Method for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions, and system for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions.

Abstract

To enable livestock farmers who reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock and their manure to easily calculate the emission reductions required to utilize the carbon credit scheme. [Solution] The number of livestock being raised in each unit period is obtained, the operating status of the waste treatment tank for each unit period is received, and the second amount of waste discharged when the livestock waste is treated by the second waste treatment method is calculated using the number of livestock and the operating status for the corresponding unit period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for calculating greenhouse gas emission reduction amounts and a system for calculating greenhouse gas emission reduction amounts.

Background Art

[0002] In order to enable a livestock farmer who conducts feeding to reduce greenhouse gases emitted from livestock and their manure in the livestock industry to easily calculate the emission reduction amounts for using the carbon credit system, a livestock counting device installed on a farm where a plurality of pigs are raised includes a livestock counting step of counting the number of pigs raised and fed with an amino acid balance-improved feed within a predetermined period, and an emission reduction amount calculation unit calculates a base emission amount of greenhouse gases based on the number of pigs counted in the livestock counting step, a post-improvement emission amount calculation step of calculating the post-improvement emission amount of greenhouse gases when the amino acid balance-improved feed is fed, and an emission reduction amount calculation step of calculating the emission reduction amount within a predetermined period using the base emission amount and the post-improvement emission amount. A method for calculating greenhouse gas emission reduction amounts including these steps is known (Patent Document 1 below).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, in Japan's J-Credit scheme, one of the domestic voluntary credit schemes, the calculation of reductions will be considered using various methodologies, not limited to the methodology described above. For instance, greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by improving methods for treating livestock waste. However, the evaluation of reductions will be verified by a third-party organization, and the data and evidence used for calculations will be rigorously judged.

[0005] Furthermore, implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions would incur additional costs on top of normal livestock farming, making it economically inefficient to engage in such greenhouse gas reduction practices without any incentives. To promote their implementation, it is necessary to provide incentives to livestock farmers, but introducing a system for calculating objectively measurable emission reductions is not easy.

[0006] As a result, livestock farmers and other operators who raise livestock cannot easily utilize the carbon credit scheme, and thus miss out on an opportunity to address the global social challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

[0007] Therefore, one of the objectives of this disclosure is to enable livestock farmers who reduce greenhouse gas emissions from animal manure in the livestock industry to easily calculate the amount of emission reductions required to utilize the carbon credit scheme. Furthermore, problems that are obvious to those skilled in the art, as can be inferred from the embodiments and descriptions of the disclosure that are characteristic of this disclosure, as described in the specification, drawings, etc., may also become problems that the divisional inventions should solve if a divisional application based on this disclosure is filed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Aspects and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure may be partially described in the following description, or may be known from the description, or may be known through the implementation of the embodiments.

[0009] The method for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions tradable as carbon credits in this disclosure includes the steps of: one or more computing devices equipped with one or more processors obtaining the number of livestock being raised in each unit period; using the number of livestock to calculate a first emission amount when livestock excrement is treated by a first excrement treatment method; a treatment tank monitor of a treatment tank that treats livestock excrement by a second excrement treatment method transmitting the operating status for each unit period to the computing device; the computing device using the number of livestock and the operating status for the corresponding unit period to calculate a second emission amount when livestock excrement is treated by a second excrement treatment method; and using the first emission amount and the second emission amount to calculate the emission reduction amount for each unit period.

[0010] Furthermore, the system for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions that can be traded as carbon credits in this disclosure comprises one or more computing devices equipped with one or more processors, the computing devices acquire the number of livestock being raised in each unit period, use the number of livestock to calculate a first emission amount when livestock waste is treated by a first waste treatment method, receive operating status from a treatment tank monitor of a treatment tank that treats livestock waste by a second waste treatment method, use the number of livestock and operating status to calculate a second emission amount when livestock waste is treated by a second waste treatment method, and use the first emission amount and the second emission amount to calculate the emission reduction amount. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The aspects of this disclosure enable livestock farmers who reduce greenhouse gas emissions from animal manure in the livestock industry to easily calculate emission reductions for use in carbon credit schemes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1]This is a schematic diagram illustrating the mechanism for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. [Figure 2] This is a table showing information on the classification of livestock waste disposal. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the network configuration of the calculation system according to the embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of equipment layout on a farm. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates how livestock numbers are counted using a livestock monitor. [Figure 6] This block diagram shows the functional configuration of the calculation system disclosed herein. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the calculation method disclosed herein. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a method by which a processing tank monitor detects unintended non-operation of a processing tank. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a method by which a processing tank monitor detects unintended non-operation of a processing tank. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a method by which a processing tank monitor detects unintended non-operation of a processing tank. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the emission reduction amount output by the calculation system in this disclosure using the calculation method. [Figure 12] This diagram explains the mechanism for livestock farmers to easily utilize the carbon credit scheme. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Below, the emission reduction methodology in the J-Credit Scheme, Japan's carbon credit scheme, will be used as an example, but similar calculations of greenhouse gas emission reductions are effective in calculating carbon credits and voluntary credits in other countries.

[0014] In the certification of J-Credit, it is necessary to clarify what methodologies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and how to monitor them. A third-party auditing institution reviews the methodology and determines whether it is appropriate.

[0015] The protein that pigs ingest through feed is decomposed into amino acids in the small intestine and absorbed into the body. However, the undigested feed residues that are not absorbed are excreted outside the body as feces. Also, surplus amino acids that were absorbed into the body but not used, and amino acids generated by the decomposition of proteins, are converted into urea in the liver and excreted as urine. These feces and urine are sources of nitrous oxide (N2O), a greenhouse gas (GHG).

[0016] GHG emissions are generally evaluated in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalents. In the case of nitrous oxide, the global warming potential (GWP) is approximately 265, meaning that its greenhouse effect is 265 times that of carbon dioxide. When evaluating it on the same level as carbon dioxide, it can be converted to CO2 equivalents by multiplying by this global warming potential for comparison.

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the mechanism of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As shown in Figure 1, when the nitrogen content contained in the feed is subtracted by the amount digested and absorbed by the livestock body, it becomes feces and urine. The proportion of the nitrogen content in the feed that is digested and absorbed and the proportion that can be contained in feces and urine can be calculated based on empirical formulas from past experiments and the like. For example, using the formula shown in the Japanese feeding standards, the amount of nitrogen accumulated in livestock body A can be estimated, and by subtracting this from the nitrogen absorption amount, the amount of nitrogen excreted in urine can be calculated. Also, depending on the treatment equipment for each farm, it may not be possible to separate feces and urine. Although urine is more dominant than feces as a cause of nitrous oxide generation, both are causes, so they may be treated together as the amount of feces and urine.

[0018] Furthermore, the amount of greenhouse gases emitted varies depending on the type of excrement (feces, urine, mixed feces and urine) and the method of excretion treatment. Figure 2 is a table showing, for example, information on the excretion treatment categories for pigs. The N2O emission coefficient (tN2O-N / tN) for each excretion management category is set in the greenhouse gas inventory reports issued annually by each country, and different coefficients can be adopted for each treatment method, as shown in Figure 2. The coefficients shown in Figure 2 are merely examples, and different coefficients set for each country, year, and type of treatment method can be adopted. Thus, the amount of greenhouse gases emitted differs depending on the excretion treatment method. Also, the coefficients change depending on the type of livestock, and the treatment methods also differ for each type of livestock. Therefore, although Figure 2 shows the example of pigs, different coefficients can be set for each type of livestock and treatment method, such as cattle and poultry (laying hens, broilers).

[0019] Here, as shown in Figure 2, there are two treatment methods: forced fermentation and sediment fermentation. Forced fermentation produces less greenhouse gas emissions even when treating the same amount of waste. As shown in Figure 1, to calculate the emission reduction, the method with the larger coefficient is used as the first waste treatment method (treatment method A in this figure), and the method with the smaller coefficient is used as the second waste treatment method (treatment method B in this figure). The emission reduction can then be calculated by taking the difference between these two methods.

[0020] The methods for calculating such emission reductions are certified and operated by public institutions and certification bodies as the "methodologies" mentioned above. It is expected that new methodologies will continue to be devised, and therefore, a flexible calculation system must be constructed to accommodate future methodologies. However, the following points are considered universal when it comes to emission reduction. (Reduction method) In the treatment of excrement, if a method with a smaller coefficient is adopted and implemented based on a method with a larger coefficient, the difference will be considered to have been reduced. (Concept of baseline emissions) It fluctuates depending on the number of livestock kept on the farm, the amount of feed given, and the amount of waste processed. (Improved approach to emissions) • Efficiencies such as waste treatment coefficients differ based on baseline emissions. (Monitoring items) To the greatest extent possible, the following items can be adopted as quantitative monitoring that minimizes the elements of human manipulation or error. • The number of livestock currently being raised per unit period (a unit of time such as a month, day, or hour) • If possible, the amount of waste • The improved waste disposal method is in operation during the corresponding unit period. • If possible, the amount of feed to give

[0021] Thus, in a methodology that allows for audits by third parties, it is necessary to monitor each item with as much objectivity as possible, quantitatively and accurately. While livestock farmers manage the growth status and mortality of their livestock on a daily basis, it is possible to use records such as daily reports obtained during daily livestock operations to determine the number of animals raised. However, considering that the amount of emissions reduction increases or decreases depending on the number of animals raised, and consequently increases or decreases in credits, it is not desirable to count the number of animals based on human factors.

[0022] Therefore, a management system is needed that can automatically ensure the reliability of data such as the number of livestock and the number of days they are raised, with as little human intervention as possible. Furthermore, it is also a requirement that facilities using improved waste disposal methods are functioning properly. The calculation system and the calculation method using this system are described below.

[0023] Figure 3 shows an example of the network configuration of the calculation system according to the embodiment of this disclosure, and Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of the equipment layout on a farm.

[0024] In Figure 3, the calculation system 1 may include a management server 10S, a management device 10C, other farm devices 10H1 and 10H2 connected via a network NW, livestock monitors 30 set up at real sites where livestock are raised on the farm (livestock barns / pigsties / cattle barns / chicken coops, livestock pens / cattle pens / pig pens), feed monitors 40 for each farm, and processing tank monitors 50 for each farm. Here, the location where the management server 10S, management device 10C, and other farm devices 10H1 and 10H2 are installed does not necessarily have to be on-site such as a farm / pigsty / pig pen. On the other hand, the livestock monitors 30 and processing tank monitors 50 are basically for acquiring data used to calculate greenhouse gas emissions at the farm.

[0025] The livestock monitor 30 has the function of acquiring or counting the number of livestock by various methods, such as counting the number of livestock using images captured by a livestock monitoring camera 31, obtaining the number of livestock from an external or internal livestock database 32, or counting the number of livestock using other livestock counters 33. The processing tank monitor 50 also has the function of monitoring the operating status of the processing tank using a processing tank monitoring camera 51 and other sensors and detection devices. These will be described later.

[0026] The management server 10S, management device 10C, and other farm devices 10H1 and 10H2 are computing devices capable of information processing. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by said hardware configuration may include a processor such as a CPU, GPU, or TPU, main memory such as main memory, and auxiliary storage devices such as an SSD or HDD. Computing resources are not limited to local or on-premises, and may utilize a cloud environment provided by another company. Similarly, the livestock monitor 30 and the processing tank monitor 50 may also have hardware configurations as computing devices and may be used as edge computers capable of image processing, etc.

[0027] The network NW is, for example, a network such as the internet, VPN (Virtual Private Network), intranet, or short-range wireless communication. The management server 10S, management device 10C, and other farm devices 10H1 and 10H2 each consist of two or more devices, which may be connected to the network. The operator of the credit management service and credit management system can use the calculation system 1 to provide services to users such as farms to support the acquisition of carbon credits such as J-Credits.

[0028] Furthermore, the management server 10S and management device 10C may be located in different countries from the farm and livestock monitor 30 and the processing tank monitor 50. The location of the management server does not pose an obstacle to the use of the network-type system. In which countries the methods and systems of this disclosure are substantially implemented can be determined by the location of the beneficiaries who benefit from this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a specific layout example of a farm. In this diagram, farm 500 has at least one pigsty 510, which is a building for raising pigs, and inside the pigsty 510 there is at least one pig pen 511. Here, the definitions of farm, pigsty, and pig pen vary depending on the region and the design of individual farms, but we will try to explain them in the most general sense possible. Farm refers to the broadest area and can refer to the entire piece of land or the name of a livestock business entity. Pigsty / Pig pen are sometimes used interchangeably and can refer to a specific building or area where pigs are raised. For example, a single farm may have multiple pigsties or pig pens. Also, a single livestock business entity may operate multiple farms. Furthermore, basically, the space in which livestock are kept is structurally secured by installing fences or other structures inside the pigsty or pig pen.

[0030] The pigsty 510 is equipped with livestock monitoring cameras 31A, 31B, etc., which operate for a livestock monitor 30 that counts the number of livestock kept in each pig pen 511. The livestock monitor 30 can detect livestock kept in each pig pen and count their total number across the entire farm using a trained model that has undergone machine learning, based on captured video or still images. The livestock monitoring cameras 31 may be fixed and installed in each pig pen, mobile and move between pig pens within the same pigsty, or portable and can be carried between pigsties, provided that the biosecurity regulations set by each farm are complied with. The mobile type will be described later.

[0031] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the counting of livestock by the livestock monitor 30. The livestock monitor 30 can count the number of livestock even if the pigs do not have identifiers attached to their bodies, by performing image recognition processing on images acquired by livestock monitoring cameras 31 installed on the farm. Multiple livestock monitoring cameras 31 may be installed, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. In addition to a visible light camera, a combination of an infrared camera and an infrared light may be used as the image sensor to enable nighttime and dark-area imaging.

[0032] Furthermore, the livestock monitor 30 may have a function to estimate the weight of each livestock using captured images and / or distance images. The weight of excrement may also be estimated from the estimated weight of the livestock, and for example, weight can be estimated using images by the method described in Japanese Patent No. 6781440. The amount of excrement to be processed can basically be determined using the average value per animal for each livestock species, but strictly speaking, it changes depending on weight, age in days and months. Therefore, the amount of excrement and the amount of excrement to be processed can be calculated using the weight estimated using images, and this can be used to calculate greenhouse gas emissions and emission reductions.

[0033] Furthermore, when counting livestock using image recognition processing, it is also possible to perform image recognition processing using a pre-trained model that has been trained on images of target livestock, such as images of pigs, as training data.

[0034] For example, to detect the number of livestock from an image captured by an imaging device, machine learning-based object detection may be used, employing a pre-trained model such as a pre-trained deep learning model that detects objects from images. If multiple livestock are captured in an image, it is possible to divide it into multiple segments using instance segmentation and classify each into a different class.

[0035] For example, if instance segmentation is performed on an image of pigs taken from above to below a pigsty, the images can be individually divided and identified. One such method is Mask R-CNN, which performs general object detection and instance segmentation simultaneously. Each recognized instance is assigned a label or class indicating the appropriate livestock species, and each instance is also assigned a temporary ID. In this disclosure, it is sufficient to count the number of livestock, and individual identification is not necessary, so the number of livestock can be counted by counting the number of temporary IDs. Furthermore, if multiple livestock species are raised, it is also possible to identify different species.

[0036] The livestock monitoring camera 31 may be a mobile camera, and a separate camera position measuring device such as an encoder or beacon may be provided to identify the imaging location and determine which pig pen the image was taken in order to count the number of livestock.

[0037] Furthermore, the livestock monitor 30 may obtain the number of livestock being raised in each unit period using another livestock counter 33. Specifically, the other livestock counter refers to, for example, livestock that are individually identified using RFID tags embedded in ear tags or the like, as described in Japanese Patent No. 7410607, and it is possible to count the number using the livestock's ID.

[0038] Furthermore, since livestock that have undergone individual identification management as described above may have their individual information stored and managed in a livestock management database, it is also possible to obtain the number of livestock from these livestock management databases. Such livestock management databases may be accessible from outside or inside the calculation system of this disclosure, and may be stored in the storage 15 of any computing device, for example, the management server 10S. Also, when obtaining the number of livestock from the livestock management database, it is possible to input the number measured by a person engaged in the use of livestock on the farm via the input interface of the computing device and use the number of livestock stored in the storage.

[0039] Figure 5 also shows an example of processing and outputting the number of livestock counted and acquired by the livestock monitoring camera 31 and the livestock monitor 30 for the purpose of calculating greenhouse gas emissions. On the left side of this figure, multiple imaging devices each capture images of livestock being kept in pen A and pen B without overlap. For example, on the first day, images are captured in each of the two pens, and the number of livestock is counted from the images. The counted number can be output as a total for each pen, pigsty, and farm, along with information representing time units such as year, month, week, day, and hour. This makes it possible to automatically count how many livestock are actually being kept on the farm at any given time.

[0040] The number of livestock currently being raised at each farm, pigsty, and pigpen may fluctuate due to shipments or intentional reorganization by the farmer, but it can also change due to unintended factors such as sudden deaths or transfers to sick pig pens. Therefore, it is important to have a system that allows for livestock count management at each level, from pigpen to farm. The number of livestock counted in this way, along with the unit period during which they are raised, may be stored in the storage of the management server 10S.

[0041] Each pig pen 511 in the pig barn 510 may be supplied with feed from the tank 551 of the silo 550 via a feeder 515, such as an automatic feeder.

[0042] The excrement of each livestock may be treated through excretion facilities installed in each rearing area, such as a pig pen. For example, a manure channel may be provided below the grate of each pig pen, and the mixture of feces and urine may pass through the excrement channel 522 in a slurry state and be discharged into the treatment tank 52. In Figure 4, the excrement channel 522 is depicted as a pipe or a pipe-like channel, but it may also be a groove called a pit.

[0043] The operating status of the processing tank 52 may be transmitted from the processing tank monitor 50 to a computing device such as the management server 10S. Images taken by the processing tank monitoring camera 51 for monitoring the operating status may be used.

[0044] Thus, each farm and pigsty has its own designated waste management category, and livestock waste is managed according to that category, including methods such as pile fermentation and forced fermentation.

[0045] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the calculation system. The management server 10S of the calculation system 1 can be operated by a system management company using a management device 10C. The management server 10S may be equipped with hardware components necessary for computing devices, such as a communication interface 11, an input interface 12, an output interface 13, a processor 14, and storage 15.

[0046] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow of the calculation method described herein.

[0047] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, first, in step S105, the livestock monitoring camera 31 captures images of multiple livestock. This step may be omitted if the number of livestock can be obtained by the other means described above.

[0048] The number of pigs raised will be calculated by counting all pigs raised in all target pigpens and pens without omission or duplication, and will represent the total number of pigs raised on farms implementing greenhouse gas emission reduction measures. It is also possible to include only pigs that exceed a predetermined threshold, such as those exceeding a specified weight, age in days, or age in months, by configuring the livestock counting method. For example, if the settings of the livestock counting method, such as the pre-configured livestock monitoring camera 31, can be changed for each installation location or facility, it is possible to count only those pigs at a predetermined location, in a designated pigpen, or in a designated pen, and exclude those at a predetermined location, in a designated pigpen, or in a designated pen. Similarly, if the settings of the livestock counting method, such as the pre-configured livestock monitoring camera 31, can be changed for each estimated weight, it is possible to count livestock above a predetermined weight and exclude those below or below a predetermined weight. Furthermore, if the livestock count is based on pre-entered data such as age in days, months, or years in a livestock database, it is possible to count livestock above a predetermined age in days, months, or years, and exclude livestock below or below that age, by filtering the data obtained from the livestock database used. It is also possible to calculate the count for each farm if a single business entity owns multiple farms.

[0049] Next, in step S110, one or more computing devices equipped with one or more processors count the number of livestock being raised in each unit period using images of multiple livestock, or obtain the number of livestock by other means as described above. Here, the computing device that performs the process of counting livestock using images may be a livestock monitor 30 or a management server 10S.

[0050] Next, in step S120, one or more computing devices equipped with one or more processors calculate a first discharge amount when livestock excrement is treated by the first excrement treatment method, using the number of livestock.

[0051] The following shows an example of the base emission amount calculated as the first emission, which is calculated by converting the nitrous oxide (N2O) produced from pig excrement for one day into CO2 equivalent. Baseline emissions = (N2O emission coefficient for the waste management category under the first waste treatment method (tN2O-N / tN)) × (Nitrogen content in waste per pig per day (tN / pig / day)) × (Number of pigs raised in the corresponding unit period (pig)) × (44 / 28) × (Global warming potential of N2O (tCO2 / tN2O)) The above calculations are performed for each category of waste management, and then the results are added together. Furthermore, since the above calculations represent the baseline emissions per day of rearing, the base emissions over a given period can be obtained by multiplying these by the number of rearing days.

[0052] The "44 / 28" in the formula is a coefficient used to convert the weight of nitrogen contained in N2O (tN2O-N) to the weight of N2O (tN2O). Furthermore, while the global warming potential of N2O (tCO2 / tN2O) is approximately 300, it fluctuates according to official reports published annually, so it is possible to adjust the value accordingly.

[0053] Next, in step S125, one of the computing devices receives a signal from the processing tank monitor 50 of the processing tank 52, which processes livestock excrement using the second excrement processing method, indicating the operating status for each unit period to be transmitted to the computing device.

[0054] Next, in step S130, one of the computing devices calculates a second amount of waste discharge when livestock waste is treated by the second waste treatment method, using the number of livestock and their operating status for the corresponding unit period.

[0055] When calculating the second emission amount, it is necessary to take into account the operating status for each unit period, but here we will explain assuming that the treatment tank 52 was operating normally for the entire unit period. As the second emission amount, the improved emission amount is shown below as an example, calculated by converting the nitrous oxide (N2O) produced from pig excrement per day into CO2 equivalent. (Formula 2) Improved emissions = (N2O emission coefficient for the waste management category under the second waste treatment method (tN2O-N / tN)) × (Nitrogen content in the excrement of one pig per day (tN / pig / day)) × (Number of pigs raised in the corresponding unit period (pig)) × (44 / 28) × (Global warming potential of N2O (tCO2 / tN2O))

[0056] Here, the number of livestock (heads) for the corresponding unit period is the same as the number used in calculating baseline emissions, and is counted by the livestock monitor 30.

[0057] Next, in step S140, one of the computing devices calculates the emission reduction for each unit period using the first emission and the second emission.

[0058] The above outlines the basic processing flow for calculating the amount of emissions reduced in this disclosure. However, as mentioned above, if the treatment tank 52, which processes waste using the second waste treatment method, is not operating for any reason, it cannot be said that the above reduction in emissions has been achieved. Such reasons may include not only malfunctions of the treatment tank 52, but also intentional shutdowns, such as shutdowns for maintenance or the period required for cleaning, disinfecting, and drying the pigsty during the pig replacement timing in the all-in / all-out system.

[0059] First, regarding the intended shutdown of the treatment tank 52, an operation schedule is pre-set in a computing device such as the management server 10S or in the treatment tank monitor 50. The treatment tank monitor 50 then refers to the operation schedule and transmits the operation status to one of the computing devices that should calculate the discharge amount. The operation status includes conditions such as normal (operating), abnormal (not operating), and stopped (not operating). Here, for example, abnormal may be unintended non-operation, and stopped may be intentional non-operation.

[0060] Next, an example of a means for the processing tank monitor 50 to detect unintended non-operation of the processing tank 52 will be described. Figure 8 shows this example.

[0061] The treatment tank 52 may be equipped with an aeration tank 528 that blows compressed air into the wastewater as fine bubbles using a blower such as a diffuser or aerator during wastewater treatment. It may also be equipped with a treatment tank monitoring camera 51 that can photograph the liquid level of the aeration tank 528 from the side and from above. In this figure, monitoring cameras are shown above and separately for illustrative purposes, but it may also be equipped with both.

[0062] Figure 9 shows two example images of the inside of the processing tank, taken from the side, as an example of a means by which the processing tank monitor 50 detects the inactivity of the processing tank 52 that was not intended.

[0063] The processing tank monitor 50 may estimate the water level in the processing tank 52 using images of the inside of the processing tank 52 taken by the processing tank monitoring camera 51. In this figure, for example, let's assume that processing tank side view image A represents the normal operating state. The position of this water level may be measured by image processing and stored as a reference. Then, for example, as shown in processing tank side view image B, if the water level rises and the water level position deviates from the reference by a certain amount or more, an abnormal water level state may be detected. Similarly, the same applies if the water level position deviates from the reference by a certain amount or more in the downward direction.

[0064] Figure 10 shows two example images of the inside of the processing tank, taken from above, as an example of a means by which the processing tank monitor 50 detects the inactivity of the processing tank 52 that was not intended.

[0065] In the aeration tank 528, foamy substances and suspended solids called scum may be generated from the wastewater. If these foamy substances and suspended solids exceed a certain amount, it may indicate that the treatment tank 52 is not functioning correctly.

[0066] The processing tank monitor 50 may use the image of the inside of the processing tank 52 captured by the processing tank monitoring camera 51 to estimate the amount of foamy substance and / or suspended solids generated on the liquid surface of the processing tank 52. In this figure, for example, let's assume that the image A above the processing tank represents the amount of foamy substance and / or suspended solids generated which is the allowable amount under normal operating conditions. The area of ​​this foamy substance and / or suspended solids may be measured by image processing and stored as a reference. Then, for example, as in the image B above the processing tank, if a large amount of foamy substance and / or suspended solids is generated and exceeds the allowable amount (the area amount which is the threshold), it may be estimated that there is an abnormality in the amount of foamy substance and / or suspended solids.

[0067] The treatment tank monitor 50 may then use the amount of foamy material and / or suspended material and the water level in the treatment tank to generate and transmit information about the operating status of the treatment tank 52, such as normal (operating), abnormal (not operating), or stopped (not operating).

[0068] Figure 11 shows an example of the emission reduction amount output by the calculation system 1 of this disclosure using the calculation method. In this figure, the emission reduction amount is calculated by reflecting the operating status information, such as normal (operating), abnormal (not operating), and stopped (not operating). For example, on October 1st and 2nd, 2024, the treatment tank 52 was not operating due to maintenance or other reasons, and no treatment was performed by the second waste treatment method. The emission reduction amount corresponding to this is not calculated, thereby improving the accuracy of the emission reduction calculation. Furthermore, as shown in this figure, the calculation may also be performed for each livestock barn ID, such as the pig barn ID, and for each breeding facility. This is because, in the case of the all-in / all-out method described above, some pig barns may have livestock being raised, while others do not.

[0069] Furthermore, a certain amount of time lag in the disposal of excrement is a practical problem, and methods for dealing with this are explained below.

[0070] The time lag required for waste disposal can also be understood using Figure 4. Between the pig pen 511 and the treatment tank 52 in Figure 4, there are various waste disposal facilities such as the waste flow path 522. Furthermore, the distance between the pig barn 510 and the treatment tank 52 is not the same even within the farm depending on the location of the pig barn, so it can be understood that a time lag occurs before the waste of the corresponding number of pigs is processed. To take this time lag into account, one of the computing devices may use a preset time lag period to correct the number of livestock being raised in each unit period, and use the corrected number of livestock to calculate the first discharge amount, the second discharge amount, and the discharge reduction amount for each unit period. In this figure, for example, the time lag period is set to 1 day, and the number of livestock corresponding to a predetermined unit period used to calculate the first discharge amount and the second discharge amount can be one day different.

[0071] The time lag period may be a time lag in terms of days, hours, minutes, etc., or it may be information representing a delay in terms of physical distance, such as the distance (m, km) between the livestock barn and the treatment tank 52 (waste disposal equipment). It may also be calculated by converting the delay due to physical distance into a time lag. Furthermore, considering even more detailed physical distances, the time lag period may differ for each livestock barn depending on the difference in distance to the waste disposal equipment, and may be set for each livestock barn.

[0072] As described above, by using the emission reduction calculation method and system disclosed herein, livestock farmers who practice livestock farming in a way that reduces greenhouse gas emissions from livestock and their manure will be able to easily calculate the emission reduction amount required to utilize the carbon credit scheme.

[0073] Figure 12 illustrates a mechanism for livestock farmers who reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock and their manure in the livestock industry to easily utilize the carbon credit scheme.

[0074] In Figure 12, farms and livestock farmers undertake efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In doing so, monitoring the number of livestock, the number of days they raise their animals, and the disposal of their waste generates monitoring information and environmental value exchangeable for credits. Farms and livestock farmers can convert this monitoring information and environmental value into economic benefits by utilizing the calculation methods and systems described in this disclosure.

[0075] Since operating the calculation system incurs costs, credit management companies and system management companies may collect service fees from farms and users, or from credit purchasing companies. Farms and livestock farmers may pay monitoring information and environmental value to credit management companies and system management companies as a fee for using infrastructure such as monitoring equipment and servers. Monitoring information and environmental value may also be paid as a usage fee or consideration for the livestock management system operated by the system management company.

[0076] Credit managers and system managers use monitoring information and environmental value provided by farms and livestock farmers to obtain credits from certification bodies and systems by following prescribed procedures. The acquired credits may be sold to credit purchasing companies, etc. They may also pay compensation to farms and livestock farmers when receiving monitoring information and environmental value.

[0077] In such a system, profits may be appropriately distributed according to the contributions of farms / breeders, feed suppliers, credit managers / system managers, and credit purchasing companies, and an ecosystem not limited to the profit structure described above can be realized.

[0078] Therefore, it is possible to use the calculation method and calculation system described herein to construct a trading system for emission reductions that has value in obtaining credits traded as compensation for efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

[0079] Some embodiments and other practices of this disclosure may, at their discretion, include one or more of the following features:

[0080] In some embodiments, a method for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions that can be traded as carbon credits includes the steps of: a livestock monitoring camera taking images of multiple livestock; one or more computing devices equipped with one or more processors counting the number of livestock being raised in each unit period using the images of the multiple livestock; using the number of livestock, calculating a first emission amount when livestock excrement is treated by a first excrement treatment method; a treatment tank monitor of a treatment tank that treats livestock excrement by a second excrement treatment method transmitting the operating status for each unit period to the computing device; the computing device calculating a second emission amount when livestock excrement is treated by a second excrement treatment method using the number of livestock and the operating status for the corresponding unit period; and using the first emission amount and the second emission amount, calculating the emission reduction amount for each unit period.

[0081] In some embodiments, the process includes the steps of: a processing tank monitoring camera taking images of the inside of the processing tank; and a computing device or processing tank monitor using the images of the inside of the processing tank to generate operating status.

[0082] In some embodiments, a computing device or processing tank monitor includes the steps of: using an image of the inside of the processing tank to estimate the amount of foamy material and / or suspended material on the surface of the processing tank and the water level of the processing tank; and using the amount of foamy material and / or suspended material and the water level of the processing tank to generate the operating status of the processing tank.

[0083] In some embodiments, the computing device further includes the steps of reporting the abnormal operating status using an output interface when it obtains information that the operating status of the treatment tank is abnormal, and stopping the calculation of emission reductions.

[0084] In some embodiments, a computing device uses a time lag period to correct the number of livestock being raised within each unit period, and uses the corrected number of livestock to calculate the first emissions, the second emissions, and the emission reduction for each unit period.

[0085] In some embodiments, the system includes a system for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions that can be traded as carbon credits.

[0086] While several implementations have been described and presented herein, various other means and / or structures may be used to perform the functions and / or obtain one or more of the results and / or benefits described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is considered to be within the scope of the implementations described herein. More generally, all parameters, dimensions, materials and configurations described herein are illustrative, and the actual parameters, dimensions, materials and / or configurations will depend on the specific one or more applications in which this / these teachings are used. Those skilled in the art will be able to recognize and confirm many equivalents to the specific implementations described herein simply by using customary experimentation. Thus, it should be understood that the aforementioned implementations are presented merely as examples, and within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, implementations may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described and claimed. The implementations of this disclosure cover the individual features, systems, articles, materials, kits and / or methods described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the scope of this disclosure, provided that such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1. Calculation System 30 Livestock Monitors 31 Livestock monitoring cameras 32 Livestock Database 33 Livestock counter 40 Feed Monitor 50 Processing Tank Monitor 51. Treatment tank monitoring camera 52 Processing tanks 10 Computing Devices 11 Communication Interface 12 Input Interfaces 13 Output Interfaces 14 processors 15 Storage 10S Management Server 10C devices 10H1 device 10H2 device 400 farm terminals 500 farms 510 Pig barns 511 Pig stall 515 Feeder 522 Excretory route 528 Aeration tank 550 silos 551 Tank 552 Feeding tube NW Network

Claims

1. A method for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions that can be traded as carbon credits, One or more computing devices having one or more processors, The steps include obtaining the number of livestock being raised in each unit period, A step of calculating a first discharge amount when the excrement of the livestock is treated by a first excrement treatment method using the number of livestock, The process tank monitor of the processing tank that processes the excrement of the aforementioned livestock using the second excrement processing method transmits the operating status of each unit period to the computing device, The computing device calculates a second amount of waste discharge when the waste of the livestock is treated by a second waste treatment method, using the number of livestock and the operating status for a corresponding unit period. A method for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions, comprising the step of calculating the emission reduction amount for each unit period using the first emission amount and the second emission amount.

2. The method for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions according to claim 1, wherein one or more computing devices equipped with one or more processors obtain the number of livestock being raised in each unit period from a livestock monitor.

3. The steps include: the livestock monitoring camera of the livestock monitor taking images of multiple livestock, One or more computing devices, each comprising one or more processors, when acquiring the number of livestock being raised in each unit period, A method for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions according to claim 1, comprising counting the number of livestock being raised in each unit period using the images of the plurality of livestock.

4. The process involves a processing tank monitoring camera, which takes images of the inside of the processing tank, taking an image of the inside of the processing tank, The computing device or the processing tank monitor The process includes the step of generating the operating status using an image of the inside of the processing tank, A method for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions according to claim 3.

5. The computing device or the processing tank monitor Using an image of the inside of the treatment tank, the steps include estimating the amount of foamy material and / or suspended material on the surface of the treatment tank and the water level in the treatment tank, A method for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions according to claim 4, comprising the step of generating the operating status of the treatment tank using the amount of foamy substance and / or suspended matter and the water level of the treatment tank.

6. When the computing device acquires information that the operating status of the processing tank is abnormal, A step of reporting the abnormality in the operating status using the output interface, A method for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions according to claim 1, further comprising the step of stopping the calculation of the emission reduction amount.

7. The computing device, Using the time lag period, the number of livestock being raised within each unit period is corrected. Using the corrected number of livestock, A method for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions according to claim 1, comprising calculating the first emission amount, the second emission amount, and the emission reduction amount for each of the aforementioned unit periods.

8. A system for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions that can be traded as carbon credits, A computing device comprising one or more processors, The computing device is Obtain the number of livestock being raised in each unit period. Using the number of livestock, calculate the first discharge amount when the excrement of the livestock is treated using the first excrement treatment method. The operating status is received from the treatment tank monitor of the treatment tank that treats the excrement of the aforementioned livestock using the second excrement treatment method, Using the number of livestock and the operating status, the second amount of waste discharged when the excrement of the livestock is treated by the second excrement treatment method is calculated. A system for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions, which calculates the amount of emission reduction using the first emission and the second emission.

9. The greenhouse gas emission reduction calculation system according to claim 8, further comprising a livestock monitor that acquires the number of livestock being raised in each of the aforementioned unit periods.

10. The livestock monitor further comprises livestock monitoring cameras that capture images of multiple livestock, When a computing device comprising one or more processors acquires the number of livestock being raised in each unit period, A system for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions according to claim 8, comprising counting the number of livestock being raised in each unit period using images of the plurality of livestock.

11. The system includes a processing tank monitoring camera that takes pictures of the inside of the processing tank, An image of the inside of the aforementioned processing tank was taken, The computing device or the processing tank monitor Using the image of the inside of the processing tank, the operating status is generated. A system for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions according to claim 8.

12. The computing device or the processing tank monitor Using an image of the inside of the treatment tank, the amount of foamy material and / or suspended material on the surface of the treatment tank and the water level of the treatment tank are estimated. A system for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions according to claim 11, comprising generating the operating status of the treatment tank using the amount of foamy substance and / or suspended matter and the water level of the treatment tank.

13. When the computing device obtains information that the operating status of the treatment tank is abnormal, it stops calculating the amount of emission reduction. The greenhouse gas emission reduction calculation system according to claim 8, wherein an abnormality in the operating status is reported using an output interface.

14. The computing device, Using the time lag period, the number of livestock being raised within each unit period is corrected. Using the corrected number of livestock, A system for calculating greenhouse gas emission reductions according to claim 8, which calculates the first emission amount, the second emission amount, and the emission reduction amount for each of the aforementioned unit periods.

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