Quick overview
The following figure shows schematically a system for monitoring and controlling the bio-response of a bio-process, using an on-line data-based modelling technique and real-time information measured on selected inputs and outputs of the bio-process and its environment (Aerts et al., 2001).
The system comprises :
Measurement of data collected on animal (input or output)
Transformation of the signal and integration into algorithms
Transfer of the information to devices (computer, phone, ...) for the user (farmer) who takes decisions to adjust the farming system
Input control for measuring and adjusting one or more selected inputs to the bio-process,
Output measurement measuring one or more selected outputs of the bio-process. The bio-process could be biomass production, activity, behavioral changes, health status... of living animals. The output of the bioprocess may include biomass production (e.g. body weight, egg mass, milk yield), biomass composition (e.g. meat/fat ratio, meat quality, milk quality, carcass composition), waste production (like manure production, manure composition, ammonia emission), but also changes in behaviour, localisation in buildings...
Note :
The inputs of the bioprocess include factors which can affect the course of the bio-process (micro-environment) and which constitute suitable instruments to control the outputs of the bio-process towards a predefined, desired value, along a predefined reference trajectory. The inputs can for example include nutritional inputs such as feed quantity, feed composition, feeding strategy (e.g. feed frequency), water supply and/or micro-environmental inputs like temperature, humidity, ventilation and light intensity...
The inputs and outputs are measured with suitable sensors, but as the selected inputs, may depend on the output to be controlled, the techniques for measuring inputs and outputs may differ. Depending on the application, the measured in- and outputs can be averaged values (group of animals) or individual animals. In that case, each animal can for instance be provided with a chip and suitable measurement sensor. A receiver and a transmitter, which could be within the chip, must be provided for communication with input control means, for instance a feeding apparatus or ventilation systems. Information from the sensor can be an image, sound...
The system furthermore comprises a computing means, connected to input control and output measurement / data collection. The computing means is provided with algorithms, for online generating a dynamic model of the bio-process, based on real-time measurements of each input and output and for calculating a control action, which indicates how each input should be adjusted in order to obtain the desired output. The calculation of the control action is based on predicted process output values generated by the model, which are compared to actual process output values measured by the measurement means and a predefined, desired bio-response. Based on the comparison, the control algorithm will calculate how the input should be adjusted in order to obtain the desired output. The algorithm offers the possibility of optimising the inputs, so that a desired output can be achieved with minimum input effort / cost.
The computing means can also be provided with other suitable entry means. This could be a keyboard allowing farmers to modify its parameters or reprogram equipment. Internet connection with data base of interest (weather forecast for example) or other sources of information (sensors from outside the considered system) is also possible.
