A breeding apparatus and method for a plurality of movable livestock

Abstract

The present invention may include a rearing method comprising providing at least two livestock rooms that are separated from each other and provide a growing environment for a plurality of movable livestock, controlling a first livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms to a first control state and controlling a second livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms to a second control state, and providing a passage that can connect the at least two livestock rooms to each other.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for raising a number of movable livestock. The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for raising a number of movable livestock in different growth environments within the same barn while maintaining a movable state. Background Technology

[0002] Animal welfare refers to creating an environment where animals can feel psychologically happy while maintaining their natural instincts, without suffering pain or stress. It involves protecting the physical and mental health of animals and providing an environment that allows them to move freely and behave normally. While practicing animal welfare on livestock farms may increase initial investment costs, it can lead to greater economic benefits in the long run through improved productivity, reduced disease, and increased consumer trust.

[0003] Animal welfare in livestock farms offers the following advantages. First, higher levels of animal welfare reduce stress on livestock and lower disease incidence. Second, improved animal welfare leads to increased productivity; when livestock are healthy and experience less stress, feed intake increases and growth rates accelerate. Third, livestock farms that practice animal welfare can gain consumer trust. For instance, they can obtain certifications such as antibiotic-free standards. Fourth, practicing animal welfare can address the issues associated with factory farming and promote the sustainable development of the livestock industry. Fifth, livestock farms can practice animal welfare while assuming ethical responsibility for their animals. There are many other advantages as well.

[0004] Key practical tasks for animal welfare in livestock farms include providing sufficient space, a clean environment, appropriate temperature, and ample sunlight so that animals can live in a safe and comfortable setting. To this end, technologies are being developed to implement animal welfare by utilizing advanced technologies such as AI, automation, and back-data.

[0005] For example, the present applicant has proposed methods for identifying multiple movable livestock, including KR102743688: a method for accurate object detection by image-based angle discretization, KR102506029: a method for accurate object detection using an image-based ellipse, and KR102417870: a method for accurate object detection by image-based feature extraction. These technologies can provide a technology that distinguishes moving livestock from other objects. The technology has advanced to US2024-0358002A1: a technology for camera calibration and weight measurement using the same. As other technologies, as technologies for identifying the movement of livestock, PCT / KR2023 / 014022: real-time counting of livestock using the entrance / exit of a livestock pen as an ROI, and KR102522239: counting the number of feedings through entry and exit from a feeding area have been presented. Through this, the entry and exit of livestock in a specific area can be verified.

[0006] Despite the aforementioned technology, animal welfare is not sufficiently achieved, and the reality is that livestock mortality is frequent. Based on the aforementioned technology, the present invention provides an apparatus and method for managing and raising mobile livestock in a mobile state within different growth environments within the same barn. Prior art literature

[0007] KR102743688: Accurate object detection technology based on image-based angle discretization KR102506029: Accurate object detection technology based on image-based ellipses KR102417870: Accurate object detection technology based on image-based feature point extraction PCT / KR2023 / 014022: Real-time livestock counting technology using livestock pen entrances as ROI KR102522239: Feeding counting technology based on entry and exit from feeding areas US2024-0358002A1: Camera calibration and weight measurement technology using the same The problem to be solved

[0008] The present invention provides a rearing apparatus and method that can contribute to animal welfare.

[0009] The present invention provides a rearing device and method that provide an environment in which a number of movable livestock can grow while moving freely.

[0010] The present invention provides a rearing apparatus and method that allows a number of mobile livestock to choose an environment suitable for themselves and grow.

[0011] The present invention provides a rearing device and method capable of optimally monitoring the movement location and suitable environment of a number of movable livestock.

[0012] The present invention provides a rearing device and method capable of determining the optimal rearing environment at the present time. means of solving the problem

[0013] The present invention may include a rearing method comprising providing at least two livestock rooms that are separated from each other and provide a growing environment for a plurality of movable livestock, controlling a first livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms to a first control state and controlling a second livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms to a second control state, and providing a passage that can connect the at least two livestock rooms to each other.

[0014] The above method may include setting at least one area of ​​interest in the passageway, which has at least one first boundary that the livestock cannot pass through and at least two second boundaries that the livestock can pass through, so as to be able to identify all the livestock when the livestock intends to move between at least two livestock rooms; installing a camera to photograph the area of ​​interest to acquire image data; and using the image data to determine the number of livestock passing through the area of ​​interest.

[0015] The above method may include determining, by utilizing the number of movable livestock passing through the area of ​​interest, that the first livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms is more desirable for the growth environment of the livestock compared to the second livestock room, and controlling the second livestock room to be similar to the first control state compared to the second control state.

[0016] The above passage can be configured to connect both of the above at least two livestock rooms.

[0017] In the above passage, at least two of the above regions of interest may be set apart from each other.

[0018] Determining the number of livestock passing through the region of interest using the above image data may include setting a counting line in the region of interest.

[0019] The process of determining the number of the above livestock comprises, as a first step, not determining that the first livestock in the first livestock room has moved to the second livestock room even if it enters the region of interest and is identified; as a second step, after the first step, if the first livestock crosses the counting line, increasing the forward identifier by a unit size to determine that the first livestock is moving within the livestock room; as a third step, if the first livestock crosses the counting line in the opposite direction after the second step, increasing the reverse identifier by a unit size to determine that the first livestock has reversed its movement within the livestock room; as a fourth step, if the first livestock moves outside the region of interest after the third step, determining that the first livestock has not moved from the first livestock room to the second livestock room; and as a fifth step, if the first livestock moves outside the region of interest after the second step, the first livestock is the 1 Determining that it has moved from the livestock room to the second livestock room, as a sixth process, after the fourth process and the fifth process have occurred for a number of movable livestock, it may include comparing the sum of the forward identifier and the sum of the reverse identifier.

[0020] The rearing device of the present invention may be a device for rearing livestock in a livestock barn comprising a plurality of movable at least two livestock rooms; and a passage connecting the at least two livestock rooms.

[0021] The above includes a processor for executing a program for counting livestock moving between at least two livestock rooms, and the processor can perform setting a region of interest provided in the passageway and having a first boundary that the livestock cannot pass through and a second boundary that the livestock passes through when moving, and a counting line that divides the region of interest to detect livestock passing through the region of interest.

[0022] The processor can perform, as a first process, not determine that the first livestock in the first livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms has moved to the second livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms, even if it is identified by entering the area of ​​interest.

[0023] As a second process, the processor can determine that the first livestock is moving in the livestock room by increasing the forward identifier by a unit size when the first livestock crosses the counting line after the first process.

[0024] As a third process, the processor may determine that if the first livestock crosses the counting line in the opposite direction after the second process, by increasing the reverse identifier by a unit size, the first livestock has reversed its movement in the livestock room.

[0025] As a fourth process, the processor may determine that if the first livestock moves outside the region of interest after the third process, the first livestock has not moved from the first livestock room to the second livestock room.

[0026] The processor can perform, as a fifth process, determine that if the first livestock moves outside the region of interest after the second process, the first livestock has moved from the first livestock room to the second livestock room.

[0027] The processor may include, as a sixth process, comparing the sum of the forward identifiers and the sum of the reverse identifiers after the fourth and fifth processes have occurred for a plurality of movable livestock.

[0028] As a result of performing the above 6th process, if livestock are moved from the above 1st livestock room to the above 2nd livestock room, the growth environment of the above 1st livestock room can be controlled to be similar to the growth environment of the above 2nd livestock room.

[0029] The above-mentioned rearing device may include a first device for creating a growth environment for a first livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms; and a second device for creating a growth environment for a second livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms.

[0030] The above regions of interest include at least two, and one counting line may be provided in the regions of interest.

[0031] The above 6th process may be performed after a first time has elapsed since the entry of the first livestock, and after a second time has elapsed since the departure of the last livestock. Here, the second time may be shorter than the first time. Effects of the invention

[0032] The present invention can contribute to animal welfare.

[0033] The present invention allows livestock to move freely, thereby reducing the stress felt by the livestock. Furthermore, by enabling livestock to select a suitable environment on their own, the mortality rate can be reduced.

[0034] The present invention can determine the current internal environment of the livestock barn and the suitability of the livestock by identifying the herd movement status of the livestock. For example, among a number of livestock rooms controlled differently, it can determine that the first livestock room has the best environment.

[0035] The present invention can determine a suitable internal environment corresponding to the external environment in real time.

[0036] The present invention can contribute to animal welfare by controlling the internal environment to be suitable for livestock. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0037] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a rearing device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a rearing device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a rearing method according to a third embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a rearing method according to a fourth embodiment. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating, as an example, the path of livestock entering a region of interest. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the characteristic points of livestock applied in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a device for raising livestock according to the 5th embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0038] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the spirit of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present disclosure may easily propose other embodiments included within the scope of the same spirit by adding, changing, deleting, or adding components, and such are also included within the scope of the spirit of the present disclosure. In describing the drawings, identical or similar components are assigned identical or similar reference numbers regardless of the drawing symbols, and redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" for components used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. In describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description is omitted. The attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions included within the concept and technical scope of this disclosure are included. Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. Such terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. When a component is described as being "connected" or "joined" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or joined to that other component, or that there may be other components in between.On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between. A singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. The description of any one drawing or embodiment may be applied as is to the description of another drawing or embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a rearing device according to a first embodiment.

[0040] Refer to FIG. 1. The rearing device may include first and second livestock rooms (A)(B) which are livestock growth places, and a passage (Z) connecting the first and second livestock rooms. Various devices for creating a livestock growth environment may be installed in the livestock rooms (A)(B). For example, devices such as a ventilation fan, a thermostat, a humidity controller, a heating / cooling unit, a feed dispenser, a water dispenser, a manure treatment unit, a lighting unit, and flooring materials may be installed. The livestock rooms may provide different environments. For example, the first livestock room (A) may control the ventilation fan to 1, the heater to 1, and the lighting to 2. The second livestock room (B) may control the ventilation fan to 2, the heater to 3, and the lighting to 0. Here, the natural numbers may represent the intensity as a relative numerical value for each livestock room.

[0041] The above passage (Z) may provide a path for livestock to move between the first and second livestock rooms. The livestock may be provided with a light fixture and a passage connecting to the outside.

[0042] Livestock may be gathered in at least one of the first and second livestock rooms (A)(B). If both the first and second livestock rooms (A)(B) have good environments, the livestock may be evenly distributed in the first and second livestock rooms (A)(B). If either of the first and second livestock rooms (A)(B) has a better environment, the livestock may be densely gathered in the livestock room with the better environment. If the number of livestock in the first livestock room (A) among the first and second livestock rooms (A)(B) is greater than the number of livestock in the second livestock room (B) among the first and second livestock rooms (A)(B), the environment of the first livestock room may be a better environment. This is because livestock can choose and move to an environment that is good for them. This can be called mobility selectivity.

[0043] The above movement selectivity refers to the ability of livestock to choose a specific room and move freely. For example, if a livestock determines that the second temperature in the second room is more suitable than the first temperature in the first room, it may be said that the livestock moves on its own from the first room to the second room. The above movement selectivity may be influenced by various factors, such as air quality, humidity, feed supply amount, cleanliness, growth density, and lighting, in addition to temperature. As a result of a large number of mobile livestock moving according to movement selectivity, a room where a relatively large number of livestock are densely concentrated can be judged as the room providing the most desirable growth environment at present.

[0044] The passage (Z) may be composed of a plurality of boundaries. The boundaries may include a first boundary (11) that is not connected to the livestock room. The first boundary is not passable by livestock. Here, not passable means providing a normal growth environment. The boundaries may include a second boundary (12) that can connect the livestock room and the passage. The second boundary may be a boundary through which livestock pass. The second boundary may be any part of the passage. The second boundary may include a boundary that can detect livestock moving in the livestock room. The second boundary may include a boundary that livestock must pass through when passing through the passage. The second boundary may be a boundary that can identify livestock entering the passage. The second boundary is passable by livestock. Here, passable means that livestock can move freely while providing a normal growth environment.

[0045] The breeding device and method of the embodiment can detect the movement of livestock when the livestock moves along the passage (Z). To detect the movement of the livestock, an area of ​​interest (10) (ROI) can be set. The area of ​​interest (10) may include an area where it is possible to detect when the livestock enters the passage. The area of ​​interest (10) may include an area where it is possible to detect when the livestock passes through the passage without omission. The area of ​​interest (10) may be set as at least a part of the passage. The area of ​​interest may be set as an area including the second boundary (12). The area of ​​interest may be set as an area including a predetermined boundary connected to the first boundary, in a state of moving inward from the second boundary into the passage. Accordingly, the livestock entering the passage can be detected without omission. In FIG. 1, the area of ​​interest is set as a rectangle following the first boundary and the second boundary. The above area of ​​interest is not limited to a rectangle; it may be any shape capable of detecting the entry of livestock, such as a curve, polygon, circle, and ellipse.

[0046] When livestock enters the aforementioned area of ​​interest, the rearing device of the embodiment can identify and track the livestock that has entered. Various methods may be applied for the identification and tracking of livestock. For example, the method introduced in the prior art of the present invention may be used.

[0047] To determine the movement of livestock, a counting line (13) may be established. The counting line (13) may be a line that livestock passing through the area of ​​interest must pass through. The counting line (13) may be a line that connects one of the first boundaries within the passage and divides the area of ​​interest. The counting line (13) may be a line that connects a pair of the first boundaries (11) that are spaced apart within the passage. Although the counting line is exemplified as a straight line, it may be in the form of a curve. The counting line may be any shape that livestock must pass through when moving through the livestock room. When livestock passes through the counting line, it can be recognized that the livestock has moved through the livestock room.

[0048] I will explain with an example.

[0049] As a first process, even if the first livestock in the first livestock room (A) enters the area of ​​interest (10) and is identified, it may not be determined that the livestock room has been moved.

[0050] As a second process, after the first process, if the first livestock crosses the counting line (e.g., +X direction), the first livestock can be determined to be moving in the livestock room (+1). At this time, it is necessary to note that the identified first livestock continues to be recognized.

[0051] As a third process, after the second process, the first livestock may cross the counting line in the opposite direction (e.g., -X direction). In this case, it can be determined that the first livestock has reversed its movement in the livestock room (forward direction -1). In this case, it can be determined that the first livestock has moved in the reverse direction (reverse direction +1). At this time, it is necessary to note that the identified first livestock is still being recognized.

[0052] As a fourth process, after the third process, the first livestock may move outside the area of ​​interest (10). In this case, the first livestock has passed the counting line once in the forward direction (+X) and once in the reverse direction (-X). Consequently, the livestock movement identifier can become 0 based on the sum of +1 and -1. In other words, the first livestock has reversed its movement in the livestock room, and it is possible to determine the identifier as +1 in the forward direction and the identifier as +1 in the reverse direction.

[0053] In this case, there may be no change in livestock that have moved from the first livestock room to the second livestock room due to the currently identified individual.

[0054] As a fifth process, after the second process, the first livestock may move out of the area of ​​interest (10). In this case, the first livestock has passed the counting line once in the forward direction (+X). Consequently, the livestock movement identifier can be +1. In this case, the number of livestock moved from the first livestock room to the second livestock room may increase by one.

[0055] As a sixth process, when the fourth and fifth processes occur, it can be determined whether the identified livestock has moved or not. For example, the forward identifier and the reverse identifier determined according to the fourth and fifth processes can be summed to determine the number of livestock that have moved.

[0056] For any one livestock, the second process and the third process may occur repeatedly. For example, when the first livestock reverses the movement of the livestock room, it may be performed to determine the identifier in the forward direction as +1 (continuously increasing to 2, 3 depending on the number of forward passes of the counting line) and to determine the identifier in the reverse direction as +1 (continuously increasing to 2, 3 depending on the number of forward passes of the counting line). In the rearing device and method of the embodiment, when the fourth process is performed, the identifier in the forward direction may be 1 greater than the identifier in the reverse direction. In the rearing device and method of the embodiment, when the fifth process is performed, the identifier in the forward direction and the identifier in the reverse direction may be the same. If the counted value is different from this, an error message may be generated.

[0057] The above process can be performed for all identified entities. After the above process is performed for all identified entities, all forward identifiers and all reverse identifiers can be added. The number of livestock moved can be determined by using the difference between the summed forward identifiers and the summed reverse identifiers. By centrally managing the number of moved livestock using the counting line, the omission of livestock counts can be prevented. Accordingly, even if the second process and the third process are repeated in succession, the risk of errors in counting livestock can be reduced.

[0058] The above forward identifier and the above reverse identifier can be observed for a single individual. In this case, the livestock movement identifier may be repeated as 1 or 0. Depending on the judgment of which livestock room is best, the livestock may move frequently. The rearing device and method of the embodiment can reduce the risk of errors in counting livestock even if the second process and the third process are repeated in succession.

[0059] By summing the livestock movement identifiers for all identified livestock, the moved livestock can be identified. If the sum of the livestock movement identifiers is determined in real time, it can be referred to as the real-time sum of livestock.

[0060] In the case of adding directionality, moving from the first livestock room to the second livestock room can be defined as the first direction, and moving from the second livestock room to the first livestock room can be defined as the second direction. In this case, the number of livestock that moved in the first direction can be determined by subtracting the sum of the livestock movement identifiers in the second direction for all identified livestock from the sum of the livestock movement identifiers in the first direction for all identified livestock.

[0061] The number of the above livestock rooms and passageways may be increased. Preferably, it may be desirable to connect all livestock rooms through a single passageway. This allows for better response to the movement selectivity of livestock. The rearing device can be managed more conveniently by using the livestock barn as a unit. The following embodiment is a drawing illustrating a rearing device implemented for a livestock barn.

[0062] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a rearing device according to a second embodiment.

[0063] Refer to FIG. 2. The rearing device may be designed to have first, second, and third livestock rooms (A), (B), and (C). The livestock rooms may be separated from one another. The livestock rooms may be controlled to different atmospheres. The rearing device may have an entrance (D) for entering or exiting livestock into or out of the livestock rooms. The first, second, and third livestock rooms (A), (B), and (C) may be designed so that livestock can freely enter and exit. To this end, the doors of the livestock rooms may be doors that can be opened in both directions. For example, they may be double-sided doors. The interior of each livestock room may be configured to be an environment suitable for growth.

[0064] A passageway may be provided between the first, second, and third livestock rooms (A), (B), (C), and the entrance (D). An area of ​​interest may be installed in at least one of the passageways. A counting line may be set in at least one of the passageways.

[0065] Areas of interest (10)(20)(30) and counting lines (13)(23)(33) can all be set in the above passage. In this case, all livestock in the first, second, and third livestock rooms (A)(B)(C) can be identified. In this case, it can be determined which of the first, second, and third livestock rooms (A)(B)(C) has a suitable environment. In this case, it can be determined which of the first, second, and third livestock rooms (A)(B)(C) is relatively good.

[0066] I will explain with an example.

[0067] 100 livestock can be placed in the facility. In this case, if all of the first area of ​​interest (10) is passed, it can be determined that the placement is complete. Here, passing all of the first area of ​​interest (10) can be determined as the real-time total number of livestock in the first counting line (13) being 100. Accordingly, it can be confirmed that the placement of livestock is complete in a free state without forcibly pushing the livestock in. Afterwards, the entrance (D) can be closed. It is convenient because the number of livestock placed can be determined automatically.

[0068] 100 livestock animals can be raised while freely moving between the first, second, and third livestock rooms (A), (B), and (C). The first, second, and third livestock rooms (A), (B), and (C) can be configured with different growth environments. For example, in the first, second, and third livestock rooms (A), (B), and (C), fans, heaters, and lighting can be controlled differently. Even if the environments of the livestock rooms are controlled differently, it is difficult to determine the appropriate internal environment for the livestock based on the external environment. The livestock can select the livestock room that suits them based on their free movement options.

[0069] Movement to the above-mentioned first, second, and third livestock rooms (A), (B), and (C) can be determined by identifying the number of moving livestock using the second area of ​​interest (20) and the second counting line (23), and the third area of ​​interest (30) and the third counting line (33).

[0070] After a set period of time has elapsed, livestock can choose and move to the pen with the environment most suitable for them. The first pen, where the largest number of livestock are gathered, may be the most optimal environment for growth. The second and third pens, where relatively fewer livestock are gathered, may be undesirable environments. The undesirable environments of the second and third pens may alter the environment of the first pen. The pens with relatively fewer livestock may contain animals that are lagging behind in competition. These animals can be managed separately to contribute to animal welfare.

[0071] The rearing device of the first and second embodiments above can provide an environment for animal welfare. It can provide livestock rooms with various environments while ensuring the free movement of livestock. Livestock can select and move to the optimal livestock room. The manager can actively control the livestock rooms to provide a more pleasant and comfortable environment for the animals.

[0072] The rearing device of the above embodiment can be better implemented by the rearing method of the embodiment. The rearing method according to the embodiment will be described below.

[0073] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a rearing method according to the third embodiment.

[0074] Refer to FIG. 3. At least two livestock rooms can be established for raising a number of movable livestock (S1). As previously described, the at least two livestock rooms may be equipped with various devices necessary to create a livestock growth environment. The at least two livestock rooms may be controlled differently from each other. One of the at least two livestock rooms may be an environment better for livestock growth than the other. One of the at least two livestock rooms may be an environment preferred by livestock compared to the other. One of the at least two livestock rooms may be an environment where livestock are more densely packed than the other.

[0075] A passageway connecting at least two livestock rooms can be established (S2). Livestock can freely move between the at least two livestock rooms through the passageway. A door can be established between the livestock rooms and the passageway. The door can allow free bidirectional movement of the livestock. The passageway can serve as a path for the livestock to move in both directions. The path can be provided as a single passageway (1st embodiment). The path can be provided such that a single passageway connects at least three livestock rooms (2nd embodiment). The passageway can be branched. Each branched passageway can serve as a path for the livestock to move.

[0076] A region of interest (ROI) can be set in a part of the above path (S3). The region of interest can be set in an area that livestock moving through the livestock room must pass through. The region of interest can be set in at least a part of the passageway. The region of interest may include at least one first boundary (11). The first boundary may correspond to an area where livestock cannot move. The first boundary may be set along a wall. The region of interest may include at least two second boundaries (12). The second boundaries may correspond to an area where livestock can move freely. The second boundaries may be set along the entrance of the passageway. The second boundaries may be set adjacent to the entrance of the passageway. Accordingly, it may correspond to the bidirectional movement of livestock. A counting line (13) may be set in the region of interest. The counting line may pass through the region of interest. The counting line and the region of interest may overlap in at least a part. The operation of the above counting line and the above region of interest may be applied to the description of the above first and second embodiments.

[0077] An image acquisition device may be installed for the above-mentioned region of interest (S4). The installation of the image acquisition device (S4) may include installing a camera that photographs the area of ​​the livestock barn including the above-mentioned region of interest. For example, a 2D camera may be used. The camera may be installed on the ceiling or wall.

[0078] The installation of the image acquisition device (S4) may include calibration for the installed 2D camera and / or a preprocessing process for the acquired image.

[0079] The above calibration may include minimizing image distortion caused by the camera's height, angle, and focal length. For example, it may include a process for correcting distortion in the image of livestock that is acquired differently depending on the perspective. For example, if the head of the livestock is far from the camera and the tail of the livestock is close to the camera, the distortion in the image may be corrected by significantly adjusting the head of the livestock in the image. As a result, the image of the livestock in the corrected image may have a shape similar to the actual image of the livestock. Preprocessing of the above image may include filtering to reduce lighting variations and remove noise.

[0080] The above calibration and / or preprocessing may be performed before counting livestock. The above calibration and / or preprocessing may be performed through the learning of artificial intelligence.

[0081] Afterwards, the number of movable livestock can be counted along with direction information using an image of the area containing the region of interest obtained using an installed camera (S5).

[0082] A method for counting the number of the above-mentioned movable livestock is explained in detail.

[0083] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a rearing method according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating, as an example, the path of livestock entering a region of interest.

[0084] Refer to FIG. 4. The camera can acquire image data of an area that includes the region of interest (S11). The image data may include images. The image data may include image information at 30 frames per second. Livestock entering the acquired image can be identified. The identified livestock can be tracked frame by frame (S12).

[0085] The identification and tracking of the above livestock is explained in more detail.

[0086] The livestock can pass through the second boundary and enter the region of interest. The first learning model can detect an ellipse defining the body region of the livestock. The first learning model may use the method of KR102506029 presented by the applicant. Of course, other learning models for detecting the body of the livestock may be used. Subsequently, feature points for the livestock can be extracted using the second learning model. The second learning model may use the method of KR102417870. Of course, other learning models for detecting feature points may be used.

[0087] This embodiment presents the characteristic points learned by the second learning model, which is preferably applicable to pigs. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the characteristic points of livestock applied in this embodiment.

[0088] Refer to Fig. 6. P1 is the nose of a pig. P2 is the middle of both ears. P7 and P8 are the shoulder joints of both forelimbs. P3 is the middle of P7 and P8. P6 is the root of the tail. P4 is the middle of the body. P5 is the middle of P4 and P6. Individual livestock identified using the above feature points can be identified more accurately. As described, a pig can be identified using eight feature points.

[0089] Refer again to Fig. 4. For example, livestock identified by eight feature points can move freely within the region of interest. For livestock that can move freely, the livestock can be tracked more accurately using rotation information of the livestock. For example, livestock can be tracked using a third learning model. The third learning model may exemplify the technology of KR102743688. Of course, other tracking technologies may be used.

[0090] The above-mentioned first, second, and third learning models are examples of respective learning directions, and any two learning models may be merged, or a module using other artificial intelligence may be added to the learning models.

[0091] The livestock that has entered can be identified through changes in the image frame by frame. By identifying the livestock that has entered, an individual identifier can be assigned to the livestock. The individual identifier can be assigned arbitrarily. For example, it can be assigned as P1001. The livestock identified by the above individual identifier can be tracked frame by frame along the video data. The tracking of the livestock can be performed continuously. The tracking of the livestock can be performed continuously for each frame of the video data. Even if the movement speed of the livestock is fast, tracking performance can be secured by using image information at 30 frames per second.

[0092] The movement path of the livestock that can be identified based on the tracking of the above livestock is explained.

[0093] Figure 5 illustrates the identification and movement paths of livestock in the area of ​​interest. Table 1 is a table illustrating the cumulative status of the livestock movement number identifiers corresponding to the identified movement paths of the livestock.

[0094] Livestock identification (a) CNT_right(b-1) CNT_left(b-2) Det P1001 0 0 Undetermined 1 0 movement 1 1 return 2 1 movement 2 2 return P1002... 0... 0... ...

[0095] Refer to FIG. 5 and Table 1. Livestock may enter the area of ​​interest (10) through the second boundary (12) (a). The individual livestock may be identified. For example, the identified individual livestock may be assigned a number P1001. For livestock assigned an individual identifier, the movement path may be continuously tracked. At this time, the movement of the livestock may be in an undetermined state when the individual is identified.

[0096] The above second boundary may include at least one. In this case, it may be a case where livestock are introduced or shipped out. The above second boundary may include at least two. In this case, one side may include a plurality of livestock pens. The above second boundary may include two. In this case, two livestock pens may be provided on the left and right sides, respectively.

[0097] During the subsequent tracking of the livestock's movement path, it can be determined that the livestock passes through the counting line (13) in one direction (b-1). Here, passing through the counting line may mean passing from the first area between the second boundary (the second boundary to the left of the area of ​​interest in FIG. 5) with an assigned identifier and the counting line to the second area between the second boundary (the second boundary to the right of the area of ​​interest in FIG. 5) without an assigned identifier and the counting line. At this time, the forward movement count can be increased by 1. It may also be defined as a number other than 1. At this time, the livestock can be determined to be in a moving state.

[0098] During the tracking of the livestock's movement path, it can be determined that the livestock passes the counting line (13) in the opposite direction (b-2). Here, passing the counting line may mean passing from the second area to the first area. At this time, the counter-direction movement count can be increased by 1. At this time, the livestock can be determined to be in a return state.

[0099] During the tracking of the livestock's movement path, the livestock's passage of the aforementioned one-way or opposite-way counting line may occur repeatedly. The livestock's repeated passage of the aforementioned one-way or opposite-way counting line within the passage may indicate that the livestock is judging whether the livestock room is good or bad. The internal environment of the livestock room (e.g., temperature, humidity, ventilation status) may also be transmitted to the passage. Depending on the livestock's passage of the aforementioned one-way or opposite-way counting line, CNT_right(b-1) and CNT_left(b-2) may increase by 1. For example, if one-way passage occurs twice, CNT_right(b-1) may become 2.

[0100] During the subsequent tracking of the livestock's movement path, the livestock may pass through the second boundary (12). There may be cases where the livestock exits the area of ​​interest through the second boundary to which no identifier is assigned (c-1), and cases where the livestock exits the area of ​​interest by passing through the second boundary to which an identifier is assigned (c-2). In these cases, the generation of the livestock movement number identifier for the livestock having the individual identifier may be terminated.

[0101] Refer again to FIG. 4. Through the process described in FIG. 5, the livestock movement identifier can be accumulated by utilizing the forward / reverse movement of a single counting line (S3). The accumulation of the livestock movement identifier can be performed for all livestock to which an individual identifier has been assigned. Different individual identifiers may be assigned even to absolutely identical livestock. In this case, the livestock movement identifier can be accumulated for each individual identifier. Subsequently, if different individual identifiers are assigned and absolutely identical livestock are identified as superior livestock with high activity levels, this can be based on the high performance of individual identification.

[0102] Afterward, a certain amount of time may elapse (S4). For example, 10 minutes or 1 hour may elapse after the initial entry of livestock (S2). This time may be referred to as the elapsed first hour. After a certain amount of time has elapsed, the livestock may have moved to a comfortable place. In this case, counting is terminated, and the number of livestock moved can be determined by summing the livestock movement identifiers.

[0103] For example, the number of livestock that moved in the forward direction can be determined by the following mathematical formula 1.

[0104]

[0105] It may be the case where the sum of CNT_right(b-1) of the livestock individual identified in the above mathematical formula 1 is greater than the sum of CNT_left(b-2) of the livestock individual identified.

[0106] If the sum of the CNT_right(b-1) of the livestock individuals identified in the above mathematical formula 1 is smaller than the sum of the CNT_left(b-2) of the livestock individuals identified, then mathematical formula 1 may represent the number of livestock that have moved in the reverse direction.

[0107] If the above mathematical formula 1 is zero, it may be a case where there is no movement of livestock.

[0108] The above elapsed time (S4) may be a state in which there are no livestock in the area of ​​interest. For example, it may be a state in which there is no entry of livestock for 10 seconds after the departure of the last livestock (S3). This time may be referred to as the elapsed time of the second time. Here, the second time in the elapsed time of the second time may be shorter than the first time in the elapsed time of the first time. In this case, the livestock movement operation may be a state in which the livestock movement operation has been completed. The livestock movement operation may include at least one of moving the livestock room for livestock management, entering the livestock, and shipping the livestock. In this case, the livestock room may include a truck as a means of transport and the outside of the livestock barn (with a fence). In an embodiment in which the movement of livestock can be known, the livestock room may include, in a narrow sense, at least two livestock rooms provided inside the livestock barn that provide an environment for the livestock to grow, as well as a truck and the outside of the livestock barn (with a fence).

[0109] After the above-mentioned period of time (S4) has elapsed, state management of each room can be performed (S5). The state management of each room may be performed by identifying the control state of the first livestock room, where the most livestock are located, as the optimal state, and controlling other livestock rooms to the state of the first livestock room. The state management of each room may include controlling other livestock rooms to the state of the first livestock room so that the livestock move to other livestock rooms to reduce density. The state management of each room may include determining that the control state of the first livestock room is the optimal control of the internal environment in the current external environment. The state management of each room may include determining that the control state of the first livestock room is the optimal control of the internal environment in relation to the state of the livestock being grown.

[0110] In another case, after the above-mentioned period of time (S4), there may be livestock in the area of ​​interest. In this case, the environment of all livestock rooms may be poor. In this case, the density of the livestock barn may be overcrowded. Condition management of each room corresponding to this can be performed.

[0111] The condition management (S5) of each of the above livestock rooms is explained with reference to FIG. 2.

[0112] An arbitrary number of livestock are raised in the barn of Fig. 2. During a period of 2 hours, there is no movement of livestock in the first area of ​​interest (10), 50 livestock may move in the forward direction (right direction) in the second area of ​​interest (20), and 10 livestock may move in the reverse direction in the third area of ​​interest (30).

[0113] In this case, it can be determined that the second livestock room (B) has increased by 60 animals, the first livestock room (A) has decreased by 50 animals, and the third livestock room (C) has decreased by 10 animals. Accordingly, the environment of the second livestock room can be determined to be a suitable environment. The environment of the first livestock room can be determined to be the worst. The first and third livestock rooms can be controlled to follow the internal environment of the second livestock room.

[0114] FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a livestock rearing device according to the fifth embodiment. The fifth embodiment may be an embodiment of a rearing device that includes a configuration for controlling the device of the first and second embodiments.

[0115] Refer to FIG. 7. A rearing device (100) may include at least one camera (101) for acquiring image data including the region of interest. The rearing device (100) may include a processor (130), a memory (140), and a database (150). The rearing device (100) may include an input / output module (160) for inputting and outputting certain information. The rearing device (100) may include a data transmission / reception module (120) connecting the processor (130) to the outside.

[0116] The data transmission / reception module (120) can receive an image captured by the camera (101) at a predetermined angle of view and transmit it to the processor (130). The data transmission / reception module (120) can receive or output information from the input / output module (160) under the control of the processor. The input / output module (160) may include various devices such as a display, an audio device, a keyboard, and a control panel. The data transmission / reception module (120) may be a device that includes hardware and software necessary to transmit and receive signals, such as control signals or data signals, through a wired or wireless connection with another network device.

[0117] The processor (130) can execute a program stored in memory (140). The processor performs the following processing according to the execution of the breeding program.

[0118] The above program can perform control for the execution of the rearing device and rearing method of the first to fourth embodiments. For example, it can control the environment of the livestock room. For example, it can turn the lighting fixture of the first livestock room on and off. The above program can perform counting and judgment corresponding to Table 1. It can perform the first to sixth processes for counting livestock as presented in the first embodiment. The above program can perform identifying livestock, extracting characteristic points of livestock, and tracking the movement of livestock using the first, second, and third learning models. The above learning model may be a model trained using labeled training data.

[0119] The above processor (130) may include all kinds of devices capable of processing data. For example, it may refer to a data processing device embedded in hardware having a physically structured circuit to perform a function expressed by code or instructions included in a program. Examples of such data processing devices embedded in hardware may include processing devices such as a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a processor core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), and a partial combination of a Neural Processing Unit (NPU).

[0120] The memory (140) may store a program for operating the breeding device and breeding method of each embodiment. The memory (140) may include a non-volatile storage device that retains stored information even when power is not supplied, and a volatile storage device that requires power to retain stored information. The memory may include various storage devices such as magnetic storage devices.

[0121] The above database (150) stores or provides data necessary for the operation of the rearing device and rearing method under the control of the processor (130). For example, it may store the history information of the livestock barn. The above database (150) may be included as a separate component from the memory (140) or provided as a part of the memory (140). Industrial applicability

[0122] According to the present invention, livestock can be raised in accordance with animal welfare. Explanation of the symbols

[0123] 10, 20, 30: Area of ​​interest 13, 23, 33: Counting line

Claims

Claim 1 Providing at least two livestock rooms that are separated from each other and provide a growth environment for a number of movable livestock, wherein the first livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms is controlled in a first control state and the second livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms is controlled in a second control state; providing a passageway capable of connecting the at least two livestock rooms to each other; setting at least one region of interest in the passageway, having at least one first boundary that the livestock cannot pass through and at least two second boundaries that the livestock can pass through, so as to identify all the livestock when the livestock intend to move between the at least two livestock rooms; installing a camera to photograph the region of interest to acquire image data; determining the number of livestock passing through the region of interest using the image data, wherein a counting line dividing the region of interest is set to detect livestock passing through the region of interest, and for each livestock identified by entering the region of interest, the counting line is in the forward direction Calculating the number of livestock that actually moved between the first livestock room and the second livestock room, including increasing the forward identifier by a unit size when passing through and increasing the reverse identifier by a unit size when passing through the counting line in the reverse direction; determining whether each livestock has actually moved from the first livestock room to the second livestock room based on the cumulative value of the forward identifier and the reverse identifier after each livestock has moved outside the area of ​​interest; and using the difference between the sum of the forward identifier and the sum of the reverse identifier for the plurality of movable livestock;A method for raising livestock comprising: determining, at least at one time point among the first time point after a first time has elapsed from the time when the first livestock entered the area of ​​interest and the second time point after a second time has elapsed from the time when the last livestock left the area of ​​interest, that the first livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms is more desirable for the growth environment of the livestock compared to the second livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms, based on the number of livestock calculated; and controlling the second livestock room to be similar to the first control state compared to the second control state, based on the result of determining the growth environment. Claim 2 A method for raising livestock according to claim 1, wherein the passage is configured to connect both of the at least two livestock rooms. Claim 3 A method for raising livestock according to claim 1, wherein at least two areas of interest are spaced apart from each other in the passage. Claim 4 A method for raising livestock according to claim 1, wherein the counting line is provided for one of the regions of interest. Claim 5 A livestock breeding device in a livestock barn comprising at least two movable livestock rooms and a passage connecting the at least two livestock rooms, and comprising a processor for executing a program for counting livestock moving between the at least two livestock rooms, wherein the processor sets a region of interest provided in the passage and having as boundaries a first boundary through which the livestock cannot pass and a second boundary through which the livestock passes when moving, and a counting line dividing the region of interest to detect livestock passing through the region of interest; as a first process, not determining that a first livestock located in the first livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms has moved to the second livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms even if it is identified by entering the region of interest; as a second process, after the first process, if the first livestock crosses the counting line, increasing a forward identifier by a unit size to determine that the first livestock is moving between livestock rooms; as a third process, after the second process, the first If the livestock crosses the above counting line in the opposite direction, the reverse identifier is increased by a unit size to determine that the first livestock has reversed its movement within the livestock room; as a fourth process, if the first livestock moves outside the region of interest after the third process, it is determined that the first livestock has not moved from the first livestock room to the second livestock room; as a fifth process, if the first livestock moves outside the region of interest after the second process, it is determined that the first livestock has moved from the first livestock room to the second livestock room; as a sixth process, for multiple movable livestock, after the fourth and fifth processes occur, the sum of the forward identifier and the sum of the reverse identifier are compared; and the sixth process is performed after a first time has elapsed since the entry of the first livestock, and after a second time has elapsed since the exit of the last livestock.A breeding device that is performed at least once during. Claim 6 A rearing device according to claim 5, comprising: a first device for creating a growth environment for a first livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms; and a second device for creating a growth environment for a second livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms. Claim 7 In claim 6, a rearing device that controls the growth environment of the first livestock room to be similar to the growth environment of the second livestock room when, as a result of performing the sixth process, livestock are moved from the first livestock room to the second livestock room. Claim 8 A breeding device according to claim 5, wherein the region of interest comprises at least two, and the counting line is provided one for each of the regions of interest. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 In claim 5, the breeding device, wherein the second time is shorter than the first time. Claim 11 In claim 6, the breeding device provided with the counting line as a line connecting a pair of first boundaries spaced apart inside the passage. Claim 12 Providing at least two livestock rooms that are separated from each other and provide a growth environment for a number of movable livestock, wherein the first livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms is controlled to a first control state and the second livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms is controlled to a second control state; providing a passageway that can connect the at least two livestock rooms to each other; setting at least one region of interest in the passageway, having at least one first boundary that the livestock cannot pass through and at least two second boundaries that the livestock can pass through, so as to identify all the livestock when the livestock intend to move between the at least two livestock rooms; installing a camera to photograph the region of interest to acquire image data; determining the number of livestock passing through the region of interest using the image data; and determining that the first livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms is more desirable for the growth environment of the livestock compared to the second livestock room among the at least two livestock rooms by using the number of a number of movable livestock passing through the region of interest. A method for raising livestock comprising: controlling the second livestock room in a manner similar to the first control state compared to the second control state. Claim 13 A method of raising livestock according to claim 12, wherein the passage is configured to connect all of the at least two livestock rooms. Claim 14 A method for raising livestock according to claim 12, wherein at least two areas of interest are spaced apart from each other in the passage. Claim 15 In claim 12, determining the number of livestock passing through the region of interest using the image data includes setting a counting line in the region of interest, and the process of determining the number of livestock comprises: as a first step, determining that the first livestock in the first livestock room is not determined to have moved to the second livestock room even if it enters the region of interest and is identified; as a second step, after the first step, if the first livestock crosses the counting line, increasing the forward identifier by a unit size to determine that the first livestock is moving within the livestock room; as a third step, if the first livestock crosses the counting line in the opposite direction after the second step, increasing the reverse identifier by a unit size to determine that the first livestock has reversed its movement within the livestock room; and as a fourth step, if the first livestock goes outside the region of interest after the third step, determining that the first livestock has not moved from the first livestock room to the second livestock room. A method for raising livestock, comprising: determining, as a fifth process, that if the first livestock moves outside the region of interest after the second process, the first livestock is determined to have moved from the first livestock room to the second livestock room; and as a sixth process, comparing the sum of the forward identifiers and the sum of the reverse identifiers after the fourth and fifth processes have occurred for a plurality of movable livestock. Claim 16 In claim 15, a method for raising livestock, wherein the counting line is provided for one of the regions of interest.

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