Intelligent baiting method and baiting system

Abstract

This invention relates to an intelligent feeding method and system. The intelligent feeding method involves setting at least one light intensity sampling point below the feeding area of ​​the fish, and controlling the feeding amount by comparing changes in light intensity below the feeding area. The feeding system employs the above method and includes a feeding device, a controller, and a light intensity detection element. The feeding device and the light intensity detection element are connected to the controller. The feeding device includes a feeder and at least one feed outlet, with a feeder pipe connected to the feed outlet. The feed outlet is located underwater, in the upper, middle, or lower layer of the feeding area. This invention can accurately determine the feeding status of the fish, thereby precisely controlling the feeding, ensuring the fish's feeding needs are met without wasting feed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aquaculture technology, and in particular to an intelligent feeding method and feeding system. Background Technology

[0002] Deep-sea cage aquaculture is a common aquaculture method, and it typically requires feeding machines to deliver feed. Currently, various types of fish feeding machines are not perfect at judging the feeding status of fish schools. Some feeding machines only have simple timed and quantitative feeding capabilities, which are not flexible enough. Other feeding machines are equipped with fish feeding status sensing systems, such as calculating the area of ​​the fish school within the video stream to determine their feeding status. However, the accuracy of video-controlled feeding is not ideal due to factors such as water clarity and wave activity. Some machines use sonar to detect the fish school's status and control feeding, which has some reference value, but the sound emitted by the sonar can interfere with the fish. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an intelligent feeding method and feeding system that can accurately determine the feeding status of fish and thus accurately control the feeding, ensuring the feeding needs of fish without wasting feed.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this invention discloses an intelligent feeding method. This method involves setting at least one light intensity sampling point below the fish feeding area and controlling the feeding amount by comparing changes in light intensity below the feeding area. After feeding, hungry fish will gather in the feeding area (the area where the feed is distributed) to feed. The increased fish density in the feeding area creates a shading effect below it. After feeding, the fish disperse to various parts of the feeding area, reducing the shading effect. Therefore, by comparing changes in light intensity below the feeding area, the feeding status of the fish can be determined, allowing for precise control of the feeding amount, ensuring the fish's feeding needs are met without wasting feed. Furthermore, this invention, by monitoring changes in light intensity in the feeding area to determine the fish's feeding status, is unaffected by water clarity or waves and does not disturb the fish, thus offering greater reliability and applicability.

[0005] Preferably, a light intensity sample is taken before feeding, and the average light intensity of this sample is used as a reference value. After feeding begins, a light intensity sample is taken every time interval t (t > 0), and the average light intensity of the current sample is compared with the average light intensity of the previous sample. The feeding amount is controlled based on the comparison result. If the average light intensity of the current sample is greater than or equal to the reference value, feeding ends. By taking a light intensity sample before feeding and using it as a reference value, and then using this reference value as the end point for feeding, a corresponding end point is set for each feeding under the current light conditions. This approach can effectively handle feeding under different light conditions, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of feeding control.

[0006] Preferably, the reference value is defined as P0, and the average light intensity currently collected is defined as P. i Let P be the average light intensity of the last collected light sample. i-1 Let the calculation error be m, then: when P i-1 -m≤Pi≤P i-1 When +m, maintain the current feeding amount; when P i <P i-1 When -m, increase the amount of feed; when P i-1 +m<P i When the light intensity is less than P0, reduce the amount of feed. By adjusting the amount of feed based on different changes in the average light intensity, the feeding needs of the fish can be met while reducing feed waste.

[0007] Preferably, when P i <P i-1 When -m, according to P i Relative to P i-1 The feeding amount is increased by reducing the proportion of P; i-1 +m<P i When <P0, according to P i Relative to P i-1 The feeding amount is reduced by increasing the ratio. This setting makes feeding control and operation simpler.

[0008] Preferably, the average light intensity is the average of the light intensity collected at all light intensity collection points corresponding to the fish feeding area at the same time. This setting can ensure the accuracy of light intensity detection and can also be used temporarily if some light intensity collection points fail, providing a certain buffer time for maintenance.

[0009] The present invention also discloses a feeding system employing the above-mentioned intelligent feeding method, comprising at least one feeding device, at least one controller, and at least one light intensity detection element. Each feeding area of ​​the fish school corresponds to at least one feeding device and at least one light intensity detection element. The light intensity detection element is located at a light intensity acquisition point. Each controller corresponds to at least one feeding area of ​​the fish school. The feeding device and the light intensity detection element are connected to the controller. The feeding device includes a feeder and at least one feed outlet. The feeder pipe is connected to the feed outlet. The feed outlet is located underwater and is located in the upper, middle, or lower layer of the feeding area of ​​the fish school.

[0010] By placing the feeding outlet underwater, the bait does not need to pass through air and is not affected by sea breezes. Feeding outlets placed above the feeding area can be used to deliver sinking bait, while those at the bottom can be used to deliver floating bait. Feeding outlets in the middle of the feeding area can deliver both sinking and floating bait. Any of these methods creates a three-dimensional feeding area (a distribution area for the bait), thereby expanding the fish's feeding space, improving the uniformity of feeding, ensuring a more balanced growth rate, and reducing the frequency of fish grading. Furthermore, by constructing a three-dimensional feeding area for fish, compared to the conventional method of fish surfacing to feed, this method reduces the likelihood of gaps in food supply and the feeding area deviating from the light intensity sampling point (the method of fish surfacing to feed can be considered a planar feeding area, which is easily affected by sea breezes, leading to gaps in food supply; in addition, the landing point of the bait may deviate from its normal landing point due to sea breezes, while the location of the light intensity sampling point is usually fixed). This facilitates the stability of light intensity detection (less prone to drastic changes in a short period of time), ensuring the reliability of feeding control. In addition, with the bait distributed in the water, the fish do not need to surface and crowd together to feed, making them less easily startled and less susceptible to predation by seabirds.

[0011] Preferably, the system also includes an auxiliary feeding pump. A tee is provided on the pipe connecting the feeder to the feed outlet, and the tee is positioned close to the feeder. The outlet of the auxiliary feeding pump is connected to the tee, and the inlet of the auxiliary feeding pump is located below the water surface. By using an auxiliary feeding pump to pump water into the conveying pipe, the flow of the feed within the pipe is promoted, preventing feed blockage and facilitating feed delivery.

[0012] Preferably, the system also includes a shut-off valve, with the outlet of the auxiliary feed pump connected to a tee via the shut-off valve, or the shut-off valve is located at the inlet of the auxiliary feed pump. By installing the shut-off valve, the inlet pipe can be blocked when the auxiliary feed pump is not used for assisted feeding, thus preventing any disruption to the normal feeding operation of the feeder.

[0013] Preferably, the inlet of the auxiliary feed pump is equipped with a screen. By setting up the screen, debris or organisms such as shellfish can be prevented from entering the auxiliary feed pump, ensuring its normal operation.

[0014] Preferably, the system also includes a remote terminal and a wireless communication module, wherein the controller is connected to the wireless communication module, and the wireless communication module is communicatively connected to the remote terminal. This configuration allows for remote monitoring of the feeding system's operation.

[0015] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. By comparing changes in light intensity below the feeding area of ​​the fish, the feeding status of the fish can be accurately determined, allowing for precise control of feeding to ensure the fish's feeding needs are met without wasting food. The detection environment is unaffected by water clarity or waves, and will not disturb the fish, making it more reliable and applicable.

[0016] 2. By underwater feeding and creating a three-dimensional feeding area for fish, the feeding space of the fish can be expanded, the feeding uniformity of the fish can be improved, the growth rate of the fish can be made more balanced, the frequency of fish grading can be reduced, and the reliability of feeding control can be better guaranteed. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of Example 1.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of Example 2.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of Example 3.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of Example 4.

[0021] Figure 5 This is the control flowchart of the present invention.

[0022] Explanation of symbols for main components: 10 net cages; 20 feeders; 30 conveying pipes; 40 feed outlets; 50 auxiliary feed pumps; 60 tees; 70 shut-off valves; 80 light intensity detection elements. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0024] like Figures 1-4As shown, this invention discloses a feeding system, which includes at least one feeding device, at least one controller, and at least one light intensity detection element 80. Each fish feeding area corresponds to at least one feeding device and at least one light intensity detection element 80. In other words, at least one feeding device constitutes a fish feeding area. In this case, the fish feeding area refers to the area where the bait is distributed, and the distribution area is determined by the placement of the feeding device. At least one light intensity detection element 80 is placed below each fish feeding area to collect the light intensity below the feeding area. When the feeding device is fixed, the position of the light intensity detection element 80 is also fixed, and the position of the light intensity detection element 80 is the light intensity collection point. Each controller corresponds to at least one fish feeding area, and the feeding device and the light intensity detection element 80 are connected to the controller. In this case, taking a net cage 10 with only one fish feeding area as an example, only one set of feeding devices, one set of controllers, and three sets of light intensity detection elements 80 are set accordingly. For the extra-large net cage 10, multiple feeding areas for fish can be set up.

[0025] like Figure 5 As shown, the intelligent feeding method applied to the aforementioned feeding system involves collecting the light intensity below the feeding area of ​​the fish and controlling the feeding amount by comparing changes in the light intensity below the feeding area. Specifically, a light intensity sample is collected before feeding, and the average light intensity value collected (the average light intensity value is the average of the light intensity values ​​collected by three sets of light intensity detection elements 80) is used as a reference value P0. After feeding begins, a light intensity sample is collected every time interval t (t>0), and the current average light intensity value P0 is used as the reference value. i Compared with the average light intensity P of the previous collection i-1 For comparison, when P i-1 -m≤P i ≤P i-1 When +m, maintain the current feeding amount; when P i <P i-1 When -m, according to P i Relative to P i-1 The feeding amount is increased by reducing the proportion of P; i-1 +m<P i When <P0, according to P i Relative to P i-1 To reduce the amount of feed by increasing the proportion of P, i When the value is greater than or equal to P0, feeding ends; where m (m>0) is the calculation error, and P... i-1 -m≤P i ≤P i-1 +m can be considered as P i-1 equals P iBy setting calculation errors, a certain filtering effect is achieved, avoiding frequent changes in the amount of feed.

[0026] The control principle of this invention is as follows: After the feed is introduced, hungry fish will gather in the feeding area to feed. The increased fish density in the feeding area creates a shading effect below it. After feeding, the fish disperse to various parts of the rearing area (net cage 10), reducing the shading effect below the feeding area. Therefore, by comparing the changes in light intensity below the feeding area, the feeding status of the fish can be determined, allowing for precise control of the feed amount. This ensures the fish's feeding needs are met without wasting feed. Furthermore, this invention judges the feeding status by monitoring changes in light intensity in the feeding area, unaffected by water clarity or waves, and without disturbing the fish, thus offering greater reliability and applicability.

[0027] Before feeding, a light intensity sample is collected and used as a reference value. This reference value serves as the end point for feeding, ensuring that each feeding is tailored to the current light conditions. This approach effectively addresses different lighting conditions, guaranteeing the reliability and accuracy of feeding control. By adjusting the feed amount based on variations in the average light intensity, the feeding needs of the fish are met while minimizing feed waste.

[0028] Example 1 like Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the feeding device includes a feeder 20 and a feed outlet 40. The feeder 20 is connected to the feed outlet 40 via a conveying pipe 30. The feed outlet 40 is located underwater, so the feed does not need to pass through air and is not affected by sea breezes. In this embodiment, the feed outlet 40 is located in the upper water layer of the aquaculture area (net cage 10), which is particularly suitable for feeding sinking feed. After the sinking feed is sprayed out of the feed outlet 40, it spreads outward and downward, thus forming a three-dimensional feeding area for the fish. At this time, the feed outlet 40 is located in the upper layer of the feeding area. The three-dimensional feeding area can expand the feeding space of the fish, improve the uniformity of feeding, ensure that the growth rate of the fish tends to be balanced, and reduce the frequency of fish grading. Furthermore, by constructing a three-dimensional feeding area for fish, compared to the conventional method of fish surfacing to feed, the three-dimensional feeding area is less prone to areas lacking food, creating gaps in the feeding area, and to situations where the feeding area deviates from the light intensity sampling point (the method of fish surfacing to feed can be considered a planar feeding area, which is easily affected by sea breezes, leading to areas without food; in addition, the landing point of the bait may deviate from its normal landing point due to sea breezes, while the location of the light intensity sampling point is usually fixed). This facilitates the stability of light intensity detection (less prone to drastic changes in a short period of time), ensuring the reliability of feeding control. Of course, the intelligent feeding method of this invention can also be applied to the traditional situation where fish surfacing to feed.

[0029] In addition, the food is distributed in the water, so the fish do not need to rise to the surface and crowd together to feed. The fish are not easily frightened and are not easily preyed on by seabirds.

[0030] Example 2 like Figure 2 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the feeding port 40 is set in the bottom water of the aquaculture area (net cage 10), which is particularly suitable for placing floating bait. After the floating bait is sprayed out from the feeding port 40, it spreads outward and upward, thus forming a three-dimensional feeding area for the fish. At this time, the feeding port 40 is located at the bottom of the feeding area for the fish.

[0031] Example 3 like Figure 3As shown, the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the feeding port 40 is located in the upper water layer of the aquaculture area (net cage 10), and multiple feeding ports 40 are provided. This embodiment is particularly suitable for feeding a mixture of floating and sinking feed. After the mixture is sprayed out from the feeding port 40, a three-dimensional feeding area for the fish is formed. At this time, the feeding port 40 is located in the middle layer of the feeding area. Of course, this embodiment can also refer to feeding either floating or sinking feed, but the depth of the feeding area formed will be smaller. When only floating feed is fed, the feeding port 40 is located at the bottom layer of the feeding area, while when only sinking feed is fed, the feeding port 40 is located at the upper layer of the feeding area.

[0032] Example 4 This embodiment adds an auxiliary pusher pump 50, a shut-off valve 70, and a barrier net to any of the above embodiments. This embodiment is described based on Embodiment 2. Figure 4 As shown, a tee 60 is provided on the conveying pipe 30 connecting the feeder 20 to the feed outlet 40, and this tee 60 is positioned close to the feeder 20. The outlet of the auxiliary feed pump 50 is connected to the conveying pipe 30 via the tee 60, and the inlet of the auxiliary feed pump 50 is located below the water surface. A screen is installed at the inlet of the auxiliary feed pump 50. The outlet of the auxiliary feed pump 50 is connected to the tee 60 via a shut-off valve 70, or the shut-off valve 70 is located at the inlet of the auxiliary feed pump 50. By setting the auxiliary feed pump 50 to pump water into the conveying pipe 30, the flow of bait in the conveying pipe 30 is promoted, which can prevent bait from clogging in the conveying pipe 30 and facilitate bait delivery. By setting the shut-off valve 70, the inlet pipe can be blocked when the auxiliary feed pump 50 is not used to assist in feeding, so as not to affect the normal feeding of the feeder 20. By setting up a barrier net, debris or organisms such as shellfish can be prevented from entering the auxiliary feed pump 50, ensuring that the auxiliary feed pump 50 can be used normally.

[0033] Example 5 This embodiment adds a remote terminal and a wireless communication module to any of the above embodiments. The controller is connected to the wireless communication module, which in turn communicates with the remote terminal. This configuration allows the operation of the feeding system to be remotely monitored.

[0034] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A smart baiting method characterized by: Set up at least one light intensity sampling point below the feeding area of ​​the fish, and control the amount of feed by comparing the changes in light intensity below the feeding area of ​​the fish. Before feeding, a light intensity sample is taken, and the average light intensity of the sample is used as a reference value. After feeding begins, a light intensity sample is taken every time interval t (t>0), and the average light intensity of the current sample is compared with the average light intensity of the previous sample. The amount of feed is controlled according to the comparison result. If the average light intensity of the current sample is greater than or equal to the reference value, feeding is stopped. Define the reference value as P0, and define the average light intensity currently collected as P. i Let P be the average light intensity of the last collected light sample. i-1 Let the calculation error be m, then: when P i-1 -m≤Pi≤P i-1 When +m, maintain the current feeding amount; when P i <P i-1 When -m, increase the amount of feed; when P i-1 +m<P i When P < P0, reduce the amount of feed; When P i <P i-1 When -m, according to P i Relative to P i-1 The feeding amount is increased by reducing the proportion of P; i-1 +m<P i When <P0, according to P i Relative to P i-1 Increase the proportion to reduce the amount of feed.

2. The intelligent feeding method of claim 1, wherein: The average light intensity is the average of the light intensity collected at the same time from all light intensity collection points corresponding to the fish feeding area.

3. A feeding system employing the intelligent feeding method as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The system includes at least one feeding device, at least one controller, and at least one light intensity detection element. Each feeding area of ​​the fish school corresponds to at least one feeding device and at least one light intensity detection element. The light intensity detection element is located at a light intensity acquisition point. Each controller corresponds to at least one feeding area of ​​the fish school. The feeding device and the light intensity detection element are connected to the controller. The feeding device includes a feeder and at least one feed outlet. The feeder pipe is connected to the feed outlet. The feed outlet is located underwater and is located in the upper, middle, or lower layer of the feeding area of ​​the fish school.

4. The baiting system of claim 3, wherein: It also includes an auxiliary feed pump. A tee is provided on the pipe connecting the feeder to the feed outlet, and the tee is located close to the feeder. The outlet of the auxiliary feed pump is connected to the tee, and the inlet of the auxiliary feed pump is located below the water surface.

5. The baiting system of claim 4, wherein: It also includes a shut-off valve, wherein the outlet of the auxiliary pusher pump is connected to a tee via the shut-off valve, or the shut-off valve is located at the inlet of the auxiliary pusher pump.

6. The baiting system of claim 4, wherein: The inlet of the auxiliary pusher pump is equipped with a baffle net.

7. The baiting system of claim 3, wherein: It also includes a remote terminal and a wireless communication module, wherein the controller is connected to the wireless communication module, and the wireless communication module is communicatively connected to the remote terminal.

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