A system and a method for fish parasites detection

Abstract

The presently disclosed subject matter aims to a submersible optical detection subsystem (SUDS) including one or more detection units (430A, 430B). The SODS (110) may be configured for underwater optical detection for determination of one or more fish related properties of fish of an aquatic environment (20), including at least fish-parasites related fish properties. At least one detection unit (430A, 430B) of the SODS (110) may be optical and designed for improved wide-angle view-based microscopy for detection of fish lice of sizes / lengths that can be under a millimeter, for improved fish health and pen conditions monitoring.

Description

[0001] A SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR FISH PARASITES DETECTION

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of fish parasites detection.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Current fish parasites (e.g., fish lice) detection solutions usually involve manual inspection and counting of lice. Such manual inspection requires significant human labor and time. Fish farms and fisheries often have large populations of fish to monitor, making manual inspections time-consuming and expensive.

[0006] On top of that, handling and restraining fish for visual inspections can cause stress to the animals, potentially leading to negative impacts on their health and overall well-being.

[0007] In addition, Fish parasites are often small and difficult to spot with the naked eye, especially in the early stages of infestation. This can lead to underestimation or delayed detection of infestations, allowing the parasites to proliferate and cause more harm.

[0008] Certain detection methods involve invasive procedures, such as taking skin or mucus samples from the fish. These techniques can cause harm to the fish and may not be suitable for routine monitoring.

[0009] Environmental conditions, such as water quality and temperature, can also influence the behavior and visibility of fish parasites. This variability can affect the reliability of detection methods.

[0010] Thus, for example, there is a need in the art for a new system and method for fish parasites detection. It is to be noted that the system can additionally, or alternatively be used to determine fish biomass and / or fish welfare.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] Aspects of disclosed embodiments pertain to a detection system for detection of one or more properties related to external fish-parasites for fish in an aquatic environment, the detection system may include at least: at least one submersible optical detection subsystem (SODS) configured for underwater imaging; and processing circuitry, configured at least to receive and process data from the at least one SODS, for determining one or more properties related to external fish-parasites of fish in the aquatic environment, wherein the at least one SODS comprises at least: at least one optical detector; a flat window having a frontal side thereof designed to face the aquatic environment; and at least one objective assembly (OA) locatable at a rear side of the flat window.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the flat window may include a roughened surface facing the aquatic environment.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the at least one optical detector may be connectable to a rear side of the OA, such that at least one optical sensor of the at least one optical detector is located at an imagery plane of the OA.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the processing circuitry may be configured to estimate at least one of average number of external fish-lice parasites per fish; estimated number or relative percentage of nauplius, chalimus, preadult and / or adult external fish-lice; estimated average number of female and / or male external fish-lice per fish; estimated ratio between female and male external fish-lice per fish; estimated one or more ratios between external fish-lice of different types, sizes, genders and / or ages; developmental stage of each louse; life stage of each louse; size of each louse.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the processing circuitry may be further configured for detection of concentration and / or one or more types of biomass.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the SODS may further include an illumination subsystem, configured to illuminate a region of interest (ROI) that includes at least part of a field of view (FOV) of the at least one SODS.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the illumination subsystem may include at least two illuminators configured to illuminate the ROI from at least two different directions.

[0019] According to some embodiments, each illuminator may include one or more light sources, each light source being configured to controllably output light of a predefined spectral range.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the processing circuitry may be configured to reduce double-counting of same lice and / or fish by using one or more fish movement-patterns detection image / processing, modules and / or algorithmics and / or by identification of perfish individual identifying characteristics. According to some embodiments, one or more operation-properties of the SODS may be controllable.

[0021] The one or more SODS operation-properties may include, for example, at least one of: positioning and / or location of the entire SODS; line of sight (LOS) of the SODS; region of interest (ROI) of the SODS; AOV and / or FOV of the SODS; distances between one or more optical elements of the OA; aperture of the OA and / or any one or more optical components of the OA.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the at least one optical detector may be a pixelated detector or a pixelated camera. For example, the spatial resolution of the at least one optical detector may be such that an image of a 2mm sized object located at a distance of up to 0.5m from a frontal side of the OA, occupies a pixel -group of up to 20 adjacent pixels of the pixelated optical detector.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the detection system may be used for detection of one or more properties of one or more of the following external fish-lice types: Caligus Elongates and Lepeophtheirus Salmonis, for salmon fish located in the aquatic environment.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the SODS may further include a communication unit, configured at least for transmitting of data outputted by the at least one optical detector to the processing circuitry; and a power supply unit for supplying power at least to the at least one optical detector.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the SODS may also include a waterproof housing configured for waterproofing components of the SODS in a fixed relative position in respect to one another.

[0026] Other aspects of disclosed embodiments pertain to a submersible optical detection subsystem (SODS) configured for being submersible in an aquatic environment, where the SODS may include at least: one or more detection units.

[0027] According to some embodiments, at least one of the one or more detection units may include at least: an optical detector; a flat window having a frontal side thereof designed for facing the aquatic environment; and an objective assembly (OA) locatable at a rear side of the flat window, where the SODS may be configured for being submergible in an aquatic environment and for detection of one or more properties related to fish-lice of fish in the aquatic environment. Additional or alternative aspects of disclosed embodiments pertain to a method for determining one or more fish related properties, for fish in an aquatic environment, the method may include at least: illuminating at least a region of interest (ROI) in the aquatic environment, using one or more illuminators; detecting at least one passing fish in the illuminated ROI, using at least one sensor; operating optical (microscopy) measurement, using one or more optical detection units, resulting in output sensor data; receiving and processing the output sensor data from the one or more optical detection units, for determining at least fish lice related properties of fish in the aquatic environment.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the at least fish lice related properties of fish in the aquatic environment may include one or more of: average number of external fish-lice parasites per fish; estimated number or relative percentage of nauplius, chalimus, preadult and / or adult external fish-lice; estimated average number of female and / or male external fish-lice per fish; estimated ratio between female and male external fish-lice per fish; estimated one or more ratios between external fish-lice of different types, sizes, genders and / or ages; developmental stage of each louse; life stage of each louse; size of each louse.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In order to understand the presently disclosed subject matter and to see how it may be carried out in practice, the subject matter will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for detection of fish related properties including at least fish parasites related properties for fish in a fish pen, according to some embodiments, using a submersible optical detection subsystem (SUDS);

[0031] Fig- 2 shows a schematic illustration of a SUDS, according to some embodiments; and Fig- 3 is a flowchart, schematically illustrating main steps of a method for detection of fish related properties including at least fish parasites related properties for fish in a fish pen, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Aspects of disclosed embodiments pertain to systems and methods for detection of one or more properties related to external fish-parasites for fish in an aquatic environment such as a fish pen, a maritime area, natural river or lake habitat or area thereof, etc.

[0033] The fish parasites detectable by the system(s) may include one or more types of parasites such as, but not limited to, one or more of the following external fish-lice types: Caligus spp., including Chilean Caligus species (Caligus rogercresseyi), Caligus Elongatus; and also Lepeophtheirus Salmonis.

[0034] The system(s) and / or method(s) of disclosed embodiments may be designed to detect one or more properties of each parasite such as size, age, developmental stage, gender, location of the parasite in respect to the fish anatomy, count of a number of parasites on the fish, evaluate and determine the life stage of the parasites on the fish, etc.

[0035] The system(s) and / or method(s) of disclosed embodiments may be designed especially (yet not necessarily exclusively) for detection of parasites of one or more types for one or more specific species of fish such as for Salmon fish and for one or more parasite types that are typical or most harmful for these particular fish.

[0036] Aspects of disclosed embodiments pertain to a detection system for detection of one or more properties related to external fish-parasites for fish in an aquatic environment. The detection system may include at least: at least one Submersible Optical Detection Subsystem (SODS) configured for underwater imaging; and processing circuitry, configured at least to receive and process data from the at least one SODS, for determining one or more properties related to external fish-parasites of fish in the aquatic environment.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the at least one SODS may include one or more detection units. At least one of the one or more detection units may include at least: an optical detector; a flat window, having a frontal side thereof being located to face the aquatic environment and at least one optical lens assembly (OLA) each including, for example, an objective assembly (OA) for enabling imaging of fish lice with a desired spatial separation enabling distinguishing each louse and optionally also enabling distinguishing smaller details in each louse for example, for gender and / or life stage identification of each louse. To enable such spatial separation (resolution) the OA may be designed for achieving a spatial separation of external fish-lice of real-life size that is between 0.1-10mm, for fish (such as salmon fish) located at a distance from the flat window that is up to 0.5m such that, for example, a 2mm louse may be imaged over 5-10 adjacent pixels of the (pixelated) optical detector / camera.

[0038] According to some embodiments, all optical elements and devices may be held by a waterproofing casing of the SODS such that required distances and relative positioning of each element / device is maintained in position, optionally in an adjustable manner.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the SODS and optionally also each detection unit thereof may waterproof such that all optical elements and devices thereof other than its casing and front side of the flat window is air-sealed and waterproof.

[0040] The optical detector may be connectable to a rear side of the OA, such that at least one optical sensor of the optical detector is located at an imagery plane of the OA.

[0041] The processing circuitry may be configured to receive and analyze / process sensor data, outputted from each optical detector to determine at least one of: average number of external fish-lice parasites per fish; estimated number or relative percentage of nauplius, chalimus, preadult and / or adult external fish-lice; estimated average number of female and / or male external fish-lice per fish; estimated ratio between female and male external fish-lice per fish; estimated one or more ratios between external fish-lice of different types, sizes, genders and / or ages.

[0042] The processing circuitry may further be configured for detection / determination of concentration and / or one or more types of biomasses (such as overall number or density of fish, overall or average weight of each fish, weight of each detected fish, etc.). This can be performed using known conventional means for determining fish biomass and / or using proprietary algorithms.

[0043] The SODS may also include an illumination subsystem, configured to illuminate a region of interest (ROI) in the aquatic environment that includes at least part of a field of view (FOV) of the at least one SODS. For example, the illumination subsystem may include one or more illuminators, each illuminator may include one or more light sources. In case of using multiple light sources, the light sources may be of same, similar and / or different optical properties, configured to illuminate the ROI from at least two different positions, to improve detection and spatial and / or color / spectral separation.

[0044] According to some embodiments, each light source of at least one of the illuminators, may be configured to output light of a different spectral range.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the analysis of the received sensor data may include determining individual characteristics of each fish such as fish movement-patterns, fish size, individual pigmentation, spots sizes shapes, density and / or configuration, relation between two or more sizes such as relation between overall (maximal) length of the fish and overall (maximal) width, and the like, for reducing or preventing measuring the same fish twice.

[0046] For example, one or more fish-movement algorithms / models may be used for identification of a movement pattern of a detected fish for a short timespan of the fish movement, so that if the same fish returns to the monitored area at least within a short while from the previous detection thereof, its measured data will not be considered as associated with another different fish, for a more accurate fish biomass counting and fish parasites per fish counting.

[0047] According to some embodiments, the SODS may be configured to detect / determine and / or control one or more SODS operation-properties such as one or more of positioning and / or location of the entire SODS; line of sight (LOS) of the SODS; region of interest (ROI) of the SODS; AOV and / or FOV of the SODS; distances between one or more optical elements of the ICOA; aperture of the OA and / or any one or more optical components of the OA.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the positioning and / or location of the SODS can be changed in order to obtain sensor data (e.g., capture images) of various groups of fish (e.g. small fish and large fish, weak fish, strong fish, that usually swim in shoals with their likes) in order to enable sensing the entire fish population more evenly (compared to a situation where the SODS is not movable).

[0049] According to some embodiments, the at least one optical detector may include a pixelated detector and / or camera, with a spatial resolution that enables an image of a 2mm sized object located at a distance of up to 0.5 m from a frontal side of the OA, to occupy a pixel - group of several adjacent pixels such as up to 20 adjacent pixels of the pixelated optical detector. Reference is now made to Fig. 1, illustrating an exemplary operational environment of the detection system, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0050] Detection system comprises a SODS 110. SODS 110 is deployable in an aquatic environment 20 housing fish 10.

[0051] In some cases, SODS 110 can be connected to a deployment device that can control the insertion of the SODS 110 into the aquatic environment 20. Such deployment device can control the depth of insertion of the SODS 110 into the aquatic environment 20, optionally using a pulley / winch 50. In some cases, the deployment device can additionally or alternatively control the position of the SODS 110 within the aquatic environment 20 (e.g., it can move the SODS 110 in one or more directions such as up / down, left / right, forward / backward, pitch / roll / yaw, or any combination thereof, within the aquatic environment 20).

[0052] Detection system further comprises a processing circuitry 120. Processing circuitry 120 can be one or more processing units (e.g., central processing units), microprocessors, microcontrollers (e.g., microcontroller units (MCUs)) or any other computing devices or modules, including multiple and / or parallel and / or distributed processing units, which are adapted to independently or cooperatively process data for controlling relevant detection system resources and for enabling operations related to the detection system's resources. The processing circuitry 120 can be comprised within the SODS 110, or it can be part of one or more external devices, external to the SODS 110, while data acquired by the SODS 110 sensors can be provided (e.g., transmitted over a wired and / or wireless connection such as a wireless network 31) to such external device / s for processing by the processing circuitry 120. In such cases, SODS 110 can comprise a communication unit, configured at least for transmitting of data outputted by the at least one optical detector to the processing circuitry.

[0053] Processing circuitry 120 can comprise a detection module 140. Detection module 140, can be configured to detect fish parasites, as further detailed herein.

[0054] In some cases, the detection system can further include one or more end devices 130, such as user devices (e.g., mobile phones, computers, etc.) that can receive information from the detection system, e.g., for display to a user, and / or enable transmittal of information to the detection system (e.g., operation commands). It is to be noted that data can be communicated between the end devices 130 and other devices that form part of the detection system via a wired and / or a wireless connection, such as via a wireless network 32, that can optionally be the same wireless network as wireless network 31.

[0055] In some cases, SODS 110 can comprise, or be otherwise connected to, a power supply unit for supplying power at least to the at least one optical detector.

[0056] Attention is drawn to Fig. 2, an exemplary SODS 110, in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0057] As detailed herein, SODS 110 can be connected to a deployment device that can control the insertion of the SODS 110 into the aquatic environment 20. Such deployment device can control the depth of insertion of the SODS 110 into the aquatic environment 20, optionally using a pulley / winch 50. For this purpose, SODS 110 can comprise cable connectors 400 for connecting cables by which the SODS 110 can be deployed into the aquatic environment 20. It is to be noted that in some cases the cables can be replaced by other solutions that enable lowering the SODS 110 into the aquatic environment 20 and / or extracting the SODS 110 from the aquatic environment 20, such as chains, ropes, straps, etc. It is to be noted that in some cases, the pulley / winch 50 can also be configured to move the SODS 110, optionally in any direction, around and / or within the cage (e.g. up and / or down and / or left and / or right and / or pitch and / or roll and / or yaw and / or forward and / or backward).

[0058] According to other embodiments the SODS 110 may be self-propelled and submersed. SODS 110 may include a casing 401, an imaging subsystem 430 and an illumination subsystem including one or more illumination units such as illumination unit 410, for illuminating one or more regions of interest (ROI) in the aquatic environment in which the SODS 110 is submersed. The optical characteristics of each illuminator of the illumination unit 410 such as emission wavelength band, emission light intensity, illumination directionality and / or aperture etc. may be designed for improving optical detection of the fish and fish lice in the specific light conditions of the aquatic environment (e.g., for overcoming / mitigating turbidity / opacity and / or low natural light conditions) and for the specific fish parasites detection purposes.

[0059] The imaging subsystem 430 may include one or more detection units such as: a first detection unit 430a, a second detection unit 430b and a third detection unit 430c. According to some embodiments, one of the detection units of the imaging subsystem 430 such as detection unit 430a may be configured to acquire images that enable the processing circuitry 120 to identify fish within the aquatic environment 20, that are located within a predefined focus range from the one or more other detection units 430b and / or 430c. Upon identification of such fish, processing circuitry 120 can instruct the higher resolution second and third detection unit(s) 430b and / or 430c (which include each an objective / spectroscopy lenses) to acquire images of the identified fish while using illumination provided by the illumination unit 410. Each detection unit 430b and / or 430c may be configured to acquire high quality and high-resolution fish images, based on which, the imaging subsystem 430 and processing circuitry 120 can detect and / or determine one or more properties of the fish and / or their fish parasites such as average number of lice per fish, size and / or life stage and / or gender of each louse of each fish, average number of lice per fish of each type and / or life stage and / or age, estimated number of fish, fish density, weight of each fish, biomass, personal identification details of each fish etc. In order to acquire the high-resolution and high-quality images, especially in murky water conditions, proper illumination is required, which is provided by the lighting units 410. In some cases, the imaging system 430 can be a stereoscopic imaging system. In some cases, only parts of the imaging system 430, can be a stereoscopic imaging system. For example, detection unit 430a can be a stereoscopic imaging system, while 430a and 430b are not stereoscopic imaging units.

[0060] Each detection unit 430a, 430b and / or 430c may include one or more optical detectors such as a pixelated camera or optionally use the same detector yet different optical setups. A field of view (FOV) of the first detection unit 430a may partially overlap with each of the other sided second and third detection units 430b and 430c (e.g., overlapping by at least a certain percentage, such as 10%, 20%, 30%, etc.), in some cases, the field of view of the detection units 430b and 430c can also overlap (e.g., overlapping by at least a certain percentage, such as 10%, 20%, 30%, etc.).

[0061] The processing circuitry 120 can process the images acquired by each camera independently, and / or combine the images acquired by the multiple cameras of each of the detection units 430a, 430b and / or 430c into a single image which the processing circuitry 120 can process as detailed herein.

[0062] According to some embodiments, the processing circuitry 120 may use one or more designated image-processing algorithms and may also use one or more Artificial Intelligence (Al) and / or machine learning tools for processing acquired images, for determining any one or more of the following fish related properties: average number of external fish-lice parasites per fish; estimated number or relative percentage of nauplius, chalimus, preadult and / or adult external fish-lice; estimated average number of female and / or male external fish-lice per fish; estimated ratio between female and male external fish-lice per fish; estimated one or more ratios between external fish-lice of different types, sizes, genders and / or ages; developmental stage of each louse; life stage of each louse; size of each louse; one or more other fish health related characteristics that can be optically detected such as fish biomass / weight, fish skin-health etc.

[0063] In some cases, one of the side (second or third) detection units 430b or 430c of the imaging subsystem 430 may be used as a slave camera / detection unit, for enabling a gross detection of fish passing through the illuminated region of interest of the SODS 110, while one or more of the other detection units 430b / c or 430a may be used as master cameras / detection unit(s) for being operated or imagery thereof being used only when a fish is detected in the ROI. In such cases, there may be a time difference of a few milliseconds or less (e.g., 50 micro seconds) between acquisition of an image by the camera of the master detection unit(s) 430a / 430b / 430c and the camera of the slave detection unit 430b / c.

[0064] It is to be noted that in some cases, at least some of the illuminators of the illumination unit 410 are located below and / or above an image plane of the SODS 110 or one or more of its detection units 430a-430c, and / or at least one of the imaging subsystems 430-a and / or 430-b. In some cases, at least some of the lighting units are aligned with the focus plane of the imaging system 430 and / or at least one of the imaging subsystems 430-a and / or 430-b.

[0065] According to some embodiments the illuminators of the illumination unit 410 may be located such as to form an upper illumination and an opposite lower illumination for illuminating each crossing fish from two opposite sides. In some cases, the upper illumination may be of different one or more optical characteristics in respect to optical characteristics of the lower illumination by using different illumination intensities, different illumination spectral characteristics, illumination duration, illumination aperture, etc.

[0066] SODS 110 may further comprise one or more connectors 440 for connecting power and / or communication cables thereto. Additionally or alternatively the SODS 110 may include one or more internally installable power supply units such as one or more batteries. In some cases, the imaging subsystem 430 and / or at least part of the lighting units 410, can be comprised within a waterproof part of the SODS 110 that is covered by a cover made by see-through material, through which the imaging device 430 can acquire images. The see-through material can be glass, plastic, or any other material through which the imaging system 430 can capture images that can enable identification of the fish parasites. In some cases, the cover may be grooved and / or roughened and / or include spikes or other features for preventing fish from attaching thereto.

[0067] It is to be noted that SODS's 110 design can include curved edges instead of straight edges in order to reduce the likelihood of the SODS 110 causing damage to nets that can be deployed within the aquatic environment 20.

[0068] In some cases, the SODS 110 may also include an embedded memory and processing means (such as MEMS) for at least initial sensor data processing, data compression, etc. Fig- 3 is a flowchart, schematically illustrating main steps of a method for detection of fish related properties including at least fish parasites related properties for fish in a fish pen aquatic environment, according to some embodiments. This method may include: Submerging a SUDS including one or more detection units in the fish pen aquatic environment (step 11); illuminating at least a region of interest (ROI) in the aquatic environment, using one or more illuminators (step 12); detecting at least one passing fish in the illuminated ROI, using at least one sensor (step 13); operating optical (microscopy) measurement, using one or more optical detection units, resulting in output sensor data (step 14); and receiving and processing the output sensor data from the one or more optical detection units, for determining at least fish lice related properties of fish in the aquatic environment (step 15).

[0069] According to some embodiments, the detecting of at least one passing fish in the illuminated ROI (step 13) may be done by using one or more same or additional sensors / detectors such as by using another camera or one or more other sensors such as at least one proximity sensor and the like and only operate the high-resolution camera(s) of the detection unit(s) upon a close-by fish detection.

[0070] Alternatively, the optical detectors (camera) of the detection unit(s) may be operated and record data in an ongoing manner, where the recorded data is also analyzed / processed in an ongoing manner for ongoing monitoring of the fish pen or an area thereof.

[0071] Additionally or alternatively, frequent monitoring sessions of fish in an aquatic environment (e.g., fish pen) may be initiated automatically and / or manually for monitoring the one or more fish related properties, by acquiring / obtaining optical and optionally non-optical sensor data, processing the acquired / obtained data and determine the one or more fish related properties for that specific monitoring session. The monitoring may be used for comparing measured / determined fish related properties of the last monitoring session with previously acquired and / or corresponding normal / healthy values of corresponding properties to identify health state of the fish pen and / or fish population, which may initiate a maintenance process by sending alerts to end device(s) of authorized users and / or by automatically operating maintenance / mitigation / curing processes.

[0072] For example, a determined updated number of fish lice per fish may be compared to a maximum threshold, and if / when the updated number is exceeded an alert may be sent to an authorized user / caretaker or an automated machine for dispensing pest control substances to the fish pen.

[0073] Aspects of disclosed embodiments pertain to a monitoring system for monitoring one or more fish related properties of fish of a fish pen, where the monitoring may be based at least on using one or more optical detection units. According to some embodiments, the monitoring system may monitor properties such as fish parasites, water properties such as water flow, turbidity / opacity level, fish properties such as fish weight, size, skin condition etc. fish distribution and / or reproduction state, fish and / or pen health sate and the like. Updated monitoring data may be checked and analyzed by the system, to determine the one or more properties associated with the overall health state of the fish in the pen. Identification of a hazardous state associated with a property value such as average lice number per fish, may be automatically translated to issuing of one or more alerts to one or more users of the system and / or to initiating automatic mitigating / repairing actions such as introduction of past control substances into the pen etc.

[0074] EXAMPLES

[0075] Example l is a detection system for detection of one or more properties related to external fish-parasites for fish in an aquatic environment, the detection system comprising at least: at least one submersible optical detection subsystem (SODS) configured for underwater imaging; and processing circuitry, configured at least to receive and process data from the at least one SODS, for determining one or more properties related to external fish-parasites of fish in the aquatic environment, wherein the at least one SODS comprises at least: at least one optical detector; a flat window having a frontal side thereof designed to face the aquatic environment; and at least one objective assembly (OA) locatable at a rear side of the flat window.

[0076] In example 2, the subject matter of example 1 may include, wherein the flat window includes a roughened surface facing the aquatic environment.

[0077] In example 3, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 2 may include, wherein the at least one optical detector is connectable to a rear side of the OA, such that at least one optical sensor of the at least one optical detector is located at an imagery plane of the OA.

[0078] In example 4, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 3 may include, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to estimate at least one of: average number of external fish-lice parasites per fish; estimated number or relative percentage of nauplius, chalimus, preadult and / or adult external fish-lice; estimated average number of female and / or male external fish-lice per fish; estimated ratio between female and male external fish-lice per fish; estimated one or more ratios between external fish-lice of different types, sizes, genders and / or ages; developmental stage of each louse; life stage of each louse; size of each louse. In example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 4 may include, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured for detection of concentration and / or one or more types of biomass.

[0079] In example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 5 may include, wherein the SODS further comprising an illumination subsystem, configured to illuminate a region of interest (ROI) that includes at least part of a field of view (FOV) of the at least one SODS.

[0080] In example 7, the subject matter of example 5 may include, wherein the illumination subsystem comprises at least two illuminators configured to illuminate the ROI from at least two different directions.

[0081] In example 8, the subject matter of example 7 may include, wherein each illuminator comprises one or more light sources, each light source being configured to controllably output light of a predefined spectral range.

[0082] In example 9, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 8 may include, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to reduce double-counting of same lice and / or fish by using one or more fish movement-patterns detection image / processing, modules and / or algorithmics and / or by identification of per-fish individual identifying characteristics.

[0083] In example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 9 may include, wherein one or more operation-properties of the SODS is controllable.

[0084] In example 11, the subject matter of example 10 may include, wherein the one or more SODS operation-properties comprises at least one of: positioning and / or location of the entire SODS; line of sight (LOS) of the SODS; region of interest (ROI) of the SODS; AOV and / or FOV of the SODS; distances between one or more optical elements of the OA; aperture of the OA and / or any one or more optical components of the OA.

[0085] In example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 11 may include, wherein the at least one optical detector is a pixelated detector or a pixelated camera.

[0086] In example 13, the subject matter of example 12 may include, wherein the spatial resolution of the at least one optical detector is such that an image of a 2mm sized object located at a distance of up to 0.5m from a frontal side of the OA, occupies a pixel -group of up to 20 adjacent pixels of the pixelated optical detector. In example 14, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 13 may include, wherein the detection system is used for detection of one or more properties of one or more of the following external fish-lice types: Caligus Elongates and Lepeophtheirus Salmonis, for salmon fish located in the aquatic environment.

[0087] In example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 14 may include, wherein the SODS further comprises a communication unit, configured at least for transmitting of data outputted by the at least one optical detector to the processing circuitry; and a power supply unit for supplying power at least to the at least one optical detector.

[0088] In example 16, the subject matter of any one or more of examples 1 to 15 may include, wherein the SODS comprises a waterproof housing configured for waterproofing components of the SODS in a fixed relative position in respect to one another.

[0089] Example 17 is a submersible optical detection subsystem (SODS) configured for being submersible in an aquatic environment, the SODS comprising at least: one or more detection units, at least one of the one or more detection units comprising at least: an optical detector; a flat window having a frontal side thereof designed for facing the aquatic environment; and an objective assembly (OA) locatable at a rear side of the flat window, wherein the SODS is configured for being submergible in an aquatic environment and for detection of one or more properties related to fish-lice of fish in the aquatic environment.

[0090] Example 18 is a method for determining one or more fish related properties, for fish in an aquatic environment, the method comprising at least: illuminating at least a region of interest (ROI) in the aquatic environment, using one or more illuminators; detecting at least one passing fish in the illuminated ROI, using at least one sensor; operating optical (microscopy) measurement, using one or more optical detection units, resulting in output sensor data; receiving and processing the output sensor data from the one or more optical detection units, for determining at least fish lice related properties of fish in the aquatic environment.

[0091] In example 19, the subject matter of example 18 may include, wherein the at least fish lice related properties of fish in the aquatic environment comprise one or more of:average number of external fish-lice parasites per fish; estimated number or relative percentage of nauplius, chalimus, preadult and / or adult external fish-lice; estimated average number of female and / or male external fish-lice per fish; estimated ratio between female and male external fish-lice per fish; estimated one or more ratios between external fish-lice of different types, sizes, genders and / or ages; developmental stage of each louse; life stage of each louse; size of each louse.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A detection system for detection of one or more properties related to external fish-parasites for fish in an aquatic environment, the detection system comprising at least: at least one submersible optical detection subsystem (SODS) configured for underwater imaging; and processing circuitry, configured at least to receive and process data from the at least one SODS, for determining one or more properties related to external fish-parasites of fish in the aquatic environment, wherein the at least one SODS comprises at least: at least one optical detector; a flat window having a frontal side thereof designed to face the aquatic environment; and at least one objective assembly (OA) locatable at a rear side of the flat window.

2. Detection system according to claim 1, wherein the flat window includes a roughened surface facing the aquatic environment.

3. Detection system according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the at least one optical detector is connectable to a rear side of the OA, such that at least one optical sensor of the at least one optical detector is located at an imagery plane of the OA.

4. Detection system according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to estimate at least one of: average number of external fish-lice parasites per fish; estimated number or relative percentage of nauplius, chalimus, preadult and / or adult external fish-lice; estimated average number of female and / or male external fish-lice per fish; estimated ratio between female and male external fish-lice per fish; estimated one or more ratios between external fish-lice of different types, sizes, genders and / or ages;developmental stage of each louse; life stage of each louse; size of each louse.

5. Detection system according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured for detection of concentration and / or one or more types of biomass.

6. Detection system according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the SODS further comprising an illumination subsystem, configured to illuminate a region of interest (ROI) that includes at least part of a field of view (FOV) of the at least one SODS.

7. Detection system according to claim 6, wherein the illumination subsystem comprises at least two illuminators configured to illuminate the ROI from at least two different directions.

8. Detection system according to claim 7, wherein each illuminator comprises one or more light sources, each light source being configured to controllably output light of a predefined spectral range.

9. Detection system according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to reduce double-counting of same lice and / or fish by using one or more fish movement-patterns detection image / processing, modules and / or algorithmics and / or by identification of per-fish individual identifying characteristics.

10. Detection system according to any one of preceding claims, wherein one or more operation-properties of the SODS is controllable.

11. Detection system according to claim 10, wherein the one or more SODS operation-properties comprises at least one of: positioning and / or location of the entire SODS;line of sight (LOS) of the SODS; region of interest (ROI) of the SODS;AOV and / or FOV of the SODS; distances between one or more optical elements of the OA; aperture of the OA and / or any one or more optical components of the OA.

12. Detection system according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the at least one optical detector is a pixelated detector or a pixelated camera.

13. Detection system according to claim 12, wherein the spatial resolution of the at least one optical detector is such that an image of a 2mm sized object located at a distance of up to 0.5m from a frontal side of the OA, occupies a pixel -group of up to 20 adjacent pixels of the pixelated optical detector.

14. Detection system according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the SODS further comprises a communication unit, configured at least for transmitting of data outputted by the at least one optical detector to the processing circuitry; and a power supply unit for supplying power at least to the at least one optical detector.

15. Detection system according to any one of preceding claims, wherein the SODS comprises a waterproof housing configured for waterproofing components of the SODS in a fixed relative position in respect to one another.

16. A submersible optical detection subsystem (SODS) configured for being submersible in an aquatic environment, the SODS comprising at least: one or more detection units, at least one of the one or more detection units comprising at least: an optical detector; a flat window having a frontal side thereof designed for facing the aquatic environment; andan objective assembly (OA) locatable at a rear side of the flat window, wherein the SODS is configured for being submergible in an aquatic environment and for detection of one or more properties related to fish-lice of fish in the aquatic environment.

17. A method for determining one or more fish related properties, for fish in an aquatic environment, the method comprising at least: illuminating at least a region of interest (ROI) in the aquatic environment, using one or more illuminators; detecting at least one passing fish in the illuminated ROI, using at least one sensor; operating optical (microscopy) measurement, using one or more optical detection units, resulting in output sensor data; receiving and processing the output sensor data from the one or more optical detection units, for determining at least fish lice related properties of fish in the aquatic environment.

18. Method according to claim 17, wherein the at least fish lice related properties of fish in the aquatic environment comprise one or more of: average number of external fish-lice parasites per fish; estimated number or relative percentage of nauplius, chalimus, preadult and / or adult external fish-lice; estimated average number of female and / or male external fish-lice per fish; estimated ratio between female and male external fish-lice per fish; estimated one or more ratios between external fish-lice of different types, sizes, genders and / or ages; developmental stage of each louse; life stage of each louse; size of each louse.

19. Use of a detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for detection of one or more properties of one or more of the following external fish-lice types: Caligus Elongates and Lepeophtheirus Salmonis, for salmon fish located in the aquatic environment.

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