Floating type underwater fish monitoring device, system and method
By incorporating a transparent viewing window, an anti-reflective background plate, and a cleaning device into the underwater fish monitoring device, the problems of poor imaging quality and large errors in underwater fish monitoring devices have been solved, achieving efficient and accurate fish monitoring.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511740591.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-27
AI Technical Summary
The observation window of traditional underwater fish monitoring devices is easily contaminated, affecting image quality, and the complex underwater environment makes fish monitoring difficult and prone to errors.
Design a floating underwater fish monitoring device, comprising a transparent window, an anti-reflective background plate, and a cleaning device. The transparent window is cleaned regularly by the cleaning device, the anti-reflective background plate reduces reflective interference, and the image acquisition device monitors from one side of the transparent window.
It improves the imaging quality of underwater fish monitoring, reduces monitoring difficulty and errors, ensures the cleanliness of the image acquisition device and the background contrast, and improves the accuracy of fish species identification.
Smart Images
Figure CN121585892A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of underwater monitoring technology, and in particular to a floating underwater fish monitoring device, system and method. Background Technology
[0002] In modern water conservancy projects and related water area development and construction, such as dam construction, river regulation, and port and wharf construction, environmental conditions such as water flow, water temperature, and water quality are inevitably changed, which in turn have a profound impact on the survival, reproduction, and migration behavior of fish. In order to assess the impact of these projects on fish resources and formulate reasonable ecological protection measures, accurate monitoring of underwater fish conditions has become a key requirement. Traditional image acquisition devices work underwater for a long time, and their observation windows are easily contaminated. If they are not cleaned in time, they will greatly affect the image quality. Moreover, the underwater environment is complex, and some fish can blend in with each other through changes in body color, which brings difficulties and errors to fish monitoring. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a floating underwater fish monitoring device, system, and method to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art and reduce the difficulty and error of fish monitoring.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: This invention provides a floating underwater fish monitoring device, characterized by comprising: a floating platform that floats on the water surface; a fish monitoring chamber frame connected to the floating platform, capable of suspending in the water; a transparent window on one side of the fish monitoring chamber frame; a cleaning device on the side of the transparent window near the fish monitoring chamber frame; an anti-reflective background plate on the side of the fish monitoring chamber frame opposite to the transparent window; sealing plates on both the top and bottom surfaces of the fish monitoring chamber frame; the transparent window, the anti-reflective background plate, and the sealing plates forming a fish monitoring chamber with openings at both ends; a fish attracting device within the fish monitoring chamber; and a closed observation chamber located on the side of the transparent window away from the fish monitoring chamber frame, with the transparent window forming the side wall of the observation chamber; an image acquisition device located on the side of the observation chamber away from the transparent window, capable of observing the fish monitoring chamber through the transparent window.
[0005] In some embodiments, the cleaning device includes a cleaning brush, the brush arm of which is slidably connected to a sealing plate on the top or bottom surface of the fish monitoring chamber, and the brush strip of which is in contact with the side of the transparent window near the fish monitoring chamber. The brush arm can drive the brush strip to slide back and forth on the side of the transparent window near the fish monitoring chamber to scrape and clean the transparent window.
[0006] In some embodiments, the floating platform is provided with a drive mechanism that enables the fish monitoring chamber frame and the observation chamber to move synchronously vertically. When monitoring underwater fish, the drive mechanism drives the fish monitoring chamber frame and the observation chamber to move synchronously into the water. During maintenance, the drive mechanism drives the fish monitoring chamber frame and the observation chamber to move synchronously above the water surface.
[0007] In some embodiments, a limiting slide rail is provided vertically along the upper edge of the floating platform, which enables the fish monitoring chamber frame and the observation chamber to move synchronously vertically.
[0008] In some embodiments, the fish-attracting device includes fish-attracting lights disposed on both sides of the anti-reflective background panel and near the opening of the fish monitoring room.
[0009] In some embodiments, the fish-attracting device includes a fish attractant disposed in the fish monitoring room.
[0010] In some embodiments, a support frame is provided on the floating platform, and the drive mechanism includes a chain and a fixed pulley. The fixed pulley is suspended at the top of the support frame and located directly above the fish monitoring chamber frame. One end of the chain is connected to the fish monitoring chamber frame, and the other end passes through the fixed pulley and is connected to a power source located on the top surface of the floating platform. Pulling the chain drives the fish monitoring chamber frame and the observation chamber to move synchronously above the water surface. Releasing the chain drives the fish monitoring chamber frame and the observation chamber to move synchronously into the water.
[0011] In some embodiments, the fish monitoring chamber frame is also connected to a hydrological sensor capable of monitoring water temperature, pH value, dissolved oxygen concentration, ammonia nitrogen concentration, and conductivity.
[0012] The present invention also provides a floating underwater fish monitoring system, comprising: the fish monitoring device described in any of the above claims; a receiving unit for receiving image information acquired by the image acquisition device; and a processing unit for extracting fish features from the image information and identifying the species of fish in the photograph based on the extracted fish features.
[0013] The present invention also provides a floating underwater fish monitoring method, comprising the following steps: suspending the fish monitoring chamber frame in water; observing fish characteristics inside the fish monitoring chamber through a transparent window using an image acquisition device, and transmitting the image information acquired by the image acquisition device to a receiving unit; and periodically activating a cleaning device to clean the transparent window.
[0014] The present invention achieves the following technical effects compared to the prior art: This invention provides a floating underwater fish monitoring device, system, and method. A closed observation chamber is set up on one side of the fish monitoring chamber frame. An image acquisition device is installed on the side of the observation chamber away from the transparent window, allowing the image acquisition device to observe the fish observation chamber through the transparent window. A cleaning device is installed on the side of the transparent window closer to the fish monitoring chamber frame. The cleaning device periodically cleans the transparent window to ensure the imaging quality of the image acquisition device. Simultaneously, an anti-reflective background plate is installed on the side of the fish monitoring chamber opposite the transparent window. The anti-reflective background plate absorbs or scatters excess light, preventing reflections from entering the image acquisition device and providing a low-interference, uniform background. This allows the outline, body color, and morphological features of fish to be distinguished from the background, facilitating accurate identification of fish species and reducing the difficulty and error of fish monitoring. Attached Figure Description
[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a floating underwater fish monitoring device in one embodiment of this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the observation chamber and cleaning device in one embodiment of this invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the observation chamber and cleaning device in another embodiment of this invention.
[0017] In the diagram: 1-Floating platform; 2-Fish monitoring chamber frame; 21-Transparent window; 22-Cleaning device; 221-Brush arm; 222-Brush strip; 223-Drive motor; 224-Screw rod; 225-Guide rail; 226-Support base; 227-Protective shell; 23-Anti-reflective background plate; 24-Sealing plate; 25-Limiting slide rail; 26-Fish attractant light; 27-Image acquisition device; 3-Observation chamber; 4-Support frame; 41-Horizontal support rod; 5-Hydrological sensor; 6-Protective frame. Detailed Implementation
[0018] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0019] The purpose of this invention is to provide a floating underwater fish monitoring device, system, and method to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art and reduce the difficulty and error of fish monitoring.
[0020] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0021] Example 1 This embodiment provides a floating underwater fish monitoring device, referenced Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the system includes a floating platform 1, a fish monitoring chamber frame 2, and a closed observation chamber 3. The floating platform 1 floats on the water surface. The fish monitoring chamber frame 2 is connected to the floating platform 1 and can suspend in the water. A transparent window 21 is provided on one side of the fish monitoring chamber frame 2. A cleaning device 22 is provided on the side of the transparent window 21 closest to the fish monitoring chamber frame 2. An anti-reflective background plate 23 is provided on the side of the fish monitoring chamber opposite to the transparent window 21. Sealing plates 24 are provided on both the top and bottom surfaces of the fish monitoring chamber. The transparent window 21, the anti-reflective background plate 23, and the sealing plates 24 enclose a fish monitoring chamber with openings at both ends. The fish monitoring chamber is equipped with a fish-attracting device. The observation chamber 3 is located on the side of the transparent window 21 away from the fish monitoring chamber frame 2, and the transparent window 21 constitutes the observation chamber 3. An image acquisition device 27 is installed on the side wall of the observation chamber 3, away from the transparent window 21. The image acquisition device 27 can monitor the fish monitoring chamber through the transparent window 21. A cleaning device 22 is installed on the side of the transparent window 21 near the fish monitoring chamber frame 2. The cleaning device 22 can clean the transparent window 21 regularly to ensure the imaging quality of the image acquisition device 27. At the same time, an anti-reflective background plate 23 is installed on the side of the fish monitoring chamber opposite to the transparent window 21. The anti-reflective background plate 23 can absorb or scatter excess light to prevent these reflections from entering the image acquisition device 27 and provide a low-interference uniform background so that the outline, body color, shape and other features of the fish can be distinguished from the background, thereby facilitating accurate identification of fish species and reducing the difficulty and error of fish monitoring.
[0022] Specifically, a cleaning cycle can be preset so that the cleaning device 22 can periodically clean the transparent window 21 to ensure the stability of image acquisition quality during long-term observation. Alternatively, if the image information acquired by the image acquisition device 27 is found to be blurry or obstructed, it indicates that the transparent window 21 may be contaminated. In this case, the cleaning device 22 can be activated to clean the transparent window 21.
[0023] In some embodiments of this example, there are a large number of organisms and suspended matter such as silt underwater, which will actively or passively adhere to the lens surface. By setting a cleaning device 22 on the side of the transparent window 21 near the fish monitoring chamber frame 2, the cleaning device 22 can clean the transparent window 21 in time when it is contaminated. The cleaning device 22 includes a cleaning brush. The brush arm 221 of the cleaning brush is slidably connected to the sealing plate 24 on the top or bottom surface of the fish monitoring chamber. The brush strip 222 of the cleaning brush is attached to the side of the transparent window 21 near the fish monitoring chamber. The brush arm 221 can drive the brush strip 222 to slide back and forth on the side of the transparent window 21 near the fish monitoring chamber to scrape and clean the transparent window 21. When cleaning is not required, the brush arm 221 can drive the brush strip 222 to stay near the edge of the transparent window 21 to avoid the brush strip 222 affecting the image acquisition device 27's monitoring of the fish monitoring chamber.
[0024] In some embodiments of this example, a screw drive mechanism is provided on the top surface of the fish monitoring chamber, specifically including a drive motor 223, a screw 224 parallel to the transparent window 21, a guide rail 225, and a support base 226 for mounting the screw 224. The output shaft of the drive motor 223 is connected to the screw 224 to drive the screw 224 to rotate. The guide rail 225 is arranged parallel to one side of the screw 224. One end of the brush arm 221 of the cleaning brush is sleeved on the screw 224 and the guide rail 225. The other end of the brush arm 221 is hinged to the middle position of the brush strip 222. The length of the brush strip 222 is greater than the height of the transparent window 21. When the screw 224 rotates, it can drive the brush arm 221 of the cleaning brush to move along the axial direction of the screw 224, thereby driving the brush strip 222 to slide back and forth on the side of the transparent window 21 near the fish monitoring chamber to scrape and clean the transparent window 21.
[0025] In some embodiments of this example, the lead screw drive mechanism is covered with a protective shell 227 to prevent impact from underwater organisms, and the drive motor 223 is a waterproof motor to ensure the normal operation of the underwater cleaning device 22.
[0026] In some embodiments of this example, a drive mechanism is provided on the floating platform 1. The drive mechanism enables the fish monitoring chamber frame 2 and the observation chamber 3 to move synchronously vertically. When monitoring underwater fish, the drive mechanism drives the fish monitoring chamber frame 2 and the observation chamber 3 to move synchronously into the water, so that the fish monitoring chamber frame 2 and the observation chamber 3 are suspended in the water and the fish in the water are monitored. During maintenance, the drive mechanism drives the fish monitoring chamber frame 2 and the observation chamber 3 to move synchronously above the water surface for maintenance of the fish monitoring chamber frame 2 and the observation chamber 3.
[0027] In some embodiments of this example, a limiting slide rail 25 is provided on the floating platform 1 along the vertical direction. The limiting slide rail 25 enables the fish monitoring chamber frame 2 and the observation chamber 3 to move vertically, thereby preventing the fish monitoring chamber frame 2 and the observation chamber 3 from shifting when moving vertically.
[0028] In some embodiments of this example, the fish monitoring chamber frame 2 is a parallelepiped structure, and the limiting slide rail 25 includes four angle steels arranged vertically. Each angle steel is arranged adjacent to the four edges of the parallelepiped along its height direction, and the two limbs of each angle steel cover each edge of the parallelepiped. There is a gap between each angle steel and each edge. When the driving mechanism drives the fish monitoring chamber frame 2 and the observation chamber 3 to move, each angle steel can provide horizontal limiting for the fish monitoring chamber frame 2, so that the fish monitoring chamber frame 2 and the observation chamber 3 can move vertically.
[0029] In some embodiments of this example, the fish-attracting device includes a fish-attracting lamp 26, which is disposed on both sides of the anti-reflective background plate 23 and close to the opening of the fish monitoring room. The fish-attracting lamp 26 utilizes the phototaxis of fish to form a light field underwater by using light of a specific wavelength, attracting fish to gather in the target area. The fish-attracting lamp 26 preferably uses blue or green light, as these two wavelengths of light are absorbed by water at the lowest rate and can form a larger light field underwater. The advantages of blue and green light are more obvious, especially in deep or turbid water.
[0030] In some embodiments of this example, the fish attracting device includes a fish attractant, which is placed in a fish monitoring chamber. Specifically, the fish attractant can be placed in a fish attractant storage chamber, which has multiple ventilation holes. The fish attractant in the storage chamber continuously releases odors to attract fish.
[0031] In some embodiments of this example, supplementary lights are also provided on the top or bottom surface of the fish monitoring room 2 near the observation chamber 3. The supplementary lights illuminate the side away from the observation chamber 3 to assist the image acquisition device 27 in monitoring the fish in the fish monitoring room 2 in the deep sea area.
[0032] In some embodiments of this example, a support frame 4 is provided on the floating platform 1. The driving mechanism includes a chain 41 and a fixed pulley 42. The fixed pulley 42 is suspended at the top of the support frame 4 and is located directly above the fish monitoring chamber frame 2. One end of the chain 41 is connected to the fish monitoring chamber frame 2, and the other end passes through the fixed pulley 42 and is connected to a power source located on the top surface of the floating platform 1. Pulling the chain 41 drives the fish monitoring chamber frame 2 and the observation chamber 3 to move synchronously above the water surface. Fixing the chain 41 allows the fish monitoring chamber frame 2 and the observation chamber 3 to remain above the water surface for maintenance. Releasing the chain 41 allows the driving mechanism to drive the fish monitoring chamber frame 2 and the observation chamber 3 to move synchronously into the water and monitor the fish in the water.
[0033] Specifically, the fish monitoring room frame has a metal ring at each of the four corners of its top surface. One end of each of the four steel cables is connected to a metal ring, and the other end of each cable converges at a point and is connected to one end of a chain to ensure the stability of the monitoring room frame's center of gravity.
[0034] Specifically, a passage is provided through the middle of the floating platform 1 for the fish monitoring chamber frame 2 and the observation chamber 3 to pass through. The support frame 4 is set around the passage on the top surface of the floating platform 1. The support frame 4 includes a horizontal support rod 41 and a fixed pulley 42 suspended on the horizontal support rod 41. The chain 41 can be pulled and released by a winch set on the floating platform 1. The output shaft of the winch is connected to a wheel, and one end of the chain 41 is wound around the wheel. Alternatively, it can be done manually to save the power on the floating platform 1, thereby improving the convenience and reliability of the operation and maintenance of the fish monitoring device in long-term field observation.
[0035] In some embodiments of this example, the fish monitoring chamber frame 2 is also connected to a hydrological sensor 5. The hydrological sensor 5 can monitor the temperature, pH value, dissolved oxygen concentration, ammonia nitrogen concentration and conductivity in the water. By regularly monitoring and recording the environmental parameters in the pool through the hydrological sensor 5, basic data support is provided for subsequent data analysis and fish behavior research, ensuring the stability and controllability of environmental conditions during fish monitoring. Specifically, a protective net is also provided on the outside of the hydrological sensor 5 to prevent impact from underwater organisms.
[0036] In some embodiments of this example, the floating platform 1 is made of high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), which is suitable for use in natural waters. A reinforced frame of 306 stainless steel is fitted around the perimeter to enhance the floating platform 1's resistance to wind and waves. An anchor is connected to the bottom of the frame. When observing fish in a certain area, the anchor is released to ensure the stability of the floating platform 1's position.
[0037] In some embodiments of this example, a protective frame 6 is also fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the floating platform 1. The protective frame 6 is fitted on the outside of the fish monitoring chamber frame 2 and the observation chamber 3 to prevent impact from underwater organisms, and the protective frame 6 will not affect the fish from entering the fish monitoring chamber with openings at both ends.
[0038] Example 2 This embodiment provides a floating underwater fish monitoring system, including the floating underwater fish monitoring device, receiving unit, and processing unit as described in Embodiment 1. The receiving unit receives image information acquired by the image acquisition device 27. The processing unit extracts fish features from the image information and identifies the species of fish in the photos based on the extracted fish features. Specifically, the receiving unit captures a frame of the received video data every 2 seconds. The processing unit uses machine learning and deep learning models to extract and analyze the features of the fish in the photos, such as the overall outline, shape, fin distribution, and scale arrangement of the fish. Then, it identifies the species of fish in the photos based on the extracted features. At the same time, the processing unit organizes and analyzes the environmental parameter data collected by the hydrological sensor 5, studies the spatiotemporal distribution and variation of environmental factors, for example, analyzes hydrological parameters such as temperature changes or dissolved oxygen concentration, and the frequency of different species of fish in the target water area in the video. Using statistical methods or mathematical models, the impact of the aquatic environment on the activities of different species of fish can be calculated.
[0039] In some embodiments of this example, the floating platform 1 is equipped with a photovoltaic panel, a photovoltaic controller, and a storage battery. The photovoltaic controller converts the light energy absorbed by the photovoltaic panel into electrical energy and stores it in the storage battery. The storage battery is connected to the image acquisition device 27 and the cleaning device 22 to provide the electrical energy required for the fish monitoring process.
[0040] In some embodiments of this example, the image information acquired by the image acquisition device 27 is transmitted to the ground, and the receiving unit and processing unit are set in a computer on the ground. The receiving unit and processing unit in the computer are used to identify fish, so as to save the power consumption on the floating platform.
[0041] Example 3 This embodiment provides a floating underwater fish monitoring method, including the following steps: The fish monitoring chamber frame 2 and the observation chamber 3 are driven synchronously to move into the water by the drive mechanism, and the fish monitoring chamber frame 2 and the observation chamber 3 are suspended in the water; The image acquisition device 27 observes the characteristics of fish in the fish monitoring room 2 through the transparent window 21, and transmits the image information acquired by the image acquisition device 27 to the receiving unit. The receiving unit captures a frame of photo every 2 seconds from the received video data and transmits the photo to the processing unit; The processing unit uses machine learning and deep learning models to extract and analyze the features of fish in the photos, such as the overall outline, shape, fin distribution, and scale arrangement of the fish. Then, based on the extracted features, the processing unit identifies the species of fish in the photos. The processing unit also organizes and analyzes the environmental parameter data collected by the hydrological sensor 5 to study the spatiotemporal distribution and variation of environmental factors. A pre-set cleaning cycle ensures that the cleaning device 22 regularly cleans the transparent window 21, thereby ensuring the stability of image acquisition quality during long-term observation.
[0042] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.
Claims
1. A floating underwater fish monitoring device, characterized in that, include A floating platform that floats on the water surface; A fish monitoring chamber frame is connected to a floating platform and is capable of suspending in water. A transparent window is provided on one side of the frame, and a cleaning device is located on the side of the transparent window closest to the frame. An anti-reflective background panel is located on the side of the frame opposite the transparent window. Sealing plates are provided on both the top and bottom surfaces of the frame. The transparent window, the anti-reflective background panel, and the sealing plates together form a fish monitoring chamber open at both ends. The fish monitoring chamber is equipped with a fish-attracting device. A closed observation chamber is located on the side of the transparent window away from the fish monitoring room frame, and the transparent window forms the side wall of the observation chamber. An image acquisition device is installed on the side of the observation chamber away from the transparent window, and the image acquisition device can observe the fish monitoring room through the transparent window.
2. The floating underwater fish monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning device includes a cleaning brush, the brush arm of which is slidably connected to a sealing plate on the top or bottom surface of the fish monitoring chamber, and the brush strip of which is attached to the side of the transparent window near the fish monitoring chamber. The brush arm can drive the brush strip to slide back and forth on the side of the transparent window near the fish monitoring chamber to scrape and clean the transparent window.
3. The floating underwater fish monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The floating platform is equipped with a drive mechanism that enables the fish monitoring chamber frame and the observation chamber to move synchronously vertically. When monitoring underwater fish, the drive mechanism drives the fish monitoring chamber frame and the observation chamber to move synchronously into the water. During maintenance, the drive mechanism drives the fish monitoring chamber frame and the observation chamber to move synchronously above the water surface.
4. The floating underwater fish monitoring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The floating platform is vertically equipped with a limiting slide rail, which enables the fish monitoring chamber frame and the observation chamber to move synchronously vertically.
5. The floating underwater fish monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fish-attracting device includes fish-attracting lights, which are arranged on both sides of the anti-reflective background plate and close to the opening of the fish monitoring room.
6. The floating underwater fish monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fish-attracting device includes a fish-attracting agent, which is placed in the fish monitoring room.
7. The floating underwater fish monitoring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, A support frame is provided on the floating platform. The drive mechanism includes a chain and a fixed pulley. The fixed pulley is suspended at the top of the support frame and located directly above the fish monitoring chamber frame. One end of the chain is connected to the fish monitoring chamber frame, and the other end passes through the fixed pulley and is connected to a power source located on the top surface of the floating platform. Pulling the chain drives the fish monitoring chamber frame and the observation chamber to move synchronously above the water surface. Releasing the chain drives the fish monitoring chamber frame and the observation chamber to move synchronously into the water.
8. The floating underwater fish monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fish monitoring chamber frame is also connected to a hydrological sensor, which can monitor the water temperature, pH value, dissolved oxygen concentration, ammonia nitrogen concentration and conductivity.
9. A floating underwater fish monitoring system, characterized in that, include: The fish monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; A receiving unit is used to receive image information acquired by the image acquisition device; The processing unit extracts fish features from the image information and identifies the species of fish in the photo based on the extracted fish features.
10. A floating underwater fish monitoring method, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The fish monitoring chamber frame is suspended in the water; The image acquisition device observes the characteristics of fish in the fish monitoring room through a transparent window and transmits the image information acquired by the image acquisition device to the receiving unit. The cleaning device is activated periodically to clean the transparent window.