Lighting system for illuminating agricultural environment

Abstract

The present invention provides a lighting system for illuminating an agricultural environment wherein the lighting system comprises: a first lighting unit configured to illuminate the agricultural environment with a first light having a first light characteristic; a second illumination unit configured to project at least one light beam, where each light beam has a beam divergence of less than 15 degrees and creates a light spot within the agricultural environment; a controller for controlling the second lighting unit, where the controller is configured to: (i) obtain a signal indicative of a first light characteristic of the first light, (ii) determine a second light characteristic substantially different from the first light characteristic in response to the signal; and (iii) controlling the second illumination unit to project at least one light beam with the second light characteristic.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting system for illuminating an agricultural environment. The present invention also relates to a corresponding method for illuminating an agricultural environment. The present invention also relates to a poultry house; and to a luminaire for projecting at least one light beam in an agricultural environment. Background Art

[0002] While poultry farming has traditionally been driven by economies of scale and optimizing production efficiency, the topic of animal health and welfare is gaining increasing attention in modern poultry farming. Improving animal health and welfare has been found to have positive consequences for commodities produced by poultry farming, such as eggs, feathers, and / or meat.

[0003] One known mechanism for improving the health and well-being of poultry is to encourage them to move or exercise. This may be particularly relevant to broiler chickens, for example, as commercial broilers have been genetically selected for rapid growth and thick breast muscles. This combination results in a phenotype where the bird grows very quickly, inevitably leading to increased leg and flexibility issues.

[0004] One solution to encourage broilers to move or exercise is environmental enrichment, a concept in which light spots (e.g., laser spots) are projected onto the poultry house mat, either stationary or moving, to elicit a (curious) response from the broilers, causing them to move. See, for example: Meyer, MM, AK Johnson, and E.A. Bobeck. 2019. "A Novel Environmental Enrichment Device Improved Broiler Performance without Sacrificing Bird Physiological or Environmental Quality Measures." Poultry Science 98(11): 5247-56.

[0005] It is also noted that modern poultry farming increasingly utilizes dynamic lighting systems that dynamically control the intensity, spectrum, schedule, and / or distribution of artificial light within agricultural environments to leverage ambient lighting to improve animal health and well-being. For example, agricultural environments can be illuminated with animal light scenes to, for example, reduce animal stress, mimic natural habitats, provide behavioral light to reduce pecking behavior, and encourage feeding by improving feed visibility. An example of such a dynamic lighting system is the Signify-ONCE NatureDynamics system.

[0006] Taken individually, both environmental enrichment using laser dots and lighting provided by dynamic lighting systems benefit the health and well-being of animals. However, the effectiveness of environmental enrichment using projected laser dots can be negatively impacted if the environment is already illuminated by another dynamic lighting system that interferes with the lighting properties of the laser dots. Therefore, it is clearly desirable to maximize the individual effects of different (coexisting) lighting systems to improve the health and well-being of poultry. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention provides an improved lighting system that at least alleviates the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages. In addition, the present invention provides a lighting system for illuminating an agricultural environment, wherein the lighting system comprises: a first lighting unit configured to illuminate the agricultural environment with a first light having a first light characteristic; a second lighting unit configured to project at least one dynamic light beam, wherein each dynamic light beam has a beam divergence of less than 15 degrees and creates a moving light spot within the agricultural environment; a controller for controlling the second lighting unit, wherein the controller is configured to: (i) obtain a signal indicative of a first light characteristic of the first light, (ii) determine a second light characteristic substantially different from the first light characteristic in response to the signal; (iii) control the second lighting unit to project at least one dynamic light beam having the second light characteristic; wherein the first light characteristic comprises a first spectrum; wherein the second light characteristic comprises a second spectrum; wherein the wavelength of at least one main peak of the second spectrum differs from the wavelength of at least one main peak of the first spectrum by at least 30 nm.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention provides a lighting system for illuminating an agricultural environment, the lighting system comprising a first lighting unit, a second lighting unit and a controller. The controller may be communicatively coupled to the first lighting unit and the second lighting unit.

[0009] The first lighting unit illuminates the agricultural environment with first light having first light characteristics. The first light characteristics of the first light can be selected to improve the health and well-being of at least one animal (e.g., poultry) in the agricultural environment. For example, the first light can include an animal light recipe.

[0010] The second lighting unit is configured to project at least one light beam within the agricultural environment. Each light beam has a beam divergence of less than 15 degrees and creates a light spot within the agricultural environment. The projected at least one light beam can present an environmental enrichment concept and, as described above, improve animal health and well-being.

[0011] However, the lighting properties of the at least one light beam (and the resulting light spot in the agricultural environment), such as, for example, its visibility, can determine the effectiveness of environmental enrichment and the tendency of animals (e.g., poultry) to move towards (and / or away from) the light spot created by the projected at least one light beam. This visibility is enhanced when there is a sufficient difference (or: contrast) between the at least one light beam (and the resulting light spot in the agricultural environment) and the lighting (conditions) in the agricultural environment (i.e., the first light having the first light characteristics).

[0012] Therefore, the present invention provides a controller configured to control a second lighting unit, wherein the controller is configured to obtain a signal indicating a first light characteristic of a first light. Furthermore, the controller is configured to determine a second light characteristic in response to the signal, wherein the second light characteristic is substantially different from (or contrasts with, or is distinguishable from) the first light characteristic. The controller is further configured to control the second lighting unit to project at least one light beam having the second light characteristic.

[0013] Thus, the controller determines a second light characteristic such that the at least one projected light beam comprising the second light characteristic will be substantially different from (or: contrast with, or: distinguishable from) the first light characteristic, thereby improving the visibility of the at least one projected light beam within the agricultural environment relative to the first light illuminating the agricultural environment with the first light characteristic.

[0014] Hence, the present invention provides for controlling properties of at least one light beam of a second lighting unit based on or dependent on properties of a first light of a first lighting unit.

[0015] Thus, the lighting system according to the present invention enhances the enrichment caused by the second lighting unit projecting at least one light beam within the agricultural environment, thereby promoting the advantages of enrichment, while the primary light illuminating the environment (e.g., with an animal light scene) also remains effective for animal health and well-being. The present invention maximizes the individual effects of the two lighting units and / or finds an optimal compromise between the two.

[0016] While previous concepts of environmental enrichment utilized predetermined and fixed settings of (laser) light beam properties, the present invention advantageously provides that the properties of environmental enrichment within an agricultural environment are no longer predetermined and fixed, but depend on the properties of the first light that (already) illuminates the agricultural environment, thereby enabling coexistence and coordination between different lighting units.

[0017] As described, at least one light beam is at least one dynamic light beam, wherein each dynamic light beam has a beam divergence of less than 15 degrees and creates a moving light spot within the agricultural environment. Such an embodiment can advantageously increase the propensity of animals (e.g., poultry) to move toward (e.g., chase) the moving light spot created by the projected at least one dynamic light beam. The induced movement and / or exercise of animals (e.g., poultry) can be further enhanced. The beam divergence can alternatively be expressed as a beam divergence angle. The beam divergence (angle) can, for example, be less than 10 degrees, preferably less than 5 degrees, for example less than 1 degree. The lower the beam divergence (angle), the more collimated the projected light beam.

[0018] In a related embodiment, the controller can be configured to control the second lighting unit to project at least one dynamic light beam according to a random or pseudo-random movement pattern. As described above, environmental enrichment can induce animals (particularly poultry) to exhibit a (curious) response, thereby causing the animals (e.g., poultry) to move. Therefore, random or pseudo-random movement patterns can improve the effectiveness of inducing movement.

[0019] The at least one light beam can be composed of any integer number of light beams, starting from a single light beam up to an integer number N of light beams. Preferably, N is between four and forty, so as to satisfy the curiosity of multiple animals simultaneously and thereby induce their movement and exercise. Thus, in embodiments, the at least one light beam can include multiple light beams that create a corresponding plurality of light points within the agricultural environment. In embodiments, the second lighting unit includes a plurality of light-emitting elements, each light-emitting element being configured to emit one or more light beams from the at least one light beam.

[0020] The lighting system according to the present invention is arranged to illuminate an agricultural environment. Throughout this application, an agricultural environment may be referred to as an animal environment. The agricultural environment may be a livestock environment. The agricultural environment may be an indoor agricultural environment. For example, the agricultural environment may be at least a portion of an animal shed, an animal pen, a poultry house, a farmhouse, an indoor animal enclosure, or the like.

[0021] Furthermore, an agricultural environment may include at least one animal. Thus, the lighting system according to the present invention may be arranged to illuminate an agricultural environment and / or at least one animal within the agricultural environment. The at least one animal may preferably be poultry. For example, the at least one animal may be a flock of birds, a plurality of diurnal birds, at least one chicken, or at least one broiler chicken. The concepts of the present invention are not limited to poultry and are also contemplated for use with other animals, such as pigs.

[0022] The lighting system according to the present invention comprises a first lighting unit configured to illuminate an agricultural environment with first light having (or: comprising) first light characteristics.Throughout this application, the phrase "light characteristics" may alternatively be expressed as "light attributes".

[0023] The first light may be ambient light. The first light of the first lighting unit may uniformly illuminate an agricultural environment. In an embodiment, the first light may include a light recipe for animal husbandry, preferably a light recipe for poultry farming. The light recipe may alternatively be referred to as an animal light recipe or an animal light scene. For example, the first light may include Signify-ONCE's Junglite Green light recipe.

[0024] Thus, in aspects, an agricultural environment may include a surface area, wherein a first lighting unit illuminates the surface area of ​​the agricultural environment (e.g., uniformly) with first light having first light characteristics, and a second lighting unit projects at least one dynamic light beam onto the same surface area.

[0025] Therefore, in one embodiment, the first light may include a main peak (or: at least one local maximum) in the wavelength range between 450-480 nm and a main peak (or: at least one local maximum) in the wavelength range between 515-545 nm.

[0026] Alternatively, the first light may be a functional light.The first light characteristic of the first light may be (selected so as to) facilitate workers working in an agricultural environment.

[0027] In an embodiment, the first lighting unit may be a luminaire or a lighting arrangement. In an embodiment, the second lighting unit may include a laser, an LED spotlight, a projector or a high etendue spotlight. In an embodiment, throughout this application, the at least one light beam may be at least one laser beam.

[0028] In one embodiment, the second lighting unit can include a controller. The second lighting unit can be a second luminaire that includes a (local) controller. Thus, the first lighting unit can be a first luminaire and the second lighting unit can be a second luminaire. In some examples, the first luminaire and the second luminaire can be separate (or: separately positioned in an agricultural environment). Thus, in various aspects, the first lighting unit and the second unit can be separate (or: separately positioned in an agricultural environment).

[0029] In one embodiment, a lighting system includes a luminaire comprising a luminaire housing; wherein the luminaire housing includes a first lighting unit, a second lighting unit, and / or a controller. Thus, the same luminaire housing can include the second lighting unit and the controller, while the first lighting unit is separate. Thus, the same luminaire housing can include the first lighting unit, the second lighting unit, and the controller, integrating all three devices into a single luminaire. Thus, the same luminaire housing can include the first lighting unit and the second lighting unit, while the controller can be separate and / or remote. Each of the different configurations may have their respective structural and operational advantages.

[0030] In other words, the lighting system may include a luminaire including a luminaire housing; wherein the luminaire housing includes at least one of the first lighting unit, the second lighting unit, and the controller.

[0031] According to the invention, the controller is configured to determine, in response to a signal indicative of a first light characteristic of the first light, a second light characteristic that is substantially different from the first light characteristic. Thus, the second light characteristic is different from the first light characteristic.

[0032] Stated alternatively, the second light characteristic may (visually) contrast with the first light characteristic.Stated alternatively, for diurnal birds (or poultry), the second light characteristic may be visually distinguishable from the first light characteristic.

[0033] The first light characteristic and the second light characteristic may represent the same light characteristic, but at different values / conditions thereof. For example, the light characteristic may include at least one of light intensity, light color, light spectrum, color temperature, light polarization, and light illuminance. For example, according to the present invention, the second light characteristic may be a second light color (second value) that is substantially different from the first light characteristic having the first light color (first value).

[0034] In one embodiment, the first light characteristic comprises a first light color, wherein the second light characteristic comprises a second light color that is substantially different from the first light color. Such an embodiment advantageously determines a different second light color based on the first light color of the first light, and controls at least one light beam having the second light color to distinguish the at least one light beam (and the resulting light spot) from the ambient first light. This improves visibility and thereby improves environmental enrichment, while the first light can still be used to provide dynamic lighting, such as, for example, an animal light recipe.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first light is white light, wherein the first light color is white, and wherein the second light color is one of ultraviolet, violet, blue, green, and red.

[0036] In one embodiment, the second light color and the first light color are complementary light colors. For example, the first light color may be green, and the second light color may be red. For example, the first light color may be blue, and the second light color may be orange. For example, the first light color may be ultraviolet or violet, and the second light color may be yellow.

[0037] In one embodiment, the first light characteristic comprises a first light color, wherein the second light characteristic comprises a second light color that is substantially different from the first light color for at least 80% of the time over a predefined time period, wherein the predefined time period is at least ten minutes.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first light characteristic comprises a first light intensity, wherein the second light characteristic comprises a second light intensity, wherein the second light intensity is higher than the first light intensity. Such an embodiment advantageously determines a different second light intensity based on the first light intensity of the first light, and controls at least one light beam having the second light intensity so as to distinguish the at least one light beam (and the resulting light spot) from the ambient first light. This improves visibility and thereby improves environmental enrichment, while the first light can still be used to provide dynamic lighting, such as, for example, an animal light recipe.

[0039] In a related embodiment, the first light characteristic comprises a first light intensity, wherein the second light characteristic comprises a second light intensity, wherein the second light intensity is at least 1.2 times higher than the first light intensity, preferably 1.5 times higher.

[0040] In one embodiment, the first light characteristic comprises a first light intensity, wherein the second light characteristic comprises a second light intensity, wherein the second light intensity is higher than the first light intensity for at least 80% of the time over a predefined time period. The predefined time period is at least ten minutes.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first light characteristic comprises a first spectrum; wherein the second light characteristic comprises a second spectrum, wherein the wavelength of at least one main peak of the second spectrum differs from the wavelength of at least one main peak of the first spectrum by at least 30 nm.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first light characteristic comprises a first color temperature; wherein the second light characteristic comprises a second color temperature; wherein the second color temperature differs from the first color temperature by at least 200 Kelvin.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first light characteristic comprises a first light polarization, wherein the second light characteristic comprises a second light polarization substantially different from the first light polarization.Thus, the second illumination unit may be a laser illumination unit.

[0044] In one embodiment, the first light characteristic comprises a first illuminance; wherein the second light characteristic comprises a second illuminance; wherein the second illuminance is higher than the first illuminance, or wherein the first illuminance is higher than the second illuminance. This difference in illuminance can present sufficient contrast to visualize the created light point(s) relative to the first light. The second illuminance can, for example, be at least 10 lux higher than the first illuminance, or vice versa.

[0045] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to wirelessly receive a signal indicative of a first light characteristic of the first light, and to obtain the first light characteristic from the signal. The signal may be, for example, a radio frequency signal.

[0046] In an embodiment, the first lighting unit is configured to illuminate the agricultural environment with first light having first light characteristics during a first time period, wherein the controller is configured to obtain the first light characteristics during the first time period, and to control the second light characteristics of each dynamic light beam in response to the first light characteristics obtained during the first time period.

[0047] The controller may be configured to automatically control the second lighting characteristic of each dynamic light beam in response to the obtained first lighting characteristic.This may present real-time adaptive control of the second light characteristic of the at least one light beam projected by the second lighting unit.

[0048] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to repeatedly, continuously or continually: (i) obtain a signal indicating a first light characteristic of the first light, (ii) determine a second light characteristic substantially different from the first light characteristic in response to the signal; and (iii) control the second lighting unit to project at least one light beam having the second light characteristic.

[0049] In an embodiment, each of the at least one light beam comprises an initial light characteristic, wherein the controller according to the present invention is configured to (i) obtain a signal indicating a first light characteristic of the first light, (ii) determine a second light characteristic substantially different from the first light characteristic in response to the signal, and (iii) control the second lighting unit to project at least one light beam having the second light characteristic by adapting the initial light characteristic to the second light characteristic. Thus, the controller can be configured to adapt the initial light characteristic of each light beam to the second light characteristic in response to the obtained signal.

[0050] In one embodiment, the first lighting unit may be configured to determine and communicate a signal indicative of a first light characteristic of the first light to the controller.

[0051] In one embodiment, the lighting system may include a sensor device configured to determine (or: sense, or: measure) a first lighting characteristic of the first light, wherein the sensor device is configured to transmit a signal indicative of the first light characteristic of the first light to the controller.

[0052] In one embodiment, the lighting system may comprise a sensor device configured to determine (or: sense, or: measure) a first light characteristic of a reflection caused by reflection of the first light from a surface within the agricultural environment, wherein the sensor device is configured to transmit a signal indicative of the first light characteristic of the reflection to a controller; wherein the controller is configured to (i') obtain a further signal indicative of the first light characteristic of the reflection, (ii) determine, in response to the signal, a second light characteristic that is substantially different from the first light characteristic and the first light characteristic of the reflection, and (iii) control a second lighting unit to project at least one light beam having the second light characteristic. Thus, the lighting system according to the present invention may take into account reflections of the first light (illuminating the agricultural environment) from a surface within the agricultural environment (e.g. a mat or floor). Thus, each light beam may create a light spot on said surface within the agricultural environment.

[0053] In one embodiment, the lighting system may include a sensor device configured to obtain surface properties of a surface of an agricultural environment, or include a user input device configured to obtain surface properties of a surface of an agricultural environment; wherein the controller is configured to: obtain an input signal indicating the surface properties from the sensor device or the user input device, and determine a second light characteristic that is substantially different from the first light characteristic in response to the signal and in response to the input signal indicating the surface properties.

[0054] In one embodiment, a lighting system comprises a luminaire comprising a luminaire housing; wherein the luminaire housing comprises at least one of a first lighting unit, a second lighting unit, a sensor device and / or a controller.

[0055] In contrast to the embodiment in which at least one dynamic light beam is projected according to a pseudo-random or random movement pattern, in an alternative aspect, the controller may be configured to control the second lighting unit to project at least one dynamic light beam according to a predefined and / or specific movement pattern. The predefined movement pattern may, for example, be a path from a first area of ​​the agricultural environment to a second area of ​​the agricultural environment. For example, a path in a direction away from the center of the agricultural environment and / or a path in a direction towards the outskirts of the agricultural environment. For example, the first area may be crowded, while the second area may be empty. For example, the first area may include a group of fighting animals, while the second area may include a group of quiet animals. For example, the second area may include a feeding point or a drinking point for at least one animal within the agricultural environment. Thus, the movement pattern may be specific and may include a predefined trajectory.

[0056] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method that at least alleviates the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages. In addition, the present invention provides a method for illuminating an agricultural environment, wherein the method comprises: a first lighting unit illuminating the agricultural environment with first light having a first light characteristic; a second lighting unit projecting at least one dynamic light beam, wherein each dynamic light beam has a beam divergence of less than 15 degrees and creates a moving light spot within the agricultural environment; a controller (i) obtaining a signal indicative of the first light characteristic of the first light, (ii) determining a second light characteristic substantially different from the first light characteristic in response to the signal, and (iii) controlling the second lighting unit to project at least one dynamic light beam having the second light characteristic. The first light characteristic comprises a first spectrum; wherein the second light characteristic comprises a second spectrum; wherein the wavelength of at least one main peak of the second spectrum differs from the wavelength of at least one main peak of the first spectrum by at least 30 nm. Therefore, the advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the lighting system according to the present invention may be applied mutatis mutandis to the method according to the present invention.

[0057] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved poultry house that at least alleviates the aforementioned problems and disadvantages. Furthermore, the present invention provides a poultry house comprising: a lighting system according to the present invention; and a poultry pen configured to enclose poultry, wherein at least one dynamic light beam projected by a second lighting unit of the lighting system creates at least one corresponding light point within the poultry pen. Therefore, the advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the lighting system according to the present invention apply mutatis mutandis to the poultry house according to the present invention.

[0058] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved luminaire that at least alleviates the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages. In addition, the present invention provides a luminaire for projecting at least one light beam within an agricultural environment illuminated by first light having a first light characteristic; wherein the luminaire comprises a luminaire housing, a lighting unit, and a controller; wherein the luminaire housing comprises a lighting unit and a controller; wherein the lighting unit is configured to project at least one dynamic light beam, wherein each dynamic light beam has a beam divergence of less than 15 degrees and creates a moving light spot within the agricultural environment; wherein the controller is configured to: (i) obtain a signal indicating a first light characteristic of the first light, (ii) determine a second light characteristic substantially different from the first light characteristic in response to the signal; and (iii) control the lighting unit to project at least one dynamic light beam having the second light characteristic. The first light characteristic comprises a first spectrum; wherein the second light characteristic comprises a second spectrum; wherein the wavelength of at least one main peak of the second spectrum differs from the wavelength of at least one main peak of the first spectrum by at least 30 nm. The at least one light beam can be a dynamic light beam. The second lighting unit can be, for example, a laser.

[0059] Therefore, the advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the lighting system according to the invention may apply mutatis mutandis to the luminaire according to the invention.

[0060] In an aspect that at least alleviates the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages, the present invention also provides a lighting system for illuminating an agricultural environment, wherein the lighting system comprises: a first sensor unit configured to determine a first property of a surface within the agricultural environment; a lighting unit configured to project at least one light beam, wherein each light beam has a beam divergence of less than 15 degrees and creates a light spot on the surface within the agricultural environment; a controller for controlling the lighting unit, wherein the controller is configured to: (i) obtain a signal indicating the first property of the surface of the agricultural environment, (ii) determine a light characteristic that contrasts with the first property of the surface of the agricultural environment in response to the signal; and (iii) control the lighting unit to project at least one light beam having the said light characteristic.

[0061] The first attribute may be, for example, color. Thus, the first sensor unit is configured to determine the color of a surface within the agricultural environment. The sensor unit may be, for example, a camera. The first sensor unit may transmit a signal indicating the first attribute of the surface of the agricultural environment to the controller. The color of the surface within the agricultural environment may be, for example, yellow. The light characteristic may be, for example, purple, as purple contrasts with yellow. Thus, in various aspects, the attribute comprises the color of the surface, wherein the light characteristic comprises a light color substantially different from the color of the surface.

[0062] The object of the present invention is to further provide an improved lighting system which at least alleviates the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages. Furthermore, the present invention provides a lighting system for illuminating an agricultural environment, wherein the lighting system comprises: a first lighting unit configured to illuminate the agricultural environment with a first light having a first light characteristic; a second lighting unit configured to project at least one dynamic light beam, wherein each dynamic light beam has a beam divergence of less than 15 degrees and creates a moving light spot within the agricultural environment; a controller for controlling the second lighting unit, wherein the controller is configured to: (i) obtain a signal indicative of a first light characteristic of the first light, (ii) determine a second light characteristic substantially different from the first light characteristic in response to the signal; and (iii) control the second lighting unit to project at least one dynamic light beam having the second light characteristic. Therefore, the advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the lighting system according to the present invention may apply mutatis mutandis to said further lighting system according to the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] The invention will now be further elucidated with the aid of the accompanying schematic, non-limiting drawings:

[0064] Figure 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of a lighting system according to the invention;

[0065] Figure 2 schematically depicts an embodiment of a luminaire according to the invention;

[0066] Figure 3 An embodiment of the method according to the invention is schematically depicted.

[0067] Figure 4 An embodiment of the lighting system of the invention is schematically depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] As mentioned in part: Animal health and welfare has become a relevant topic in the livestock industry. Animal health and welfare can be improved by allowing the animals to move around and exercise in a controlled manner, which is particularly relevant for poultry such as broilers. Environmental enrichment can encourage these animals to move and exercise. A typical feature of environmental enrichment is that a laser dot is projected onto the poultry house mat, either stationary or moving, thereby eliciting a (curious) reaction in the broiler chicken, causing the broiler to move. However, the effectiveness of the projected laser dot for environmental enrichment may be negatively affected if the environment is already illuminated by another dynamic lighting system that interferes with the visibility of the laser dot. Therefore, one would obviously like to maximize the respective effects of different lighting systems to improve the health and welfare of the poultry. The present invention provides a solution to this.

[0069] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] Figure 1 An embodiment of a lighting system 10 according to the present invention is schematically depicted by way of non-limiting example. The lighting system 10 is arranged to illuminate an agricultural environment 20. The agricultural environment 20 is at least a portion of a poultry house and includes poultry 21. Thus, the lighting system 10 also illuminates the poultry 21 within the agricultural environment 20. Furthermore, the lighting system 10 can be included in a poultry house having an agricultural environment. The agricultural environment can, for example, be at least a portion of a poultry pen.

[0071] The lighting system 10 includes a first lighting unit 1, a second lighting unit 2, and a controller 3. Here, the first lighting unit 1, the second lighting unit 2, and the controller 3 are implemented separately from each other.

[0072] Alternatively, the first lighting unit, the second lighting unit, and / or the controller may be housed within the same luminaire housing. For example, the first lighting unit and the second lighting unit may be housed within the same luminaire, while the controller may be separate and remote. For example, the first lighting unit may be separate from the second lighting unit, but the second lighting unit may be the luminaire that includes the controller. In some examples, the controller may be a portable device, such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0073] Reference Figure 1 , the first lighting unit 1 illuminates the agricultural environment 20 (and the poultry 21) with a first light 4. The first light 4 has or includes a first light characteristic 5. More specifically, the first light is ambient light and provides an animal light recipe. Therefore, the first light characteristic 5 of the first light 4 is a first light color. Here, the first light color is green light. For example, from an evolutionary perspective, this green light mimics the jungle habitat that chickens are naturally accustomed to. For example, this green light can be a Signify-ONCE Junglite Green animal light recipe. Therefore, the first light characteristic 5 of the first light 4 improves the perceived comfort of the poultry 21, thereby improving the health and well-being of the poultry 21 in the agricultural environment 20.

[0074] Alternatively, the first light may be functional light. The first light characteristics of the first light may be (selected so as to) facilitate workers working in an agricultural environment. Alternatively, however, the first light may be uniformly distributed in aspects.

[0075] As previously mentioned, another concept for improving animal health and well-being, particularly for poultry (e.g., broiler chickens), is environmental enrichment. Therefore, the lighting system 10 according to the present invention includes a second lighting unit 2. The second lighting unit 2 is configured to project at least one light beam 6, 6' into the agricultural environment 20. The controller 3 is configured to control the second lighting unit 2 and, optionally, also the first lighting unit 1.

[0076] Figure 1 Two light beams are depicted, a first light beam 6 and a second light beam 6'. Alternatively, however, the at least one light beam may be composed of any integer number of light beams, starting from a single light beam up to an integer number N of light beams. Preferably, N is between four and forty, in order to satisfy the curiosity of multiple animals at the same time and thereby induce their movement and exercise.

[0077] Still refer to Figure 1 Each light beam 6, 6' has a beam divergence of less than 15 degrees (i.e. fifteen degrees) and creates a corresponding light spot 7, 7' within the agricultural environment 20. The poultry 21 may have a tendency to move towards (or away from) the light spot 7, 7' and thereby be encouraged to move and / or exercise.

[0078] Here, the second lighting unit may include a laser, an LED spotlight, a projector or a high etendue spotlight for projecting the at least one light beam 6, 6'. The at least one light beam 6, 6' may be, for example, a laser (light) beam or a high etendue LED beam.

[0079] Methods for generating a directional or collimated light beam will be apparent to those skilled in the art (e.g. using appropriate lenses and / or shading / mirror arrangements). The beam divergence (angle) may alternatively be less than 5 degrees, for example less than 1 degree, to present a more collimated light beam. Such a beam divergence may be achieved using one or more lasers to generate each light beam. Alternatively, such a beam divergence may be achieved using a light source (e.g. an LED) and a collimator for collimating the light emitted by the light source. The second lighting unit may, for example, be a pixelated LED point or a pixelated LED array capable of generating at least one light beam and controlling the position of the corresponding light spot created. Alternatively, the second lighting unit may comprise a rotating mirror to project at least one light beam and create dynamic light spots within the agricultural environment.

[0080] Here, the second lighting unit projects at least one light beam dynamically, and thus the at least one light beam is at least one dynamic light beam 6, 6', wherein each light beam thereof creates a moving light spot 7, 7' within the agricultural environment 20. Here, although optional, the controller 3 controls the second lighting unit 2 to project the at least one dynamic light beam 6, 6' according to a random movement. The random movement may alternatively be a pseudo-random movement. The at least one light beam may also alternatively be a static light beam.

[0081] The lighting system 10 further comprises a controller 3. The controller 3 controls the second lighting unit 2 to project at least one light beam 6, 6'.

[0082] The lighting properties of the at least one light beam 6, 6', and more specifically, the visibility of the at least one light beam 6, 6' (and the resulting light spot 7, 7' in the agricultural environment 20), can determine the effectiveness of the resulting environmental enrichment, as well as the tendency of poultry 21 to move toward (and / or away from) the light spot 7, 7' created by the projected at least one light beam 6, 6'. This visibility is enhanced when there is sufficient difference (or contrast) between the at least one light beam 6, 6' (and the resulting light spot 7, 7' in the agricultural environment 20) and the lighting (conditions) in the agricultural environment 20. For example, as described, the first light 4 has a first light characteristic 5 having a green light color. However, if, for example, a similarly colored green light spot were projected, it would not have sufficient contrast relative to the ambient green light color of the first light, and the poultry would therefore hardly notice the light spot itself and / or its movements, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the enrichment.

[0083] Thus, according to the present invention, a lighting system includes a controller 3 specifically configured to obtain a signal 9 indicative of a first light characteristic 5 of a first light 4. The signal can be a wired signal or a wireless signal. Here, the controller 3 is wiredly connected to the first lighting unit 1 and the second lighting unit 2. Alternatively, the controller can be wirelessly connected to the first lighting unit and / or the second lighting unit. The controller 3 is configured to receive the signal 9 from the first lighting unit 1, wherein the first lighting unit 1 transmits the signal 9 to the controller 3. Alternatively, the controller can be configured to receive or retrieve the signal from the first lighting unit, or to retrieve or receive the transmitted signal via a control device or a bridge device associated with the first lighting unit.

[0084] Therefore, the controller 3 is configured to obtain a signal 9 indicative of a first light characteristic 5 of the first light 4. The controller 3 is further configured to determine a second light characteristic 8 substantially different from the first light characteristic 5 in response to the signal 9. The second light characteristic 8 may be visually distinguishable from the first light characteristic 5.

[0085] As described, the first light characteristic 5 is a first light color, and the first light color is green light. Therefore, the controller 3 determines the second light characteristic 8 as a second light color substantially different from the first light color 5 (ie, green light) of the first light.

[0086] Still refer to Figure 1 In the embodiment depicted in FIG, the second light colors 8 and 8' and the first light color 5 are complementary light colors. Therefore, the controller 3 may, for example, include a database storing complementary colors (for use in generating settings), or be configured to access a database storing complementary colors; and based on the first light characteristic being the first light color (i.e., green), retrieve the corresponding complementary second light color and determine it as the complementary second light color. Here, the second light characteristic is red, as red is the complementary color of green.

[0087] Still refer to Figure 1 , the controller 3 is configured to control the second lighting unit 2 to project at least one light beam 6 , 6 ′ having the second light characteristic (ie red light).

[0088] Therefore, the controller 3 determines the second light characteristic 8, 8' so that the at least one projected light beam 6, 6' comprising the second light characteristic 8, 8' (i.e. red light) will be substantially different from (or: contrast with, or: distinguishable from) the first light characteristic 5 of the first light 4, thereby improving the visibility of the at least one projected light beam 6, 6' within the agricultural environment 20 relative to the first light 4 illuminating the agricultural environment 21 with the first light characteristic 5 (i.e. green light).

[0089] Alternatively, the first light color may be blue light, and the second light color may be orange light; or the first light color may be ultraviolet or violet light, and the second light color may be yellow light. Other examples can be similarly envisioned.

[0090] Alternatively and / or additionally, the first light characteristic may comprise a first light polarization, wherein the second light characteristic comprises a second light polarization substantially different from the first light polarization.

[0091] In another alternative embodiment, the second light color is substantially different from the first light color, but the second light color and the first light color are not necessarily complementary colors. For example, the first light can have a first light characteristic of blue light, while the second light characteristic can be red light. Poultry can benefit from blue ambient light (for example, to calm poultry or use as a light scene to prevent animal picking), while the red light point of the light beam can advantageously attract chickens while contrasting with the blue ambient light to improve visibility. Therefore, this combination may be beneficial to the health and well-being of poultry. Other examples can be similarly envisioned.

[0092] In summary, the present invention provides for controlling a property 8 , 8 ′ of at least one light beam 6 , 6 ′ of a second lighting unit 2 based on or depending on a property 5 of a first light 4 of a first lighting unit 1 .

[0093] Thus, the lighting system 10 according to the present invention improves the enrichment caused by the second lighting unit 2 projecting at least one light beam 6, 6' within the agricultural environment 20, thereby promoting the benefits of enrichment, while the first light 4 of the environment 20, which illuminates the environment with green light, also remains effective for the health and well-being of the animals (i.e., mimicking a jungle habitat). The present invention maximizes the individual effects of the two lighting units.

[0094] Additionally or alternatively, the first light characteristic may comprise a first light intensity, wherein the second light characteristic may comprise a second light intensity, wherein the second light intensity is higher than the first light intensity. The second light intensity may for example be at least 1.2 times higher, preferably 1.5 times higher, than the first light intensity.

[0095] Additionally or alternatively, the first light characteristic may include a first color temperature; wherein the second light characteristic may include a second color temperature; wherein the second color temperature differs from the first color temperature by at least 200 Kelvin.

[0096] Additionally or alternatively, the first light characteristic may include a first illuminance; wherein the second light characteristic may include a second illuminance; wherein the second illuminance is higher than the first illuminance.

[0097] In an alternative embodiment not depicted, a Figure 1, but the first light characteristic and the second light characteristic are selected differently. The first light characteristic is still the first light color, and the second light is still the second light color. The first and second light colors are still complementary light colors. However, according to this alternative embodiment, the first light characteristic is violet light (or: ultraviolet light). Therefore, the first light is anti-pathogen light, such as antibacterial light. This can benefit the health and well-being of the poultry. Furthermore, according to this alternative embodiment, the second light characteristic is yellow light. Yellow and violet are complementary colors. Therefore, the second lighting unit will project at least one light beam with yellow light, which is highly contrasted with the violet light of the first light, maximizing differentiation, thereby enabling the poultry to see the light spot, chase the light spot, and thus move around and exercise. This maximizes the enrichment caused by the projected at least one light beam, while maximizing the use of violet (or: ultraviolet) light for the benefit of the poultry.

[0098] In an alternative embodiment not depicted, a Figure 1 , but the controller receives a signal indicating a first light characteristic of a first light illuminating the agricultural environment during a first time period. Thus, the controller can learn in advance or in real time that the agricultural environment is planned to be illuminated by, or is currently illuminated by, the first light having the first light characteristic. Therefore, the controller can predict or adjust a second light characteristic based on the first light characteristic, such that the controller can control the second lighting unit to project at least one light beam having the second light characteristic during at least a portion of the first time period.

[0099] Figure 2 An embodiment of a luminaire 40 according to the invention is schematically depicted by way of non-limiting example.The luminaire 40 is arranged to project at least one light beam 46 within an agricultural environment 50 which is illuminated by first light 51 having first light characteristics 52 .

[0100] Here, agricultural environment 50 is at least a portion of an animal enclosure, such as a poultry house. The poultry house may contain poultry. First light 51 is ambient light that illuminates agricultural environment 50. First light 51 may evenly illuminate the agricultural environment. The first light is beneficial to the animals within agricultural environment 50.

[0101] In addition, the first light 51 according to this embodiment includes an animal light scene. The first light 51 (ie, the animal light scene) is characterized by a first light intensity and a first spectrum.

[0102] Still refer to Figure 2 , the luminaire 40 includes a luminaire housing 41 , a lighting unit 42 and a controller 43 . The luminaire housing 41 thus includes (or accommodates) the lighting unit 42 and the controller 43 .

[0103] The lighting unit 42 is configured to project at least one light beam 46. Here, the lighting unit 42 is configured to project a plurality of light beams, such as Figure 2 , depicted as three beams. In some examples, the lighting unit may project only one beam. Each of the at least one light beam 46 has a beam divergence of less than 15 degrees and creates a corresponding light spot 47 within the agricultural environment. Here, the beam divergence may be, for example, less than 5 degrees, resulting in a more collimated beam.

[0104] More specifically, refer to Figure 2 , at least one light beam 46 is at least one dynamic laser light beam 46. The lighting unit 42 includes a laser that is configured to project the at least one dynamic laser light beam 46. Thus, the lighting unit 42 and the projected at least one dynamic laser light beam 46 enable environmental enrichment in an agricultural environment, such as multiple dynamic (laser) light spots that animals (such as, for example, the poultry) can chase and thereby move and exercise.

[0105] However, the first light 51 illuminating the agricultural environment 50 with the first light characteristics 52 (characterized by the first light intensity and the first spectrum) may interfere with and / or conflict with the environmental enrichment achieved by the lighting unit 42. That is, the visibility of the at least one dynamic (laser) light beam and the corresponding (laser) light spot may be affected by the first light 51, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the environmental enrichment performed by the at least one dynamic (laser) light beam 46.

[0106] The controller 43 may optionally be configured to control the second lighting unit to project at least one dynamic light beam according to a random movement pattern or a pseudo-random movement pattern.

[0107] Therefore, still referring to Figure 2 In the embodiment depicted in FIG, controller 43 of luminaire 40 is configured to wirelessly obtain signal 49. Thus, controller 43 may include a wireless receiver or transceiver for this purpose. Signal 49 indicates first light characteristics 52 of the first light. That is, signal 49 indicates the first light intensity and the first light spectrum. In alternative embodiments, the controller is configured to repeatedly, continuously, or continually obtain the signal indicating the first light characteristics of the first light.

[0108] For example, the signal can be wirelessly transmitted by a lighting controller or bridge device that controls a first lighting unit to illuminate the agricultural environment with a first light. For example, the signal can also be wirelessly transmitted by a luminaire that illuminates the agricultural environment 50 with a first light 51. For example, the signal can also be wirelessly transmitted by a sensor device that measures a first light characteristic of the first light. For example, the signal can also be wirelessly transmitted by a management device that records lighting conditions within the agricultural environment.

[0109] Here, still refer to Figure 2, the signal is obtained from a lighting controller (not depicted) which controls the first lighting unit to illuminate the agricultural environment with the first light.

[0110] The controller 43 is further configured to determine, in response to the signal, a second light characteristic that is substantially different from the first light characteristic 52. More specifically, since the first light characteristic is characterized by a first light intensity and a first spectrum, the controller 43 is configured to determine the second light characteristic that includes a second light intensity that is different from the first light intensity and a second spectrum that is different from the second spectrum. Thus, the second light intensity is higher than the first light intensity, preferably at least 1.2 times higher than the first light intensity, and most preferably at least 1.5 times higher than the first light intensity. Thus, the second spectrum includes at least one main peak, and the first spectrum includes at least one main peak, wherein the wavelength of the at least one main peak of the second spectrum differs from the wavelength of the at least one main peak of the first spectrum by at least 30 nm (e.g., 60 nm).

[0111] Therefore, refer to Figure 2 , the controller determines that the second light intensity is at least 2 times higher than the first light intensity, and the controller determines that the wavelength of the main peak of the second spectrum differs from the wavelength of at least one main peak of the first spectrum by at least 60 nm.

[0112] For example, the first light characteristic may include a first light intensity of 3 lumens, while the second light intensity may be at least 6 lumens. For example, the first light characteristic may include a first spectrum having a main peak at a wavelength of 510 nm, while the second spectrum is determined by the controller to include a main peak at a wavelength that is at least 60 nm different from 510 nm, such as 610 nm.

[0113] Still refer to Figure 2 , the controller 43 is configured to control the lighting unit 42 to project at least one dynamic (laser) light beam 46 having the second light characteristic. Thus, the at least one dynamic (laser) light beam 46 will contrast with the ambient first light 51. This improves the visibility of the at least one dynamic (laser) light beam 46 and thereby improves environmental enrichment, while the first light 51 can still advantageously illuminate the agricultural environment 50 with an animal light recipe having the first light characteristic 52.

[0114] Additionally or alternatively, the first light characteristic may include a first light color, wherein the second light characteristic may include a second light color, wherein the second light color is substantially different from the first light color. For example, the first light color and the second light color may be complementary colors.

[0115] Additionally or alternatively, the first light characteristic may include a first color temperature; wherein the second light characteristic may include a second color temperature; wherein the second color temperature differs from the first color temperature by at least 200 Kelvin. Additionally or alternatively, the first light characteristic may include a first illuminance; wherein the second light characteristic may include a second illuminance; wherein the second illuminance is higher than the first illuminance.

[0116] In an alternative embodiment not depicted, a Figure 2 The luminaire of the embodiment depicted in the embodiment, or provides a Figure 1 , but wherein each of the at least one light beams comprises an initial light characteristic. As described, the controller is thereby configured to obtain a signal indicative of a first light characteristic of the first light and, in response to the signal, determine a second light characteristic that is substantially different from the first light characteristic. However, in this alternative embodiment, the controller is configured to control the lighting unit to project at least one light beam having the second light characteristic by adapting the initial light characteristic (of the at least one light beam) to the second light characteristic. Thus, the controller can be configured to adapt the initial light characteristic of each light beam to the second light characteristic in response to the obtained signal.

[0117] Figure 3 An embodiment of a method 90 for illuminating an agricultural environment according to the present invention is schematically depicted by way of non-limiting example. The method may be performed by a lighting system and / or luminaire according to the present invention. The method 90 comprises a step 91 of a first lighting unit illuminating the agricultural environment with a first light having a first light characteristic. The method 90 comprises a step 92 of a second lighting unit projecting at least one light beam, wherein each light beam has a beam divergence of less than 15 degrees and creates a light spot within the agricultural environment. The method 90 comprises a step 93 of a controller (i) obtaining a signal indicative of a first light characteristic of the first light, (ii) determining a second light characteristic substantially different from the first light characteristic in response to the signal, and (iii) controlling the second lighting unit to project at least one light beam having the second light characteristic.

[0118] Figure 4 By way of non-limiting example, an embodiment of a lighting system 80 according to the present invention is schematically depicted. The lighting system 80 illuminates an agricultural environment 25, such as a poultry shed. The lighting system 80 comprises a first lighting unit 81, a second lighting unit 82, a controller 83 and a sensor device 77.

[0119] Here, the first lighting unit 81, the second lighting unit 82, the controller 83, and the sensor device 77 are all separate but communicate with each other by wire or wirelessly. Alternatively, the lighting device may include a housing, wherein the housing includes at least one of the first lighting unit 81, the second lighting unit 82, the controller 83, and the sensor device 77.

[0120] Still refer to Figure 4 , a first lighting unit 81 illuminates the agricultural environment 25 with first light 84 having first light characteristics 85. The first lighting unit 81 may be, for example, an (LED) illuminator. The first light 84 may be, for example, ambient light, such as an animal light. Here, the first light characteristics 85 include light color, but may additionally or alternatively include, for example, light intensity and / or light polarization.

[0121] The second lighting unit 82 projects at least one light beam 86, 86'. The at least one light beam can be at least one dynamic light beam. The at least one light beam can be a plurality of (dynamic) light beams. Each of the at least one (dynamic) light beams has a beam divergence of less than 15 degrees and creates a (respective) light spot 87, 87' within the agricultural environment 25. The second lighting unit 82 can be, for example, a pixelated LED illuminator or a laser lighting unit. Thus, the at least one light beam can be, for example, a laser beam.

[0122] The sensor device 77 is configured to determine (or: measure, or: sense, or: determine) a first lighting characteristic 85 of the first light 84. Specifically, the sensor device 77 is configured to determine the light color 85 of the first light 84 and may additionally or alternatively determine, for example, the light intensity and / or the light polarization of the first light. The sensor device 77 is configured to transmit a signal 89 indicating the first light characteristic 85 of the first light 84 to the controller 83. The sensor device 77 may be, for example, a light sensor. Alternatively, the sensor device 77 may be a camera.

[0123] The controller 83 is configured to control the second lighting unit 82 and / or optionally the first lighting unit. The controller 83 is configured to obtain a signal 89 indicating a first light characteristic 85 of the first light 84. That is, the controller is configured to receive or retrieve the first light characteristic 85, i.e., the light color, from the signal 89 transmitted by the sensor device 77. The controller 83 is further configured to (iii) determine a second light characteristic 88, 88' that is substantially different from the first light characteristic 85 in response to the signal 89; and (iv) control the second lighting unit 82 to project at least one light beam 86, 86' having the second light characteristic 88, 88'.

[0124] Hence, the invention provides for automatically controlling a property 88 , 88 ′ of at least one light beam 86 , 86 ′ of a second lighting unit 82 based on or depending on a property 85 of a first light 84 of the first lighting unit 81 detected by the sensor device 77 .

[0125] Thus, the lighting system 80 according to the invention improves the enrichment caused by the second lighting unit 82 projecting at least one light beam 86 , 86 ′ within the agricultural environment 25 , thereby promoting the advantages of enrichment, while keeping the first light 84 illuminating the environment 25 as usual.

[0126] In an example, the sensor device 77 may be part of the second lighting unit 82 .

Claims

1. A lighting system for illuminating an agricultural environment, wherein the lighting system comprises: - a first lighting unit configured to illuminate the agricultural environment with first light having first light characteristics; - a second lighting unit configured to project at least one dynamic light beam, wherein each dynamic light beam has a beam divergence of less than 15 degrees and creates a moving light spot within the agricultural environment; a controller for controlling a second lighting unit, wherein the controller is configured to: (i) obtain a signal indicative of a first light characteristic of the first light, (ii) determine a second light characteristic substantially different from the first light characteristic in response to the signal; and (iii) control the second lighting unit to project at least one dynamic light beam having the second light characteristic; wherein the first light characteristic comprises a first spectrum; wherein the second light characteristic comprises a second spectrum; The wavelength of at least one main peak of the second spectrum differs from the wavelength of at least one main peak of the first spectrum by at least 30 nm.

2. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the second lighting unit to project at least one dynamic light beam according to a predefined and / or specific movement pattern; Wherein the predefined movement pattern is a path from a first area of ​​the agricultural environment to a second area of ​​the agricultural environment. 3 . The lighting system according to claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to control the second lighting unit to project at least one dynamic light beam according to a random movement pattern or a pseudo-random movement pattern. 4 . The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the first light characteristic comprises a first light color, and wherein the second light characteristic comprises a second light color that is substantially different from the first light color.

5. The lighting system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to wirelessly receive a signal indicative of a first light characteristic of the first light and to derive the first lighting characteristic from the signal. The lighting system of claim 4 , wherein the second light color and the first light color are complementary light colors.

7. The lighting system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first light characteristic comprises a first light intensity, wherein the second light characteristic comprises a second light intensity, wherein the second light intensity is higher than the first light intensity.

8. The lighting system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first lighting unit is configured to determine a first light characteristic and to transmit a signal indicative of the first light characteristic of the first light to the controller.

9. The lighting system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first light is a light recipe for keeping animals, preferably for keeping poultry.

10. The lighting system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second lighting unit comprises a laser, an LED spotlight or a high etendue spotlight.

11. The lighting system of any preceding claim, wherein the second lighting unit comprises a controller.

12. The illumination system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first light characteristic comprises a first light polarization, and wherein the second light characteristic comprises a second light polarization that is substantially different from the first light polarization.

13. A method of illuminating an agricultural environment, wherein the method comprises: - a first lighting unit illuminates the agricultural environment with a first light having a first light characteristic; - a second lighting unit projects at least one dynamic light beam, wherein each dynamic light beam has a beam divergence of less than 15 degrees and creates a moving light spot within the agricultural environment; - a controller (i) obtaining a signal indicative of a first light characteristic of the first light, (ii) determining, in response to the signal, a second light characteristic substantially different from the first light characteristic, and (iii) controlling the second lighting unit to project at least one dynamic light beam having the second light characteristic; wherein the first light characteristic comprises a first spectrum; wherein the second light characteristic comprises a second spectrum; The wavelength of at least one main peak of the second spectrum differs from the wavelength of at least one main peak of the first spectrum by at least 30 nm.

14. A poultry house comprising: The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12; and A poultry pen is configured to enclose poultry, wherein at least one dynamic light beam projected by a second lighting unit of the lighting system creates at least one corresponding light spot within the poultry pen.

15. A luminaire for projecting at least one light beam within an agricultural environment illuminated by first light having first light characteristics; The illuminator comprises an illuminator housing, a lighting unit and a controller; The illuminator housing includes a lighting unit and a controller; wherein the lighting unit is configured to project at least one dynamic light beam, wherein each dynamic light beam has a beam divergence of less than 15 degrees and creates a moving light spot within the agricultural environment; wherein the controller is configured to: (i) obtain a signal indicative of a first light characteristic of the first light, (ii) determine a second light characteristic substantially different from the first light characteristic in response to the signal, and (iii) control the lighting unit to project at least one dynamic light beam having the second light characteristic; wherein the first light characteristic comprises a first spectrum; wherein the second light characteristic comprises a second spectrum; The wavelength of at least one main peak of the second spectrum differs from the wavelength of at least one main peak of the first spectrum by at least 30 nm.

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