Control devices, lighting systems, and methods

Abstract

This invention relates to the pretreatment of (multiple) animals for heat stress (risk). The invention provides a control device for controlling a lighting apparatus to illuminate at least one animal in a space, wherein the control device is configured to: obtain predictive data indicating values ​​of environmental conditions in the space during a future time period; determine the values ​​of the environmental conditions based on the predictive data; determine a prediction of heat stress for at least one animal in the space during a future time period if the values ​​of the environmental conditions fall within predefined limits of heat stress; and, after determining the prediction of heat stress, control the lighting apparatus to illuminate at least one animal in the space with lighting characteristics at least partially before the future time period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a control device for controlling a lighting apparatus to illuminate at least one animal in a space. The invention also relates to a lighting system comprising such a control device and a lighting apparatus. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for controlling a lighting apparatus to illuminate at least one animal in a space; and a corresponding computer program product for performing said method. Particularly, the invention relates to the pretreatment of at least one animal in a space for heat stress. Background Technology

[0002] Agriculture in modern communities has become more industrialized. The same is true for livestock farming. Animal numbers (and corresponding animal densities), associated infrastructure, and various farming methods have been scaled up to achieve economically viable food production (such as meat) at relatively low price levels. However, this scaling up can impact animal welfare and health.

[0003] For example, scaling up from a simple chicken house to an industrial poultry house with at least tens of thousands of chickens (e.g., broilers) and a density of up to twenty chickens per square meter can lead to significant problems when abnormal environmental conditions occur in the poultry house. For example, an environmental control system for monitoring and controlling animal housing can be found in US2019 / 012497.

[0004] Heat stress in animals can be abnormal. That is, it has been shown that heat stress negatively impacts the welfare and productivity of broilers and laying hens. Many broiler farms have cooling capacities that are, for example, too limited to maintain low ambient temperatures during hot summer periods. One option is to use misting systems to keep the temperature within acceptable levels. However, introducing water vapor into such broiler farms can be detrimental due to mold formation, bacterial spread, etc.; especially for new farms operating as closed systems and / or raising antibiotic-free broilers. The same disadvantages associated with heat stress can also apply to other examples of animal husbandry, such as pig farming. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, heat stress can be a problem on animal farms. This invention utilizes the understanding that the heat tolerance of animals can be increased through “heat manipulation” before the actual occurrence of the high temperatures associated with heat stress. This “heat manipulation” can be considered a pretreatment of the animals to induce heat stress, which can be performed by providing lighting that includes specific lighting characteristics.

[0006] Therefore, in view of this understanding, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved control device for controlling a lighting device to illuminate at least one animal in a space, which at least mitigates the aforementioned problems and disadvantages. Furthermore, the present invention provides a control device for controlling a lighting device to illuminate at least one animal in a space, wherein the control device is configured to: obtain predictive data indicating values ​​of environmental conditions in the space during a future time period; determine the values ​​of the environmental conditions based on the predictive data; if the values ​​of the environmental conditions fall within predefined limits of heat stress, determine a prediction of heat stress for at least one animal in the space during the future time period; after determining the prediction of heat stress, control the lighting device to illuminate at least one animal in the space with lighting characteristics at least partially before the future time period; wherein the lighting characteristics are configured to pre-treat at least one animal with respect to heat stress; wherein the lighting characteristics include red light having a peak wavelength between 600 and 780 nanometers. The control device may alternatively be described as a controller.

[0007] Therefore, by obtaining and determining predicted data indicating values ​​of environmental conditions in the space during a future time period, the control device is able to obtain a prediction of future environmental conditions in the space. This value of the future environmental conditions can transmit heat stress to at least one animal. Therefore, the control device is configured to determine a prediction of heat stress for at least one animal in the space during a future time period if the (determined) value of the environmental conditions falls within a predefined limit of heat stress. The control device is thus able to predict the heat stress (risk) of at least one animal based on the obtained predicted data.

[0008] After determining the predicted heat stress, the control device is configured to control the lighting device to illuminate at least one animal in the space with lighting characteristics at least partially prior to the future time period. As a result, the present invention enables (lighting-based) treatment of at least one animal with respect to heat stress before the environmental conditions occur. Due to this treatment (or: pretreatment), at least one animal can adapt, for example, its behavior before the environmental conditions reach their predicted values, allowing at least one animal to prepare for and / or adapt to future abnormalities during the future time period. This is a significant advantage for animal husbandry.

[0009] For example, at least one animal is a flock of chickens. The environmental condition could be ambient temperature. Therefore, a predicted period with (heat stress-induced) high temperatures typically leads to heat stress in the flock. However, this heat stress can be mitigated by pre-treating the flock with illumination featuring specific characteristics, which can induce behavioral changes. Such illumination characteristics could be, for example, pale red light, which induces the flock to perceive a higher actual ambient temperature, potentially causing them to drink more water and exhibit less activity before the predicted period with high ambient temperatures. Therefore, the flock will be better prepared for the predicted period with high ambient temperatures due to the aforementioned pre-treatment, thus reducing or preventing heat stress in the flock.

[0010] The space may be, for example, a farm, poultry house, or fence. The space may also be a geographical location. The space may be an outdoor area or range. The lighting fixture may be a lamp, spotlight, LED strip, pixelated LED spotlight, projector, and / or wall washer. The lighting fixture may be an array of lighting fixtures or at least one lighting fixture.

[0011] The illumination of at least one animal in the space can be defined as directly illuminating at least a portion of the at least one animal. The corresponding illumination can be received, for example, via retinal light reception. For example, the illumination can include directionality matching the animal's eye height, such as horizontal illumination. For birds such as chickens, the corresponding illumination can be received, for example, via (direct) skull penetration. The corresponding illumination can be received, for example, by the body of the at least one animal.

[0012] The illumination of at least one animal in the space may additionally and / or alternatively be defined as illuminating an area that is visible and / or perceptible to at least one animal.

[0013] The limitations may, for example, be pre-stored in a memory associated with the control device. In an example, if the value of the environmental condition exceeds or decreases beyond a predefined threshold for heat stress in the at least one animal, a prediction of heat stress can be determined. This predefined threshold may be a boundary of a predefined limit for heat stress in the at least one animal. The predefined limit may, for example, be a (numerical) range.

[0014] In alternatives, the predefined limits may be set, determined, or based on at least one of the following: the type of poultry house, population statistics of at least one animal (such as, for example, age or sex), cooling performance or quality of the HVAC system, etc.

[0015] Therefore, in some aspects, the control device may include a memory for storing the predefined limits of heat stress in at least one animal. The control device may be configured to receive or retrieve the predefined limits from an external device—such as a user input device or a server for hosting the predefined limits (i.e., multiple predefined limits associated with heat stress in the respective animals among the at least one animal).

[0016] In some respects, the control device can be configured to output a control command that controls the lighting device to illuminate at least one animal in the space with lighting characteristics at least partially before the future time period.

[0017] In one embodiment, the environmental conditions can be at least one of the following: ambient temperature, ambient radiation level, relative humidity, solar radiation level, CO2 concentration, air velocity, and ammonia level. A specific level of ambient temperature can transfer heat stress to at least one animal. The same applies to specific levels of relative humidity, solar radiation, and CO2 concentration. Limited air velocity can also reduce convective flow within a space (such as a poultry house), thereby transferring heat stress to at least one animal.

[0018] As mentioned above, the environmental condition can be ammonia levels. This ammonia (gas) can reduce the resistance of at least one animal to heat stress, and is therefore a relevant environmental condition that needs to be considered. In some aspects, the environmental condition can be gas concentration, such as, for example, chloride concentration or nitrogen concentration.

[0019] In some respects, ambient radiation levels can originate from radiation sources such as structural building elements, objects, or (other) animals or animal density (e.g., a high density of chickens may exhibit increased ambient radiation from neighboring chickens).

[0020] The heat stress can also be considered in some respects as supercooling (i.e., negative heat stress, for example).

[0021] In one embodiment, at least one animal may belong to the group consisting of: pigs, chickens, birds, horses, and / or cattle. For example, at least one animal may be poultry, such as chickens, hens, or broilers. Alternatively, said at least one animal may belong to the group consisting of: fish, shrimp, reptiles, and / or insects.

[0022] At least one animal may be, for example, an animal suitable for consumption. At least one animal may be a mammal. Alternatively, said at least one animal may belong to the group consisting of rodents and / or reptiles. Thus, said at least one animal may be, for example, at least one of the following: pig, dairy cow, horse, sheep, bull, cow, chick, mink, rabbit, or snake. said at least one animal may be a single animal as described above, but may also be multiple such animals. said at least one animal may be, for example, any group of animals, such as, for example, a flock of chickens, a herd of cattle, or a herd of horses.

[0023] At least one animal can also be the leader of the group. Some groups tend to exhibit social / group behavior, such as, for example, pigs. Therefore, in some aspects of the invention, the pretreatment mentioned by means of lighting (according to the invention) can be applied to the leader of such a group. The invention thereby enables the leader to adjust its behavior to prepare for the occurrence of predicted heat stress during the predicted future time period. Since the leadership of the group may be imitated by the other animals in the group (due to the social / group behavior), the group can behaviorally follow the leader and is also able to cope with the predicted heat stress event. For example, such imitative behavior may apply to pigs.

[0024] In one embodiment, the forecast data may include values ​​of environmental conditions in the space during a future time period. Therefore, the forecast data may be values ​​of environmental conditions in the space during the future time period itself. For example, the forecast data may be temperature level values ​​(e.g., weather forecast values) in the space during a future time period. This temperature level value can then be determined by the control device without any further processing. Such embodiments advantageously provide a more efficient control device because the forecast data already provides values ​​of the environmental conditions.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the control device can be configured to determine the values ​​of environmental conditions in the space during the future time period by extrapolating predicted data to the future time period. Therefore, the control device can predict the values ​​of the environmental conditions in the space during the future time period based on the predicted data. For example, the predicted data may include a series of actual values ​​of environmental conditions in the space (e.g., temperature values), which the control device can extrapolate to the future time period to obtain the values ​​of the environmental conditions in the space during the future time period (e.g., future predicted temperature values). Such an embodiment can advantageously provide the control device with intelligence for calculating or determining such predicted values ​​for future time periods. It also provides the control device with a degree of (computational) autonomy.

[0026] In some respects, the relationship between external environmental conditions and environmental conditions within the space (e.g., a poultry house) can also be defined and / or calculated. For example, understanding external environmental conditions such as solar radiation, air temperature, and / or wind speed can be achieved by calculation, for instance, using a predefined model for making such a conversion, to represent the ambient temperature within the space (e.g., a poultry house).

[0027] Therefore, in some aspects, the predicted data can indicate multiple values ​​of various external environmental conditions in an external space during a future time period, and the control device can be configured to determine the values ​​of the environmental conditions in the space during the future time period by transforming the predicted data to the space. For example, the control device can be configured to determine the values ​​of the environmental conditions in the space during the future time period by transforming the predicted data to the space and extrapolating the predicted data to the future time period. For example, the predicted data may include multiple values ​​of various external environmental conditions in an external space during a future time period, and the control device can be configured to transform multiple values ​​of various external environmental conditions in the external space to the space. The external space can be outside the space. For example, a poultry house and its surrounding environment.

[0028] In one embodiment, the forecast data may include weather forecast information associated with the location of the space; and / or the forecast data may include climate control settings associated with the space. For example, the forecast data may include weather forecast information for a farm area housing at least one animal.

[0029] In one embodiment, the control device may be configured to receive or retrieve the prediction data from at least one of the following: an external server, a user input device, a building management system, and a sensor device. The control device may thus include a transceiver for receiving or retrieving the prediction data from at least one of the external server, user input device, building management system, and sensor device. For example, the control device may retrieve the (desired) prediction data from an external server that includes weather forecast information. For example, the control device may receive the prediction data from a user input device to enable the control device to mitigate predicted heat stress in at least one animal. For example, the control device may retrieve or receive the prediction data from a sensor device that measures values ​​of environmental conditions in the space. Other examples and / or combinations are similarly conceivable.

[0030] As mentioned, after determining the predicted heat stress, the control device is configured to control the lighting device to illuminate at least one animal in the space with lighting characteristics at least partially before the said future time period. In one embodiment, the lighting characteristics may be selected based on values ​​of environmental conditions. In one embodiment, the lighting characteristics may include at least one of the following: color, color temperature, intensity, spectral distribution, light recipe, modulation, light pattern, light scene, and light schedule.

[0031] For example, if the environmental conditions fall within a first predefined limit of heat stress, a first lighting characteristic can be selected to illuminate at least one animal. Similarly, if the environmental conditions fall within a second predefined limit of heat stress, a second lighting characteristic can be selected to illuminate at least one animal. The first lighting characteristic may be, for example, color and / or spectral distribution, while the second lighting characteristic may be, for example, intensity and / or a light schedule. Such examples advantageously enable a response to predicted heat stress occurrence, adapted to the values ​​of environmental conditions presenting a risk of heat stress. For instance, if a poultry house becomes very hot over a prolonged period, a light schedule encouraging animals to sleep may be necessary, while if the poultry house becomes slightly hot over a short period, a light schedule encouraging animals to drink water may be necessary.

[0032] Therefore, in one embodiment, the value of the environmental condition according to the invention may additionally or alternatively be the duration of the environmental condition. In one embodiment, lighting characteristics can therefore be selected based on the duration of the environmental condition.

[0033] More specifically, in one embodiment, the illumination characteristics may include red light having a peak wavelength between 600 and 780 nanometers. The effect of this embodiment is that the red light creates a sense and / or feeling of warmth for at least one animal (e.g., a bird, such as a chicken). Therefore, at least one animal is induced (i.e., "deceived") to adapt its behavior accordingly, such as higher water intake and lower activity, which results in at least one animal (due to the values ​​of environmental conditions during a future time period) being better prepared for a predicted heat stress response.

[0034] Alternatively or concurrently, in some aspects, the lighting characteristics may include a color temperature of up to 4000 Kelvin, preferably up to 3000 Kelvin, and more preferably up to 2000 Kelvin. Therefore, the red light may include a color temperature of up to 4000 Kelvin, preferably up to 3000 Kelvin, and more preferably up to 2000 Kelvin.

[0035] More specifically, in one embodiment, the lighting characteristics may include a light schedule preceding a future time period; wherein the light schedule includes a first time period with a first light intensity, followed by a second time period with a second light intensity, wherein the second light intensity is lower than the first light intensity. In a further embodiment, the first time period may be characterized as a period of illumination for at least one animal, and the second time period may be characterized as a period of darkness for at least one animal.

[0036] Such an implementation can be advantageous. The effect of this light schedule is that at least one animal (e.g., a bird (e.g., a chicken)) can achieve an optimal homeostasis of adaptation to heat stress tolerance.

[0037] In other words:

[0038] The first period in a light schedule includes a higher light intensity (e.g., a period of illumination) compared to the light intensity of the second period. This results in higher water consumption during the first period and creates at least one stronger and better-adapted animal before the predicted thermal stress (i.e., temperature values ​​falling within predefined limits) begins. The subsequent second period has a lower light intensity (e.g., a period of darkness) compared to the light intensity of the first period. This results in reduced feed intake, which decreases digestion before the future period, thereby reducing internal heat generation in at least one animal. In some respects, the light schedule can also be arranged to place at least one animal in a low-activity (e.g., sleep) mode for the future period.

[0039] In various aspects of the invention, heat can be defined in the opposite direction, i.e., cooling. Therefore, heat stress can alternatively include supercooling stress or supercooling. Control devices according to the invention and related embodiments can be modified as necessary to accommodate supercooling in at least one animal, such as a chicken. In this alternative, the lighting characteristics can include cool blue light. Therefore, in various aspects of the invention, a control device for controlling a lighting apparatus to illuminate at least one animal in a space can be provided, wherein the control device is configured to: obtain predictive data indicating values ​​of environmental conditions in the space during a future time period; determine values ​​of the environmental conditions based on the predictive data; determine a prediction of supercooling in at least one animal in the space during a future time period if the values ​​of the environmental conditions fall within predefined limits of supercooling; and, after determining the supercooling prediction, control the lighting apparatus to illuminate at least one animal in the space with lighting characteristics at least partially before the future time period. The lighting characteristics can include cool blue light having a peak wavelength between 380 and 500 nanometers, preferably between 450 and 485 nanometers. The lighting characteristics may also include cool white light with a color temperature of at least 4,500 Kelvin, preferably at least 6,000 Kelvin, more preferably at least 7,000 Kelvin.

[0040] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved lighting system. Furthermore, the present invention also provides a lighting system comprising a control device according to the invention and a lighting device (according to the invention). The control device can thus be configured to control the lighting device. Therefore, the advantages and / or embodiments of the control device according to the invention can be applied to the lighting system according to the invention with necessary modifications.

[0041] In one embodiment, the lighting system further includes a prediction device; wherein the control device is configured to receive or retrieve the prediction data from the prediction device; wherein the prediction device is at least one of the following: an external server, a user input device, a building management system, and a sensor device.

[0042] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved luminaire. Furthermore, the present invention also provides a luminaire comprising a housing, wherein the housing houses a control device and a lighting device according to the present invention. The lighting device can therefore be a lighting unit.

[0043] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for controlling a lighting device to illuminate at least one animal in a space. Accordingly, the present invention further provides a method for controlling a lighting device to illuminate at least one animal in a space, wherein the method includes: obtaining predictive data indicating values ​​of environmental conditions in the space during a future time period; determining values ​​of the environmental conditions based on the predictive data; determining a prediction of heat stress for at least one animal in the space during a future time period if the values ​​of the environmental conditions fall within predefined limits of heat stress; and, after determining the prediction of heat stress, controlling the lighting device to illuminate at least one animal in the space with lighting characteristics at least partially before the future time period; wherein the lighting characteristics are configured to pre-treat at least one animal with respect to heat stress; wherein the lighting characteristics include red light having a peak wavelength between 600 and 780 nanometers. Thus, the advantages and / or embodiments of the control device according to the invention can be applied to the method according to the invention with necessary modifications.

[0044] In one embodiment, the method may include: determining values ​​of environmental conditions in the space during the future time period by extrapolating predicted data to the future time period. In one embodiment, the method may include: receiving or retrieving the predicted data from at least one of the following: an external server, a user input device, a building management system, and a sensor device. In one embodiment, the method may include: outputting a control command configured to control the lighting device to illuminate at least one animal in the space with lighting characteristics at least partially prior to the future time period.

[0045] The present invention also relates to a computer program product. Therefore, the present invention provides a computer program product for a computing device, the computer program product comprising computer program code that executes the method(s) according to the present invention when the computer program product is run on a processing unit of the computing device. Thus, aspects of the present invention can be implemented in a computer program product, which may be a collection of computer program instructions stored on a computer-readable storage device executable by a computer. The instructions of the present invention can be any interpretable or executable code mechanism, including but not limited to scripts, interpretable programs, dynamic link libraries (DLLs), or Java classes. The instructions may be provided as a complete executable program, a partial executable program, a modification (e.g., an update) of an existing program, or an extension (e.g., a plug-in) of an existing program. Furthermore, some processing of the present invention may be distributed across multiple computers or processors. Attached Figure Description

[0046] The invention will now be further illustrated with the aid of illustrative, non-limiting drawings:

[0047] Figure 1 An embodiment of a lighting system according to the invention is schematically depicted, wherein the lighting system includes a control device, a lighting device, and a prediction device according to the invention;

[0048] Figure 2 An embodiment of a lighting system according to the invention is schematically depicted, wherein the lighting system includes a control device, a lighting device, and a prediction device according to the invention;

[0049] Figure 3 The method according to the invention is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0050] As mentioned above, heat stress can negatively impact the welfare and productivity of animals (e.g., broilers and laying hens) in a space. This invention prevents or reduces heat stress in such animals. This is accomplished by pre-treating the animals with the illumination characteristics provided in the illumination of a lighting device. That is, the invention predicts the risk of heat stress because the control device is configured to determine the values ​​of environmental conditions in the space during a future time period based on obtained prediction data; and based on this, a prediction of heat stress is determined. Furthermore, after determining the prediction of heat stress, the control device controls the lighting device to illuminate at least one animal in the space with the illumination characteristics at least partially before the future time period. This pre-treats the animals to adjust their behavior at least partially before the future time period. This behavioral change allows them to better prepare for the future time period, where the values ​​of environmental conditions would normally cause at least one animal to experience heat stress, but because the preparation (or: pre-treatment) can now cope with the values ​​of the environmental conditions and they do not experience heat stress. Non-limiting examples will now be provided.

[0051] Figure 1 An embodiment of a lighting system 100, including a control device 10, a lighting device 20, and a prediction device 30, is schematically depicted by way of non-limiting example. The lighting device 20 is disposed in a space 40. The control device 10 is configured to control the lighting device 20. The space 40 is the location of an animal farm. The lighting device 20 is arranged to illuminate at least one animal 41. The at least one animal is a flock of chickens 41. The prediction device 30 and the control device 10 may be outside the space 40, but for convenience, both are depicted within the boundaries of the space 40, and therefore within the boundaries of the animal farm.

[0052] Space 40 includes environmental conditions 42. The environmental condition is the ambient temperature 42 at the location of the animal farm 40. Alternatively, the environmental condition may be one of the following: relative humidity, solar radiation level, CO2 concentration, or air velocity. The forecasting device 30 is a server configured to provide weather forecasts (therefore: a weather forecast server), and specifically provides values ​​for environmental conditions 42 for future time periods.

[0053] The control device 10 includes a control unit 11 and a wireless transceiver unit 12. The wireless transceiver unit can alternatively be any other input / output device for communication. The wireless transceiver unit 12 communicates with the forecasting device 30 (i.e., the weather forecast server 30). This communication is, for example, internet communication via a wireless router. Alternatively, a wired connection is conceivable.

[0054] Control device 10 receives forecast data 13 from forecast device 30 (i.e., weather forecast server) via operation of control unit 11 and wireless transceiver unit 12. Thus, control device 10 obtains forecast data 13. Here, forecast data 13 is the value 14 of environmental conditions 42 in the space 40 (i.e., the location of the animal farm) during a future time period 15. Here, the future time period 15 is half a day in advance, but it can also be any future time period. The forecast device can alternatively be a climate control device, and the forecast data can alternatively be the climate control settings associated with the space.

[0055] Therefore, by receiving the predicted data 13, the control device 10 and its corresponding control unit 11 determine, based on the predicted data 13, the value 14 of the ambient temperature 42 in the space 40 during a future time period 15. (Reference) Figure 1 By way of a non-restrictive example, the value 14 is the ambient temperature of forty-two degrees Celsius for a future time period half a day in advance.

[0056] Once the ambient temperature 42 exceeds a certain threshold, the flock 41 will experience heat stress. These thresholds are known in animal literature and studies on various animal types and / or breeds. It is well known that the normal body temperature of chickens is around forty degrees Celsius. Here, the predefined limit 16 of heat stress for the flock 41 is stored in the control unit 11 of the control device 10 (e.g., local memory). The limit 16 is defined as the range of ambient temperatures above forty degrees Celsius. Alternatively, depending on the type and / or breed of animal, any other suitable heat stress limit can be envisioned.

[0057] Still referencing Figure 1 If the value 14 of the environmental condition 42 falls within the predefined limit 16 of heat stress, the control unit 11 of the control device 10 determines the predicted heat stress of the flock 41 at location 40 of the animal farm. Here, the value 14 falls within the heat stress limit 16 because the value 14 exceeds the boundary of the limit 16. That is, the value 14 of forty-two degrees Celsius falls within the heat stress limit 16 of the flock 41 above forty degrees Celsius.

[0058] Therefore, the control device 10 determines a predicted heat stress level for the flock of chickens 41 at the location on farm 40 during a future time period 15. After determining the predicted heat stress, the control unit 11 of the control device 10 controls the lighting device 20 to illuminate the flock of chickens 41 at least partially with lighting characteristic 21 before the future time period 15. Here, lighting characteristic 21 is red light having a peak wavelength between 600 nm and 780 nm. Alternatively, the lighting characteristic may be at least one of the following: color, color temperature, intensity, spectral distribution, light formulation, modulation, light pattern, light scene, and light schedule.

[0059] Because of the red light 21 provided to flock 41 at least partially before the said future time period 15, flock 41 will perceive warmth (a feeling) under actual environmental conditions (which at the actual moment do not include values ​​that cause heat stress). Due to this perception and / or feeling of warmth, flock 41 will adapt its behavior by drinking more water and reducing its activity. This is the behavior of chickens observed when temperatures rise. This improves the metabolic state of flock 41 to a state where flock 41 can better cope with the occurrence of heat stress. Because flock 41 adapts to this behavior before the said future time period 15 when the value 14 of ambient temperature 42 falls within the heat stress limit 16, flock 41 is better prepared when the value 14 of ambient temperature 42 falls within the heat stress limit 16. This advantageously improves productivity and animal welfare on the animal farm.

[0060] Figure 2 An embodiment of a lighting system 200, including a control device 50, a lighting device 60, and a prediction device 70, is illustrated schematically by way of non-limiting example. The lighting device 60 is disposed in a space 80. The lighting device 60 is a luminaire that includes the control device 50. Therefore, the control device 50 is part of the lighting device 60. Alternatively, the lighting device and the control device may be separate components housed in different areas and do not necessarily need to be housed together in the space 80. The control device 50 is arranged to control the lighting device 60. The space 80 is a poultry house. The lighting device 60 is arranged to illuminate at least one animal 81. The at least one animal is a flock of chickens 81, but may alternatively be any other animal or group of animals mentioned in this application, such as pigs, swine, horses, cattle, sheep, etc. The prediction device 70 may be outside the space 80, but here the prediction device 70 is within the boundary of the poultry house 80.

[0061] The poultry house 80 includes environmental conditions 82. The environmental condition is solar radiation 82. Alternatively, the environmental condition may be one of the following: ambient temperature, relative humidity, CO2 concentration, or air velocity. The prediction device 70 is a sensor configured to measure the actual (and track past) value (or level) of solar radiation 82.

[0062] The control device 50 includes a control unit 51 (or processor) and an input interface (not depicted) for receiving information. The input interface can communicate with other devices via a wired connection or a wireless connection. In the latter case, the input interface can be a wireless transceiver unit. The input interface communicates with the prediction device 70 (i.e., sensor 70). Here, the communication is a wired connection.

[0063] Control device 50 retrieves (or alternatively receives) prediction data 53 from sensor 70 via operation of control unit 51 and via input interface. Thus, control device 50 obtains prediction data 53. Here, prediction data 53 is a set of (historical and / or actual) values ​​53 of environmental conditions 82 in the space 80; that is, a set of (historical and / or actual) values ​​53 of solar radiation 82 in the poultry house 80.

[0064] Based on the predicted data 53—and therefore based on the set of (historical and / or actual) values—the control unit 51 of the control device 50 subsequently determines the value 54 of solar radiation 82 in the poultry house 80 during a future time period 55. This is done by extrapolating the predicted data 53, i.e., the set of (historical and / or actual) values, to the future time period 55. The control unit 51 may also optionally use a solar radiation model for greater accuracy, i.e., knowing when the sun rises and sets.

[0065] Therefore, by retrieving the predicted data 53, the control device 50 and its corresponding control unit 51 determine the value 54 of the ambient conditions 82 (i.e., solar radiation) in the space 80 (i.e., the poultry house) during the future time period 55 by extrapolating the predicted data 53 to the future time period 55. The future time period 55 is, for example, noon.

[0066] Once the solar radiation value 82 54 exceeds a certain threshold, the flock 81 will experience heat stress. Such a threshold is known in animal literature and studies on various animal types and / or breeds. Solar radiation levels can also be coupled with temperature levels in the poultry house.

[0067] Still referencing Figure 2 If the value 54 of the environmental condition 82 (i.e., solar radiation) falls within a predefined limit 56 for heat stress, the control unit 51 of the control device 50 determines a predicted heat stress level for the flock 81 at the poultry house 80. Here, in this example, the value 54 falls within the limit 56 for heat stress. Therefore, the control device 50 determines a predicted heat stress level for the flock 81 at the poultry house 80 during a future time period 55.

[0068] Therefore, based on the extrapolated (historical and / or actual) solar radiation value 53 measured by sensor 70, control device 50 determines that the solar radiation value at noon 55 will fall within the heat stress limit 56 of the flock 81.

[0069] After determining the predicted heat stress, the control unit 51 of the control device 50 controls the lighting device 60 to illuminate the flock of chickens 81 at least partially with lighting characteristics 61 before the said future time period 55. Here, lighting characteristics 61 is a light schedule. Alternatively, lighting characteristics may be at least one of the following: color, color temperature, intensity, spectral distribution, light formulation, modulation, light pattern, and light scene.

[0070] The light schedule is set before the future time period 55 (i.e., noon). The light schedule includes a first period with a first light intensity, followed by a second period with a second light intensity. The second light intensity is lower than the first light intensity. More specifically, the first light intensity is characterized by the illuminated period of the flock, while the second light intensity is characterized by the dark period of the flock. For example, the first period could be from 09:00 to 10:00, and the second period could be from 10:00 to 12:00. Therefore, the light schedule is set before the future time period of noon.

[0071] The effect of this light-time schedule is that flock 81 will achieve an optimal adaptive homeostasis in heat stress tolerance. Specifically: because the first period is a light period, the flock will consume more water, thus preparing flock 81 for a future period with the risk of heat stress. Because the second period is a dark period, which occurs just before the future period, flock 81 will reduce feed intake and rest more. This reduces digestion and thus reduces internal heat generation in flock 81 just before the future period with the risk of heat stress. Therefore, flock 81 is better prepared for and able to cope with heat stress. This is beneficial to the health of the flock.

[0072] Figure 3 An improved method 90 for controlling a lighting device to illuminate at least one animal in a space is illustrated schematically by means of a non-limiting example. Method 90 can be derived from... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The lighting system and corresponding control devices described in the text are used to perform this function.

[0073] Method 90 includes a first step 92 of obtaining predictive data indicating values ​​of environmental conditions in the space during a future time period; and a second step 94 of determining the values ​​of the environmental conditions based on the predictive data. These steps are performed by a control device, or for example by a controller or processor of the control device. Obtaining the predictive data can, for example, be retrieving or receiving the predictive data. Here, the predictive data includes values ​​of the environmental conditions in the space during a future time period, thus enabling the determination of the values ​​fairly directly based on the predictive data.

[0074] However, alternatively, determining the values ​​of environmental conditions in the space over a future time period can be a step of extrapolating forecast data to the future time period, or, for example, comparing the forecast data with a predefined forecasting model that stores a list of forecast data coupled to the values ​​in the space over the future time period, the comparison of which can subsequently provide the values. This could, for example, be a weather forecasting model.

[0075] The method further includes step 96: if the value of the environmental conditions falls within a predefined limit of heat stress, then determining a prediction of heat stress for at least one animal in the space during a future time period. The method further includes step 98: after determining the prediction of heat stress, controlling a lighting device to illuminate at least one animal in the space with lighting characteristics at least partially prior to the future time period. The lighting characteristics may include at least one of the following: color, color temperature, intensity, spectral distribution, light formulation, modulation, light pattern, light scene, and light schedule. The lighting characteristics may be adapted to prepare at least one animal to cope with the risk of heat stress, enabling at least one animal to better cope with the heat stress.

Claims

1. A control device (10, 50) for controlling a lighting device (20, 60) to illuminate at least one animal (41, 81) in a space (40, 80), wherein the control device (10, 50) is configured to: - Obtain predicted data (13, 53) indicating the values ​​(14, 54) of environmental conditions (42, 82) in the space (40, 80) during future time periods (15, 55); - Determine the values ​​(14, 54) of the environmental conditions (42, 82) based on the predicted data (13, 55); - If the values ​​(14, 54) of the environmental conditions (42, 82) fall within the predefined limits (16, 56) of heat stress, then a prediction of heat stress for at least one animal (41, 81) in the space (40, 80) during the future time period (15, 55) is determined. - After determining the prediction of the heat stress, the lighting devices (20, 60) are controlled to illuminate at least one animal (41, 81) in the space (40, 80) with lighting characteristics (21, 61) at least partially before the future time period (15, 55), wherein the lighting characteristics (21, 61) are configured to pre-treat the at least one animal in relation to the heat stress; The illumination characteristics (21, 61) include red light with a peak wavelength between 600 and 780 nanometers.

2. The control device (10, 50) according to claim 1, wherein the environmental conditions (42, 82) are at least one of the following: ambient temperature, ambient radiation level, relative humidity, solar radiation level, CO2 concentration, air velocity, and ammonia level.

3. The control device (10) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the prediction data (13) includes the value (14) of the environmental conditions (42) in the space (40) during the future time period (15).

4. The control device (50) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the control device (50) is configured to determine the value (54) of the environmental conditions (82) in the space (80) during the future time period (55) by extrapolating the predicted data (53) to the future time period (55).

5. The control device (10, 50) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the lighting characteristics (21, 61) are selected based on the value of the environmental conditions.

6. The control device (50) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the lighting characteristic (61) includes a light schedule prior to the future time period (55); The light time schedule includes a first period of time with a first light intensity, followed by a second period of time with a second light intensity, wherein the second light intensity is lower than the first light intensity.

7. The control device (50) according to claim 6, wherein the first time period is characterized by the light period of the at least one animal (81), and the second time period is characterized by the dark period of the at least one animal (81).

8. The control device (10, 50) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the control device (10, 50) is configured to: - Receive or retrieve the prediction data from at least one of the following: an external server, a user input device, a building management system, or a sensor device.

9. The control device (10, 50) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the prediction data (13, 53) includes weather forecast information associated with the location of the space (40, 80).

10. The control device (10, 50) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the prediction data (13, 53) includes climate control settings associated with the space.

11. A lighting system (100, 200) comprising a control device (10, 50) and a lighting device (20, 60) according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the control device (10, 50) is configured to control the lighting device (20, 60).

12. The lighting system (100, 200) according to claim 11, wherein the lighting system (100, 200) further comprises a prediction device (30); The control device (10, 50) is configured to receive or retrieve the prediction data (13, 53) from the prediction device (30); wherein the prediction device (30) is at least one of the following: an external server, a user input device, a building management system, or a sensor device.

13. A method (90) for controlling a lighting device to illuminate at least one animal in a space, wherein the method comprises: -(92) Obtain predictive data indicating values ​​of environmental conditions in the space during a future time period; -(94) Determine the value of the environmental conditions based on the predicted data; -(96) If the value of the environmental condition falls within a predefined limit of heat stress, then determine the prediction of heat stress for at least one animal in the space during a future time period; -(98) After determining the prediction of the heat stress, control the lighting device to illuminate at least one animal in the space with lighting characteristics at least partially before the future time period, wherein the lighting characteristics are configured to pre-treat the at least one animal in relation to the heat stress; The illumination characteristics (21, 61) include red light with a peak wavelength between 600 and 780 nanometers.

14. A computer program product for a computing device, the computer program product comprising computer program code that executes the method of claim 13 when the computer program product is run on a processing unit of the computing device.

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