since power is constantly supplied to the position data generation unit and radio while the main unit is turned on, a battery with a fairly large capacity is required for the power supply unit, which inevitably requires the weight of the power supply unit to be quite large, and therefore the weight of the collar is likely to be quite large. This places a heavy burden on the cows, and there is a high possibility that it will cause unnecessary stress. Moreover, even if such a large-capacity battery is used, the total power consumption of the GPS receiver, position data generation unit, and radio is large, so the batteries must be replaced frequently, which is likely to be a hassle.

In light of this background, the present applicant has proposed a new remote management system and method, as well as a management tag used therein, in order to solve the problems of the remote management system for pasture livestock described in Patent Document 1 (see Patent Document 2). This remote management system uses a management tag that is attached to the managed object and has a GPS receiver, a communication device, a processing device that acquires the location data of the managed object from the GPS signal received by the GPS receiver, and transmits this location data from the communication device to the outside, and a power source consisting of a battery, and this management tag controls the on/off timing of the power source, GPS receiver, and communication device so as to appropriately acquire the location data and to minimize power consumption. This remote management system makes it possible to remotely and accurately grasp and manage the locations and movements of various managed objects, such as animals and humans, typified by livestock such as cows grazing in pastureland, in near-time, and also to significantly reduce the power consumption of the management tag, thereby reducing the capacity of the battery attached to the management tag and significantly reducing the frequency of battery replacement.

On the other hand, a technique for grazing livestock without setting up fences (fenceless grazing) has been reported in Europe. A Norwegian technique for grazing cattle, goats, and sheep without setting up fences (no-fence (or virtual fence) grazing technique) has been published on the Internet (see Non-Patent Document 1). The mechanism is a technique in which a satellite communication terminal is attached to a neck belt and the location of livestock is confirmed by satellite. In other words, it is a livestock location management technique that utilizes GPS. It is a mechanism similar to the navigation systems currently used daily in automobiles, receiving radio waves from a satellite to determine the current location. This technology is a system that can remotely grasp in real time where livestock wearing GPS terminals around their necks are in the pasture, and can constantly check the number and location of livestock in the pasture in a labor-saving and reliable manner. In addition, it is possible to send some kind of signal (electrical stimulation, etc.) to the livestock from the GPS terminal to keep them within a specific range in the pasture. That is, while fences are usually installed on the boundaries of pastures, with the no-fence technology, when livestock approach the boundary line, some kind of signal is sent to the GPS receiver, which the livestock senses and prevents them from approaching the boundary line. This makes it possible to prevent livestock from crossing the boundaries of pastures, falling off cliffs, or invading neighboring land, for example.

As another example of a no-fence technology, a system and method for controlling and monitoring an animal has been proposed, which uses multiple GPS coordinates to define an area in which an animal such as a cow is confined, attaches a receiver to the animal in a housing to receive its position signal, monitors the physiological state of the animal with at least one sensor, and determines whether the animal is within a predetermined distance from the area defined by the multiple GPS coordinates based on the position signal through electrical communication with the receiver by a processor, and stimulates the animal through at least one stimulator attached to the housing through electrical communication when it is determined that the animal is within a predetermined distance from the predetermined area (see Patent Document 3).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-160820 Japanese Patent No. 6644449 US Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0352632

[Retrieved September 27, 2020], Internet <URL: https://www.nofence.no/en >

However, the remote management system described in Patent Document 2 cannot prevent cattle and other animals from straying outside the management area.

In addition, with the no-fence technology described in Non-Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 3, if time passes after the area in which the animal is to be kept is decided, a dangerous place for the animal may appear within that area due to a natural disaster or the like, and the animal may enter that place and be injured.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a remote management system and management tags used therein that can remotely and accurately grasp and manage the positions and movements of various managed mammals, such as livestock such as cows grazing in pastures, and that can prevent the managed mammals from escaping from the management area while allowing the managed mammals to act autonomously within a pre-defined management area without fences, and that can easily set the management area and furthermore allow the situation in the management area to be observed by photographing it, so that, for example, even if a dangerous place for the managed mammals that did not exist when the management area was set appears in the management area due to some reason such as a natural disaster, the management area can be quickly re-set to avoid the dangerous place, thereby preventing accidents for the managed mammals.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides:
a management tag having a GPS receiver and a communication device capable of two-way communication with an external computer, the management tag being attached to the managed mammal, the communication device being capable of two-way communication with an external computer, a processing device which controls the operation of the GPS receiver and the communication device, obtains location data of the managed mammal from a GPS signal received by the GPS receiver, transmits the location data to the outside from the communication device, and also transmits map information of a management area surrounded by a virtual fence generated by the computer via the communication device and stores it therein, the management tag having a repellent stimulus application device which applies a repellent stimulus to the managed mammal, and a power source consisting of a battery which supplies power to the GPS receiver, the communication device, the processing device and the repellent stimulus application device, the management tag turning the processing device on and off by turning the power source on and off, and controlling the on and off of the GPS receiver, the communication device and the repellent stimulus application device by a control signal from the processing device;
At least one camera attached to the managed mammal so as to be able to photograph at least the space in front of the mammal;
having
The processing device is configured to apply a repelling stimulus to the managed mammal by the repelling stimulus application device when it is detected based on the stored map information that the managed mammal has reached the virtual fence or has approached the virtual fence by a predetermined distance or more,
This is a remote management system in which the conditions of the management area are observed by taking pictures using the camera attached to the managed mammals.

In this remote management system, by observing the situation in the management area with a camera attached to the managed mammal, it is possible to check in real time whether any changes have occurred in the management area or other managed mammals in the management area, and if any abnormality has occurred, it is possible to grasp it. For example, if a long time has passed since the management area was set, holes (caused by collapses in the ground or roads, etc.), cracks in the ground, fallen trees, landslides, cliff collapses, puddles, rubble, etc. that did not exist when the management area was set may occur due to natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, heavy rains, tornadoes, or accidents, and some of these may be dangerous places for the managed mammals, so it may be necessary to consider resetting the management area to prevent the managed mammals from entering such dangerous places. In this case, it is possible to determine whether to reset the management area based on the results of observing the situation in the management area. In other words, if it is determined that there is a dangerous place for the managed mammals as described above in the management area as a result of observing the situation in the management area, the management area can be reset so as not to include this dangerous place. The determination of whether or not there is a dangerous place in the management area may be performed by the manager of the remote management system while viewing the image captured by the camera, or may be performed automatically using a conventionally known image recognition technology. In the former case, the manager can determine whether or not there is a dangerous place for the managed mammals in the management area based on the captured image. In the latter case, for example, template matching can be used as the image recognition technology. That is, in the processing device, a captured image obtained by capturing with a camera is compared with an image in an image database in which a plurality of images indicating dangerous places for the managed mammals are accumulated, and when it is determined that the captured image includes an image indicating a dangerous place for the managed mammals, it can be determined that there is a dangerous place for the managed mammals in the management area. In this case, the image indicating the dangerous place becomes the template image. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not the captured image includes an image indicating a dangerous place for the managed mammals based on the similarity obtained by comparing the features of the captured image with the features of the image in the image database, and for example, SURF (Speed Up Robust Features) features are used as the features. The comparison of the captured image with the image in the image database or the comparison of the features of the captured image with the features of the image in the image database may be performed on the cloud server by storing the image database in a cloud server and sending the captured image to the cloud server. In this case, the result of the comparison may be sent to a processing device and finally sent to an external computer via a communication device. The image recognition technology may be one using AI (artificial intelligence), and by learning dangerous places by deep learning, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the captured image includes an image showing a dangerous place for the managed mammal. When it is determined that the captured image includes an image showing a dangerous place for the managed mammal, this may be notified to the manager. When it is found that there is a dangerous place in the management area in this way, the management area can be reset so that this dangerous place is not included. If necessary, when it is determined that there is a dangerous place for the managed mammal in the management area as a result of observing the situation in the management area, an aversion stimulus may be applied to the managed mammal. In this way, it is possible to prevent the managed mammal from approaching the dangerous place before the management area is reset.

The at least one camera attached to the managed mammal so as to be able to capture at least the space in front of it can basically be anything as long as it uses an image sensor, but for example, it can be a camera capable of capturing video or continuous shooting (continuous shooting), such as a video camera or digital camera. The camera may be an AI camera. By using multiple cameras, it becomes possible to capture images of the space to the left and right or the space behind in addition to the space in front. The mounting position of the camera relative to the managed mammal can be appropriately selected depending on the type of managed mammal, etc.

The method of generating map information of the management area enclosed by the virtual fence generated in the computer is not particularly limited and can be selected as necessary. For example, it can be generated using a map information database of the area that includes the management area to be set that is held by the computer, or it can be generated using a map information database of the area that includes the management area to be set or a satellite image database (which can be considered a type of map information database) downloaded via the Internet.

This remote management system further has a radiation measuring device that is attached to the managed mammal as needed. By attaching this radiation measuring device to the managed mammal and having it move around within the management area, radiation measurements can be performed in association with position data, the distribution of radiation doses in the management area can be measured, and a radiation map (radiation dose distribution map, etc.) can be created. When the measured radiation dose is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the area can be determined to be a dangerous place for the managed mammal, and this can be notified to the manager. The manager who receives the notification can reset the management area to cause the managed mammal to act in a way that avoids the area, or can apply a repelling signal to the managed mammal to prevent it from approaching the area. If necessary, a repelling signal can be applied to the managed mammal when the area is determined to be a dangerous place for the managed mammal. The position at which the radiation measuring device is attached to the managed mammal can be selected appropriately depending on the type of managed mammal, etc.

The configurations of the GPS receiver, communication device, processing device, repellent stimulus application device and power supply, which are the components of the management tag, are not particularly limited and may each be composed of individual elements, or two or more of them may be integrated together, and are selected as necessary. For example, the communication device and processing device may be integrated into a single chip. Furthermore, if necessary, one or more of these components may be separated from the management tag body and connected by wire or wirelessly. In this remote management system, the GPS receiver is preferably used in a cold start state in order to reduce the power consumption of the management tag. In this remote management system, the management tag is configured to turn on the power supply at time _t1 , then turn on the GPS receiver in a cold start state at time _t2 within 10 milliseconds of time _t1 to start measurement, turn off the GPS receiver at time _t3 after acquiring the first position data from the GPS signal, then turn on the communication device at time _t3 or at time _t4 either before or after time _t3 to transmit the position data from the communication device, then turn off the communication device at time _t5 , then put the power supply into a sleep state at time _t6 and continue this sleep state until time _t7 , and repeat the operations from time _t1 to time _t7 . If necessary, the management tag is preferably configured to turn on the power supply at time _t1 , turn on the GPS receiver at time _t2 within 10 milliseconds of time t1 to start measurement, turn off the GPS receiver at time _t3 immediately after acquiring the first _location data from the GPS signal, turn on the communication device at time _t3 or at time _t4 either before or after time _t3 to transmit the location data from the communication device, turn off the communication device at time _t5 within 5 seconds from time _t3 or from time _t4 , put the power supply into a sleep state at time _t6 within 1 second from time _t5 , and continue this sleep state for 1 second or more until time _t7 , set the period from time _t1 to time _t6 to 5 minutes or less, and repeat the operations from time _t1 to time _t7 . From the viewpoint of further reducing the power consumption of the management tag, it is desirable to make the time from time _t1 to time _t2 , the time from time _t2 to time _t3 , and the time from time _t3 or time _t4 to time _t5 as short as possible. Preferably, the time from time _t1 to time _t2 is within 10 microseconds, more preferably within 5 microseconds, the time from time _t2 to time _t3 is within 5 minutes, preferably within 3 minutes, and more preferably within 1 minute, while the time from time _t3 or time _t4 to time _t5 is within 4 seconds, and the time from time _t1 to time _t6 is within 1 minute. From the viewpoint of further reducing the power consumption of the management tag, the management tag is preferably configured to turn on the power supply at time _t1 , then turn on the GPS receiver in a cold start state at time _t2 within 5 microseconds from time _t1 to start measurement, turn off the GPS receiver at time _t3 after acquiring the initial location information from the GPS signal and within 1 to 50 seconds from time _t2 , turn on the communication device at time _t3 to start communication, end communication within 1 second after the start of communication whether or not the location information is transmitted from the communication device, and turn off the communication device at time _t5 within 4 seconds from time _t3 , then put the power supply into a sleep state at time _t6 within 1 second from time _t5 , and continue this sleep state from time _t6 until time _t7 which is 1 minute or more, the period from time _t1 to time _t6 being within 1 minute, and repeat the operation from time _t1 to time _t7 .

The batteries that make up the power source are not particularly limited, and the type, capacity, and number of batteries are selected as needed.

The repellent stimulus is appropriately selected according to the type of the managed mammal, and may be, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of electrical, acoustic, optical, vibration, and odor stimuli, or a combination of any two or more of these stimuli, but is not limited to these and may be other stimuli. The electrical stimulus is, for example, a pulse high voltage with a voltage value and/or pulse width or period that the managed mammal dislikes, and appeals to the somatosensory sense of the managed mammal. The acoustic stimulus is, for example, the cries of natural enemies that the managed mammal dislikes, or the buzzing of winged insects such as horseflies, and appeals to the hearing sense of the managed mammal. The optical stimulus is, for example, light of a wavelength band and/or intensity that the managed mammal dislikes (for example, the light of an LED light, etc.) or flashing light, etc., and appeals to the vision of the managed mammal. The vibration stimulus is, for example, vibration of a frequency and/or intensity that the managed mammal dislikes (for example, ultrasonic vibration, etc.), and appeals to the somatosensory sense of the managed mammal. The odor stimulus is, for example, an odor that the managed mammal dislikes (such as the odor of a natural enemy that the managed mammal dislikes) and appeals to the managed mammal's sense of smell.

Typically, the communication device and an external computer are capable of two-way communication via the Internet, but this is not limited thereto, and two-way communication may be possible using a method other than the Internet.

In one example of this remote management system, the system further includes a repeater that receives the location data transmitted from the communication device of the management tag, and a management center that receives the location data transferred from the repeater and manages the managed mammals. The location data of the managed mammals may be received by the management center via multiple repeaters, or may be received by the management center from the repeater via a telecommunication line (wireless or wired) such as the Internet. Alternatively, the location data of the managed mammals may be transmitted directly from the communication device to an image display device connected to a computer at the management center. In another example of this remote management system, a repeater is not provided, and the system further includes a management center that receives the location data directly from the management tag and manages the managed mammals. The management center is typically provided with a computer and an image display device connected to the computer, and an image of the management area and the location of the managed mammals within the management area are displayed on the screen of the image display device. One or more repeaters are installed within the management area so that remote management of the managed mammals is possible throughout the entire management area.

Basically, the managed mammals may be any kind. Mammals are broadly divided into non-human mammals and humans. Non-human mammals are, for example, livestock and non-livestock animals. Specific examples of non-human mammals include, for example, cows (including dairy cows and beef cattle), buffalo, Java cattle, buffalo, bantaeng, yaks, sheep, goats, antelopes, deer, gazelles, giraffes, camels, alpacas, llamas, guanacos, vicuñas, mouse deer, mouse deer, and other vertebrate even-toed ungulates (ruminants), as well as horses and donkeys, but are not limited thereto. The attachment of management tags to managed mammals can be carried out according to the type and circumstances of the managed mammals. For example, when the managed mammals are livestock, the management tags are attached to collars or the like that are worn around the necks of the livestock, or to the ears, torsos, ankles, etc.

The present invention also provides
A control tag attached to a controlled mammal, comprising:
the system comprises a GPS receiver, a communication device capable of two-way communication with an external computer, a processing device which controls the operation of the GPS receiver and the communication device, obtains position data of the managed mammal from a GPS signal received by the GPS receiver, transmits the position data to the outside from the communication device, and also transmits map information of a management area surrounded by a virtual fence generated by the computer via the communication device and stores it therein, a repellent stimulus application device which applies a repellent stimulus to the managed mammal, and a power source consisting of a battery which supplies power to the GPS receiver, the communication device, the processing device, and the repellent stimulus application device,
The processing device is turned on/off by turning on/off the power supply, and the GPS receiver, the communication device, and the repellent stimulus application device are controlled on/off by a control signal from the processing device;
The processing device is configured to apply a repelling stimulus to the managed mammal by the repelling stimulus application device when it is detected based on the stored map information that the managed mammal has reached the virtual fence or has approached the virtual fence by a predetermined distance or more,
The system is characterized in that the situation in the management area is observed by photographing the managed mammal with at least one camera attached so as to photograph at least the space in front of the managed mammal, and the processing device is configured to compare the captured image obtained by photographing with the camera with an image in an image database in which a plurality of images indicating dangerous places for the managed mammal are stored, and when it is determined that the captured image includes an image indicating a dangerous place for the managed mammal, it is determined that there is a dangerous place for the managed mammal in the management area.

In this management tag invention, what has been described in relation to the remote management system invention above is valid, unless it contradicts the nature of the invention.

According to this invention, when a managed mammal wearing a management tag reaches a virtual fence on the boundary of a predetermined management area or approaches the virtual fence by a predetermined distance or more, a repelling stimulus is applied, so that the movement of the managed mammal beyond the boundary of the management area can be restricted without a fence, and detection of the managed mammal's arrival at the virtual fence of the management area can be performed by the management tag attached to the managed mammal itself without relying on an external computer, in other words, without constant communication with an external computer, and since the location data of the managed mammal can be obtained by acquiring a GPS signal, the location and movement of the managed mammal can be accurately grasped and managed remotely, and the management area can be easily set, and the situation of the management area can be easily observed by photographing it with a camera. As a result, for example, even if a dangerous place for the managed mammal that did not exist when the management area was set occurs in the management area for some reason such as a natural disaster, the management area can be quickly reset to avoid the dangerous place, and accidents of the managed mammal can be prevented.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a remote management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a schematic diagram showing a management tag used in a remote management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a waveform of a pulsed high voltage used as a repellent stimulus when the managed mammal is a cow in a remote management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a schematic diagram showing a first example of a dangerous place searched for by a camera in a remote management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 11 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of a dangerous place searched for by a camera in the remote management system according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a third example of a dangerous place searched for by a camera in the remote management system according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a method of supplying power to a GPS receiver, a processing device, and a communication device of a management tag in a remote management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a management area managed by a remote management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a management area after reconfiguration as a result of searching for dangerous places in the remote management system according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a collar with a management tag is put around the neck of a cow, which is a managed mammal, and a camera is attached to the head in a remote management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a collar with a management tag that is put around the neck of a cow, which is a managed mammal, in a remote management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The following describes the form for implementing the invention (hereinafter simply referred to as "embodiment").

<One embodiment>
[Remote Management System]
FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a remote management system according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, in this remote management system, a management tag 20 is attached to a managed mammal 10. There may be one or more managed mammals 10, and when there are more than one managed mammal 10, one management tag 20 is attached to each managed mammal 10. Each management tag 20 is assigned an identification code, and the managed mammal 10 to which the management tag 20 is attached can be identified by this identification code. The managed mammal 10 is as described above. The position and method of attaching the management tag 20 to the managed mammal 10 can be appropriately selected depending on the type, characteristics, etc. of the managed mammal 10. For example, when the managed mammal 10 is a livestock such as a cow, the management tag 20 is preferably attached to a collar that is placed around the neck of the livestock, and may be attached separately from the collar or may be integrally provided with the collar. The management tag 20 is typically stored in a container, particularly an airtight container, preferably a waterproof container, to prevent damage, flooding, etc.

As will be described in detail later, the management tag 20 has a GPS receiver, a processing device (processor), a communication device, and a repelling stimulus application device that applies a repelling stimulus to the managed mammal 10, and receives GPS signals sent from multiple GPS satellites 30 that make up the global positioning satellite system using the GPS receiver, acquires position data of the managed mammal 10 from the GPS signals in the processing device, and transmits the acquired position data to the outside using the communication device. The position data transmitted from the communication device of the management tag 20 in this way is received by the repeater 40 and recorded in an internal memory (not shown). One or more repeaters 40 are installed to cover the entire management area. The position data recorded in the memory of the repeater 40 is then transmitted to the management center 50 by wireless or wired means, and is received by a management computer 50a provided in the management center 50. This computer 50a has a map information database of the area including the management area to be set, or downloads the map information database of the area including the management area to be set via the Internet, or downloads a satellite image database of the area including the management area to be set via the Internet, and is capable of generating map information of the management area enclosed by the virtual fence based on the map information database or the satellite image database. An image of the management area enclosed by the virtual fence and the position of the managed mammal 10 in the management area are displayed on the screen of an image display device connected to this computer 50a. The management tag 20 is also capable of two-way communication with the computer 50a provided in the management center 50 via the Internet through a communication device. The map information of the management area enclosed by the virtual fence generated as described above is transmitted to the communication device of the management tag 20 via the Internet and stored in the processing device. A program previously installed in the processing device applies a repelling stimulus to the managed mammal 10 by the repelling stimulus application device when the managed mammal 10 moves within the management area and reaches the virtual fence, or approaches the virtual fence by a predetermined distance or more. As a result, it is possible to prevent the managed mammal 10 from crossing the virtual fence and leaving the management area. When the managed mammal 10 reaches the virtual fence or approaches the virtual fence by a predetermined distance or more, the location of the virtual fence, and the application of the repellent stimulus are transmitted to the computer 50a via the Internet by the communication device, and are displayed on the screen of the image display device and recorded. As the GPS satellite 30, the quasi-zenith satellite of the quasi-zenith satellite system "Michibiki", which can obtain a positioning accuracy of up to several centimeters, is most preferably used, but is not limited to this.

Figure 2 shows the details of the management tag 20. As shown in Figure 2, the management tag 20 has a GPS receiver 21, a processing device 22, a communication device 23, an aversive stimulus application device 24, a battery 25 constituting a power source, a power regulator 26, a power regulator 27, and a power regulator 28 on a substrate 20a. The GND terminal of the processing device 22, the GND terminal of the power regulator 26, the GND terminal of the power regulator 27, and the GND terminal of the power regulator 28 are connected to the negative terminal of the battery 25, and the VCC terminal of the processing device 22, the VCC terminal of the power regulator 26, the VCC terminal of the power regulator 27, and the VCC terminal of the power regulator 28 are connected to the positive terminal of the battery 25 via a switch 29. When the switch 29 is closed, the voltage of the battery 25 is applied between the GND terminal and the VCC terminal of the processing device 22, between the GND terminal and the VCC terminal of the power regulator 26, between the GND terminal and the VCC terminal of the power regulator 27, and between the GND terminal and the VCC terminal of the power regulator 28. A voltage that is boosted or stepped down and stabilized by the power regulator 26 is applied between the GND terminal and the VCC terminal of the GPS receiver 21. A voltage that is boosted or stepped down and stabilized by the power regulator 27 is applied between the GND terminal and the VCC terminal of the communication device 22. A voltage that is boosted or stepped down and stabilized by the power regulator 28 is applied between the GND terminal and the VCC terminal of the aversive stimulus application device 24. The supply of power to the power regulators 26, 27, and 28, and therefore the supply of power to the GPS receiver 22, the communication device 24, and the aversive stimulus application device 24, is controlled by a control signal sent from the CTR terminal of the processing device 22. The details of this control method will be described later. The switch 29 connected to the battery 25 can be turned on/off manually using a button or the like. The data input/output terminals RD and SD of the GPS receiver 21 are connected to the data input/output terminals RD and SD of the processing device 22, respectively. The data input/output terminals RD and SD of the communication device 23 are connected to the data input/output terminals RD and SD of the processing device 22, respectively. The battery 25 may be one or more, and may be a primary battery or a secondary battery, and is selected as necessary depending on the application of the management tag 20, etc. In applications where the light weight of the management tag 20 is important, for example, three or four AA batteries are used as the battery 25, and since the management tag 20 consumes low power, the management tag 20 can be used continuously for a long period of time even in this case. The management tag 20 is used, for example, stored in a waterproof container, such as a plastic capsule.

The repellent stimulus application device 24 is configured according to the type of repellent stimulus. When an electrical stimulus is used as the repellent stimulus, the repellent stimulus application device 24 is configured, for example, with a step-up circuit (transformer) for generating a pulsed high voltage, an application terminal for applying the pulsed high voltage to the stimulation site of the managed mammal 10, and further, when this application terminal is pulled out to the outside of the management tag 20, a pull-out cable, etc. For example, when the managed mammal 10 is a cow, a pulsed high voltage of 5000 to 9000 V is repeatedly applied at a period of 1 to 15 ms. Examples of the waveform of the pulsed high voltage are shown in Figures 3A, B, and C. The waveforms shown in Figures 3A, B, and C have decreasing voltages in order, with Figure 3A being a strong shock waveform, Figure 3B being a medium shock waveform, and Figure 3C being a weak shock waveform. The peak voltage of the waveform shown in Fig. 3A is, for example, about 7500 to 8500 V (for example, 8000 V), the peak voltage of the waveform shown in Fig. 3B is, for example, about 6000 to 7000 V (for example, 6500 V), and the peak voltage of the waveform shown in Fig. 3C is, for example, about 5000 to 5800 V (for example, 5500 V), and the pulse width of each waveform is, for example, about 0.1 to 0.3 ms (for example, 0.2 ms), and the pulse interval (period) is, for example, about 1 to 5 ms (for example, 2 ms). When an acoustic stimulus is used as the repellent stimulus, the repellent stimulus application device 24 is composed of, for example, a recorder that records the calls of the natural enemies of the managed mammal 10 or the wing sounds of insects, a speaker that plays the calls or wing sounds of insects recorded on the recorder near the ears of the managed mammal 10, and further, when the speaker is drawn out to the outside of the management tag 20, a drawer cable or the like. When an optical stimulus is used as the repellent stimulus, the repellent stimulus application device 24 is composed of, for example, a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED), that emits light or blinking light of a wavelength band and/or intensity disliked by the managed mammal 10 near the eyes of the managed mammal 10, and further, when the light source is drawn out to the outside of the management tag 20, a lead cable or the like. When a vibration stimulus is used as the repellent stimulus, the repellent stimulus application device 24 is composed of, for example, a vibration device that generates vibrations of a frequency and/or intensity disliked by the managed mammal 10, an application terminal for applying the vibration generated by this vibration device to a stimulation site (body surface part that is easily sensitive to vibration) of the managed mammal 10, and further, when the application terminal is drawn out to the outside of the management tag 20, a lead cable or the like. When an odor stimulus is used as the repellent stimulus, the repellent stimulus application device 24 is composed of, for example, an odor generating device that generates an odor disliked by the managed mammal 10 near the nose of the managed mammal 10, and further, when the odor generating device is drawn out to the outside of the management tag 20, a lead cable or the like. When combining two or more of the group consisting of electrical stimulation, acoustic stimulation, optical stimulation, vibration stimulation, and odor stimulation, the repellent stimulation application device 24 combines two or more of the above five types.

On the other hand, at least one camera 60 is attached to the managed mammal 10 so that it can capture at least the space in front of it. The camera 60 is selected according to the type of managed mammal 10, and for example, a commercially available digital video camera or digital camera (for example, one capable of continuous shooting) can be used. The image captured by the camera 60 is sent as an image signal by wire or wirelessly to the memory of the processing device 22 and stored therein. The memory of the processing device 22 stores an image database in which images of multiple places that may occur in the management area and are considered to be dangerous for the managed mammal 10 are accumulated. The processing device 22 then compares the captured image with the image in the image database to determine whether the captured image contains an image showing a dangerous place. Alternatively, the image database in which images of multiple places that are considered to be dangerous for the managed mammal 10 are accumulated may be stored in a cloud server, and the captured image captured by the camera 60 may be transmitted to the cloud server, and the captured image may be compared with the image in the image database on the cloud server to determine whether the captured image contains an image showing a dangerous place. If it is determined that the captured image contains an image showing a dangerous place, the administrator is notified by an alarm or the like.

Examples of images showing dangerous locations for managed mammals 10 will be described below. Here, holes, fallen trees, and rubble will be described as examples of dangerous locations. Figures 4A, B, and C show a first example in which a deep hole has formed in the ground due to a sinkhole or the like. Figures 5A, B, and C show a second example in which there is a fallen tree on the ground. Figures 6A, B, and C show a third example in which there is rubble on the ground. In this way, it is desirable to provide multiple variations even for the same type of dangerous location.

[Operation method of the remote management system]
A management tag 20 and a camera 60 are attached to one or more managed mammals 10 to be remotely managed. For example, when the managed mammal 10 is a livestock such as a cow, the management tag 20 is attached to a collar or the like that is worn around the neck of the mammal. The method of attaching the management tag 20 is not particularly limited, but for example, the management tag 20 is fixed by a band or the like to the upper or lower part of the collar when worn around the neck of the livestock. In this case, the terminal for applying the repellent stimulus of the repellent stimulus application device 24 of the management tag 20 is positioned near the stimulation site of the managed mammal 10 according to the type of repellent stimulus. Furthermore, when the managed mammal 10 is a livestock such as a cow, the camera 60 is attached to the head of the mammal by a band or the like.

The switch 29 is closed to turn on the power of the management tag 20 (main body). This turns on the processing device 22 and starts the operation of the remote management system. Specifically, the power on/off of the GPS receiver 21 and the communication device 23 is controlled by a control signal sent from the CTR terminal of the processing device 22. The power on/off of the camera 60 may be linked to the power on/off of the management tag 20, or may be manually controlled.

The timing of turning on/off the power of the GPS receiver 21, the processing device 22, and the communication device 23 is shown in FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the power is turned on at time _t1 . At time _t2 , within 10 milliseconds from time _t1 , preferably within 5 milliseconds, the GPS receiver 22 is turned on in a cold start state to start measurement. When measurement is started, a GPS signal is acquired. The acquired GPS signal is sent to the processing device 22, and the position data of the managed mammal 10 is obtained. At time _t3 immediately after acquiring the first position data from the GPS signal, the GPS receiver 21 is turned off. At time _t3 , the communication device 23 is turned on, and the position data acquired by the processing device 22 is transmitted from the communication device 23. At time _t5 , within 5 seconds from time t3, the communication device ₂₃ is turned off. At time _t6 , within 10 milliseconds from time _t5 , preferably within 5 milliseconds, the device goes into a sleep state, and this sleep state continues for one second or more, preferably one minute or more, until time _t7 . The time from time _t1 to time _t6 is set to 10 minutes or less, preferably 5 minutes or less, and more preferably 1 minute or less, and the operation from time _t1 to time _t7 is repeated. Preferably, the power is turned on at time _t1 , then at time _t2 within 5 microseconds from time _t1 , the GPS receiver 21 is turned on in a cold start state to start measurement, the GPS receiver 21 is turned off at time _t3 , which is between 1 and 50 seconds from time _t2 after the first position data is acquired from the GPS signal, the communication device 23 is turned on at time _t3 to start communication, whether the position data can be transmitted from the communication device 23 or not, the communication is ended within 1 second after the start of communication, and the communication device 23 is turned off at time _t5 within 4 seconds from time _t3 , then the power is put into a sleep state at time _t6 within 1 second from time _t5 , and this sleep state is continued from time _t6 to time _t7 , which is 1 minute or more, the time from time _t1 to time _t6 is set to within 1 minute, and the operation from time _t1 to time _t7 is repeated. These operations are executed according to a predetermined program installed in the processing device 22.

The position data of the managed mammal 10 transmitted from the communication device 23 as described above is transmitted to the repeater 40, and then transmitted from the repeater 40 to the computer 50a of the management center 50. The position data of the managed mammal 10 may be transmitted through multiple repeaters 40, or may be transmitted from the repeater 40 through a telecommunication line (wireless or wired) such as the Internet. Alternatively, the position data of the managed mammal 10 may be transmitted directly from the communication device 23 to the computer 50a of the management center 50. The position data thus received by the computer 50a of the management center 50 is displayed on the image of the management area displayed on the screen of the image display device connected to the computer 50a. If necessary, a specific managed mammal 10 can be focused on and the movement trajectory of the managed mammal 10 within the management area can be examined. Preferably, the position of the managed mammal 10 is shown on a map.

When the managed mammal 10 moving within the management area reaches the virtual fence or approaches the virtual fence by a predetermined distance or more, this is detected by the processing device 22. As a result, a repellent stimulus is applied to the stimulation site of the managed mammal 10 by the repellent stimulus application device 24 of the management tag 20. The repellent stimulus applied in this manner causes the managed mammal 10 to move away from the virtual fence. This makes it possible to prevent the managed mammal 10 from crossing the virtual fence and moving outside the management area. As already mentioned, the fact that the managed mammal 10 has reached the virtual fence, the location, the application of the repellent stimulus, etc. are transmitted to the computer 50a by the communication device 23 and displayed on the screen of the image display device together with the management area and recorded in memory, etc.

An example of a management area is shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, the area surrounded by a virtual fence 71 indicates the management area 72. Although Figure 8 shows an example in which the management area 72 is rectangular, the shape and size (area) of the management area 72 are selected as needed. For example, when grazing cattle, the management area 72 is set on a plateau suitable for grazing.

On the other hand, the camera 60 attached to the managed mammal 10 takes an image of the space in front of the managed mammal 10, and the location of the image changes as the managed mammal 10 moves. For example, the image taken by the camera 60 is transmitted by communication to the processing device 22 of the management tag 20 together with the position data of the managed mammal 10, and is compared with images in an image database in which a large number of images showing dangerous places are accumulated. If the result of this comparison indicates that the captured image contains a dangerous place, this is notified to the manager, and the captured image and position data are sent. Upon receiving this notification, the manager analyzes the captured image and, if necessary, visits the site to observe the situation. If the result indicates that the place is dangerous for the managed mammal 10, a virtual fence is set to avoid the dangerous place, and the management area is reset. The management area can be reset in the same way as when the management area was set. An example is shown in FIG. 9. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, when a dangerous place 73 (indicated by an x) is found in the management area 72, a virtual fence 71 is re-created to surround the dangerous place 73, and the management area 72 is reset. By resetting the management area 72 in this way, when the managed mammal 10 reaches the virtual fence 71 around the dangerous place 73 or approaches the virtual fence 71 by a predetermined distance or more, it is detected by the processing device 22. As a result, the repelling stimulus application device 24 of the management tag 20 applies a repelling stimulus to the stimulation site of the managed mammal 10. The repelling stimulus applied in this way causes the managed mammal 10 to move away from the virtual fence 71 and is prevented from entering the dangerous place. If a dangerous place for the managed mammal 10 is found, there is a risk that the managed mammal 10 will enter the dangerous place if left as is, so if necessary, a signal may be sent from the computer 50a to the processing device 22 to start the repelling stimulus application device 24 and apply the repelling stimulus to the stimulation site of the managed mammal 10. In this way, the managed mammal 10 is prevented from entering the dangerous place until the management area 72 is reset.

As an example, a specific method for attaching the management tag 20 and the camera 60 to a cow will be described. Figure 10 shows the state in which the management tag 20 is attached to the collar 82 of the cow 81. Figure 11 shows the details of the collar 82 and the management tag 20. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the collar 82 to which the management tag 20 is attached is placed around the neck 81a of the cow 81 to be managed so that the electrical stimulation application terminal 24a of the repellent stimulation application device 24 of the management tag 20 contacts the neck 81a. In this way, a pulse high voltage can be applied as an electrical stimulation to the neck 81a of the cow 81. As shown in Figure 10, the camera 60 is attached to a camera fixture (not shown) of a band 83 attached to the head 81b of the cow 81 so that it can capture the space in front of it.

The remote management system according to this embodiment can provide various advantages, such as the following. That is, by simply attaching the management tag 20 to the managed mammal 10 to be remotely managed, position data within the management area can be obtained in near-time within a practical range. Therefore, the position and movement of the managed mammal 10 can be grasped within a sufficiently practical range, and the managed mammal 10 can be well managed. In addition, when the managed mammal 10 attached with the management tag 20 reaches the virtual fence at the boundary of the predetermined management area, or approaches the virtual fence by a predetermined distance or more, a repelling stimulus is applied, so that the movement of the managed mammal 10 beyond the boundary of the management area can be restricted without a fence, and in this case, the arrival of the managed mammal 10 at the virtual fence of the management area and the subsequent application of the repelling stimulus can be performed by the management tag 20 attached to the managed mammal 10 itself, without relying on the external computer 50a, in other words, without communication with the external computer 50a. That is, each managed mammal 10 can act autonomously within the constraints imposed on it. In addition, for example, when individual species and improved species coexist in a pasture as managed mammals 10, hybridization between the two can be prevented by housing one of them in the management area. In addition, since the power consumption of the management tag 20 can be significantly reduced, the management tag 20 can be used for a long period of time even if a battery 25 with a small capacity is used, and the frequency of replacing the battery 25 can be significantly reduced. In addition, since a battery with a small capacity can be used as the battery 25, the weight of the battery 25 can be reduced, and thus the weight of the management tag 20 can be reduced. Therefore, even if the management tag 20 is attached to the collar of a livestock such as a cow, the weight of the collar increases little, so there is almost no burden on the livestock and there is no risk of causing unnecessary stress. Furthermore, since the camera 60 attached to the management area can capture an image of the space in front of the managed mammal 10, the status of the management area or other managed mammals 10 in the management area can be observed from the captured image. Furthermore, if a dangerous place is found to have occurred in the management area for some reason, the management area can be reconfigured to avoid the dangerous place.

This remote management system is extremely suitable for use in cattle grazing. In other words, this remote management system allows virtual fences to be created freely and easily. For example, if there is a cattle in a group of grazing cattle that needs to be treated, medicated, or artificially inseminated, a virtual fence that is effective for only that one cattle can be created, and the cattle can be guided and driven into a cattle shed or a capture facility in the pasture by applying a repelling stimulus to the cattle using the repelling stimulus application device 24 of the management tag 20. This allows, for example, the behavior and number of cattle grazing to be confirmed at any time on a computer 50a in a remote location (e.g., overseas), allowing for labor-saving and efficient management of cattle, while at the same time greatly reducing labor costs and costs of feeding and management. If this happens, it is expected to contribute in no small way to solving the current problems facing livestock farming in Japan, such as the increase in the number of farm households leaving farming due to the aging of farmers, the lack of people to take over the farming business, the decline of rural areas, and the reduction of production costs. To make this fenceless technology into a more comprehensive and multifunctional beef cattle grazing system, it is necessary to improve the accuracy of tracking cattle behavior in pastures and to clarify the relationship between behavior and physiological functions. For example, if it becomes possible to distinguish the behavioral characteristics of sick cattle, and even the behavioral characteristics of each illness, the accuracy of management will improve. Also, if estrus and parturition can be detected, productivity can be improved. In addition, in the development of a series of livestock-related technologies using artificial satellites, research is already underway on forecasting grassland yields and cultivation management using geographic information systems (GIS). In addition, technology development for collecting biological information from cattle is also being actively carried out, and devices such as estrus detection support devices (pedometers, etc.) and parturition monitoring devices are already in practical use. It is expected that by integrating these technologies, it will be possible to manage cattle more efficiently and precisely, both in barns and on pastures.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been specifically described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications based on the technical concept of the present invention are possible.

For example, the numerical values, configurations, structures, shapes, etc. given in the above embodiment are merely examples, and different numerical values, configurations, structures, shapes, etc. may be used as necessary.

In addition, in the embodiment described above, a management computer 50a provided in the management center 50 is used as the computer that generates map information for the management area surrounded by the virtual fence, but a computer external to the management center 50 may also be used.

10...managed mammal, 20...management tag, 20a...board, 21...GPS receiver, 22...processing device, 23...communication device, 24...repellent stimulus application device, 25...battery, 26, 27, 28...power regulator, 29...switch, 30...GPS satellite, 40...repeater, 50...management center, 50a...computer, 60...camera, 71...virtual fence, 72...management area, 81...cattle

Claims (2)

A management tag that is attached to the collar of the cattle under management,
a management computer connected to the image display device, the management computer being external to the management tag;
At least one camera, which is a video camera or a digital camera, is attached to a band attached to the head of the cow so as to be able to photograph at least the space in front of the cow;
having
the management tag has a GPS receiver, a communication device capable of two-way communication with the computer, a processing device which controls the operation of the GPS receiver and the communication device, obtains position data of the cow from a GPS signal received by the GPS receiver and transmits the position data to the outside from the communication device, and also transmits map information of the management area surrounded by a virtual fence generated by the computer to the communication device via the Internet and is sent from the communication device and stored therein, a repellent stimulus application device which applies a repellent stimulus consisting of at least an electrical stimulus to the cow, and a power source consisting of a battery which supplies power to the GPS receiver, the communication device, the processing device and the repellent stimulus application device, and is configured to turn the processing device on and off by turning the power source on and off, and to control the on and off of the GPS receiver, the communication device and the repellent stimulus application device by a control signal from the processing device,
The collar to which the management tag is attached is placed around the neck of the cow so that the electric stimulus application terminal of the repellent stimulus application device of the management tag comes into contact with the neck,
The map information is generated using a map information database of the area including the management area to be set, which is stored in the computer, a map information database of the area including the management area to be set that is downloaded via the Internet, or a satellite image database of the area including the management area to be set that is downloaded via the Internet,
An image of the management area and the positions of the cows within the management area are displayed on a screen of the image display device connected to the computer,
the processing device is configured to apply the repelling stimulus to the cow by the repelling stimulus application device when it is detected based on the stored map information that the cow has reached the virtual fence or has approached the virtual fence by a predetermined distance or more,
A remote management system configured in such a way that images captured by the camera attached to the band attached to the head of the cow are sent to the processing device together with position data of the cow, and the processing device compares the image of the management area obtained by photographing with the camera with an image in an image database in which a plurality of images indicating dangerous places for the cow are stored, and when it is determined that the captured image includes an image indicating a dangerous place for the cow, it determines that there is a dangerous place for the cow in the management area , and the captured image and position data of the dangerous place are sent to the computer via the communication device. The remote management system according to claim 1 further comprises a radiation measuring device attached to the cow, and is configured so that the radiation measuring device can measure radiation in association with the position data.

Images