WO2022003808A1

WO2022003808A1 - Livestock barn management system

Info

Publication number: WO2022003808A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/025624
Authority: WO
Inventors: 功四方
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2020-06-30
Filing date: 2020-06-30
Publication date: 2022-01-06
Also published as: JPWO2022003808A1; JP7341344B2

Abstract

This livestock barn management system (10) manages airflow volume in a livestock barn (11) having a rearing region (70) where livestock animals (21) are to be raised, said system being provided with blowers (32) and a first control device. The blowers (32) are respectively disposed in a plurality of areas obtained by dividing the rearing region (70), where the livestock animals (21) are allowed to move from one area to another. The first control device performs control on the operation of the blowers (32). The first control device controls the operation the blowers (32) such that at least two of the areas have mutually different volumes of airflow.

Description

Barn management system

This disclosure relates to a barn management system that controls the amount of air blown that is comfortable for livestock in the barn.

It is known that by blowing the wind from the blower to the livestock in the summer, it has the effect of cooling the livestock. Due to the progress of global warming in recent years, it has become important for livestock, which are birds and beasts raised by humans, to be cooled by blowing air, and the areas that require cooling by blowing air are moving northward and expanding. However, there is a problem that if the livestock is exposed to the wind too much, the livestock will get sick. In addition, most farmers who raise livestock operate the blower based on their experience based on the behavior of livestock. In other words, in the past, it was not considered to know in real time how much air volume environment is optimal for livestock, and to perform optimal air volume control for livestock in each breeding environment.

Patent Document 1 controls the rotation speed of a plurality of blowers provided in the barn based on information including the position of the livestock in the barn and the average value of the body temperature of the livestock existing in the barn. A technique for selecting a blower and controlling the rotation speed of the selected blower is disclosed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-216718

However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is difficult to provide a comfortable environment for all livestock in the barn. For example, when the position of a livestock with a high body temperature is close to the position of a livestock with a low body temperature, if the rotation speed of the blower is controlled according to the livestock with a high body temperature, the wind will hit too much for the livestock with a low body temperature. You may get sick. Therefore, there has been a demand for a technique capable of providing an environment in the barn so that each livestock in the barn feels comfortable.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to obtain a barn management system capable of providing livestock with an environment in which each livestock in the barn feels comfortable.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the barn management system of the present disclosure is a barn management system that manages the air volume in a barn having a breeding area where livestock are bred, and is a blower and a first control. It is equipped with a device. The blower is a plurality of areas in which the breeding area is divided, and is arranged in each of the plurality of areas where livestock can move to each other. The first control device controls the operation of the blower. The first control device controls the operation of the blower so that the air volumes in at least two of the plurality of areas are different from each other.

The barn management system according to this disclosure has the effect of being able to provide livestock with an environment in which each livestock in the barn feels comfortable.

The figure which shows typically an example of the structure of the barn management system by Embodiment 1. Top view showing an example of the breeding area in the barn management system according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows typically an example of the blast control in the barn management system according to Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the other example of the structure of the barn management system according to Embodiment 1. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the barn management method according to the first embodiment. A flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the barn management method according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows typically an example of the structure of the barn management system by Embodiment 2. The figure which shows an example of the breeding area in the barn management system by Embodiment 2. The figure which shows typically an example of the hardware composition which realizes the control apparatus by Embodiments 1 to 4.

The livestock barn management system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below based on the drawings.

Embodiment 1.
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of the barn management system according to the first embodiment. The barn management system 10 is provided in the barn 11 in which the livestock 21 is bred, for example. An example of livestock 21 is a pig, cow, sheep, dog, cat or chicken. The barn 11 includes a floor 12, a side wall 13, a ceiling 14, and a fence 15. In this example, the livestock 21 is bred in the breeding area 70 which is the area surrounded by the fence 15 or the area surrounded by the fence 15 and the side wall 13.

The barn management system 10 includes an infrared sensor 31, a blower 32, and a control device 50. The infrared sensor 31 and the control device 50, and the blower 32 and the control device 50 are communicably connected via wiring or a network 40. The network 40 may be wired or wireless. Further, the network 40 may include an internet line. As a result, data is exchanged between the infrared sensor 31 and the control device 50, and between the blower 32 and the control device 50 via wiring or the network 40. Further, by connecting the barn 11 and the control device 50 via the network 40, it is possible to control the blower 32 in the barn 11 from a position physically distant from the barn 11.

The infrared sensor 31 is an example of a livestock number detection unit that is installed in the livestock barn 11 and detects the number of livestock 21. The infrared sensor 31 detects the temperature of an object existing in the breeding area 70. In the example of FIG. 1, the infrared sensor 31 is installed on the ceiling 14 of the barn 11.

The infrared sensor 31 includes a detection unit 311 which is a sensor for detecting the surface temperature of the livestock 21 and a cylindrical holding unit 312 for holding the detection unit 311. The detection unit 311 is arranged parallel to the cylindrical axis which is the central axis of the cylindrical holding unit 312, and the detection unit 311 detects a linear range parallel to the cylindrical axis. The holding portion 312 is rotatable about a cylindrical axis. By rotating the holding unit 312, the detection unit 311 can detect a planar range.

The infrared sensor 31 scans a predetermined area of the barn 11, measures the temperature of an object existing in the scanned breeding area 70, and outputs the measurement result to the control device 50. Although the example in which the infrared sensor 31 is installed on the ceiling 14 is shown here, it may be installed on the side wall 13 or the fence 15 as long as the breeding area 70 can be detected.

The blower 32 is a device that sends wind to the livestock 21 in the breeding area 70. In the example of FIG. 1, the blower 32 is installed on the fence 15. However, the blower 32 may be installed on the side wall 13 or the ceiling 14 instead of the fence 15.

In the first embodiment, the breeding area 70 is divided into a plurality of virtual areas. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a breeding area in the barn management system according to the first embodiment. In the example of FIG. 2, the breeding area 70 is divided into three

areas

71A, 71B, 71C. The rearing area 70 is large enough for one or one livestock 21 and has a movable area. In the breeding area 70, one or more or one or more livestock 21 are bred. The plurality of

areas

71A, 71B, and 71C are virtual areas, and there is no boundary that physically separates the areas. Therefore, the livestock 21 can freely cross not only within each

area

71A, 71B, 71C but also between

areas

71A, 71B, 71C.

Since the infrared sensor 31 and the blower 32 are provided for each

area

71A, 71B, 71C, the barn management system 10 includes a plurality of

infrared sensors

31A, 31B, 31C and a plurality of

blowers

32A, 32B, 32C. That is, the infrared sensor 31A and the blower 32A are arranged in the area 71A, the infrared sensor 31B and the blower 32B are arranged in the area 71B, and the infrared sensor 31C and the blower 32C are arranged in the area 71C. .. In the example of FIG. 2, each of the

infrared sensors

31A, 31B, 31C is provided on the ceiling 14 corresponding to the central portion of the

respective areas

71A, 71B, 71C, and each of the

blowers

32A, 32B, 32C is provided in each area. It is provided on the fence 15 of 71A, 71B, 71C. In the

infrared sensors

31A, 31B, and 31C, the holding unit 312 rotates so that the

entire areas

71A, 71B, and 71C can be detected by the detection unit 311, respectively. In addition, two or

more blowers

32A, 32B, 32C may be provided in each

area

71A, 71B, 71C.

Area 71A is an area where the air volume is mainly controlled by the blower 32A, area 71B is an area where the air volume is mainly controlled by the blower 32B, and area 71C is an area where the air volume is mainly controlled by the blower 32C. It is an area. That is, the

areas

71A, 71B, and 71C are areas that virtually divide the areas where the air volume is mainly controlled by the

blowers

32A, 32B, and 32C, respectively. In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish the

infrared sensors

31A, 31B and 31C, it is referred to as an infrared sensor 31, and when it is not necessary to distinguish the

blowers

32A, 32B and 32C, it is referred to as a blower 32. , When it is not necessary to distinguish the

areas

71A, 71B and 71C, it is described as the area 71.

Returning to FIG. 1, the control device 50 processes the input data from the infrared sensor 31, calculates the number of livestock 21 existing in each area 71, and controls the operation of the blower 32 based on the number of livestock 21. The control device 50 includes an input data processing unit 51, a livestock number calculation unit 52, and a drive control unit 53.

The input data processing unit 51 processes the input data which is the detection result from the infrared sensor 31, and in one example, generates a thermal image showing the temperature distribution for the detected area 71. The area scanned by each infrared sensor 31 corresponds to each area 71. That is, the thermal image obtained from each infrared sensor 31 can be associated with the captured area 71.

The livestock number calculation unit 52 calculates the number of livestock 21 existing in each area 71 from the thermal image of each area 71 generated by the input data processing unit 51. Normally, the floor 12 and the livestock 21 have different temperatures, so that they are displayed at different temperatures in the thermal image. Therefore, the livestock number calculation unit 52 can easily distinguish between the floor 12 and the livestock 21 in the detection area from the thermal image, so that the living body such as the livestock 21 can be easily detected. The livestock number calculation unit 52 outputs the area state information, which is the calculated number of livestock 21 in each area 71, to the drive control unit 53.

The drive control unit 53 controls the operation of the blower 32 provided in each area 71 based on the area state information. The drive control unit 53 controls the operation of the blower 32 so as to be in the first state in which the blowers 32 in at least two of the plurality of areas 71 in the breeding area 70 are operated with different air volumes. Further, the drive control unit 53 controls the air volume of the blower 32 based on the number of livestock 21 in each area 71 of the area state information. In one example, the drive control unit 53 operates the blower 32 so that the air volume in at least one area 71 of each area 71 is different from that in the first state, based on the number of livestock 21 in each area 71. The air volume of the blower 32 is controlled so as to be in the second state.

Here, the control of the air volume in the barn 11 by the control device 50 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of blower control in the barn management system according to the first embodiment. Here, as in FIG. 2, a case where the breeding area 70 is divided into three

areas

71A, 71B, and 71C will be taken as an example.

The drive control unit 53 of the control device 50 controls the operation of the blowers 32 arranged in each area 71 so that the amount of air blown is in the relationship of area 71A> area 71B> area 71C. In one example, the air volume of the blower 32 can be set in five stages from "0" to "5", and the larger the value, the larger the air volume. In the example of FIG. 3, the drive control unit 53 is in the first state where the air volume is "4" in the area 71A, the air volume is "3" in the area 71B, and the air volume is "2" in the area 71C. In addition, the operation of the blower 32 is controlled. That is, in the breeding area 70, areas 71 having different air volumes exist at the same time.

In the breeding area 70, a plurality of livestock 21 such as pigs are bred, and within the breeding area 70, the livestock 21 can move between the areas 71. In addition, the livestock 21 is an organism that can feel a hot area or a cool area by moving in the breeding area 70 and can act autonomously by learning. That is, the livestock 21 is an animal that can move to an area 71 that is cooler than the present when it feels hot, and can move to an area 71 that is hotter than the present when it feels cold. be.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the breeding area 70, it is desirable that the air volume of each area 71 is set so that the air volume gradually decreases or increases along the direction in which the areas 71 are arranged. By doing so, the livestock 21 can learn in which direction the air volume decreases or increases.

Here, an example is taken when the livestock 21 feels hot due to factors such as an increase in the outside air temperature. In such a case, the livestock 21 instinctively moves to a

cooler area

71A or 71B with a large air volume. As a result, the number of livestock 21 existing in the area 71C is reduced, or the livestock 21 disappears. Such a state is detected by the livestock number calculation unit 52 by analyzing the thermal image obtained from the input data from the infrared sensor 31 that scans each area 71.

In one example, the drive control unit 53 causes the livestock 21 to heat up when the number of livestock 21 in the area 71C having the smallest air volume continues to be smaller than the predetermined comparison reference value for a predetermined period. Judge that you are feeling. Then, the drive control unit 53 controls to raise the air volume of each area 71 in the breeding area 70 by one step. In this case, the drive control unit 53 raises the air volume in the area 71A to "5", raises the air volume in the area 71B to "4", and raises the air volume in the area 71C to "3". , Control the operation of the blower 32. That is, as described above, the blower 32 is operated so that the air volume of at least one of the plurality of areas 71 is different from the state at the time of the previous air volume control, in this case, the first state. There is.

Further, when the number of livestock 21 in the area 71C is larger than the comparison reference value, or when the number of livestock 21 in the area 71C is smaller than the comparison reference value does not continue for a predetermined period, the livestock 21 determines that he does not feel the heat. When the number of livestock 21 in the area 71C is the same as the comparison reference value, it may be determined that the livestock 21 feels the heat, or it may be determined that the livestock 21 does not feel the heat. ..

On the other hand, the case where the livestock 21 feels cool due to factors such as a decrease in the outside air temperature from the state where the air volume is increased by one step is taken as an example. In such a case, the livestock 21 instinctively moves to a

warmer area

71B or 71C with a smaller air volume, contrary to the case where the livestock 21 feels hot. As a result, the number of livestock 21 existing in the area 71A decreases, or the livestock 21 disappears. Such a state is detected by the livestock number calculation unit 52 by analyzing the thermal image obtained from the input data from the infrared sensor 31 that scans each area 71.

In one example, the drive control unit 53 feels cool when the number of livestock 21 in the area 71A having the maximum air volume is smaller than the comparison reference value for a predetermined period of time. That is, it is judged that the heat is not felt. Then, the drive control unit 53 controls to reduce the air volume of each area 71 in the breeding area 70 by one step. In this case, the drive control unit 53 lowers the air volume in the area 71A to "4", lowers the air volume in the area 71B to "3", and lowers the air volume in the area 71C to "2". , Control the operation of the blower 32. Again, as described above, the blower 32 is operated so that the air volume in at least one of the plurality of areas 71 is different from the state at the time when the air volume control was performed last time.

Further, if the number of livestock 21 in the area 71A is larger than the comparison reference value, or if the number of livestock 21 in the area 71A is less than the comparison reference value does not continue for a predetermined period, the livestock 21 determines that he does not feel cool. When the number of livestock 21 in the area 71A is the same as the comparison reference value, it may be determined that the livestock 21 feels cool or does not feel cool. ..

As described above, in the above example, when the number of livestock 21 in the area 71 on the low air volume side is smaller than the comparison reference value, the drive control unit 53 raises the air volume in each area 71 of the breeding area 70 by one step. .. Further, when the number of livestock 21 in the area 71 on the high air volume side is smaller than the comparison reference value, the drive control unit 53 lowers the air volume in each area 71 of the breeding area 70 by one step. By repeatedly performing such control, it is possible to realize a breeding area 70 that maintains an optimum air volume environment in real time. In this case, when a plurality of areas 71 that divide the breeding area 70 are arranged in a certain direction, the air volume increases or decreases from the area 71 at one end to the area 71 at the other end in a certain direction. It is desirable to control the operation of the blower 32 in each area 71.

In the above example, the case where the air volume is controlled by using the number of livestock 21 in each area 71 is shown, but at least the number of livestock 21 in the area 71A having the maximum air volume and the area 71C having the minimum air volume is used. Anything may be used as long as the air volume is controlled using the indicated index. An example of an index showing the number of livestock 21 is the ratio of the number of livestock 21 in each area 71, the average value of the livestock 21 in each area 71 in a predetermined period, or the area 71A having the maximum air volume and the air volume. The number of livestock 21 in the smallest area 71C can be used.

In one example, when the number of livestock 21 is large, the drive control unit 53 may control the air volume of each area 71 in the breeding area 70 by determining the ratio of the number of livestock 21 in each area 71. ..

Further, in the livestock 21 that moves rapidly, the average value of the number of livestock 21 in each area 71 in a certain time may be obtained, and the air volume may be controlled based on the average value.

Further, when the number of livestock 21 in the entire breeding area 70 is known, the infrared sensor 31 may be provided only in the area 71A having the maximum air volume and the area 71C having the minimum air volume. Then, the drive control unit 53 can also control the air volume by using only the detection results from the area 71A having the maximum air volume and the area 71C having the minimum air volume.

In addition, it is desirable that the livestock 21 learns from the state where the livestock 21 instinctively moves while searching for a favorable environment, and can move without searching for a favorable environment. Therefore, in order to further improve the learning effect, the range in which the livestock 21 can be seen in each area 71 may be colored. In one example, the floor 12, the side wall 13 of the area 71A, the wall and the fence 15 may be colored with a cool color, and the floor 12, the wall and the fence 15 of the area 71C may be colored with a warm color. good. By doing so, the learning effect on the air volume of the livestock 21 is improved, and when the livestock 21 feels hot, it moves to the cold color area 71A, and when it feels cold, it moves to the warm color area 71C. You will be able to move to. The color is not limited to the warm color and the cold color, and any color can be used.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing another example of the configuration of the barn management system according to the first embodiment. The barn management system 10 of FIG. 4 shows a case where the barn 11 is an open type barn 11A without a side wall 13. In the open type livestock barn 11A, there is no side wall 13, and the ceiling 14 has a structure supported by pillars 16 erected on the floor 12. As described above, in the case of the open type livestock barn 11A, the change in the outside air temperature is important. Therefore, the barn management system 10 further includes an outside air temperature measuring unit 33 for measuring the outside air temperature outside the open barn 11A. The outside air temperature measuring unit 33 is connected to the control device 50 via the network 40. An example of the outside air temperature measuring unit 33 is a thermocouple and a resistance temperature measuring resistor. The outside air temperature measuring unit 33 outputs the detected air temperature to the control device 50.

The drive control unit 53 of the control device 50 is in addition to an index indicating the number of livestock 21 in the area 71 having the maximum air volume or the area 71 having the minimum air volume, especially at sunrise and sunset when the outside air temperature changes suddenly. The air volume of the blower 32 is controlled in consideration of the outside air temperature measured by the outside air temperature measuring unit 33. For example, when the outside air temperature rises sharply, the temperature inside the open-type livestock barn 11A is expected to rise after that, so that the air volume is controlled to increase. Further, when the outside air temperature drops sharply, the temperature inside the open-type livestock barn 11A is expected to drop after that, so that the air volume is controlled to be lowered. As a result, the optimum environment for the livestock 21 can be realized at an earlier timing. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the infrared sensor 31 rotates the holding unit 312 around the cylindrical axis to move the detection unit 311 so that the linear detection range of the detection unit 311 is in each area 71. I was trying to be. However, the infrared sensor 31 may be an infrared array sensor capable of detecting a planar range. In this case, the holding portion 312 does not necessarily have to be rotatable.

Further, the livestock number calculation unit 52 obtains the surface temperature of each livestock 21 included in the thermal image, and the absolute value of the difference between the surface temperature and the predetermined first set value is a predetermined second set value. If it is larger than the above, it may have a function of extracting the corresponding livestock 21 as a livestock 21 that may be out of order. In one example, the first set value is the average value of the surface temperature of the livestock 21. In this case, the livestock number calculation unit 52 may obtain the average temperature, which is the average value of the surface temperature of the livestock 21, and use it as the first set value. Further, even if the livestock number calculation unit 52 has a function of extracting livestock 21 having a difference between the surface temperature and the average temperature higher than the second set value as livestock 21 which may be out of order. good. In this case, the position of the livestock 21 which may be out of order can be obtained from the thermal image. Further, the livestock number calculation unit 52 may notify the manager who manages the

barns

11, 11A, for example, of an alarm indicating that the livestock 21 which may be out of order exists. This makes it possible to detect livestock 21 that may be out of order at an early stage.

Further, when there are a large number of livestock 21 in the area 71 as compared with the other areas 71, the drive control unit 53 changes the air volume according to the number of livestock 21 in the areas 71 having different air volumes. You may. In one example, if the number of livestock 21 in another area 71 that has a larger air volume than that of one area 71 is less than the predetermined ratio of the number of livestock 21 in one area 71, the other The air volume of the area 71 may be reduced so that the number of livestock 21 among the areas 71 becomes equal.

In addition, the air volume is particularly large near the blower 32 in each area 71, and the air volume decreases as the distance from the blower 32 increases. Therefore, by using the input data from the infrared sensor 31 to calculate the position of the livestock 21 in the area 71, that is, the distance of the livestock 21 from the blower 32, the feeling of heat by the livestock 21 is estimated. Can be done. Then, the feeling of heat by the livestock 21 can be used for controlling the air volume. In one example, the livestock number calculation unit 52 calculates the distance of the livestock 21 from the blower 32 from the thermal image, and the drive control unit 53 considers the feeling of heat by the livestock 21 from the distance of the livestock 21 from the blower 32. Then, the air volume is controlled. For example, when the distance of the livestock 21 from the blower 32 is large, it is possible to control the livestock 21 to lower the stage of the air volume, assuming that the livestock 21 does not feel the heat.

Next, the barn management method in the barn management system 10 will be described. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing an example of the procedure of the barn management method according to the first embodiment. First, the drive control unit 53 of the control device 50 controls the air volume of the blower 32 in each area 71 in the breeding area 70 according to a predetermined setting (step S11). At this time, the drive control unit 53 operates the blowers 32 in at least two areas 71 out of the plurality of areas 71 with different air volumes. In this example, the drive control unit 53 controls the operation of the blower 32 in each area 71 so that the air volumes in all the areas 71 are all different.

Next, the input data processing unit 51 of the control device 50 acquires the input data from the infrared sensor 31 of each area 71, processes the input data, and generates a thermal image of each area 71 (step S12). After that, the livestock number calculation unit 52 of the control device 50 calculates the number of livestock 21 existing in each area 71 from the thermal image (step S13). In the example of FIG. 2, the number of livestock 21 in the area 71A is calculated using the thermal image generated from the input data of the infrared sensor 31A. The number of livestock 21 in the area 71B is calculated using the thermal image generated from the input data of the infrared sensor 31B. The number of livestock 21 in the area 71C is calculated using the thermal image generated from the input data of the infrared sensor 31C.

Next, the drive control unit 53 determines whether the number of livestock 21 in the area 71 having the minimum air volume is smaller than the comparison reference value (step S14). The comparison reference value is appropriately set according to the type of livestock 21, the total number of livestock 21 in the breeding area 70, and the like. When the number of livestock 21 in the area 71 having the minimum air volume is smaller than the comparison reference value (Yes in step S14), the drive control unit 53 starts timing (step S15).

After that, the input data processing unit 51 acquires the input data from the infrared sensor 31 of each area 71, processes the input data, and generates a thermal image of each area 71 (step S16). Next, the livestock number calculation unit 52 calculates the number of livestock 21 existing in each area 71 from the thermal image (step S17). The drive control unit 53 determines whether the number of livestock 21 in the area 71 having the minimum air volume exceeds the comparison reference value (step S18). When the number of livestock 21 in the area 71 with the minimum air volume exceeds the comparison reference value (Yes in step S18), the drive control unit 53 ends the timekeeping (step S19) and processes to step S12. Is back.

When the number of livestock 21 in the area 71 with the minimum air volume does not exceed the comparison reference value (No in step S18), the drive control unit 53 elapses a predetermined period from the start of timekeeping. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S20). This determines whether the number of livestock 21 is continuously reduced beyond a predetermined period in order to exclude the case where the number of livestock 21 in the area 71 with the minimum air volume is accidentally reduced. It is a thing. The predetermined period varies depending on the type of livestock 21, but in one example, it can be 10 minutes. If a predetermined period has not elapsed since the start of timekeeping (No in step S20), the process returns to step S16.

When a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of timekeeping (yes in step S20), it is determined that many livestock 21 are feeling the heat, and the drive control unit 53 determines that all areas. Control is performed to raise the air volume of the blower 32 of 71 by one step (step S21). In the area 71 where the air volume of the blower 32 is at the maximum stage, the air volume is maintained at the maximum stage. After that, the process returns to step S12.

When the number of livestock 21 in the area 71 having the minimum air volume is not less than the comparison reference value (No in step S14), the drive control unit 53 determines the number of livestock 21 in the area 71 having the maximum air volume. Is less than the comparison reference value (step S22). When the number of livestock 21 in the area 71 having the maximum air volume is smaller than the comparison reference value (Yes in step S22), the drive control unit 53 starts timing (step S23).

After that, the input data processing unit 51 acquires the input data from the infrared sensor 31 of each area 71, processes the input data, and generates a thermal image of each area 71 (step S24). Next, the livestock number calculation unit 52 calculates the number of livestock 21 existing in each area 71 from the thermal image (step S25). The drive control unit 53 determines whether the number of livestock 21 in the area 71 having the maximum air volume exceeds the comparison reference value (step S26). When the number of livestock 21 in the area 71 with the minimum air volume exceeds the comparison reference value (Yes in step S26), the drive control unit 53 ends the timekeeping (step S27) and processes to step S12. Is back.

When the number of livestock 21 in the area 71 having the maximum air volume does not exceed the comparison reference value (No in step S26), the drive control unit 53 elapses a predetermined period from the start of timekeeping. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S28). If a predetermined period has not elapsed since the start of timekeeping (No in step S28), the process returns to step S24.

When a predetermined period has elapsed from the start of timekeeping (Yes in step S28), it is determined that many livestock 21 are feeling cool, and the drive control unit 53 determines that all areas are cool. Control is performed to reduce the air volume of the blower 32 of 71 by one step (step S29). In the area 71 where the air volume of the blower 32 is at the minimum stage, the air volume is maintained at the minimum stage. After that, the process returns to step S12.

When the number of livestock 21 in the area 71 having the maximum air volume in step S22 is not less than the comparison reference value (No in step S22), it is determined that many livestock 21 are satisfied with the current air volume. Then, the drive control unit 53 maintains the air volume of the blower 32 in each area 71 (step S30), and the process returns to step S12. Then, the above processing will be repeatedly executed.

In the first embodiment, a plurality of areas 71 having different airflow volumes through which the livestock 21 can come and go are prepared, the livestock 21 are bred in the areas 71, and the area 71 where the livestock 21 is located is monitored by the infrared sensor 31. If the number of livestock 21 in the area 71 with the minimum air flow is less than the predetermined number, it is determined that the livestock 21 feels hot, and the air volume of at least one or more areas 71 is increased, and vice versa. In addition, when the number of livestock 21 in the area 71 having the maximum air volume is less than the predetermined number, it is determined that the livestock 21 does not feel the heat, and the air volume of at least one area 71 is determined. I tried to lower it. As a result, even when the livestock 21 having a high body temperature and the livestock 21 having a low body temperature coexist, the livestock 21 moves to the area 71 having an air volume that the livestock 21 itself feels comfortable, so that it is possible to provide the area 71 that both feel comfortable. That is, it is possible to provide the livestock 21 with an environment in which each of the livestock 21 in the

barns

11 and 11A feels comfortable.

Note that some livestock 21 do not move sensitively. In the case of such livestock 21, it may be effective to lengthen the control time, which is the period during which the drive control unit 53 switches the air volume.

Embodiment 2.
In the first embodiment, an infrared sensor 31 is provided in each of the plurality of areas 71 provided in the breeding area 70, and the number of livestock 21 in each area 71 is calculated based on the input data from the infrared sensor 31 of each area 71. It was calculated. In the second embodiment, a case where the number of livestock 21 in each area 71 is calculated by detecting the position of the livestock 21 in the breeding area 70 will be described.

FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of the barn management system according to the second embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The barn management system 10 according to the second embodiment includes an infrared sensor 34 which is a position detection unit capable of detecting the position of the livestock 21 existing in the breeding area 70. That is, in the first embodiment, the infrared sensor 31 is provided for each area 71 in order to obtain the number of livestock 21 in each area 71, but in the second embodiment, the infrared sensor 34 is a breeding area 70. It is provided in. In one example, the infrared sensor 34 is installed on the ceiling 14 of the barn 11 corresponding to the central portion of the breeding area 70.

The infrared sensor 34 includes a detection unit 341, which is a sensor for detecting the surface temperature of the livestock 21, and a cylindrical holding unit 342 for holding the detection unit 341. The detection unit 341 is arranged parallel to the cylindrical axis, which is the central axis of the cylindrical holding unit 342, and the detection unit 341 detects a linear range parallel to the cylindrical axis. The holding portion 342 is rotatable about a cylindrical axis. By rotating the holding unit 342, the detection unit 341 can detect a planar range.

The infrared sensor 34 scans the breeding area 70, measures the temperature of the object existing in the scanned breeding area 70, and outputs the measurement result to the control device 50. Although the example in which the infrared sensor 34 is installed on the ceiling 14 is shown here, it may be installed on the side wall 13 or the fence 15 as long as the entire breeding area 70 can be detected.

The infrared sensor 34 rotates the holding unit 342 around the cylindrical axis to move the detection unit 341 so that the linear detection range of the detection unit 341 becomes the breeding area 70. However, the infrared sensor 34 may be an infrared array sensor capable of detecting a planar range. In this case, the holding portion 342 does not necessarily have to be rotatable.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a breeding area in the barn management system according to the second embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. In FIG. 8, one infrared sensor 34 is provided at the position of the ceiling 14 corresponding to the central portion of the breeding area 70. In the infrared sensor 34, the holding unit 342 rotates so that the entire breeding area 70 can be detected by the detecting unit 341.

Returning to FIG. 7, the control device 50 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, but the processing is different from that of the first embodiment. The input data processing unit 51 processes the input data from the infrared sensor 34 and generates a thermal image showing the temperature distribution over the entire breeding area 70.

The livestock number calculation unit 52 detects the position of the livestock 21 existing in the breeding area 70 from the thermal image. As described above, since the temperature of the floor 12 and the livestock 21 are different, the livestock number calculation unit 52 can detect the livestock 21 by the thermal image. Further, the scan range of the infrared sensor 34 is the breeding area 70, and by associating the position of the breeding area 70 with the thermal image, the livestock number calculation unit 52 may detect the livestock 21 in the thermal image in the breeding area 70. The position on the top can be calculated. Then, the livestock number calculation unit 52 calculates the number of livestock 21 existing in each

area

71A, 71B, 71C, and generates the area state information in which the number of livestock 21 is calculated for each of the

areas

71A, 71B, 71C.

The drive control unit 53 performs the processing in the same manner as in the first embodiment, but at this time, the number of livestock 21 in each

area

71A, 71B, 71C is used with reference to the area state information.

The barn management method in such a barn management system 10 is the same as that described in FIGS. 5 and 6 of the first embodiment. However, the following points are different from the first embodiment. In steps S12, S16, and S24, the input data processing unit 51 acquires the input data from the infrared sensor 34 and generates a thermal image of the breeding area 70. Further, in steps S13, S17, and S25, the livestock number calculation unit 52 obtains the position of each livestock 21 from the thermal image of the breeding area 70, and calculates the number of livestock 21 existing in each area 71.

In the above example, the breeding area 70 is detected by one infrared sensor 34, but the number of infrared sensors 34 is smaller than the number of areas 71 included in the breeding area 70. 34 may be arranged.

In the second embodiment, the number of infrared sensors 34 is smaller than the number of areas 71 included in the breeding area 70, and the control device 50 detects the position of the livestock 21 using the input data from the infrared sensor 34. Then, the number of livestock 21 existing in each area 71 was calculated. As a result, the number of infrared sensors 34 can be reduced as compared with the case of the first embodiment.

Embodiment 3.
In the first and second embodiments, the livestock 21 may repeatedly move between the areas 71 due to the air volume control. In this case, the drive control unit 53 of the control device 50 extends the air volume control cycle, which is a period for giving a control instruction to change the air volume of the blower 32 of each area 71, so that the livestock 21 between the areas 71 Movement can be eased. That is, the drive control unit 53 changes the next air volume after a predetermined period has elapsed from the time when the air volume is changed. The predetermined cycle may be any period as long as the livestock 21 can settle down without frequent movement, and in one example, it may be a one-hour cycle.

For example, it is assumed that the breeding area 70 is divided into two areas 71, an area A and an area B. At this time, it is assumed that the states shown in (1) to (3) below are repeated.
(1) When the air volume in the area A is "1" and the air volume in the area B is "2", the livestock 21 gather in the area B.
(2) The air volume of area A and area B is increased by one step, the air volume of area A is set to "2", and the air volume of area B is set to "3".
(3) When the air volume in area A is "2" and the air volume in area B is "3", the livestock 21 gather in area A.

In such a case, if the change cycle is shortened, the livestock 21 will always move. However, the movement of the livestock 21 can be mitigated by setting an appropriate change cycle, for example, every hour.

As another method, when the states shown in (1) to (3) are repeatedly generated, that is, when the livestock 21 gather in the area where the air volume is "2", the drive control unit 53 causes the livestock 21 to have an air volume. It may be determined that "2" is the optimum air volume, and the air volumes in areas A and B may be set to "2". In this case, it is desirable that the drive control unit 53 periodically changes the air volume to check whether the optimum air volume for the livestock 21 has changed.

In the third embodiment, when the livestock 21 repeatedly moves when the air volume in the area 71 is changed by the air volume control, the air volume control process is predetermined so that the livestock 21 does not move frequently. I tried to do it in a cycle. As a result, it is possible to obtain the effect that the movement of the livestock 21 between the areas 71 provided in the breeding area 70 can be alleviated.

Embodiment 4.
In the first and second embodiments, when the breeding area 70 has a plurality of areas 71, the blower 32 is controlled so that the air volume differs in at least two areas 71. For example, when the breeding area 70 has three areas 71 and the respective air volumes are "large", "medium", and "small", the air volume is compared to the "large" and "small" areas 71. When a large number of livestock 21 are gathered in the area 71 where the air volume is "medium", it means that there are many livestock 21 who feel comfortable in the area 71 where the air volume is "medium". Therefore, the drive control unit 53 of the control device 50 may change at least one of the areas 71 in which the air volume is “small” and “large” to “medium”. That is, the drive control unit 53 may control to create two areas 71 having an air volume of "medium" or to set the air volume to "medium" in all the areas 71. When the area 71 having a "small" or "large" air volume is changed to the area 71 having a "medium" air volume, in one example, the drive control unit 53 sets the area 71 having a smaller number of livestock 21 to "medium". Select as the area 71 to be set. Further, when the ratio of the livestock 21 existing in the area 71 where the most livestock 21 are gathered is larger than the predetermined determination reference value, two or more areas 71 having the same air volume may be created.

In the fourth embodiment, the control device 50 controls the blower 32 so that the air volume differs in the plurality of areas 71, and when a large number of livestock 21 are gathered in any one of the areas 71, the other The blower 32 is controlled so that at least one of the areas 71 has the same air volume as the area 71 where many livestock 21 are gathered. This has the effect of eliminating the situation where many livestock 21 are gathered in one area 71.

Next, the configuration of the hardware that realizes the control device 50 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a hardware configuration that realizes the control device according to the first to fourth embodiments. The control device 50 can be realized by the processing circuit 100 shown in FIG.

The processing circuit 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, an input circuit 103, and an output circuit 104. The processor 101 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit, central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, processor, also referred to as DSP), a system LSI (Large Scale Integration), or the like. The memory 102 is a non-volatile or non-volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). Volatile semiconductor memory, magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, mini disk, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc.

The control device 50 can be realized by reading the corresponding program from the memory 102 and executing the processor 101. The input circuit 103 is used when receiving information processed by the processor 101, information stored in the memory 102, and the like from the outside. The output circuit 104 is used to output the information generated by the processor 101 and the information stored in the memory 102 to the outside.

In the above example, one control device 50 includes an input data processing unit 51, a livestock number calculation unit 52, and a drive control unit 53, but these functional processing units are used in another control device 50. It may be provided. In one example, the drive control unit 53 may be provided as the first control device, and the input data processing unit 51 and the livestock number calculation unit 52 may be provided as the second control device. Further, in this case, the infrared sensor 31 or the infrared sensor 34 and the second control device may be integrally configured and configured as an infrared sensor module.

The configuration shown in the above embodiments is an example, and can be combined with another known technique, can be combined with each other, and does not deviate from the gist. It is also possible to omit or change a part of the configuration.

10 barn management system, 11, 11A barn, 12 floors, 13 side walls, 14 ceilings, 15 fences, 16 pillars, 21 livestock, 31, 31A, 31B, 31C, 34 infrared sensors, 32, 32A, 32B, 32C blowers, 33 Outside temperature measurement unit, 40 network, 50 control device, 51 input data processing unit, 52 livestock number calculation unit, 53 drive control unit, 70 breeding area, 71, 71A, 71B, 71C area, 311, 341 detection unit, 312 342 Holding part.

Claims

It is a barn management system that manages the air volume in a barn that has a breeding area where livestock are raised.
Blowers arranged in each of the plurality of areas in which the breeding area is divided and the livestock can move to each other, and
The first control device that controls the operation of the blower and
Equipped with
The first control device is a barn management system characterized in that the operation of the blower is controlled so that the air volumes in at least two of the plurality of areas are different from each other.
A livestock number detecting unit provided in each area of the plurality of areas and detecting the number of the livestock existing in each area, and a livestock number detecting unit.
A second control device that calculates an index indicating the number of livestock existing in each area from the detection result of the livestock number detection unit, and
Further prepare
The barn management system according to claim 1, wherein the first control device controls the air volume of the blower based on an index indicating the number of livestock in each area.
A position detection unit that detects the position of the livestock existing in the breeding area, and
A second control device that detects the position of the livestock in the breeding area from the detection result of the position detection unit and calculates an index indicating the number of the livestock existing in each area from the position of the livestock. ,
Further prepare
The barn management system according to claim 1, wherein the first control device controls the air volume of the blower based on an index indicating the number of livestock in each area.
The first control device is characterized in that the air volume of the blower is controlled so that the air volume in at least one of the plurality of areas is different from the air volume at the time when the previous air volume control is performed. The barn management system according to claim 2 or 3.
The first control device is in a state at the time of the previous air volume control when the index indicating the number of livestock in the area where the air volume is the smallest among the plurality of areas is less than a predetermined determination reference value. The livestock barn management system according to claim 4, wherein the air volume of all of the plurality of areas is increased as compared with the above.
The first control device is in a state at the time of the previous air volume control when the index indicating the number of livestock in the area having the maximum air volume among the plurality of areas is less than a predetermined determination reference value. The livestock barn management system according to claim 4, wherein the air volume in all of the plurality of areas is reduced as compared with the above.
The first control device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first control device changes the next air volume after a predetermined period has elapsed from the time when the air volume is changed. The described barn management system.
The first control device is at least one of the other areas when the number of the livestock existing in one area is larger than the number of the livestock existing in the other area among the plurality of areas. The livestock barn management system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the blower is controlled so that the air volume is the same as that of the one area.
The livestock barn management system according to claim 2, wherein the livestock number detection unit is an infrared sensor.
The barn management system according to claim 3, wherein the position detection unit is an infrared sensor.
The second control device measures the surface temperature of the livestock using the data obtained from the infrared sensor, and the absolute value of the difference between the surface temperature and the predetermined first set value is predetermined. 2. The barn management system according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a function of extracting the relevant livestock as livestock that may be out of order when the value is larger than the set value.
The barn management system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the walls, fences or floors of the plurality of areas are colored with different colors for each area.
Further equipped with an outside air temperature measuring unit for measuring the outside air temperature of the barn,
One of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first control device controls the air volume in the plurality of areas based on an index indicating the number of livestock in each area and the outside air temperature. The barn management system described in one.