An underwater fixed-distance luring camera device for shrimp culture
By using an underwater fixed-distance traction camera device and a neural network algorithm, the problem of capturing clear images in shrimp farming has been solved, enabling efficient and accurate shrimp observation and data evaluation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NANTONG UNIV
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-23
AI Technical Summary
In existing underwater monitoring technologies for shrimp farming, shrimp swim very fast, making it difficult to capture clear images. This results in low observation efficiency and a lack of reference points, making it impossible to accurately determine the size of the shrimp.
An underwater fixed-distance luring camera device is used, which combines a power supply module of a ring-shaped floating platform, an underwater camera module and a luring module. It uses bait to lure shrimp into a preset shooting area, and combines neural network algorithms to process the images to achieve efficient and clear observation.
It improves the efficiency of shrimp observation, provides a stable background and reference, and can accurately assess the size, quantity and activity of shrimp, providing data support for scientific feeding and disease prevention.
Smart Images
Figure CN122269151A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of aquaculture monitoring equipment technology, specifically to an underwater fixed-distance attraction camera device for shrimp farming. Background Technology
[0002] In shrimp farming, regularly observing the shrimp's body color, feeding behavior, and activity level is crucial for disease prevention and scientific feeding. Current monitoring methods in shrimp farming typically rely on manual pond patrols or simple underwater video monitoring.
[0003] Manual pond inspections primarily rely on farmers periodically lifting nets placed in the pond to observe shrimp feeding and growth. However, traditional suspended or submerged cameras have shortcomings in practical application. Shrimp swim quickly and their positions are unpredictable in aquaculture water, making it difficult for ordinary cameras to capture clear images underwater, often resulting in focus issues. After placing the camera in the water, it often requires a long wait for shrimp to swim past the lens, leading to low observation efficiency and an element of chance. Furthermore, without a reference point, it's difficult to intuitively determine the actual size of the shrimp from the captured images. Summary of the Invention
[0004] Therefore, this invention provides an underwater fixed-distance guiding camera device for shrimp farming, which solves the technical problems of existing underwater monitoring technology for shrimp farming, such as the difficulty in capturing clear images due to the rapid movement of shrimp, the low efficiency of passive observation due to the wide distribution of shrimp, and the inability to accurately determine the size of shrimp due to the lack of reference objects. This device guides shrimp into a preset clear shooting area by combining physical restraint and bait attraction, thereby achieving efficient and clear observation.
[0005] This invention provides an underwater fixed-distance attraction camera device for shrimp farming, comprising: a ring-shaped floating platform; a power supply module above the ring-shaped floating platform for powering the entire device; an underwater camera module below the ring-shaped floating platform for capturing images; and an attraction module below the underwater camera module for attracting shrimp to gather below the underwater camera module. The camera module for capturing images is an underwater camera that analyzes the captured images using neural network learning to help understand the growth and distribution of shrimp.
[0006] Furthermore, the power supply module includes an energy storage power supply module, which is mounted on a support bracket in the middle of the annular floating platform; it also includes a photoelectric conversion board mounted on the annular floating platform; the power supply module is specifically configured such that the photoelectric conversion board is connected to a photovoltaic charging controller via wires, and the output of the photovoltaic charging controller is electrically connected to the energy storage power supply module and the power management module respectively. The photovoltaic charging controller is used to regulate and limit the electrical energy generated by the photoelectric conversion board and then store it in the energy storage power supply module; the power management module is responsible for performing DC-DC conversion according to the rated voltage requirements of the underwater camera module and the intelligent main control terminal, ensuring that the system as a whole can obtain a stable power supply under different light intensities and battery voltage fluctuations; an inverter can also be set, which, as the core component of AC-DC conversion, is connected between the energy storage power supply module (e.g., the battery) and various electrical loads, and is used to efficiently convert the DC power stored in the battery pack or directly from the photovoltaic panel into AC power that meets the power consumption standards.
[0007] Furthermore, the attracting module includes an annular mounting base connected to the bottom of the annular floating platform via a connecting rod, with the underwater camera module positioned within the annular area of the mounting base. A transparent observation cover is positioned below the annular mounting base. The transparent observation cover is connected to the annular mounting base via a supporting connecting arm. An opaque support plate is connected to the transparent observation cover via a bracket. A bait release shell with perforations on its surface is positioned at the center of the area between the transparent observation cover and the opaque support plate. Its bottom is sealed by the opaque support plate, and its top communicates with the feeding channel above the transparent observation cover. The feeding channel is connected to an automatic feeding storage bin positioned on the support bracket. The feed guide tube of the attracting module extends along the support frame, with its outlet end located at the center or edge of the observation plate and connected to the bait release shell. The edge of the bait release shell has several small circular holes for the bait to be slowly dispersed by the water flow into the disc area. Furthermore, a supplementary lighting component is positioned at the bottom of the annular mounting shell. The supplementary lighting component is a ring-shaped LED light, surrounding the lens of the underwater camera, for providing concentrated supplementary lighting to the observation disc area. Both the connecting rod and the bracket can be adjusted by using an electric telescopic rod. During the adjustment process, it is necessary to replace the bait release shell and the limiting plate with different sizes. Alternatively, a rod of a fixed size can be used for fixation.
[0008] The intelligent main control terminal implements linkage control between the automatic feeding storage bin and the underwater camera module. When the system starts the acquisition program, the intelligent main control terminal controls the automatic feeding storage bin to release the bait shell into the underwater bait through the feeding channel. At the same time, the underwater camera module and its supporting lighting components are turned on for real-time monitoring, thereby realizing the simultaneous induction and shooting, and improving the observation efficiency.
[0009] Feeding method: Multi-round feeding is adopted. The intelligent main control terminal controls the valve on the automatic feeding storage bin to open for micro-feeding. During a monitoring task, the discharge valve is opened every 60-120 seconds, with each opening lasting 1-2 seconds. During the valve opening and for 3-5 seconds after opening, the vibration unit works continuously, using vibration waves to assist the bait to diffuse evenly outward through the small holes of the bait release shell, maintaining the concentration of attractant odor in the observation plate area without causing bait accumulation.
[0010] The monitoring and feeding time is set before the farmers feed the shrimp normally. At this time, the shrimp are in a state of hunger and are more attracted to the scent signals of the bait, which increases the number of shrimp attracted. This allows the neural network model to extract the morphological data of the shrimp more accurately and avoids randomness.
[0011] Furthermore, a vibration unit is installed on the opaque support plate in the area of the bait release shell. This unit prevents foreign objects from adhering to the device and promotes bait dispersal. The vibration unit is a high-frequency micro-vibration motor, whose operating frequency and duration are controlled by an intelligent main control terminal through a drive circuit. Its vibration frequency is set within a range that causes slight disturbance to water molecules without disturbing the shrimp. This allows for the physical vibration to detach microorganisms attached to the surface of the transparent observation cover, and also enables the bait particles inside the bait release shell to diffuse evenly outward through the small circular holes under vibration.
[0012] Furthermore, a limiting plate is provided on the side of the bait release shell, located in the area corresponding to the bottom of the baiting channel, and its upper and lower surfaces are respectively connected to a transparent observation cover and an opaque support plate.
[0013] Furthermore, an intelligent main control terminal is installed above the energy storage power supply module, with a wireless data transmission antenna on its surface. The intelligent main control terminal integrates a high-performance main control circuit, an image enhancement processing chip, and a neural network algorithm module. It is electrically connected to the energy storage power supply module, and its signal output control terminal is electrically connected to the underwater camera module, the ring-shaped supplementary lighting component, the automatic baiting storage bin, and the vibration unit, respectively. The main control terminal controls the coordinated operation of each component through a preset program: while the camera is recording, it controls the baiting bin to release a quantitative amount of bait, and uses a built-in algorithm to perform real-time analysis and data transmission of the collected images. The intelligent main control terminal is fixed directly above the energy storage power supply module with screws. The intelligent main control terminal and the energy storage power supply module are integrated as a whole, with a waterproof and sealed outer shell.
[0014] Furthermore, the image enhancement process is further enhanced using algorithms. Specifically, the intelligent main control terminal first uses an underwater dark channel denoising algorithm to reduce noise and restore contrast in the turbid images captured by the underwater camera module; then, the CLAHE algorithm is used to enhance the shrimp's edge features; finally, a pre-trained convolutional neural network (CNN) model is used to segment the shrimp in the image, and based on the known fixed-focus shooting distance, the pixel size is converted to physical size in real time, achieving accurate prediction of the shrimp's size and quantity. Underwater dark channel denoising algorithm: The original dark channel denoising algorithm was designed for atmospheric defogging, and underwater imaging and atmospheric imaging have a high degree of similarity. Water absorbs red light much more strongly than blue and green light. Only the blue and green channels are used as a reference for the dark channel, analyzing the distribution of dark pixels in the blue and green channels, estimating the water transmittance distribution map in real time, and compensating for color bias and contrast loss caused by water scattering.
[0015] The present invention has the following advantages over the prior art:
[0016] 1. This invention utilizes an observation plate to physically lock the shooting area within the optimal focal length range of the camera, and combines this with algorithms to enhance the images, effectively eliminating the blurry image problem of traditional underwater cameras in turbid water. Active attraction improves efficiency: It changes the traditional passive observation mode of "waiting for prey to come to you," actively attracting surrounding shrimp by throwing bait into the observation plate, greatly shortening the observation waiting time and improving monitoring efficiency.
[0017] 2. The observation cover of this invention provides a stable background for photography. Combined with neural network algorithms, the image data is processed and transmitted to farmers via antenna. This allows for a direct and accurate assessment of shrimp size, quantity, and activity levels, providing accurate data for scientific feeding and disease prevention. Continuous and stable: The solar panel converts solar energy into electrical energy, which is stored through an energy storage module, providing clean and continuous energy for the entire terminal. Attached Figure Description
[0018] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the underwater portion of the device of the present invention;
[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the observation cover plate structure of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the above-water portion of the device of the present invention.
[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0023] 1. Underwater camera module; 2. Feeding channel; 3. Annular mounting base; 4. Lighting assembly; 5. Support connecting arm; 6. Feed release shell; 7. Transparent observation cover; 8. Opaque support plate; 9. Limiting plate; 10. Photoelectric conversion plate; 11. Intelligent main control terminal; 12. Wireless data transmission antenna; 13. Energy storage and power supply module; 14. Automatic feeding storage bin; 15. Annular floating platform; 16. Support frame; 17. Vibration unit; 18. Connecting rod; 19. Support bracket. Detailed Implementation
[0024] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. 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.
[0025] Example 1
[0026] Reference Figures 1 to 3 This invention provides an underwater fixed-distance attraction camera device for shrimp farming, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the above-water portion of this device is a floating base station. The annular floating platform 15, made of high-buoyancy, corrosion-resistant material, serves as the support for the entire device, floating on the surface of the aquaculture pond. A lightweight alloy support frame 19 is fixed to the lower center of the floating platform; holes are drilled inside the frame, and screws are used to secure the required support devices. The top of the support frame 19 is fixed to an energy storage power module 13 and an automatic feeding storage bin 14, while the bottom is connected to the underwater device. A photoelectric conversion plate 10 is installed on the top of the annular floating platform 15 as a power supply device; considering nighttime measurements, it is connected to the internal energy storage power module 13 to provide the system with clean energy around the clock. The central area of the platform houses an intelligent main control terminal 11 and a wireless data transmission antenna 12. The intelligent main control terminal 11 integrates an image processing chip and control circuitry.
[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the underwater part is connected to the above-water and underwater devices via four connecting rods 18 on the top surface of the annular mounting base 3, which has a threaded structure at the top. This connection with the support bracket 19 achieves the purpose of connecting the above-water and underwater devices. The surface of the annular mounting base 3 extends to a predetermined underwater depth via four supporting connecting arms 5. An underwater camera module 1 is also located in the center of the annular mounting base 3. The underwater camera module 1 uses a fixed-focus lens, with an annular supplementary lighting component 4 surrounding the lens to provide uniform illumination to the shooting area. When the farmed shrimp are sensitive to light, the supplementary lighting component 4 can be turned off. The camera is designed for underwater nighttime shooting.
[0028] A horizontally placed observation plate is fixed below the underwater camera module 1 via a supporting connecting arm 5. The observation plate consists of a white opaque support plate 8 at the bottom and a transparent observation cover plate 7 on top. A support frame 16 is set around the two plates to accommodate various sizes of shrimp by adjusting the distance between them, preventing them from piling up on the observation plate. One end of the feeding channel 2 is connected to the automatic feeding storage bin 14 above water, and the other end extends downward to connect to the bait release shell 6. The bait release shell 6 is located in the center of the observation plate and has several small circular holes. When the device above water issues a feeding command, a small amount of highly odorous bait is transported to the releaser through the pipe, slowly releasing its odor through the small holes and settling onto the observation plate, forming a "feeding zone". A vibration unit 17 is installed inside the bait release shell 6 to vibrate at regular intervals. The vibration energy is conducted through the outer shell of the bait release shell 6 to the feeding channel 2, the underwater camera module 1, and the observation plate assembly below, so that the vibration wave can cover the entire device. On the one hand, this reduces the adhesion of algae and microorganisms in the water to the device (especially the lens), and on the other hand, it promotes the dispersal of bait to attract shrimp. Considering that the feeding channel 2 is located directly above the observation plate, its tube will create a certain visual obstruction area on the observation plate. If shrimp swim into this area, the underwater camera module 1 will have difficulty capturing the complete shrimp outline, leading to missing image data or measurement errors. To solve this problem, this device sets a limiting plate 9 between the observation plates, the shape of which matches the projection of the feeding channel 2 on the plate surface, filling the blind spot. This effectively prevents shrimp from entering this obstructed area where imaging is impossible, forcibly guiding the shrimp to move within the effective visual range of the observation plate, ensuring the integrity of the shrimp target and improving the accuracy of image processing.
[0029] This application places a ring-shaped floating platform 15 in the pond. A photovoltaic conversion panel 10, i.e., a solar panel, converts solar energy into electrical energy, which is stored in an energy storage and power supply module 13, and then supplies the electricity to the intelligent main control terminal 11. The main control terminal has both manual and automatic data acquisition modes. Manual acquisition can be achieved by receiving acquisition commands via a wireless data transmission antenna 12. The main control terminal controls the automatic feeding storage bin 14, the underwater camera module 1, and the ring-shaped supplementary lighting component 4. First, the automatic feeding storage bin 14 feeds the porous attractant release device 6 in the observation tray through the feeding channel 2. The vibration unit 17 vibrates to prevent algae and microorganisms from attaching and promotes bait dispersal. Once the bait is dispersed and attracts shrimp to the observation tray area, the intelligent main control terminal 11 controls the underwater camera module 1 to take pictures, and simultaneously controls the ring-shaped supplementary lighting component 4 to provide supplementary lighting to the shooting area. The intelligent main control terminal 11 reads the captured images and performs algorithmic processing to offset the effects of water turbidity. It then uses a pre-trained neural network model to identify shrimp targets in the image, calculates their size, and predicts their quantity. The intelligent main control terminal 11 uploads the statistically obtained shrimp data to the user's mobile phone or cloud via the wireless data transmission antenna 12.
[0030] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.
Claims
1. An underwater fixed-distance attraction camera device for shrimp farming, characterized in that, The device includes an annular floating platform (15), with a power supply module above the annular floating platform (15) for powering the entire device; an underwater camera module (1) below the annular floating platform (15) for taking pictures, and an attraction module below the underwater camera module (1) for attracting shrimp to gather below the underwater camera module (1).
2. The underwater fixed-distance attraction camera device for shrimp farming according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply module includes an energy storage power supply module (13), which is mounted on a support bracket (19) fixed on the annular floating platform (15); it also includes a photoelectric conversion plate (10) mounted on the annular floating platform (15).
3. The underwater fixed-distance attraction camera device for shrimp farming according to claim 2, characterized in that, The lure module includes an annular mounting base (3) connected to the bottom of an annular floating platform (15) via a connecting rod (18), and an underwater camera module (1) is set in the annular area of the annular mounting base (3); a transparent observation cover plate (7) is set below the annular mounting base (3); the transparent observation cover plate (7) and the annular mounting base (3) are connected by a support connecting arm (5); an opaque support plate (8) is connected below the transparent observation cover plate (7) via a bracket (16); a bait release shell (6) with holes on its surface is set at the center of the area between the transparent observation cover plate (7) and the opaque support plate (8), the bottom of which is closed by the opaque support plate (8), and the top is connected to the feeding channel (2) above the transparent observation cover plate (7); the feeding channel (2) is connected to an automatic feeding storage bin (14) set on the support bracket (19).
4. The underwater fixed-distance attraction camera device for shrimp farming according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom of the annular mounting shell is provided with a supplementary lighting component (4).
5. The underwater fixed-distance attraction camera device for shrimp farming according to claim 4, characterized in that, A vibration unit (17) is provided on the opaque support plate (8) in the area of the bait release shell (6).
6. The underwater fixed-distance attraction camera device for shrimp farming according to claim 5, characterized in that, The bait release shell (6) is provided with a limiting plate (9) on its side, located in the area below the baiting channel (2), and its upper and lower surfaces are respectively connected to the transparent observation cover (7) and the opaque support plate (8).
7. The underwater fixed-distance attraction camera device for shrimp farming according to claim 6, characterized in that, The supplementary lighting component (4) is a ring-shaped LED light.
8. The underwater fixed-distance attraction camera device for shrimp farming according to claim 7, characterized in that, The energy storage power supply module (13) is equipped with an intelligent main control terminal (11) on its top, and a wireless data transmission antenna (12) is provided on its surface.