Fish detection device and a system including the fish detection device

Abstract

A fish detection device and a system including the fish detection device, the fish detection device includes a slide rail mechanism having a slide rail and a slide block sliding along the slide rail, a fish detection mechanism having an installation base that can be detachably assembled on the slide block, the installation base is provided with a mechanical arm controller and a mechanical arm driven by the mechanical arm controller, a camera device pivotally mounted at the end of the mechanical arm, provided with a camera and a searchlight, thereby, by installing the slide rail mechanism at the location where fish need to be detected (such as on a deck of a fishing boat), the fish detection mechanism can be installed at the aforementioned location, so as to improve the accuracy in fishing and reduce the risk during the fishing process, thus meeting the operational requirements of modern fishing boats.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fish detection technology, and in particular to fish detection devices and systems including fish detection devices. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Current fishing operations, especially those involving small and medium-sized fishing vessels, primarily rely on the experience of captains and crew members for locating and catching fish schools. However, this traditional experience-based method has several shortcomings. First, the traditional "visual method" requires crew members to observe the fish school from a high vantage point, which has a limited range and is only effective when the fish are close to the surface. Furthermore, due to the unpredictable nature of sea conditions, it is difficult to accurately determine the actual distribution of fish schools with the naked eye alone, thus increasing the uncertainty and risk of failure in fishing.

[0003] With the application of sonar technology and fish school detectors, small and medium-sized fishing vessels have begun to use these devices to help detect underwater fish schools. However, while existing sonar detection systems can provide information on the location of fish schools within a certain range, their accuracy in the fishing process remains insufficient. Sonar has a limited detection range, and the detection results are easily affected by seabed topography and currents. Furthermore, traditional fish school detectors are mostly focused on vertical detection, limiting their ability to detect large-scale horizontal fish schools, which imposes many restrictions on small and medium-sized fishing vessels when conducting fishing operations.

[0004] Other technologies, such as satellite information analysis, use satellite remote sensing to predict seawater temperature and fish gathering areas. This method is mostly used in deep-sea fishing operations by large fishing vessels and is not suitable for the cost and technical requirements of small and medium-sized fishing vessels. Satellite technology requires massive data analysis and equipment support, which is neither practically feasible nor economically beneficial for small and medium-sized fishing vessels operating on a daily basis.

[0005] The shortcomings of existing technologies lie in the fact that small and medium-sized fishing vessels need equipment that can improve the accuracy of fish detection, while also meeting the actual needs of their operating environment, such as cost control, lightweight equipment, and ease of operation. Therefore, existing fish detection methods cannot effectively meet the needs of small and medium-sized fishing vessels, resulting in low fishing efficiency and sometimes even economic losses due to failed fishing attempts. It is evident that the fishery industry urgently needs a new type of fish detection device and system. [Summary of the Invention]

[0006] In order to overcome the above-mentioned technical problems, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a fish finding device, which installs a sliding rail mechanism on the location where fish need to be found (e.g., the deck of a fishing boat) to install a fish finding device that is detachably fixed to the sliding rail mechanism at the aforementioned location where fish need to be found, so as to improve the accuracy of the catch and reduce the risks in the fishing process, thereby adapting to the operational needs of modern fishing boats.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a fish-finding device, comprising: a slide rail mechanism having a slide rail and a slider sliding along the slide rail; a fish-finding mechanism having a mounting base detachably fixed to the slider, the mounting base being provided with a robotic arm controller and a robotic arm controlled and driven by the robotic arm controller; and a camera device pivotally mounted at the end of the robotic arm, the camera device having a camera and a searchlight.

[0008] According to the present invention, the slide rail mechanism further includes a base for being fixed on a deck of a fishing boat; the slide rail is fixed on the base.

[0009] According to the present invention, the robotic arm controller has a communication module.

[0010] According to the present invention, the robotic arm controller is connected to a human-machine interface module for controlling the movement of the robotic arm.

[0011] To overcome the problems of insufficient coverage and low system coordination efficiency in existing technologies for multi-point fish school detection, another objective of this invention is to provide a fish-finding system. This system, by installing multiple sliding rail mechanisms and corresponding fish-finding devices on the deck of a fishing vessel, combined with a central processing unit and communication module, enables the fish-finding devices to work collaboratively, expanding the fish school detection range and improving detection accuracy. Simultaneously, the system can perform real-time data comparison through a fish database, improving the accuracy of catches, thereby meeting the operational needs of modern fishing vessels and reducing risks during the fishing process.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a fish-finding system for installation on a deck of a fishing vessel; wherein the system includes: at least one slide rail mechanism, each slide rail mechanism having a slide rail and a slider sliding along the slide rail; corresponding to the number of slide rail mechanisms, each fish-finding mechanism having a mounting base for being fixed to the slider, the mounting base having a robotic arm controller and a robotic arm controlled and driven by the robotic arm controller; the robotic arm controller being connected to a third communication module; corresponding to the number of fish-finding mechanisms, each camera device being movably pivotally mounted at the end of the robotic arm, the camera device having a camera, a searchlight and a first communication module; A central processing unit (CPU) is connected to a second communication module, a fish database, and a human-machine interface module. The CPU communicates with the third communication module through the second communication module to control the movement of the fish-finding mechanism. The CPU also communicates with the first communication module through the second communication module to receive image data output by the camera. The CPU compares the image data with the data in the fish database and outputs a fish comparison result to a display on the human-machine interface module.

[0013] According to the present invention, the slide rail of the slide rail mechanism is formed with an upper rail portion and a lower seat portion along its length direction; the slider is formed with a sliding hole whose longitudinal cross-sectional profile corresponds to the longitudinal surface profile of the upper rail portion, and the slider slides along the upper rail portion of the slide rail through the sliding hole; the lower seat portion is fixed on the base.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal cross-section of the upper rail portion is generally circular, and the longitudinal cross-section of the lower seat portion is generally trapezoidal.

[0015] According to the present invention, the robotic arm has a first arm segment vertically fixed on the mounting base, and a second arm segment, a third arm segment, and a fourth arm segment are pivotally mounted on the first arm segment in sequence; a first pivotal shaft connects the first arm segment and the second arm segment, a second pivotal shaft connects the second arm segment and the third arm segment, a third pivotal shaft connects the third arm segment and the fourth arm segment, and a transition shaft connects the end of the fourth arm segment to the camera device; thereby, the robotic arm achieves displacement in the X direction by moving along the slide rail mechanism, and achieves displacement in the YZ plane by lifting and lowering the second arm segment, the third arm segment, and / or the fourth arm segment.

[0016] Regarding the technology, means and other effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the above objectives, preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Implementation Method

[0017] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the following description is provided in conjunction with the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4.

[0018] The fish-finding device of the present invention is a device that can effectively improve the fishing efficiency of fishing boats, and is particularly suitable for installation on small and medium-sized fishing boats. As shown in Figure 1, the fish-finding device includes a slide rail mechanism 20, a number of fish-finding devices 30 corresponding to the slide rail mechanism 20, and a number of camera devices 40 corresponding to the number of fish-finding devices 30, so as to provide accurate fish detection and improve the automation of fishing operations.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the slide rail mechanism 20 includes a slide rail 22 and a slider 23 that slides along the slide rail 22. The slide rail 22 is fixed to the base 21, which is mounted on the deck 11 of the fishing boat 10. The design of the slide rail 22 allows the slider 23 to move smoothly along the length of the slide rail 22, thereby driving the entire fish finder to move in one X direction.

[0020] In this embodiment of the invention, the slide rail 22 has an upper rail portion 221 and a lower seat portion 222 formed along its length. The slider 23 has a sliding hole 231, the longitudinal cross-sectional profile of which corresponds to the cross-sectional profile of the upper rail portion 221. The longitudinal cross-section of the upper rail portion 221 is approximately circular, while the longitudinal cross-section of the lower seat portion 222 is approximately trapezoidal, providing good structural stability and sliding effect between the slider 23 and the slide rail 22.

[0021] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the fish-finding device 30 mainly includes a mounting base 31, a robotic arm controller 301, and a robotic arm 302 controlled by the robotic arm controller 301. The mounting base 31 is fixed on the slider 23 and moves as the slider 23 slides. In this embodiment of the invention, the mounting base 31 is formed with a base plate 311, and two side wing plates 312 are formed downward on both sides of the base plate 311 along the length direction of the slide rail 22. Each side wing plate 312 is locked and fixed to the slider 23 by at least two fasteners 313.

[0022] The robotic arm 302 is composed of multiple arm segments, specifically including a first arm segment 32, a second arm segment 33, a third arm segment 34, and a fourth arm segment 35. The first arm segment 32 is vertically fixed to the mounting base 31 and is sequentially pivotally connected to the second arm segment 33, the third arm segment 34, and the fourth arm segment 35. Each arm segment is connected by pivoting shafts, specifically including a first pivoting shaft 321, a second pivoting shaft 331, and a third pivoting shaft 341, thereby achieving multi-degree-of-freedom movement. Specifically, when the slider 23 of the slide rail mechanism 20 slides along the slide rail 22, the robotic arm 302 can achieve displacement in the X direction. At the same time, through the pivoting of the second arm segment 33, the third arm segment 34, and the fourth arm segment 35, the robotic arm 302 can achieve lifting and adjustment in the YZ plane, achieving more precise angle control for fish detection.

[0023] The camera device 40 is pivotally mounted at the end of the robotic arm 302 and can be adjusted at multiple angles along with the robotic arm 302. The camera device 40 includes a camera 41 and a searchlight 42. The camera 41 is responsible for capturing images of fish in the ocean, and the searchlight 42 provides illumination support, especially in nighttime or deep-sea operations. Due to the multi-degree-of-freedom design of the robotic arm 302, the camera device 40 can cover a wider detection range and can accurately locate fish at different angles.

[0024] The robotic arm controller 301 controls the movement of the robotic arm 302 and has a communication module (the third communication module 303 as shown in Figure 4), which can exchange data with other devices or systems to ensure the coordinated operation of the fish-finding device. In addition, the robotic arm controller 301 can also be connected to a human-machine interface module (not shown), allowing users to directly control the movement of the robotic arm 302 and monitor the operating status of the fish-finding device in real time. In this embodiment of the invention, the human-machine interface module can be placed in the same location as the fish-finding device 30, or it can be integrated with the computer system of the fishing vessel 10, allowing the crew to centrally control fishing operations from the control room.

[0025] In specific operation, the fish-finding device is installed on the deck 11 of the fishing vessel 10. When the fishing vessel arrives at the designated fishing area, the slide rail mechanism 20 allows the robotic arm 302 to move along the slide rail 22 in the X direction, thereby adjusting the position of the camera device 40. Through the movement of its multi-segment arm and pivot shaft, the robotic arm 302 enables the camera device 40 to be adjusted at multiple angles in the YZ plane for more accurate detection of fish schools. The images captured by the camera device 40 are transmitted to the control system or display on the fishing vessel via the robotic arm controller 301 and communication module, allowing the crew to view the position and status of the fish schools in real time.

[0026] In addition, when the crew uses the human-machine interface module to operate, the robotic arm 302 can move flexibly as needed to meet different fish-finding needs, which greatly improves the efficiency and accuracy of fishery operations.

[0027] The specific embodiments of the fish-finding device of the present invention have been described above; the present invention further provides a fish-finding system, which is a further extension of the fish-finding device, used to realize the collaborative operation of multiple devices, so as to improve the accuracy and efficiency of overall fish detection.

[0028] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 4, the fish-finding system of the present invention is installed on the deck 11 of a fishing vessel 10, and includes at least one slide rail mechanism 20, fish-finding devices 30 arranged in a corresponding number of slide rail mechanisms 20, camera devices 40 arranged in a corresponding number of fish-finding devices 30, and a central processing unit 50 located in the control room of the fishing vessel 10. The central processing unit 50 is connected to a second communication module 51, a fish database 52, and a human-machine interface module 53.

[0029] In this embodiment of the invention, the fish-finding system is preferably provided with two sets of sliding rail mechanisms 20 and two sets of fish-finding devices 30. Each sliding rail mechanism 20 is fixed on both sides of the deck 11 along the length direction of the fishing boat 10, as shown in FIG1, so as to install the fish-finding device 30 and carry out fish detection operations around the fishing boat 10.

[0030] Each of the slide rail mechanisms 20 includes a slide rail 22 and a slider 23, and is equipped with a fish-finding device 30. The fish-finding device has a mounting base 31, which is fixed on the slider 23, and is equipped with a robotic arm controller 301. The robotic arm controller 301 is connected to a third communication module 303 to realize communication with the central processing unit 50. The robotic arm 302 is designed in the same way as the fish-finding device, including multiple arm segments and pivot shafts, thereby enabling sliding in the X direction and lifting in the YZ plane.

[0031] Each of the fish-finding devices 30 is also equipped with a camera device 40, which is installed at the end of the robotic arm 302 and includes a camera 41, a searchlight 42, and a first communication module 43. The communication module 43 is used to transmit the image data captured by the camera 41 to the central processing unit 50.

[0032] The central processing unit 50 exchanges data with the third communication module 303 of the fish finder 30 through the second communication module 51 to control the movement of the fish finder 30. The central processing unit 50 is also connected to the first communication module 43 of the camera device 40 to receive image data from the camera 41. The central processing unit 50 is also connected to the fish database 52, which stores images and data of various fish species. The central processing unit 50 compares the received image data with the fish database 52 to generate a fish comparison result, and outputs the fish comparison result to the display 531 of the human-machine interface module 53 for display on the screen for the crew's reference.

[0033] This fish-finding system can detect fish at multiple points. Through the coordinated operation of multiple sliding rail mechanisms 20 and fish-finding devices 30, the detection range can be expanded and the detection efficiency can be improved. Through the data processing and fish comparison functions of the central processor 50, the crew can quickly obtain information about the fish schools and adjust the fishing plan in real time, thereby improving the success rate and economic benefits of the operation.

[0034] Furthermore, in this fish-finding system embodiment, the structure and function of the robotic arm 302 and the slide rail mechanism 20 are consistent with those described in the fish-finding device embodiment, ensuring that the fish-finding device can move flexibly in the X direction and YZ plane and accurately locate the fish school.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the fish-finding system, a fish-replenishing machine can be additionally equipped to automatically dive into the sea to catch fish, shrimp, shellfish or sea urchins, etc. After the catch is completed, the catch is automatically transported to the catch storage warehouse for unloading, so as to achieve the purpose of fully automated operation.

[0036] In summary, the fish-finding device and system comprising the fish-finding device of the present invention provide an efficient fish school detection solution, particularly suitable for use on small and medium-sized fishing vessels. Through the design of the sliding rail mechanism and the multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm, the device can significantly increase the detection range and accurately locate fish schools, thereby improving the success rate of fishing operations. Furthermore, the fish-finding system also features automated control functions, reducing labor costs and improving operational safety and efficiency. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0037] Figure 1 is a plan view of the fish finding device of the present invention installed on the deck of a fishing boat; Figure 2 is an external view of the fish finding device of the present invention; Figure 3 is a view of the fish finding device of the present invention in use; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of the fish finding system of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fish-finding device, comprising: A slide rail mechanism has a slide rail and a slider that slides along the slide rail; a fish finder mechanism has a mounting base for fixing to the slider, the mounting base is provided with a robotic arm controller and a robotic arm controlled and driven by the robotic arm controller; a camera device is pivotally mounted at the end of the robotic arm, the camera device has a camera and a searchlight; wherein, the slide rail mechanism further includes a base for fixing to a deck of a fishing boat; the slide rail is fixed to the base.

2. The fish finder as described in claim 1, wherein, The slide rail mechanism has an upper rail portion and a lower seat portion formed along its length; the slider has a sliding hole with a longitudinal cross-sectional profile corresponding to the longitudinal surface profile of the upper rail portion, and the slider slides along the upper rail portion of the slide rail through the sliding hole; the lower seat portion is fixed on the base.

3. The fish finder as described in claim 2, wherein, The longitudinal cross-section of the upper rail is generally circular, and the longitudinal cross-section of the lower seat is generally trapezoidal.

4. The fish finder as described in claim 1, wherein, The robotic arm has a first arm segment vertically fixed to the mounting base. A second arm segment, a third arm segment, and a fourth arm segment are pivotally connected sequentially to the first arm segment. A first pivotal shaft connects the first arm segment and the second arm segment, a second pivotal shaft connects the second arm segment and the third arm segment, and a third pivotal shaft connects the third arm segment and the fourth arm segment. A transition shaft connects the end of the fourth arm segment to the camera device. Thus, the robotic arm achieves displacement in the X direction by moving along the slide rail mechanism, and achieves displacement in the YZ plane by lifting and lowering the second, third, and / or fourth arm segments.

5. The fish finder as described in claim 1, wherein, The robotic arm controller has a communication module.

6. The fish finder as described in claim 1, wherein, The robotic arm controller is connected to a human-machine interface module to control the movement of the robotic arm.

7. A fish-finding system for installation on one deck of a fishing vessel; wherein, The system includes: at least one slide rail mechanism, each slide rail mechanism having a slide rail and a slider sliding along the slide rail; a number of fish-finding mechanisms corresponding to the number of slide rail mechanisms, each fish-finding mechanism having a mounting base for fixing to the slider, the mounting base having a robotic arm controller and a robotic arm controlled and driven by the robotic arm controller; the robotic arm controller being connected to a third communication module; and a number of camera devices corresponding to the number of fish-finding mechanisms, each camera device being pivotally mounted at the end of the robotic arm, the camera device having a camera, a searchlight, and a first communication module. A central processing unit (CPU) is connected to a second communication module, a fish database, and a human-machine interface module. The CPU communicates with the third communication module through the second communication module to control the movement of the fish-finding mechanism. The CPU also communicates with the first communication module through the second communication module to receive image data output by the camera. The CPU compares the image data with the data in the fish database and outputs a fish comparison result to a display on the human-machine interface module.

8. The fish-finding system as described in claim 7, wherein, The robotic arm has a first arm segment vertically fixed to the mounting base. A second arm segment, a third arm segment, and a fourth arm segment are pivotally connected sequentially to the first arm segment. A first pivotal shaft connects the first arm segment and the second arm segment, a second pivotal shaft connects the second arm segment and the third arm segment, and a third pivotal shaft connects the third arm segment and the fourth arm segment. A transition shaft connects the end of the fourth arm segment to the camera device. Thus, the robotic arm achieves displacement in the X direction by moving along the slide rail mechanism, and achieves displacement in the YZ plane by lifting and lowering the second, third, and / or fourth arm segments.

9. The fish-finding system as described in claim 7, wherein, The slide rail mechanism also includes a base for fixing to a deck of a fishing boat; the slide rail is fixed to the base; the slide rail is formed with an upper rail portion and a lower seat portion along its length direction; the slider is formed with a sliding hole whose longitudinal cross-sectional profile corresponds to the longitudinal surface profile of the upper rail portion, and the slider slides along the upper rail portion of the slide rail through the sliding hole; the lower seat portion is fixed to the base.

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