Lighting system
By combining visible light and ultraviolet light sources into a lighting system, the circadian rhythm of birds is controlled, solving the health and well-being problems caused by light regulation in poultry farming. This enables birds to eat and drink effectively during dark hours, maintaining production efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SIGNIFY HOLDING BV
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-06
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
In modern poultry farming, prolonged light regulation leads to health and well-being problems in birds, including sleep deprivation, gastrointestinal discomfort, voracious eating, and aggressive behavior. Furthermore, existing lighting systems struggle to ensure birds' food and water needs are met during dark hours.
An illumination system combining visible and ultraviolet light sources is used. The visible light source emits visible light during light periods and does not emit visible light during dark periods. The ultraviolet light source emits ultraviolet light in the UV-A wavelength range during dark periods to induce the diurnal rhythm of birds and provide sufficient light during dark periods to allow them to eat and drink.
Maintaining birds' normal diurnal rhythms reduces hunger stress, ensures even food intake, reduces overeating and crowding, and improves bird health and productivity.
Smart Images
Figure CN117956898B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a lighting system arranged to illuminate a space used for raising birds. The invention also relates to a method for illuminating a space used for raising birds, and a corresponding computer program product. Background Technology
[0002] A relevant segment of the global animal husbandry industry consists of bird raising, such as the raising of broiler chickens in poultry farming. While economies of scale and production efficiency have driven the development of poultry farming, modern poultry farming is also increasingly focused on improving animal health and welfare. This presents a significant challenge.
[0003] For example, modern poultry grow very quickly. A 40-gram broiler chick grows into a 5-kilogram bird in about eight weeks. This enormous and rapid growth requires a considerable input of feed and water.
[0004] Furthermore, this growth is typically promoted by regulating the sleep-wake cycle of the poultry. That is, artificial lighting in poultry farms is generally adapted to induce the circadian rhythm of the poultry. Such circadian lighting is typically characterized by providing the poultry with a 24-hour cycle that includes light periods (or: daytime) when the artificial lighting is on and dark periods (or: nighttime) when the artificial lighting is off. US2017000163 discloses a method for increasing animal feed intake, which includes a light source that produces light below 400 nm when it gets dark.
[0005] Therefore, extending the light period (or daytime) is considered beneficial for increasing the growth rate of broilers, but detrimental to animal health and welfare, as poultry also require a certain amount of sleep to prevent sleep deprivation and / or for physical recovery. Excessively long light periods can even disrupt the poultry's natural melatonin cycle (or natural circadian rhythm). Consequently, many jurisdictions regulate the minimum number of hours of artificial lighting in poultry farming, particularly for dark periods, to protect animal health and welfare.
[0006] For example, Canada’s Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Hatching Eggs, Breeders, Chickens and Turkeys recommends that birds have at least four hours of dark time before the fifth day of release, and that from the fifth day of release until no earlier than the seventh day before capture, birds kept in barns must have at least four consecutive hours of dark time in each 24-hour period.
[0007] For example, Council Directive 2007 / 43 / EC stipulates that for seven days from the time the chickens are placed in the building, and until three days before the expected slaughter time, the lighting must follow a 24-hour rhythm and include a total of at least six hours of dark periods, with at least one uninterrupted dark period of at least four hours (excluding dimming periods).
[0008] Therefore, to protect the health and well-being of poultry and maintain a healthy melatonin cycle, it is generally recognized that providing birds with the fewest possible hours of darkness is beneficial. However, during dark hours, birds neither eat nor drink (due to sleeping or the inability to find food in the dark), and their gastrointestinal tracts are almost empty by “morning” when artificial lighting is turned back on. This can be detrimental.
[0009] In other words, at the start of daylight (or daytime), birds are extremely hungry and exhibit voracious eating behavior. This has been found to cause a sudden influx of large amounts of food into the digestive tract, which can then lead to inconsistent feeding, gastrointestinal upset, or even increased susceptibility to bird diseases. Furthermore, due to potentially limited space around feeding channels or water spouts, birds may exhibit increased aggression and crowding when simultaneously eating and / or drinking. This behavior can unintentionally result in abrasions, other injuries, and a general increase in stress.
[0010] In summary, particularly in poultry farming and / or bird husbandry, there is a clear need to improve the health and well-being of the birds while maintaining growth targets and without disrupting their diurnal rhythms. Summary of the Invention
[0011] One object of the present invention is to provide an improved lighting system that at least mitigates the aforementioned problems and disadvantages. To this end, the present invention provides a lighting system arranged to illuminate a space for raising birds, wherein the lighting system comprises: a visible light source configured to emit visible light; an ultraviolet light source configured to emit ultraviolet light; and a controller configured to: (i) induce the diurnal rhythm of the birds by controlling the visible light source to emit visible light during a predetermined light period and not to emit visible light during a predetermined dark period; and (ii) control the ultraviolet light source to emit ultraviolet light at an ultraviolet intensity during at least one sub-period within the predetermined dark period, wherein the ultraviolet light includes a peak wavelength in the UV-A wavelength range.
[0012] Unlike humans, birds have five cone receptors in their eyes, with the fourth cone being sensitive to light in the ultraviolet range, enabling them to see the ultraviolet portion of the spectrum. Proprietary research by ONCE / Signify has even further confirmed that ultraviolet light does not disrupt the diurnal rhythms (i.e., daily rhythms) or melatonin secretion in birds (especially chickens). This invention utilizes this insight.
[0013] In other words, the lighting system according to the invention illuminates a space used for raising birds. Throughout this application, this space can be an indoor space, such as the indoor space of an agricultural facility. The lighting system includes a visible light source, an ultraviolet light source, and a controller. The controller controls the visible light source to emit visible light during predetermined light periods and not to emit visible light during predetermined dark periods, thereby inducing the diurnal rhythm of the birds. This is beneficial for raising birds and for their productivity.
[0014] However, it is well known that birds are hungry when awake, such as broiler chickens. Furthermore, a portion of a flock (especially in the case of poultry) may remain awake regardless. Therefore, during the pre-planned dark period, when no visible light source emits any visible light, awakened birds may be visibly hungry but may be unable to eat due to the darkness. This is a significant disadvantage during the pre-planned dark period, but (as mentioned above) gastrointestinal and behavioral problems also arise when the pre-planned light period begins.
[0015] Therefore, the controller according to the invention controls the ultraviolet light source to emit ultraviolet light with ultraviolet light intensity in at least one sub-period within a predetermined dark period. The ultraviolet light can thus include peak wavelengths within the UV-A wavelength range.
[0016] This is clearly advantageous because the emitted ultraviolet light allows the (awakened) birds to still see the space (or environment) during the predetermined dark period, and thus enables them to feed and drink more efficiently during the dark period without inducing a circadian rhythm (i.e., a day / night cycle) and without disrupting their melatonin cycle. Therefore, the controller according to the invention can be configured to set a circadian rhythm cycle to induce a flock's circadian rhythm, wherein the circadian rhythm cycle includes the controller controlling a visible light source to emit visible light during a predetermined light period and not emitting visible light during a predetermined dark period.
[0017] Therefore, the birds maintain their normal diurnal rhythm and thus grow according to plan, but with less hunger stress during the scheduled dark periods. Furthermore, food intake can be more evenly distributed throughout the 24-hour cycle. Moreover, when the scheduled light period begins after the scheduled dark period, the flock can feed less voraciously, resulting in less crowding, abrasions, and injuries.
[0018] In summary, the lighting system according to the present invention improves the health and well-being of bird flocks while maintaining normal diurnal rhythms.
[0019] The flock of birds may preferably be a flock of chickens. Alternatively, the flock may be one or more of the following: turkeys, ducks, geese, pheasants, quails, guinea fowl, traditional breed chickens, pet birds, and songbirds.
[0020] The visible light source can be described throughout as a visible illumination system. The ultraviolet light source can be described throughout as an ultraviolet illumination system. The visible light source and the ultraviolet light source can be contained within the same housing of the same illumination device (e.g., illuminator).
[0021] In an alternative aspect, the emitted ultraviolet light may include a peak wavelength in the UV-B wavelength range. Therefore, in various aspects, the emitted ultraviolet light may include a peak wavelength in the UV-B and / or UV-A wavelength range. Therefore, in various aspects, the emitted ultraviolet light may include a first peak wavelength in the UV-A wavelength range and a second peak wavelength in the UV-B wavelength range.
[0022] The predetermined light period can be described as a light period. The predetermined light period can be described as a predetermined daytime period. The predetermined dark period can be described as a dark period. The predetermined dark period can be described as a predetermined nighttime period.
[0023] A predetermined light period may include the duration of light. A predetermined dark period may include the duration of darkness. The duration of light and / or the duration of darkness may be set to values corresponding to the desired feeding of the flock. The duration of light may, for example, be 20 hours. The duration of darkness may, for example, be 4 hours. The predetermined light and dark periods may be repeated (in a 24-hour circadian rhythm cycle).
[0024] In various aspects, the visible light may include visible light characteristics. These visible light characteristics may, for example, be light intensity. Therefore, throughout this application, the expression "not emitting the visible light" may include not emitting visible light containing the visible light characteristics. Thus, during a predetermined dark period, visible light may still be emitted even though the visible light characteristics are not included. For example, the visible light (e.g., white light) may include a maximum visible light intensity during a predetermined light period, while during a predetermined dark period, the visible light is either completely switched off or dimmed to only 1% of the maximum visible light intensity. Such artificial lighting (light periods, dark periods) can be well established and clearly defined in animal husbandry.
[0025] In various embodiments, at least one sub-period ends simultaneously with the predetermined dark period and lasts for at most one-quarter of the duration of the predetermined dark period. This embodiment is advantageous because the ultraviolet light is emitted in a sub-period that precedes and is adjacent to the predetermined light period. Therefore, since at least some of the birds will have had the opportunity to feed during the predetermined dark period because the emitted ultraviolet light is visible to the birds, the aforementioned problem is alleviated at the start of the predetermined light period when visible light is emitted again. This improves the health and well-being of the birds.
[0026] In all respects, at least one sub-period may last for a duration equal to at most one-third, or at most one-fifth, or at most one-tenth of the predetermined dark period.
[0027] In one embodiment, the system includes a first feed dispensing device disposed in a first area of the space; wherein the controller is configured to control an ultraviolet light source to emit ultraviolet light at an ultraviolet light intensity during a sub-period within a predetermined dark period to illuminate the first area of the space.
[0028] In yet another embodiment, the lighting system may include a sensor unit configured to detect an attribute indicating that at least one bird in the flock is awake during a predetermined dark period; wherein the controller is configured to, upon detecting the attribute, control the ultraviolet light source to emit ultraviolet light at an ultraviolet intensity during a sub-period within the predetermined dark period.
[0029] In yet another embodiment, the lighting system may include a sensor unit configured to detect an attribute indicating that at least one bird in the flock is awake during a predetermined dark period; wherein a controller may be configured to: determine the number of awake birds based on the attribute; and when the number of awake birds exceeds a predefined threshold number, control an ultraviolet light source to emit ultraviolet light at an ultraviolet intensity during a sub-period within the predetermined dark period. This embodiment is advantageous because the ultraviolet light is provided only when the threshold number of birds are awake, thereby preventing unnecessary energy consumption of ultraviolet light for only a limited number of birds. The number may be at least one, i.e., for example, one detected bird is awake. Thus, the invention can be advantageously applied to a certain critical number of birds while also providing advantages in energy consumption levels. In one embodiment, the predefined threshold number is at least ten. Alternatively, the predefined threshold number is at least one hundred, or at least two hundred.
[0030] Therefore, when the number of awake birds exceeds a predefined threshold, the ultraviolet light source is controlled to emit ultraviolet light at an ultraviolet intensity for a sub-period within a predetermined dark period. This sub-period can be considered as the duration during which the ultraviolet light remains on after the threshold number of awake birds is detected. In one embodiment, the sub-period lasts for at most half the duration of the predetermined dark period.
[0031] For example, if the predetermined dark period is 2 hours, then the sub-period can last for at most 1 hour. Similarly, other values can be envisioned. Alternatively, in various aspects, the sub-period can last for at most one-quarter of the predetermined dark period, or at most one-tenth of the predetermined dark period, or for a duration between one-tenth and one-fifth of the predetermined dark period. The sub-period can include a duration tailored, for example, based on the expected feed intake of a bird in the flock during the predetermined dark period.
[0032] In one embodiment, the sensor unit includes at least one of the following: a camera, a thermal camera, a microphone, a motion sensor, a sensor arrangement for radio frequency-based sensing, a PIR sensor, a thermopile array, a single-pixel thermopile, a distance sensor, a VOC sensor, and a pressure sensor.
[0033] For example, a camera can directly detect an image of at least one sleeping bird. A motion detector can detect the movement of at least one bird, which can indicate that the bird is awake. A microphone detector can detect the sound level or noise of at least one bird, which can indicate that the bird is awake. Alternatively, other properties of sound can be detected, such as the audio footprint of an awake bird. A VOC detector can detect the dust level caused by at least one bird, which can indicate that the bird is awake. A thermopile array can detect the thermal characteristics of at least one bird's activity, which can indicate that the bird is awake.
[0034] In yet another related embodiment, the system includes a first feed dispensing device disposed in a first area of the space; wherein a controller is configured to control an ultraviolet light source to emit ultraviolet light at an ultraviolet intensity during a sub-period within a predetermined dark period when the number of awake birds exceeds a predefined threshold number, thereby illuminating the first area of the space. Therefore, when the number of awake birds exceeds the predefined threshold number, the first feed dispensing device in the first area can be illuminated with ultraviolet light, making the feed dispensing device visible, in particular, for the number of birds in the flock during the sub-period within the predetermined dark period.
[0035] In one embodiment, the ultraviolet light intensity can be up to 50% of the maximum intensity of the ultraviolet light source. This intensity of up to 50% of the maximum intensity of the ultraviolet light source can be sufficient for one bird in a flock to find food and water, but insufficient to potentially wake other sleeping birds in the flock. In various aspects, the ultraviolet light intensity can be, for example, between 1 lux and 20 lux, preferably between 1 lux and 10 lux.
[0036] In one embodiment, the controller can be configured to control the ultraviolet light source to emit ultraviolet light at a first ultraviolet intensity during a first sub-period within a predetermined dark period to illuminate a first area of the space; wherein the controller is configured to control the ultraviolet light source to emit ultraviolet light at a second ultraviolet intensity during a second sub-period within the predetermined dark period to illuminate a second area of the space; wherein the first and second sub-periods do not overlap in time; wherein the first area of the space is different from the second area of the space. This embodiment is advantageous because it allows ultraviolet light to be provided to different areas of the space in different sub-periods. According to the invention, this also allows different parts of the space to be continuously provided with ultraviolet light, so as to more precisely control the feeding and drinking behavior of birds during the predetermined dark period.
[0037] In one embodiment, the system includes a first feed dispensing device and a second feed dispensing device; wherein the first feed dispensing device is arranged in a first region, and the second feed dispensing device is arranged in a second region; wherein the first ultraviolet light intensity and the second ultraviolet light intensity are at most 50% of the maximum intensity of the ultraviolet light source. This embodiment is advantageous because the different feed dispensing devices can be illuminated during different sub-periods within a predetermined dark period, so as to visualize the different feed dispensing devices for birds in the flock during the predetermined dark period.
[0038] In one embodiment, a first region of the space includes a first portion of the flock, and a second region of the space includes a second portion of the flock; wherein the first and second ultraviolet light intensities are at the maximum intensity of the ultraviolet light source. This embodiment is advantageous because it provides ultraviolet light at the maximum intensity of the ultraviolet light source at different regions within the space during different sub-periods of a predetermined dark period. This allows a portion of the flock to be awakened with ultraviolet light of maximum intensity during a specific sub-period of the predetermined dark period. The portion of the flock can then feed and drink during the specific sub-period of the predetermined dark period.
[0039] In one embodiment, the ultraviolet light source includes at least one ultraviolet light source unit to illuminate at least one region of the space. For example, the ultraviolet light source may be, for instance, an array of illuminators, and the at least one ultraviolet light source unit may be an illuminator in the array. Each illuminator thereby illuminates a corresponding region of the space.
[0040] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method that at least mitigates the aforementioned problems and disadvantages. To this end, the present invention provides a method for illuminating a space used for raising birds, wherein the method comprises: inducing the circadian rhythm of the birds by controlling a visible light source to emit visible light during a predetermined light period and not to emit visible light during a predetermined dark period; and controlling an ultraviolet light source to emit ultraviolet light at an ultraviolet intensity during at least one sub-period within the predetermined dark period, wherein the ultraviolet light includes peak wavelengths in the UV-A wavelength range. Advantages and / or embodiments applicable to the lighting equipment according to the present invention can also be adapted to the method according to the present invention with appropriate modifications.
[0041] In one embodiment, the method includes: during a predetermined dark period, detecting an attribute indicating that at least one bird in the flock is awake; determining the number of awake birds based on the attribute; and when the number of awake birds exceeds a predefined threshold number, controlling an ultraviolet light source to emit ultraviolet light at an ultraviolet intensity during a sub-period within the predetermined dark period. Attached Figure Description
[0042] The invention will now be further illustrated with the aid of illustrative, non-limiting drawings:
[0043] Figure 1 An embodiment of the lighting system according to the present invention is schematically depicted;
[0044] Figure 2 The results of experiments illustrating that ultraviolet light does not disrupt the melatonin cycle in birds are schematically depicted.
[0045] Figure 3 schematically depicted Figure 1 An embodiment of the operation of the lighting system depicted in the image;
[0046] Figure 4 schematically depicted Figure 1 An embodiment of the operation of the lighting system depicted in the image;
[0047] Figure 5 An embodiment of the lighting system according to the present invention is schematically depicted;
[0048] Figure 6 An embodiment of the lighting system according to the present invention is schematically depicted;
[0049] Figure 7 The method according to the invention is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation
[0050] Figure 1A lighting system 10 according to the invention is illustrated schematically by way of non-limiting example. The lighting system 10 is arranged in a space 9. The space 9 is an agricultural space 9 for raising a flock of birds 11. Here, the flock of birds 11 is a flock of broilers, but may alternatively be any other birds suitable for raising in an agricultural facility. In operation, the lighting system illuminates the space 9, and thus illuminates the flock of broilers 11.
[0051] The lighting system 10 includes a visible light source 1, an ultraviolet light source 2, and a controller 3. The controller 3 controls the visible light source 1 and the ultraviolet light source 2 during operation. Here, the ultraviolet light source 2 and the visible light source 1 are depicted as part of the same illuminator or the same illuminator housing, and the controller is also housed within the illuminator or housing. Alternatively, the visible light source and the ultraviolet light source can be separate lighting devices, which can be controlled by a remotely positioned controller.
[0052] Visible light source 1 is configured to emit visible light 4. More specifically, controller 3 controls visible light source 1 to induce the diurnal rhythm of the flock of birds 11. This is achieved by controller 3 controlling visible light source 1 to emit visible light 4 during a predetermined light period 6 and not to emit visible light 4 during a predetermined dark period 7.
[0053] Here, as an example only, the scheduled dark period includes a duration of 4 hours, while the scheduled light period includes a duration of 20 hours (total). Similarly, other alternative light-dark schedules can be envisioned.
[0054] Therefore, as is known in practice and the prior art, the visible light source 1 can provide artificial illumination in the agricultural space 9 to induce the diurnal rhythm of the flock of birds 11, wherein the diurnal rhythm is typically characterized by a 24-hour cycle that includes alternating light periods (or: daytime) and dark periods (or: nighttime).
[0055] However, during such dark periods, flocks may not eat or drink, for example, because they are sleeping or unable to find food in the dark. This results in their gastrointestinal tracts being almost empty at the start of light (or: daytime). Even after the start of light within the circadian rhythm cycle, flocks may exhibit voracious feeding behavior because they may be very hungry, potentially causing harmful congestion at feeding channels and water spouts.
[0056] Therefore, still refer to Figure 1 The lighting system 10 according to the invention includes an ultraviolet light source 2. The ultraviolet light source 2 is configured to emit ultraviolet light 5. Here, the ultraviolet light 5 includes a peak wavelength in the UV-A wavelength range, but may alternatively or additionally include a peak wavelength in the UV-B wavelength range.
[0057] More specifically, the controller 3 controls the ultraviolet light source 2 to emit ultraviolet light 5 at an ultraviolet intensity during at least one sub-segment 8 within a predetermined dark period 7. Here, at least one sub-segment 8 is a single sub-segment 8. This single sub-segment 8 lasts substantially throughout the predetermined dark period 7. That is, in this example, the single sub-segment 8 also includes a duration of 4 hours. Therefore, during the predetermined dark period 7, the flock of birds 11 is also provided with the ultraviolet light 5, which includes a peak wavelength in the UV-A wavelength range.
[0058] Therefore, the lighting system 10 achieves increased health and well-being for the flock of birds 11. That is to say: proprietary research by ONCE / Signify has determined that ultraviolet light does not disrupt the diurnal rhythm activity (i.e., daily rhythm) or melatonin secretion of birds (i.e., chickens in particular). Figure 2 The results of this study are described, in which it is clear that even with the use of UV-A light, the birds' melatonin secretion remained unaffected (i.e., it increased during dark hours and decreased during light hours).
[0059] Therefore, by controlling the ultraviolet light source 2 to emit ultraviolet light 5, the birds in the flock 11 (when awake and hungry) are still able to see things within the space 9, and thus are able to eat and drink more effectively during the predetermined dark period 7 without inducing circadian rhythms (i.e., day / night cycles) and without disrupting their melatonin cycles.
[0060] Therefore, the birds still maintain their normal diurnal rhythms and thus grow according to plan, but experience less hunger stress during the scheduled dark period 7 and less harmful behavior when the scheduled light period 6 begins after the scheduled dark period 7.
[0061] In addition, still refer to Figure 1 The ultraviolet light intensity is at most 50% of the maximum intensity of the ultraviolet light source 2. In this embodiment, as an example, the ultraviolet light intensity is 5 lux. In this embodiment, the ultraviolet light intensity is selected such that it does not actively wake the birds in the flock 11, but still provides sufficient intensity for the awakened birds in the flock 11 to search for food and water in the space 9. The value can alternatively be any other suitable lux value.
[0062] Figure 3 The invention is illustrated schematically by way of non-limiting examples. Figure 1 The same lighting system 10 is depicted, but with different operation. That is, the controller 3 is similarly configured to control the ultraviolet light source 2 to emit ultraviolet light 5 at an ultraviolet light intensity during at least one sub-period 8' within a predetermined dark period 7.
[0063] However, in this embodiment, one of the at least one sub-periods 8' ends simultaneously with the predetermined dark period 7 and lasts for at most one-quarter of the duration of the predetermined dark period 7. Because the sub-period 8' is temporally prior to and adjacent to the predetermined light period 6, the ultraviolet light 5 illuminates the space 9 just before the predetermined light period 6 begins and before the flock of birds 11 (based on their diurnal rhythm) wakes up.
[0064] This is advantageous because the predetermined light period 6, during which feed and water are visible to flock 11, is extended into the predetermined dark period 7. Birds in flock 11 that awaken before the start of predetermined light period 6 will have the opportunity to begin feeding and drinking without inducing their circadian rhythm (i.e., day / night cycle) and without disrupting their melatonin cycle. This reduces the number of birds that are hungry and voraciously feeding at the start of predetermined light period 6, thus reducing overcrowding and injury.
[0065] Figure 4 The invention is illustrated schematically by way of non-limiting examples. Figure 1 The same lighting system 10 is depicted, but with different operation. That is, the controller 3 is similarly configured to control the ultraviolet light source 2 to emit ultraviolet light 5 at ultraviolet light intensity during at least one sub-period 8” within a predetermined dark period 7.
[0066] However, in this embodiment, the at least one sub-period 8" is a plurality of intermittent sub-periods 8" within a predetermined dark period 7. Each of the plurality of intermittent sub-periods 8" can be predefined, for example, according to a schedule, or can be triggered, for example, by a sensor. The sensor can, for example, detect awakening birds. The intermittent sub-periods 8" can also be arranged in such a way as to elicit a physiological response in the flock.
[0067] Figure 5 A lighting system 50 according to the invention is illustrated schematically by way of non-limiting example. The lighting system 50 is arranged in a space 59. The space 59 is an agricultural space 59 for raising a flock of birds 61. Here, the flock of birds 61 is a flock of turkeys, but may alternatively be any other bird suitable for raising in an agricultural facility, such as chickens. In operation, the lighting system illuminates the space 59, and thus illuminates the flock of birds 61.
[0068] The lighting system 50 includes a visible light source 51, an ultraviolet light source 52, a controller 53, and a sensor unit 60. The controller 53 controls the visible light source 51 and the ultraviolet light source 52 during operation. Here, the ultraviolet light source 52 and the visible light source 51 are depicted as part of the same lighting device (such as a luminaire). Alternatively, the visible light source and the ultraviolet light source can be separate lighting devices.
[0069] The controller 53 is positioned remotely from the ultraviolet light source 52 and the visible light source 51, but communicates with them via wired communication, such as power line communication (PLC). Alternatively, it can be communicated wirelessly, such as BLE, ZigBee, RF, Wi-Fi, VLC, Lo-Ra, etc.
[0070] The visible light source 51 is configured to emit visible light 54. More specifically, the controller 53 controls the visible light source 51 to induce the diurnal rhythm of the flock of birds 61. This is achieved by the controller 53 controlling the visible light source 51 to emit visible light 54 during a predetermined light period 56 and not to emit visible light 54 during a predetermined dark period 57.
[0071] Here, as an example only, the scheduled dark period includes a duration of 6 hours, while the scheduled light period includes a duration of 18 hours. Similarly, other alternative light-dark schedules can be envisioned.
[0072] Therefore, as is known in practice and the prior art, the visible light source 51 can provide artificial illumination in the agricultural space 59 to induce the diurnal rhythm of the flock of birds 61, wherein the diurnal rhythm is typically characterized by a 24-hour cycle that includes alternating light periods (or: daytime) and dark periods (or: nighttime).
[0073] However, during such dark periods, flocks may not eat or drink, for example, because they are sleeping or unable to find food in the dark. This results in their gastrointestinal tracts being almost empty at the start of light (or: daytime). Even after the start of light within the circadian rhythm cycle, flocks may exhibit voracious feeding behavior because they may be very hungry, potentially causing harmful congestion at feeding channels and water spouts.
[0074] Therefore, still refer to Figure 5 The lighting system 50 according to the invention includes an ultraviolet light source 52. The ultraviolet light source 52 is configured to emit ultraviolet light 55. Here, the ultraviolet light 55 includes a peak wavelength in the UV-A wavelength range, but may alternatively or additionally include a peak wavelength in the UV-B wavelength range.
[0075] Furthermore, the lighting system 50 according to the invention includes a sensor unit 60. In operation, the sensor unit 60 detects an attribute indicating that at least one bird in the flock 61 is awake during a predetermined dark period 57. Here, the sensor unit 60 is a motion detector for detecting a motion attribute indicating that at least one bird in the flock is awake. Here, the sensor unit 60 and the controller 53 are housed in the same device and communicate with each other; however, the sensor unit and the controller can alternatively be separate devices.
[0076] Alternatively, the sensor unit 60 may include at least one of the following: a camera, a thermal camera, a microphone, a sensor arrangement for radio frequency-based sensing, a PIR sensor, a thermopile array, a single-pixel thermopile, a distance sensor, a VOC sensor, or a pressure sensor. Alternatively still, the sensor unit may be a wearable sensor, such as a tag or radio frequency tag. The tag may, for example, be attached to at least one bird in a flock of birds.
[0077] More specifically, the controller 53 determines the number of awake birds based on the attribute (i.e., the movement). Here, as an example, the sensor unit 60 detects the movement at a specific moment 62 during a predetermined dark period 57. This movement thus indicates that twenty birds in the flock 61 are awake. Therefore, the controller 53 determines that twenty birds in the flock 61 are awake.
[0078] Furthermore, controller 53 determines a situation where the number of awake birds exceeds a predefined threshold number. Here, as an example, the predefined threshold number is ten. Therefore, the situation is determined because the detected twenty birds exceed the predefined threshold number of ten. Alternatively, the predefined threshold number can be conceived as a different value, for example, depending on the operation of the livestock facility or the type of bird flock.
[0079] Furthermore, when the number of awake birds exceeds a predefined threshold number (or when the situation is determined), the controller 53 controls the ultraviolet light source 52 to emit ultraviolet light 55 at an ultraviolet light intensity for at least one sub-period 58 within a predetermined dark period 57. Because this is the case, the ultraviolet light source 52 is controlled to emit the ultraviolet light 55.
[0080] Here, at least one sub-period 58 is a sub-period 58. Therefore, this sub-period 58 essentially begins at the specific time 62 and lasts for a duration equal to one-sixth of the predetermined dark period 57. That is, in this example, the sub-period 58 comprises a duration of one hour, since the predetermined period lasts for six hours. Alternatively, the duration may be equal to at most half of the predetermined dark period, or at most one-quarter of the predetermined dark period, such as one-tenth of the predetermined dark period. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the sensor unit may be activated only during the predetermined dark period.
[0081] In an alternative example, the sensor unit can detect the condition multiple times within a predetermined dark period. Therefore, each time the condition is determined (the number of awake birds exceeds a predefined threshold), the ultraviolet light source can be controlled to emit ultraviolet light within the corresponding sub-period.
[0082] Therefore, during the predetermined dark period 57, after the sensor unit 60 has detected the attribute and the controller 53 has determined that the number of awake birds exceeds a predefined threshold number, the flock of birds 61 is provided with the ultraviolet light 55, which includes the peak wavelength in the UV-A wavelength range, for a sub-period equal to one-sixth of the predetermined dark period 57.
[0083] Therefore, the lighting system 50 achieves increased health and well-being for the flock 61, as mentioned throughout the above sections of this application. That is, because the ultraviolet light source 52 is controlled to emit ultraviolet light 55, the threshold number of awake birds in the flock 61 is still visible within space 59, and thus they are able to feed and drink more effectively during sub-periods 58 within the predetermined dark period 57 without inducing circadian rhythms (i.e., day / night cycles) and without disrupting their melatonin cycles.
[0084] Therefore, the birds maintain their normal diurnal rhythms and thus grow as planned, but experience less hunger stress during the predetermined dark period 57 and less harmful behavior when the predetermined light period 56 begins after the predetermined dark period 57. Furthermore, since the ultraviolet light source 52 is controlled based on detection by the sensor unit, the ultraviolet light source 52 can be controlled more effectively and efficiently (i.e., in terms of power, for example).
[0085] In addition, still refer to Figure 5 The ultraviolet light intensity is at most 50% of the maximum intensity of the ultraviolet light source 52. In this embodiment, as an example, the ultraviolet light intensity is 2 lux. In this embodiment, the ultraviolet light intensity is selected such that it does not actively awaken the birds in the flock 61, but still provides sufficient intensity for any detected awakened birds in the flock 61 to search for food and water in the space 9. The value can alternatively be any other suitable lux value.
[0086] In embodiments not depicted, Figure 1 and / or Figure 5 The lighting system includes a first feed dispensing device arranged in a first area of the space. A controller is then configured to control an ultraviolet light source to emit ultraviolet light at an ultraviolet intensity during said sub-period within a predetermined dark period to illuminate the first area of the space. Figure 5 In the case of the aforementioned lighting system, the lighting is applied when the number of awake birds exceeds a predefined threshold number.
[0087] Figure 6 An embodiment of the lighting system 70 according to the invention is illustrated schematically by way of non-limiting example. The lighting system 70 is arranged in a space 79. The space 79 is an agricultural facility for raising a flock of birds (not depicted). Here, the flock of birds is a flock of chickens. The lighting system 70 illuminates the space 79 in operation, and thus illuminates the flock of birds.
[0088] Space 79 includes a first region 791 and a second region 792. The first region 791 and the second region 792 are different. The first region 791 optionally includes a first feed dispensing device 811. The second region 792 optionally includes a second feed dispensing device 812. Therefore, in this embodiment, the lighting system 70 may also optionally include the first feed dispensing device 811 and the second feed dispensing device 812. Alternatively, the first region and the second region may at least partially overlap. The space may alternatively and optionally include at least one additional region, such as a third region and a fourth region.
[0089] Still refer to Figure 6 The lighting system 70 includes a visible light source 71, an ultraviolet light source 72, and a controller 73. The controller 73 controls the visible light source 71 and the ultraviolet light source 72 during operation. The controller 73 is thus located remotely from the ultraviolet light source 72 and the visible light source 71, but communicates wirelessly with them via wireless communication modes (such as BLE, ZigBee, RF, Wi-Fi, VLC, Lo-Ra, etc.). Alternatively, the controller may be wiredly connected to the visible light source and the ultraviolet light source(s).
[0090] The visible light source 71 is configured to emit visible light 74 into space 79, specifically both the first region 791 and the second region 792 of space 79. More specifically, the controller 73 controls the visible light source 71 to induce the diurnal rhythm of the flock of birds. This is achieved by the controller 73 controlling the visible light source 71 to emit visible light 74 during a predetermined light period 76 and not to emit visible light 74 during a predetermined dark period 77.
[0091] Here, by way of example only, the scheduled dark period 77 comprises a duration of 8 hours, while the scheduled light period 76 comprises a duration of 16 hours (total). Similarly, other alternative light-dark schedules can be envisioned.
[0092] Therefore, as is known in practice and the prior art, the visible light source 71 is capable of providing artificial illumination in space 79 to induce the diurnal rhythm of the flock of birds, wherein the diurnal rhythm is typically characterized by a 24-hour cycle that includes alternating light periods (or: daytime) and dark periods (or: nighttime).
[0093] Still refer to Figure 6 The lighting system 70 according to the invention includes an ultraviolet light source 72. The ultraviolet light source 72 is configured to emit ultraviolet light 75 into the space 79 during operation. Here, the ultraviolet light 75 includes a peak wavelength in the UV-A wavelength range, but may alternatively or additionally include a peak wavelength in the UV-B wavelength range.
[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ultraviolet light source 72 is an array of light source units. Such a light source unit can be, for example, an illuminator. That is, the ultraviolet light source 72 includes a first ultraviolet light source unit 721 and a second ultraviolet light source unit 722, both of which are configured to emit the ultraviolet light 75. The first ultraviolet light source unit 721 is arranged to irradiate a first region 791 of the space 79; and the second ultraviolet light source unit 722 is arranged to irradiate a second region 792 of the space 79.
[0095] In an alternative example, the ultraviolet light source may be a single illuminator configured to individually illuminate at least one of multiple regions within the space. Therefore, such an illuminator may include at least one ultraviolet light source unit, at least one optics element, and / or at least one beam manipulation device.
[0096] More specifically, still refer to Figure 6 In the embodiment depicted, controller 73 controls a first ultraviolet light source unit 721 to emit ultraviolet light 75 at a first ultraviolet light intensity during a first sub-period 781 within a predetermined dark period 77 to illuminate a first region 791 of space 79. Similarly, controller 73 controls a second ultraviolet light source unit 722 to emit ultraviolet light 75 at a second ultraviolet light intensity during a second sub-period 782 within the predetermined dark period 77 to illuminate a second region 792 of space 79. Still referring to… Figure 7 The first sub-segment 781 and the second sub-segment 782 do not overlap in time. Here, the first sub-segment 781 precedes the second sub-segment 782. Here, the first sub-segment 781 is adjacent to the second sub-segment 782. Alternatively, the first sub-segment and the second sub-segment can be independent of each other, and their properties (such as duration and start and end times) are conceivable, as in the examples provided for sub-segments in this application.
[0097] In this example, both the first sub-period 781 and the second sub-period 782 comprise a duration equal to half the predetermined dark period 77. Since the predetermined dark period in this example comprises an 8-hour duration, the duration of both the first sub-period 781 and the second sub-period 782 is 4 hours. Therefore, during the predetermined dark period 77, the ultraviolet light 75, including peak wavelengths within the UV-A wavelength range, is also provided to the flock, but first in the first region 791 and subsequently in the second region 792. This advantageously achieves spatial control of the ultraviolet light 75 within space 79, for example, to provide ultraviolet light 75 to the first feed dispensing device 811 and / or the second feed dispensing device 812.
[0098] For example, in an alternative aspect, a first sensor unit observing a first region can trigger a first ultraviolet illumination unit to illuminate the first region having a first feed dispensing device; and a second sensor unit observing a second region can trigger a second ultraviolet illumination unit to illuminate the second region having a second feed dispensing device.
[0099] Therefore, because the ultraviolet light source 72 is controlled to emit ultraviolet light 75, the birds in the flock (when awake and hungry) are still able to see within the corresponding areas 791, 792 of the space 79; and thus are able to feed and drink more effectively during the predetermined dark period 77 without inducing circadian rhythms (i.e., day / night cycles) and without disrupting their melatonin cycles.
[0100] Therefore, the birds still maintain their normal diurnal rhythms and thus grow according to plan, but with less hunger stress during the scheduled dark period 77 and less harmful behavior when the scheduled light period 76 begins after the scheduled dark period 77.
[0101] In addition, still refer to Figure 6 The ultraviolet light intensity is at most 25% of the maximum intensity of the ultraviolet light source 72 (more specifically, the corresponding ultraviolet light source units 721, 722). In this embodiment, as an example, the ultraviolet light intensity is 5 lux. In this embodiment, the ultraviolet light intensity is selected such that it does not actively awaken the birds in the flock, but still provides sufficient intensity for awakened birds in the flock to search for food and water in the corresponding areas 791, 792 of the space 79. The value can alternatively be any other suitable lux value.
[0102] In the undepicted but partially similar Figure 6 In an alternative embodiment of the described example, the first region of the space includes a first portion of the flock of birds, and the second region of the space includes a second portion of the flock of birds. Therefore, the ultraviolet light intensity is at the maximum intensity of the ultraviolet light source (more specifically, the corresponding ultraviolet light source unit). In this alternative embodiment, as an example, the ultraviolet light intensity could be, for example, 20 lux. This ultraviolet light intensity can wake the birds without affecting their circadian rhythms and / or melatonin cycles.
[0103] Therefore, the lighting system according to the invention can also actively wake birds during a predetermined dark period, enabling the awakened birds to feed during this period, thereby mitigating the aforementioned disadvantages and problems. Furthermore, by regionally targeting the ultraviolet light used to wake the chickens, the feeding of the flock during the predetermined dark period can be controlled and regulated accordingly. For example, during a first sub-period, a first portion of the flock can be awakened and provided with visible light to search for food; and during a second sub-period, a second portion of the flock can be awakened and provided with visible light to search for food; wherein the first and second sub-periods can be different. This will also regulate crowding during the feeding period within the predetermined dark period.
[0104] Figure 7 A method 90 for illuminating a space used for feeding a flock of birds is schematically depicted by way of non-limiting example. This method can be performed using an illumination system according to the invention. The method includes step 91: inducing a circadian rhythm in the flock by controlling a visible light source to emit visible light during a predetermined light period and not to emit visible light during a predetermined dark period. Thus, as is known in practice and the prior art, a visible light source can provide artificial illumination in a space to induce a circadian rhythm in the flock, wherein the circadian rhythm is typically characterized by a 24-hour cycle comprising alternating light periods (or: daytime) and dark periods (or: nighttime). For example, a predetermined dark period may comprise a duration of 4 hours, while a predetermined light period comprises a duration of 20 hours (total). The method also includes step 94: controlling an ultraviolet light source to emit ultraviolet light at an ultraviolet intensity during at least one sub-period within the predetermined dark period, wherein the ultraviolet light comprises a peak wavelength in the UV-A wavelength range.
[0105] In another embodiment, the method may optionally include step 92: detecting an attribute indicating that at least one bird in the flock is awake during a predetermined dark period; and step 93: determining the number of awake birds based on the attribute. The method may then include step 94': when the number of awake birds exceeds a predefined threshold number, controlling the ultraviolet light source to emit ultraviolet light at an ultraviolet intensity during a sub-period within the predetermined dark period.
Claims
1. A lighting system arranged to illuminate a space used for raising birds, said space being an interior space of an agricultural facility, wherein said lighting system comprises: - A visible light source configured to emit visible light; - An ultraviolet light source configured to emit ultraviolet light; - The controller, which is configured as follows: (i) By controlling the visible light source to emit visible light during a predetermined light period and not to emit visible light during a predetermined dark period, a circadian rhythm cycle is set to induce the circadian rhythm of the bird flock; (ii) Controlling the ultraviolet light source to emit ultraviolet light at an ultraviolet intensity during at least one sub-period within the predetermined dark period, wherein the ultraviolet light includes a peak wavelength within the UV-A wavelength range. The lighting system includes a sensor unit configured to detect an attribute indicating that at least one bird in the flock is awake during the predetermined dark period. The controller is configured to, when the attribute is detected, control the ultraviolet light source to emit ultraviolet light at the ultraviolet light intensity during a sub-period within the predetermined dark period.
2. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to: - Determine the number of awake birds based on the aforementioned attributes, and When the number of awake birds exceeds a predefined threshold, the ultraviolet light source is controlled to emit ultraviolet light at the specified ultraviolet light intensity during a sub-period within the predetermined dark period.
3. The lighting system according to claim 2, wherein, The number of predefined thresholds is at least ten.
4. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, The duration of the sub-period is equal to at most half of the predetermined dark period.
5. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor unit includes at least one of the following: a camera, a thermal camera, a microphone, a motion sensor, a sensor arrangement for radio frequency-based sensing, a PIR sensor, a thermopile array, a single-pixel thermopile, a distance sensor, a VOC sensor, and a pressure sensor.
6. The lighting system according to claim 2, wherein, The system includes a first feed dispensing device arranged in a first area of the space; The controller is configured to, when the number of awake birds exceeds the predefined threshold number, control the ultraviolet light source to emit ultraviolet light at the ultraviolet light intensity during a sub-period within the predetermined dark period to illuminate a first area of the space.
7. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, One of the at least one sub-time periods ends simultaneously with the predetermined dark period and lasts for at most one-quarter of the duration of the predetermined dark period.
8. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, The intensity of the ultraviolet light is at most 50% of the maximum intensity of the ultraviolet light source.
9. The lighting system according to claim 1, in, The controller is configured to control the ultraviolet light source to emit ultraviolet light at a first ultraviolet light intensity during a first sub-period within the predetermined dark period to illuminate a first area of the space; The controller is configured to control the ultraviolet light source to emit ultraviolet light at a second ultraviolet light intensity during a second sub-period within the predetermined dark period to illuminate a second region of the space; The first sub-time period and the second sub-time period do not overlap in time; The first region of the space is different from the second region of the space.
10. The lighting system according to claim 9, wherein, The system includes a first feed dispensing device and a second feed dispensing device; The first feed dispensing device is arranged in the first area, and the second feed dispensing device is arranged in the second area; Wherein, the first ultraviolet light intensity and the second ultraviolet light intensity are at most 50% of the maximum intensity of the ultraviolet light source.
11. The lighting system according to claim 9, wherein, The first region of the space includes a first part of the flock of birds, and the second region of the space includes a second part of the flock of birds; The first ultraviolet light intensity and the second ultraviolet light intensity are the maximum intensities of the ultraviolet light source.
12. The lighting system according to claim 1, wherein, The ultraviolet light source includes a first ultraviolet light source unit configured to emit the ultraviolet light and a second ultraviolet light source unit configured to emit the ultraviolet light. The first ultraviolet light source unit is arranged to irradiate a first region of the space, and the second ultraviolet light source unit is arranged to irradiate a second region of the space.
13. A method for illuminating a space used for raising flocks of birds, said space being an indoor space of an agricultural facility, wherein, The method includes: - The diurnal rhythm of the flock of birds is induced by controlling a visible light source to emit visible light during a predetermined light period and not to emit the visible light during a predetermined dark period; - Control the ultraviolet light source to emit ultraviolet light with ultraviolet light intensity in at least one sub-period within the predetermined dark period, wherein the ultraviolet light includes a peak wavelength in the UV-A wavelength range; - During the predetermined dark period, detect an attribute indicating that at least one bird in the flock is awake; - When the attribute is detected, the ultraviolet light source is controlled to emit ultraviolet light at the ultraviolet light intensity during a sub-period within the predetermined dark period.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The method includes: - Determine the number of awake birds based on the aforementioned attributes; When the number of awake birds exceeds a predefined threshold, the ultraviolet light source is controlled to emit ultraviolet light at the specified ultraviolet light intensity during a sub-period within the predetermined dark period.