System and method for monitoring and controlling temperature in animal husbandry and production environments, use of a neural network for monitoring, and computer-readable memory

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for monitoring and controlling temperature in animal husbandry and production environments, comprising at least one control unit (200), at least one monitoring unit (300), and at least one cooling unit (400), characterized in that the monitoring unit (300) comprises at least one temperature sensor (310), at least one presence sensor (320), and at least one fluid pressure sensor (330), and in that the cooling unit (400) comprises at least one spraying module (410). The present invention also relates to a method for monitoring and controlling temperature in animal husbandry and production environments, to the use of a neural network for monitoring and controlling temperature in animal husbandry and production environments, and to a computer-readable memory.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING TEMPERATURE IN ANIMAL BREEDING AND PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENTS, USING A NEURAL NETWORK

[0002] FOR COMPUTER-READABLE MONITORING AND MEMORY

[0003]

[0001] This patent application claims internal priority over process BR 102024011244-0, filed on 04 / 06 / 2024, pursuant to Law n 2 9.279, of May 14, 1996.

[0004] Technical Field

[0005]

[0002] The present invention pertains to the field of livestock farming, more specifically to animal breeding and production, notably to the thermal comfort of animals through the mitigation of adverse climatic effects, especially the mitigation of high temperatures unsuitable for animal development and production.

[0006] Introduction

[0007]

[0003] The present invention relates to a system, a method and the use of a neural network for temperature control and monitoring in animal breeding and production environments, the system and method being able to provide thermal comfort to animals by spraying water on each animal individually and / or collectively, while reducing the production of animal waste and the consumption of electricity and water resources.

[0008]

[0004] The present invention also relates to a computer-readable memory comprising a set of instructions which, when executed, effect the temperature monitoring and control method of the invention.

[0009] Fundamentals of the invention

[0010]

[0005] Thermal comfort in livestock farming is a crucial factor for animal welfare and productivity, thus it is necessary to provide adequate temperature conditions for animals in a given environment, maintaining the animals' temperature within the limits of their thermal comfort zone, which varies from animal to animal.

[0011]

[0006] Thermal discomfort or keeping animals in environments with temperatures different from the ideal temperature, especially when the ambient temperature is above the ideal temperature, has been the subject of various solutions developed around the world, including both spraying water in the environment and / or on the animals' backs, as well as air conditioning and / or ventilation of the environment in which the animals are located.

[0012]

[0007] Direct or indirect spraying requires the use of water and, when the amount of water used is not controlled depending on the presence or absence of an animal under one of the spraying devices, it causes excessive and sometimes unnecessary water consumption, as well as an increase in the volume of waste that needs to be diverted and / or treated.

[0013]

[0008] Air conditioning, with or without the combination of a spray system, requires closed or partially open environments and, therefore, high investments in renovations of existing sheds or environments and even the construction of new sheds or environments capable of being cooled, which is almost never an economically viable option for breeders.

[0014]

[0009] Therefore, technicians around the world have been increasingly focused on the problem of how to provide thermal comfort to farm and / or production animals with reduced consumption of water, energy, inputs and investments in general.

[0015] State of the art

[0016]

[0010] Known state-of-the-art solutions for providing thermal comfort for farm and / or production animals can be found in state-of-the-art documents such as patent document BR 112014016041, entitled "ANIMAL HOUSING ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A REFRIGERATION SYSTEM THEREOF", which discloses and describes, according to its abstract, a housing arrangement comprising an enclosed area arranged to house domestic animals and a refrigeration system for cooling the domestic animals, said refrigeration system comprising a plurality of refrigeration units provided to generate a flow of a refrigeration medium that directly or indirectly contributes to the cooling of said animals, and a control unit arranged to control the operation of said refrigeration units,wherein said animal housing arrangement comprises an enclosed area arranged to house said animals and provided with an entrance at one end and an exit at the other end, and wherein said area provides an element arranged to move in a direction from the entrance towards the exit and thus permit or compel the animals to move in said direction within the enclosed area. Said plurality of refrigeration units is subdivided into at least two distinct subgroups of refrigeration units, each subgroup covering at least a portion of said enclosed area and comprising at least one refrigeration unit, wherein the control unit is arranged so as to detect the position of said element as it moves in said direction and, based on this detected position,to control at least one subgroup on the first side of said element to be in active mode and, simultaneously, to control at least one other subgroup on the opposite side of said element to be in inactive mode.

[0017]

[0011] The method described in BR 112014016041 refers, according to its descriptive report, to a method of controlling a refrigeration system for cooling domestic animals in an animal housing arrangement, in which said refrigeration system comprises a plurality of refrigeration units provided to generate a flow of a refrigeration medium that directly or indirectly contributes to the cooling of said animals, wherein said animal housing arrangement comprises an enclosed area that is arranged to house said animals and is provided with an entrance at one end and an exit at the other end, and in which, in said area, an element is provided that is arranged so as to move in a direction from the entrance to the exit and thus allow or force the animals to move in said direction within the enclosed area.

[0018]

[0012] The solution described in BR 112014016041 requires a shed or environment properly prepared to receive the refrigeration system, and cannot be easily adapted to pre-existing facilities. Furthermore, it does not follow or adapt to the movement of the animals, as it requires an element that causes the animals to move, possessing area sensors and not individualized sensors. It should also be noted that the solution in BR 112014016041 does not provide for intermediate operating conditions such as, for example, activating the fans only within a certain temperature range, or varying the amount of water sprayed.

[0019]

[0013] Thus, taking into account the teachings of the state of the art, there is a clear demand for a system and method of temperature control in animal breeding and production environments that is economical and effective, capable of providing thermal comfort to animals by spraying water on each animal, individually and / or collectively, while reducing the production of animal waste and the consumption of electricity and water resources.

[0020] Objectives of the invention

[0021]

[0014] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a temperature monitoring and control system in animal breeding and production environments, according to the characteristics of claim 1 of the attached claims.

[0022]

[0015] Another objective of this invention is to provide a method for monitoring and controlling temperature in animal breeding and production environments, in accordance with the characteristics of claim 7 of the attached claims.

[0023]

[0016] Another objective of this invention is the use of a neural network for temperature monitoring and control in animal breeding and production environments, according to the characteristics of claim 12 of the attached claims.

[0024]

[0017] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable memory, according to the characteristics of claim 13 of the attached claims.

[0025]

[0018] Other features and details of the features are represented by the dependent claims.

[0026] Description of the figures

[0027]

[0019] For a better understanding and visualization of the object of the present invention, it will now be described with reference to the attached figure, representing the technical effect obtained through exemplary embodiments that are not limiting to the scope of the present invention, in which:

[0028] Figure 1: presents a schematic view of the temperature monitoring and control system according to the present invention; Figure 2: presents a schematic view of the elements of the monitoring unit according to the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3: presents a schematic view of the elements of the cooling unit according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4: presents a schematic view of the temperature monitoring and control system of Figure 1, highlighting an exemplary operation of the system; and

[0031] Figure 5: presents a schematic view of the temperature monitoring and control system from Figure 1, highlighting another exemplary operation of the system.

[0032] Detailed description of the invention

[0033]

[0020] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings in which embodiments of the present invention are represented, by way of non-limiting illustration. These embodiments are described in such a way as to allow a person skilled in the art to reproduce their results. Other embodiments resulting from structural, hydraulic, mechanical, logical, electrical and electronic changes are possible and can be carried out without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description should therefore not be understood in a restrictive or limiting manner.

[0034]

[0021] To facilitate understanding and organize the details of the present invention, the following description will be divided into topics according to the objectives of the invention.

[0035] Temperature monitoring and control system for animal breeding and production environments.

[0036]

[0022] A system (100), according to the invention, is a temperature monitoring and control system in animal breeding and production environments comprising at least one control unit (200), at least one monitoring unit (300) and at least one cooling unit (400).

[0037]

[0023] The control unit (200) comprises at least one processor, which comprises at least one memory that stores computer executable information and instructions and, optionally or additionally, at least one trained convolutional neural network, wherein the processor is configured to provide output data and / or output instructions to one or more system components (100), in particular to one or more components of the cooling unit (400), and wherein the execution of the output instructions executes one or more steps of the temperature monitoring and control method of the invention in response to receiving, as input information, one or more data and / or input information obtained from one or more system components (100), in particular from one or more components of the monitoring unit (300).

[0038]

[0024] Preferably, the configuration and / or command of the control unit (200) comprises a parameter definition step, where a user can manually define the temperature, thermal comfort zone and collective thermal sensation of the group of animals monitored or, alternatively, the individual body temperature of each animal. In addition, a user can manually define the locations that should be monitored by the system (100).

[0039]

[0025] Preferably, the control unit (200) comprises an option to repeat the same parameters defined and / or configured and / or commanded in the last saved operation or to use the parameters recommended for a given type of animal or to receive the parameters through a database and / or database previously populated with the expected values ​​for a thermal comfort condition of the animal.

[0040]

[0026] In the context of the present invention, the expression "temperature monitoring and control" refers broadly to the monitoring and control of temperature, humidity, wind, and atmospheric pressure conditions in the animal breeding and production environment, as well as variables derived from these, such as THI (Temperature-Humidity Index), dew point, wind chill, apparent temperature, selectively or in combination, and may also refer to specific conditions of each animal, preferably, but without limitation to the invention, the animal's body temperature and / or conditions of movement, estrus, agitation, etc.

[0041]

[0027] Preferably, the control unit (200) provides the user with the possibility of marking and / or configuring and / or commanding at least one of the elements of the cooling unit (400) as "always active". Thus, the element marked as "always active" will remain active regardless of other instructions sent by the control unit (200) until the "always active" option is unmarked by the user or until the operation of the system (100) is terminated.

[0042]

[0028] Optionally, the user can determine that the element(s) marked as "always active" remain always active for a specified desired time interval or that the element(s) of the cooling unit (400) remain always active during specific time ranges of the day. Preferably, after the desired time interval expires or one of the time ranges of the day passes, the element(s) marked as "always active" return to their default programming considering the parameters previously defined by the user.

[0043]

[0029] In the context of the present invention, the term "processor" refers to a computer system or a processing circuit configured to control the system (100), comprising a central processing unit or CPU that performs the instructions of a computer program, processing and executing arithmetic, logical operations and data input and output, the computer program being stored on a computer-readable medium with memory for data storage, connection to one or more communication and data networks and to one or more remote databases and / or a local and / or centralized and / or decentralized and / or cloud-based information storage and retrieval environment, and also equipped with all the usual peripherals of the state of the art, being able to exchange information with the electronic and physical medium, interfaces, applications, mobile equipment, other memory devices, etc.

[0044]

[0030] The processor of the invention comprises at least one control unit and an interface comprising information / instruction acquisition devices and information / instruction presentation devices and other devices and / or equipment connected to the system (100) operate together and may be, in groups or separately, interconnected by one or more communication and data networks.

[0045]

[0031] A processor of the invention may be part of a computer system or be divided into one or more modules of a processing circuit. The term module, according to the invention, refers to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated or group of processors) and a memory that executes one or more software programs or firmware. It also refers to a combinational logic circuit and / or other suitable components capable of providing the functionalities in question.

[0046]

[0032] A "computer program" according to the invention is a program executable on a processor of the invention, for example, but without limiting the invention, in the form of an application.

[0047]

[0033] A "processing circuit" according to the invention is configured to determine a trained neural network according to the invention. This processing circuit may therefore include a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics card or special hardware for convolutional neural networks such as the trained convolutional neural network of the invention.

[0048]

[0034] A "memory", in the context of the present invention, is any memory or storage device, remote or local, volatile or non-volatile, transient or non-transient (permanent), that stores information and instructions and, in particular, a computer-readable memory that stores instructions capable of executing a method according to the invention.

[0049]

[0035] A "trained neural network", in the context of the present invention, is a machine learning model configured to provide output instructions in response to receiving input information, wherein the output instructions are unambiguously and in real time associated with each reading of input information provided by at least one element of the monitoring unit (300).

[0050]

[0036] The trained neural network, according to the invention, may comprise interconnected groups of artificial neurons (e.g., neuron models), and may also be a computational device or be represented as a method that will be executed by a computational device.

[0051]

[0037] The trained neural network, according to the invention, is a trained neural network of such architecture that it delivers results quickly and accurately and that it can be run on system processors (100) and also, alternatively, on portable processors such as, for example, but not limited to, processors of cell phones, smartphones, tablets and the like, with high processing speed and concomitant accuracy, and may also comprise layers of neurons that can be configured in a receptive field arranged side by side.

[0052]

[0038] In the context of the present invention, the term "train" refers to adjusting the parameters of the machine learning model so that, from a number of input information associated with previously known values ​​of: temperature conditions; humidity; atmospheric pressure; air velocity; and / or values ​​corresponding to predetermined ideal conditions, it is able to provide, as output instructions, instructions for the processor unambiguously and in real time associated with each reading of input information provided by at least one element of the monitoring unit (300), to correct the values ​​of: time; temperature; thermal comfort zone; the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI); as well as the pressure and flow rate of the cooling unit (400), so that the measured temperature resembles at least one predetermined ideal condition for the body temperature of the animal to be cooled.

[0053]

[0039] The monitoring unit (300) is essentially a sensing unit comprising at least one temperature sensor (310), at least one presence sensor (320) and at least one fluid pressure sensor (330), each set of sensors (310, 320, 330) being able to be grouped into modules, wherein each module can be positioned and configured to monitor an individual animal or to monitor a group of animals. In addition, the monitoring unit (300) may further comprise barometers, altimeters, hygrometers, thermo-hygrometers, anemometers, anemoscopes and other sensors or meters capable of providing information relating to atmospheric pressure, humidity or wind direction and intensity at a given location of interest where the system (100) will be applied.

[0054]

[0040] The temperature sensor (310) of the invention may be a single sensor and / or a set of temperature sensors (310) arranged at one or more points in one or more locations of agglomeration and / or presence of animals previously established as being the most appropriate and reliable for measuring the ambient temperature around the animals and / or the ambient temperature in the vicinity of each animal, individually.

[0055]

[0041] The temperature sensor (310) of the invention can also be placed in locations such as pens, corridors, paddocks, enclosures, pens and the like, i.e., locations where both prolonged gathering of one or more animals and the passage and / or temporary isolation of these is expected.

[0056]

[0042] In the context of the present invention, the term "temperature sensor" refers broadly to any devices suitable for measuring ambient temperature, capable of generating a signal or information for the control unit processor (200), such as, for example, but without limiting the invention, digital thermometers and / or infrared thermometers and / or bolometers and / or thermistors and / or thermocouples and / or semiconductor-based temperature sensors and other similar devices suitable for the application.

[0057]

[0043] It should be noted that the monitoring unit (300) of the invention may comprise one or more temperature sensors (310) of one or more different types depending on the conditions and demands of the location or point where one or more of the animals to be cooled are located, or may even comprise one or more temperature sensors (310) of one or more different types in the same location or measurement point, for the purpose of temperature control and measurement by means of precision devices of different precision. Preferably, but not limited to, regardless of the type of sensor chosen, the temperature sensor (310) should be able to directly measure the body temperature of each animal in isolation, wherein, in the case of more than one temperature sensor (310), each temperature sensor (310) may be installed on and / or under the animals and / or laterally to the animals, individually or in a set of distinct positions.

[0058]

[0044] The presence sensor (320) of the invention may be a single sensor and / or a set of presence sensors (320) arranged at one or more points in one or more locations where animals congregate and / or are present, preferably, but without limiting the invention, in the vicinity or at the exact location where the animal's presence is expected, preferably, but without limiting the invention, on the pens, chutes, corridors, paddocks, holding pens, partitions or parallel positions where the animal feeds and / or drinks and / or passes through and / or congregates with other animals, wherein at least one presence sensor (320) is unequivocally assigned to each expected position of the animal and thus to each animal individually. It should be noted that in locations where animals pass through and / or congregate temporarily, it is possible to place at least one additional presence sensor (320).

[0059]

[0045] It should also be noted that more than one presence sensor (320) can be unequivocally assigned to each location where the animal's presence is expected, depending on the dimensions of the location, to ensure that even if the animal positions itself in a position that is out of reach of one presence sensor (320), it is detected by at least one other presence sensor (320).

[0046] It should also be noted that the presence sensors (320) can also be installed on and / or under the animals and / or laterally to the animals, individually or in a set of distinct positions.

[0060]

[0047] In the context of the present invention, the term "presence sensor", also known as motion sensor, refers broadly to any devices that detect the presence of animals or people or objects in a given location or environment, being able to generate a signal or information for the control unit processor (200), such as, for example, but without limiting the invention, infrared sensors and / or ultrasound sensors and / or microwave sensors and / or video sensors and / or pressure sensors that detect presence by means of changes in ambient pressure and / or other similar devices suitable for the application.

[0061]

[0048] The fluid pressure sensor (330) of the invention may be a single sensor and / or a set of fluid pressure sensors (330) arranged at one or more points of an animal cooling fluid circuit (420), serving to monitor the cooling fluid pressure at one or more points of the fluid circuit (420) during the operation of the system (100), being able to detect and report abrupt variations in fluid pressure and / or deviations from the predetermined desired pressure, assisting in monitoring the performance of the fluid circuit (420), identifying blockages of one or more spray nozzles (431), leaks, possible damage to the piping, pump or even electrical defects that affect the fluid supply, etc.

[0062]

[0049] In the context of the present invention, the term "fluid pressure sensor" refers broadly to any devices used to measure fluid pressure capable of generating a signal or information for the control unit processor (200), such as, for example, but without limiting the invention, diaphragm pressure sensors and / or capacitive pressure sensors and / or piezo-resistive pressure sensors and / or differential pressure sensors and / or other similar and suitable devices for the application.

[0063]

[0050] It should be noted that the monitoring unit (300) of the invention can be integrated with existing monitoring systems, such as, but not limited to, monitoring collars for animals and / or devices such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) for animal monitoring, to increase the accuracy of sensor readings (310, 320, 330) or to supplement useful information for establishing the animal's thermal comfort condition.

[0064]

[0051] Devices such as collars and / or RFID comprise, but are not limited to, devices for health monitoring (with sensors hanging from or embedded in animals, it is possible to track activity, body temperature and other health indicators of animals, helping to identify diseases early and prevent the spread of disease); location and tracking (GPS collars, for example, allow livestock farmers to locate cattle in large areas, facilitating pasture management and animal movement); operational efficiency (the use of RFID and other devices automates tasks such as livestock inventory and birth registration, reducing the need for manual labor and human error); feeding and behavior control (some systems can monitor feeding and behavior patterns, helping to optimize diets and identify problems such as stress or aggression);and ensure sustainability (with accurate data, ranchers can improve environmental management, such as using water resources and pastures more efficiently).

[0065]

[0052] These devices can vary in cost and functionality, and the choice depends on the specific needs of the livestock operation. In addition, implementing such technologies may require training and adjustments to traditional livestock handling methods.

[0066]

[0053] It should be noted that RFID stands for "Radio Frequency Identification" and is a technology that uses radio waves to capture data stored in transmitter tags. When these tags pass through an RFID reader, the data can be transmitted to the system for various purposes, such as inventory tracking, animal monitoring, and access control, among others.

[0067]

[0055] The cooling unit (400) comprises at least one spray module (410) and, optionally, at least one ventilation module (450), both being controlled, individually or together, by the control unit (200) from the exchange of data and / or information between one or more components of the monitoring unit (300) and the processor.

[0068]

[0056] The spray module (410) comprises at least one fluid circuit (420), at least one spray element (430), and optionally at least one fluid pump (440) that pumps the cooling fluid (FA).

[0069]

[0057] The fluidic circuit (420) fluidically connects at least one fluid source to at least one spray element (430) comprising a spray nozzle (431), wherein the fluidic connection may be established at one or more ends and / or at various points and / or in one or more branches of the fluidic circuit (420). The fluidic circuit (420) is kept filled and pressurized by the fluid pump (440).

[0070]

[0058] In the context of the present invention, the term "fluidic circuit" refers broadly to one or more elements capable of conducting and / or retaining the cooling fluid (CF), essentially comprising hoses, tubes and connections, and may also include valves, pressure regulators, pressure gauges, drains, filters, water reservoirs, floats, level controllers and other components and accessories necessary for the operation of the fluidic circuit (420) of the invention.

[0071]

[0059] In the context of the present invention, the term "cooling fluid" refers broadly to any pumpable fluid suitable for spraying on each of the animals, individually and / or collectively, preferably, but without limitation to the invention, water. A fluid source may be a water tank, cistern, water pipe, fluid and waste recycling element, or other water source suitable for the application.

[0072]

[0060] The spray element (430) of the invention comprises at least one cooling fluid inlet (FA) fluidically connected to the fluid circuit (420), at least one control valve and at least one cooling fluid outlet (FA) connected to a spray nozzle (431).

[0073]

[0061] The spray element (430) is a pressure-operated device in which the spray nozzle (431) is equipped with a fluid restriction, releasing a mist of cooling fluid (CF) or a jet of cooling fluid (CF) into the air, preferably onto one or more upper regions of the animal to be cooled, wetting the surface of the animal's skin, which, with the subsequent evaporation of the cooling fluid (CF), promotes a drop in temperature on the sprayed surface of the animal and thus improves the animal's thermal comfort.

[0074]

[0062] The spray element (430) is capable of spraying cooling fluid (FA) on the head and / or back and / or entire body of the animal, depending on the desired configuration of the system (100), and there may also be one or more spray elements (430) arranged laterally and / or below the animal.

[0075]

[0063] A fluid pump (440), according to the invention, is any pump capable of pumping a cooling fluid (CF), and may be a radial, axial or diaphragm pump. It should be noted that the use of a fluid pump (440) is not limiting to the scope of the present invention. Gravity force may also be used, according to the constructive characteristics of the system (100) and the application requirements. Furthermore, the fluid pump (440) may be a pre-existing pump, simply by connecting it directly or indirectly to the fluid circuit (420).

[0076]

[0064] The ventilation module (450) comprises at least one fan element (451) capable of converting mechanical rotational energy, applied to its shafts, into an increase in air pressure. A fan element (451), according to the invention, may also be a blower or similar. It is noteworthy that a fan element (451) of the invention may also have coupled one or more spray elements (430).

[0077] Uses of the temperature monitoring and control system

[0078]

[0065] Based on the detailed description above, it is possible to note that the system (100) can be installed anywhere there is a need for monitoring and, especially, improvement of the thermal comfort of animals used in livestock farming. Notably, its possible application is highlighted on farms or land intended for livestock farming, especially in cases where these animals are expected to be exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time.

[0079]

[0066] The system (100) of the invention is a versatile system, capable of being installed in an adapted manner in existing buildings or being built as a new structure independent of any structures that may be installed in the same location.

[0080]

[0067] More specifically, the system (100) depends only on a basic structure to contain the animals and the supply of cooling fluid and electricity to power it.

[0068] It should be noted that both the basic structure and the supply of fluid and electricity are already expected elements in the context of animal husbandry. Thus, in practice, it will be unnecessary to carry out expensive and complex modifications to apply the system (100) to existing structures.

[0081]

[0069] Furthermore, if there is no existing structure intended for animal breeding, incorporating the system (100) into projects in this area is equally simple and requires only incorporating the system (100) into the logistics planning already required for the construction of agricultural farms or environments aimed at breeding and / or monitoring animals.

[0082] Method for monitoring and controlling temperature in animal breeding and production environments.

[0083]

[0070] The method for monitoring and controlling temperature in animal breeding and production environments, according to the present invention, basically comprises the following method steps:

[0084] A. activate a control unit (200) of the system (100), receive and register, from a processor of the control unit (200) and / or from a user and / or from an external server, at least one operating condition of the system (100); and

[0085] B. to receive, through at least one element of a monitoring unit (300), data on the presence or absence of an animal in at least one of the pre-determined locations and data on environmental conditions and / or individual data of at least one animal; and

[0086] C. Optionally, cross-evaluate, using the data collected in Step B, whether the sensors (310, 320, 330) presented any anomalies during operation; and / or

[0087] D. Optionally, calculate the desired Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) using the data collected in Step A, and the current index using the data collected in Step B; and / or

[0088] E. Optionally, calculate the desired collective thermal sensation of the monitored animal group based on the parameters used in Step A and the current collective thermal sensation of the monitored animal group based on the data collected in Step B; and

[0089] F. consult the control unit (200) and compare at least one given parameter saved in Step A with at least one corresponding parameter measured in Step B; and / or the values ​​from Step D; and / or the values ​​from Step E; and

[0090] G. record in the control unit's memory (200) the result of the comparison performed in Step F and, preferably, display in real time to the user, via a display or via a human-machine interface or via a mobile device, the result of the comparison performed in Step F; and

[0091] H. Based on the comparison results recorded in Step G, determine whether or not the monitored animals need to be sprayed and / or ventilated; and

[0092] I. verify, through the control unit (200), if there was any manual user input to interrupt the system operation process (100) and / or if at least one of the system shutdown parameters (100) predefined in Step A was reached; and

[0093] J. restart the method from Step B, if none of the system termination conditions (100), analyzed in Step I, have been met.

[0094]

[0071] In more detail, the steps of the temperature monitoring and control method in animal breeding and production environments are: A. Manually activate, through a user, or automatically, through an external server, a control unit (200) of the system (100) and execute at least one of the substeps I to IV below:

[0095] I. Receive user input via a human-machine interface connected to the control unit (200) or via a mobile device communicating with the control unit (200) for at least one of the following parameters: la. System operating time (100); and / or lb. System operating hours (100); and / or lc. Condition for interrupting system operation (100); and / or ld. Whether at least one element of the cooling unit (400) should operate in "always active" mode and, if so, which element(s) of the cooling unit (400) should operate in "always active" mode; and / or le. Desired individual temperature for each monitored animal; and / or lf. Desired thermal comfort zone for the monitored environment; and / or lg. Collective thermal sensation of the monitored animal group; and / or lh. Which locations should be monitored; and / or li.what is the operating time interval that at least one of the elements of the cooling unit (400) must remain operational each time an activation signal is received; and / or.

[0096] II. Automatically repeat at least one of the parameters defined in the last previous operation; and / or

[0097] III. Use recommended parameters for a specific type of animal; and / or

[0098] IV. receive parameters from a database from the processor unit of the control unit (200);

[0099] B. To receive, through at least one of the elements of a monitoring unit (300), at least one of the following data:

[0100] I. presence or absence of an animal in at least one of the pre-determined locations, through at least one presence sensor (320) and / or through any device suitable for detecting the presence or absence of an animal in at least one of the pre-determined locations; and

[0101] II. ambient temperature at the location, through at least one temperature sensor (310) and / or through information received from a central server or computer network and / or through any device suitable for measuring ambient temperature at the location; and / or

[0102] III. individual body temperature of each monitored animal, through at least one temperature sensor (310) and / or through any suitable device for measuring the individual temperature of each monitored animal; and / or

[0103] IV. humidity at the site, using at least one hygrometer and / or thermo-hygrometer and / or any other suitable device for measuring humidity at the site; and / or

[0104] V. atmospheric pressure at the location, through at least one barometer and / or altimeter and / or through any device suitable for measuring atmospheric pressure at the location; and / or

[0105] VI. Wind speed at the location, measured by at least one anemometer and / or any other suitable device for measuring wind speed at the location; and / or

[0106] VII. wind direction at the location, using at least one anemometer and / or anemoscope and / or any other suitable device for measuring wind direction at the location; and / or

[0107] VIII. fluid pressure of the sprinkler element (430) corresponding to the location(s) where the presence of animals was detected, through at least one fluid pressure sensor (330) and / or through any suitable device for measuring the fluid pressure of the sprinkler element (430) corresponding to the location(s) where the presence of animals was detected;

[0108] C. Optionally, cross-evaluate, using the data collected in Step B, whether the sensors (310, 320, 330) presented any anomalies during operation;

[0109] D. Optionally, calculate, using the control unit processor (200), the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) in the environment based on the data collected in Step B and the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) in the desired environment based on the parameters used in Step A;

[0110] E. Optionally, calculate, using the control unit processor (200), the collective thermal sensation of the monitored animal group based on the data collected in Step B and the desired collective thermal sensation of the monitored animal group based on the parameters used in Step A; F.Consult the control unit (200) and, through the control unit processor (200), compare: the ambient temperature at the location saved in Step A with the ambient temperature at the location measured in Step B; and / or the individual body temperature of each monitored animal saved in Step A with the individual body temperature of each monitored animal measured in Step B; and / or at least one other given parameter saved in Step A with at least one other corresponding parameter measured in Step B; and / or the calculated value based on the collected data and the calculated value based on the desired data of the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) from Step D; and / or the calculated value based on the collected data and the calculated value based on the desired data of the collective thermal sensation of the group of animals from Step E;.

[0111] G. Record in the control unit's memory (200) the result of the comparison performed in Step F and, preferably, display in real time to the user, via a display or via a human-machine interface or via a mobile device, the result of the comparison performed in Step F;

[0112] H. Based on the comparison result recorded in Step G, perform the substep below:

[0113] I. Determine the non-necessity of spraying and / or ventilating the monitored animals if: la. no animals are detected, as detected according to the data from the readings received in sub-step I of Step B; or lb. none of the values ​​collected in Step B are greater than the values ​​determined in Step A; and lc. the value calculated based on the collected data is less than the value calculated based on the desired data of the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) of Step D; and ld. the value calculated based on the collected data is less than the value calculated based on the desired data of the collective thermal sensation of the group of animals from Step E;

[0114] II. Determine the need for spraying and / or ventilation of the monitored animals and send, through the control unit (200), an activation signal to the cooling unit (400), which in turn activates at least one spray module (410) and / or at least one fan element (451), where each of the spray modules (410) and each of the fan elements (451) can be initiated individually or in groups, depending on the inputs recorded in Step A, if: 1a. the presence of animals is detected, which are detected according to the data from the readings received in sub-step I of Step B; and 2b. at least one of the values ​​collected in Step B is greater than the values ​​determined in Step A; or

[0115] I lc. the value calculated based on the collected data is greater than the value calculated based on the desired data of the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) of Stage D; or

[0116] I. The calculated value based on the collected data is greater than the calculated value based on the desired data for the collective thermal sensation of the group of animals in Stage E; or

[0117] I. Verify, through the control unit (200), the system shutdown conditions (100) based on sub-step I and / or H below: I. verify if there was any manual user input to interrupt the system operation process (100); and / or

[0118] II. if at least one of the parameters predefined in Step A has been met: lia. system operating time (100); and / or llb. system operating hours (100); and / or llc. if the condition to stop the system operation (100) has been met;

[0119] J. Restart the method from Step B if none of the system termination conditions (100), analyzed in Step I, have been met.

[0120]

[0072] In the context of the present invention, the term "human-machine interface" refers, without limitation, to any point of interaction between a human user and a machine, system or machine-managed process.

[0121]

[0073] In the context of the present invention, the term "mobile device" refers, without limitation, to any portable device capable of processing and that is capable of connecting to the internet, e.g., cell phones, smartphones, tablets, notebooks and the like.

[0122]

[0074] Regarding Step A, it should be noted that the activation of the control unit (200) of the system (100) can be done manually, through a user, who turns on the control unit (200), or, alternatively, the control unit (200) can remain always active and, in this case, the control unit (200) would terminate all steps of the temperature monitoring and control method in animal breeding and production environments and would wait until the method was restarted from a pre-programmed or manual command.

[0123]

[0075] Additionally, each of the inputs can be saved individually, in order to create one or more standard operating profiles. Furthermore, the locations to be monitored can be scheduled depending on predefined times and / or dates, or can be restricted to some fixed areas predetermined by a user.

[0124]

[0076] For example, a user can define that during a certain range of days in a given year, starting at a certain time, a specific area should be included for monitoring, such as, but without limiting the invention, milking parlors, animal counting areas, vaccination areas, among others.

[0125]

[0077] Regarding the ic substage of Stage A, some exemplary conditions for interrupting the operation of the system (100) include, but are not limited to: operating hours, which can be determined based on inputs previously defined by a user; interrupt commands that, when typed into an interface, interrupt the operation of the system (100); among others.

[0126]

[0078] Additionally, the control unit (200) can generate an operation log each time the method is started and stopped.

[0127]

[0079] Thus, all user input information can be saved in the control unit's memory (200) to be used later the next time the method is started and, through this input information, the parameters defined by the user would be saved and would become the "parameters defined in the last operation passed" of the substep. from Stage A, which would allow its automatic repetition by the control unit (200) in future operations.

[0128]

[0080] Alternatively, the system (100) can understand or receive from a remote server or via the cloud, a series of pre-developed standard parameters based, for example, on the type of livestock, season, average of the meteorological data for that location based on data obtained from a certain number of days, wherein the number of days can be determined by a user or be pre-determined as standard, to serve as a standard parameter profile.

[0129]

[0081] Regarding sub-stage III of Stage A, the "recommended parameters for a given type of animal" can be received / updated by a remote server automatically, or they can already be included in the control unit (200), preferably in profile form, in which a user can additionally be provided with a list containing several different types of animals of interest, where each list can contain recommended / ideal values ​​based on the general conditions that best favor the thermal comfort of the selected animal.

[0130]

[0082] Regarding sub-step IV of Step A, the "database parameters" can be received from a remote server via the cloud, or via a local communication network, or via any other form of communication that is capable of transferring data between a local processing unit and a server.

[0131]

[0083] Regarding Step B, it should be noted that substeps I; II; and III can be determined from readings of the temperature (310) and / or presence (320) and / or infrared and / or ultrasound sensors, positioned to monitor the animals individually or in groups, preferably, but without limiting the invention, individually.

[0132]

[0084] Additionally, it should be noted that sub-steps IV; V; VI; and VII of Step B can be determined from local meteorological data, wherein the local meteorological data would be received from a central server or would be received from communication via the internet, or measured in real time using barometers, anemometers and other meteorological instruments installed locally.

[0133]

[0085] Regarding Stage C, the evaluation of the sensors occurs in a cross-referenced manner, taking into account various measurements so that the system (100) can accurately decide the best possible decision regarding its operation. For example, the system (100) can compare the results of several temperature sensors (310) to determine if any of the readings shows a temperature difference above the expected level.

[0134]

[0086] Regarding sub-step I of Step H, it should be noted that, preferably, the activation signal is sent from the control unit (200) based on the presence or absence of animals detected by its respective presence sensor (320) and, even more preferably, individually for each of the elements of the cooling unit (400).

[0135]

[0087] Still on Stage H, Figures 4 and 5 show an example of how the system works (100).

[0136]

[0088] More specifically, in Figure 4 the four presence sensors (320) shown detect the presence of the animals below them individually. Thus, assuming that the expected / programmed thermal sensation of the monitored environment is 27 °C and the temperature of the monitored environment, captured by the temperature sensor (310), is 30 °C, each sprinkler element (430) and fan element (451) is controlled individually or together to ensure that the thermal sensation of the monitored environment reaches 27 °C.

[0137]

[0089] In Figure 5, only two of the four presence sensors (320) shown detect the presence of the animals below them individually.

[0138]

[0090] Thus, still assuming that the collective thermal sensation of the monitored group of animals is the same 27 °C and the temperature of the monitored environment, captured by the temperature sensor (310), is also the same 30 °C as in the previous example in Figure 4, only the two sprinkler elements (430), located above the presence sensors (320) that detected the presence of animals, and their respective fan elements (451) are activated and controlled individually to ensure that the collective thermal sensation of the monitored group of animals reaches 27 °C.

[0139]

[0091] Regarding Stage J, it should be noted that, after the start of the temperature monitoring and control method in animal breeding and production environments, the method routine will always restart from Stage B until some interruption condition is reached, or the method is manually interrupted, in order to ensure that the information remains updated in real time while the system (100) is running.

[0140]

[0092] Furthermore, before, during and after the entire temperature monitoring and control method in animal breeding and production environments, the control unit (200) will check the information received from the monitoring unit (300) and the cooling unit (400) and compare it with past and / or expected values ​​in order to determine if there is any component that presents any malfunction. If any fault or possible fault is detected in one of the system elements (100), the user may be notified to check the possible problem through notifications via LED, display or monitoring application / software.

[0141]

[0093] It should be noted that a neural network can be implemented to perform one or more steps of the temperature monitoring and control method in animal breeding and production environments described above.

[0142]

[0094] More specifically, a neural network can be trained, following the logic of the method above, to receive data from the sensors (310, 320, 330) of the monitoring unit (300) and, from the comparison of the values ​​received from the sensors (310, 320, 330) and the ideal / desired values, e.g., desired individual temperature for each monitored animal, desired thermal comfort zone for the monitored environment, collective thermal sensation of the group of monitored animals, among others, be able to provide, as output instructions, instructions for the activation of one or more elements of the cooling unit (400) and / or the ventilation module (450) that aim to make the values ​​received from the sensors (310, 320, 330) lower than the ideal / desired values.

[0143]

[0095] It should also be noted that the neural network can be configured to receive meteorological data, e.g., ambient temperature at the location and wind chill at the location, via a central server or from the internet. In this way, it would be possible to replace the data from the sensors (310, 320, 330) of the monitoring unit (300) with the received meteorological data.

[0144] Memory read by computer

[0145]

[0096] A computer-readable memory is a memory comprising a set of instructions which, when executed, effect the method for temperature control and monitoring in animal breeding and production environments in a system (100) according to the invention.

[0146] Conclusion

[0147]

[0097] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the concepts set forth in the description above. Such modifications should be considered as falling within the scope of the present invention. Consequently, the particular embodiments described in detail above are merely illustrative and exemplary and not limiting as to the scope of the present invention, to which the full extent of the appended claims and of any and all equivalents thereof should be given.

Claims

MODIFIED CLAIMS Received by the International Secretariat on September 26, 2025 (09 / 26 / 2025) 1. Temperature monitoring and control system in animal breeding and production environments, comprising at least one control unit (200), at least one monitoring unit (300) and at least one cooling unit (400), characterized in that the monitoring unit (300) comprises at least one temperature sensor (310), at least one presence sensor (320) and at least one fluid pressure sensor (330) and in that the cooling unit (400) comprises at least one spray module (410), wherein the temperature sensor (310) is a single sensor and / or a set of temperature sensors (310) arranged at one or more points in one or more locations of animal agglomeration and / or presence previously established as being the most appropriate and reliable for measuring the ambient temperature around the animals and / or the ambient temperature in the vicinity of each monitored animal, individually.

2. System, according to claim 1, characterized in that the presence sensor (320) is disposed above and / or below the animals and / or laterally to the animals, at one or more points in one or more locations of animal agglomeration and / or presence, wherein at least one presence sensor (320) is unambiguously assigned to each expected position of each individually monitored animal.

3. System, according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the monitoring unit (300) additionally comprises at least one of the following elements: barometers, altimeters, hygrometers, thermo-hygrometers, anemometers, anemoscopes, and wherein each of the sensors (310, 320, 330) is configured to be able to switch between individual animal monitoring mode or collective monitoring mode. MODIFIED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) group of animals.

4. System, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the spray module (410) comprises at least one fluid circuit (420) and at least one spray element (430), wherein the spray element (430) comprises at least one coolant inlet (FA) fluidically connected to the fluid circuit (420), at least one control valve and at least one coolant outlet (FA) connected to a spray nozzle (431).

5. System, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cooling unit (400) further comprises at least one ventilation module (450), wherein the ventilation module (450) comprises at least one fan element (451) coupled to one or more spray elements (430).

6. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the monitoring unit (300) of the invention can be integrated with monitoring systems such as animal monitoring collars and / or devices such as RFID.

7. Method for monitoring and controlling temperature in animal breeding and production environments, characterized by the fact that it comprises the following steps: A. activate a control unit (200) of the system (100), receive, from a user and / or an external server, at least one operating condition of the system (100) and record the operating conditions of the system (100) in at least one control unit (200); and B. to receive, through at least one element of a monitoring unit (300), data on environmental conditions and / or individual data of at least one animal; and MODIFIED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) C. cross-evaluate, using the data collected in Step B, whether the sensors (310, 320, 330) presented any anomalies during operation; and / or D. Calculate, using the control unit processor (200), the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) in the environment based on the data collected in Step B and the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) in the desired environment based on the parameters used in Step A; and / or E. calculate, using the control unit processor (200), the collective thermal sensation of the monitored animal group based on the data collected in Stage B and the desired collective thermal sensation of the monitored animal group based on the parameters used in Stage A; and F. consult the control unit (200) and compare at least one given parameter saved in Step A with at least one corresponding parameter measured in Step B; and / or the calculated value based on the collected data and the calculated value based on the desired data of the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) from Step D; and / or the calculated value based on the collected data and the calculated value based on the desired data of the collective thermal sensation of the animal group from Step E; and G. record in the control unit's memory (200) the result of the comparison performed in Step F and, preferably, display in real time to the user, via a display or via a human-machine interface or via a mobile device, the result of the comparison performed in Step F; and H. Based on the comparison results recorded in Step G, determine the need for spraying and / or ventilation of the monitored animals; and MODIFIED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) I. verify, through the control unit (200), if there was any manual user input to interrupt the system operation process (100) and / or if at least one of the system shutdown parameters (100) predefined in Step A was reached; and J. restart the method from Step B, if none of the system termination conditions (100), analyzed in Step I, have been met.

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that Step A performs at least one of the substeps I to IV below: I. Receive user input via a human-machine interface connected to the control unit (200) or via a mobile device communicating with the control unit (200) for at least one of the following parameters: la. the system operating time (100); and / or lb. the system operating hours (100); and / or lc. the condition for interrupting the system operation (100); and / or ld. whether at least one element of the cooling unit (400) should operate in "always-on" mode and, if so, which element(s) of the cooling unit (400) should operate in "always-on" mode; and / or le. the desired individual temperature for each monitored animal; and / or lf. the desired thermal comfort zone for the monitored environment; and / or lg. the collective thermal sensation of the group of monitored animals; MODIFIED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) and / or lh. which locations should be monitored; and / or li. what is the operating time interval that at least one of the elements of the cooling unit (400) must remain operational each time an activation signal is received; and / or II. Automatically repeat at least one of the parameters defined in the last previous operation; and / or III. Use recommended parameters for a specific type of animal; and / or IV. receive parameters from a database from the processor unit of the control unit (200).

9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that Step B receives at least one of the following data: I. presence or absence of an animal in at least one of the pre-determined locations, through at least one presence sensor (320); and II. ambient temperature at the location, through at least one temperature sensor (310) and / or through information received from a central server or computer network; and / or III. individual body temperature of each animal, through at least one temperature sensor (310); and / or IV. humidity at the site, measured by at least one hygrometer and / or thermo-hygrometer; and / or V. atmospheric pressure at the location, measured by at least one barometer and / or altimeter; and / or MODIFIED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) VI. wind speed at the location, measured by at least one anemometer; and / or VII. Wind direction at the location, measured using at least one anemometer and / or anemoscope; and / or VIII. Fluid pressure of the sprinkler element (430) corresponding to the location(s) where the presence of animals was detected, using at least one fluid pressure sensor (330).

10. Method, according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that Step H performs substep I or II below: I. Determine the non-necessity of spraying and / or ventilating the monitored animals if: la. no animals are detected, as detected according to the data from the readings received in sub-step I of Step B; or lb. none of the values ​​collected in Step B are greater than the values ​​determined in Step A; and lc. the value calculated based on the collected data is less than the value calculated based on the desired data of the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) of Step D; and ld. the value calculated based on the collected data is less than the value calculated based on the desired data of the collective thermal sensation of the group of animals from Step E; II. determine the need for spraying and / or ventilation of the monitored animals and send, through the control unit (200), an activation signal to the cooling unit (400), which in turn activates at least one spray module (410) and / or at least one fan element (451), wherein each of the MODIFIED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) The sprinkler modules (410) and each of the fan elements (451) are configured to be started individually or in groups, depending on the inputs recorded in Step A, if: lia. the presence of animals is detected, which are detected according to the data from the readings received in sub-step I of Step B; and llb. at least one of the values ​​collected in Step B is greater than the values ​​determined in Step A; or llc. the value calculated based on the collected data is greater than the value calculated based on the desired data of the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) of Step D; or lld. the value calculated based on the collected data is greater than the value calculated based on the desired data of the collective thermal sensation of the group of animals of Step E.

11. Method, according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that Step I performs substep I and / or II below: I. check if there was any manual user input to interrupt the system operation process (100); and / or II. if at least one of the parameters predefined in Step A has been met: lia. system operating time (100); and / or llb. system operating hours (100); and / or llc. if the condition to stop the system operation (100) has been met.

12. Use of a neural network for temperature monitoring and control in animal breeding and production environments, characterized by the fact that it comprises a set of instructions that, when executed through a MODIFIED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) neural network, perform at least one of the steps of the temperature monitoring and control method in animal breeding and production environments, defined in any of claims 7 to 10.

13. Computer-readable memory, characterized by the fact that it comprises a set of instructions which, when executed, perform the method of monitoring and controlling temperature in animal breeding and production environments, defined in any of steps 7 to 10. MODIFIED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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