System and method providing optimized lighting conditions for a poultry flock in a layer production facility

Abstract

A closed-loop system (8) for providing optimized lighting conditions for a poultry flock (16) in a layer production facility (10) is provided. The system includes a monitoring system (26), a plurality of lighting fixtures (12), and at least one lighting control module (18). The monitoring system includes a plurality of sensors (28, 30, 32) and at least one processor (34) communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors. The processor generates metrics based on data collected by the sensors and calculates adaptability scores based on the metrics. The lighting fixtures (12) provide a controllable light output substantially to a predetermined number of zones (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46) of the layer production facility. The lighting control module controls the plurality of lighting fixtures to output a first and second set of lighting parameters. The lighting module further alters at least one parameter from at least one of the first and second set of lighting parameters based on the adaptability scores.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING OPTIMIZED LIGHTING CONDITIONS FOR A POULTRY FLOCK IN A LAYER PRODUCTION FACILITY

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to providing lighting to livestock in a production facility. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for providing optimized lighting conditions for a poultry flock in a layer production facility to facilitate adaptation after transfer from a rearing facility.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] It is a generally known practice to raise young chickens (“pullets”) in a rearing facility until puberty and transfer them to a production facility when they are ready to begin laying eggs. This practice reflects the fact that the needs of pullets may be different than those of more mature laying hens. For example, the egg collection equipment contained within a typical layer production facility may be an obstacle to pullets, making it more difficult for them to learn how to navigate their environment to find food and water.

[0006] Despite these different needs, it is essential that the pullets are transferred from the rearing facility to the production facility at the age of about 15 weeks with sufficient time so that the chickens are adapted to their new environment before they are ready to start laying. The change of environment from the rearing facility to the production facility is stressful for the pullets, and if handled improperly, this increase in stress can result in an assortment of issues. For example, pullet maladaptation can result in poor weight gain, sickness, aggression, fighting, or eating of the very eggs that the farmer is attempting to gather and sell. Moreover, the physiological transition from a pullet to a mature laying hen includes a period of rapid ovarian development. The stress of transferring to a new environment, combined with this period of rapid ovarian development, can pose serious health dangers to the pullets, such as an increased chance of egg peritonitis. Egg peritonitis can significantly decrease a farm’s yield by leading to infertility or even death of the hen. Even when the stress of transitioning to the production facility does not result in either serious health issues or overt maladaptive behaviors, a low quality or drawn-out adaption period could still result in sub-optimal poultry growth and use of production facility resources. For example, the hens may take longer to learn to use their food, water, or floor space, resulting in less healthy and less productive hens.

[0007] A known method for reducing the stress of transferred pullets is adjusting the lighting of the production facility during the period that that the pullets are adapting to the new environment. For example, it is known that a key factor influencing the pullet’s adaption is the difference, as perceived by the pullets, between the old environment of the rearing facility and the new environment of the production facility. Based on this fact, farmers will sometimes dim the lights for a period of time following the pullets’ transfer to the production facility.

[0008] However, the effectiveness of these lighting methods is limited in that they fail to account for the individualized history and lighting preferences of particular pullet flocks, and further fail to automatically adapt to any changes in the lighting preferences of the pullets in a new environment. Accordingly, there exists a need in the art for systems and methods that promote the rapid adaption by poultry into a new environment by quickly determining optimal lighting parameters for the particular poultry flock and adjusting the production facility’s lighting to generate a light output based on these lighting parameters.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0010] The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for providing optimized lighting conditions for a poultry flock in a layer production facility. These lighting conditions are achieved at least partially through the realization that metrics related to flock behavior, as well as morphological features, and weight changes of individual pullets within the poultry flock can be used to simultaneously assess the effectiveness of various sets of lighting parameters. In this manner, various predetermined candidate sets of lighting parameters are assigned to corresponding subdivided areas or zones within the production facility and poultry data collected from a monitoring system is used to generate metrics for assessing the effectiveness of such various sets of lighting parameters in facilitating adaptation of pullets to the new environment. Accordingly, the systems and methods of this disclosure improve upon conventional approaches at least by providing continuous control of lighting fixtures in a manner that rapidly learns and adapts to the environmental preferences of a poultry flock.

[0011] Stated differently, this disclosure focuses on quickly learning the environmental preferences of the poultry flock, for example, pullets, newly transferred to a production facility from a rearing house, recognizing that the history of a specific pullet flock in the rearing house influences their well-being after the transfer to the production house. The proposed adaptive solution helps a poultry farmer to identify optimal conditions for the newly transferred birds sooner and adapt the environment more precisely before first lay than using a fixed lighting scheme.

[0012] Generally, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a method for providing optimized lighting conditions for a poultry flock in a layer production facility via a plurality of lighting fixtures, such as LED-based lighting fixtures, the layer production facility having a plurality of non-overlapping zones defined therein. The method includes (a) generating an initial plurality of different sets of lighting parameters for controlling light output by the LED-based lighting fixtures, wherein the lighting parameters comprise spectral composition, color temperature, light intensity, polarization, shape & directionality of the light beam, lighting schedule, temporal light artifacts, dynamic light effects, and light distribution. The method further includes (b) assigning each of the sets of lighting parameters to at least one zone within the plurality of zones. The method further includes (c) providing, over a period of time, by the plurality of LED-based lighting fixtures, a controllable light output to the plurality of zones, such that each zone is lit substantially by the light output having a set of lighting parameters from the plurality of lighting parameters assigned to said zone. The method further includes (d) collecting over the period of time, by a monitoring system, data associated with the poultry flock from each zone of the plurality of zones. The method further includes (e) generating metrics related to one or more of activity levels, movement patterns, poultry stock density, morphological features, weight changes, bird-to-bird interactions, bird reaction to external stimuli, and behavioral attributes of individual birds within the poultry flock based on the data and calculating adaptability scores based on the metrics for each zone lit by the controllable light output. The method further includes (f) altering at least one lighting parameter in at least one of the sets of lighting parameters based at least in part on the adaptability score for at least a zone associated with said set of lighting parameters to generate at least one updated set of lighting parameters.

[0013] In one aspect, the initial plurality of sets of lighting parameters is generated based at least in part on: (i) one or more lighting parameters of a rearing facility of the poultry flock; (ii) one or more spatial attributes of the layer production facility, (iii) one or more of an age, a size, and a species of the poultry flock.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method further includes repeating steps (b) through (f) until the adaptability score for at least one zone of the plurality of zones satisfies a predetermined criterion. In some further embodiments, this may include iteratively reducing a number of the different sets of lighting parameters.

[0015] In some aspects, the adaptability scores are based on a weighted average of the metrics, and wherein the metrics are selected from the group consisting of, for each zone within the plurality of zones, one or more measures related to: a number of birds dwelled, a number and size of bird clusters, a dwell time, and / or, for each bird, an age, a breed, an arrival time into the layer production facility, an activity kind, an activity level, a time spent per activity kind and / or level, a weight, a weight gain over time, a stress level of the bird, a distance from neighboring birds, and an interaction with neighboring birds.

[0016] In some further aspects, the method includes determining, by a self-learning algorithm, weighting factors of the weighted average by correlating the metrics with a median weight gain and a median activity level.

[0017] Another aspect of the disclosure generally relates to a closed-loop system for providing optimized lighting conditions for a poultry flock in a layer production facility, the layer production facility having a plurality of non-overlapping zones defined therein. The system includes a monitoring system, the monitoring system further including: (i) a plurality of sensors configured to collect data associated with the poultry flock and the layer production facility from at least a first and second zone of the plurality of zones, and (ii) at least one processor communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors. The at least one processor is configured to: (a) generate, based on the data, metrics related to one or more of an activity level, a movement pattern, a morphological feature, a weight change, and / or a behavioral attribute of individual birds within the poultry flock, and (b) calculate adaptability scores based on the metrics. The system further includes a plurality of lighting fixtures, each lighting fixture configured to provide a controllable light output substantially to a predetermined number of zones from the plurality of zones. The system further includes at least one lighting control module communicatively coupled to the plurality of lighting fixtures. The lighting module is configured to control the plurality of lighting fixtures over a period of time such that at least the first zone receives substantially a first light output having a first set of lighting parameters and the second zone receives substantially a second light output having a second set of lighting parameters; and alter at least one lighting parameter from at least one of the first and the second set of lighting parameters based at least in part on the adaptability scores for the first and the second zones to generate one or more updated sets of lighting parameters, wherein the adaptability score are calculated based on the metrics generated from the data collected over the period of time and associated with the poultry flock at least within the first and second zones.

[0018] In some aspects of the system, the lighting fixtures are LED-based lighting fixtures and the lighting parameters include a spectral composition, a color temperature, a light intensity, a lighting schedule, and a light distribution.

[0019] In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors includes one or more of a multi- spectral imager, radar sensor, time-of-flight (ToF) sensor, RF sensor, and / or audio sensor for monitoring individual birds within the poultry flock. In some further embodiments, at least one of the multi-spectral imager, radar sensor, ToF sensor, RF sensor, and / or audio sensor is integrated within a lighting fixture from the plurality of lighting fixtures.

[0020] In yet some further embodiments, the plurality of sensors further includes one or more weighing scales, food consumption trackers, and water consumption trackers.

[0021] In another aspect of the system, the metrics are selected from the group consisting of, for each zone within the plurality of zones, one or more measures related to a number of birds dwelled, a number and size of bird clusters, a dwell time, and / or, for each bird, an activity kind, an activity level, a time spent per activity kind and level, a weight, a weight gain over time, and a distance from neighboring birds.

[0022] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to calculate the adaptability scores based on a weighted average of the metrics. In particular embodiments, the at least one processor is configured, by a self-learning algorithm, to determine weighting factors of the weighted average by correlating the one or more metrics with a median weight gain and a median activity level. In a further aspect of the system, a plurality of zones are defined within the layer production facility via a plurality of removable dividers.

[0023] As used herein for purposes of the present disclosure, the term “LED” should be understood to include any electroluminescent diode or other type of carrier injection / juncti on-based system that is capable of generating radiation in response to an electric signal. Thus, the term LED includes, but is not limited to, various semiconductorbased structures that emit light in response to current, light emitting polymers, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), electroluminescent strips, and the like. In particular, the term LED refers to light emitting diodes of all types (including semi-conductor and organic light emitting diodes) that may be configured to generate radiation in one or more of the infrared spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum, and various portions of the visible spectrum (generally including radiation wavelengths from approximately 400 nanometers to approximately 700 nanometers). Some examples of LEDs include, but are not limited to, various types of infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, red LEDs, blue LEDs, green LEDs, yellow LEDs, amber LEDs, orange LEDs, and white LEDs. It also should be appreciated that LEDs may be configured and / or controlled to generate radiation having various bandwidths (e.g., full widths at half maximum, or FWHM) for a given spectrum (e.g., narrow bandwidth, broad bandwidth), and a variety of dominant wavelengths within a given general color categorization.

[0024] It should also be understood that the term LED does not limit the physical and / or electrical package type of an LED. For example, as discussed above, an LED may refer to a single light emitting device having multiple dies that are configured to respectively emit different spectra of radiation (e.g., that may or may not be individually controllable). Also, an LED may be associated with a phosphor that is considered as an integral part of the LED (e.g., some types of white LEDs). In general, the term LED may refer to packaged LEDs, non-packaged LEDs, surface mount LEDs, chip-on-board LEDs, T-package mount LEDs, radial package LEDs, power package LEDs, LEDs including some type of encasement and / or optical element (e.g., a diffusing lens), etc.

[0025] The term “light source” should be understood to refer to any one or more of a variety of radiation sources, including, but not limited to, LED-based sources (including one or more LEDs as defined above), OLEDs, and laser diodes. A given light source may be configured to generate electromagnetic radiation within the visible spectrum, outside the visible spectrum, or a combination of both. Hence, the terms “light” and “radiation” are used interchangeably herein. Additionally, a light source may include as an integral component one or more filters (e.g., color filters), lenses, or other optical components.

[0026] The term “spectrum” should be understood to refer to any one or more frequencies (or wavelengths) of radiation produced by one or more light sources. A given spectrum may have a relatively narrow bandwidth (e.g., a FWHM having essentially few frequency or wavelength components) or a relatively wide bandwidth (several frequency or wavelength components having various relative strengths). It should also be appreciated that a given spectrum may be the result of a mixing of two or more other spectra (e.g., mixing radiation respectively emitted from multiple light sources). For purposes of this disclosure, the term “color” is used interchangeably with the term “spectrum.” However, the term “color” generally is used to refer primarily to a property of radiation that is perceivable by an observer (although this usage is not intended to limit the scope of this term). Accordingly, the terms “different colors” implicitly refer to multiple spectra having different wavelength components and / or bandwidths. It also should be appreciated that the term “color” may be used in connection with both white and non-white light.

[0027] In various implementations, a processor or controller can be associated with one or more storage media (generically referred to herein as “memory,” e.g., volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as ROM, RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, floppy disks, compact disks, optical disks, magnetic tape, Flash, OTP -ROM, SSD, HDD, etc.). In some implementations, the storage media can be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed on one or more processors and / or controllers, perform at least some of the functions discussed herein. Various storage media can be fixed within a processor or controller or can be transportable, such that the one or more programs stored thereon can be loaded into a processor or controller so as to implement various aspects as discussed herein. The terms “program” or “computer program” are used herein in a generic sense to refer to any type of computer code (e.g., software, firmware, or microcode) that can be employed to program one or more processors or controllers.

[0028] As used herein, the term “light tube” refers to architectural features designed to optimize the amount of daylight entering a building and direct it efficiently to desired locations inside the building. These light tubes are typically engineered to capture natural light from various angles and channel it downward into the building's interior, enhancing illumination in specific strategic areas. The design of these light tubes typically consists of a transparent, domed structure on the roof or facade of the building. The dome is constructed using materials with high light transmittance properties, such as specialized glass or polycarbonate panels. The curvature of the dome allows it to capture daylight from multiple directions, including low angles where conventional windows might not be effective.

[0029] Inside the light tube, a cylindrical shaft extends downward through the building's floors or ceilings. This shaft is also constructed with highly reflective materials to minimize light loss during transmission. The interior surface of the tube is often coated with a reflective material, such as polished aluminum or a specialized mirror coating, to maximize the reflection of incoming light. At the lower end of the light tube, a diffuser or light fixture is installed to evenly distribute the daylight throughout the targeted space. The diffuser can be designed to disperse the light broadly or focus it on specific areas, depending on the intended purpose of the illuminated space. The strategic placement of these light tubes within a building is carefully considered to optimize the daylight distribution. They are often positioned in areas where natural light is desired but difficult to achieve using conventional windows, such as deep interior spaces, stairwells, or corridors. The benefits of utilizing domed, cylindrical light tubes include increased energy efficiency by reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours, enhanced visual comfort, and a more aesthetically pleasing interior environment. By maximizing the capture and utilization of natural light, these architectural features contribute to sustainable and environmentally friendly building designs.

[0030] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminology explicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.

[0031] These and other aspects of the various embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment s) described hereinafter.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the various embodiments.

[0034] Fig. 1 is an illustration of a closed-loop system for providing optimized lighting conditions for a poultry flock according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figs. 2A-2B are flowcharts of a method for providing optimized lighting conditions for a poultry flock according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig. 3 A is an illustration of an initial plurality of different sets lighting parameters according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig. 3B is an illustration of a floor of layer production facility after a single example iteration according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig. 3C is an illustration of a floor of a layer production facility that has converged to an example optimized set of lighting parameters according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS The present disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for providing optimized lighting to poultry in a production facility. Referring to FIG. 1, in various embodiments and implementations of the solutions disclosed herein, a closed-loop system 8 for providing optimized lighting conditions in a layer production facility 10 housing a poultry flock 16 is provided. The layer production facility 10 includes a plurality of lighting fixtures 12. In some embodiments, the lighting fixtures 12 are LED-based lighting fixtures that include red LEDs, blue LEDs, green LEDs, and / or ultraviolet LEDs. However, other lighting arrangements may be used without deviating from the principles taught by this disclosure. For example, the lighting fixtures could alternatively take the form of OLED- based lighting fixtures, laser-based lighting sources, or domed cylindrical “light tubes” that are specifically designed to maximize the daylight received at any angle and direct it down into the production facility in predetermined locations in a controllable manner.

[0040] With continued reference to FIG. 1, in particular embodiments, the lighting fixtures 12 are mounted onto the ceiling of the layer production facility 10, or to a ceilingmounted structure, as shown. However, this not meant to be limiting and the lighting fixtures 12 are contemplated to take the form of any arrangement additionally or alternatively to the ceiling-mounted configuration, including a plurality of wall-mounted light fixtures, freestanding lighting fixtures, lighting tiles or panels, a grid of LEDs, or other lighting geometries and combinations. Each of the lighting fixtures 12 are configured to provide a controllable light output 14, such that poultry flock 16 is exposed to the controllable light output 14 within the layer production facility 10. As contemplated by this disclosure and discussed in more detail below, the layer production facility 10 is configured to be subdivided into a plurality of non-overlapping areas or zones, defined therein. Each of the lighting fixtures 12 are configured to provide a controllable light output 14 substantially to a predetermined number of zones from the plurality of zones. In other words, each of the lighting fixtures 12 are configured and / or positioned to direct different light outputs 14 into individual zones by the way of fixtures’ orientation and / or use of optical elements or other structures for directing light into a target area. As a result, and as discussed in more detail later in this disclosure, each zone controllably receives predominantly a particular light output 14 having a predetermined set of lighting parameters.

[0041] In various embodiments, at least one lighting control module 18 is communicatively coupled to the plurality of lighting fixtures 12. The lighting control module 18 shown in FIG. lincludes a memory 20, processor 22, and transceiver 24. The lighting control module 18 may be communicatively connected to one or more of the lighting fixtures 12 through a wired or wireless connection. For example, transceiver 24 of the lighting control module 18 may be used to implement a wireless connection via any applicable protocol, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, ultrawideband, etc. In some examples, the lighting control module 18 is arranged within the layer production facility 10, such as within a control panel. In other examples, the lighting control module 18 is located outside of the layer production facility 10, such as within an external office, control room, wiring closet, equipment room, or server room.

[0042] The lighting control module 18 controls the light output 14, over a period of time, based on a set of lighting parameters. The lighting parameters include any combination of variable attributes of the light sources and / or luminaires to provide alterable spectral composition, color temperature, light intensity, polarization, shape and directionality of the light beam, lighting schedule, temporal light artifacts, dynamic light effects, light distribution, or any other characteristic of controllable light known in the art.

[0043] In embodiments, a shape of a light beam can include any shape, geometric form, outline or a boundary formed by the output of light from the lighting fixtures. The temporal light artifacts can include effects in a visual perception of an observer (e.g., human, animal) induced by temporal light modulations. In embodiments, the temporal light artifacts can include a change (e.g., undesired) in visual perception induced by a light stimulus whose luminance or spectral distribution fluctuates with time, for an observer in a certain environment. In embodiments, temporal light artifacts can include flicker, stroboscopic effect or phantom arrays. Light effects can include an output of a lighting fixture, an impact of the output of a lighting fixture in a given area, environment, surface or perception to an observer, a change in an output, characteristic and / or property of an output of a lighting fixture. In embodiments, dynamic light effects can include an output of a lighting fixture, an impact of the output of a lighting fixture in a given area, environment, surface or perception to an observer, a change in an output, characteristic and / or property of an output of a lighting fixture (e.g., intensity, shape, width, direction, color, wavelength). Light distribution can include or refer to the way that light spreads across a given area, in a given environment and / or surface. In embodiments, the light distribution can include a characteristic of lighting devices, light fixtures, luminaires, LED lights, and / or other forms of lighting fixtures. In embodiments, light distribution may include a pattern formed by a output of a lighting fixture in a given area, environment and / or on a surface (e.g., floor, wall, ceiling) or how light is dispersed from the respective lighting fixture. In particular embodiments, the poultry flock 16 is composed entirely of pullets or young chickens, however the systems and methods of this disclosure are not limited to pullets and can be applied to chickens in other stages of maturity, or other species poultry raised under artificial lighting.

[0044] In situations where poultry flock 16 is a flock of pullets, the pullets are moved to layer production facility 10 before they have developed to the point of egg laying maturity. Chickens develop into egg laying maturity at around eighteen weeks. Accordingly, the pullets must be moved to layer production facility 10 at around fourteen to sixteen weeks of age to allow enough time to adapt to the new environment of the layer production facility 10.

[0045] As mentioned above, one of the key factors influencing the pullet’s adaptation to the new space is their perceived difference between the new (production house) and old environment (rearing house). This is because at the time of the transfer pullets have had sufficient time to develop their sensory organs and memory.

[0046] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the closed-loop system 8 includes a monitoring system 26. The monitoring system 26 further includes a plurality of sensors configured to collect data associated with the poultry flock 16 and the layer production facility 10. The monitoring system 26 includes one or more of a multi-spectral imager 28, radar sensor, time-of-flight (ToF) sensor, RF sensor, and / or audio sensor. For example, the monitoring system 26 shown FIG. 1 employs a multispectral imager 28. The multispectral imager 28 may be implemented as an RGB camera, a hyper-spectral camera, or any other device appropriate for visually monitoring behaviors of the poultry flock 16, including quantified activities such as resting, pecking, drinking, eating etc. In a preferred embodiment, the multispectral imager 28 is an RGB + IR imager, for monitoring individual birds within the poultry flock 16. At least one of the multi-spectral imager 28, radar sensor, ToF sensor, RF sensor, and / or audio sensor is integrated within a lighting fixture from the plurality of lighting fixtures 12. For example, the multispectral imager 28 of FIG. 1 may be a standalone imaging device, or it may be integrated within one or more of the lighting fixtures 12. The multispectral imager 28 continuously monitors the poultry flock 16 via a constant a video feed.

[0047] The plurality of sensors further includes one or more weighing scales, food consumption trackers, and / or water consumption trackers. In FIG. 1, the monitoring system 26 further includes one or more weight sensors 30. The weight sensors 30 may be implemented as a set of scales, such as the type that are typically used in poultry farming, including a scale platform serving as the surface on which the chickens are placed for weighing or walk on their own during their normal daily activities within the layer production facility 10. These scale platforms are typically made of a durable and easy-to-clean material, such as stainless steel or reinforced plastic, to withstand the conditions of the farm environment. The scales further include load cells placed beneath the platform to measure the weight applied to the scale. These sensors convert the force exerted by the chickens into an electrical signal that can be processed and displayed as weight measurements.

[0048] The weight sensors 30 may be placed in several locations within the layer production facility 10, so that weight sensors 30 continuously receiving data from the poultry flock 16. Additionally, the monitoring system 26 includes one or more consumption trackers 32 for tracking food and / or water consumption by the poultry flock 16.

[0049] Continuous monitoring of weight is key to optimizing feed-conversion rate (FCR) and welfare of chickens. In various embodiments, the monitoring system 26 leverages the approach to track and identify individual pullets within the flock and quantify their behaviors continuously and estimate their weight, as described in detail in a co-pending patent application U.S. Serial Number 63 / 469,564, filed on May 30, 2023, incorporated herein by reference. Using imagery feedback and weight sensor feed, weight of individual chickens that were on the scale is disaggregated. By leveraging the properties of weighed chickens with unweighted (but still monitored) chickens, weights of rest of population can be estimated. Then, a weight trajectory of each chicken is developed and correlated with its behavior to identify activity and behavioral characteristics that are promoters of high weight gain. Such highly ranked features are shared with farmers as well as with smart systems within the production environment, including the lighting system 8, as well as, for example, a climate-control system, so that the environment is optimized to encourage desired activities or behaviors. For example, if birds that take quick drink breaks between feedings gain weight faster than others, farmer can be advised to promote such behaviors.

[0050] In addition to the plurality of sensors, the monitoring system 26 further includes at least one processor 34, communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors. The processor 34 of the monitoring system 26 may the same or separate from the lighting control processor 22 of the lighting control module 18. As discussed further below, the processor 34 is configured to generate metrics based on sensor data and then calculate adaptability scores based on the metrics by running a monitoring and tracking algorithm that quantifies and aggregates several attributes and activity metrics such as body weight, amount of activity, average distance from neighbors, body temperature, amount of time spent idling / walking / feeding / drinking etc. of the particular pullet flock 16. Referring to FIG. 2 A, a method 100 for providing optimized lighting conditions for a poultry flock 16 in a layer production facility 10, according to some aspects of the present disclosure, generally contemplates the following steps. Before the poultry flock arrives to the production house, an initialization process estimates an optimal number of an initial plurality of different sets of lighting parameters (also referred to herein interchangeably as “light recipes”) and various attributes and properties of each recipe as discussed herein, and the lighting system actuates the initial light recipes. The initial sets of lighting parameters is generated based at least in part on: (i) one or more lighting parameters of a rearing facility of the poultry flock 16, (ii) one or more spatial attributes of the layer production facility 10, and / or one or more of an age, a size, and a species of the poultry flock 16. Once the poultry flock 16 is transferred from the rearing house into the layer production house 10, each bird is identified and continuously detected and tracked across zones. Preferably, during transfer, the pullets are dropped in equal density into the zones.

[0051] A weight disaggregation algorithm mentioned above continuously extracts an individual weight of each pullet using weight data and pullet metrics from imaging data. A post-processing algorithm periodically (for example, every 8 hours) measures and aggregates zone-level metrics such as average number of birds, average dwell time, average activity level, average time spent per activity (eating, drinking, playing, perching, resting etc.), average pullet weight, average weight gain (%), certain morphological features, average distance from neighbors, bird-to-bird interactions, bird reaction to external stimuli, etc. Based on these metrics, performance of each light recipe is evaluated for the preceding time period, for example via a self-learning algorithm, as described in more detail below. Based on the evaluation, the algorithm updates each light recipe and may revise and actuate at least some of the new parameters. Over the several iterations, the algorithm is expected to converge with a minimal number of recipes that meet the evaluation criteria for adaptability levels of the flock. While updating lighting parameters for a given space, the lighting variance over contiguous spaces is considered so that the pullets do not experience undesirable high contrast light scenes.

[0052] FIG. 2B is a flowchart of a method 100 for providing optimized lighting conditions for a poultry flock 16 in a layer production facility 10 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Step 102 of method 100 includes generating an initial plurality of different sets of lighting parameters or “light recipes” for controlling light output 14 by the lighting fixtures 12. As previously discussed, these lighting parameters may include any variable attributes of light sources controllable to provide desirable spectral composition, color temperature, light intensity, polarization, shape and directionality of the light output, lighting schedule, temporal light artifacts, dynamic light effects, light distribution, and the like. The particular parameters within the initial set of lighting parameters can be determined using various different methods. For example, in the case that the poultry flock 16 is being transferred to the layer production facility 10 from a previous housing environment, the initial set of lighting parameters may be chosen to closely simulate the lighting parameter values of the previous housing environment. This would help to alleviate the stress of the transition on the poultry flock 16 by reducing the level of perceived differences between the old and new housing environments. Accordingly, the initial plurality of sets of lighting parameters may be generated based at least in part upon one or more lighting parameters of a rearing facility of the poultry flock 16.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, the initial plurality of sets of lighting parameters may be generated based at least in part upon one or more spatial attributes of the layer production facility 10. For example, a larger layer production facility 10 would allow for more initial sets of lighting parameters than a smaller one. Testing a greater number of initial sets of lighting parameters at the same time would have the advantage of providing more robust data about the lighting preferences of the poultry flock 16 and may further speed up the process of iteratively finding an optimized light output 14. The spatial attributes of the layer production facility 10 may further include, for example, the total floor area, the ceiling height, the manner in which different areas are separated, the layout, the daylight distribution within the barn, the background light level, the number of windows in the bam, the properties of the barn walls (for example number or color of bam walls), or any other spatial aspects of the layer production facility that could be relevant to the behavior of the poultry flock 16. The factors that are used in determining the initial plurality of sets of lighting parameters may also include factors not directly related to the lighting history of the poultry flock. For example, other aspects of the poultry flock’s 16 previous environment may be taken into account. This may include farm-specific factors such as: the specific aviary system used at the farm (for example cages or free-range), the environmental management of the farm (for example the temperature, relative humidity, ventilation, feed quality, bedding quality, etc.), sources of noise at the farm, the level of litter build up, the presence or absence of uncollected eggs, the presence of dead birds on the floor, or even the behavior of the poultry flock around the farmer (for example do the members of poultry flock 16 show fear or affection towards the farmer). Additionally non-lighting aspects particular to individual flocks may be taken into account. These may include information about the parents of the flock (for example the age of the parents, the genetics of the parents, how the parents were fed, whether the parents were given antibiotics, the vaccine history of the parents, the overall health history of the parents), the hatchery conditions, the transport time and conditions between the old housing environment and the layer production facility 10, the manner in which the poultry flock 16 was previously fed, previous interactions between the poultry flock 16 and the farmer, the age of the birds, the size of the birds, the species of the birds, or any other aspect related to the particular flock’s environmental history.

[0054] The initial plurality of different sets of lighting parameters may be generated, for example, by the lighting control module 18. In some embodiments, this may involve a user input, such as the farmer, inputting data specific to the farm, data specific to the particular poultry flock 16, or inputting any of the other previously discussed factors for determining the initial plurality of different sets of lighting parameters.

[0055] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the layer production facility 10 is divided into a plurality of non-overlapping zones. At step 104 of method 100, each of the sets of lighting parameters is assigned to at least one zone. For example, FIG. 3 A shows the floor of layer production facility 10 with a first zone 36, a second zone 38, a third zone 40, a fourth zone 42, and fifth zone 44, and a sixth zone 46. Each of the sets of lighting parameters is assigned to one or more of these zones. In FIG. 3 A a first lighting parameter set 48 is assigned to the first zone 36, a second lighting parameter set 50 is assigned to the second zone 38, a third lighting parameter set 52 is assigned to the third zone 40, a fourth lighting parameter set 54 is assigned the fourth zone 42, a fifth lighting parameter set 56 is assigned to the fifth zone 44, and a sixth lighting parameter set 58 is assigned to the sixth zone 46. Within each of the zones is included a series of feeding stations 60 for the poultry flock 16. These feeding stations may include, for example a feeder or drinker for providing food and water respectively to poultry flock 16. A consumption tracker 32 may be associated with one or more the feeding stations 60. As also seen in FIG. 3 A, the individual zones are defined within layer production facility 10 via a plurality of removable dividers 62.

[0056] The lighting assignment may be achieved using the lighting control module 18. This module would, for example, allow control of the LED-based lighting fixtures 12 so that the first zone 36 receives substantially a first light output having the first lighting parameter set 48 and the second zone 38 receives substantially a second output having the second lighting parameter set 50. Although FIG. 3 A shows the plurality of nonoverlapping zones and the plurality of different sets of lighting parameters in one-to-one correspondence, this disclosure contemplates embodiments where a single one of the initial plurality of different sets of lighting parameters would be assigned to multiple zones of the plurality of nonoverlapping zones. For example, the first lighting parameter set 48 could initially be assigned to both the first zone 36 and the second zone 38. Moreover, it is not necessary that each light fixture 12 corresponds to a particular zone. One light fixture 12 may produce light in multiple zones, or multiple light fixtures 12 may all produce light in the same zone. Any known method of controlling the light output 14 or any known lighting arrangement may be used to implement this method so long as each of the sets of lighting parameters is assigned to at least one zone. In practical applications it is likely that there will be light leakage between different zones. Notably, light leakage or overlap between different lighting fixtures 12 or different zones does not deviate from the systems and methods contemplated by this disclosure so long as each zone substantially receives light output 14 containing the set of lighting parameters assigned to the particular zone.

[0057] Once the initial plurality of different sets of lighting parameters have been generated and assigned to at least one zone, the poultry flock 16 is ready to be introduced into the layer production facility 10. Step 106 of method 100 includes providing, over a period of time, by the plurality of lighting fixtures 12, a controllable light output 14 to the plurality of zones, such that each zone is substantially lit by the light output 14 having a set of lighting parameters from the plurality of lighting parameters assigned to said zone. This step can be achieved by lighting control module 18 controlling lighting fixtures 12 to produce light output 14 according to the set of lighting parameters assigned to each zone. The period of time may, for example, be eight hours.

[0058] Step 108 of method 100 includes collecting over the period of time, by the monitoring system 26, data associated with the poultry flock 16 and the layer production facility 10 from each zone of the plurality of zones. As an example, this could include collecting a continuous video feed and continuous weight measurements of the poultry flock 16 over a period of eight hours. Additionally or alternatively, feeding stations 60 within the layer production facility 10 may include consumption trackers 32 that track the level of food or water consumption of the poultry flock 16. Greater food or water consumption by members of the poultry flock 16 within a particular zone may indicate a preference for the set of lighting parameters assigned to that particular zone.

[0059] Step 110 of method 100 includes generating metrics based on the data associated with the poultry flock 16. Examples of possible metrics contemplated by this disclosure include: bird activity level (for example greater activity levels may indicate a greater preference for the set of lighting parameters of that particular zone) time spent engaged in particular activities (some examples of possible activities of interest may include eating, drinking, playing, perching, idling, or resting) movement patterns (for example particular movement patterns may indicate greater stress levels) average time spent in a particular zone average number of birds within each zone average distance from neighboring birds temperature of the birds poultry stock density (for example the birds being distributed uniformly across the entire area of a particular zone may indicate a greater preference for the set of lighting parameters of that particular zone) morphological features of individual birds (for example malformations of bird morphological features may be an indicator of greater stress) weight changes within poultry flock 16 including weight gain over time bird-to-bird interactions (for example pecking, frolicking, or fighting) bird reaction to external stimuli (for example, a bird’s reaction to a farmer walk-through) behavioral attributes of individual birds within poultry flock 16 (for example chickens pulling the feathers of other birds or even their own feathers are well-known indicators of stress).

[0060] These metrics may vary depending on the particular application. For example, behaviors exhibited by chickens when stressed may be different than behaviors exhibited by stressed geese or ducks. Moreover, the optimal behavioral indicators for even the same species may be different depending on the age and history of the particular poultry flock 16. These metrics can be derived from the sensor data using any behavior monitoring and tracking technique known in the art. For example, fused camera and weight data obtained in the rearing facility may be input into a neural network to train the neural network to identify particular individuals within poultry flock 16. This trained neural network may then be implemented in the layer production facility 10 to allow tracking of individual bird behavior during the period of transition. Additionally or alternatively, this fused camera and weight data can be input into an adapted DeepSort tracking algorithm to generate metrics based on individual bird behavior. In some cases, the generated metrics would not need to be based on individual bird behavior, but instead would be based on the aggregate or average behavior of poultry flock 16. For example, this is possible in the case where the metrics include an average distance from neighboring birds or an average weight gain of the poultry flock 16. However, basing the metrics upon the behavior of each individual bird in poultry flock 16 has the advantage of providing a more comprehensive, and accordingly more reliable, indication of how the poultry flock 16 is adapting to a particular set of lighting parameters.

[0061] Step 110 of method 100 further includes calculating adaptability scores for each zone that is substantially exposed to the controllable light output. In some embodiments, the processor 34 is configured to calculate the adaptability scores based on a weighted average of the metrics.. In a preferred embodiment the adaptability score is generated by taking a weighted average of metrics selected from the group consisting of, for each zone within the plurality of zones, one or more measures related to a number of birds dwelled, the number and / or size of bird clusters, dwell time, and, for each bird, an age, breed, arrival time (for example different birds may have been transferred to the layer production house 10 at different times), activity level, time spent per activity time and / or level, a weight, weight gain over time, a stress level of the bird, a distance from neighboring birds, and an interaction with neighboring birds.

[0062] In some embodiments, calculating the adaptability score includes correlating each of the generated metrics with a set of more general metrics. For example, the method could further include determining, by a self-learning algorithm, weighting factors of the weighted average by correlating the metrics with a median weight gain and a median activity level. This self-learning algorithm includes a machine learning model, implemented as an optimization problem. This problem is solved iteratively (the iterative aspects contemplated by this disclosure are further discussed below) to maximize an objective function. This function may be selected to reflect one or more flock health indicators. These flock health indicators may include: the number of individual birds capable of laying eggs, the average weight of the flock, the quality of lain eggs, the feed conversion ratio, or any other known indicator of overall flock health. These health indicators may include the generalized weight gain and activity level metrics. In this manner, the algorithm learns the relationship between each of the generated metrics and the more general metric that each of the generated metrics is correlated to. At each iteration, the self-learning algorithm is provided with updated health metrics and the self-learning algorithm uses these updated health metrics to reevaluate the weighting factors that maximize the objective function. In this way, the self-learning algorithm learns the complex relationships between the various generated metrics and the overall health of the poultry flock. Moreover, this knowledge becomes more accurate over time.

[0063] Step 112 of method 100 includes altering at least one lighting parameter in at least one of the sets of lighting parameters based at least in part on the adaptability score for at least a zone associated with said set of lighting parameters to generate at least one updated set of lighting parameters. In some embodiments, the parameters of lighting parameter sets with lower adaptability scores are adjusted to match the parameters of lighting parameter sets with higher adaptability scores. For example, FIG. 3B shows the floor layout of the layer production facility 10 of FIG. 3 A after one possible iteration of method 100. FIG. 3B differs from FIG. 3 A in that the first lighting parameter set 48 is now assigned to both the first zone 36 and the second zone 38, and in that the fifth lighting parameter set 56 is now assigned to both the fifth zone 44 and the sixth zone 46. Notice that some of the removable dividers 62 have been removed to allow the birds access between the first zone 36 and second zone 38, and further between the fifth zone 44 and the sixth zone 46. FIG. 3C shows the floor layout of the layer production facility 3 A after multiple example iterations of method 100. In FIG. 3C, the first lighting parameter set 48 has been further assigned to each of the third zone 40, the fourth zone 42, the fifth zone 44, and the sixth zone 46. Notice that more of the removable dividers 62 have been removed to allow the poultry flock 16 access between the first zone 36, the second zone 38, and the third zone 40, and also between the fourth zone 42, the fifth zone 44, and the sixth zone 46. In the example embodiments shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the method 100 iteratively reduced the number of different sets of lighting parameters by eliminating, over each iteration, the sets of lighting parameters with the least favorable accessibility scores. In this manner, the method 100 converged towards utilizing the first lighting parameter set 48 as being the optimized lighting output 14 for the particular poultry flock 16. Moreover, once the optimal set of lighting parameters has been found, the depth dividers 64 may be moved to allow the poultry flock 16 greater access to the overall floor space of layer production facility 10. In this manner, the method 100 allows for more effective use of the layer production facility 10 floor space.

[0064] FIGS. 3A-3C show the number of different sets of lighting parameters being iteratively reduced to converge to the set of lighting parameters with the best adaptability score. However, this disclosure contemplates many different ways of generating one or more updated set of lighting parameters. For example, in the case that method 100 fails to converge to any one set of lighting parameters, step 112 may include adding more different sets of lighting parameters in order to provide the poultry flock 16 with new options in light output 14. In this manner, method 100 allows for a greater level of options than those included in the initial plurality of different sets of lighting parameters. Altering the lighting parameters may be based upon a predetermined criterion. For example, the method 100 will repeat steps 104 through 112 until the adaptability score for at least one zone of the plurality of zones satisfies the predetermined criterion. The predetermined criterion may be based on requiring a particular quantity of individual birds within poultry flock 16 demonstrating a requisite class or quantity of positive behaviors. This could include any of the behavioral indicators previously discussed. In some embodiments, the predetermined criterion is based on a given quantity of birds in the poultry flock being able to maintain a healthy weight level. Altering the lighting parameters may include considering additional constraints. For example, any updated set of lighting parameters may be constrained to meet certain light level requirements such as those promulgated by regulatory agencies. Moreover, the updated set of lighting parameters may be constrained by a maximum speed of change in the light spectrum or intensity, as rapid and dramatic changes may cause further stress and discomfort for the poultry flock 16.

[0065] The optimized light output 14 learned with method 100 with regards to one poultry flock 16 or one farm, may then be used as an initial set of lighting parameters with a different flock or farm. In this way, the system or method may begin by generating a light output 14 having a previously determined optimal set of lighting parameters and only generating an updated set of lighting parameters if the previously determined optimal set of lighting parameters fails to satisfy a predetermined criterion. Additionally or alternatively, the system or method may build up a collection of different optimized sets of lighting parameters determined for each farm and poultry flock 16 in which the system or method has been implemented in the past. The system or method could then select the most appropriate optimized set of lighting parameters based on the similarities or differences between previously evaluated flocks and / or farms and the flock and / or farm that the system or method is currently evaluating. In some examples, the initial learning of optimized sets of lighting parameters may occur in a closely controlled environment and these controls are relaxed once the learned light output 14 is implemented in later scenarios.

[0066] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms. The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

[0067] The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements can optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0068] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.”

[0069] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements can optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0070] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

[0071] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0072] The above-described examples of the described subject matter can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, some aspects can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. When any aspect is implemented at least in part in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single device or computer or distributed among multiple devices / computers.

[0073] The present disclosure can be implemented as a system, a method, and / or a computer program product at any possible technical detail level of integration. The computer program product can include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present disclosure.

[0074] The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium can be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non- exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire.

[0075] Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing / processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and / or a wireless network. The network can comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium within the respective computing / processing device.

[0076] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present disclosure can be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions can execute entirely on the user’s computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user’ s computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection can be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider). In some examples, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) can execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present disclosure.

[0077] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to examples of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

[0078] The computer readable program instructions can be provided to a processor of a, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions can also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function / act specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram or blocks.

[0079] The computer readable program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0080] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various examples of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks can occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession can, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0081] Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims and other claims to which the applicant can be entitled.

[0082] While various examples have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the function and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the examples described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is / are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific examples described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing examples are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, examples can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Examples of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method (100) for providing optimized lighting conditions for a poultry flock(16) in a layer production facility (10) via a plurality of LED-based lighting fixtures (12), the layer production facility (10) having a plurality of non-overlapping zones (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46) defined therein, the method comprising:(a) generating (102) an initial plurality of different sets of lighting parameters (48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58) for controlling light output (14) by the LED-based lighting fixtures (12), wherein the lighting parameters (48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58) comprise spectral composition, color temperature, light intensity, polarization, shape & directionality of the light beam, lighting schedule, temporal light artifacts, dynamic light effects, and light distribution;(b) assigning (104) each of the sets of lighting parameters (48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58) to at least one zone within the plurality of zones (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46);(c) providing (106), over a period of time, by the plurality of LED-based lighting fixtures (12), a controllable light output (14) to the plurality of zones (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46), such that each zone is lit substantially by the light output (14) having a set of lighting parameters from the plurality of lighting parameters (48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58) assigned to said zone;(d) collecting (108) over the period of time, by a monitoring system (26), data associated with the poultry flock (16) from each zone of the plurality of zones (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46);(e) generating (110) metrics related to one or more of activity levels, movement patterns, poultry stock density, morphological features, weight changes, bird-to- bird interactions, bird reaction to external stimuli, and behavioral attributes of individual birds within the poultry flock (16) based on the data and calculating adaptability scores based on the metrics for each zone lit by the controllable light output (14), wherein the adaptability scores are based on a weighted average of the metrics, and wherein the metrics are selected from the group comprising, for each zone within the plurality of zones (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46), one or more measures related to: a number of birds dwelled, a number and size of bird clusters, a dwell time, and / or, for each bird, an age, a breed, an arrival time into the layer production facility, an activity kind, an activity level, a time spent per activity kind and / orlevel, a weight, a weight gain over time, a stress level of the bird, a distance from neighboring birds, and an interaction with neighboring birds.; and(f) altering (112) at least one lighting parameter in at least one of the sets of lighting parameters (48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58) based at least in part on the adaptability score for at least a zone associated with said set of lighting parameters (48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58) to generate at least one updated set of lighting parameters (48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58).

2. The method (100) of claim 1, wherein the initial plurality of sets of lighting parameters (48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58) is generated based at least in part on:(i) one or more lighting parameters of a rearing facility of the poultry flock (16);(ii) one or more spatial attributes of the layer production facility (10); and / or(iii) one or more of an age, a size, and a species of the poultry flock (16).

3. The method (100) of claim 1, further comprising repeating steps (b) through (f) until the adaptability score for at least one zone of the plurality of zones (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46) satisfies a predetermined criterion.

4. The method (100) of claim 3, further comprising iteratively reducing a number of the different sets of lighting parameters (48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58).

5. The method (100) of claim 1, further comprising determining, by a selflearning algorithm, weighting factors of the weighted average by correlating the metrics with a median weight gain and a median activity level.

6. A closed-loop system (8) for providing optimized lighting conditions for a poultry flock (16) in a layer production facility (10), the layer production facility (10) having a plurality of non-overlapping zones (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46) defined therein, the system comprising: a monitoring system (26), comprising: (i) a plurality of sensors (28, 30, 32) configured to collect data associated with the poultry flock and the layer production facility (10) from at least a first (36) and second (38) zone of the plurality of zones (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46), and (ii) at least one processor (34) communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensors (28, 30, 32) and configured to (a) generate, based on the data, metrics related to oneor more of an activity level, a movement pattern, a morphological feature, a weight change, and / or a behavioral attribute of individual birds within the poultry flock, and (b) calculate adaptability scores based on the metrics, wherein the adaptability scores are based on a weighted average of the metrics, and wherein the metrics are selected from the group comprising, for each zone within the plurality of zones (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46), one or more measures related to: a number of birds dwelled, a number and size of bird clusters, a dwell time, and / or, for each bird, an age, a breed, an arrival time into the layer production facility, an activity kind, an activity level, a time spent per activity kind and / or level, a weight, a weight gain over time, a stress level of the bird, a distance from neighboring birds, and an interaction with neighboring birds.; a plurality of lighting fixtures (12), each lighting fixture configured to provide a controllable light output (14) substantially to a predetermined number of zones from the plurality of zones (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46); at least one lighting control module (18) communicatively coupled to the plurality of lighting fixtures (12) and configured to: control the plurality of lighting fixtures (12) over a period of time such that at least the first zone (36) receives substantially a first light output having a first set of lighting parameters (48) and the second zone (38) receives substantially a second light output having a second set of lighting parameters (50); and alter at least one lighting parameter from at least one of the first (48) and the second (50) set of lighting parameters based at least in part on the adaptability scores for the first (36) and the second (38) zones to generate one or more updated sets of lighting parameters, wherein the adaptability scores are calculated based on the metrics generated from the data collected over the period of time and associated with the poultry flock (16) at least within the first (36) and second (38) zones.

7. The system (8) of claim 6, wherein the lighting fixtures (12) are LED-based lighting fixtures and the lighting parameters (48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58) comprise a spectral composition, a color temperature, a light intensity, a lighting schedule, and a light distribution.

8. The system (8) of claim 6, wherein the plurality of sensors (28, 30, 32) comprises one or more of a multi-spectral imager (28), radar sensor, time-of-flight (ToF)sensor, RF sensor, and / or audio sensor for monitoring individual birds within the poultry flock (16).

9. The system (8) of claim 8, wherein at least one of the multi-spectral imager (28), radar sensor, ToF sensor, RF sensor, and / or audio sensor is integrated within a lighting fixture (12) from the plurality of lighting fixtures (12).

10. The system (8) of claim 8, wherein the plurality of sensors (28, 30, 32) further comprises one or more weighing scales (30), food consumption trackers (32), and / or water consumption trackers (32).

11. The system (8) of claim 6, wherein the metrics are selected from the group consisting of, for each zone within the plurality of zones (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46), one or more measures related to a number of birds dwelled, a number and size of bird clusters, a dwell time, and / or, for each bird, an activity kind, an activity level, a time spent per activity kind and level, a weight, a weight gain over time, and a distance from neighboring birds.

12. The system (8) of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor (34) is configured to calculate the adaptability scores based on a weighted average of the metrics.

13. The system (8) of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor (34) is configured, by a self-learning algorithm, to determine weighting factors of the weighted average by correlating the one or more metrics with a median weight gain and a median activity level.

14. The system (8) of claim 6, wherein a plurality of zones (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46) are defined within the layer production facility (10) via a plurality of removable dividers (62).

Images