Livestock house management device, livestock house, and livestock house management method

Abstract

To provide a livestock barn management device with a simple configuration, capable of favorably maintaining an environment in a livestock barn and reducing a workload of livestock workers, livestock barn and livestock barn management method.SOLUTION: A livestock barn 1 comprises a livestock barn management device including a first slave machine 3 and a second slave machine 4 installed in a building 2 of the livestock barn, and a master machine 5 installed outside the building 2. The first slave machine 3 has an observation function of environmental information such as harmful gas concentration in the livestock barn 1, and an observation data transmission function of converting observation results into signals and transmitting them. The second slave machine 4 is connected to a management device for improving a harmful environment for livestock, and has a receiving function of a control signal and a control function of controlling the management device based on the received control signal. The master machine 5 has an observation data receiving function of receiving the observation data, a control signal generation function of generating a control signal of the management device automatically or manually transmitting to the second slave machine 4 based on the received observation data, and a control signal transmission function of transmitting the control signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a livestock house management device, a livestock house, and a livestock house management method. Specifically, it has a simple configuration and can maintain a good environment in the livestock house, reducing the workload of livestock industry workers.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in the livestock industry that raises livestock such as pigs, cows, and chickens, buildings (hereinafter referred to as "livestock houses") for raising these livestock have been used. And, as a matter of course, unlike the outdoors such as grazing land, it is necessary to keep the inside of the livestock house clean from the perspective of preventing livestock diseases, that is, it is necessary to clean. Depending on the judgment of livestock industry workers, generally, cleaning is carried out every day to maintain a good environment inside the livestock house, and the workload of livestock industry workers is very large.

[0003] In order to reduce such a workload, for example, an unmanned cleaning and disinfection system for livestock houses as described in Patent Document 1 below has been proposed. The system performs imaging of the cleaning area by an imaging camera after the cleaning operation by the cleaning robot, and the control unit compares the captured image with the reference image to determine whether the cleaning is completed. The cleaning operation, imaging of the cleaning area, and cleaning completion determination are repeated until the cleaning is completed, and when the cleaning is completed, the unmanned traveling cleaning device moves to the next cleaning area.

[0004] According to the system, it is said that the unmanned traveling cleaning device can be remotely operated to travel to identify the soiled position of excrement in the designated cleaning area, and the cleaning operation can be efficiently performed through the cleaning robot.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] By the way, the unmanned cleaning and disinfection system described in Patent Document 1 has a complex structure including a cleaning robot in which an unmanned traveling cleaning device used is provided with a column rotatably supported, an articulated arm that can expand, contract, and rotate with respect to the column, and a nozzle capable of injecting a cleaning liquid or a disinfectant at the tip of the arm, an imaging means for the cleaning area in the livestock house provided on the cleaning robot, a supply means for the cleaning liquid or the disinfectant supplied to the nozzle through piping, and a control means, and it is considered that daily maintenance is required.

[0007] Also, the unmanned cleaning and disinfection system uses a cleaning robot mounted on an unmanned traveling cleaning device, but the unmanned traveling cleaning device is a relatively large vehicle, and in order to smoothly run this in an existing livestock house, there may be a need for modifications such as eliminating the floor level difference and making the layout easy to run.

[0008] That is, the unmanned cleaning and disinfection system described in Patent Document 1 is usually a high-cost, complex, and large-scale device, and if it further involves modification of the livestock house, it is considered difficult to introduce and operate in terms of labor and cost for small-scale livestock farmers.

[0009] The present invention has been devised in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a livestock house management device, a livestock house, and a livestock house management method that can maintain a good environment in the livestock house with a simple configuration and can reduce the work burden on livestock farmers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the livestock house management device of the present invention is installed in a livestock house and has an observation function for observing any one or a combination of environmental information such as temperature, humidity, floating dust concentration, or harmful gas concentration for livestock in the livestock house, and a first slave unit having an observation data transmission function for signaling and transmitting the result observed by the observation function; installed in the livestock house, connected to a management device that can be installed in the livestock house and can improve the harmful environment for livestock in the livestock house, a second slave unit having a control signal reception function and a control function for controlling the connected management device based on the received control signal; an observation data reception function for receiving the observation data transmitted from the first slave unit, a control signal generation function for automatically or manually generating a control signal for the second slave unit based on the received observation data, and a parent unit having a control signal transmission function for transmitting the generated control signal.

[0011] Here, by having the above-described observation function, the first slave unit can observe any one or a combination of environmental information such as temperature, humidity, floating dust concentration, or harmful gas concentration for livestock in the installed livestock house. And, by having the above-described observation data transmission function, the first slave unit can signalize the environmental information such as the temperature in the observed livestock house and transmit it as observation data.

[0012] The second slave unit can control the connected management device to improve the harmful environment for livestock in the livestock house. Note that the control of the management device related to the second slave unit is performed based on the control signal transmitted from the parent unit and received by the reception function.

[0013] "Harmful environment for livestock in the livestock house" refers to, for example, an environment related to any one or a combination of extremely high or low temperatures, humidity, floating dust concentration, or harmful gas concentrations such as carbon monoxide concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, or ammonia concentration for livestock in the livestock house. Examples of management equipment that can improve such an environment include, for example, ventilation fans, blowers, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, generators for generating mist, ozone, etc. Furthermore, equipment such as sprayers or injectors for cleaning liquids and disinfectants for cleaning manure and urine, which are the sources of harmful gases, and pumps for controlling these are also included. Note that "harmful environment for livestock in the livestock house" is not limited to the above examples. There can be different harmful environments depending on the livestock being raised, and the equipment and facilities for improving the harmful environment in such cases are not limited to the equipment described in the above examples.

[0014] The master unit can receive the observation data from the first slave unit by having the above-described observation data receiving function. Thereby, it is possible to obtain environmental information related to any one or a combination of the temperature, humidity, floating dust concentration, or harmful gas concentration for livestock in the livestock house.

[0015] And the master unit can generate a control signal for the management equipment to be transmitted automatically or manually to the second slave unit based on the received observation data by having the above-described control signal generation function. Thereby, it is possible to generate a control signal for improving any one or these environments of the temperature, humidity, floating dust concentration, or harmful gas concentration for livestock in the livestock house.

[0016] Furthermore, the master unit can transmit the generated control signal by having the control signal transmission function. Thereby, the second slave unit can receive the control signal.

[0017] In this way, the master unit can receive a signal related to the environmental information received from the first slave unit, generate and transmit a control signal related to the improvement of the environment in the livestock house, and control the management equipment through the second slave unit by having the observation signal receiving function, the control signal generation function, and the control signal transmission function.

[0018] Note that the master unit has a structure that allows it to be placed separately from the first slave unit and the second slave unit, and it may be installed outside the livestock barn or inside the livestock barn. When the master unit is installed outside the livestock barn (for example, in a management building outside the livestock barn), livestock farmers can manage the livestock barn from a comfortable environment where air conditioning is available and the odor of the livestock barn does not reach. That is, it can contribute to improving the work efficiency and working environment of livestock farmers. In addition, "harmful environment for livestock in the livestock barn" is often harmful not only to livestock but also to livestock farmers depending on the numerical values, and by managing the livestock barn from outside the barn, it is possible to prevent health damage to livestock farmers.

[0019] As described above, the livestock barn management device of the present invention has a simple configuration including the first slave unit, the second slave unit, and the master unit, the installation work is easy, and the procurement and installation costs of the device can be reduced. In addition, the livestock barn management device of the present invention can keep the environment inside the livestock barn where the device is installed in good condition without the user, a livestock farmer (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "user"), staying in the livestock accommodation space of the livestock barn, and can reduce the work burden of the user.

[0020] Furthermore, the livestock barn management device of the present invention can be easily applied to existing livestock barns without major modifications. When the livestock barn management device of the present invention is applied to an existing livestock barn and existing management equipment can be utilized, it is not necessary to discard the existing management equipment or introduce new equipment, and construction costs and the like can be suppressed, and the economic burden on livestock farmers can also be reduced. Note that the livestock barn management device of the present invention can of course be applied to newly built livestock barns.

[0021] In addition, when the observation function of the first slave unit observes the temperature, humidity, and ammonia concentration inside the livestock barn, and the management equipment connected to the second slave unit is a ventilation fan and a discharge pump for the cleaning liquid that cleans the floor surface inside the livestock barn, it is possible to perform air conditioning inside the livestock barn and clean the floor surface, and further improve the sanitary environment inside the livestock barn.

[0022] Specifically, based on the environmental information observed by the first slave device, the master device generates and transmits a control signal for the management device connected to the second slave device, and operates the ventilation fan and the discharge pump, which are the management devices, to perform air conditioning in the livestock house and clean the floor surface. As a result, the inside of the livestock house becomes an atmosphere with a comfortable temperature for livestock, and the floor surface is cleaned by the cleaning liquid discharged from the pump, which is the ammonia generation source, further improving the sanitary environment in the livestock house. Note that the ventilation fan and the discharge pump include a mode of operating either one of them and a mode of operating both of them.

[0023] In addition, if the master device further has a threshold storage function capable of storing a threshold value related to the input environmental information, and the control signal generation function is provided to compare the threshold value with the observation data received from the first slave device and automatically transmit a control signal for both the ventilation fan and the discharge pump, or either the ventilation fan or the discharge pump when the numerical value related to the observation data approaches or exceeds the threshold value, the air conditioning and floor cleaning performed in the livestock house can be automated, and while reducing the burden on the user, the sanitary environment in the livestock house can be further improved.

[0024] Specifically, by having the above-mentioned threshold storage function, the master device can be provided with a function of storing a threshold value related to the input environmental information. Then, the control signal generation function compares the observation data received from the first slave device with the threshold value input and stored in the threshold storage function, and when the numerical value based on the observation data approaches or exceeds the threshold value, it can generate and automatically transmit a control signal for both the ventilation fan and the discharge pump, or either the ventilation fan or the discharge pump.

[0025] That is, even if the user does not constantly monitor the livestock barn environment, the master unit compares the received observation data with the threshold value and automatically makes a control decision for the management equipment, operating one or both of the ventilation fan and the discharge pump to perform air conditioning and floor cleaning in the livestock barn. As a result, the burden of monitoring and control decision-making by the user day and night can be reduced, and furthermore, it becomes possible to manage the livestock barn even from a place outside such as a business trip destination or a travel destination. This can contribute to improving the user's working environment and working conditions such as obtaining vacations, and at the same time, the environment in the livestock barn can be constantly maintained in good condition by the immediate response of the master unit.

[0026] Note that examples of the "threshold value" include numerical values of temperature, humidity, and ammonia concentration that may cause health damage to the target livestock. The input "threshold value" is a numerical value related to at least any one selected from temperature, humidity, and ammonia concentration, and may be a numerical value related to two or more selected from temperature, humidity, and ammonia concentration.

[0027] Regarding the control signal generation function, it may be set to generate and automatically transmit a control signal for both the ventilation fan and the discharge pump, or only for either the ventilation fan or the discharge pump according to the situation. For example, when the numerical values of the observation data related to all of temperature, humidity, and ammonia concentration approach or exceed the threshold value, a setting to generate a control signal for operating both the ventilation fan and the discharge pump; when the numerical values of the observation data related to both temperature and humidity, or only either temperature or humidity approach or exceed the threshold value, a setting to generate a control signal for operating both the ventilation fan and the discharge pump; when the numerical values of the observation data related to both temperature and humidity, or only either temperature or humidity approach or exceed the threshold value, a setting to generate a control signal for operating either the ventilation fan or the discharge pump; when the numerical values of the observation data related to ammonia concentration approach or exceed the threshold value, a setting to generate a control signal for operating both the ventilation fan and the discharge pump, etc. can be mentioned.

[0028] In addition, when the master unit further has a signal data storage function for storing either or both of the received observation signal and the generated control signal, the user can directly or indirectly perceive the recorded observation data and control signal stored in the master unit. As a result, the user can understand or grasp the history of environmental changes in the livestock house and their countermeasures, and can use this to judge the necessity of further countermeasures and as knowledge for future livestock house operation.

[0029] Note that "directly from the master unit" and "perceive" include, for example, a mode of reading digitized observation data and control signals via a monitor or the like provided in the master unit. Also, "indirectly from the master unit" and "perceive" include, for example, a mode of reading digitized observation data and control signals via a monitor or the like of a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") connected to the master unit, or via a display screen of an external information terminal connected through a server or Internet line connected to the master unit.

[0030] In addition, when the master unit is connected to the Internet line and further has an Internet transmission function capable of transmitting either or both of the observation data and control signal stored in the signal data storage function to an external information communication terminal, the user can obtain information on the livestock house through the information communication terminal even when away from the livestock house.

[0031] Specifically, the user can know the environmental changes in the livestock house by obtaining information on the observation data stored in the signal data storage function. In addition, the user can know the operation history of the management equipment that has improved the environmental changes in the livestock house by obtaining information on the control signal stored in the signal data storage function and browsing the history of the control signals received on the external information communication terminal. Here, the "control signal" includes either or both of the control manually performed by the user who knows the environmental changes in the livestock house and the control automatically performed in the master unit.

[0032] In addition, when the master unit further has an Internet reception function and the control signal generation function generates a control signal for the management device based on a request received from an external information communication terminal via the Internet reception function, even if the user is away from the livestock barn, the user can send a request to the master unit through the information communication terminal, manually control the management device in the livestock barn, and improve the environment in the livestock barn.

[0033] In addition, when the signal transmission between the first slave unit and the master unit and between the second slave unit and the master unit is wireless, wiring in the livestock barn is not required, and the labor for installation can be reduced. Further, after installation, since the wiring in the livestock barn is not conspicuous, it looks good, and in addition, there is no possibility of failure due to livestock chewing on the wiring or the like. Therefore, the work burden before and after installing the device can be reduced.

[0034] In order to achieve the above object, the livestock barn of the present invention includes a building in which a management device capable of improving a harmful environment for the housed livestock is installed, an observation function installed in the building for observing any one or a combination of the temperature, humidity, floating dust concentration, or harmful gas concentration for livestock in the building, and a first slave unit having an observation data transmission function for signaling and transmitting the result observed by the observation function, and a second slave unit installed in the building and connected to the management device, having a control signal reception function, and a control function for controlling the connected management device based on the received control signal.

[0035] Here, the building can house livestock. That is, the building is a livestock barn. And the building can improve the harmful environment for livestock by the management device.

[0036] By having the above-described observation function, the first slave unit can observe any one or a combination of the temperature, humidity, floating dust concentration, or harmful gas concentration for livestock in the livestock barn. And by having the above-described observation data transmission function, the first slave unit can signal the observed environmental information such as the temperature in the livestock barn and transmit it as observation data.

[0037] The second slave device can control the connected management device to improve the harmful environment for livestock in the livestock house.

[0038] Note that the aforementioned first slave device and second slave device are connected to the master device arranged inside or outside the building by a wireless or wired method. The master device has at least an observation data receiving function for receiving the observation data transmitted from the first slave device, a control signal generation function for automatically or manually generating a control signal for the management device to be transmitted to the second slave device based on the received observation data, and a control signal transmission function for transmitting the generated control signal.

[0039] By having the aforementioned observation data receiving function, the master device can receive the observation data from the first slave device. Thereby, it is possible to obtain environmental information of any one or a combination of the temperature, humidity, floating dust concentration, or harmful gas concentration for livestock in the livestock house.

[0040] And, by having the aforementioned control signal generation function, the master device can automatically or manually generate a control signal for the management device to be transmitted to the second slave device based on the received observation data. Thereby, it is possible to generate a control signal for improving any one or these environments of the temperature, humidity, floating dust concentration, or harmful gas concentration for livestock in the livestock house.

[0041] Furthermore, by having the control signal transmission function, the master device can transmit the generated control signal. Thereby, the second slave device can receive the control signal. And the control of the management device related to the second slave device is performed based on the control signal transmitted from the master device and received by the receiving function.

[0042] In this way, by having the observation signal receiving function, the control signal generation function, and the control signal transmission function, the master device can receive the signal related to the environmental information received from the first slave device, generate and transmit the control signal related to the environmental improvement in the livestock house, and control the management device through the second slave device. When the master unit is installed outside the livestock barn, the user can manage the livestock barn in a comfortable environment where air conditioning is maintained and odors from the livestock barn do not reach. That is, it can contribute to improving the user's work efficiency and working environment, and can also prevent health damage to the user.

[0043] As described above, the livestock barn of the present invention has a simple configuration, can maintain a good environment inside the livestock barn, and can reduce the work burden on the user.

[0044] To achieve the above object, the livestock barn management method of the present invention includes a first step of observing, by a first slave unit installed in the livestock barn, any one or a combination of environmental information such as temperature, humidity, floating dust concentration, or harmful gas concentration for livestock in the livestock barn, and converting the observed result into a signal and transmitting it as observation data; a second step of receiving a control signal by a second slave unit installed in the livestock barn and connected to a management device capable of improving a harmful environment for livestock in the livestock barn, and controlling the connected management device based on the received control signal; and a third step of receiving, by a master unit arranged inside or outside the livestock barn, the observation data transmitted from the first slave unit, generating a control signal for the management device to be transmitted to the second slave unit automatically or manually based on the received observation data, and transmitting the generated control signal.

[0045] Here, by providing the above-described first step, the first slave unit installed in the livestock barn can observe any one or a combination of environmental information such as temperature, humidity, floating dust concentration, or harmful gas concentration for livestock in the livestock barn, and convert the observed result into a signal and transmit it as observation data.

[0046] And, by providing the above-described second step, the second slave unit installed in the livestock barn can control the management device connected thereto based on the received control signal, and improve the harmful environment for livestock in the livestock barn by the function of the management device.

[0047] Furthermore, by including the above-described third step, the master unit disposed inside or outside the livestock barn can receive the observation data transmitted from the first slave unit, automatically or manually generate a control signal for the management device based on the received observation data, and transmit the generated control signal to the second slave unit.

[0048] When the master unit is installed outside the livestock barn, the user can manage the livestock barn from a comfortable environment where air conditioning is maintained and the odor of the livestock barn does not reach. That is, it can contribute to improving the work efficiency and working environment of livestock farmers, and it is possible to prevent health damage to livestock farmers by managing the livestock barn from outside the barn.

[0049] As described above, the livestock barn management method of the present invention has a simple configuration consisting of the first to third steps, but can maintain a good environment inside the livestock barn and reduce the work burden on the user.

Effects of the Invention

[0050] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a livestock barn management device, a livestock barn, and a livestock barn management method that can maintain a good environment inside the livestock barn with a simple configuration and reduce the work burden on livestock farmers.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0051]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail. In addition, the reference signs in each drawing are attached within a range that reduces complexity and facilitates understanding, and for a plurality of equivalents with the same reference sign, the reference sign may be attached only to a part of them.

[0053] 〔Livestock House and Livestock House Management Device〕 The livestock house 1 includes a building 2, a first slave unit 3 installed in the building 2, and a second slave unit 4 installed inside the building. The livestock house management device is composed of the aforementioned first slave unit 3 and second slave unit 4, and the master unit 5. In this embodiment, the master unit 5 is arranged in a management shed (building 2a) outside the building 2. Each part of the livestock house 1 and the livestock house management device will be described in detail below.

[0054] (Building 2) The building 2 is a structure capable of accommodating livestock P, and has a roof, an outer wall, and a floor 21. The floor 21 has a configuration in which slats 22 are arranged on the upper surface of the floor slab 211 (see FIG. 1). In addition, as management equipment capable of improving the harmful environment for the accommodated livestock P, a ventilation fan 23 and a discharge pump 24 for discharging a cleaning liquid for cleaning the floor surface 21 are installed in the building 2 (see FIG. 1).

[0055] The upper surface of the floor slab 211 is provided so as to be inclined in the direction of the discharge groove 212. The discharge port 241 for discharging the cleaning liquid from the discharge pump 24 is arranged between the upper surface of the floor slab 211 and the slats 22, and the discharged cleaning liquid is used to allow the manure (excrement, etc.) of the livestock P to flow into the discharge groove 212 (or discharge port) provided in a part of the floor 21 (see FIG. 1).

[0056] Note that the building 2 of this embodiment has a partition inside it that forms a livestock pen capable of accommodating one or more livestock P (heads, feathers), but is not limited to this. For example, it may be in a mode without a partition.

[0057] In addition, although the building 2 of this embodiment has a structure in which the floor 21 is composed of a floor slab 211 and the ceiling joists 22 arranged thereon, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a mode in which sawdust is spread on the floor (sawdust livestock house) may be used. In the case of a sawdust livestock house, as a management device, instead of the discharge pump for the cleaning liquid described above, an ozone generator may be arranged on the ceiling or the like.

[0058] (The first slave unit 3) The first slave unit 3 is a member constituting the livestock house management device, and is installed inside the building 2 at a location near the livestock housed in a livestock house or the like (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The first slave unit 3 has an observation function unit 31, an observation data transmission function unit 32, a power supply unit (not shown), a serial port 311, and a Bluetooth (registered trademark, hereinafter omitted) communication unit 312 in its casing (see FIG. 3(a)). In the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, one first slave unit 3 is installed, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the livestock house is large, a mode in which two or more first slave units are added may be used.

[0059] The observation function unit 31 has a function of observing environmental information inside the building 2 (particularly at a location near the livestock). In the present embodiment, the observation function unit 31 includes a temperature and humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, and a multi-channel gas sensor, and the multi-channel gas sensor is one that can measure harmful gases (concentrations of carbon monoxide, methane, nitrogen dioxide, ethanol, ammonia, propane, hydrogen, and butane) for livestock.

[0060] The observation data transmission function unit 32 has a function of converting the result observed by the observation function unit 31 into a signal and transmitting it. In the present embodiment, the communication standard related to data transmission is Zigbee (registered trademark, hereinafter omitted), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, Bluetooth, UWB (Ultra Wide Band), or the like may be used.

[0061] The power supply unit supplies power to operate the components of the first slave unit 3 such as the observation function unit 31 and the observation data transmission function unit 32. In this embodiment, the power supply unit has a structure with a built-in battery or the like, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may have a structure in which power is input from the outside via an electrical cord with an AC adapter.

[0062] The serial port 311 and the Bluetooth communication unit 312 are members that constitute a part of the observation function unit 31. The serial port 311 is connected to the observation function unit 31 by a wired method, and the Bluetooth communication unit 312 is connected to the observation function unit 31 by a wireless method. It can also be connected to an external observation device connected via the serial port 311 or an external observation device having a Bluetooth communication function 312 to receive observation information from the external observation device. Examples of the "external observation device" include a thermometer and a hygrometer in the building 2, and both existing and newly installed modes are included.

[0063] (Second slave unit 4) The second slave unit 4 is a member that constitutes the livestock house management device and is installed in the building 2 in a manner connected to the ventilation fan 23 and the discharge pump 24 which are management devices (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The second slave unit 4 has a receiver function unit 41, a control function unit 42, an analog connection port 421, an HDMI (registered trademark, hereinafter omitted) connection port 422, and a power supply unit (not shown) in its casing (see FIG. 3(b)). In the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, two second slave units 4 are installed, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the second slave units may be added according to the number of management devices to be connected, or each management device may be connected to one second slave unit if the distances between the installed management devices are close.

[0064] The receiving function unit 41 has a function of receiving the control signal generated and transmitted by the master unit 5. In this embodiment, the control signal received by the receiving function unit 41 is the control signal for the ventilation fan 23 and the discharge pump 24, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it may have a function of receiving a control signal for controlling a management device that can improve the harmful environment for the housed livestock P, such as a control signal for an ozone generator. Also, in this embodiment, the communication standard related to the control signal that can be received is Zigbee, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it may be Bluetooth, UWB, etc.

[0065] The control function unit 42 is connected to the ventilation fan 23 and the discharge pump 24 in a wired or wireless manner, and has a function of controlling the ventilation fan 23 and the discharge pump 24 based on the control signal received by the receiving function unit 41.

[0066] The power supply unit supplies power to operate the components of the second slave unit 4 such as the receiving function unit 41 and the control function unit 42. In this embodiment, the power supply unit has a structure with a built-in battery or the like, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it may have a structure in which power is input from the outside via an electric cord with an AC adapter.

[0067] The analog connection port 421 is the connection part with the ventilation fan 23 and the discharge pump 24, and a control signal to each device can be transmitted through this.

[0068] The HDMI connection port 422 can be connected to a monitor or the like through this. For example, when connected to a monitor, the observation data received via the master unit can be displayed, and the person working in the livestock house can visually observe the observation data of the surrounding environment. Also, the HDMI connection port 422 can be connected to an alarm. Thereby, the person working in the livestock house can obtain environmental information visually, directly operate management devices such as the ventilation fan 23 and the discharge pump 24 to improve the environment of the livestock house, or obtain information for temporarily taking shelter when the values reach uncomfortable or harmful levels for the human body by visual observation or listening to the alarm.

[0069] (Main unit 5) The main unit 5 is a member that constitutes the livestock house management device, and in this embodiment, it is installed inside the building 2a (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Inside its casing, the main unit 5 has an observation data receiving function unit 51, a control signal generating function unit 52, a control signal transmitting function unit 53, a threshold value storage function unit 54, a signal data storage function unit 55, an Internet line connection unit 56, an Internet transmitting function unit 57, an Internet receiving function unit 58, and a power supply unit (not shown) (see FIG. 3(c)).

[0070] The observation data receiving function unit 51 has a function of receiving the observation data transmitted from the first slave unit 3.

[0071] The control signal generating function unit 52 compares the observation data received from the first slave unit 3 with the threshold value stored in the threshold value storage function unit 54 described later, and when the numerical value related to the observation data approaches (including when it exceeds) the aforementioned threshold value, it automatically generates a control signal for controlling the ventilation fan 23 and the discharge pump 24. In addition, the control signal generating function unit 52 also has a function of generating the aforementioned control signal based on a request received from an external information communication terminal via the Internet receiving function unit 58.

[0072] The control signal transmitting function unit 53 has a function of transmitting the generated control signal described above and automatically transmitting the control signal to the second slave unit 4.

[0073] The threshold value storage function unit 54 has a function of storing the threshold value regarding the input environmental information. The threshold value input in this embodiment is at least the numerical values of temperature, humidity, carbon monoxide concentration, carbon dioxide concentration, dust concentration, nitrous oxide concentration, methane concentration, and ammonia concentration that may cause health damage to the livestock P, but it is not limited thereto, and as long as it can be detected by a sensor or the like, the user can appropriately set the type and its threshold value.

[0074] The signal data storage function unit 55 has a function of storing both the observation data received by the main unit 5 and the control signal generated by the main unit 5.

[0075] The Internet connection unit 56 is a port portion that is connected to the Internet transmission function unit 57 and the Internet reception function unit 58 and enables Internet communication with the outside of the machine. The Internet transmission function unit 57 has a function of transmitting both the observation data and the control signal stored in the signal data storage function unit 55 to an external information communication terminal. The Internet reception function unit 58 has a function of receiving a request from an external information communication terminal and sending it to the control signal transmission function unit 53.

[0076] The power supply unit supplies power to operate the components of the main unit 5 such as the observation data reception function unit 51 and the control signal generation function unit 52. In this embodiment, the power supply unit has a structure that is input from the outside via an electric cord with an AC adapter, but is not limited thereto, and may have a structure incorporating a battery or the like, for example.

[0077] Note that in this embodiment, the signal transmission between the first slave unit 3 and the main unit 5, and between the second slave unit 4 and the main unit 5 is a wireless method, but the wired method is not excluded.

[0078] 〔Function of the livestock house and the livestock house management device, livestock house management method〕 With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the function of the livestock house 1 and the livestock house management device and the livestock house management method will be described.

[0079] The livestock house management method includes at least the following first step, second step, and third step. Specifically, (1) In the first step, the first slave unit 3 installed in the livestock house 1 observes environmental information combining the temperature, humidity, and harmful gas concentration for the livestock P in the livestock house 1, signals the observed result, and transmits it as observation data. (2) In the second step, the second slave unit 4 installed in the livestock house 1 receives a control signal, and based on the received control signal, controls the ventilation fan 23 and the discharge pump 24 connected thereto to perform air conditioning in the livestock house and wash the floor surface. (3) In the third step, the master unit 5 disposed in the building 2a inside or outside the livestock barn 1 receives the observation data transmitted from the first slave unit 3, and automatically or manually generates control signals for the ventilation fan 23 and the discharge pump 24 to be transmitted to the second slave unit 4 based on the received observation data, and transmits the generated control signals.

[0080] The functions of the livestock barn 1 and the livestock barn management device will be described. By having the observation function unit 31, the first slave unit 3 observes the environmental information combining the temperature, humidity, and harmful gas concentration for livestock in the installed livestock barn 1. Then, by having the observation data transmission function unit 32, the first slave unit 3 signals the environmental information such as the temperature inside the observed livestock barn 1 and transmits it as observation data.

[0081] And, since the communication standard related to data transmission of the first slave unit 3 is Zigbee, a relay function is given to the terminal, and information can be transmitted by Zigbee elements communicating with each other by repeating the relay. Because of the low power consumption, it can operate for a long time even with a battery, and a wireless network can also be constructed. Also, the serial port 311 and the Bluetooth communication unit 312 of the first slave unit 3 are connected to external observation devices connected via the serial port 311 and external observation devices having the Bluetooth communication function 312, and can also receive the observation information from the external observation devices, and have high expandability.

[0082] When the first slave unit 3 observes an increase in the ammonia concentration or room temperature in the livestock barn 1 (harmful environment for livestock P in the livestock barn 1), the second slave unit 4 performs control to operate the connected ventilation fan 23 and discharge pump 24 based on the control signal received from the master unit 5. As a result, the inside of the livestock barn 1 becomes an atmosphere with a comfortable temperature for livestock P, etc., and the floor surface is washed by the cleaning liquid discharged from the discharge pump 24 with the manure and urine as the ammonia generation source, and the sanitary environment inside the livestock barn 1 is improved.

[0083] That is, the receiver function unit 41 of the second slave unit 4 receives the control signal generated and transmitted by the master unit 5. Since the communication standard related to data transmission is Zigbee, the terminal is provided with a relay function, and information can be transmitted by repeating the relay and enabling Zigbee elements to communicate with each other. Because of low power consumption, it can operate for a long time even with a battery, and a wireless network can also be constructed.

[0084] The control function unit 42 of the second slave unit 4 is connected to the ventilation fan 23 and the discharge pump 24, and controls the ventilation fan 23 and the discharge pump 24 based on the control signal received by the receiver function unit 41. The control signal is transmitted to the ventilation fan 23 and the discharge pump 24 via the analog connection port 421.

[0085] The HDMI connection port 422 can be connected to a monitor or the like through this port. For example, when connected to a monitor, the observation data received via the master unit can be displayed, and the person working in the livestock shed can visually observe the observation data of the surrounding environment. Also, the HDMI connection port 422 can be connected to an alarm. Thereby, the person working in the livestock shed can obtain environmental information visually, directly operate management devices such as the ventilation fan 23 and the discharge pump 24 to improve the environment of the livestock house, or obtain information for temporarily taking shelter when the values reach uncomfortable or harmful levels for the human body by visual observation or listening to the alarm.

[0086] The master unit 5 has an observation data receiving function unit 51, thereby receiving the observation data from the first slave unit 3. Thereby, environmental information such as the temperature in the livestock shed 1 can be obtained.

[0087] The control signal generation function unit 52 of the master unit 5 compares the observation data received from the first slave unit 3 with the threshold value stored in the threshold value storage function unit 54, and automatically generates a control signal for controlling the ventilation fan 23 and the discharge pump 24 when the numerical value related to the observation data approaches (including when it exceeds) the above-mentioned threshold value. In addition, depending on the user's selection, it is also possible to manually generate a control signal for controlling the ventilation fan 23 and the discharge pump 24. The control signal generation function unit 52 may also generate the above-mentioned control signal based on a request from the user received from a personal computer D1 or a smartphone D2, which is an external information communication terminal, via the Internet reception function unit 58.

[0088] The control signal transmission function unit 53 of the master unit 5 receives the control signal generated by the control signal generation function unit 52 and automatically transmits the control signal to the second slave unit 4.

[0089] The threshold value storage function unit 54 of the master unit 5 stores a threshold value related to environmental information, which is a numerical value suitable for the livestock P, at the time of shipment of the master unit 5 or after the user's purchase. Thereby, in cooperation with the control signal generation function of the above-mentioned control signal generation function unit 52, it becomes possible to compare the observation data with the threshold value and automate the generation of the control signal for the ventilation fan 23 and the discharge pump 24.

[0090] The signal data storage function unit 55 of the master unit 5 stores both the observation data received by the master unit 5 and the control signal generated (including both automatic and manual) by the master unit 5. The Internet line connection unit 56 of the master unit 5 is connected to be able to communicate with the outside of the master unit 5 via the Internet. The Internet transmission function unit 57 transmits both the observation data and the control signal stored in the signal data storage function unit 55 to the personal computer D1 or the smartphone D2. The Internet reception function unit 58 receives a request from the personal computer D1 or the smartphone D2 and sends it to the control signal transmission function unit 53.

[0091] As a result, the user can directly perceive, via a monitor or the like of the master device 5, the observation data and control signal records stored in the master device 5, or access the master device 5 or the server D3 where the data of the signal data storage function unit 55 is recorded, and indirectly perceive using the personal computer D1 or the smartphone D2.

[0092] And even when the user is away from the livestock shed 1, the user can obtain information on the observation data stored in the master device 5 using the personal computer D1 or the smartphone D2 and know the environmental changes inside the livestock shed 1. Similarly, the user can view the history of the control signals stored in the master device 5 using the personal computer D1 or the smartphone D2 and know the operation history of the ventilation fan 23 and the discharge pump 24 that have improved the environmental changes inside the livestock shed 1.

[0093] By viewing the above-mentioned observation data and control signals stored in the signal data storage function unit 55, the user can understand or grasp the history of environmental changes inside the livestock shed 1 and the countermeasures taken, which can be used to judge the necessity of further countermeasures and as knowledge for future livestock shed operation.

[0094] Then, the master device 5 receives the signal related to the environmental information received from the first slave device 3, generates and transmits a control signal related to environmental improvement inside the livestock shed 1, and controls the ventilation fan 23 and the discharge pump 24 through the second slave device 5.

[0095] Note that since the signal transmission between the first slave device 3 and the master device 5, and between the second slave device 4 and the master device 5 is wireless, wiring inside the livestock shed 1 is not required, and the labor during installation is reduced. Also, after installation, since the wiring inside the livestock shed 1 is not conspicuous, it looks good, and in addition, there is no possibility of failure caused by the livestock P chewing on the wiring. Therefore, the work burden before and after device installation is reduced.

[0096] In this way, the livestock house 1 equipped with the livestock house management device can maintain a good environment inside the livestock house 1 through the cooperation of the first slave unit 3, the second slave unit 4, and the master unit 5, and can reduce the work burden of the user. The same applies to the livestock house management method using the livestock house 1.

[0097] Since the master unit 5 of the livestock house 1 is structurally separated from the first slave unit 3 and the second slave unit 4, the user can manage the livestock house 1 from a comfortable environment where air conditioning is maintained and odors in the livestock house do not reach. That is, it can also contribute to improving the user's work efficiency and the working environment including preventing health hazards.

[0098] The livestock house management device provided in the livestock house 1 has a simple configuration including the first slave unit 3, the second slave unit 4, and the master unit 5, and the installation work is easy, and the procurement and installation costs of the device can be reduced. Furthermore, although it is natural that the livestock house management device of the present invention is applicable to a newly built livestock house 1, it can be easily applied to an existing livestock house without major modification. And when the livestock house management device is applied to an existing livestock house and the existing management equipment can be utilized, the disposal of the existing management equipment and the introduction of new equipment are not required, and the construction cost and the like can be suppressed, and the economic burden on the user can also be reduced. In addition, when the existing management equipment is a precise device of a professional manufacturer, by being able to utilize this, the observation function unit 31 of the first slave unit 3 can be made into a low-cost part with few observation functions to simplify it, or parts can be omitted, so that the unit price of the product can be lowered.

[0099] According to the livestock house 1 equipped with the livestock house management device, even if the user does not constantly monitor the environment of the livestock house 1, the master unit 5 compares the observation data with the threshold value to automatically make a control judgment on the ventilation fan and the discharge pump, and operates them to perform air conditioning and floor cleaning in the livestock house. As a result, the burden of monitoring and control judgment by the user day and night can be reduced, and furthermore, it is possible to manage the livestock house 1 even from a place outside such as a business trip destination or a travel destination. As a result, it is possible to contribute to the improvement of the user's working environment and the improvement of working conditions such as obtaining vacations. In addition, the environment in the livestock house 1 can be always kept in good condition by the immediate response of the master unit. In other words, the livestock house 1 can automate the work currently done manually or digitize the management items that rely on experience and intuition by monitoring, recording, and monitoring various environmental values.

[0100] The terms and expressions used in this specification and the claims are for explanatory purposes only and are not restrictive at all, and there is no intention to exclude terms and expressions equivalent to the features described in this specification and the claims and a part thereof. Needless to say, various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Also, words such as first and second do not mean rank or importance, but are used to distinguish one element from another.

Explanation of Signs

[0101] 1 Livestock house 2 Building 21 Floor 211 Floor slab 22 Ceiling board 23 Ventilation fan 24 Discharge pump 241 Discharge port 2a Building 3 First slave unit 31 Observation function unit 311 Serial port 312 Bluetooth communication unit 32 Observation data transmission function unit 4 Second slave unit 41 Receiver function unit 42 Control function unit 421 Analog connection port 422 HDMI connection port 5 Master device 51 Observation data receiving function unit 52 Control signal generation function unit 53 Control signal transmission function unit 54 Threshold memory function unit 55 Signal data memory function unit 56 Internet line connection part 57 Internet transmission function unit 58 Internet reception function unit P Livestock D1 Personal computer D2 Smartphone D3 Server

Claims

Claim 1: A livestock house management device comprising a first slave unit and a second slave unit installed in a livestock house, and a master unit installed either inside or outside the livestock house, wherein the first slave unit has an observation function unit, an observation data transmission function unit, a serial port, and a Bluetooth (registered trademark. Omitted hereinafter) communication unit, the observation function unit has a temperature and humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, and a multi-channel gas sensor capable of measuring the concentrations of carbon monoxide, methane, nitrogen dioxide, ethanol, ammonia, propane, hydrogen, and butane, the observation data transmission function unit is provided to be able to signalize and transmit the results observed by the observation function, and the communication standard related to the transmission of the signalized data is ZigBee (registered trademark. Omitted hereinafter), the serial port is provided to be connectable to an external observation device by a wired method, and the Bluetooth communication unit is provided to be connectable to an external observation device by a wireless method, the second slave unit has a reception function unit, a control function unit, an analog connection port, and an HDMI (registered trademark. Omitted hereinafter) connection port, is installed in the livestock house and is connected to a management device capable of improving the harmful environment for livestock in the same livestock house, the reception function unit has a function of receiving a control signal generated and transmitted by the master unit to control a management device capable of improving the harmful environment for the housed livestock, and the communication standard related to the receivable control signal is ZigBee, the control function unit is provided to be able to control the connected management device based on the received control signal, the analog connection port is provided to be connectable to the management device, the HDMI connection port is provided to be connectable to a monitor or an alarm, the master unit has an observation data reception function unit for receiving the observation data transmitted from the first slave unit, a control signal generation function unit for automatically or manually generating a control signal for the management device to be transmitted to the second slave unit based on the received observation data, and a control signal transmission function unit for transmitting the generated control signal, and the signal transmission between the first slave unit and the second slave unit is by a wireless method and the communication standard is ZigBee livestock house management device. Claim 2: The management device connected to the second slave unit is a ventilation fan and a discharge pump for a cleaning liquid for cleaning the floor surface in the livestock house The livestock house management device according to Claim 1. Claim 3: The master device further has a threshold value storage function unit capable of storing a threshold value related to the input environmental information, and the control signal generation function unit compares the threshold value with the observation data received from the first slave device, and when the numerical value related to the observation data approaches or exceeds the threshold value, it is provided to generate and automatically transmit a control signal for both the ventilation fan and the discharge pump, or for either the ventilation fan or the discharge pump The livestock house management device according to claim 2

4. The master device further has a signal data storage function for storing either one or both of the received observation data and the generated control signal The livestock house management device according to any one of claims 1 to 3

5. The master device is connected to the Internet line and further has an Internet transmission function capable of transmitting either one or both of the observation data and the control signal stored in the signal data storage function to an external information communication terminal The livestock house management device according to claim 4

6. The master device further has an Internet reception function, and the control signal generation function generates a control signal for the management device based on a request received from an external information communication terminal via the Internet reception function The livestock house management device according to claim 5

7. A building equipped with a management device capable of improving a harmful environment for the housed livestock, and a first slave device and a second slave device installed in the building The first slave device has an observation function unit, an observation data transmission function unit, a serial port, and a Bluetooth communication unit. The observation function unit has a temperature and humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, and a multi-channel gas sensor capable of measuring the concentrations of carbon monoxide, methane, nitrogen dioxide, ethanol, ammonia, propane, hydrogen, and butane. The observation data transmission function unit is provided so as to be able to signalize and transmit the result observed by the observation function, and the communication standard related to the transmission of the signalized data is Zigbee. The serial port is provided so as to be connectable to an external observation device in a wired manner, and the Bluetooth communication unit is provided so as to be connectable to an external observation device in a wireless manner The second slave unit has a receiving function unit, a control function unit, an analog connection port, and an HDMI connection port. The receiving function unit has a function of receiving a control signal generated and transmitted by the master unit to control a management device capable of improving a harmful environment for the housed livestock, and the communication standard related to the receivable control signal is Zigbee. The control function unit is provided to be able to control the connected management device based on the received control signal. The analog connection port is provided to be connectable to the management device, and the HDMI connection port is provided to be connectable to a monitor or an alarm device. Livestock house. **Claim 8**: The building has a roof, an outer wall, and a floor. The floor is configured such that floorboards are arranged on the upper surface of the floor slab, and a ventilation fan and a discharge pump for a cleaning liquid for cleaning the floor surface are installed as the management devices. The upper surface of the floor slab is provided to be inclined in the direction of the discharge groove, and the discharge port for discharging the cleaning liquid from the discharge pump is arranged between the upper surface of the floor slab and the floorboards, and the discharged cleaning liquid is provided so that livestock manure and excrement flow to a discharge groove or a discharge port provided in a part of the floor. The livestock house according to claim 7. **Claim 9**: Using a livestock house management device having a first slave unit and a second slave unit installed in the livestock house, and a master unit installed either inside or outside the livestock house. A first step of observing, by a temperature and humidity sensor, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, and a multi-channel gas sensor capable of measuring the concentrations of carbon monoxide, methane, nitrogen dioxide, ethanol, ammonia, propane, hydrogen, and butane, which are included in the observation function unit of the first slave unit installed in the livestock house, any one or a combination of the temperature, humidity, suspended dust concentration, or harmful gas concentration for livestock in the livestock house, and converting the observed result into a signal and transmitting it as observation data. A second step of receiving a control signal by a second slave unit installed in the livestock house and connected to a management device capable of improving a harmful environment for livestock in the same livestock house, and controlling the connected management device based on the received control signal. A third step of receiving, by a master unit arranged inside or outside the livestock house, the observation data transmitted from the first slave unit, generating a control signal for the management device to be transmitted to the second slave unit automatically or manually based on the received observation data, and transmitting the generated control signal. Comprising. The communication standard of the signal related to the observation data transmitted in the first step, the control signal received in the second step, and the signal transmitted between the master device and the first slave device and the second slave device in the third step is ZigBee. The observation data in the first step can also be obtained from an external observation device connected via a serial port or a Bluetooth communication unit provided in the first slave device. A person working in the livestock barn can obtain environmental information based on the observation data received from the master device via a monitor or an alarm connected to the HDMI connection port of the second slave device. Livestock barn management method.

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