WO2025228512A1

WO2025228512A1 - A method of registering catches and a catch registration system

Info

Publication number: WO2025228512A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/061910
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sébastien FAURE
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2024-04-30
Filing date: 2024-04-30
Publication date: 2025-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2026-10-30

Abstract

The invention makes it possible to easily register catches made by both lethal and non-lethal hunting techniques, for the management, control and administration of hunting and trapping. A visual record of the individualities of the structure of the given body area of the catch according to the species of catch is used for registering catches. The individualities of the structure are unique for each catch, therefore, it is not possible to register one catch more than once. The invented system is reliable and has the potential to spread easily and quickly among information technology users, as it only requires the use of a smartphone, or tablet or similar device falling into the category of user device (5), with a digital camera and display (7) connected to telecommunications network for sending registration records to the catch database (3) operated on the server (1).

Description

A method of registering catches and a catch registration system

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a method of registering catches and a catch registration system for users of information technologies, in particular mobile platforms, and for administration of wildlife management, conservation and game management.

Background of the Invention

Catch means both a killed catch and a live catch that has only been caught and then returned to the wild.

As for killed catches, every management or administration of game and animal hunting sets currently hunting conditions in such a manner that devastation of the conditions of hunted animals is avoided, or vice versa, that excessive populations of hunted animals do not cause environmental and economic damage. Unfortunately, even the best hunting conditions face the bare fact that many hunters and registries of hunted game and animals incorrectly register catches, which does not allow effective hunting management and administration.

Incorrect catch registration is usually the result of unintentional acts of hunters, which is caused by the complexity of catch registration, which is often beyond the hunter’s ability to correctly register the catch. Alternatively, the incorrect catch registration is the result of intentional acts of hunters, either for the purpose of their own enrichment or for the purpose of distorting the registered data from reality in order to influence the number of hunted game and animals, e.g. in order to preserve the surplus hunted game and animals for the next hunting season, regardless of economic damage caused by surplus game and animals in their environment.

An example of a complex catch registration is the support system for the hunting of ungulates, which rewards hunters for each catch. In order for the hunter to claim his/her reward, he/she must make a photographic record of the carcass after catching, then make irreversible changes to the carcass, and again make a photographic record of a mutilated, i.e. visibly and irreversibly damaged, or otherwise modified carcass. Therefore, the purpose of this registration is to prevent the hunter from registering the catch more than once.

The disadvantages of the above-mentioned original solution are that dishonest persons know methods of registering one catch multiple times, further that the mutilation of the carcass of the catch is excluded with the philosophy of dignified and ethical handling of the catch, which is inherent to a large group of hunters, and further that not every hunter is photographer and clerk skilled enough to make an indisputable registration of a carcass.

The problem with live catches is that it is often impossible to provide them with a unique identifier (e.g. bird ringing, chip, tattoo, etc.), so duplications of the outcome of capture can occur. The current situation sets conditions for live catches to be properly identified for later recognition in case of repeated capture without excessive stress.

The object of the invention is to create a method of registering catches and a catch registration system, which would be easy for users of information technologies, in particular mobile devices, and which would prevent any error, whether intentional or unintentional, with the registration of catches of both categories.

Summary of the Invention

The object is achieved by creating a method of registering catches and a catch registration system according to the invention below.

The method of registering catches consists of the following steps:

(a) the catch is prepared for the making of a visual record,

(b) a visual record of the catch is made,

(c) an accompanying multimedia record is created, (d) the visual record of the catch and the accompanying multimedia record is registered in the registration database.

The summary of the invention is that during step (b) at least one body area of the catch with individualities of the structure is selected according to the type of catch, then a visual record is made for at least one angle of view of the selected body area of the catch, making at least one visual record for each angle of view. This is advantageous as the catch as a whole was visually recorded so far, but such a visual record did not have sufficient resolution, while a visual record of a specific body area with (biometric) individualities of the structure is basically a “fingerprint” of a specific catch, which cannot be used for more than one catch.

At the same time, it is essential that during step (c) at least one data from the group of animal species of the catch, age of the catch, weight of the catch, sex of the catch, geographical coordinates of the location of the catch (e.g. GPS), date and time of the catch, identification data of registering person, the catch itself in an overall view, a visual record of the body area of the catch with an object clearly proving the uniqueness of the catch, or with an object artificially added and inseparably attached to the body, clearly proving the uniqueness of the catch. Whereas the selected body area of the catch is primarily visible on the visual records, it is advantageous to record at least some additional information for further identification of the catch.

Last but not least, it is essential that during step (d) the data with the individuality of the structure of the newly registered catch is compared with the data of the individuality of the structures of previously registered catches to eliminate duplication. This is advantageous as when following the choice of body area according to the species of catch, the individualities of the structure are present on visual records, which can be compared with a high level of certainty.

The invented method of registering catches ensures that a visual record of the specified body area is made for each catch according to the species, where the individualities of structures are always present for mutual comparison, while the invented method ensures that the visual record is comprehensive, thereby minimizing uncertainty. The individualities of structures are nature- given features for which intentional alteration is very difficult to implement. It is possible to insert any other additional information (metadata) into the accompanying multimedia record to help to unambiguously verify the identity of the given animal, or it may contain additional data according to the relevant control organization or authority of the country concerned.

In a preferred embodiment of the method of registering catches according to the invention, step (b) is carried out using a user recording device with a display, while at least one augmented reality guidance object is projected on the display of the user recording device when making a visual record. It is easy for users of all kinds of information technology to move the user recording device over the catch and follow augmented reality objects on the display, which will intuitively guide it to the desired positioning of the user recording device in relation to the catch to make the required visual record. The user does not have to remember the methodology of registering catches, the user does not have to understand the laws of photographing, the user only monitors the display, moves the mobile device and presses the button at the right moment, or a visual record is automatically made. The use of augmented reality objects on the display of the user recording device eliminates the creation of invalid visual records.

In another preferred embodiment of the method of registering catches according to the invention, positive guidance objects are generated in real time on the display of the user recording device for visual recording parameters that exceed the threshold sharpness of the visual record, the threshold brightness of the visual record, the threshold number of distinguishable individual structures, and at the same time when the threshold limits of visual recording parameters are not met, negative guidance objects are generated in real time. It is preferred if user guidance with the help of augmented reality guidance objects is based not only on the registration methodology, but also according to the required quality of visual records.

In another preferred embodiment of the method of registering catches according to the invention, during steps (b) and (c) at least one identification metadata file is created for the records, which is subject to step (d) as well as the visual record of the catch and the accompanying multimedia record. The metadata file contains unique data related to the device used for making the visual and accompanying multimedia record; this is a unique identifier that is difficult to replicate, e.g. during additional or delayed uploading of the visual record to the registration database.

In another preferred embodiment of the method of registering catches according to the invention, an electronic message is sent notifying the control organization or authority when an error in registration or duplicate registration occurs in step (d). It is preferred that the invented method immediately draws attention to the errors in registration and attempts to influence registered records.

In addition, the invention includes a catch registration system for implementing the above- mentioned invented method of registering catches.

The summary of the invention is that the system consists of a server with a data storage, on which the catch database and the comparison software module are stored. Furthermore, the system consists of at least one user device, which is connected to the server for data communication by means of a telecommunications network. At the same time, the user device is equipped with at least one device for making a visual and accompanying multimedia record, a display, and data storage with recording software module.

The system is simple in terms of data network architecture. User devices communicate with the server, which forms a central node that collects and processes registration data. At the same time, the invented system is very effective and universal for deployment in many specific categories of hunting management. The recording software module contains methodological guidance for the proper registration of catches, while enabling the generation of augmented reality guidance objects on the displays of recording devices for making visual records, thus preventing the user from making an unintentional mistake in making visual records of the catch when carefully monitoring the augmented reality guidance objects on the display of the user device.

In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, at least one communication device of the control authority is connected to the server using a telecommunications network for data communication in accordance with applicable local legislation. This is preferred because in the event of an error in registration, whether intentional or unintentional, the control authority is automatically and immediately informed.

The main advantages of the invention include the simple registration of killed or live catches, within the capability of any user of information technology. The invented method of registration is safe, with a minimal error rate, and very resistant to fraud. It is also very gentle towards live catches. The invented system is easy to implement and operate. The invention is preferably universal for catches falling into the categories of birds, fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates.

Explanation of drawings

The present invention will be explained in detail by means of the following figures where:

Fig. 1 shows the visualization of the invented method using a flowchart,

Fig. 2 shows the visualization of the virtual reality object on the display of the user device, Fig. 3 shows the block diagram of the invented system.

Example of the invention embodiments

It shall be understood that the specific cases of the invention embodiments described and depicted below are provided for illustration only and do not limit the invention to the examples provided here. Those skilled in the art will find or, based on routine experiment, will be able to provide a greater or lesser number of equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention which are described here.

In the tested embodiments of the invention, server 1 was made up of a commercially available server computer, or server 1 was made up of a virtual machine operating in the cloud environment. Both variants were functional and reliable within the invented system. Both tested variants of servers 1 had data storage 2 on which registration databases, specifically catch databases 3, and comparison software modules 4 were stored.

The catch database 3 contains digital cards of individual catches, while each card includes visual records of the body area of the catch containing a unique group of the individualities of structures made and sent directly by the hunter from his/her user device (e.g. from a smartphone, tablet, etc.) or by the owner for the hunting area concerned. In addition, the catch card contains an accompanying multimedia record of additional information, such as the age of the catch, estimated or weighed weight, sex, identification of the hunter, location of the catch, visual record of the body area of the catch with an object clearly proving the uniqueness of the catch (e.g. certificate/licence from administrative office), or an object artificially added and inseparably attached to the body (e.g. seal, ring), clearly proving the uniqueness of the catch, etc. Additional information is not limited in any way and may vary depending on the type of animals hunted and the applicable local legislation or applicable standards for hunting and its registration. The administrator of server 1, or another authorized person, can search by keywords in the cards in the catch database 3, make copies, etc.

Comparison software module 4 contains a set of instructions for machine comparison of biometric (anatomical or behavioural characteristics of an individual) data. The individualities of the structures are unique features that can be sorted and compared, so if the methodology of making a visual record is followed to make all visual records as much similar as possible in the basic parameters, server 1 can compare each new record of the catch with previously saved records to eliminate duplication. This is an automated process, whereas, when an error is detected, the control organization or authority is notified to determine whether the error was intentional or unintentional.

Records in the catch database 3 also contain metadata files. This is basically a digital fingerprint of the user device 5, according to which it is possible to identify whether all visual records and accompanying multimedia records are made by one user device 5 or if the records have been tampered with. Metadata is data about other data, i.e. in which user device 5 the records were made, who was logged in when the records were made, which mode was used for sending the records to the server 1, etc.

The identification of the catch may include an automatic determination of animal species, as well as, for example, determination of sex of the animal, or estimation of the age, etc.

Various commercially available smartphones and tablets as well as one electronic device constructed by the inventor were tested as user devices 5. The common features of tested devices were a display 7, a digital camera as a device 6 for making visual record, connectivity via a telecommunications network, and alternatively via a Wi-Fi computer network, a module for receiving a signal from a global satellite positioning system (e.g. GPS, Galileo, GLONASS), and an integrated data storage 8 capable of accommodating the recording software module 9 and the visual records made.

The recording software module 9 contains a set of instructions for creating a user interface on the display 7 of the user device 5. The user interface allows the user to interact with the invented system. The user interface depicted on the display 7 can be a keyboard, forms to be filled in, interactive texts, etc. This user interface enables the making of an accompanying multimedia record.

Furthermore, the recording software module 9 includes a set of instructions for machine processing of the image taken by the digital camera of the user device 5 in order to be able to repeatedly search for a group of unique individualities of the structure in the image taken by the digital camera for subsequent creation of a visual record of this group of unique individualities of the structure of the body area of the catch in multiple copies and from multiple angles according to the catch registration methodology specific to the given species of catch.

Furthermore, the recording software module 9 includes a set of instructions for machine insertion of augmented reality guidance objects into the digital camera image projected on the display 7 of the user device 5. Guidance objects can be symbols, geometric shapes, etc. Augmented reality guidance objects intuitively guide the user to move his/her hand with the user device to bring the group of unique individualities of the structure of the given body area of the catch into the field of view of the camera at the required distance, at the required sharpness, possibly prompting the user to use an additional light source, etc., so that the visual record made meets all the conditions for proper registration of the catch. Fig. 2 shows that the augmented reality guidance object projected on the display 7 is the silhouette of the head of ungulate animal, so that the user aims the head of the catch from the required distance and at the required angle into this silhouette.

The simplest augmented reality guidance objects tested are squares, but any shape can be chosen. The user moves the user device 5 over the given body area of the catch, and as soon as the group of unique individualities of the structure is first recognized in the image taken by the digital camera, a red square is created around this group on the display 7 of the user device 5 for easy aiming by the user. The user keeps the square in the middle of the display 7 while moving his/her hand, not having to think about how to create the visual record correctly. At the moment of the required sharpness of the image, the augmented reality square on the display 7 turns green and the user makes the required number of visual records. In the case of making multiple visual records, a change in the colour of the square prompts the user to re-aim the user device with the digital camera in relation to the catch, for example at a different angle, after which the square turns green again and then the user makes another visual record for the same group of individualities of the structures. This is repeated according to the needs of catch registration.

There are currently guidance objects in the form of arrows, circles, text, and more complex geometric shapes.

Furthermore, the recording software module 9 includes a set of instructions for machine creation of a data packet from the visual record and from the accompanying multimedia record, which may also be provided with a metadata file. In addition, it contains a set of instructions for sending a data packet of the new catch to the server via the telecommunications network. A test remote computer was used by the communication device 10 of the control organization or authority as part of the embodiments, which was connected via the computer network to exchange data with the server 1_. Although it was a test device, the expert will be able to connect the real communication device 10 of the control organization or authority (computer, server, smartphone, etc.) on a routine basis.

The developed system is shown in the form of a block diagram in Fig. 3 to provide a more complete picture.

The invented method has been tested repeatedly for multiple types of catches to verify that each catch shows individualities of the structures of skin tissue or body structure to a degree that exceeds the confidence limit for implementing the method of registering catches. The invention has been tested for catches from the categories of mammals, birds, invertebrates, amphibians, and fish. As far as mammals are concerned, the largest data sample for verifying the functionality of the invention so far is represented by visual records of the skin tissue of the outer nose and facial part. For fish, it is the area of the root of the caudal fin, and for birds, the head and legs. For invertebrates and amphibians, the overall composition of the body in a top or side view. The mentioned body areas demonstrate a sufficient occurrence of the individualities of structures, but these are not the only possible ones. For the expert, the determination of new body areas with the individualities of structures is only a matter of collecting additional data, while the expert does not have to change the presented invention in any fundamental way. Work with visual recording of the whole head is currently being tested with success.

As for the tested embodiments, the hunter’s work with the invention is as follows.

The catch was a yearling roe deer. The hunter cleans the catch from larger impurities, such as stuck leaves, mud, etc., located in the body area of the catch for which the visual record will be made. The hunter takes his/her smartphone (exemplary use) or a similar device capable of making visual records, activates the recording software module 9, creates a record for a new catch from the menu on the display 7, entering the species of catch, saves the GPS coordinates of the location of the catch, entering the estimated age of the catch, the sex, the description of the fatal injury in the case of lethal hunting technique, the estimated weight of the catch, etc. Since this is the smartphone (exemplary use) of the hunter concerned, the hunter’s data is automatically entered in the record of the new catch, if the user device 5 for making records was borrowed, the hunter would have to add his/her data.

After selecting the species of catch, the recording software module 9 informs the hunter which body area will be visually recorded and then the hunter aims the digital camera of the smartphone (exemplary use) to this body area. In the case of a roe deer, it is the outer surface of the nose. The hunter aims the body area and holds the smartphone (exemplary use) to focus. In order for the hunter to recognize that he/she proceeds correctly when making the visual record, the recording software module 9 projects on the display 7 of the device coloured symbols used for navigating the hunter on how to move the smartphone (exemplary use) in relation to the catch, in addition to the field of view of the digital camera. As soon as the sharpness, distance and angle for making the visual record are in order, a green consent symbol will appear on the display 7, and then the hunter or the device will automatically make the visual record.

The recording software module 9 stores how many copies of visual records with different angles of focus of the field of view and possibly distance are to be made. The hunter barely has to remember anything, he/she just monitors the coloured symbols on the display 7 of his/her smartphone and makes the visual record until he/she is informed that all the required visual record has been made.

As soon as the hunter ends the operation with consent, a data packet is created, which, when the smartphone (exemplary use) is connected to the telecommunications network, is sent by the recording software module 9 to the catch registration database 3 on the remote server 1. For the sake of clarity, the above is shown in the flowchart in Fig. 1.

The invention makes it possible to similarly register live catches, e.g. fish pulled out of the water, caught bird, etc.

Industrial applicability

The method of registering catches and the catch registration system according to the invention will find their application in hunting management, in agriculture, in nature conservation and management, in research and in recreational hunting or non-lethal trapping.

Claims

1. A method of registering catches, which consists of the following steps: (a) the catch is prepared for the making of a visual record, (b) a visual record of the catch is made, (c) an accompanying multimedia record is created, (d) the visual record of the catch and the accompanying multimedia record is registered in the registration database, characterised in that that during step (b) at least one body area of the catch with individualities of the structure is selected according to the type of catch, then a visual record is made for at least one angle of view of the selected body area of the catch, making at least one visual record for each angle of view; further that during step (c) at least one data from the group of animal species of the catch, age of the catch, weight of the catch, sex of the catch, geographical coordinates of the location of the catch, date and time of the records, identification data of registering person, image of the general view of the catch, a visual record of the body area of the catch with an object clearly proving the uniqueness of the catch, or with an object artificially added and inseparably attached to the body, clearly proving the uniqueness of the catch, and further that during step (d) the data with the individuality of the structure of the newly registered catch is compared with the data of the individuality of the structures of previously registered catches to eliminate duplication.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterised in that step (b) is carried out using a user recording device (5) with a display (7), while at least one augmented reality guidance object is projected on the display (7) of the user recording device (5) when making a visual record.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterised in that positive guidance objects are generated in real time for visual recording parameters that exceed the threshold sharpness of the visual record, the threshold brightness of the visual record, the threshold number of distinguishable individual structures, and at the same time when the threshold limits of visual recording parameters are not met, negative guidance objects are generated in real time.

4. The method according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that during steps (b) and (c) at least one identification metadata file is created for the records, which is subject to step (d) as well as the visual record of the catch and the accompanying multimedia record.

5. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that if an error in registration or duplicate registration occurs in step (d), an electronic message is sent notifying the control organization or authority.

6. A catch registration system for implementing the method of registering catches according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that it consists of a server (1) with a data storage (2) on which a catch database (3) and a comparison software module (4) are stored; further it consists of at least one user device (5) which is connected to the server (1) for data communication by means of a telecommunications network, and which is equipped with at least one device (6) for making a visual and accompanying multimedia record, a display (7) and integrated data storage (8) with recording software module (9).

7. The catch registration system according to claim 6, characterised in that at least one communication device (10) of the control organization or authority is connected to the server (1) using a telecommunications network for data communication.