MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR A ROTARY MILKING PARLOR, METHOD, COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR CONTROLLING A ROTARY MILKING PARLOR AND NON-VOLATILE DATA CARRIER CONTAINING THE COMPUTER PROGRAM

Abstract

The operation of a movable platform (110) in a rotary milking parlor (100) is measured by a movement sensor (210) arranged on the movable platform (110). The movement sensor (210) registers micro movements of the movable platform (110) relative to a fix reference frame via a sensor member measuring displacements in at least one dimension, and/or accelerations in at least one dimension. A wireless sensor signal (SW) reflecting the measurements is emitted by a transmitter to a receiver (230) for processing/analysis, for example to derive a movement signature (S) of the movable platform (110) based on a series of measurement values.

Claims

1. A measurement system for a rotary milking parlor (100) with a movable platform (110), the measurement system comprising: a movement sensor (210) arranged on the movable platform (110), the movement sensor (210) being configured to register micro movements (μM) of the movable platform (110) relative to a fix reference frame, wherein, the movement sensor (210) comprises: a first sensor member configured to perform measurements of at least one of: micro-displacements in at least one dimension, and micro-accelerations in at least one dimension; and a transmitter configured to emit a wireless sensor signal (SW) reflecting the measurements of the micro-displacements or micro-accelerations made by the first sensor member; and the measurement system comprises a receiver (230) configured to receive the wireless sensor signal (SW).

2. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the movement sensor (210) is configured to: check whether an amount of micro movements (μM) is below a threshold value, and i) when the amount of micro movements (μM) is below the threshold value, emit the wireless sensor signal (SW) repeatedly at a first repetition frequency (f1), and ii) when the amount of micro movements (μM) is equal to or above the threshold value, emit the wireless sensor signal (SW) repeatedly at a repetition frequency (f2, f3) above the first repetition frequency (f1).

3. The measurement system according to claim 2, wherein the movement sensor (210) is further configured to: check whether the amount of micro movements (μM) of the first transmitter unit (210) transitions from below the threshold value to above the threshold value and when the amount of micro movements (μM) transitions from below the threshold value to above the threshold value, emit the wireless sensor signal (SW) from the movement sensor (210) repeatedly at a second repetition frequency (f2), and when, during a predetermined interval (T) thereafter the amount of micro movements (μM) of the movement sensor (210) is above the threshold value, continue to emit the wireless sensor signal (SW) from movement sensor (210) repeatedly at the second repetition frequency until expiry of the predetermined interval (T), and after expiry of the predetermined interval (T), emit the wireless sensor signal (SW) from the movement sensor (210) repeatedly at a third repetition frequency (f3) between the first and second repetition frequencies (f1, f2) as long as the amount of micro movements (μM) of the movement sensor (210) remains above the threshold value, and when the amount of micro movements (μM) of the movement sensor (210) transitions from above the threshold value to below the threshold value, emit the wireless sensor signal (SW) from the movement sensor (210) repeatedly at the first repetition frequency (f1).

4. The measurement system according to claim 1, further comprising: a processing unit (150) configured to derive operation-related information (IOR) based on the wireless sensor (SW) signal received by the receiver (230).

5. The measurement system according to claim 4, wherein the processing unit (150) is further configured to cause a behavior of the rotary milking parlor (100) to vary in response to the operation-related information (IOR).

6. The measurement system according to claim 4, wherein the processing unit (150) is further configured to: store a series of measurement values representing the wireless sensor signal (SW) received over an interval of time, and derive a movement signature (S) of the movable platform (110) based on the series of measurement values.

7. The measurement system according to claim 6, wherein the movement signature (S) reflects at least one of: a start behavior (310), a stop behavior (320), vibrations, oscillations (330), and load variations.

8. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the movement sensor (210) comprises: a second sensor member configured to perform measurements of at least one of: micro-displacements in at least one dimension being independent from the at least one dimension in which the first sensor member is configured to measure displacements, and micro-accelerations in at least one dimension being independent from the at least one dimension in which the first sensor member is configured to measure accelerations; and the wireless sensor signal (SW) emitted from the measurement sensor (210) further reflects the measurements made by the second sensor member.

9. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein: the movement sensor (210) comprises a second sensor member; the first and second sensor members are configured to perform measurements of at least one of: micro-displacements in three dimensions, and micro-accelerations in three dimensions; and the wireless sensor signal (SW) emitted from the measurement sensor (210) further reflects the measurements made by the second sensor member.

10. A method of measuring the movements of a movable platform (110) included in a rotary milking parlor (100), the method comprising: registering micro movements (μM) of the movable platform (110) relative to a fix reference frame via a movement sensor (210) arranged on the movable platform (110), wherein said registering step comprises: measuring, via a first sensor member in the movement sensor (210), at least one of: micro-displacements in at least one dimension, and micro-accelerations in at least one dimension; emitting, via a transmitter in the movement sensor (210), a wireless sensor signal (SW) reflecting the measurements of the first sensor member; and receiving, via a receiver (230), the wireless sensor signal (SW).

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: checking whether an amount of micro movements (μM) is below a threshold value, and i) when the amount of micro movements (μM) is below the threshold value, emitting the wireless sensor signal (SW) repeatedly at a first repetition frequency (f1), and ii) when the amount of micro movements (μM) is equal to or above the threshold value, emitting the wireless sensor signal (SW) repeatedly at a repetition frequency (f2, f3) above the first repetition frequency (f1).

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: checking whether the amount of micro movements (μM) of the measurement sensor (210) transitions from below the threshold value to above the threshold value, and when the amount of micro movements (μM) transitions from below the threshold value to above the threshold value, emitting the wireless sensor signal (SW) from the movement sensor (210) repeatedly at a second repetition frequency (f2), and when, during a predetermined interval (T) thereafter the amount of micro movements (μM) of the movement sensor (210) is above the threshold value, continuing to emit the wireless sensor signal (SW) from movement sensor (210) repeatedly at the second repetition frequency until expiry of the predetermined interval (T), and after expiry of the predetermined interval (T), emitting the wireless sensor signal (SW) from the movement sensor (210) repeatedly at a third repetition frequency (f3) between the first and second repetition frequencies (f1, f2) as long as the amount of micro movements (μM) of the movement sensor (210) remains above the threshold value, and when the amount of micro movements (μM) of the movement sensor (210) transitions from above the threshold value to below the threshold value, emitting the wireless sensor signal (SW) from the movement sensor (210) repeatedly at the first repetition frequency (f1).

13. The method system according to claim 10, further comprising: deriving operation-related information (IOR) based on the wireless sensor signal (SW) received by the receiver (230).

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: varying a behavior of the rotary milking parlor (100) in response to the operation-related information (IOR).

15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: storing a series of measurement values representing the wireless sensor signal (SW) received over an interval of time, and deriving a movement signature (S) of the movable platform (110) based on the series of measurement values.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the movement signature reflects at least one of: a start behavior, a stop behavior, vibrations, oscillations, and load variations.

17. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: measuring, via a second sensor member in the movement sensor (210), at least one of: micro-displacements in at least one dimension being independent from the at least one dimension in which the first sensor member is configured to measure displacements, and micro-accelerations in at least one dimension being independent from the at least one dimension in which the first sensor member is configured to measure accelerations; and the wireless sensor signal (SW) emitted from the measurement sensor (210) further reflecting the measurements of the second sensor member.

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. A non-volatile data carrier (155) containing a computer program (153) communicatively connected to a processing unit (150), the computer program (157) when executed on the processing unit (150) executing the steps of claim 9.

21. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor member is configured to perform measurements of the micro-displacements in the at least one dimension.

22. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor member is configured to perform measurements of the micro-accelerations in the at least one dimension.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The invention is now to be explained more closely by means of preferred embodiments, which are disclosed as examples, and with reference to the attached drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows an example of a measurement system for a rotary milking parlor according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0021] FIG. 2 shows a first diagram exemplifying how a repetition frequency of a wireless sensor signal may vary over time in response to a registered amount of micro movements of the movable platform;

[0022] FIG. 3 shows a second diagram exemplifying how an amount of micro movements of the movable platform varies over time; and

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates, by means of a flow diagram, the general method according to the invention of measuring the movements of a movable platform of a rotary milking parlor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] FIG. 1 shows an example of a rotary milking parlor 100 with a movable platform 110 together with a measurement system according to one embodiment of the invention. The measurement system contains a movement sensor 210 and a receiver 230.

[0025] The movement sensor 210 is arranged on the movable platform 110, and the movement sensor 210 is configured to register micro movements of the movable platform 110 relative to a fix reference frame, e.g. the earth. The movement sensor 210, in turn, includes a first sensor member and a transmitter. The first sensor member is configured to perform measurements of displacements in at least one dimension and/or accelerations in at least one dimension. Consequently, the first sensor member may be equipped with one or more gyroscopes, accelerometers and/or IMUs (inertial measurement units). The transmitter is configured to emit a wireless sensor signal S.sub.W reflecting the measurements made by the first sensor member. The wireless sensor signal S.sub.W may be represented by a radio signal of relatively high frequency, e.g. in the ultra-wideband spectrum. However, according to the invention, any other kind of wireless signal is conceivable, for instance an optical, inductive or ultrasonic signal.

[0026] The receiver 230 is configured to receive the wireless sensor signal S.sub.W via an antenna 220. Preferably, the receiver 230 is further arranged to forward measurement data D.sub.M corresponding to the wireless sensor signal S.sub.W for analysis. Therefore, according to one embodiment of the invention, the measurement system also contains a processing unit 150 configured to derive operation-related information I.sub.OR based on the wireless sensor signal S.sub.W that has been received by the receiver 230. For example, the processing unit 150 may be further configured to cause a behavior of the rotary milking parlor 100 to vary in response to the operation-related information I.sub.OR. In such a case, the processing unit 150 is configured to generate a control signal Ctrl, which is fed to a drive unit 140 that adjusts a rotation speed and/or direction RF for the movement of the movable platform 110.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 2, we see a diagram over how a repetition frequency f of the wireless sensor signal S.sub.W may vary over time t in response to a registered amount of micro movements of the movable platform 110.

[0028] Here, we assume that the movable platform 110 is stationary until a first point in time t.sub.1 at which the movable platform 110 starts to rotate, and as a result the amount of micro movements increases above the threshold value. Thus, up until the first point in time t.sub.1 the movement sensor 210 emits the wireless sensor signal S.sub.W at a relatively low first repetition frequency f.sub.1, say 0-3 Hz. Then, as of the first point in time t.sub.1, the movement sensor 210 emits the wireless sensor signal S.sub.W at a second repetition frequency f.sub.2, which is higher than first repetition frequency f.sub.1; say f.sub.2 equals 10-15 Hz.

[0029] Provided that, during a predetermined interval T thereafter the amount of micro movements of the movement sensor 210 remains above the threshold value, the movement sensor 210 continues to emit the wireless sensor signal S.sub.W repeatedly at the second repetition frequency f.sub.2 until expiry of the predetermined interval T. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the predetermined interval T expires at a second point in time t.sub.2; and here, the movement sensor 210 starts to emit the wireless sensor signal S.sub.W repeatedly at a third repetition frequency f.sub.3, whose magnitude is between that of the first and second repetition frequencies f.sub.1 and f.sub.2 respectively, say f.sub.3 equals 5-8 Hz. Thereafter, i.e. as of the third point in time t.sub.3, the movement sensor 210 continues to emit the wireless sensor signal S.sub.W at the third repetition frequency f.sub.3, as long as the amount of micro movements exceeds the threshold value. This procedure is advantageous because it provides valuable measurement data in connection with starting the movable platform 110. At the same time, energy is economized during continuous operation.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a diagram exemplifying how an amount of micro movements μM of the movable platform 110 varies over time t. Here, the points in time t.sub.1, t.sub.2 and t.sub.3 correspond to the points in time referred to above. Thus, at the first point in time t.sub.1, we assume that the movable platform 110 begins to rotate after having stood still. As a result, the amount of micro movements μM increases dramatically until around the second point in time t.sub.2, when steady-state rotation has been achieved. Then, as of the second point in time t.sub.2 until the third point in time t.sub.3, we assume that the movable platform 110 continues to rotate at an approximately constant speed. Therefore, the amount of micro movements μM remains comparatively constant at a high level. At the third point in time t.sub.3, the movable platform 110 is again brought to a halt. Thus, shortly thereafter, the amount of micro movements μM drops to a fairly low level, and at a fourth point in time t.sub.4, the movable platform 110 stands still again.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the processing unit 150 is further configured to store a series of measurement values representing the wireless sensor signal S.sub.W received over an interval of time. For example, the processing unit 150 may store the series of measurement values represented by the amount of micro movements μM in the diagram of FIG. 3. Then, based on the series of measurement values, the processing unit 150 is configured to derive a movement signature S of the movable platform 110.

[0032] The movement signature S may reflect a start behavior 310 and a stop behavior 320, as well as any vibrations/oscillations 330 registered between the start and stop behaviors 310 and 320 respectively. Additionally, the movement signature S may reflect variations in the load on the movable platform 110 (not illustrated in FIG. 3), typically caused by different numbers of animals being located on the movable platform 110.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, in addition to the first sensor member, the movement sensor 210 also contains a second sensor member, which is configured to perform measurements of displacements and/or accelerations in at least one dimension being independent from the at least one dimension in which the first sensor member is configured to measure displacements and/or accelerations. In other words, if the first sensor member is configured to measure displacements of the movable platform 110 in a vertical direction (i.e. in a direction essentially parallel to the earth's field of gravity), the second sensor member may be configured to measure lateral displacements of the movable platform 110.

[0034] Alternatively, the movement sensor 210 may contain first and second sensor members, which are both configured to perform measurements of displacements in three dimensions and/or accelerations in three dimensions. Accordingly, the second sensor member produces data that are redundant in relation to what is produced by the first sensor member. As yet another alternative, the movement sensor 210 may contain a first sensor member configured to perform measurements of displacements in three dimensions and a second sensor member configured to perform measurements of accelerations in three dimensions. Thus, no redundant measurement data are produced.

[0035] In any case, if the movement sensor 210 contains first and second sensor members, the wireless sensor signal S.sub.W emitted therefrom reflects the measurements made by both these sensor members.

[0036] It is generally advantageous if the above-described processing unit 150 is configured to effect the procedure in an automatic manner, for instance by executing a computer program 157. Therefore, the processing unit 150 may be communicatively connected to a memory unit, i.e. non-volatile data carrier 155, storing the computer program 157, which, in turn, contains software for making at least one processor in the processing unit 150 execute the above-described actions when the computer program 157 is run in the processing unit 150.

[0037] In order to sum up, and with reference to the flow diagram in FIG. 4, we will now describe the general method according to the invention of measuring the movements of a movable platform of a rotary milking parlor.

[0038] In a first step 410, micro movements of a movable platform of a rotary milking parlor are registered relative to a fix reference frame. The micro movements are registered via a movement sensor arranged on the movable platform, which movement sensor has a sensor member measuring displacements in at least one dimension and/or accelerations in at least one dimension.

[0039] Then, in a step 420, a wireless sensor signal is emitted which reflects the measurements. Subsequently, the wireless sensor signal is received in a receiver, and thereafter, the procedure loops back to step 410.

[0040] Preferably, although illustrated as discrete steps in FIG. 4, the steps 410 to 430 are effected sequentially and yet simultaneously, so that for example while the wireless sensor signal is received in step 430 in respect of micro movements registered at a particular point in time, the wireless sensor signal is receive in step 430 in respect of micro movements registered at a somewhat earlier point in time.

[0041] All of the process steps, as well as any sub-sequence of steps, described with reference to FIG. 4 may be controlled by means of a programmed processor. Moreover, although the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the drawings comprise processor and processes performed in at least one processor, the invention thus also extends to computer programs, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, adapted for putting the invention into practice. The program may be in the form of source code, object code, a code intermediate source and object code such as in partially compiled form, or in any other form suitable for use in the implementation of the process according to the invention. The program may either be a part of an operating system, or be a separate application. The carrier may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier may comprise a storage medium, such as a Flash memory, a ROM (Read Only Memory), for example a DVD (Digital Video/Versatile Disk), a CD (Compact Disc) or a semiconductor ROM, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or a magnetic recording medium, for example a floppy disc or hard disc. Further, the carrier may be a transmissible carrier such as an electrical or optical signal which may be conveyed via electrical or optical cable or by radio or by other means. When the program is embodied in a signal which may be conveyed directly by a cable or other device or means, the carrier may be constituted by such cable or device or means. Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is embedded, the integrated circuit being adapted for performing, or for use in the performance of, the relevant processes.

[0042] The term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components. However, the term does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof.

[0043] The invention is not restricted to the described embodiments in the figures, but may be varied freely within the scope of the claims.