A sensing system for determining a parameter of a set of animals

Abstract

The invention provides a sensing system for determining a parameter of a set of animals present on a surface area of an agricultural environment, wherein the sensing system comprises: a plurality of lighting devices spatially arranged within said agricultural environment and configured to illuminate said agricultural environment; wherein each lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices comprises a radiofrequency transceiver for exchanging wireless communication signals within a wireless network within said agricultural environment; wherein at least one transmitting lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices exchanges wireless communication signals with at least one receiving lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices; a controller configured to: (i) obtain communication data comprising the wireless communication signals exchanged within said wireless network between the at least one transmitting lighting device and the at least one receiving lighting device, and (ii) determine the parameter of the set of animals based on said communication data.

Description

[0001] A sensing system for determining a parameter of a set of animals

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a sensing system for determining a parameter of a set of animals. The invention further relates to a lighting arrangement comprising a sensing system and a nutrient dispensing system. The invention further relates to a method of determining a parameter of a set of animals.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Animal farming has become more industrialized in modern communities. The number of animals for production has increased, and the associated infrastructures to grow said animals is scaled up. Even though the economy of scale provides economically viable production of animal produce at lower price levels - such as for example poultry meat - the industrialization of animal farming may also affect animal health and wellbeing.

[0006] The topic of animal health and wellbeing is therefore getting more and more traction within modem animal farming. For example, considering poultry farming, it is found that improved animal health and wellbeing - for example reducing stress in chicken - has a positive outcome on the meat produced from broiler chicken.

[0007] Hence, there is a clear need to unobtrusively monitor animal health and wellbeing, while still facilitating an economics of scale and maintaining an optimized production efficiency. Therefore, animal farms are nowadays increasingly equipped with various sensing systems. For example, a thermal camera may determine the body temperature of animals, which may be an indicator for heat stress in animals. For example, a microphone may determine undesired nighttime activity of animals. For example, cameras combined with computer vision may determine multiple indicators of health and wellbeing of animals. US11019805B2 discloses for example a self-cleaning monitoring robot, which uses e.g. cameras for monitoring welfare of livestock in a shed.

[0008] Even though such sensing systems may unobtrusively monitor health and wellbeing of animals, such sensing systems may be too cumbersome to install, too expensive, require frequent maintenance or repair, and will all cope with the effects of the harsh environmental conditions of the animals farm - in which moisture, dust, dirt, litter, and different animal excrements are not uncommon, and impede sensing (e.g. camera lens being covered by dirt, e.g. microphone being clogged by dust).

[0009] W02023110619A1 and WO2022223338A1 disclose methods and systems related to radiofrequency-based sensing.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved sensing system, which at least alleviates the problems and disadvantages mentioned above.

[0012] The present invention is set out in the appended independent and dependent claims.

[0013] Thereto, the invention provides a sensing system for determining a parameter of a set of animals present on a surface area of an agricultural environment, wherein the sensing system comprises: a plurality of lighting devices spatially arranged within said agricultural environment and configured to illuminate said agricultural environment; wherein each lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices comprises a radiofrequency transceiver for exchanging wireless communication signals within a wireless network within said agricultural environment; wherein at least one transmitting lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices exchanges wireless communication signals with at least one receiving lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices; a controller configured to: (i) obtain communication data comprising the wireless communication signals exchanged within said wireless network between the at least one transmitting lighting device and the at least one receiving lighting device, and (ii) determine the parameter of the set of animals based on said communication data.

[0014] The present invention provides a sensing system for determining a parameter of a set of animals being present on a surface area of an agricultural environment. The sensing system comprises a plurality of lighting devices spatially arranged within said agricultural environment. Said spatial location may be fixed and known a priori. The plurality of lighting devices may for example define (or: span) a sensing volume of the sensing system, wherein the sensing volume comprises the surface area and the set of animals present thereon.

[0015] The plurality of lighting devices are configured to illuminate said agricultural environment in operation. Such illumination provides a typical lighting function to the agricultural environment. Illumination may namely be used to control a circadian rhythm and / or a behavior of the animals being present on a surface area within an agricultural environment.

[0016] However, according to the present invention, each lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices comprises a radiofrequency transceiver that is suitable for (or: configured to) exchanging wireless communication signals within a wireless network within said agricultural environment. More specifically, at least one transmitting lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices exchanges a wireless communication signal with at least one receiving lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices. Said wireless communication signals may be a single wireless communication signal. Throughout the application, said exchanging may alternatively be phrased as conveying. The set of animals may alternatively be at least one animal.

[0017] Hence, the at least one transmitting lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices may establish a wireless communication link with at least one receiving lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices. Throughout the application, the plurality of lighting devices may alternatively be phrased as a plurality of wirelessly connected lighting devices, or a plurality of lighting devices with wireless connectivity.

[0018] Moreover, the controller according to the invention obtains communication data comprising the wireless communication signals exchanged within said wireless network. For example, in an embodiment, the controller obtains communication data comprising the wireless communication signals exchanged within said wireless network between the at least one transmitting lighting device and the at least one receiving lighting device.

[0019] The controller is subsequently configured to determine the parameter of the set of animals based on said communication data. Namely, in an embodiment, the controller is configured to determine the parameter of the set of animals based on said communication data by measuring a change of a signal property of the wireless communication signals resulting from an interference of the set of animals with said wireless communication signals.

[0020] Consequently, the plurality of lighting devices according to the invention do not only provide an existing illumination function - which may be their main function within the agricultural environment - but the wireless communication signals exchanged via their radiofrequency transceiver (which is for example inherent to the main function of illumination) are also advantageously leveraged for a second function to perform radiofrequency -based sensing within the agricultural environment.

[0021] The present invention therefore provides an improved (radiofrequency -based) sensing system for monitoring the set of animals, and in particular to determine a parameter of the set of animals that are being present on a surface area of the agricultural environment, wherein the sensing system advantageously utilizes the wireless communication signals exchanged within a wireless network between a plurality of lighting devices spatially arranged within the agricultural environment. Because the parameter of the set of animals is determined without the need for additional sensing hardware - which may be costly, cumbersome, difficult to maintain and service, and are exposed to the harsh environmental conditions of the agricultural environment - the present invention provides an improved alternative sensing system.

[0022] The signal property according to the invention may be any quality parameter of the wireless communication signals, and / or the wireless communication link over which the wireless communication signals are exchanged.

[0023] The signal property may for example be the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value. This is a measure of the power present in a received wireless communication signal according to the invention (or: radio signal), and is more specifically an indication of the power level received by a radiofrequency receiving device, such as the at least one receiving lighting device.

[0024] The signal property may for example be the Channel State Information (CSI) value of the wireless communication signals. The CSI is indicative of the known channel properties of a wireless communication link. For example, the wireless communication link between the at least one transmitting lighting device and the at least one receiving lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices. This information describes how a signal propagates from the transmitter to the receiver and represents the combined effect of, for example, scattering, fading, and power decay with distance.

[0025] Hence, in an embodiment, the signal property may be an RSSI value of the wireless communication signals, and / or a CSI value of the wireless communication signals.

[0026] Such a plurality of nodes may for example be the plurality of lighting devices according to the invention. More specifically, a transmitting node of the plurality of nodes may establish a wireless communication link with a receiving node of the plurality of nodes, and said transmitting node may transmit a wireless communication signal over the wireless network to said receiving node.

[0027] Hence, in aspects, at least one transmitting lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices establishes a wireless communication link with at least one receiving lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices, and the at least one transmitting lighting device exchanges a wireless communication signal with the at least one receiving lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices; wherein the controller is configured to: (i) obtain communication data comprising the wireless communication signals exchanged within said wireless network, and (ii) determine the parameter of the set of animals based on said communication data.

[0028] As mentioned, the present invention provides a sensing system for determining a parameter of a set of animals present on a surface area of an agricultural environment, wherein the controller according to the invention determines said parameter of the set of animals based on the communication data, for example by measuring a change of a signal property of the wireless communication signals resulting from an interference of the set of animals with said wireless communication signals.

[0029] Thus, the sensing system according to the present invention utilizes radiofrequency-based sensing. Radiofrequency-based sensing is characterized by analyzing changes in wireless communication signals (or: radiofrequency waves) exchanged between a plurality of nodes of a wireless network. Such a plurality of nodes may for example be the plurality of lighting devices according to the invention. More specifically, a transmitting node of the plurality of nodes may establish a wireless communication link with a receiving node of the plurality of nodes, and said transmitting node may transmit a wireless communication signal over the wireless network to said receiving node. A set of animals being present within a (transmission) path of the wireless communication link will thereby interfere (or: interact) with said wireless communication signal, and cause a signal property of said wireless communication signal to change (i.e. e.g. relative to a predetermined baseline condition). Such a change may be caused by reflection, attenuation, absorption, etc. of the wireless communication signal. A plurality of nodes may thus render a radiofrequency -based sensing system that can localize, and track objects Said wireless communication signal may alternatively be phrased as a radiofrequency wave.

[0030] For example, a body of water absorbs and / or attenuates radiofrequency waves. Therefore, for example, a set of animals may absorb and attenuate radiofrequency waves (or: wireless communication signals), while a certain density of the set of animals may absorb and attenuate the radiofrequency waves (or: wireless communication signals) to a certain (measurable) degree - because higher density of the set of animals may render a higher, more clustered, water content interfering with the radiofrequency waves (or: wireless communication signals). This may enable (undesired) clustering of the animals to be detected with the sensing system according to the invention. Other parameters may be similarly found. In an embodiment, the parameter of the set of animals comprises at least one of: a presence of the set of animals in a first zone of the surface area of agricultural environment; a displacement of the set of animals from a first zone of the surface area of the agricultural environment to a second zone of the surface area of the agricultural environment; a direction of movement of the set of animals; an increment in average biomass of the set of animals; an increment in average size of the set of animals; an activity indicator of the set of animals; a sleep-awake state of the set of animals; an amount of motion of the set of animals; an animal density; clustering indicator of the set of animals.

[0031] For example, the controller may determine the presence of the set of animals in a first zone of the surface area of the agricultural environment, because the presence of the set of animals may attenuate the wireless communication signals that are exchanged within the wireless network within said agricultural environment, and within the first zone of the surface area in particular.

[0032] For example, the controller may determine a displacement of the set of animals from such a first zone of the surface area of the agricultural environment to a second zone of the surface area of the agricultural environment, because the presence of the set of animals attenuating the wireless communication signals associated with the first zone is no longer detected (e.g. compared to a baseline condition wherein the set of animals is not being present within said first zone), but the presence of the set of animals is now detected within a second zone of the surface area. Similarly, the controller may determine an animal density of the set of animals, for example the density of the flock of chicken. Similarly, the controller may determine clustering indicator of the set of animals.

[0033] For example, because the controller may typically know the spatial location of the plurality of lighting devices within the agricultural environment and relative to the surface area, the controller may also determine the direction of movement of the set of animals when determining the above-mentioned displacement. For example, the controller may access location information comprising the spatial location of the plurality of lighting devices within the agricultural environment (relative to each other) and relative to the surface area.

[0034] Similarly, the controller may determine an amount of motion of the set of animals. Said motion may be the motion of the set itself, such as for example the movement of the flock of animals as such.

[0035] For example, controller may determine an increment in average biomass of the set of animals, by determining a first average biomass of the set of animals at a first moment in time and a second average biomass of the set of animals at a second moment in time, because the biomass (e.g. the increased / decreased water content) of the set of animals may attenuate exchanged wireless communication signals.

[0036] In aspects, this also enables the controller to mutatis mutandis determine (or: estimate, or: derive, or: deduce) an (average) hydration level of the set of animals, which is a relevant health parameter or health indicator for animals. In aspects, this also enables the controller to determine (or: estimate, or: derive, or: deduce) mutatis mutandis a muscularity level (or contrary: a boniness level) of the set of animals. Such muscularity is a relevant parameter or health indicator for animals, particularly for a flock of broiler chicken.

[0037] For example, similar to determining an increment in average biomass, the controller may also determine an increment in average size of the set of animals, by determining a first average biomass of the set of animals at a first moment in time and a second average biomass of the set of animals at a second moment in time, but also by analyzing changes in wireless communication signals of wireless communication links of nodes of the wireless network that are spatially arranged at different heights relative to the surface area within the agricultural environment.

[0038] For example, the controller may determine (or: estimate, or: derive, or: deduce) an activity indicator of the set of animals, by analyzing the determined amount of movement of the set of animals during certain times of day. For example the controller may determine a sleep-awake state of the set of animals, by analyzing whether the radiofrequencybased sensing detects an animal being awake (e.g. by detecting movement, displacement) during a nighttime period for the set of animals.

[0039] The set of animals may be any set of domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting. The set of animals may comprise a set of pigs, a flock of birds, a herd of cattle, a school of fish, a flock of chicken, horses, sheep, goat, camels, poultry (such as chicken, quails, turkeys, ducks, geese).

[0040] The invention is particularly beneficial for poultry farming, in which the environmental conditions are harsh, and a plurality of lighting devices is typically used to establish circadian lighting. Hence, in an embodiment, the set of animals is a flock of chicken.

[0041] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to obtain the communication data from at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices. The controller may for example obtain the communication data from all lighting devices of the plurality of lighting devices. The controller may obtain - i.e. receive and / or retrieve - the communication data comprising the wireless communication signals exchanged via said wireless network from at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices wirelessly, or alternatively via a wired connection.

[0042] Hence, in aspects, the controller may be connected to at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices via at least one control wire. This may be useful for (higher bandwidth) data transmission in an agricultural environment that typically consists of a large (elongated) space(s). Hence, the controller may be configured to obtain the communication data comprising the wireless communication signals exchanged within said wireless network (via said wired connection or) via said at least one control wire. Said control wire may for example be configured to convey data via power line communication, coded mains, ethemet, optical fiber, etc. In an embodiment, each lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices is configured to exchange the wireless communication signals within the wireless network with at least one other lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices and / or with the controller.

[0043] Hence, because each lighting device is configured to exchange wireless communication signals within the wireless network with at least one other lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices, each lighting device will render at least one communication link (between said lighting device and the respective other lighting devices and / or the controller). Each communication link may comprise the transmitting and the receiving of wireless communication signals (over the communication link), thereby causing the wireless communication signals being exchanged (over the respective communication links) within the wireless network. Moreover, as the spatial location of each lighting device may be known a priori, analyzing the interference of the set of animals with each one of the respective communication links may render spatial information, which spatial information may be used to determine said parameter of the set of animals.

[0044] Hence, in aspects of the invention, the at least one transmitting lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices establishes a wireless communication link with at least one receiving lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices, and the at least one transmitting lighting device exchanges a wireless communication signal with the at least one receiving lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices; wherein the controller is configured to: (i) obtain communication data comprising the wireless communication signals exchanged within said wireless network, and (ii) determine the parameter of the set of animals based on said communication data. In an embodiment, each lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices is configured to exchange the wireless communication signals with the controller via at least hop within the wireless network.

[0045] In an embodiment, the wireless network is a wireless lighting network. A wireless lighting network may for example be the Signify Interact lighting system (or: platform). Such a wireless lighting network comprises a network of connected devices, such as luminaires, lighting controllers, sensors, actuators, servers, portable mobile devices, etc.

[0046] In a related embodiment, the wireless communication signals comprise lighting control messages; wherein said lighting control messages are configured to control at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices to illuminate said agricultural environment with a lighting characteristic.

[0047] In a related embodiment, the wireless communication signals comprise lighting device status messages; wherein said lighting device status messages are configured to control at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices to illuminate said agricultural environment with a lighting characteristic.

[0048] In an embodiment, the sensing system comprises a lighting controller; wherein the lighting controller is configured to generate said lighting control messages, and configured to convey said lighting control messages via (at least one hop within) the wireless lighting network to at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices.

[0049] In an embodiment, the sensing system comprises a lighting controller, wherein the lighting controller is configured to control at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices to illuminate the agricultural environment with a lighting parameter. Said lighting parameter may for example be a lighting characteristic, such as light color, correlated color temperature, light intensity, light polarization, light spectrum, etc. Said lighting parameter may for example be a light recipe or light scheme or light schedule.

[0050] In aspects, the lighting controller is configured to control at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices to illuminate the agricultural environment with a light schedule, wherein the light schedule is a circadian light schedule comprising periods of dark and periods of light. In aspects, the controller according to the invention is configured to determine the parameter of the set of animals based on said communication data obtained during such a period of dark or such a period of light. In aspects, the plurality of lighting devices (only) exchange wireless communication signals during the periods of dark or the periods of light. In an embodiment, the sensing system comprises a lighting controller; wherein the lighting controller is configured to generate said lighting control messages, and configured to convey said lighting control messages via at least one hop within the wireless lighting network to at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices. Said at least one hop may for example be at least two, or at least three, such that a message is always relayed within the wireless network, thereby creating wireless communication signals (i.e. traffic) that may be used to perform the radiofrequency -based sensing.

[0051] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to control at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices and / or a further device based on the determined parameter of the set of animals.

[0052] In an embodiment, the plurality of lighting devices are adapted to be mounted on a support line and / or a nutrient dispensing system within the agricultural environment. Said support line may for example be a support wire, a shocker wire, a power line within the agricultural environment. The nutrient dispensing system may be at least one of a feed line, a feeding pan, a water line, a drinking nipple.

[0053] In an embodiment, the plurality of lighting devices is spatially arranged between the surface area of the agricultural environment and a bounding plane parallel to the surface area; wherein the bounding plane is at a distance (D) from the surface area. In an embodiment, said distance (D) may be at most one meter. In an embodiment, said distance (D) may be smaller than a factor of 1.5 or 2 times the average height of the set of animals (to be monitored with the sensing system according to the invention).

[0054] In an embodiment, the sensing system comprises a lighting controller, wherein the lighting controller is configured to generate a lighting control message, and configured to convey said lighting control message via the wireless lighting network to at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices, wherein the lighting control message comprises an instruction to emit ultraviolet light. Said ultraviolet light may for example be UVB light.

[0055] Such UVB light is suitable for vitamin D therapy for the set of animals. Since the plurality of lighting devices may be close to the set of animals and close to the surface area, such UVB light is particularly effective.

[0056] In an embodiment, the at least one transmitting lighting device and the at least one receiving lighting device are spatially arranged such that a direct line-of-sight for the wireless communication signals is established. Said line-of-sight may be parallel to the surface area. Hence, the plurality of lighting devices may be substantially arranged in a single plane parallel to the surface area. In an embodiment, a first subset of the plurality of lighting devices is spaced apart on a first support line and interconnected on a first powerline; wherein a second subset of the plurality of lighting devices is spaced apart on a second support line and interconnected on a second powerline, wherein the second powerline is different from the first powerline.

[0057] In an embodiment, each lighting device of the first subset of the plurality of lighting devices only exchanges wireless communication signals with another lighting device of the first subset of the plurality of lighting devices. In an embodiment, each lighting device of the second subset of the plurality of lighting devices only exchanges wireless communication signals with another lighting device of the second subset of the plurality of lighting devices.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, each lighting device of the first subset of the plurality of lighting devices only exchanges wireless communication signals with another lighting device of the second subset of the plurality of lighting devices, and / or each lighting device of the second subset of the plurality of lighting devices only exchanges wireless communication signals with another lighting device of the first subset of the plurality of lighting devices.

[0059] Said first support line may for example be elongated along a first elongated axis. Said second support line may for example be elongated along a second elongated axis.

[0060] In an embodiment, the first support line and the second support are arranged substantially parallel to one another (I). In an embodiment, the first support line and the second support line are arranged at an interline distance from one another. Said interline distance may for example be an average interline distance along the length of the first support line and the second support line. Said interline distance (I) may be at least 1 meter, and may be at most 5 meter, for example. The sensing system according to the invention may comprise the first support line and / or the second support line.

[0061] In an embodiment, the first subset of the plurality of lighting devices is spaced apart on the first support line at a first luminaire spacing (LI), and the second subset of the plurality of lighting devices is spaced apart on the second support line at a second luminaire spacing (L2). Said first luminaire spacing (LI) and said second luminaire spacing (L2) may be the same, but may alternatively be different. For example, said second luminaire spacing (L2) may be double the first luminaire spacing (L2).

[0062] In an embodiment, said interline distance (I) is at least equal to the first luminaire spacing (LI) and / or the second luminaire spacing (L2). Said interline distance may preferably be at least double the first luminaire spacing. In an embodiment, said interline distance (I) is at most a factor six of the (i.e. at most six times the) first luminaire spacing (LI) and / or the second luminaire spacing. Said factor may for example be at most five. For example, with at most a factor five, the first luminaire spacing may be 50 centimeters, and the interline distance be 2,5 meters. Other examples may be envisioned similarly.

[0063] Such embodiments may be advantageous, because sensing a parameter of a set of animals (e.g. a flock of chicken) may require the plurality of lighting devices to be arranged at a particular proximity and within line of sight of each other, wherein said ranges for interline distance are preferable. Said factor may alternatively be at most eight.

[0064] Hence, in an embodiment, the first support line and the second support are arranged substantially parallel to one another at an interline distance (I) from each other, wherein the first subset of the plurality of lighting devices is spaced apart on the first support line at a first luminaire spacing (LI), and the second subset of the plurality of lighting devices is spaced apart on the second support line at a second luminaire spacing (L2), wherein the interline distance (I) is at least double the first luminaire spacing (LI) and at most a factor five of the first luminaire spacing (LI). In such an embodiment, the first luminaire spacing and the second luminaire spacing may be equal.

[0065] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to instruct at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices to increase exchanging wireless communication signals.

[0066] In an embodiment, the sensing system comprises a lighting controller, wherein the lighting controller is configured to instruct at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices to increase exchanging wireless communication signals.

[0067] In an embodiment, the wireless communication signals are radar signals, for instance millimeter wave (mmWave) signals. Millimeter waves propagate solely by line-of- sight paths. At typical power densities they suffer significant attenuation or even complete blockage due to the presence of subjects or objects in the line of sight.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the radiofrequency sensing signals are provided in accordance with a predetermined wireless communication protocol. Suitable wireless communication protocols include, but are not limited to ZigBee, Wi-Fi, Lo-Ra, Bluetooth, BLE, or Thread.

[0069] In an embodiment, the sensing system comprises a user interface device configured to obtain the parameter of the set of animals from the controller, wherein the user interface device comprises a user interface configured to output a signal indicative of said parameter. For example, the user interface device may be a portable device comprising a user interface, such as a display configured to display an indicator indicative of the parameter of the set of animals.

[0070] It is further an object of the invention to provide an improved lighting arrangement for illuminating a surface area in an agricultural environment for a set of animals, which at least alleviates the problems and disadvantages mentioned above. Thereto, the invention provides a lighting arrangement comprising: a sensing system according to any one of the preceding claims; a nutrient dispensing system and / or a support line; wherein the plurality of lighting devices is connected to the nutrient dispensing system and / or the support line. The plurality of lighting devices of the sensing system are thereby configured to illuminate the (surface area of the) agricultural environment. Thereby, advantages and / or embodiments applying to the lighting system according to the invention may mutatis mutandis apply to said lighting arrangement according to the invention. The support line may for example be a powerline or a shocker wire within the agricultural environment. Said nutrient dispensing system may for example be a feed line, feeding screw, a feeding pan, a water line, a drinking nipple within the agricultural environment. The lighting arrangement may further comprise a lighting controller configured to control the plurality of lighting devices of the sensing system, for example the lighting controller may be configured to convey lighting control messages (via e.g. at least one hop) within the wireless lighting network to at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices.

[0071] It is further an object of the invention to provide an improved method of determining a parameter of a set of animals, which at least alleviates the problems and disadvantages mentioned above. Thereto, the invention provides a method of determining a parameter of a set of animals present on a surface area of an agricultural environment, wherein the method comprises: a plurality of lighting devices spatially arranged within said agricultural environment exchanging wireless communication signals within a wireless network within said agricultural environment; a controller obtaining communication data comprising the wireless communication signals exchanged within said wireless network, and the controller determining the parameter of the set of animals by measuring a change of a signal property of the wireless communication signals resulting from an interference of the set of animals with said wireless communication signals.

[0072] As mentioned, the invention provides a sensing system for determining a parameter of a set of animals present on a surface area of an agricultural environment with the use of radiofrequency-based sensing. The agricultural environment may for example be an indoor agricultural environment. Said surface area may for example be a floor or a platform within the agricultural environment. Said agricultural environment may for example be a farm, a barn, a coop, a pen, or a poultry bam. Said radiofrequency transceiver may comprise a radiofrequency transmitter and / or receiver. The radiofrequency transceiver may be integrated within each respective lighting device. Said plurality of lighting devices may alternatively be phrased as a plurality of lighting nodes, or a plurality of wireless communication nodes. The wireless communication signals exchanged within said wireless network may at least partly be conveyed within a volume within the agricultural environment, wherein volume comprises the surface area (on which the set of animals are being present). Said wireless communication signals may alternatively be phrased as radiofrequency signals, or radiofrequency waves. The communication data may be indicative of the wireless communication signals exchanged within said wireless network.

[0073] In aspects, the controller may obtain the spatial location of the plurality of lighting devices within the agricultural environment and relative to the surface area, or the spatial location of the plurality of lighting devices relative to each other. Such spatial location of the plurality of lighting devices may be predefined, and / or prestored in the controller. This may for example be done at installation or commissioning of the sensing system according to the invention.

[0074] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] The invention will now be further elucidated by means of the schematic nonlimiting drawings:

[0076] Fig. 1 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, a top-view and a corresponding side-view of a sensing system 10 according to the invention;

[0077] Fig. 2 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, a lighting arrangement according to the invention;

[0078] Fig. 3 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, a graph of experimental results;

[0079] Fig. 4 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, a graph of experimental results;

[0080] Fig. 5 depicts schematically an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

[0081] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS The invention will be described with reference to the Figures.

[0082] Figure 1 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, a top-view and a corresponding side-view of a sensing system 10 according to the invention.

[0083] The sensing system 10 is configured to determine a parameter 4 of a set of animals 3 present on a surface area 2 of an agricultural environment 1. Here, the set of animals 3 is a flock of chicken, and the agricultural environment l is a poultry farm, and the surface area 2 is the floor of the poultry farm.

[0084] The sensing system 10 according to the invention comprises a plurality of lighting devices 11 and a controller 12. The controller 12 is separate from the plurality of lighting devices 11, but is in communication therewith - directly or indirectly - via wireless communication and / or wired communication.

[0085] The plurality of lighting devices 11 is spatially arranged within said agricultural environment 1. Albeit optionally, the plurality of lighting devices 11 may for example be powered by a powerline. Here, the plurality of lighting devices 11 comprises a first lighting device 111, a second lighting device 112, a third lighting device 113 spaced apart and spatially arranged along a first elongated axis 5; and comprises a fourth lighting device 114, a fifth lighting device 115, and a sixth lighting device 116 spaced apart and spatially arranged along a second elongated axis 6. The first elongated axis 5 and the second elongated axis 6 are parallel to each other.

[0086] Still referring to figure 1, the plurality of lighting devices 11 is configured to illuminate said agricultural environment 1 in operation. Such illumination provides a typical lighting function to the agricultural environment 1. Illumination may namely be used to control a circadian rhythm and / or a behavior of the set of animals 3 being present on a surface area 2 within an agricultural environment 1.

[0087] Each lighting device 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 comprises a housing (not explicitly referred to) comprising a respective radiofrequency transceiver 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, 1150, 1160. Each lighting device further comprises a respective light source configured to emit light source light in operation, for example when controlled with a lighting control command (or: signal) to emit said light source light that may be received via its respective radiofrequency transceiver and / or another control input interface. As the lighting control command (or: signal) received may be different for each lighting device, the emitted light source light may also be different.

[0088] Such a lighting control command is configured to control the respective lighting device to illuminate the agricultural environment with a lighting characteristic. Said lighting characteristic may for example be one or more of: a light intensity, a light color, a light color temperature, a light modulation, a light spectrum, a light polarity. The lighting control command (or: signal) may alternatively be any other signal exchanged with a lighting device. For example, a status signal, an identifier, a device update data message, a sensor signal, any other wireless network traffic suitable for radiofrequency -based sensing.

[0089] Figure 1 depicts, in the side-view perspective of the sensing system 10, a fourth light source 1145 of the fourth lighting device 114 emitting fourth light source light 1146 in operation. Similarly, figure 1 depicts a fifth light source 1155 of the fifth lighting device emitting fifth light source light 1156 in operation, and a sixth light source 1165 of the sixth lighting device 116 emitting sixth light source light 1166 in operation. The light emitted by each of these lighting devices 114, 115, 116 is different.

[0090] Therefore, the plurality of lighting devices 11 are individually controllable lighting devices with wireless connectivity. The radiofrequency transceiver 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, 1150, 1160 of each respective lighting device 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 of the plurality of lighting devices 11 is configured to exchange wireless communication signals 7 within a wireless network 8 within said agricultural environment 1. The wireless network may be a wireless lighting network.

[0091] Here, the wireless network 8 is a Wi-Fi network, but may alternatively be any other radiofrequency based wireless communication protocol, such as e.g. ZigBee, Lo-Ra, Bluetooth, Matter, or Thread.

[0092] More specifically, each lighting device 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116 of the plurality of lighting devices 11 is configured to exchange wireless communication signals 7 within the wireless network 8 with at least one other lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices and / or with another device being part of said wireless network. Such wireless communication signals may for example be conveyed through the wireless network 8 with at least one hop. Hence, at least one transmitting lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices exchanges wireless communication signals with at least one receiving lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices.

[0093] For convenience, figure 1 does not depict all possible network connections between (lighting) devices, in other words wireless communication links.

[0094] However, as depicted in figure 1, the first lighting device 111 (as the transmitting lighting device or vice versa the receiving lighting device) exchanges wireless communication signals 711 with the fourth lighting device 114 (as the receiving lighting device or vice versa the transmitting lighting device). Hence, the first lighting device 111 of the plurality of lighting devices 11 establishes a first wireless communication link 71 with the fourth lighting device 114 of the plurality of lighting devices 11 for exchanging said wireless communication signals 711.

[0095] Similarly, the second lighting device 112 exchanges a wireless communication signal 721 with the fifth lighting device 115 and establishes a second wireless communication link 72 with the fifth lighting device 115. Similarly, the third lighting device 113 exchanges a wireless communication signal 731 with the sixth lighting device and establishes a third wireless communication link 73 with the sixth lighting device 116.

[0096] Still referring to figure 1, albeit optionally, according to the invention, the plurality of lighting devices 11 are arranged between the surface area 2 and a (virtual) bounding plane 23 that is parallel to the surface area 2. The bounding plane 23 is at a distance D from the surface area 2. Here, said distance D is at most one meter.

[0097] Because the plurality of lighting devices 11 are spaced apart, and bounded spatially between the surface area 2 and the bounding plane 23, the plurality of lighting devices 11 define (or: span) a sensing volume (not depicted), that is in between the plurality of lighting devices and the surface area 2, and overlaps with at least part of the wireless communication network 8. The sensing volume comprises the surface area 2 as well. The wireless communication signals 7 are at least partly conveyed through the sensing volume.

[0098] Still referring to figure 1, the lighting system 10 comprises the controller 12. The controller 12 is configured to obtain - receive or retrieve - communication data 9. The communication data 9 comprises the wireless communication signals 711, 721, 731 exchanged within said wireless network 8. Here, the controller 12 receives or retrieves the communication data 9 comprising the wireless communication signals 711, 721, 731 from the plurality of lighting devices themselves via the wireless network (thus wirelessly). Alternatively, the controller may obtain (receive or retrieve) the communication data via a wired connection. Yet alternatively, the controller may be part of at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices, e.g. as a local controller or a distributed controller.

[0099] The controller 12 is further configured to determine the parameter 4 of the set of animals 3 based on said communication data 9. Namely, the controller 12 is configured to measure change of a signal property of the wireless communication signals 9 resulting from an interference of the set of animals 3 with said wireless communication signals 9. Here, the signal property is an RSSI value, but may alternatively be a CSI value.

[0100] Still referring to figure 1, the surface area 2 comprises a first zone 21 and a second zone 22. The sensing volume comprises the first zone 21 of the surface area 2 and the second zone 22 of the surface area 2. The first zone 21 is bounded by the wireless communication signals 7 of the first lighting device 111, the second lighting device 112, the fifth lighting device 115, and the fourth lighting device 114. The second zone 22 is bounded by the third lighting device 113 and the sixth lighting device 116.

[0101] The controller 12 is configured to determine the parameter 4 of the set of animals 3 based on said communication data 9. The parameter 4 of the set of animals comprises a presence of the set of animals 3 on the surface area 2.

[0102] More specifically, the controller 12 is configured to determine the presence of the set of animals 3 on the surface area 2 by measuring of which communication link 71, 72, 73 between the plurality of lighting devices 11 the RSSI value of the wireless communication signals have changed due to the interference of the flock of chicken 3 therewith. Namely, as the surface area 2 has two zones 21, 22 in the present example, referring to the situation depicted in figure 1, the flock of chicken 3 is present in a first zone 21 of the surface area 2. The second communication link 72 and the first communication link 71 exchange wireless communication signals 711, 721 within said first zone 21. Hence, the presence of the set of animals 3 in the first zone 21 will cause the RSSI value to attenuate. The third communication link 73 exchanges wireless communication signals 731 within said second zone 22. The set of animals 3 are not present in the second zone 22, and will therefore not cause any interference with the RSSI value of the wireless communication signals 733 exchanged within the second zone 22. Hence, the controller 12 determines that the flock of chicken is present in the first zone 21 and not in the second zone 22.

[0103] If the set of animals moves to the second zone 22, controller 12 will similarly determine that the flock of chicken 3 is no longer present in the first zone 21 and now in the second zone 22. Hence, the controller 12 may determine a displacement of the flock of chicken 3 within the agricultural environment 1. Moreover, by also assessing the temporal duration of said displacement, the motion and / or speed of motion of the flock of chicken 3 may be determined. Moreover, as the spatial location of the plurality of lighting devices 11 may be known a priori, the controller 12 may also determine the direction of movement of the flock of chicken 3 within the agricultural environment. Similarly, by comparing the communication data with predefined and / or prestored baseline data, and / or temporally assessing the obtained communication data, other properties may also be determined, such as an increment in average biomass of the set of animals, an animal density, clustering indicator of the set of animals, a sleep-awake state of the set of animals, an activity, an increment in average size of the set of animals, a hydration level of the set of animals, a muscularity of the set of animals.

[0104] With increasing number of the plurality of lighting devices, the granularity of the sensing system and the resulting sensing is improved. The sensing system may for example comprise at least ten lighting devices. For example at least ten lighting devices spaced apart within the agricultural environment, with at least 50 centimeters spacing therebetween and at most at a distance of 5 meters from each other.

[0105] In aspects, the controller may obtain the spatial location of the plurality of lighting devices within the agricultural environment and relative to the surface area, or the spatial location of the plurality of lighting devices relative to each other. Such spatial location of the plurality of lighting devices may be predefined, and / or prestored in the controller. This may for example be done at installation or commissioning of the sensing system according to the invention.

[0106] Consequently, the plurality of lighting devices 11 according to the invention do not only provide an existing illumination function - which may be their main function within the agricultural environment 1 - but the wireless communication signals 7 exchanged via their radiofrequency transceiver (which is for example inherent to the main function of illumination) are also advantageously leveraged for a second function to perform radiofrequency -based sensing within the agricultural environment.

[0107] The present invention therefore provides an improved radiofrequency -based sensing system for monitoring the set of animals 3 for use within an agricultural environment, and in particular to determine a parameter 4 of the set of animals 3 that are being present on a surface area 2 of the agricultural environment 1, wherein the sensing system 10 advantageously utilizes the wireless communication signals 7 exchanged within the wireless network 8 between a plurality of lighting devices 11 spatially arranged within the agricultural environment 1. Because the parameter of the set of animals is determined without the need for additional sensing hardware - which may be costly, cumbersome, difficult to maintain and service, and are exposed to the harsh environmental conditions of the agricultural environment 1 - the present invention provides an improved alternative sensing system 10.

[0108] Still referring to figure 1, albeit optional, but still depicted, the controller 12 determines that the flock of chicken 3 moves to the second zone 22. This may however not be desired. Therefore, the controller 12 controls the fourth light source 1145 of the fourth lighting device 114 to emit fourth light source light 1146 at a desired (attractive) light intensity and light spectrum based on the determined parameter 4 of the flock of chicken 3 (i.e. the presence within the zone, the displacement, and / or movement). The controller 12 controls the sixth light source 1165 of the sixth lighting device 116 to emit sixth light source light 166 at an undesired (repellent) light intensity and light spectrum based on the determined parameter 4 of the flock of chicken 3. For example, said desired light intensity may be lower than the undesired light intensity, and the spectrum of the desired light spectrum may comprise warm white light, whereas the undesired light spectrum may comprise cold white light. Similar use cases may be envisioned similarly.

[0109] For example, knowing that the flock of chicken is currently present in the first zone 21 close to the second lighting device 112 and the fifth lighting device 115, the controller 12 may control the fifth light source 1155 of the fifth lighting device 115 to emit fifth light source light 1156 comprising at least one peak wavelength in the range of 620- 1000 nm, which provides a heat sensation to the flock of chicken, or in the range of 280-315 nm, which provides UVB light for vitamin D generation.

[0110] In an embodiment, the controller may also be configured to control at least one further device based on the determined parameter of the set of animals, such as for example a user interface device, so as to inform e.g. a farmer on the health and wellbeing of the flock of chicken.

[0111] Still referring to figure 1, albeit optional, in an embodiment, the lighting system 10 may comprise a lighting controller (not depicted) configured to control the plurality of lighting devices 11. For example, such a lighting controller is configured to generate lighting control messages, and configured to convey said lighting control messages via at least one hop within the wireless lighting network 8 to at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices. Alternatively, said lighting controller may control the plurality of lighting devices via a wired connection. Alternatively, said lighting controller may control the plurality of lighting devices via a different second wireless network, which second wireless network may be different from the wireless network 8. For example, the second wireless network may be a ZigBee network.

[0112] Figure 2 depicts, by non-limiting example, a lighting arrangement 100 according to the invention. The lighting arrangement 100 comprises the (identical) sensing system 10’ as depicted in figure 1 and a nutrient dispensing system 50. Figure 2 depicts all possible wireless communication links between the plurality of lighting devices (and their transceivers). Alternatively, the nutrient dispensing system may be a support line, such as a support wire, a shocker wire, and / or a powerline. Referring to figure 2, the nutrient dispensing system 50 comprises a feedline 51 and a waterline 52. The feedline 52 is arranged along the first elongated axis 5 of the sensing system 10’ and the waterline 52 is arranged along the second elongated axis 6 of the sensing system 10’.

[0113] The feedline 51 is a tube extending along an elongated axis that is configured to convey feed to feeding locations within the poultry farm, such as e.g. to feeding pans where the flock of chicken 3 can feed. The waterline 52 is a tube extending along an elongated axis that is configured to convey water to drinking locations within the poultry farm, such as e.g. to drinking nipples where the flock of chicken 3 can drink. Here, the feedline 51 is parallel to the waterline 52, and the feedline 51 and the waterline 52 are spaced apart with a pitch (P). The pitch P may for example be between 1 and 5 meters.

[0114] Still referring to figure 2, the plurality of lighting devices 11’ of the sensing system 10’ is mounted on the nutrient dispensing system 50. The plurality of lighting devices 11’ is thereby spaced apart on the nutrient dispensing system 50. Therefore, each lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices 11’ comprises a connector (not depicted) for connecting the respective lighting device to the nutrient dispensing system 50. Said connector may be a mechanical connector, a magnetic connector, and / or an adhesive connector.

[0115] Alternative configurations may be envisioned similarly, for example, the nutrient dispensing system may be a support wire, consisting of a first support wire and a second support wire, wherein at least a first part of the plurality of lighting devices is spaced apart and mounted to the first support wire, and at least a (different) second part of the plurality of lighting devices is spaced apart and mounted to the second support wire. The support wire may for example be a powerline or a shocker wire.

[0116] Figure 3 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, a graph 300 of ONCE by Signify proprietary experimental results of population presence of a flock of chicken when evacuating from a first coop to a second coop. The graph depicts the interference of the set of animals with the signal property of wireless communication signals transmitted between two wireless transceivers of lighting devices. The lighting devices have established a ZigBee network and exchange wireless communication signals according to the invention. The graph shows that based on measuring a change of a signal property of the wireless communication signals resulting from an interference of the set of animals with said wireless communication signals, a parameter of the set of animals may be determined, namely that the animals are either present in the first coop, or the second coop, and when they have moved from the first coop to the second coop, and how much activity they perform within each coop. The signal property is RSSI.

[0117] Figure 4 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, a graph 400 of ONCE by Signify proprietary experimental results of population presence of a flock of chicken when resting in a coop. The graph depicts the interference of the set of animals with the signal property of wireless communication signals transmitted between two wireless transceivers of lighting devices. The lighting devices have established a ZigBee network and exchange wireless communication signals according to the invention. The graph shows that based on measuring a change of a signal property of the wireless communication signals resulting from an interference of the set of animals with said wireless communication signals, a parameter of the set of animals may be determined, namely that the flock of chicken are a awake in the coop during a first time period (activity is high) and that the flock of chicken are a asleep in the coop during a second time period (activity is nearly zero) and that at least one animal wakes up during the second time period (i.e. sleep period). The signal property is RSSI.

[0118] Figure 5 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, a method 500 according to the invention of determining a parameter of a set of animals present on a surface area of an agricultural environment. The method 500 comprises a step 501 of a plurality of lighting devices spatially arranged within said agricultural environment exchanging wireless communication signals within a wireless network within said agricultural environment. The method further comprises the step 502 of a controller obtaining communication data comprising the wireless communication signals exchanged within said wireless network, and a step 503 of the controller determining the parameter of the set of animals by measuring a change of a signal property of the wireless communication signals resulting from an interference of the set of animals with said wireless communication signals.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A sensing system for determining a parameter of a set of animals present on a surface area of an agricultural environment, wherein the sensing system comprises:- a plurality of lighting devices spatially arranged within said agricultural environment and configured to illuminate said agricultural environment; wherein each lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices comprises a radiofrequency transceiver for exchanging wireless communication signals within a wireless network within said agricultural environment; wherein at least one transmitting lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices exchanges wireless communication signals with at least one receiving lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices;- a controller configured to:(i) obtain communication data comprising the wireless communication signals exchanged within said wireless network, and (ii) determine the parameter of the set of animals based on said communication data by measuring a change of a signal property of the wireless communication signals resulting from an interference of the set of animals with said wireless communication signals; wherein the parameter of the set of animals comprises at least one of:- an increment in average biomass of the set of animals;- an increment in average size of the set of animals;- clustering indicator of the set of animals;- a hydration level of the set of animals;- muscularity of the set of animals;2. The sensing system according to claim 1, wherein the signal property is an RSSI value of the wireless communication signals, and / or a CSI value of the wireless communication signals.

3. The sensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensing system comprises a user interface device configured to obtain the parameter of the setof animals from the controller, wherein the user interface device comprises a user interface configured to output a signal indicative of said parameter.

4. The sensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to instruct at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices to increase exchanging wireless communication signals.

5. The sensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the set of animals is a flock of chicken.

6. The sensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to obtain the communication data from at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices via a wired connection.

7. The sensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless communication signals comprise lighting control messages; wherein said lighting control messages are configured to control at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices to illuminate said agricultural environment with a lighting characteristic.

8. The sensing system according to claim 7, wherein the sensing system comprises a lighting controller; wherein the lighting controller is configured to generate said lighting control messages, and configured to convey said lighting control messages via the wireless lighting network to at least one lighting device of the plurality of lighting devices.

9. The sensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of lighting devices are adapted to be mounted on a support line and / or a nutrient dispensing system within the agricultural environment.

10. The sensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of lighting devices is spatially arranged between the surface area of the agricultural environment and a bounding plane parallel to the surface area; wherein the bounding plane is at a distance (D) from the surface area;wherein the distance D is at most one meter.

11. The sensing system according to claim 10, wherein the distance D is smaller than a factor 2 times the average height of the set of animals to be monitored.

12. The sensing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first subset of the plurality of lighting devices is spaced apart on a first support line and interconnected on a first powerline; wherein a second subset of the plurality of lighting devices is spaced apart on a second support line and interconnected on a second powerline, wherein the second powerline is different from the first powerline.

13. The sensing system according to claim 12, wherein the first support line and the second support are arranged substantially parallel to one another at an interline distance from each other; wherein the first subset of the plurality of lighting devices is spaced apart on the first support line at a first luminaire spacing, and wherein the second subset of the plurality of lighting devices is spaced apart on the second support line at a second luminaire spacing; wherein the interline distance is at least double the first luminaire spacing and at most a factor five of the first luminaire spacing.

14. A lighting arrangement comprising:- a sensing system according to any one of the preceding claims;- a nutrient dispensing system and / or a support line; wherein the plurality of lighting devices is spaced apart on, and connected to the nutrient dispensing system and / or the support line.

15. A method of determining a parameter of a set of animals present on a surface area of an agricultural environment, wherein the method is performed by the system according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises:- exchanging wireless communication signals within a wireless network within said agricultural environment;- obtaining communication data comprising the wireless communication signals exchanged within said wireless network, and- determining the parameter of the set of animals by measuring a change of a signal property of the wireless communication signals resulting from an interference of the set of animals with said wireless communication signals; wherein the parameter of the set of animals comprises at least one of:- an increment in average biomass of the set of animals;- an increment in average size of the set of animals;- clustering indicator of the set of animals; - a hydration level of the set of animals;- muscularity of the set of animals.

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