Automatic fish sorting system and method

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of fish passing facilities, and discloses an automatic fish sorting system and method.The automatic fish sorting system comprises an obliquely-arranged first fish sliding groove and a horizontally-arranged second fish sliding groove connected with the lower end of the first fish sliding groove, and a fish recognition module is arranged at the position close to the connecting end of the first fish sliding groove and the second fish sliding groove; the high end of the first fish chute is in butt joint with a fish discharge gate of the fish collecting box; the second fish chute penetrates through the fish identification module, a sorting pool is connected to the lower part of the tail end of the second fish chute, and fishes identified by the fish identification module enter the sorting pool through the second fish chute. According to the automatic fish sorting system and method, the fish sorting efficiency can be improved, and the fish sorting statistical data can be obtained more quickly and more accurately; and fish contact is not needed, so that fish casualties are avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of fish passage facilities, specifically to an automatic fish sorting system and a method for automatic fish sorting. Background Technology

[0002] The construction of water conservancy and hydropower projects typically has adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems, especially on fish. This is mainly manifested in the obstruction of river channels caused by dam construction, which alters the living environment of fish resources, thereby affecting the normal exchange of genes between fish upstream and downstream of the dam, ultimately leading to the gradual depletion and disappearance of fish populations. To mitigate these adverse effects, fish passage facilities, such as fish ladders and simulated natural channels, are commonly incorporated into the construction of water conservancy and hydropower projects.

[0003] Fish caught through the fish passage facility first need to be sorted. This includes collecting biological information about the fish, such as species, weight, length, width, and health status. Subsequently, the sorted fish are either released back into the dam or temporarily held for rescue and rehabilitation.

[0004] Currently, fish sorting facilities primarily rely on manual sorting. If the number of fish collected is large, the workload for manual sorting increases significantly, leading to low sorting efficiency. Furthermore, because fish experience stress during sorting, contact with their bodies inevitably causes varying degrees of injury, thus reducing their survival rate. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an automatic fish sorting system and method, which combines automatic fish identification and automatic sorting functions to realize automated sorting operations.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] The automatic fish sorting system of the present invention includes a first fish trough arranged at an incline and a second fish trough arranged horizontally and connected to the lower end of the first fish trough. A fish identification module is provided near the connection end of the first and second fish troughs. The upper end of the first fish trough is connected to the fish discharge gate of the fish collection box. The second fish trough passes through the fish identification module and is connected to a sorting pool below the end of the second fish trough. Fish identified by the fish identification module enter the sorting pool through the second fish trough.

[0008] Preferably, the fish identification module includes an image acquisition unit, an image analysis and recognition unit, and an information output unit that are connected by communication.

[0009] Furthermore, the image acquisition unit includes cameras arranged at the top, side, or bottom of the second fish trough. The cameras capture photos of the fish to be sorted from different angles and transmit them to the image analysis and recognition unit. The image analysis and recognition unit identifies and calculates the fish to be sorted based on a trained data model. The information output unit outputs and displays the identification and calculation results, and the sorting personnel read the information of the fish to be sorted through the display screen.

[0010] Furthermore, the bottom of the second fish-tracking trough at the end along the fish-tracking direction is provided with a channel opening located above the sorting pool.

[0011] Preferably, the passageway includes a first passageway and a second passageway. A fish-blocking plate that opens and closes vertically is movably connected to one side of each passageway via a spring hinge. One side of the spring hinge is horizontally fixed to the bottom of the second fish-channeling trough, while the other side is vertically downward and fixedly connected to the central axis of the spring hinge. The two side plates of the spring hinge are at a 90-degree angle to each other. The fish-blocking plate is welded to the central axis of the spring hinge and forms a 180-degree angle with the other side of the spring hinge. A sliding passage door is installed below the first and second passageways. Sliding grooves are provided on both sides of the passage door, and the fish-blocking plate is connected to the passage door via a linkage device.

[0012] Furthermore, the linkage device includes a motor located at the bottom of the second fish trough, a screw connected to the output shaft of the motor, a screw hole threaded to the screw and fixed to the bottom of the second fish trough, and a fixed seat rotatably connected to the front end of the screw. The fixed seat is fixed to the bottom of the passage door. When sorting is performed, the motor drives the screw to rotate forward in the screw hole, causing the passage door to move forward until the passage door closes. At this time, the front end of the passage door abuts against the other side plate of the spring hinge and makes a fan-shaped movement. When the included angle between the two side plates of the spring hinge gradually decreases to 0, the fish baffle closes. The motor drives the screw to rotate in the reverse direction in the screw hole, causing the passage door to be pulled back and the passage opening to be opened. At the same time, the other side plate of the spring hinge automatically springs back to its original position due to the lack of resistance at the front end of the passage door, and the fish baffle opens.

[0013] Furthermore, the sorting pool is divided into two independent spaces and located below the first channel opening and the second channel opening, respectively.

[0014] Preferably, the second fish trough is made of a transparent material.

[0015] Furthermore, an adjustable fill light is installed at the top of the image acquisition unit.

[0016] Accordingly, the present invention also provides an automatic fish sorting method, the steps of which are as follows:

[0017] S1, one end of the first fish trough is connected to the fish discharge gate of the fish collection box, and the fish discharge gate of the fish collection box is opened;

[0018] S2, the fish pass one by one through the camera of the image acquisition unit along the first row of fish troughs, and the camera captures the image of the fish; the fish pass one by one through the pre-adjusted camera, and the morphological characteristics of the fish are captured from multiple angles.

[0019] S3, the fish recognition module first performs data preprocessing, which involves denoising, grayscale conversion, and normalization of the images captured by the camera, then extracts features, and finally performs classification and recognition.

[0020] S4 outputs a sorting statistics report.

[0021] Furthermore, it also includes receiving fish identification information and controlling the passage doors and fish baffle passage doors on the second fish trough to classify the fish and store them in different spaces of the sorting pool.

[0022] Therefore, the beneficial effects of the automatic fish sorting system and method of the present invention are as follows:

[0023] 1. Improve fish sorting efficiency and obtain fish sorting statistics more quickly and accurately; and eliminate the need for contact with fish, thus avoiding fish injuries and deaths.

[0024] 2. Improve the automation and intelligence of fish passage facilities.

[0025] 3. Reduce personnel input and lower operating and management costs. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are provided to further understand this application and constitute a part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments of this application and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic fish sorting system of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the linkage device of the automatic fish sorting system of the present invention.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 1. First fish trough; 2. Second fish trough; 2.1 Fish baffle; 2.2 Channel door; 2.3 Spring hinge; 3. Fish identification module; 4. Sorting pool; 3.1 Image acquisition unit; 3.2 Image analysis and recognition unit; 3.3 Information output unit; 5. Fish collection box; 6. First channel opening; 7. Second channel opening; 8.1 Screw; 8.2 Screw hole; 8.3 Fixing base; Detailed Implementation

[0031] To facilitate understanding and implementation of the present invention by those skilled in the art, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0032] Below, in conjunction with Figure 1 This invention provides a detailed description of an automatic fish sorting system and method.

[0033] Depend on Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the automatic fish sorting system of the present invention includes a first fish trough 1, a fish identification module 3, a second fish trough 2, and a sorting pool 4. One end of the first fish trough 1 is connected to the fish discharge gate of the fish collection box 5, and the other end of the first fish trough 1 is inclined downward and connected to one end of the second fish trough 2. The fish identification module 3 is installed above the end of the second fish trough 2. The fish identification module 3 is an enclosed structure. The other end of the second fish trough 2 is connected to the sorting pool 4.

[0034] The fish collection box 5 is raised to a set height, aligning the high end of the first fish trough 1 with the fish discharge gate of the fish collection box 5. The first fish trough 1 is tilted downwards, forming an 8-10 degree slope. The lower end of the first fish trough 1 is aligned with one end of the second fish trough 2, which is placed horizontally. A fish identification module 3 is installed near the connection point between the first and second fish troughs 1 and 2. The fish identification module 3 is an enclosed box structure, and the second fish trough 2 passes through it. The second fish trough 2 is made of transparent material, which improves the accuracy of the fish identification module 3. A sorting pool 4 is connected to the lower end of the second fish trough 2. Fish identified by the fish identification module 3 can enter the sorting pool 4 through the second fish trough 2.

[0035] The fish identification module 3 of this invention includes an image acquisition unit 3.1, an image analysis and recognition unit 3.2, and an information output unit 3.3, which are communicatively connected. The image acquisition unit 3.1 includes cameras positioned at the top, side, or bottom of the second fish trough 2. The cameras capture photos of the fish to be sorted from different angles and transmit them to the image analysis and recognition unit 3.2. The image analysis and recognition unit 3.2 identifies and calculates the fish to be sorted based on a trained data model. The information output unit 3.3 outputs and displays the identification and calculation results, allowing sorting personnel to read information about the fish to be sorted, including sorting time, quantity, species, weight, body length, and body width.

[0036] An adjustable fill light is installed at the top of the image acquisition unit 3.1. To achieve the closest shooting effect of the camera and improve recognition accuracy, an adjustable fill light is installed at the top of the fish recognition module 3. The brightness of the adjustable fill light can be adjusted according to the shooting requirements. If a uniform shadowless LED light source is used, the illumination intensity of the shooting area is kept stable at 1000-1500 Lux, avoiding image blurring or shadow obstruction caused by insufficient light or reflection, and ensuring that the acquired image is clear and complete.

[0037] The fish identification module 3 also includes a control information sending unit and a control information execution unit.

[0038] The bottom of the second fish-flowing trough 2 is provided with a passageway above the sorting pool 4, and the passageway is arranged at the end of the second fish-flowing trough 2 along the fish-flowing direction. The passageway includes a first passageway 6 and a second passageway 7. A fish-blocking plate 2.1 that can open and close vertically is movably connected to one side of the first passageway 6 and the second passageway 7 via a spring hinge 2.3. One side plate of the spring hinge 2.3 is horizontally fixed to the bottom of the second fish-flowing trough 2, and the other side plate of the spring hinge 2.3 is vertically downward and fixedly connected to the central axis of the spring hinge 2.3. The two side plates of the spring hinge 2.3 are set at a 90-degree angle. The fish-blocking plate 2.1 is welded to the central axis of the spring hinge 2.3 and is at a 180-degree angle to the other side plate of the spring hinge 2.3. Below the first passageway 6 and the second passageway 7, a back-and-forth movable passageway door 2.2 is installed. The passageway door 2.2 has sliding grooves on both sides, and the fish-blocking plate 2.1 and the passageway door 2.2 are connected by a linkage device. The purpose of setting up the fish barrier is twofold: first, to block the target fish and allow it to enter the holding tank; and second, to prevent the fish from sliding down too fast and getting injured on the edge of the passageway.

[0039] The linkage device of the present invention includes a motor located at the bottom of the second fish trough 2, a screw 8.1 connected to the output shaft of the motor, a screw hole 8.2 threadedly connected to the screw 8.1 and fixed to the bottom of the second fish trough 2, and a fixing seat 8.3 rotatably connected to the front end of the screw 8.1. The fixing seat 8.3 is fixed to the bottom of the channel door 2.2. When sorting is performed, the motor drives the screw 8.1 to rotate forward in the screw hole 8.2, causing the channel door 2.2 to move forward until the channel door 2.2 closes. At this time, the front end of the channel door 2.2 will abut against the other side plate of the spring hinge 2.3 and make a fan-shaped movement. When the included angle between the two side plates of the spring hinge 2.3 gradually decreases to 0, the fish baffle 2.1 closes. The motor drives the screw 8.1 to rotate in the opposite direction within the screw hole 8.2, causing the passage door 2.2 to be pulled back and open the passage. At the same time, the other side plate of the spring hinge 2.3 automatically springs back to its original position due to the lack of resistance at the front end of the passage door 2.2, and the fish baffle 2.1 opens. In this way, when the passage door 2.2 is pushed forward to close the passage, the fish baffle 2.1 also closes at the same time; when the passage door 2.2 is pulled back to open the passage, the fish baffle 2.1 also opens at the same time.

[0040] In this invention, the bottom surface of the passage door 2.2 is connected to a screw rod 8.1, and a screw hole 8.2 mates with the screw rod 8.1. The motor drives the screw rod 8.1 to rotate in the screw hole 8.2, thereby causing the passage door 2.2 to move forward or backward in the slide groove, realizing the opening and closing of the passage. When the passage door 2.2 moves forward (closes), the front end of the passage door 2.2 abuts against the spring hinge 2.3 at the lower end of the fish baffle 2.1, and the fish baffle 2.1 closes. When the passage door 2.2 moves backward, the spring hinge 2.3 will cause the fish baffle 2.1 to automatically reset.

[0041] The sorting pool 4 is divided into two independent spaces, located below the first channel opening 6 and the second channel opening 7, respectively. After opening the channel door 2.2 and the fish barrier 2.1 of the first channel opening 6, non-fish-passing fish fall into the corresponding positions in the sorting pool; after opening the channel door 2.2 and the fish barrier 2.1 of the second channel opening 7, fish-passing fish fall into the corresponding positions in the sorting pool; thus, when performing the next fish release task, it is only necessary to transfer and release the fish-passing fish.

[0042] When the control information sending unit sends control command information to the control information execution unit, the control information execution unit interprets the command information and controls the opening or closing of the channel door 2.2 and the fish barrier 2.1. For example, if the fish identification module 3 identifies the fish to be passed as a crucian carp and sets it as the target fish to be passed, the control information sending unit sends a control command to the control information execution unit to open the channel door 2.2 and the fish barrier 2.1 of the second channel 7. If the next fish (the object to be identified) is identified as the target fish, the channel door 2.2 and the fish barrier 2.1 of the second channel 7 remain open. If the next fish (the object to be identified) is not the target fish, the control information sending unit sends a control command to the control information execution unit, and the control information execution unit closes the channel door 2.2 and the fish barrier 2.1 of the second channel 7 via a motor, and simultaneously opens the channel door 2.2 and the fish barrier 2.1 of the first channel 6.

[0043] Based on the above-mentioned automatic fish sorting system, the automatic fish sorting method of the present invention comprises the following steps:

[0044] S1, one end of the first fish trough 1 is connected to the fish discharge gate of the fish collection box 5, and the fish discharge gate of the fish collection box 5 is opened.

[0045] Raise the fish collection box 5 to the set height, and connect one end of the first fish trough 1 with the fish discharge gate of the fish collection box 5. Then open the fish discharge gate of the fish collection box 5, and the fish in the fish collection box 5 will flow into the first fish trough 1 with the water flow.

[0046] S2, fish pass one by one through the cameras in the first fish trough 1, and the cameras capture the images of the fish passing by. The second fish trough 2 is made of transparent material, and the cameras are positioned directly above, to the side, or at the bottom of the second fish trough 2, facilitating the capture of fish features from multiple angles. For example, 2-3 high-speed industrial-grade cameras can be placed 50-80 cm apart directly above the second fish trough 2, with a frame rate of over 200 frames per second and a resolution of at least 4K. Multi-angle shooting can completely capture the morphological features of the fish, such as their backs and sides, avoiding the loss of information due to the fish's swimming posture.

[0047] S3 trains the model algorithm to identify fish species, including but not limited to calculating the weight, length, and width of the target fish. The training model captures photos of fish from different angles, performs comparative analysis, identification, and calculations to obtain the species, weight, length, and width information of the target fish. For example, after capturing photos of fish from different angles, the fish identification module 3 first performs data preprocessing: denoising, grayscale conversion, and normalization are applied to the images captured by the camera to enhance image contrast and clarity, facilitating subsequent feature extraction. Then, feature extraction is performed: using a convolutional neural network (CNN) in deep learning algorithms, features such as the fish's outline, color distribution, and pattern texture are automatically extracted. Finally, classification and recognition are performed: the extracted features are compared with a pre-built fish feature database, and a support vector machine (SVM) or Softmax classifier is used to calculate feature similarity, achieving fast and accurate identification of fish species with an accuracy rate of over 98%.

[0048] Fish dimensions are estimated using a geometric calculation model. For example, timing begins when the fish's head blocks the first sensor and stops when its tail moves away from the last sensor. The fish's length is calculated based on the time difference and the conveyor belt speed. Simultaneously, the fish's width and height are calculated based on the positional information of the blocked sensors on both sides.

[0049] Fish weight can be estimated using a weight calculation model. For example, by training and learning based on statistical data of actual fish weight, length, and width, a formula for calculating the corresponding weight range based on fish length data can be obtained.

[0050] S4 outputs a sorting statistics report. The display screen outputs the recognition results in tabular form; the table type can be a single fish information table or a summary table of statistics for all sorted fish, etc.

[0051] The automatic fish sorting method of the present invention further includes receiving fish identification information and controlling the channel door 2.2 and the fish baffle 2.1 on the second fish trough 2 to classify the fish and store them in different spaces of the sorting pool 4.

[0052] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any transformations or substitutions that can be understood by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic fish sorting system, characterized in that, The application relates to a fish sorting device, which comprises a first fish chute (1) arranged in an inclined mode, a second fish chute (2) arranged in a horizontal mode and connected with the low end of the first fish chute (1), a fish identification module (3) arranged near the connecting end of the first fish chute (1) and the second fish chute (2), and a fish collecting box (5) connected with the high end of the first fish chute (1). The second fish chute (2) penetrates through the fish identification module (3), and a sorting pool (4) is connected below the tail end of the second fish chute (2); the fish identified by the fish identification module (3) enters the sorting pool (4) through the second fish chute (2).

2. The fish automatic sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fish identification module (3) comprises an image acquisition unit (3.1), an image analysis and identification unit (3.2) and an information output unit (3.3) which are connected in communication.

3. The fish automatic sorting system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The image acquisition unit (3.1) comprises a camera arranged on the top, side or bottom of the second fish chute (2), which respectively captures different angle photos of the fish as the sorting object and transmits the photos to the image analysis and identification unit (3.2); the image analysis and identification unit (3.2) identifies and calculates the fish as the sorting object according to the trained data model; and the information output unit (3.3) outputs and displays the identification and calculation results, and the sorting personnel reads the information of the fish as the sorting object through the display screen.

4. The fish automatic sorting system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom of the tail end of the second fish chute (2) is provided with a channel opening above the sorting pool (4).

5. The automatic fish sorting system of claim 4, wherein, The channel opening comprises a first channel opening (6) and a second channel opening (7), and a fish blocking plate (2.1) which opens and closes up and down is movably connected to one side of the first channel opening (6) and the second channel opening (7) through a spring hinge (2.3). One side plate of the spring hinge (2.3) is horizontally fixed on the bottom of the second fish chute (2), the other side plate of the spring hinge (2.3) is vertically arranged downward and fixedly connected with the middle shaft of the spring hinge (2.3), the two side plates of the spring hinge (2.3) are arranged at 90 degrees, the fish blocking plate (2.1) is welded with the middle shaft of the spring hinge (2.3) and arranged at 180 degrees with the other side plate of the spring hinge (2.3). The bottom of the first channel opening (6) and the second channel opening (7) is provided with a channel door (2.2) which moves forward and backward, the two sides of the channel door (2.2) are provided with sliding grooves, and the fish blocking plate (2.1) is connected with the channel door (2.2) through a linkage device.

6. The fish automatic sorting system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The linkage device comprises a motor arranged on the bottom of the second fish chute (2), a screw rod (8.1) connected with the output shaft of the motor, a screw hole (8.2) threadedly connected with the screw rod (8.1) and fixed on the bottom of the second fish chute (2), and a fixed seat (8.3) rotatably connected with the front end of the screw rod (8.1), wherein the fixed seat (8.3) is fixed on the bottom of the channel door (2.2). When the sorting operation is performed, the motor drives the screw (8.1) to rotate forward in the screw hole (8.2), so that the channel door (2.2) moves forward until the channel door (2.2) is closed, at which time the front end of the channel door (2.2) abuts against the other side plate of the spring hinge (2.3) to make a fan-shaped movement, and when the included angle between the two side plates of the spring hinge (2.3) gradually decreases to 0, the fish blocking plate (2.1) is closed; the motor drives the screw (8.1) to rotate reversely in the screw hole (8.2), so that the channel door (2.2) is pulled backward to open the channel, and at the same time, the other side plate of the spring hinge (2.3) automatically rebounds and resets due to the absence of resistance from the front end of the channel door (2.2), and the fish blocking plate (2.1) is opened.

7. The fish automatic sorting system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sorting pool (4) is divided into two independent spaces and is located below the first channel (6) and the second channel (7) respectively.

8. The fish automatic sorting system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second fish sliding groove (2) is made of transparent material.

9. The fish automatic sorting system according to claim 8, characterized in that, An adjustable light compensation lamp is installed at the top of the image acquisition unit (3.1).

10. An automatic fish sorting method of the system as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The steps are: S1, one end of the first fish sliding groove (1) is connected with the fish releasing gate of the fish collecting box (5), and the fish releasing gate of the fish collecting box (5) is opened; S2, the fish passes through the camera of the image acquisition unit (3.1) one by one along the first fish sliding groove (1), and the camera captures the fish image; The fish is photographed and captured by the camera from multiple angles; S3, the fish recognition module (3) first performs data preprocessing, denoising, grayscale, and normalization processing on the image collected by the camera, then performs feature extraction, and finally performs classification recognition; S4, output sorting statistical information report; It also includes receiving fish recognition information, and controlling the channel door (2.2) and the fish blocking plate (2.1) on the second fish sliding groove (2) to classify and store the fish in different spaces of the sorting pool (4).

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