WO2021078671A1

WO2021078671A1 - A sensing device for monitoring a physiological feature of an animal

Info

Publication number: WO2021078671A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/079324
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marc Andre De Samber; Roger Peter Anna Delnoij; Harry Broers
Original assignee: Signify Holding B.V.
Priority date: 2019-10-21
Filing date: 2020-10-19
Publication date: 2021-04-29

Abstract

The invention provides a sensing device for monitoring an internal physiological feature of an animal, the sensing device being arranged remote from the animal, wherein the sensing device comprises: a transmitter configured to transmit an ultrawideband radar signal comprising a frequency of at least 800 MHz towards the animal; a receiver configured to receive a reflected radar signal resulting from the ultra-wideband radar signal at least partly reflecting from said internal physiological feature; a controller configured to process the reflected radar signal into data indicative of the internal physiological feature, and to output an output signal based on said data.

Description

A SENSING DEVICE FOR MONITORING A PHYSIOLOGICAL FEATURE OF AN ANIMAL

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a sensing device for monitoring a physiological feature of an animal, for example a laying hen. The invention further relates to a lighting system comprising a lighting device and said sensing device. The invention further relates to a method of monitoring a physiological feature of an animal; and to a corresponding computer program product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Medical applications of ultra-wideband (UWB) radar are becoming more and more established practice in human medicine. Such medical applications have proven their ability to measure and visualize internal organs of humans.

Applications of ultra-wideband radar are also moderately observed in agriculture and/or husbandry. For example, US2019/0159433A1 describes a non-invasive method for detecting the fertility condition of an avian egg within an egg holding unit by means of a radar scan.

Document WO2015/076866 describes an animal collar with an ultra-wideband radar to obtain position information from various internal structures including a carotid artery, a jugular vein, and muscles surrounding an esophagus and trachea.

However, the application of ultra-wideband radar to remotely monitor properties of livestock proves to be more difficult and disadvantageous, e.g. in a stable, since e.g. the radar has to be in the vicinity of - and possibly mounted onto - each individual livestock animal. Hence, it may be valuable to find new solutions in the remote application of ultra-wideband radar in agriculture and husbandry, so as to measure various properties of livestock.

Furthermore, it is an ongoing trend within agriculture and/or husbandry to equip a stable with more sensing capabilities, so as to manage conditions within the stable. It may thus be an objective to find new solutions for sensing within a stable and manage such a stable accordingly. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved sensing device for monitoring a physiological feature of an animal, which at least alleviates the problems and disadvantages mentioned above. Thereto, the invention provides a sensing device for monitoring a physiological feature of an animal, the sensing device being arranged remote from the animal, wherein the sensing device comprises: a transmitter configured to transmit an ultra-wideband radar signal comprising a frequency of at least 800 MHz towards the animal; a receiver configured to receive a reflected radar signal resulting from the ultra- wideband radar signal at least partly reflecting from said physiological feature; a controller configured to process the reflected radar signal into data indicative of the physiological feature, and to output an output signal based on said data. The physiological feature may in particular be an internal physiological feature of the animal throughout the present application.

Since the sensing device is arranged remote from the animal, and because the transmitter and receiver of the sensing device provide ultra-wideband radar monitoring of the physiological feature of the animal with an ultra-wideband radar signal comprising frequency of at least 800 MHz, the sensing device according to the invention is advantageously able to remotely transmit the ultra-wideband radar signal through air and subsequently through the body of the animal. At such a frequency (frequency range), reflection losses at the air-body interface are reduced and the penetration depth of the transmitted ultra-wideband radar signal into the body are made optimal. The sensing device according to the invention is therefore able to remotely monitor a physiological feature of the animal with sufficient accuracy and efficiency. Such a sensing device is able to measure both internal (e.g. organs) as well as external (e.g. a feather pack) physiological features. This is a clear advantage, particularly in stables, wherein remote and unobtrusive sensing is increasingly desired.

For similar reasons, in examples, the ultra-wideband radar signal may comprise a frequency between 800 and 1000 MHz, preferably a wavelength of at least 860 MHz, and more preferably a frequency between 860 MHz and 1000 MHz. Moreover, the transmitter may for example be in a ceiling and the receiver for example be in a floor, hence opposite to each other. Alternatively, said transmitter and receiver may be within a same housing (e.g. next to each other).

Moreover, the sensing device according to the invention comprises a controller configured to process the reflected radar signal into data indicative of the physiological feature. The controller is further configured to output an output signal based on said data. Such an output signal may be advantageous in e.g. controlling, or e.g. in notifying, other devices based on said data indicative of the physiological feature of the animal. In examples, said output signal may be a control signal, or a notification signal, or an alarm signal.

The output signal may be at least one output signal. In such a case of the output signal being a plurality of output signals, each one of the plurality of output signals may comprise a different communication modality (e.g. wired, wireless via BLE, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, etc.). For example a first output signal may be communicated via ZigBee (as ZigBee is the communication modality for e.g. lighting and IoT) while a second output signal may be communicated via an ethernet connection to a database.

In an embodiment, the output signal may comprise a lighting command for controlling a lighting device. Since lighting plays a more relevant role in agriculture and/or husbandry, such an embodiment is advantageous, because the monitoring of the physiological feature of the animal by the sensing device may initiate lighting control of a lighting device. Said lighting command for controlling a lighting device may for example comprise a command to turn on/off lighting, to change a photo-period, to change a light intensity, to adapt a light spectrum, to provide or adapt a circadian rhythm, to provide or adapt a light recipe, to provide a light modulation (such as e.g. for Visible Light Communication (VLC)), or to change a light temperature.

In an embodiment, the output signal may comprise a notification for notifying a user device and/or a stable management system. Said notification may be phrased as notification signal. Such an embodiment may be advantageous, as the controller of the sensing device may, based on the monitored (or: detected, or: determined) physiological feature of the animal, notify other devices. Such an other device, as mentioned, may be a user device, such as a laptop, a notebook, a smart wearable device, a smart portable device, a smartphone, a tablet, a beeper, smart goggles, etc.; but alternatively be a remote server, a cloud, a stable management system, a building management system (BMS), a drone, a robot, an analysis device, a computer, a display, a lighting device, an actuation device, a speaker, a HVAC system, a temperature emitting device, etc.

In examples, the output signal may be conveyed to other devices by means of a wired connection, such as a DALI connection, Power Line Communication (PLC), or internet connection. Alternatively, the output signal may be conveyed to other devices by means of a wireless connection, such as communication via the modalities of Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, Lo-Ra, VLC, Li-Fi, RF, IR, NFC and/or RFID. In an embodiment, the output signal may be arranged for storing the data in a memory. The memory may be a local memory or a remote memory. The output signal may thus serve as a storage signal intended to store said data. The local memory may be in the controller, or a separate memory within the sensing device.

In an embodiment, the animal may be a cow, a pig, a chicken, a goat, a fish, or a horse. The sensing device according to the invention may for example be provided to monitor a physiological feature, or a plurality of physiological features, of mammals, poultry, boars, piglets, sows, cows, bulls, hens, roosters, sheep, snakes, suckling, etc. The invention may similarly be extrapolated to domestic animals, such as dogs, cats, and/or rabbits. In an embodiment, the animal may be at least one animal. Thus, the sensing device may be arranged for monitoring a respective physiological feature of a plurality of animals. For example, a population of animals, such as a population of livestock.

The sensing device according to the invention may be particularly suited for monitoring a physiological feature of a laying hen, for example to monitor the egg-laying cycle of said laying hen. Hence, in an embodiment, the animal may be a laying hen, wherein the physiological feature may be the ovarian system of said laying hen; and wherein the sensing device may be arranged to monitor the egg-laying cycle of said laying hen.

More specifically: Poultry lay eggs in clutches. A clutch is a group of eggs laid by a laying hen on consecutive days. After laying a clutch, the hen usually has a rest period of approximately a day, before laying another clutch. The size of a clutch and the number of clutches are species- and breed-specific. For commercial egg layers, the clutch size is typically large, and each egg-laying cycle constitutes economical value.

The reproductive system of a laying hen is made up of two parts: the ovary and the oviduct. Ova (yolks) develop in the ovary. When an ovum (i.e. singular of ova) has matured, it is released from the ovary into the oviduct. This release of the ovum is ovulation. Subsequently, glands in the oviduct secrete substances that form other parts of the developing egg, such as the albumen (egg white) and the shell. The total time to transform a yolk into a fully developed egg and to lay that particular egg takes about 25 to 26 hours for a laying hen. Typically, about 30 to 75 minutes after such a laying hen lays an egg, the ovary releases the next ovum.

Furthermore, the laying sequence of laying hens, and the stability of such a laying sequence, may amongst others be determined by photo-periods (i.e. the ratio between light and dark) and the season. Namely, when the period of light decreases (i.e. the onset of wintertime in nature), more melatonin is produced by a chicken, which is a signal of the natural rhythm of the chicken to take rest and replenish accordingly (characterized by e.g. gathering energy and resources to survive the cold months ahead). Laying hens are therefore entering a state of molting, in which the feathers are replaced and reproductive organs rest. Therefore, during this state, the laying hen may not lay eggs, which is a clear economic disadvantage to egg producers (as the laying hens become less useful).

Nevertheless, it is known by farmers that increasing the length of day with an artificial light source has a positive effect on laying. Tuning the periodicity of light in a stable may optimize the laying sequence and resulting productivity of laying hens.

However, in industrial environments, such as a chicken stable having thousands of laying hens, it is difficult to track the laying sequence of laying hens and tune the light accordingly for optimal (life-long) productivity. Therefore, nowadays, disruptions in laying are observed by a decrease in the number of eggs per day for the overall flock of laying hens. Observing such a disruption implies that it may already be too late to intervene (for maintaining the productivity). This is a clear disadvantage in egg production.

Hence, it is an object of the invention to alleviate these problems and disadvantages. Thereto, as mentioned, the sensing device according to the invention may be particularly advantageous in monitoring the egg-laying cycle of said laying hen. Thus, as mentioned, the animal may be a laying hen, wherein the physiological feature is the ovarian system of said laying hen; and wherein the sensing device is arranged to monitor the egg- laying cycle of said laying hen. Moreover, in a further embodiment, the controller may be configured to: determine, based on said data, a condition in which the ovarian system of said laying hen is developing ova less than a predefined number of ova; output said output signal upon determining said condition. Said condition may also be phrased as a condition in which the ovarian system of said laying hen is not developing ova, or a condition in which the ovarian system of said laying hen does not develop a clutch of eggs. Said predefined number of ova may be locally stored in the controller, for example prestored, e.g. by a user input received or obtained by the controller, and may be dependent on the laying hen species and/or breed.

Such an embodiment is advantageous, because the sensing device remotely monitors an egg-laying cycle of a laying hen by monitoring its ovarian system with the ultra- wideband radar signals according to the invention. This provides clear insights on the egg- laying sequence for next periods to come (i.e. by monitoring the maturation of eggs in various phases of its development). Consequently, the sensing device according to the invention is able to determine a disruption in the (egg laying) productivity of an individual (or group of) laying hen before the problem of a decrease or stop in egg laying manifests itself in the actual egg yield. Hence, as partly mentioned, the sensing device according to the invention is able to anticipate an upcoming disruption of laying.

Such an embodiment is furthermore beneficial in estimating the severity of said disruption or such a stop in laying, i.e. by statistically determining a number of hens that will stop laying, and subsequently take this into account in the order fulfilment (i.e. supply to egg customers or egg retail markets). Hence, the present invention provides egg producers with a technical means to improve their productivity and flexibility in producing.

Moreover, the sensing device outputs an output signal upon determining said condition, which for example allows for rendering intervening solutions based on light or non-light actuation, so as to mitigate the disadvantages of the laying hen developing ova less than a predefined number of ova (i.e. mitigating the disruption). Notification and providing insights may also be envisioned. Therefore, the sensing device is for example able to notify other devices or parties, or directly control other devices, so as to solve, notify and/or mitigate said disruption in egg-laying.

The output signal may for example be utilized to control lighting conditions in order to prevent laying hens from entering their resting period. Hence, in an embodiment, the output signal comprises a lighting command for controlling a lighting device that is illuminating the laying hen to increase a photo-period, to increase a light intensity, to adapt a light spectrum, to adapt a circadian rhythm, or to adapt a light recipe.

The output signal may also be a notification for notifying a user device about said condition in which the ovarian system of said laying hen is developing ova less than a predefined number of ova. Receiving such predictive notifications allows for taking countermeasures in time.

Alternatively, or additionally: The sensing device according to the invention may further be suited for monitoring a physiological feature of an animal, for example to monitor gonads of an animal, particularly a bird species.

More specifically: Sexual maturation of a male fowl (or: chicken) may for example be expressed by a sharp increase in testicular mass (size/volume of the testicles) in the weeks before such birds become sexual active and fertile. After such testes development, the testes shrink and grow on a regular basis, becoming larger during active mating.

Monitoring this testicular growth is therefore a good indicator for sexual maturity of a male fowl (or: chicken) and for its sexual activity (active mating). As the testes of birds, including said male fowl, are embedded high in the abdominal cavity of the bird (in contrast to the situation in most mammals where testes are outside the body because of temperature regulation of the semen), it is difficult to evaluate the development and the size of the gonads. Mostly the evaluation requires sacrificing some birds and do a post-mortem section. Such problems and disadvantages may be alleviated as well by the present invention.

The remote monitoring with ultra-wideband radar as proposed by the present application method allows for non-intrusively and remotely evaluating the testicular growth in alive animals. Such evaluation may also be done on a larger number of birds (providing higher statistical accuracy, even at the level of individual bird evaluation).

Hence, in an embodiment, additionally or alternatively, the physiological feature is a gonad of the animal, wherein the controller is configured to: determine, based on said data, a size of the gonad of the animal; output said output signal upon determining said size. The physiological feature, as mentioned before, is therefore an internal physiological feature. In a related embodiment, the animal is a bird.

Alternatively, or additionally: The sensing device according to the invention may further be suited for monitoring a physiological feature of an animal, for example to monitor the hydration level of said animal. Hence, in an embodiment, the physiological feature is a body tissue of the animal, wherein the controller is configured to: determine, based on said data, a hydration level of the body tissue of the animal; output said output signal upon determining said hydration level.

Such an embodiment may be advantageous, because the hydration level of the animal may be determined ad hoc, and measures may be taken based on said hydration level. For example, the hydration level may be determined to be below a predefined hydration level threshold, and the output signal may be a control signal to open a watering tap. For example, the hydration level may be determined to be below a predefined hydration level threshold, and the output signal may be a control signal for controlling a lighting device to illuminate the animal with a light scene. The light scene may thereby comprise red light, or light with a higher color temperature compared to regular daylight in a stable, so as to induce a perception of higher temperatures at the animal. The animal may therefore be psychologically induced to drink (due to the higher temperature perception). For example, the hydration level may be determined to be above a predefined hydration level threshold, and the output signal may be a notification signal to a stable management system to increase temperatures within a stable. For example, the hydration level may be determined to be above or below a predefined hydration level threshold, and the output signal may be a notification signal indicative of said hydration level. Hydration level may be indicative of a disease; hence such a notification may be advantageous and preemptive. For example, the hydration level may be determined to be above or below a predefined hydration level threshold, and the output signal may be a notification signal to harvest said animal. Such an example may be advantageous, because the animal may be harvested at the desired hydration level for harvest (i.e. e.g. for slaughter or for transport).

Similar examples as the above may be envisioned, in which devices are controlled based on the sensing device according to the invention determining a particular hydration level of the animal.

Further, in similar aspects, the physiological feature is an udder of the animal, wherein the controller is configured to: determine, based on said data, a milk content in the udder of the animal; output said output signal upon determining said milk content. The animal may for example be a cow.

Alternatively, or additionally: The sensing device according to the invention may further be suited for monitoring a physiological feature of an animal, for example to monitor the fat layer thickness of said animal. Hence, in an embodiment, the physiological feature is a body tissue of the animal, wherein the controller is configured to: determine a fat layer thickness of the body tissue of the animal based on said data; output said output signal upon determining said fat layer thickness.

Such an embodiment may be advantageous, because the fat layer thickness of the animal may be determined ad hoc, and measures may be taken based on said fat layer thickness. For example, the fat layer thickness may be determined to be below a predefined fat layer thickness threshold (e.g. for a young animal such as a suckling or a chick), and the output signal may be a control signal for controlling a stable management system to increase temperature in a stable of the animal; because an animal with a lower fat layer thickness may be more prone to cold. For example, fat layer thickness may be determined to be below or above a predefined fat layer thickness threshold, and the output signal may be a notification signal to harvest said animal. Such an example may be advantageous, because the animal may be harvested at the desired fat layer thickness for harvest. Similar examples as the above may be envisioned. For example, the fat layer thickness may be determined to be below a predefined fat layer thickness threshold, and the output signal may be a control signal for controlling a lighting device to illuminate the animal with a light property. The light property may be arranged for improving the growth of the animal, because fat layer thickness may a good indicator for the growth of the animal, and/or the lagging behind of growth. Said light property may for example be a growth light recipe, or an increased photo-period, or an adaptation of the circadian rhythm of light, etc.

Similar examples as the above may be envisioned, in which devices are controlled based on the sensing device according to the invention determining a particular fat layer thickness of the animal.

Further, in similar aspects, the physiological feature is a fur or feather pack of the animal, wherein the controller is configured to: determine, based on said data, respectively a fur thickness of the animal or a feather pack thickness of the animal; output said output signal upon determining respectively said fur thickness of the animal or said feather pack thickness of the animal. The animal may for example be a mammal having a fur, or a bird species having a feather pack.

In aspects, the controller is not necessary to output the control signal immediately at the moment of determining said fat layer thickness, said milk content, said feather pack thickness, or said fur thickness; but may locally store said determined quantities, and output the output signal later on. Similarly, as partly mentioned before, the output signal may be arranged to store said determined quantities in a memory.

It is a further an object of the invention to provide an improved lighting system, which at least alleviates the problems and disadvantages mentioned above. Thereto, the invention provides a lighting system comprising the sensing device according to the invention and a lighting device for illuminating the animal. Thereby, advantages and/or embodiments applying to the sensing device according to the invention may mutatis mutandis apply to said lighting system according to the invention.

In an embodiment, the lighting device may comprise a housing, wherein the sensing device may be arranged within said housing. Thus, the sensing device and the lighting device may be assembled within a same housing, thereby forming a single body.

Such an embodiment is advantageous, as such a lighting system, e.g. mounted within e.g. a stable, may comprise both the sensing functionality as well as an actuation functionality (with the illumination). Hence, in an embodiment, the output signal may comprise a lighting command for controlling the lighting device. Moreover, in an embodiment, <x> the lighting device may be a plurality of luminaires. For example, the lighting system may comprise a plurality of luminaires served by (or controlled by) at least one sensing device.

In an embodiment, the lighting system may comprise a confinement for accommodating the animal, wherein the sensing device and the lighting device are arranged within said confinement. Said confinement may for example be room, a stable, a pen, a laying nest, a cage, a processing station, a container, an animal transportation vehicle, a carrier, or a box. The boundaries of said lighting system thereby include such a confinement. The lighting device illuminates the animal, since the animal is accommodated within said confinement. The lighting device and the sensing device may thereby be arranged within said confinement; for example, mounted on a ceiling of a stable, attached to a wall of a room, integrated within a door of a pen, attached to the floor of a box, or part of the interior of a vehicle.

Such an embodiment may be further elucidated by the confinement comprising a luring mechanism to lure the animal. This allows that the animal is always within the confinement, so as to perform the radar monitoring according to the invention of the sensing device and/or provide the illumination of the lighting device accordingly. The luring mechanism may partly be embodied by the lighting device comprising a light source, wherein a light source of the lighting device emits a light signal arranged for attracting or repelling the animal.

As partly and elaborately mentioned above, the sensing device according to the invention may be particularly suited for monitoring a physiological feature of a laying hen, for example to monitor the egg-laying cycle of said laying hen. The sensing device according to the invention may be advantageous to predict a disruption in the egg-laying sequence of a laying hen; or phrased differently, detect the onset of a stop in laying. Thereby, as mentioned, the output signal may be arranged for notifying other devices (or users) or controlling other devices to render countermeasures, e.g. by means of conveying control signals to actuators. Lighting may play an important role in this. For example, countermeasures may be taken by means of the lighting system according to the invention, which is comprising the lighting device for illuminating the animal (i.e. the laying hen) and the sensing device according to the invention.

As mentioned before, it is known by farmers that increasing the length of day with an artificial light source has a positive effect on laying. Tuning the periodicity of light in a stable may optimize the laying sequence and resulting productivity of laying hens.

Hence, in an embodiment, the lighting system may comprise the sensing device according to the invention (particularly the embodiment of the sensing device dedicated to determine, based on said data, a condition in which the ovarian system of said laying hen is developing ova less than a predefined number of ova); wherein the output signal comprises a lighting command for controlling the lighting device to increase a photo-period, to increase a light intensity, to adapt a light spectrum, to adapt a circadian rhythm, or to adapt a light recipe. These light actuations may be a positive stimulus to the laying hen to resume or extend the egg-laying cycle.

Thus, the lighting command may comprise: moving to an increased ratio of light versus dark periods, as it is known that longer light periods keep the birds in laying modus; or provide a modified light spectrum that is indicative of (or resembles more) summer conditions, such as an increased light intensity, summer spectra or warmer light temperatures, because hens typically go into molting or rest period during winter; or provide a correction on the day-night cycle (or activity-rest cycle) of such laying hens, which changes the periodicity of the daily rhythm of such laying hens and brings the laying hens back to e.g. a day or a activity stage.

It is a further an object of the invention to provide an improved method of monitoring a physiological feature of an animal, which at least alleviates the problems and disadvantages mentioned above. Thereto, the invention provides a method of monitoring a physiological feature of an animal, wherein the method comprises: transmitting an ultra- wideband radar signal comprising a frequency of at least 800 MHz towards the animal; receiving a reflected radar signal resulting from the ultra-wideband radar signal at least partly reflecting from said physiological feature; processing the reflected radar signal into data indicative of the physiological feature, and outputting an output signal based on said data. Thereby, advantages and/or embodiments applying to the control system according to the invention may mutatis mutandis apply to said method according to the invention.

In an embodiment, the animal is a laying hen, wherein the physiological feature is the ovarian system of said laying hen, and wherein the sensing device is arranged to monitor the egg-laying cycle of said laying hen; wherein the method comprises: determining, based on said data, a condition in which the ovarian system of said laying hen is developing ova less than a predefined number of ova; outputting said control signal upon determining said condition.

In an alternative embodiment, mutatis mutandis to respective embodiments of the sensing device above, wherein the physiological feature is a body tissue of the animal, wherein the method comprises: determining, based on said data, a hydration level of the body tissue of the animal; outputting said output signal upon determining said hydration level.

In an alternative aspect of the invention, mutatis mutandis to respective embodiments of the sensing device above, wherein the physiological feature is an udder of the animal, wherein the method comprises: determining, based on said data, a milk content in the udder of the animal; outputting said control signal upon determining said milk content. In an alternative embodiment, mutatis mutandis to respective embodiments of the sensing device above, wherein the physiological feature is a body tissue of the animal, wherein the method comprises: determining, based on said data, a fat layer thickness of the body tissue of the animal; outputting said output signal upon determining said fat layer thickness.

In an alternative aspect of the invention, mutatis mutandis to respective embodiments of the sensing device above, wherein the physiological feature is a fur or feather pack of the animal, wherein the method comprises: determining, based on said data, respectively a fur thickness of the animal or a feather pack thickness; outputting said control signal upon determining respectively said fur thickness of the animal or said feather pack thickness of the animal.

In a further embodiment, wherein the output signal comprises a lighting command, wherein the method comprises: controlling a lighting device to increase a photo period, to increase a light intensity, to adapt a light spectrum, to adapt a circadian rhythm, or to adapt a light recipe.

The invention further relates to a computer program product. Hence, the invention provides <x> a computer program product for a computing device, the computer program product comprising computer program code to perform a method according to the invention when the computer program product is run on a processing unit of the computing device.

Thus, aspects of the invention may be implemented in a computer program product, which may be a collection of computer program instructions stored on a computer readable storage device which may be executed by a computer. The instructions of the present invention may be in any interpretable or executable code mechanism, including but not limited to scripts, interpretable programs, dynamic link libraries (DLLs) or Java classes. The instructions can be provided as complete executable programs, partial executable programs, as modifications to existing programs (e.g. updates) or extensions for existing programs (e.g. plugins). Moreover, parts of the processing of the present invention may be distributed over multiple computers or processors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further elucidated by means of the schematic non limiting drawings:

Fig. 1 depicts schematically an ovarian system of a laying hen; Fig. 2 depicts schematically an embodiment of a lighting system according to the invention;

Fig. 3 depicts schematically an embodiment of a sensing device according to the invention;

Fig. 4 depicts schematically an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

As partly mentioned before: It may be valuable to find new solutions in the remote application of ultra-wideband radar in agriculture and husbandry, so as to measure various properties of livestock. Furthermore, it is an ongoing trend within agriculture and/or husbandry to equip a stable with more sensing capabilities, so as to manage conditions within the stable. It may thus be an objective to find new solutions for sensing within a stable and manage such a stable accordingly.

The present application provides an improved sensing device arranged for remotely monitoring a physiological feature of an animal with ultra-wideband radar, and an improved lighting system comprising said sensing device. The application of the present invention is thereby advantageous in stables, wherein remote and unobtrusive sensing is increasingly desired. The sensing device, and lighting system, according to the invention may be particularly suited for monitoring a physiological feature of a laying hen. Moreover, the invention may also be particularly suited for monitoring various parameters of an animals body tissue, fur and/or feather pack; such as respectively hydration level, fat layer thickness, milk content, feather pack thickness, fur thickness, etc.

The present invention will now be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplifying embodiments of the present invention are shown. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments of the present invention set forth herein; rather, these embodiments of the present invention are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

As partly mentioned before, the sensing device according to the invention may be particularly suited for monitoring the egg-laying cycle of a laying hen 90. Figure 1 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, an ovarian system 1 of a laying hen 90. The ovarian system 1 comprises an ovary 2 and an oviduct 4. Ova 5 (yolks) develop in the ovary 2. When an ovum 5 (i.e. singular of ova) has matured, it is released from the ovary 2 into the oviduct 4. This release of the ovum 5 is ovulation. Subsequently, glands in the oviduct 4 secrete substances that form other parts of the developing egg 3, such as the albumen (egg white) and the shell. The total time to transform a yolk into a fully developed egg 3 and to lay that particular egg 3 takes about twenty five to twenty six hours for a laying hen 90. Typically, about thirty to seventy five minutes after such a laying hen 90 lays an egg 3, the ovary 2 releases the next ovum 5. The productivity of the ovary system 1 of figure 1 is thereby high.

As partly mentioned before, laying hens may enter a state of molting, in which the feathers are replaced and reproductive organs rest. Therefore, during this state, a laying hen may not lay eggs, which is a clear economic disadvantage to egg producers (as the laying hens become less useful). In industrial environments, such as a chicken stable having thousands of laying hens, it is difficult to track the laying sequence of laying hens and optimize productivity. Therefore, nowadays, disruptions in laying are observed by a decrease in the number of eggs per day for the overall flock of laying hens. Observing such a disruption implies that it may already be too late to intervene (for maintaining the productivity). This is a clear disadvantage in egg production.

Hence, it is an object of the invention to alleviate these problems and disadvantages. Thereto, as mentioned, the sensing device and/or lighting system according to the invention may be particularly advantageous in monitoring the egg-laying cycle of a laying hen.

Figure 2 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, an embodiment of a lighting system 100 according to the invention. The lighting system 100 comprises a sensing device 10 and a lighting device 20. The sensing device 10 and the lighting device 20 are operationally coupled via a wired communication channel, but alternatively may be operationally coupled via known modes of wireless communication. The lighting system 100 is installed in a space accommodating a laying hen 30. The sensing device 10 is arranged remote from the laying hen 30. The lighting device 20 illuminates the laying hen 30 with a light recipe 21. Alternatively, the lighting device may be turned off until a further control command is received, e.g. from the sensing device.

The sensing device 10 and the lighting device 20 are thus embodied as separate devices. The lighting device 20 and/or the sensing device 10 may be installed in e.g. a ceiling element of such a space, whereas the laying hen walks on a floor of such a space. Such a space may for example be a stable, cage or pen. Yet alternatively, the lighting device may comprise a housing, wherein the sensing device is accommodated (or arranged) within said housing. Hence, embodied as a single device, such as for example a luminaire with sensing capability. Yet alternatively, the lighting system may comprise a confinement, such as a cage, enclosure or pen, for accommodating the laying hen, wherein the sensing device and the lighting device are arranged within said confinement. For example, the lighting device and the sensing device are mounted in a ceiling panel of the cage, enclosure or pen.

The laying hen 30 comprises a physiological feature 31. The physiological feature 31 is the ovarian system 31 of said laying hen 30. The sensing device 10 is arranged for monitoring a physiological feature of an animal. More specifically: The sensing device 10 is arranged to monitor the egg-laying cycle of said laying hen 30.

Here, the laying hen 30 is experiencing a stage in which the ovarian system 31 comprises an ovary 32 increasingly developing less ova. The laying hen 30 is developing towards entering a state of molting. Alternatively, the laying hen may experience a disease or infection, causing a drop in developing ova. This indicates that the laying hen 30 is on the onset of an undesired disruption in egg-laying.

The sensing device 10 comprises a transmitter 11, a receiver 12, and a controller 13, all operatively coupled within the sensing device 10. The transmitter 11 transmits an ultra-wideband radar signal 14 comprising a frequency of at least 800 MHz towards the laying hen 30. The controller 13 may for example control the transmitter 11 to transmit said radar signal 14. The ultra-wideband radar signal 14 reflects at least partly from the ovarian system 31 of the laying hen 30, in particularly from the ovary 32 of the laying hen 30, and results in a reflected radar signal 15. The receiver 12 subsequently receives the reflected radar signal 15. The controller 13 is thereby configured to process the reflected radar signal 15 into data indicative of the ovary 32 of the laying hen 30.

Still referring to figure 2, considering the current state of the laying hen 30, the controller 13 determines a condition in which the ovarian system 31 of the laying hen 30 is developing ova less than a predefined number of ova. The predefined number of ova is prestored in the controller. Alternatively, the controller may be configured to obtain a predefined number of ova from a user input device or management system. Upon determining said condition that the ovarian system 31 of the laying hen 30 is developing ova less than the predefined number of ova, the controller 13 outputs an output signal 16.

Here, the output signal 16 is a control signal, i.e. the output signal 16 comprises a lighting command for controlling the lighting device 20. Said output signal may alternatively be a control signal for another device, or a notification signal, or an alarm signal. The latter two signals may be advantageous in providing insight or warning in the (near future) egg-laying productivity of the laying hen(s). Thereby, said lighting command controls the lighting device 20 to increase a photo-period and increase light intensity of e.g. the light recipe 21 that is being provided. This means that the lighting device 20 renders an increased period of time per day in which artificial lighting is provided by the lighting device 10, and the provided lighting is thereby of a higher intensity. This is advantageous, because increasing the length of day with an artificial light source has a positive effect on laying, and tuning the periodicity of light in a stable may optimize the laying sequence and resulting productivity of laying hens. Alternatively, and/or additionally, the output signal may comprise a lighting command for controlling the lighting device to adapt a light spectrum or recipe to more summer conditions (as is readily derivable from literature), or change the circadian rhythm of a light recipe.

All in all, the embodiment depicted in figure 2 is advantageous, because the sensing device 10 remotely monitors an egg-laying cycle of a laying hen 30 by monitoring its ovarian system 31 with the ultra-wideband radar signals 14, 15 according to the invention. This provides clear insights on the egg-laying sequence for next periods to come. The oncoming disruption in the (egg laying) productivity of the laying hen 30 is thereby determined before the problem of a decrease or stop in egg laying manifests itself in the actual egg yield. Because the sensing device 10 is subsequently conveying control commands to the lighting device 20 to counteract the oncoming disruption with illumination mentioned above. Hence, the present invention provides egg producers with a technical means to improve their productivity and flexibility in producing.

Figure 3 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, an embodiment of a sensing device 200 according to the invention. The sensing device 200 is arranged for monitoring a physiological feature of a pig 60. The pig 60 comprises body tissue (not referred to), such as muscles and fat. The physiological feature is the body tissue of the pig. The sensing device 200 is hence arranged for monitoring the body tissue of the pig 60. The body tissue of the pig 60 is e.g. characterized by muscles and a fat layer thickness 61.

The sensing device 200 comprises a transmitter 41, a receiver 42, a transceiver 46, and a controller 43, all operatively coupled within the sensing device 200. The transmitter 41 transmits an ultra-wideband radar signal 44 comprising a frequency of at least 800 MHz towards the pig 60. The controller 43 may for example control the transmitter 41 to transmit said radar signal 44. The ultra-wideband radar signal 44 reflects at least partly from the body tissue of the pig 60, and results in a reflected radar signal 45. The receiver 42 subsequently receives the reflected radar signal 45. The controller 43 is thereby configured to process the reflected radar signal 45 into data indicative of body tissue of the pig 60. The controller 43 then determines the fat layer thickness 61 of the body tissue of the pig 60 based on said data.

Still referring to figure 3, the controller 43 outputs two output signals 47, 48 via the transceiver 46. Here, the transceiver 46 is a Bluetooth transceiver, but may alternatively be any other wireless communication modality such as Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, VLC, RF, IR, ZigBee, Lo-Ra, or NFC, or RFID. The first output signal 47 is a storage signal comprising said data. The first output signal 47 is sent to a smartphone 70 (a user device) and stored in a database (such as of an app) of the smartphone 70. This allows the user associated with the smartphone 70 (such as the farmer) to keep track of stored data on the body tissue of the pig 60, more specifically the fat layer thickness 61. Alternatively, said first output signal 47 may be a notification signal or alarm signal sent to the smartphone (or yet alternatively to any other user device). Such a notification signal may notify the user of the smartphone with the fat layer thickness of the pig, or alarm if a fat layer thickness is too high or low. Alternatively, said smartphone may be a stable management system, or a building management system.

The second output signal 48 is sent to a lighting device 50 having wireless connectivity. The lighting device 50 is a (e.g. pixilated) spotlight. The lighting device 50 is arranged to illuminate the pig 60. The second output signal 48 is a control signal comprising a lighting command for controlling the lighting device 50 to emit a visual cue 51. The visual cue 51 may be to indicate a location of the pig 60 or to indicate a desire to harvest said pig 60. A controller of the lighting device 50 may thereby receive said second output signal 48 comprising said data on the fat layer thickness, and perform an evaluation whether the fat layer thickness has reached a desired thickness, and control the lighting device 50 based thereon.

Alternatively, said lighting device may be controlled by the second output signal to adapt a growth light recipe of the pig based on the fat layer thickness. This provides an automated arrangement in which the fat layer thickness of the pig is provided to the lighting device, which autonomously based on internal processing upon receiving said second output signal comprising the data on fat layer thickness, and in which subsequently a growth light recipe is adapted to tune the light output of the lighting device towards either promoting or discouraging said fat layer thickness of the pig.

In other embodiments, not depicted, but partly similar to the embodiment depicted in figure 3; the controller determines, based on said data, a hydration level of the body tissue of the animal; output said output signal upon determining said hydration level; or the controller determines, based on said data, a milk content in an udder of the animal; output said output signal upon determining said milk content; or the controller determines, based on said data, respectively a fur thickness of the animal or a feather pack thickness of the animal.

Figure 4 depicts schematically, by non-limiting example, an embodiment of a method 800 of monitoring a physiological feature of an animal. The method 800 may be performed by the sensing device and/or the lighting system, or computer program product according to the invention. The method 800 comprises a step 801 of transmitting an ultra- wideband radar signal comprising a frequency of at least eight hundred MHz towards the animal; and a step 802 receiving a reflected radar signal resulting from the ultra-wideband radar signal at least partly reflecting from said physiological feature. The method further comprises a step 803 of processing the reflected radar signal into data indicative of the physiological feature. The method 800 further comprises a step 804 of determining, based on said data, a condition in which an ovarian system of a laying hen is developing ova less than a predefined number of ova; and a step 805 of outputting an output signal upon determining said condition. Here the output signal comprises a lighting command, such that the method 800 comprises a step 806 of controlling a lighting device to increase a photo-period, to increase a light intensity, to adapt a light spectrum, to adapt a circadian rhythm, or to adapt a light recipe.

In an alternative embodiment (not depicted), the physiological feature is a body tissue of the animal, wherein the method comprises: determining, based on said data, a hydration level of the body tissue of the animal; outputting said output signal upon determining said hydration level. In an alternative embodiment (not depicted), the physiological feature is an udder of the animal, wherein the method comprises: determining, based on said data, a milk content in the udder of the animal; outputting said control signal upon determining said milk content .In an alternative embodiment (not depicted), the physiological feature is a body tissue of the animal, wherein the method comprises: determining, based on said data, a fat layer thickness of the body tissue of the animal; outputting said output signal upon determining said fat layer thickness. In an alternative embodiment (not depicted), the physiological feature is a fur or feather pack of the animal, wherein the method comprises: determining, based on said data, respectively a fur thickness of the animal or a feather pack thickness; outputting said control signal upon determining respectively said fur thickness of the animal or said feather pack thickness of the animal.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A sensing device for monitoring an internal physiological feature of an animal, the sensing device being arranged remote from the animal, wherein the sensing device comprises:

- a transmitter configured to transmit an ultra-wideband radar signal comprising a frequency of at least 800 MHz towards the animal;

- a receiver configured to receive a reflected radar signal resulting from the ultra-wideband radar signal at least partly reflecting from said internal physiological feature;

- a controller configured to process the reflected radar signal into data indicative of the internal physiological feature, and to output an output signal based on said data.

2. The sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the animal is a laying hen, wherein the internal physiological feature is the ovarian system of said laying hen; and wherein the sensing device is arranged to monitor the egg-laying cycle of said laying hen.

3. The sensing device according to claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to:

- determine, based on said data, a condition in which the ovarian system of said laying hen is developing ova less than a predefined number of ova;

- output said output signal upon determining said condition.

4. The sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the internal physiological feature is a gonad of the animal, wherein the controller is configured to:

- determine, based on said data, a size of the gonad of the animal;

- output said output signal upon determining said size.

5. The sensing device according to claim 4, wherein the animal is a bird.

6. The sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the internal physiological feature is a body tissue of the animal, wherein the controller is configured to:

- determine, based on said data, a hydration level of the body tissue of the animal;

- output said output signal upon determining said hydration level.

7. The sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the internal physiological feature is a body tissue of the animal, wherein the controller is configured to:

- determine a fat layer thickness of the body tissue of the animal based on said data;

- output said output signal upon determining said fat layer thickness.

8. The sensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the output signal comprises a lighting command for controlling a lighting device.

9. The sensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the output signal comprises a notification for notifying a user device and/or a stable management system.

10. A lighting system comprising the sensing device according to any one of the preceding claims and a lighting device for illuminating the animal.

11. The lighting system according to claim 10, wherein the lighting device comprises a housing, wherein the sensing device is arranged within said housing.

12. The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims 10-11, wherein the output signal comprises a lighting command for controlling the lighting device.

13. The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims 10-11, wherein the lighting system comprises the sensing device according to claim 3-5; wherein the output signal comprises a lighting command for controlling the lighting device to increase a photo-period, to increase a light intensity, to adapt a light spectrum, to adapt a circadian rhythm, or to adapt a light recipe.

14. The lighting system according to any one of the preceding claims 10-13, wherein the lighting system comprises a confinement for accommodating the animal, wherein the sensing device and the lighting device are arranged within said confinement.

15. A method of monitoring an internal physiological feature of an animal, wherein the method comprises:

- transmitting an ultra-wideband radar signal comprising a frequency of at least 800 MHz towards the animal;

- receiving a reflected radar signal resulting from the ultra-wideband radar signal at least partly reflecting from said internal physiological feature;

- processing the reflected radar signal into data indicative of the internal physiological feature, and outputting an output signal based on said data.