WO2013145329A1 - Estrus notification method, estrus notification device and estrus notification program - Google Patents

Abstract

The estrus notification device (104) receives measurement result information, which represents the result of measuring the number of steps of each of multiple farm animals (A) that are being raised on a farm (F), from communication devices (101) fitted on each farm animal (A) via a repeater (102). The estrus notification device (104) determines whether each of the multiple farm animals (A) is in estrus on the basis of the measurement result information. When a specific farm animal (A1) in the multiple farm animals (A) is determined to be in estrus, an assessment is made whether the current time is in the work period of a worker (W). If the current time is in the work period, an assessment is made whether there is another farm animal (A) that may possibly be in estrus around the specified farm animal (A1). If there is another farm animal (A2) that may be in estrus, the estrus notification device (104) sends information for distinguishing the specified farm animal (A1) from the other farm animal (A2), which is near the specified farm animal (A1) and might be in estrus, to the worker (W).

Description

Originating information detecting method, originating information detecting apparatus, and originating information detecting program

The present invention relates to an originating information detecting method, an originating information notifying apparatus, and an originating information notifying program.

A technology is known to detect changes in the state of livestock, such as estrus and disease, by attaching a pedometer to livestock such as cattle that have been grazed and measuring the number of steps the livestock has walked. Yes. The worker is examining seeding and treatment, for example, in response to detection of a change in the state of the livestock by the pedometer.

JP 2003-343901 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-092595

However, in the prior art, even if a change in state is detected from the number of steps of livestock, there is often a false alarm, so it is often the case that an operator actually goes to see the corresponding livestock and determines whether or not he is in estrus. . Further, when a change in the state of livestock is detected, if the worker is taking a break or other work, it may not be possible to respond immediately even if a notification of the change in state is received.

The present invention provides an information generating method, information generating device, and information generating program capable of efficiently grasping livestock showing signs of estrus in order to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art. Objective.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a method for notifying an estrus based on a step count measurement result from a step count measuring unit respectively attached to a plurality of domestic animals The information generating device, the information generating program, collecting the step count results of each of the plurality of domestic animals and the position information of each of the plurality of domestic animals, and based on the step count measurement results, If the estrus is determined under the first condition for each livestock, and the specific livestock is determined as estrus, whether or not the current time is included in the work time zone with reference to the storage unit that holds the work time zone of the worker When the current time is included in the work time zone, based on the step count measurement result, the plurality of livestock around the specific livestock is a second condition that is looser than the first condition. , Departure The information generating method, the information generating device, and the information generating information program for outputting the identification information of the specific livestock whose estrus has been determined and the identification information of the plurality of domestic animals whose signs of estrus have been determined are output. Proposed.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently grasp livestock showing signs of estrus.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the method of generating information according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration example of the originating information knowledge system 200. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the communication device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the repeater 102. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the originating information detection apparatus 104 and the like. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stored contents of the measurement result information table 201. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the step count DB 202. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the contents stored in the transmission source DB 203. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the relay machine DB 204. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the threshold DB 205. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the step count integration table 1100. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the work time zone DB 206. FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the originating information detection apparatus 104. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example by the client device 105. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the communication device 101. FIG. 16 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the originating information detection apparatus 104. FIG. 17 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the originating information detection apparatus 104. FIG. 18 is a flowchart (part 3) illustrating an example of the processing procedure of the originating information detection apparatus 104. FIG. 19 is a flowchart (part 4) illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the originating information detection apparatus 104.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a method for generating information, a device for generating information, and a program for generating information according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method of generating information according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, a plurality of livestock A are bred within the premises of the farm F managed by the worker W. Here, the worker W is a person engaged in the livestock industry. Farm F is a facility having a grazing land for grazing livestock A. The livestock A is an animal that can move within the premises of the farm F, for example, within the pasture of the farm F. For example, the livestock A can include animals that move by walking, such as cows, pigs, and horses.

The communication device 101 is attached to the livestock A. Here, the communication device 101 is a portable computer that measures the number of steps of the livestock A. For example, livestock A first sends out the right forefoot toward the ground in the moving direction when walking. When the right forefoot lands on the ground, this time, the left forefoot is sent out toward the ground in the moving direction. When the left forefoot lands on the ground, an operation such as sending out the right forefoot is repeated again. That is, the number of steps of the livestock A can be the number of times the livestock A has sent the right forefoot or the left forefoot toward the ground in the moving direction.

For example, when an abnormal state different from the normal state occurs due to a change in the state of the livestock A, such as estrus, disease, childbirth, or the appearance of natural enemies, the number of steps per unit time of the livestock A increases compared to the normal state. Or decrease. Here, estrus means that livestock A is in an excited state associated with reproductive activity. The disease refers to a state in which the body or spirit of the livestock A is upset or inconvenient.

By using the fact that the number of steps of the livestock A changes when the abnormal state occurs in the livestock A, the worker W changes to the livestock A from the measurement result of the number of steps. Can know that is happening.

The communication device 101 can communicate with a plurality of relay devices 102 provided in the farm F site. Here, the relay device 102 is a computer that can communicate with the communication device 101 and a later-described information generation device 104. The plurality of relay machines 102 are installed at different positions in the farm F. The communication device 101 transmits measurement result information indicating the measurement result to the communication information relay device 102 to the communicable relay device 102.

For example, if the communication device 101 is located within the communication area 103a of the repeater 102a illustrated by reference numeral 102a in FIG. 1, it can communicate with the repeater 102a. Further, the communication device 101 can communicate with the relay device 102b as long as it is located within the communication area 103b of the relay device 102b illustrated by reference numeral 102b in FIG. If it is located within the communication area 103c of the repeater 102c illustrated by reference numeral 102c in FIG. 1, it can communicate with the repeater 102c. The communication area is, for example, a range having a radius of 150 m centering on each repeater 102. When the relay device 102 receives the measurement result information from the communication device 101, the relay device 102 transmits the received measurement result information to the originating information notification device 104. When the repeater 102 transmits the measurement result information to the originating information notification device 104, the repeater 102 also transmits its own repeater identification information.

The originating information notification device 104 is a computer that is connected to a plurality of relay devices 102 and can receive the measurement result information of the communication device 101 via any one of the relay devices 102. Further, for example, the originating information notification apparatus 104 can be connected to the client apparatus 105 via a predetermined line.

The client device 105 is a portable computer that has a display 106 and can communicate with the originating information detection device 104. When the client device 105 receives information from the originating information notification device 104, the client device 105 displays an image or the like based on the received information on the display 106.

Here, as a technique for finding the abnormal state of livestock A during grazing, for example, a technique for finding the estrus of female cattle is illustrated. For example, there is a method in which the worker W visits a grazing land periodically and actually checks the presence or absence of a female cow in estrus. In this method, for example, the worker W is searching for the vast farm F whose side is several hundred meters to several kilometers, so that it takes time and labor for the worker W as a result. Labor costs will be high. Therefore, depending on the worker W, seeding may be given up during grazing, but it is economical not to seed female cows in estrus, that is, not to seed when females are likely to conceive. It will be a loss.

In addition, depending on the worker W, when grazing female cows, seed cows are also grazed and may be bred naturally. However, natural mating with seed cattle is not preferable from the viewpoint of current livestock management to leave better offspring, and male cattle are ferocious, so only familiar workers W can handle male cattle. It is not valid.

In addition, there is a system in which a pedometer for measuring the number of steps is attached to the female cow, taking advantage of the fact that the number of steps is increased in the estrus female cow. In this system, a pedometer attached to a female cow transmits a measurement result to a server via a relay installed in a pasture at predetermined transmission intervals. For this reason, by notifying the worker W of the relay machine that relayed the measurement result, the worker W can mark the position of the estrus female cow.

However, in the above system, the original purpose of the system is to detect the estrus of female cows. For this reason, the pedometer is set to transmit measurement results at intervals of, for example, 1 hour. However, the worker W is performing other operations such as cleaning the barn, and may not immediately reach the vicinity of the notified relay machine (that is, the estrus cow). In such a case, when the worker W goes near the notified relay machine, the estrus cow that moves every moment has already left the vicinity, and eventually the worker W has to search around the pasture, It becomes trouble of person W.

In addition, in order to grasp the position of the estrus female cow, a method of attaching a communication device having a GPS function to each female cow can be considered, but in order to attach a communication device having a GPS function to each female cow costly. In addition, since the GPS function constantly transmits an electrical signal, the battery serving as the drive power supply is quickly consumed, and the battery or the communication device itself having the GPS function needs to be frequently replaced. Therefore, this method is not suitable for actual operation because it requires not only an initial cost but also labor of the operator W in replacing the battery or the device.

Therefore, in the method of generating information according to the present embodiment, even if a livestock is in estrus, it is out of work hours, etc., and if the worker cannot immediately go to the livestock, the minimum information is notified. Thus, adverse effects due to misjudgment are prevented as much as possible, thereby reducing the annoyance of the worker W and suppressing the worker W from being consumed. Further, in the method of information generation according to the present embodiment, when it is the worker's working time zone and it is possible to go to the estrus livestock, other livestock that can be confirmed together with the estrous livestock confirmation work Also, the operator's confirmation work is encouraged.

Hereinafter, an example of the information generation method according to the embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, as an example, estrus is described as an example of the abnormal state of livestock A. Moreover, in this Embodiment, the domestic animal A is demonstrated as a female cow. When female cows are in estrus, they have the property of increasing the number of steps per unit time compared to when they are not in estrus, and this kind of female cow is utilized.

(1) The communication device 101 measures the number of steps of the livestock A, and the measurement result information indicating the measurement result of the number of steps of the livestock A to the source information notification device 104 via any one of the relay devices 102 at a predetermined transmission interval. Send. For example, here, the predetermined transmission interval is an hour interval. When the relay device 102 receives the measurement result information from the communication device 101, the relay device 102 transmits the received measurement result information and the relay device identification information of the own device to the calling information notification device 104. Here, the repeater identification information is information that can identify one repeater 102 from among a plurality of repeaters 102. For example, the relay identification information is information representing a relay ID unique to each relay 102.

(2) Upon receiving the measurement result information via the relay device 102, the originating information detection device 104 determines whether the number of steps of the livestock A satisfies a predetermined condition (first determination condition) based on the received measurement result information. Determine whether or not. For example, it is assumed that the originating information detection apparatus 104 determines that the livestock A indicated by reference sign A1 in FIG. 1 is the livestock A in which the number of steps satisfying the first determination condition is measured.

Next, the originating information detection apparatus 104 determines whether or not the current time is included in the work time zone of the worker W. Here, the work time zone is a time zone predetermined as a time zone during which the worker W is engaged in work. For example, the originating information detection apparatus 104 stores information representing a work time zone in a work time zone DB 206 described later.

When the originating information detection apparatus 104 determines that the current time is the working time zone, the first determination described above is included in the other livestock A around the livestock A1 in which the number of steps satisfying the first determination condition is measured. It is determined whether there is a livestock that satisfies the second determination condition that is looser than the condition. For example, the originating information detection apparatus 104 determines that the livestock A indicated by reference symbol A2 in FIG. 1 located in the communication area 103a of the same relay machine 102a as the livestock A1 is the livestock A in which the number of steps satisfying the second determination condition is measured. And

In this case, the originating information detection apparatus 104 notifies the worker W of the livestock A1 that satisfies the first determination condition and the livestock A2 that is located around the livestock A and satisfies the second determination condition. (FIG. 1 (3)). On the other hand, when determining that the current time is not the work time zone, the calling information notification device 104 notifies the worker W of only the livestock A1 that satisfies the first determination condition. Note that if the originating information detection apparatus 104 determines that the current time is not the work time zone, the information generation apparatus 104 may not notify the worker W of the livestock A1 that satisfies the first determination condition.

As described above, the information generating device 104 is necessary when the worker W cannot immediately reach the livestock A that has been in estrus because, for example, the livestock A is in estrus, it is out of work hours. The minimum information is notified to prevent adverse effects caused by erroneous determination as much as possible, thereby reducing the annoyance of the worker W or suppressing the worker W from being consumed. On the other hand, when the worker W is in the working time zone of the worker W and can go to the livestock A that has been in estrus, the information generating device 104 can confirm the information together with the confirmation work of the estrus livestock A. It is also possible to prompt other workers A to check the worker and make the workers W quickly notice signs of estrus of the other animals A.

(System configuration example of the originating information intelligence system)
Next, a system configuration example of the originating information detection system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a system configuration example of the originating information knowledge system 200. In FIG. 2, the originating information detection system 200 includes one or a plurality of communication devices 101, a plurality of relay devices 102, and a calling information notification device 104.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 2, in the case of the originating information detection system having a plurality of communication devices 101, each communication device 101 also transmits its own communication device identification information when transmitting measurement result information. Here, the communication device identification information is information that can identify one communication device 101 from among the plurality of communication devices 101. For example, the communication device identification information is information representing a communication device ID unique to each communication device 101.

In the originating information system 200, the communication device 101 and the relay device 102 are connected via a wireless communication network 210. The communication device 101 and the relay device 102 have a predetermined range centered on the own device (for example, a range having a radius of 150 m centered on the own device) as a communication area in which communication by the wireless communication network 210 is possible. The communication device 101 and the relay device 102 are connected by the wireless communication network 210 when the positional relationship is communicable. For example, near field communication such as RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) can be applied to the wireless communication network 210.

In addition, the repeater 102, the source information detection device 104, and the client device 105 are connected via a network 220. For example, the network 220 is the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the like.

The communication device 101 has a measurement result information table 201 and the like, and is a portable computer attached to each livestock A raised on the farm F. The communication device 101 has a measurement function for measuring the number of steps of the livestock A to which the apparatus is attached and a communication function by the wireless communication network 210. For example, the communication device 101 can apply a pedometer to which a communication function by the wireless communication network 210 is added. The contents stored in the measurement result information table 201 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The relay machine 102 is a computer that is installed in the premises of the farm F and has a communication function using the wireless communication network 210 and a communication function using the network 220. The plurality of relay machines 102 are installed at different installation positions.

The originating information notification device 104 includes a step count DB 202, a transmission source DB 203, a relay DB 204, a threshold DB 205, and the like, and is a computer having a communication function via the network 220. For example, a server included in a cloud computing system, a PC (personal computer) used by a farm F manager or a worker W, a notebook PC, or the like can be applied to the information generation device 104. The contents stored in the step count DB 202, the transmission source DB 203, the relay machine DB 204, and the threshold value DB 205 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

The client device 105 is a computer having a display function for displaying an image or the like based on various information and a communication function via the network 220. For example, a PC, a notebook PC, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or the like used by the worker W on the farm F can be applied to the client device 105.

(Communicator hardware configuration example)
Next, a hardware configuration example of the communication device 101 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the communication device according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 3, the communication device 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a memory 302, an I / F (Interface) 303, a sensor 304, and a timer 305. Each component is connected by a bus 300.

Here, the CPU 301 controls the entire communication device 101. The memory 302 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash ROM, and the like. The ROM and the flash ROM store various programs such as a boot program, for example. The RAM is used as a work area for the CPU 301.

The I / F 303 is connected to the wireless communication network 210 through a communication line, and is connected to another device such as the relay device 102 via the wireless communication network 210. The I / F 303 controls an internal interface with the wireless communication network 210 and controls data input / output from an external device.

The sensor 304 outputs information for detecting the behavior of the communication device 101. For example, the sensor 304 is realized by a gyro sensor, a three-axis acceleration sensor, or the like, and outputs information corresponding to the generated acceleration when the communication device 101 generates acceleration. The timer 305 has a time measuring function. For example, the timer 305 is realized by an RTC (Real Time Clock) or the like, and measures the real time. In addition, the timer 305 may count an elapsed time from a predetermined timing. In addition, the timer 305 may be provided outside the communication device 101, and the communication device 101 may acquire the time measurement result of the timer 305 via the wireless communication network 210.

(Example of hardware configuration of repeater)
Next, a hardware configuration example of the repeater 102 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the repeater 102. In FIG. 4, the relay device 102 includes a CPU 401, a memory 402, and an I / F 403. Each component is connected by a bus 400.

Here, the CPU 401 controls the entire repeater 102. The memory 402 includes a ROM, a RAM, a flash ROM, and the like. The ROM and the flash ROM store various programs such as a boot program, for example. The RAM is used as a work area for the CPU 401.

The I / F 403 is connected to the wireless communication network 210 via a communication line, and is connected to other devices such as the communication device 101 via the wireless communication network 210. Further, the I / F 403 is connected to the network 220 through a communication line, and is connected to another device such as the originating information detection device 104 via the network 220. The I / F 403 controls an internal interface with the wireless communication network 210 and the network 220 and controls input / output of data from an external device.

(Hardware configuration example of the originating information detection device and the client device)
Next, a hardware configuration example of the originating information detection device 104 and the client device 105 will be described. Here, the originating information detecting device 104 and the client device 105 are simply referred to as “the originating information notifying device 104 or the like”.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the originating information detection device 104 and the like. In FIG. 4, the originating information detection apparatus 104 and the like include a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, a magnetic disk drive 504, a magnetic disk 505, an optical disk drive 506, an optical disk 507, a display 508, an I / F 509, A keyboard 510, a mouse 511, a scanner 512, and a printer 513 are included. Each component is connected by a bus 500.

Here, the CPU 501 governs overall control of the information generating device 104 and the like. The ROM 502 stores a program such as a boot program. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The magnetic disk drive 504 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the magnetic disk 505 according to the control of the CPU 501. The magnetic disk 505 stores data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 504.

The optical disk drive 506 controls the reading / writing of data with respect to the optical disk 507 according to the control of the CPU 501. The optical disk 507 stores data written under the control of the optical disk drive 506, or causes the computer to read data stored on the optical disk 507.

Display 508 displays data such as a document, an image, and function information as well as a cursor, an icon, or a tool box. As the display 508, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be employed.

The I / F 509 is connected to the network 220 through a communication line, and is connected to other devices such as the relay device 102 and the client device 105 via the network 220. The I / F 509 manages an internal interface with the network 220 and controls data input / output from an external device. For example, a modem or a LAN adapter can be adopted as the I / F 509.

The keyboard 510 has keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc., and inputs data. Moreover, a touch panel type input pad or a numeric keypad may be used. The mouse 511 moves the cursor, selects a range, moves the window, changes the size, and the like. A trackball or a joystick may be used as long as they have the same function as a pointing device.

The scanner 512 optically reads an image and takes in the image data into the information generating device 104. The scanner 512 may have an OCR (Optical Character Reader) function. The printer 513 prints image data and document data. As the printer 513, for example, a laser printer or an ink jet printer can be adopted.

Note that, for example, the originating information detection apparatus 104 may not include the optical disk drive 506, the optical disk 507, the display 508, the mouse 511, the scanner 512, and the printer 513 among the above-described components. The client device 105 may not include the optical disk drive 506, the optical disk 507, the mouse 511, the scanner 512, and the printer 513.

(Example of information stored in the communication device)
Next, an example of information stored in the communication device 101 will be described. As described above, the communication device 101 stores the measurement result information table 201. For example, the measurement result information table 201 is realized by the memory 302 of the communication device 101.

<Example of stored contents of measurement result information table>
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the stored contents of the measurement result information table 201. In FIG. 6, the measurement result information table 201 has fields of measurement date and time and measurement value. By setting information in these fields, the measurement result information table 201 stores measurement result information for each combination of measurement date and measurement value as a record. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, measurement result information 600-1 to 600-6 is stored in the measurement result information table 201.

Here, the measurement date / time represents the date / time of the transmission timing of the past measurement result information. In the case of the present embodiment, as an example, the measurement date and time represents the date and time of transmission timing of the latest six measurement result information. The measurement value represents the measurement value of the number of steps of the livestock A at the time of the transmission timing of the past measurement result information. In the case of the present embodiment, as an example, the measurement value represents the measurement value of the number of steps of livestock A at the time of the transmission timing of the latest six measurement result information.

For example, the communication device 101 accumulates the number of steps of the livestock A from the timing when the measurement value is set to “0” to the present as the current measurement value. Every time the livestock A walks one step, the communication device 101 is instantaneously accelerated. When the acceleration is detected by the sensor 304, the communication device 101 increments the current measurement value by “+1”.

And the communication apparatus 101 memorize | stores the measurement result information which linked | related the present measurement value with the measurement date corresponding to this transmission timing, when it becomes a transmission timing of measurement result information based on the timing result of the timer 305. The transmission timing is, for example, 00 minutes per hour when the transmission interval of the measurement result information is 1 hour.

For example, in FIG. 6, measurement result information 600-1 represents that the measurement value at the time of “2:00 on February 20, 2012” was “C6”. Here, “C6” is a positive integer. When the measurement result information is stored in the measurement result information table 201, the communication device 101 transmits each measurement result information stored in the measurement result information table 201 to the originating information notification device 104 via the relay device 102. In the case of the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the communication device 101 transmits measurement result information 600-1 to 600-6.

Thereby, the communication device 101 can transmit each measurement result information a plurality of times. For example, the measurement result information 600-1 is transmitted a total of six times at one hour intervals from “February 19, 2012, 21:00” to “February 20, 2012, 2:00”. . Therefore, the communication device 101 cannot communicate with any relay device 102 at the transmission timing of the current measurement result information, and fails to transmit at the subsequent transmission timing even if transmission of the measurement result information fails. The measured result information can be transmitted.

In addition, although the communication apparatus 101 demonstrated the example which memorize | stored the measurement result information for the latest 6 times here, it is not restricted to this. The communication device 101 may not store past measurement result information. For example, in this case, when the transmission timing of the measurement result information comes, the communication device 101 may transmit the current measurement value as the measurement result information and delete the measurement result information. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the amount of data stored in the communication device 101 when storing the measurement result information.

Further, here, the communication device 101 transmits each measurement result information stored in the measurement result information table 201, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the communication device 101 may transmit only the latest measurement result information. Specifically, in the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the communication device 101 may transmit only the measurement result information 600-1. In this case, when transmitting the measurement result information, the amount of data transmitted by the communication device 101 can be reduced.

Furthermore, the communication device 101 may transmit the latest measurement result information for one time and the measurement result information for which transmission failed at the past transmission timing. For example, in this case, when receiving the measurement result information from the communication device 101, the relay device 102 transmits reception success information indicating that the measurement result information has been received to the communication device 101. The communication device 101 determines that the transmission of the measurement result information has failed if the reception success information is not received within a predetermined period after the measurement result information is transmitted.

In this case, the communication apparatus 101 stores the measurement result information determined to have failed in transmission in association with information indicating that the transmission has failed. Thereafter, when the transmission timing of the measurement result information comes, the communication device 101 transmits the latest measurement result information for one time and the measurement result information for which transmission failed. With this configuration, the measurement result information can be reliably transmitted to the relay device 102 while reducing the amount of data transmitted by the communication device 101 when transmitting the measurement result information.

(An example of information stored in the originating information detection device)
Next, an example of information stored in the originating information detection apparatus 104 will be described. First, an example of the contents stored in the various DBs 202, 203, 204, and 205 stored in the originating information notification device 104 will be described. For example, various DBs 202, 203, 204, and 205 described below are realized by a storage device such as the ROM 502, the RAM 503, the magnetic disk 505, and the optical disk 507 of the originating information detection apparatus 104.

<Example of stored contents of step count DB>
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the step count DB 202. In FIG. 7, the step count DB 202 has fields of date, step count, estrus sign flag, and estrus sign flag. By setting information in each of these fields, the step count DB 202 stores step count information for each combination of date, step count, estrus sign flag, and estrus sign flag as a record. In the example shown in FIG. 7, step count information 700-1 to 700-3 and the like are stored in the step count DB 202.

Here, the date represents the date when the number of steps is measured, for example, the date. The number of steps represents the number of steps of livestock A based on the counting result information. In the step count field, for example, “0-1 o'clock”, “1-2 o'clock”, “2-3 o'clock”,..., “22-23 o'clock”, “23-24 o'clock”, etc. A field is provided. In each time zone field, information indicating the number of steps of the livestock A in the time zone is stored. For example, the originating information detection apparatus 104 stores the value obtained by subtracting the measurement value at the beginning time from the measurement value at the end time in each time zone field as the number of steps of the livestock A in each time zone field.

Specifically, for example, the measurement value at the time “February 20, 2012 2:00” is “C6”, and the measurement value at the time “February 20, 2012 1:00” is “C5”. ”. As described above, “C6” is a positive integer, and “C5” is a positive integer. In this case, the originating information detection apparatus 104 subtracts “C5” from “C6” in the time zone field whose date is “February 20, 2012” and “1 to 2 o'clock”, and “N302 (N302 = C6− C5) "is stored as the number of steps of livestock A.

The estrus sign flag and the estrus sign flag are provided with an ON / OFF field indicating whether each flag is ON or OFF. In the present embodiment, as an example, if each flag is ON, “1” is set in the ON / OFF field of this flag. If each flag is OFF, “0” is set in the ON / OFF field. The estrus indication flag and the estrus indication flag are also provided with a flag ON date / time field in which the date and time when each flag is set to ON is stored, for example.

For example, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the information-establishing information device 104 stores “1” in the ON / OFF field of the estrus sign flag or the estrus sign flag. On the other hand, the originating information detection apparatus 104 stores “0” when “1” is not stored in the ON / OFF field. The setting of the estrus sign flag and the estrus sign flag will be described later with reference to FIGS.

In the step count DB 202, each field described above is provided for each communication device 101. For example, FIG. 6 shows fields of the step count DB 202 for the communication device 101 having the communication device ID “G01”. In the step count DB 202, the calling information notification device 104 stores step count information for each communication device 101, and determines whether the step count satisfies a predetermined condition based on the stored step count information.

Specifically, for example, the communication device 101 transmits its own communication device identification information when transmitting measurement result information. The originating information detection device 104 receives the measurement result information and the communication device identification information, and identifies which communication device ID has the measurement result information transmitted from the communication device 101 based on the received communication device identification information. To do. The originating information detection apparatus 104 calculates and stores the number of steps based on the measurement result information received together with the specified communication device ID in each field of the step number DB 202 for the specified communication device ID. Then, the originating information detection device 104 determines whether the stored number of steps satisfies a predetermined condition.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the step number DB 202 may store a communication device ID and a livestock ID that is identification information of each livestock A in association with each other.

<Example of stored contents of source DB>
Next, an example of the contents stored in the transmission source DB 203 will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the contents stored in the transmission source DB 203. In FIG. 8, the transmission source DB 203 has fields for a communication device ID and a transmission source relay device ID. By setting information in these fields, the transmission source DB 203 stores the transmission source relay device information for each combination of the communication device ID and the transmission source relay device ID as a record. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the transmission source DB 203 stores transmission source relay device information 800-1 to 800-m and the like.

The communication device ID represents an identifier of each communication device 101. The transmission source relay device ID represents the identifier of the transmission source relay device 102 that has transmitted the measurement result information most recently transmitted by the communication device 101 to the source information notification device 104. For example, in FIG. 8, the transmission source relay device information 800-1 includes the measurement result information most recently transmitted by the communication device 101 with the communication device ID “G01” via the relay device 102 with the relay device ID “B1”. This indicates that the information has been transmitted to the calling information detection apparatus 104.

In the case of the present embodiment, by the transmission source DB 203, the originating information notifying device 104 stores through which relay device 102 the measurement result information transmitted most recently by each communication device 101 has been transmitted. ing. For this reason, for example, when the worker W has requested the output of the transmission source relay device information to a certain communication device 101 by the worker W, the transmission source relay device information is output to the client device 105 or the like. be able to. Thereby, the worker W can know which relay device 102 is located in the communication area when the desired communication device 101 transmits the latest measurement result information.

<Storage contents of relay machine DB>
Next, an example of the contents stored in the relay machine DB 204 will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the relay machine DB 204. In FIG. 9, the relay machine DB 204 has fields for the relay machine ID and the installation position. By setting information in these fields, installation position information for each combination of the relay ID and the installation position is stored in the relay machine DB 204 as a record. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, installation position information 900-1 to 900-n is stored in the relay machine DB 204.

Here, the relay ID represents the identifier of each relay 102. The installation position is installation position information indicating the installation position of each relay device 102. The installation position information is information that can identify one point on the map, and is, for example, information representing latitude and longitude, information representing coordinates, and the like. For example, in FIG. 9, the installation position information 900-1 indicates that the repeater 102 with the repeater ID “B1” is installed at a point represented by “north latitude x1 degree, longitude y1 degree”.

<Storage contents of threshold DB>
Next, an example of the contents stored in the threshold DB 205 will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the threshold DB 205. In FIG. 10, the threshold DB 205 includes a determination target time zone and a threshold field. By setting information in these fields, threshold information for each combination of the determination target time zone and the threshold is stored in the threshold DB 205 as a record. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, threshold information 1000-1 to 1000-24 is stored in the threshold DB 205.

The determination target time zone is information for specifying which threshold value is used for the number of steps stored in each time zone field of the step count DB 202. The determination target time zone is provided corresponding to each time zone field of the step count DB 202. The threshold value represents a threshold value for determining whether or not the livestock A to which the communication device 101 is attached is in estrus. For example, the originating information detection apparatus 104 determines whether or not the number of steps stored in the time zone field “0 to 1 o'clock” in the step count DB 202 is equal to or greater than the threshold “Th1” when the determination target time zone is “0 to 1 o'clock”. To do.

For example, the threshold values Th1 to Th24 may be different values or common values. For example, when the threshold values Th1 to Th24 in consideration of the ecology of the livestock A are set, the influence of the ecology of the livestock A can be reduced, and the detection accuracy of the estrus of the livestock A can be increased. Specifically, for example, when the livestock A is a nocturnal animal, for example, the threshold value from 22:00 to 3 o'clock is set to be higher than the threshold values in other time zones.

Further, the threshold values Th1 to Th24 may be different values for each livestock A, or may be common values for each livestock A. For example, by setting threshold values Th1 to Th24 based on the history of the number of steps acquired in the past for each livestock A, the influence of individual differences of each livestock A can be reduced, and detection of the estrus of each livestock A is detected. Accuracy can be increased. Specifically, for example, the threshold value is set to be higher for the livestock A walking on a daily basis than for the other livestock A.

As described above, in the case of this embodiment, the threshold values Th1 to Th24 of the threshold value DB 205 are determined for the number of steps per hour. Therefore, when the measurement result information is transmitted at 10-minute intervals, the originating information detection apparatus 104 calculates the number of steps per hour by accumulating the number of steps per 10 minutes for six times. Then, the calculated number of steps per hour is compared with the threshold value of the threshold value DB 205.

<Example of stored contents of step count integration table>
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the step count integration table 1100. The originating information notifying apparatus 104 stores a step count accumulation table 1100 shown in FIG. For example, the step count accumulation table 1100 is stored in a storage device such as the RAM 503, the magnetic disk 505, and the optical disk 507 of the information generating device 104.

In FIG. 11, the step count integration table 1100 has fields of measurement date / time, measurement value, and integration target step count. Information is set in each of these fields, and the step count integration table 1100 stores the integration target step count information for each combination of measurement date and time, measurement value, and integration target step count. In the example shown in FIG. 11, accumulation target step count information 1100-1 to 1100-6 is stored.

Here, the measurement date / time represents the date / time indicated by the received measurement result information. The measurement value represents a measurement value represented by the received measurement result information. The number of steps to be accumulated represents the number of steps of livestock A per 10 minutes. The number of steps to be accumulated can be obtained by subtracting the previous measurement value from the measurement value after two consecutive measurement values in the step number accumulation table 1100.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the originating information detecting device 104 has the measurement date and time “1:10”, “1:20”,..., “1:50”, “2:00”. Suppose that the received measurement result information is received. Here, the date of each measurement result information is the same day, and is “February 20, 2012” in the example shown in FIG. The measurement values represented by each measurement result information are “C11”, “C12”,..., “C15”, “C16”.

In this case, for example, the number of steps to be integrated with respect to the measurement date of “2:00” is obtained by subtracting the measurement value “C15” of “1:50” that is the previous measurement date from “C16”. H6 ". Specifically, H6 = C16−C15. The number of steps to be accumulated for the measurement date of “1:50” is “H5” obtained by subtracting the measurement value “C14” of “1:40”, which is the previous measurement date, from “C15”. Specifically, H5 = C15-C14.

Then, the originating information detection apparatus 104 stores the value obtained by integrating H1 to H6 in the time zone field “1-2 o'clock” of the date “February 20, 2012”. In the example shown in FIG. 7, “N302” is stored in the time zone field “1 to 2 o'clock” of the date “February 20, 2012”. For example, the value “N302” in FIG. 7 is a value obtained by integrating “H1 to H6” in FIG.

<Example of stored contents of work time zone DB>
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the work time zone DB 206. In FIG. 12, the work time zone DB 206 has attributes and work time zone fields. By setting information in these fields, the work time zone DB 206 stores attributes and work time zone information for each work time zone as records. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the work time zone information 1200-1 and 1200-2 are stored in the work time zone DB 206.

In the work time zone DB 206, the attribute is information for specifying the work day. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, a day of the week or the like can be used as an attribute. The attribute of the work time zone information 1200-1 is “Monday to Friday”. This indicates that the work time zone information 1200-1 is work time zone information when the work day is “Monday to Friday”. The attribute of the work time zone information 1200-2 is “Saturday to Sunday”. This indicates that the work time zone information 1200-2 is work time zone information when the work day is “Saturday to Sunday”. The attribute is not limited to the day of the week, and may be a holiday or a date, for example.

In the work time zone field, information representing the work time zone on the associated work day is stored. For example, in the work time zone information 1200-1 having an attribute of “Monday to Friday”, “5:00 to 7:00”, “8:00 to 12:00”, “13:00 to” “15:00”, “16:00 to 18:00”, and “19:00 to 21:00” represent the work hours of the worker W. Further, for example, in the work time zone information 1200-2 having the attribute of “Saturday to Sunday”, “5:00 to 7:00”, “8:00 to 12:00”, “13:00” “Minute to 15:00” and “16:00 to 18:00” represent the work hours of the worker W.

When the current information device 104 determines whether or not the current time is included in the work time zone of the worker W, it acquires the current date and time and the day of the week. Then, when the acquired day of the week is “Monday to Friday”, the originating information detection apparatus 104 includes the information stored in the work time zone field of the work time zone information 1200-1 and the acquired current date and time. From this, it is determined whether or not the current time is included in the work time zone.

In the work time zone field, information indicating whether or not there is a work allowance time in each work time zone is stored. In the example shown in FIG. 12, there is no spare time in the work time zone of “Monday to Friday” “5:00 to 7:00”, and “Monday to Friday” “8:00 to 12:00” The work time zone of “00 minutes” indicates that there is a work allowance time. For example, the worker W sets in advance that there is a work allowance time for a work time zone in which the work amount is relatively small. Conversely, the worker W sets in advance that there is no work allowance time for a work time zone in which the work amount is relatively large.

Also, the work time zone DB 206 may store work time zone information for each worker W for a plurality of workers W. For example, a plurality of workers W manage different livestock A. Therefore, in the work time zone DB 206, by associating the communication device ID with the worker ID that is the identifier of the worker W, the originating information detection apparatus 104 allows the work of the worker W managing each communication device 101. It is possible to determine whether or not it is a time zone.

Specifically, for example, the example shown in FIG. 12 shows the work time zone information of the worker W who manages the livestock A to which the communication device 101 with the communication device ID “G01” is attached. For example, when receiving the measurement result information and the communication device identification information, the originating information detection device 104 determines from the communication device 101 attached to the livestock A managed by any worker W from the received communication device identification information. It is specified whether it is the measurement result information. Next, the originating information detection apparatus 104 acquires the work time zone information from the work time zone DB 206 of the worker W who manages the communication device 101 from the identified communication device 101, and determines whether the current time is the work time zone. judge.

As a result, for example, for the worker W having different work time zones, the originating information detection apparatus 104 may or may not shorten the transmission interval of the measurement result information of the communication device 101 managed by each. be able to. Therefore, the calling information notification device 104 can support the tracking of the livestock A according to each worker W, and can suppress the battery consumption of the communication device 101.

(Functional configuration example of the originating information detection device)
FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the originating information detection apparatus 104. In FIG. 13, the originating information detection apparatus 104 includes an acquisition unit 1301, a first determination unit 1302, a second determination unit 1303, a third determination unit 1304, and an output unit 1305. Functions serving as the control unit, that is, the acquisition unit 1301 to the output unit 1305 are executed by causing the CPU 501 to execute a program stored in the magnetic disk 505 shown in FIG. The function is realized by 505 or the like. The processing result of each functional unit is stored in the RAM 503, for example.

The acquisition unit 1301 has a function of acquiring the measurement results of the number of steps of each of the plurality of domestic animals A and the position information of each of the plurality of domestic animals A. For example, the acquisition unit 1301 acquires the measurement result of the number of steps of each livestock A by receiving the measurement result information from the communication device 101 attached to each livestock A via the network 220. In addition, when receiving the measurement result information, the acquisition unit 1301 receives the relay machine identification information of the relay machine 102 that relayed the measurement result information, and acquires the received relay machine identification information as the position information of the livestock A.

The first determination unit 1302 has a function of determining whether each of the plurality of livestock A is in estrus according to the first condition based on the measurement result of the number of steps acquired by the acquisition unit 1301. For example, when the determination is made with the first determination condition, the first determination unit 1302 has three consecutive steps measured every hour stored in the step count DB 202 that are equal to or greater than the threshold set by the threshold DB 205. It is determined whether or not, and if three or more consecutive threshold values or more, it is determined that estrus has occurred.

When the first determination unit 1302 determines that the estrus is in estrus, the second determination unit 1303 refers to the storage unit that holds the work time zone of the worker W and determines whether the current time is included in the work time zone. It has the function to do. For example, the second determination unit 1303 acquires the current date and time when the first determination unit 1302 determines that it is an estrus, and uses the acquired current date and time and the work time zone DB 206 to determine the current time as the work time zone. It is determined whether it is included in.

If the second determination unit 1303 determines that the current time is included in the work time zone, the third determination unit 1304 is located around the specific livestock A determined as estrus by the first determination unit 1302 For livestock A, it is determined whether or not a sign of estrus is shown according to the second determination condition. For example, the 3rd determination part 1304 specifies each domestic animal A equipped with each communication apparatus 101 which transmitted the measurement result information via the same relay machine 102 as the domestic animal A of the same group. Next, the third determination unit 1304 refers to the step count DB 202 to acquire step count information of each domestic animal A in the same group, and determines whether the acquired step count information satisfies a predetermined condition.

The 3rd determination part 1304 determines the domestic animal A which shows the sign of estrus by the looser determination criteria than the 1st determination part 1302. For example, for the other livestock A, the third determination unit 1304 determines whether the number of steps per hour measured most recently stored in the step count DB 202 is equal to or greater than the threshold value determined by the threshold DB 205. If two or more are continuously equal to or greater than the threshold, it is determined that a sign of estrus is indicated. In addition, for example, the third determination unit 1304 determines the livestock A that shows the sign of estrus using a threshold that is set lower than the threshold used by the first determination unit 1302 for the other livestock A. You may do it.

The output unit 1305 has a function of outputting the identification information of the livestock A determined as estrus by the first determination unit 1302 and the identification information of the plurality of livestock A determined by the third determination unit 1304 as signs of estrus. For example, when the output unit 1305 indicates the communication device identification information of the communication device 101 attached to the livestock A determined to be estrus by the first determination unit 1302 and the third determination unit 1304 via the network 220, the estrus sign is indicated. The communication device identification information of the communication device 101 attached to the determined livestock A is transmitted to the client device 105. Further, when the second determination unit 1303 determines that the current time is not included in the work time zone, the output unit 1305 communicates with the communication device 101 attached to the livestock A determined as estrus by the first determination unit 1302. Only the machine identification information may be transmitted to the client device 105.

(Example of client device display)
Next, a display example by the client device 105 will be described. The display example described below is displayed on the display 106 when, for example, the client device 105 receives the communication device identification information, the relay device identification information, and the installation position information from the calling information notification device 104.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example by the client device 105. In FIG. 14, for example, a message 1401 is displayed on the display 106 to suggest to the worker W that the livestock A wearing the communication device identification information received from the information generating device 104 has been in estrus. Further, the message 1401 includes content indicating to the operator W that the relay machine 102 corresponding to the received relay machine identification information is the relay machine 102 located in the vicinity of the livestock A that has been in estrus. For example, the communication device ID of the communication device 101 attached to the livestock A determined to be in estrus is “G01”, and the relay device ID of the relay device 102 that relayed the measurement result information transmitted from the communication device 101 most recently. Is “B1”. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14, the client apparatus 105 displays a message 1401 on the display 106 such as “a livestock wearing the communication device“ G01 ”in the vicinity of the relay device with the relay device ID“ B1 ”is in estrus”. indicate.

The message 1401 allows the worker W to make a star of where the estrus livestock A is. Therefore, the worker W can narrow down the range to be searched when searching for the estrused livestock A, and can reduce the work load and time required when searching for the estrused livestock A.

Further, the originating information detecting device 104 also transmits to the client device 105 the communication device identification information of the communication device 101 attached to the other livestock A that is in the vicinity of the livestock A that has been in estrus and shows signs of estrus. When the client device 105 receives the communication device identification information of the communication device 101 attached to the other livestock A indicating the sign of estrus, the client device 105 displays a message 1401 including content suggesting the communication device identification information. May be. For example, there is a livestock A that is attached to the communication device 101 with the communication device ID “G03” and is in estrus with the communication device 101 with the communication device ID “G01”, and that shows a sign of estrus. To do. In this case, the client device 105 may estrus even if the livestock is equipped with the communication device “G03” near the relay device with the relay device ID “B1”. Is displayed on the display 106. Thereby, the confirmation work of the worker W about the other livestock A that can be confirmed and can be confirmed together with the confirmation work of the livestock A in estrus can be promoted.

Also, the display 106 displays an installation position image 1402 that suggests to the worker W the point specified by the installation position information. For example, here, the installation position image 1402 includes a map image Mp and a point image P. Here, the map image Mp is an image representing a map in a predetermined range including a point specified by the installation position information. The point image P is an image representing a point specified by the installation position information on the map image Mp. As shown in FIG. 14, the installation position image 1402 is an image in which the point image P is displayed in a layered manner on the map image Mp.

Further, the client device 105 may display a communication area image E representing the communication area of the relay device 102. For example, here, the communication area image E is an image representing a predetermined range including a point specified by the installation position information. The communication area image E need not strictly represent the communication area of the repeater 102. For example, the communication area image E may be an image representing a range having a radius of 150 m centered on a point specified by the installation position information.

For example, when the client device 105 stores map data, the client device 105 generates image data for displaying the installation position image 1402 based on the stored map data and the received installation position information. . In addition, when the originating information notifying device 104 stores map data, the originating information notifying device 104 generates image data for displaying the installation position image 1402 based on the stored map data and installation location information. The generated image data may be transmitted to the client device 105.

Even if the worker W is a low-skilled worker W who does not know the position of the repeater 102 from the repeater ID based on the installation position image 1402, the worker W is where the livestock A wearing the tracked communication device 101 is located. You can add a star. Therefore, the worker W can narrow down the range to be searched in searching for the livestock A to which the communication device 101 to be tracked is attached, and can reduce the work load and time required for searching for the livestock A.

Further, the client device 105 may display a flag release button on the display 106 for setting the estrus sign flag of the livestock A to OFF. For example, when the flag release button is pressed by the worker W, the client device 105 transmits a flag release request for setting the estrus sign flag of the livestock A to OFF to the information source notification device 104. By receiving the flag release request, the information generating device 104 can determine that the flag release operation has been accepted and set the estrus sign flag of livestock A to OFF.

(Communication device processing procedure)
Next, a processing procedure of the communication device 101 will be described. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the communication device 101. In the flowchart of FIG. 15, first, the communication device 101 determines whether an acceleration greater than or equal to a predetermined value has occurred in the communication device 101 by the sensor 304 (step S1501). When the communication device 101 determines that the acceleration equal to or greater than the predetermined value has not occurred (step S1501: No), the communication device 101 proceeds to the process of step S1503.

Further, when the communication device 101 determines that an acceleration of a predetermined value or more has occurred (step S1501: Yes), it increments the current measurement value by “+1” (step S1502). As a result, the communication device 101 can accumulate the current measured value by +1 each time acceleration occurs in the communication device 101 as the livestock A walks. Next, the communication device 101 determines whether it is the transmission timing of the measurement result information (step S1503). For example, as described above, the communication device 101 determines that the transmission timing of the measurement result information has come when the time measured by the timer 305 reaches a predetermined time.

In step S1503, the communication apparatus 101 determines the transmission timing of the measurement result information using different conditions for each set transmission interval. Specifically, when the communication device 101 sets the transmission interval to one hour, the time measured by the timer 305 is one hour, such as “0:00”, “1:00”, and so on. It is determined that the transmission timing has come when the predetermined time of the interval comes.

On the other hand, when the communication device 101 sets the transmission interval to 10 minutes, the time measured by the timer 305 is “10:10”, “0:20”, etc. It is determined that the transmission timing of the measurement result information has come when the predetermined time comes. Further, when the communication apparatus 101 sets the transmission interval to 1 minute, the time counted by the timer 305 is “0:01”, “0:02”, etc. It is determined that the transmission timing of the measurement result information has come when the predetermined time comes.

When the communication device 101 determines that the transmission timing of the measurement result information has come (step S1503: Yes), the measurement result information that associates the date and time at the transmission timing of the current measurement result information with the current measurement value is the measurement result. The information is stored in the information table 201 (step S1504). Thereby, the communication apparatus 101 can memorize | store the measured value in the time, whenever it becomes a transmission timing of measurement result information.

And the communication apparatus 101 transmits each measurement result information memorize | stored in the measurement result information table 201 and its own communication apparatus identification information to the relay apparatus 102 (step S1505), and moves to the process of step S1506. Thereby, the communication apparatus 101 can transmit measurement result information at a predetermined transmission interval.

As described above, when the relay device 102 receives the measurement result information and the communication device identification information from the communication device 101, the relay device 102 transmits the received measurement result information and the communication device identification information and the relay device identification information of its own device to the network. The information is transmitted to the originating information detection apparatus 104 via 220.

In step S1503, when the communication device 101 determines that the measurement result information transmission timing is not reached (step S1503: No), the communication device 101 proceeds to step S1506. Next, the communication device 101 determines whether an instruction to change the transmission interval of measurement result information has been received from the relay device 102 (step S1506). If a transmission interval change instruction has not been received (step S1506: NO), a series of processing according to this flowchart ends.

When the communication apparatus 101 receives an instruction to change the transmission interval (step S1506: Yes), the communication apparatus 101 sets the transmission interval according to the received change instruction (step S1507), and ends the series of processes according to this flowchart. As a result, the communication device 101 can change the transmission interval according to the received change instruction.

Further, the communication device 101 may reset the measurement value to “0” at a predetermined timing. For example, the communication device 101 resets the measurement value to “0” when a predetermined time comes, for example, when it becomes “0:00” every day. Further, the communication device 101 may reset the measurement value to “0” when receiving an instruction to reset the measurement value to “0” from the originating information notification device 104 via the relay device 102.

(Processing procedure of originating information detector)
Next, the processing procedure of the originating information detection apparatus 104 will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the originating information detection apparatus 104. For example, when there is no estrus sign flag and estrus sign flag set to “1” in the step count DB 202, that is, the estrus sign flag, the estrus information notifying device 104 performs the process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In the flowchart of FIG. 16, first, the originating information detection apparatus 104 determines whether measurement result information, communication device identification information, and relay device identification information have been received from the relay device 102 (step S1601). Then, the originating information detection device 104 waits until receiving the measurement result information, the communication device identification information, and the relay device identification information (step S1601: No).

When receiving the measurement result information, the communication device identification information, and the relay device identification information (step S1601: Yes), the originating information detection apparatus 104 stores the transmission source DB 203 based on the received communication device identification information and the relay device identification information. The contents are updated (step S1602). For example, in step S1602, the source information detection apparatus 104 transmits source relay device information in which the communication device ID represented by the received communication device identification information and the relay device ID represented by the received relay device identification information are associated with each other. To remember.

Next, the originating information detection apparatus 104 calculates the number of steps of the livestock A based on the communication device identification information and the measurement result information received in step S1601, and stores the calculated number of steps in the step count DB 202 (step S1603). As described above, in step S1603, the originating information detection apparatus 104 calculates the number of steps for each communication device 101 based on the received communication device identification information and measurement result information, and stores the calculated number of steps. The calculation of the number of steps of livestock A based on the received measurement result information has been described with reference to FIG.

Next, in the step information stored in the step count DB 202 for the communication device identification information received in step S1601, the calling information notification device 104 uses the threshold value DB 205 to determine the number of steps in the two most recently measured time zones. It is determined whether the threshold value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S1604).

When it is determined that the number of steps in the two most recently measured time periods is greater than or equal to the threshold (step S1604: Yes), the originating information detection apparatus 104 acquires the current date and day of the week (step S1605). For example, the originating information detection apparatus 104 may acquire the current date and time and the day of the week by using a clock function of the own apparatus, or may acquire the network by using, for example, NTP (Network Time Protocol). . Furthermore, the originating information notification apparatus 104 may acquire the last measurement date and time as the current date and time among the measurement dates and times included in the received measurement result information.

When the current information date and time and the day of the week are acquired, the originating information detection apparatus 104 acquires work time zone information specified by the acquired day of the week from the work time zone DB 206 (step S1606). Further, as described above, the originating information detection apparatus 104 may use the communication device identification information received when specifying the work time zone information to be acquired. As a result, the originating information detection apparatus 104 can acquire work time zone information corresponding to the worker W managing the communication device 101 for each communication device 101.

Next, the originating information detection apparatus 104 determines whether or not the current time is included in the work time zone from the acquired current date and time and work time zone information (step S1607). Further, as described above, the originating information detection apparatus 104 determines whether it is a work time zone according to the worker W that transmitted the current measurement result information, based on the communication device identification information received in step S1601. May be. If the current time is not the work time zone (step S1607: NO), the originating information notifying apparatus 104 ends the series of processes according to this flowchart.

On the other hand, if the current time is the work time zone (step S1607: Yes), the information-establishing information device 104 sets the estrus sign flag to “1” and stores the estrus sign flag ON date and time (step S1608). For example, the originating information detection apparatus 104 stores the most recent measurement date / time as the flag ON date / time in the received measurement result information. Further, for example, the originating information detection apparatus 104 may acquire the current date and time and store the acquired current date and time as the flag ON date and time.

Next, the originating information detection apparatus 104 transmits a change instruction to change the interval from 1 hour to 10 minutes to the repeater 102 (step S1609), and ends a series of processing according to this flowchart. If it is determined in step S1604 that it is not equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S1604: No), the originating information notifying apparatus 104 ends the series of processes according to this flowchart as it is.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the originating information detection apparatus 104. For example, when there is an estrus sign flag that is set to “1”, that is, ON in the step count DB 202, the originating information notifying device 104 performs the process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In the flowchart of FIG. 17, first, the originating information detection apparatus 104 determines whether the measurement result information, the communication device identification information, and the relay device identification information are received from the relay device 102 (step S1701). Then, the originating information detection apparatus 104 waits until receiving the measurement result information, the communication device identification information, and the relay device identification information (step S1701: No).

Upon receiving the measurement result information, the communication device identification information, and the relay device identification information (step S1701: Yes), the originating information detection apparatus 104 is similar to step S1602 based on the received communication device identification information and the relay device identification information. The stored contents of the transmission source DB 203 are updated (step S1702).

Next, based on the received repeater identification information and the repeater DB 204, the calling information notification device 104 acquires the installation position information of the repeater 102 that is the transmission source of the measurement result information received this time (step S1703). In step S1703, the originating information detection apparatus 104 acquires the installation position information associated with the relay machine ID of the received relay machine identification information from the relay machine DB 204.

Next, the originating information detection apparatus 104 transmits the relay station identification information received in step S1701 and the installation position information acquired in step S1703 to the client apparatus 105 (step S1704). Then, based on the received measurement result information, the originating information detection apparatus 104 calculates the number of steps of the livestock A to which the communication device 101 that has transmitted the measurement result information is attached, and stores the calculated number of steps in the step count integration table 1100. (Step S1705).

Next, the originating information detection apparatus 104 determines whether the number of steps per hour can be calculated based on the measurement result information transmitted at 10-minute intervals (step S1706). For example, in step S <b> 1706, the originating information detection apparatus 104 determines whether six step numbers to be accumulated are stored in the step number accumulation table 1100. When six accumulation target steps are stored, the originating information detection apparatus 104 determines that the number of steps per hour can be calculated. If the number of steps per hour cannot be calculated (step S1706: NO), the originating information detection apparatus 104 proceeds to the process of step S1701.

When it is determined that the number of steps per hour can be calculated (step S1706: Yes), the originating information detection apparatus 104 calculates the number of steps per hour by integrating the six number of steps to be accumulated stored in the step count accumulation table 1100. Then, the calculated number of steps is stored in the number of steps DB 202 (step S1707). As a result, the originating information detection apparatus 104 can calculate the number of steps per hour from the measurement result information transmitted at a transmission interval of 10 minutes and store the number of steps in the step count DB 202.

Next, the originating information detection apparatus 104 determines whether or not the number of steps per hour calculated in step S1607 is equal to or greater than the threshold defined in the threshold DB 205 (step S1708). If it is determined that the threshold value is greater than or equal to the threshold (step S1708: Yes), the originating information device 104 sets the estrus sign flag to “1”, that is, ON, and stores the flag ON date and time (step S1709). Then, the originating information detection apparatus 104 transmits a change instruction for changing the transmission interval from the 10-minute interval to the 1-minute interval to the communication device 101 via the relay device 102 (step S1710). Terminate the process.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of steps per hour calculated in step S1707 is not greater than or equal to the threshold (step S1708: No), the originating information notifying apparatus 104 sets the estrus predictor flag to “0”, that is, OFF (step S1711). ). Then, the originating information detection apparatus 104 transmits a change instruction for instructing to change the transmission interval from the 10-minute interval to the 1-hour interval to the communication device 101 via the relay device 102 (step S1712). End the process. Note that, for example, if the estrus information notifying apparatus 104 sets the estrus sign flag to OFF in step S1711, the stored information in the step count accumulation table 1100 is cleared.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart (part 3) illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the originating information detection apparatus 104. For example, when there is an estrus indication flag set to “1”, that is, ON in the step count DB 202, the originating information notifying device 104 performs the process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In the flowchart of FIG. 18, first, the originating information detection apparatus 104 determines whether the measurement result information, the communication device identification information, and the relay device identification information are received from the relay device 102 (step S1801). Then, the originating information detection apparatus 104 waits until receiving measurement result information, communication device identification information, and relay device identification information (step S1801: No).

When receiving the measurement result information, the communication device identification information, and the relay device identification information (step S1801: Yes), the calling information notification device 104 acquires the current date and day of the week as in step S1605, It is determined whether or not the work time zone DB 206 is a time zone set as having a work surplus time (step S1802).

If it is a time zone set when there is no work surplus time (step S1802: No), the calling information detection device 104 is based on the received communication device identification information and relay device identification information, as in step S1702, etc. The stored contents of the transmission source DB 203 are updated (step S1803). Next, as in step S1703, the originating information detection apparatus 104 acquires the installation position information of the relay device 102 that is the transmission source of the measurement result information received this time, based on the received relay device identification information and the relay device DB 204. (Step S1804).

Next, the originating information detection apparatus 104 transmits the communication apparatus identification information and the relay apparatus identification information received in step S1801 and the installation position information acquired in step S1804 to the client apparatus 105 via the network 220 (step S1805). ). In step S <b> 1805, the originating information detection apparatus 104 may specify the livestock ID from the communication device ID of the communication device identification information with reference to the step count DB 202 and transmit the livestock ID to the worker W. .

Next, the information generating device 104 determines whether or not a flag release operation for setting the estrus sign flag by the worker W to OFF is received (step S1806). If the flag information release operation is not received (step S1806: No), the calling information notification apparatus 104 proceeds to the process of step S1801 and repeats the process of each step described above.

When the flag canceling operation is accepted (step S1806: Yes), the originating information notifying device 104 sets the estrus sign flag set to ON to OFF (step S1807), and changes the transmission interval from one minute interval to one hour interval. Is sent to the communication device 101 via the relay device 102 (step S1808), and a series of processing according to this flowchart ends. As a result, the originating information detection apparatus 104 can return the transmission interval of the communication device 101 to the one-hour interval according to the operation of the worker W, and can suppress the battery consumption of the communication device 101.

Similarly to step S1707, the calling information detection apparatus 104 calculates the number of steps per hour based on the measurement result information transmitted at one-minute intervals, and stores the calculated number of steps per hour in the step count DB 202. May be. As a result, the originating information detection device 104 calculates the number of steps in the same manner as when the measurement result information is transmitted at intervals of 10 minutes even when the communication device 101 transmits the measurement result information at intervals of 1 minute. It can be stored in the step count DB 202.

On the other hand, if it is the time zone in which there is a work surplus time (step S1802: Yes), the information generating device 104 is the same group of domestic animals A as the domestic animals A whose estrus sign flag is set to ON. It is determined whether there is another domestic animal A whose estrus sign flag is ON (step S1809). For example, in step S1809, the source information detection apparatus 104 refers to the transmission source DB 203, and the relay device ID indicated by the relay device identification information received in step S1801 corresponds to the same relay device ID as the transmission source relay device ID. The attached communication device ID is specified. After identifying the communication device ID, the calling information notification device 104 refers to the step count DB 202 and determines whether the estrus predictor flag is set to ON for each identified communication device ID. By the processing in step S1809, the information-establishing device 104 determines that the livestock A whose estrus sign flag is set to ON, that is, other livestock A that is likely to be in estrus around the livestock A determined to be in estrus. It can be determined whether or not. If there is no other livestock A (step S1809: No), the originating information notifying apparatus 104 proceeds to the process of step S1803.

If there is another livestock A (step S1809: Yes), the originating information detection device 104 stores the stored contents of the transmission source DB 203 based on the received communication device identification information and relay device identification information, as in step S1803. Update (step S1810). Next, based on the received livestock number, the relay machine identification information, and the relay machine DB 204, the calling information detection apparatus 104 sets the installation position of the relay machine 102 that is the transmission source of the measurement result information received this time, similarly to step S1804. Information is acquired (step S1811).

Next, the originating information detection apparatus 104 transmits the communication apparatus identification information and the relay apparatus identification information received in step S1801 and the installation position information acquired in step S1811 to the client apparatus 105 via the network 220 (step S1812). ), The process proceeds to step S1806. In step S1812, the source information detection apparatus 104 also transmits to the client apparatus 105 communication apparatus identification information of the communication apparatus 101 attached to the other livestock A identified in step S1809. By the processing in step S1812, the information generating device 104 may notify the worker W of the livestock A that is in the vicinity of the estrused livestock A together with the estrus livestock A in the work margin time. it can.

In step S1812, as in step S1805, the originating information detection apparatus 104 refers to the step count DB 202 and the like, identifies each livestock ID from each communication device ID, and transmits each livestock ID to the worker W. It may be.

Further, in the above-described example, when the number of steps of the livestock A does not satisfy the predetermined condition or when the flag release operation is accepted, the estrus sign flag and the estrus sign flag are set to OFF, and the transmission interval is set to one hour interval. Although the change instruction which instruct | indicates to change is transmitted, it is not restricted to this. For example, the estrus information notifying device 104 may perform the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 19 when the estrus sign flag or the estrus sign flag is set to ON.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart (part 4) illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the originating information detection apparatus 104. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 19, the originating information notifying apparatus 104 first determines whether an estrus sign flag or an estrus sign flag is ON (step S1901). Then, the estrus information recognition device 104 waits until the estrus sign flag or the estrus sign flag is turned ON (step S1901: No).

If the estrus sign flag or the estrus sign flag is turned on (step S1901: Yes), the estrus information device 104 acquires the current date and day of the week (step S1902). Next, the originating information detection apparatus 104 acquires work time zone information specified by the acquired day of the week from the work time zone DB 206 (step S1903).

Next, the originating information detection apparatus 104 determines whether or not the current time is included in the work time zone from the acquired current date and time and work time zone information (step S1904). When the current time is included in the work time zone (step S1904: Yes), the originating information notifying apparatus 104 ends the series of processes according to this flowchart. When the current time is not included in the work time zone (step S1904: No), the information-establishing information device 104 sets the estrus sign flag and the estrus sign flag to OFF (step S1905).

Next, the originating information detection apparatus 104 transmits a change instruction instructing to change the transmission interval to a one-minute interval to the communication device 101 via the relay device 102 (step S1906), and a series of processing according to this flowchart is performed. finish. For example, in step S1906, the originating information detection apparatus 104 transmits a change instruction to all the communication devices 101. Further, in step S1906, the information source device 104 identifies the communication device 101 in which the estrus sign flag or the estrus sign flag is set to ON from the step count DB 202, and transmits a change instruction to the identified communication device 101. Also good.

As a result, the originating information detection device 104 was in the work time zone when the transmission interval of the communication device 101 was shortened, but after that the worker W was out of the work time zone while reducing the transmission interval. In this case, the transmission interval of the communication device 101 can be returned to the 1 hour interval. Therefore, the originating information notification device 104 can suppress battery consumption of the communication device 101. For example, the process shown in FIG. 19 is particularly effective when the worker W cannot engage in work for some time in the future because the current time is at night. For this reason, for example, the originating information notifying device 104 may perform the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19 at the end of the last working time of the day.

Further, in the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19, the information-establishing information device 104 sets the current estrus sign flag and estrus sign flag to the RAM 503 or magnetic disk before setting the estrus sign flag and estrus sign flag to OFF. You may back up to 505 or the like. Then, based on the information backed up as described above, the originating information notifying device 104 sets the estrus sign flag and the estrus sign flag to ON when returning to the work time zone, and issues a change instruction according to the flag to the communication device 101. You may send it. As a result, the originating information detection device 104 can assist the worker W in tracking the livestock A when the work time zone comes again, and can reduce the work burden on the worker W.

As described above, when the detected information livestock A 104 detects the estrus livestock A, it will estrus soon around the estrus livestock A if it is in the work time zone of the worker W. It is determined whether there is another possible livestock A. Then, if there is another livestock A that is likely to be in estrus in the vicinity of the livestock A that has been estrus, the estimator 104 will identify the livestock A that has been in estrus and other livestock A that may be in estrus soon. Is notified to the worker W.

As a result, according to the information generating device 104, even if the livestock A is in estrus, it is out of the working time. For example, if the worker W cannot immediately reach the livestock A in estrus, the necessary minimum This information can be notified to prevent adverse effects caused by erroneous determination as much as possible. Then, the originating information notifying device 104 can suppress the troublesomeness of the worker W or suppress the worker W from being consumed.

In addition, when the worker W is in the work time zone of the worker W and can go to the livestock A that has been in estrus, the information generating device 104 can confirm the information together with the confirmation work of the livestock A that has estrus. An operator's confirmation work can also be urged to other livestock A. Thereby, not only the livestock A that has been in estrus, but also the state of other livestock A that has the possibility of being in estrus can be confirmed by the worker W, and signs of estrus of the other livestock A can be quickly noticed.

Moreover, according to the originating information detection apparatus 104, when the abnormal state of the livestock A is detected and the current time is included in the work time zone, the transmission interval of the measurement result information of the communication device 101 can be shortened. And every time the measurement result information is received at a shortened transmission interval, the originating information notification device 104 notifies the operator W of the relay machine ID of the relay machine 102 that relays the received measurement result information. it can.

As a result, when the abnormal state of the livestock A is not detected or when the current time is not the work time zone, the calling information detection device 104 can reduce the frequency of transmission of the measurement result information of the communication device 101. Battery consumption can be suppressed, and the work burden on the operator W can be reduced.

Further, the originating information detection device 104 detects an abnormal state of the livestock A and shortens the interval for notifying the worker W of relay machine identification information that is a guide for the position where the livestock A is in the work time zone. can do. As a result, the originating information detection device 104 can assist the worker W in tracking the abnormal livestock A and reduce the work load on the worker W.

Moreover, according to the information generating apparatus 104, when the estrus of the livestock A is detected and the worker W is in the work time zone, the transmission interval of the measurement result information of the communication device 101 can be shortened. And every time the measurement result information is received at a shortened transmission interval, the originating information notification device 104 notifies the operator W of the relay machine ID of the relay machine 102 that relays the received measurement result information. it can. As a result, the information-generating device 104 can support the tracking of the livestock A in estrus by the worker W while suppressing battery consumption of the communication device 101.

Further, according to the information generating device 104, it is possible to determine whether the livestock A is in estrus based on the number of steps in different time zones that are sequentially measured. Thereby, the information generating apparatus 104 can improve the detection accuracy of the estrus of the livestock A, and can reduce the work burden caused to the worker W due to erroneous determination.

Then, according to the information generating device 104, when it is detected that the livestock A is in estrus, the transmission interval of the measurement result information of the communication device 101 can be further shortened. Thereby, the originating information notifying apparatus 104 can shorten the distance that the livestock A can move within the transmission interval of the measurement result information, and can support the tracking of the livestock A in estrus by the worker W.

Moreover, according to the information generating apparatus 104, when it is determined that the estrus of the livestock A is an erroneous determination, the transmission interval of the communication device 101 can be restored from the shortened transmission interval to the normal transmission interval. . As a result, the originating information notification device 104 can reduce the work load on the operator W by suppressing battery consumption of the communication device 101.

Furthermore, according to the originating information detection apparatus 104, it is possible to notify the worker W of installation position information indicating the installation position of the repeater 102. As a result, the originating information detection apparatus 104 can facilitate the grasping of the position of the livestock A by the worker W, and can assist the tracking of the livestock A.

It should be noted that the information dispatching method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. The originating information detection program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. Further, the present information informing program may be distributed through a network such as the Internet.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Communication apparatus 102 Relay machine 104 Originating information notification apparatus 105 Client apparatus

Claims (6)

Based on the step count measurement result from the step count measuring means respectively attached to a plurality of livestock, a computer information notification method executed by a computer that reports estrus,
Collecting the step count results of each of the plurality of livestock and position information of each of the plurality of livestock;
Based on the step count measurement result, estrus is determined under a first condition for each of the plurality of livestock,
If it is determined that the specific livestock is estrus, with reference to the storage unit that holds the work time zone of the worker, determine whether the current time is included in the work time zone,
When the current time is included in the work time zone, based on the step count measurement result, an indication of estrus is provided for the plurality of livestocks around the specific livestock under a second condition that is looser than the first condition. Judgment,
The identification information of the specific livestock that has determined estrus, and the identification information of the plurality of domestic animals that have determined signs of estrus,
A method of notifying information, characterized by executing processing. The method of generating information according to claim 1,
The process of determining the sign of estrus refers to the storage unit that holds information on the herd of the plurality of livestock, and determines the sign of estrus for the plurality of livestock belonging to the same group as the specific livestock A method of generating information originating from the above. Based on the step count measurement results from the step count measuring means respectively attached to a plurality of livestock, an estrus information notifying device for notifying the estrus,
The acquisition unit that collects the step count measurement result of each of the plurality of domestic animals and the position information of each of the plurality of domestic animals;
A storage unit for holding the work time zone of the worker;
A first determination unit that determines estrus under a first condition for each of the plurality of livestock based on the step count measurement result;
If the first determination unit determines that the particular livestock is in estrus, it determines whether or not the current time is included in the work time zone. When the current time is included in the work time zone, Based on a second condition looser than the first condition, a second determination unit that determines signs of estrus for the plurality of livestock around the specific livestock,
An output unit that outputs the identification information of the specific livestock whose estrus has been determined by the first determination unit, and the identification information of the plurality of domestic animals whose signs of estrus have been determined by the second determination unit;
A device for generating information according to claim. The originating information detection apparatus according to claim 3,
The second determination unit has information on the herd of the plurality of livestock, and determines the sign of estrus for the plurality of livestock belonging to the same group as the specific livestock. apparatus. Based on the step count measurement results from the step count measuring means attached to each of a plurality of livestock, a computer program for causing the computer to perform estrus notification,
Collecting the step count results of each of the plurality of livestock and position information of each of the plurality of livestock;
Based on the step count measurement result, estrus is determined under a first condition for each of the plurality of livestock,
If it is determined that the specific livestock is estrus, with reference to the storage unit that holds the work time zone of the worker, determine whether the current time is included in the work time zone,
When the current time is included in the work time zone, based on the step count measurement result, an indication of estrus is provided for the plurality of livestocks around the specific livestock under a second condition that is looser than the first condition. Judgment,
The identification information of the specific livestock that has determined estrus, and the identification information of the plurality of domestic animals that have determined signs of estrus,
An information generation information program characterized by causing a process to be executed. The originating information knowledge program according to claim 5,
The process of determining the sign of estrus refers to the storage unit that holds information on the herd of the plurality of livestock, and determines the sign of estrus for the plurality of livestock belonging to the same group as the specific livestock An information-reporting program characterized by that.

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