Feeding system and method for installing feeding system

Abstract

To provide a feeding system capable of reliably imaging a scene in which cultured fish eat their feed.SOLUTION: A feeding system 1 includes: a discharge device 2 for discharging feed to be given to cultured fish downward; and an imaging device 4 installed underwater, the discharging device 2 overlapping with an imaging range of the imaging device 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a feeding system and a method for installing a feeding system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, cameras have been installed in fish pens. Patent Document 1 discloses a camera installed in a fish pen, which is installed facing upward and below the feeding area of ​​aquatic organisms. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-1108 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of reliably capturing images of scenes in which farmed fish are feeding. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a feeding system and a method for installing a feeding system that can reliably capture images of scenes of farmed fish feeding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] [1] One aspect of the feeding system of the present invention is a feeding system comprising a release device that releases feed to farmed fish downward, and an imaging device that is installed in the sea and facing upward in the vertical direction, and the release device overlaps with the imaging range of the imaging device.

[0006] [2] In the above [1], it is preferable that the imaging device overlaps with the emission device when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0007] [3] In the above [2], it is preferable that the bait is released from a release outlet that is part of the release device, and the imaging device overlaps with the release outlet when viewed along the vertical direction.

[0008] [4] In any of the above [1] to [3], it is preferable that the imaging device is suspended by a rope-like body extending downward from the release device or a floating body on which the release device is placed.

[0009] [5] In the above [4], it is preferable that the rope-like body includes a first rope-like body and a second rope-like body, and the first rope-like body is attached to a first corner portion which is a corner of the release device or the float, and the second rope-like body is attached to a second corner portion which is the corner corresponding to the diagonal corner of the first corner.

[0010] [6] In the above [4], the rope-like body may include a first rope-like body and a second rope-like body, and the first rope-like body may be attached approximately in the middle of a first edge portion, which is one of the edges that constitute the release device or the float, and the second rope-like body may be attached approximately in the middle of a second edge portion, which is the edge that corresponds to the opposite edge of the first edge portion.

[0011] [7] In the above [5] or [6], it is preferable that the first and second rope-like bodies each have a scale.

[0012] [8] In any one of the above [1] to [7], it is preferable that the feeding system of this aspect further comprises a weight attached to a lower part of the imaging device.

[0013] [9] In any one of the above items [4] to [7], it is preferable that the rope-like body is attached with a communication cable that extends from the imaging device and transmits image signals.

[0014]

[10] In any of the above [4] to [7] and [9], it is preferable that the imaging device comprises an imaging device main body and a waterproof camera housing, the waterproof camera housing comprises a cylindrical case that covers the imaging device main body, and the central axis of the case is approximately along the vertical direction.

[0015]

[11] In the above

[10] , it is preferable that the waterproof camera housing further comprises a plate member extending horizontally from the case and to which the rope-like body is attached, and the thickness direction of the plate member is approximately along the vertical direction.

[0016]

[12] One aspect of the present invention is a method for installing a feeding system comprising a release device that releases feed downward to be given to farmed fish, a float on which the release device is placed, and an imaging device that is installed in the sea and facing upward in the vertical direction, the method comprising an installation step of attaching a rope-like body extending downward from the float to the imaging device, and a sinking step of sinking the imaging device to which the rope-like body is attached in the installation step so that it overlaps with the float when viewed vertically.

[0017]

[13] In the above

[12] , it is preferable that the rope-like body includes a first rope-like body and a second rope-like body, and that the method further includes an installation step, before the sinking step, of installing the first rope-like body at a first corner portion, which is a corner of the floating body, and installing the second rope-like body at a second corner portion, which is a corner diagonally corresponding to the first corner portion.

[0018]

[14] In the above

[13] , it is preferable that the installation method of this aspect further comprises a connecting step of connecting a weight to a lower part of the imaging device on land before the installing step.

[0019]

[15] In the above

[13] or

[14] , it is preferable that the installation method of this aspect further comprises, before the installation step, a fixing step of fixing a communication cable extending from the imaging device and transmitting an image signal to the first rope-like body on land. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, farmed fish that gather around the feed released from the release device are likely to enter the imaging range, so scenes of farmed fish feeding can be reliably captured. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a feeding system according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the arrangements of the first and second net states of the feeding system of the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a scale provided on a first rope-shaped body of the feeding system of the embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for installing the feeding system of the embodiment. [Figure 5] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing modified arrangements of the first and second net states of the feeding system shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing modified examples of the attachment positions of the first and second net states of the feeding system shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a modification relating to the installation of communication cables in the feeding system shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description, the same elements or elements having the same functions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0023] [Feeding system] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a feeding system 1 of this embodiment. The feeding system 1 shown in Figure 1 is an apparatus used to feed farmed fish. Specific examples of farmed fish include salmon, yellowtail, and sea bream, but are not limited to these, and aquatic organisms such as shrimp may also be used.

[0024] The feeding system 1 of this embodiment is used as part of an aquaculture management system that manages multiple fish pens in the ocean. Below, we will explain the feeding system 1 corresponding to any one of the fish pens (fish pen 10 in Figure 1) in the aquaculture management system. Note that the terms "vertical direction" and "horizontal direction" used in relation to the arrangement of each element of the feeding system 1 do not need to be precise, and errors due to fluctuations in seawater such as tidal currents can be tolerated.

[0025] The feeding system 1 includes a fish pen 10 for housing farmed fish, a release device 2 that releases feed downward to be given to the farmed fish, a float 3 on which the release device 2 is placed, an imaging device 4 that is installed in the sea and facing upward in the vertical direction, a sinker 5 attached to the bottom of the imaging device 4, and a rope-like body 7 that extends downward from the float 3 and suspends the imaging device 4. The specific type of the fish pen 10 is not particularly limited. For example, the fish pen 10 may be a general fish pen or a sink-and-float fish pen.

[0026] The release device 2 comprises a tank 21 for storing bait, a bait adjustment unit (not shown), and a release outlet 22 connected to the tank 21. The release device 2 of this embodiment is of the water surface spray type, and the bait inside the tank 21 is transported to the release outlet 22 by a screw conveyor (not shown) connected to the bottom of the tank 21, and falls from the release outlet 22 into the fish cage 10 by gravity. The release outlet 22 only needs to have an opening facing from the tank 21 toward the sea surface, and there are no particular limitations on its specific shape.

[0027] The float 3 is a structure floating on the sea surface and is placed in the central region of the fish pen 10. The float 3 is, for example, a raft, and includes a frame 31 made of multiple steel members or the like, and multiple buoys 32 attached to the frame 31. The release device 2 is placed in the center of the float 3 and fixed by any fixing means. A grating may be provided around the release device 2 on the float 3 for workers to walk on.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the float 3 and the release device 2 viewed along the vertical direction. Note that the buoy 32 is omitted from FIG. 2. The float 3 has a substantially polygonal shape (substantially rectangular in this embodiment). The float 3 also has mounting portions 35 to which a rope-like body 7 can be attached at any two diagonally adjacent corners (hereinafter referred to as the first corner 33 and the second corner 34) of the multiple corners of the polygonal shape. This mounting portion 35 may be part of the steel material that constitutes the frame 31. The rope-like body 7 may be directly tied to the mounting portion 35, or may be attached by any method such as a cable tie.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device 4 is installed in the sea within the fish pen 10, and is installed facing vertically upward to capture images of the state inside the fish pen 10 from the sea. The imaging device 4 is arranged so that the imaging range R overlaps with the release device 2. Specifically, the imaging device 4 is arranged so that it overlaps with the release outlet 22 of the release device 2 when viewed along the vertical direction. The angle of view of the imaging device 4 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a wide angle of 100 degrees or more. The installation depth of the imaging device 4 The depth of field of the imaging device 4 is not particularly limited, but preferably includes a water depth greater than the feeding area of ​​the farmed fish.

[0030] The imaging device 4 includes an imaging device main body 41 for capturing images and a waterproof camera housing 42 for covering the imaging device main body 41. The imaging device main body 41 is, for example, a network camera or an analog camera, and is connected to an antenna 12 on the floating body 3 via a communication cable 11. The communication cable 11 is, for example, a LAN cable or a coaxial cable. An image signal of an image captured by the imaging device main body 41 is transmitted to the antenna 12 via the communication cable 11, and then wirelessly transmitted from the antenna 12 to a control device on land or on a ship.

[0031] The waterproof camera housing 42 comprises a cylindrical case 421 and a pair of plate members 422, 423 that extend from the side surfaces of the case 421 and to which the rope-like body 7 is attached.

[0032] The case 421 accommodates the imaging device main body 41 in a watertight manner. The central axis L of the cylindrical case 421 is arranged along the imaging optical axis of the imaging device main body 41. Since the imaging device main body 41 captures images via an upper case 421A, which is one end of the case 421, the upper case 421A is preferably made of an acrylic plate or the like that is capable of transmitting imaging light. A weight 5, which will be described later, is attached to a lower case 421B, which is the other end of the case 421.

[0033] The plate members 422, 423 extend radially outward from the side surfaces of the case 421, and the plate thickness direction of the plate members 422, 423 is along the central axis L. Here, the extension directions of the plate members 422, 423 relative to the case 421 are opposite to each other. The rope-like body 7 (a first rope-like body 71 and a second rope-like body 72 described below) is connected to the imaging device 4 by, for example, inserting it through through holes provided in the plate members 422, 423 and tying it together.

[0034] The weight 5 is attached to the case lower part 421B (that is, the lower part of the imaging device 4) via the buoy 6. Here, the weight of the weight 5 is sufficiently greater than the buoyancy of the imaging device 4, the buoy 6, and the like.

[0035] The above-described imaging device 4, sinker 5, and buoy 6 are installed as a single unit in the seawater of the fish pen 10. In the seawater, due to the weight of the sinker 5 and the buoyant force of the buoy 6, the sinker 5 is disposed vertically below the buoy 6, and the imaging device 4 is disposed vertically above the buoy 6. As a result, the imaging device 4 is disposed so that the central axis L of the case 421 is aligned vertically. Furthermore, the plate members 422 and 423 are disposed so as to extend horizontally from the case 421, and the thickness direction of the plate members 422 and 423 is aligned vertically.

[0036] The rope 7 includes a first rope 71 and a second rope 72. Each of the first rope 71 and the second rope 72 is a rope, a wire, a chain, or the like. One end 711 of the first rope-like body 71 is attached to a plate member 422 of the imaging device 4, and one end 721 of the second rope-like body 72 is attached to a plate member 423 of the imaging device 4. The other end 712 of the first rope-like body 71 is attached to an attachment portion 35 at a first corner 33 of the floating body 3, and the other end 722 of the second rope-like body 72 is attached to an attachment portion 35 at a second corner 34 of the floating body 3 (see FIG. 2). As a result, when viewed along the vertical direction, the first rope-like body 71 and the second rope-like body 72 are arranged so as to sandwich the imaging device 4 along a diagonal line of the floating body 3.

[0037] The first rope 71 and the second rope 72 can be adjusted in the amount that is let out from the floating body 3 into the sea, and can be hooked to the attachment parts 35 in the state that they are let out by any amount. In other words, by adjusting the amount that each of the first rope 71 and the second rope 72 is let out into the sea, the imaging device 4 After adjusting the amount of each of the first and second rope-like bodies 71, 72 that is fed out, the first and second rope-like bodies 71, 72 may be tied directly to the respective mounting portions 35, or may be fastened to the respective mounting portions 35 by any method, such as a cable tie.

[0038] Each of the first rope-like body 71 and the second rope-like body 72 is provided with a plurality of scales 75 (see FIG. 3) that indicate the installation depth of the imaging device 4. When the first rope-like body 71 and the second rope-like body 72 are thrown into the sea to the positions of the scales 75 that show the same value, the imaging device 4 is positioned at the installation depth indicated by that value. The following description will be given taking the scale 75 provided on the first rope-like body 71 as an example, but the second rope-like body 72 also has a similar scale 75 provided thereon.

[0039] 3 is a schematic diagram showing a first rope-like body 71 in a state where it is fully let out from a floating body 3, and an imaging device 4 suspended from the first rope-like body 71. The scales 75 are represented by tape wound around the first rope-like body 71, and the color of the tape is set according to the installation depth of the imaging device 4. For example, in FIG. 3, the scale 75 corresponding to "0 m," which is near the sea surface, and the scale 75 corresponding to "12 m," which is the desired installation depth, are each represented by "green" tape, each scale 75 corresponding to installation depths at "5 m" intervals are represented by "red" tape, and the other scales 75 corresponding to installation depths at "1 m" intervals are represented by "blue" tape. The numerical values ​​indicated by each scale 75 may be written on the tape.

[0040] 1 again, a communication cable 11 extending from the imaging device 4 is attached to either the first rope-like body 71 or the second rope-like body 72 (first rope-like body 71 in this embodiment). This communication cable 11 is fixed to the first rope-like body 71 at predetermined intervals by any binders 13. Here, the length of the portion of the communication cable 11 extending between two adjacent binders 13 is longer than the length of the portion of the first rope-like body 71 extending between the two binders 13. As a result, the communication cable 11 has a certain amount of slack at each predetermined interval separated by the binders 13.

[0041] Although not shown in the figure, a portion of the communication cable 11 arranged near the floating body 3 may be housed in a flexible tubular member (e.g., a bellows hose) to avoid damage due to contact with the floating body 3.

[0042] Furthermore, feeding system 1 of this embodiment is equipped with an operating rope 14 for controlling the attitude of imaging device 4. One end of operating rope 14 is attached to any part of floating body 3, and the other end of operating rope 14 is attached to the bottom of imaging device 4. This operating rope 14 normally has slack so as not to apply excessive force to imaging device 4.

[0043] In the feeding system 1 described above, the imaging device 4 takes images at any time or for a predetermined period according to the feeding timing, and transmits the image signals to a control device on land or on a ship. The control device analyzes the feeding activity of the farmed fish based on the feeding scenes of the farmed fish contained in the images sent from the imaging device 4, and can transmit a control signal to change the feeding settings of the releasing device 2 based on the analysis results. The control device may also analyze the amount of remaining feed based on the size and amount of feed contained in the images sent from the imaging device 4. Furthermore, when necessary, the worker may pull the operating rope 14 to lift the sinker 5, thereby inverting the up-down direction of the imaging device 4 and positioning the imaging device 4 facing vertically downward. This allows the imaging device 4 to capture an image of the bottom of the net pen 10. The control device or the worker can also check for the presence or absence of dead fish at the bottom of the net pen 10 based on the image sent from the imaging device 4. The bottom of the net pen 10 is a net or the like that forms the bottom surface of the net pen 10.

[0044] [How to install the feeding system] A method for installing the feeding system 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the flow chart of Fig. 4. It is assumed that the floating body 3 is placed in the central area of ​​the fish cage 10 in advance.

[0045] First, on land, the weight 5 is connected to the bottom of the imaging device 4 via the buoy 6 (step S1; connecting step). Also on land, the communication cable 11 is fixed to the first rope-like body 71 (step S2; fixing step).

[0046] Next, the end 712 of the first rope-like body 71 is installed to the mounting portion 35 at the first corner 33 of the floating body 3, and the end 722 of the second rope-like body 72 is installed to the mounting portion 35 at the second corner 34, which is diagonally opposite the first corner 33 (step S3; installation step).

[0047] Next, the end 711 of the first rope-like body 71 is attached to the plate member 422 of the imaging device 4, and the end 721 of the second rope-like body 72 is attached to the plate member 423 of the imaging device 4 (step S4; attachment step). According to this step S4, the rope-like body 7 is attached to the imaging device 4.

[0048] The order of steps S1 to S4 may be changed as long as they are performed before step S5 below. Furthermore, the above steps S1 to S4 may be performed simultaneously with the assembly of the float 3 on land. In this case, the imaging device 4, the rope 7, and the communication cable 11 may be pulled up onto the float 3 from an opening A of the float 3 near the first corner 33 or the second corner 34 (FIG. 2 illustrates an example of the opening A near the second corner 34), and the float 3 may then be towed out to sea and installed in the fish pen 10. Alternatively, among the steps S1 to S4, at least the step S3 may be performed on a floating body 3 installed on the sea. In this case, the imaging device 4 and the like may be pulled up onto the floating body 3 through the opening A.

[0049] Finally, the imaging device 4 to which the first rope 71 and the second rope 72 are attached is thrown into the sea through the opening A of the float 3, and the imaging device 4 is sunk so that the imaging device 4 overlaps the float 3 when viewed vertically (step S5; sinking step). In this step S5, the imaging device 4 is thrown into the sea through the opening A of the float 3, and the payout amounts of the first rope 71 and the second rope 72 are adjusted while checking the scales 75 of the first rope 71 and the second rope 72. Then, after being thrown into the sea up to the scale 75 corresponding to the desired installation depth, the first rope 71 and the second rope 72 are hooked onto the respective mounting portions 35. This completes the installation of feeding system 1.

[0050] [Effects of this embodiment] As described above, the feeding system 1 is a system comprising a release device 2 that releases feed to be given to farmed fish downward, and an imaging device 4 that is installed in the sea and facing upward in the vertical direction, and the release device 2 overlaps with the imaging range R of the imaging device 4. In this configuration, farmed fish that gather around the bait released from the release device 2 are likely to enter the imaging range R. This makes it possible to reliably capture images of scenes in which farmed fish are feeding. For example, in this embodiment, the diameter of the fish pen 10 is about 30 m, while the maximum dimension of the imaging range R near the sea surface is about 10 m. Therefore, although the imaging range R near the sea surface is small compared to the sea surface area inside the fish pen 10, the position of the imaging range R is well-designed so that the scene of the breeding fish feeding can be reliably captured. As a result, the control device to which the images are transmitted from the imaging device 4 can easily determine the feeding activity of the farmed fish based on the images.

[0051] In this embodiment, the imaging device 4 overlaps with the emission device 2 when viewed along the vertical direction. In this configuration, the releasing device 2 is positioned in the center of the imaging range R in the horizontal direction, so that the farmed fish that gather around the bait released from the releasing device 2 can more easily enter the imaging range R. This makes it possible to more reliably capture images of the farmed fish feeding.

[0052] In this embodiment, the bait is released from a release outlet 22 that is part of the release device 2, and the imaging device 4 overlaps with the release outlet 22 when viewed along the vertical direction. In this configuration, the discharge outlet 22 of the discharging device 2 is positioned in the horizontal center of the imaging range R, so that the farmed fish that gather around the bait released from the discharge outlet 22 can more easily enter the imaging range R. This makes it possible to more reliably capture images of the farmed fish feeding. For example, if the farmed fish are common farmed fish such as salmon, when they feed they rise close to the surface of the water and gather around the discharge outlet 22 through which the feed is released. This allows the imaging device 4 to more effectively capture images of the farmed fish feeding scene. Furthermore, the imaging device 4 can easily capture images of bait that has been released from the release outlet 22 but not ingested by the farmed fish (i.e., remaining bait). Therefore, the control device to which the images are sent from the imaging device 4 can easily determine remaining bait based on the images.

[0053] In this embodiment, the imaging device 4 is suspended by a rope 7 extending downward from a floating body 3 on which the release device 2 is placed. In this configuration, the imaging device 4 is suspended below the discharging device 2, which makes it easy to position the imaging device 4 relative to the discharging device 2. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the position of the imaging device 4 from being swept away by the tidal current.

[0054] In this embodiment, the rope 7 includes a first rope 71 and a second rope 72, and the first rope 71 is attached to a first corner 33, which is a corner of the floating body 3, and the second rope 72 is attached to a second corner 34, which is a corner of the floating body 3 diagonally corresponding to the first corner 33. This configuration can improve the ease of maintenance of the first rope-like body 71 and the second rope-like body 72. Furthermore, tension is applied to the imaging device 4 in directions opposite to each other with the imaging device 4 itself as the center, so that shaking of the imaging device 4 due to tidal currents can be suppressed.

[0055] In this embodiment, each of the first rope-like body 71 and the second rope-like body 72 is provided with a scale 75 . In this configuration, the position of the imaging device 4 relative to the float 3 can be adjusted by checking the scales 75 on the first rope 71 and the second rope 72 and determining the amount by which the first rope 71 and the second rope 72 are let out into the sea. For example, in this embodiment, since the release device 2 is placed in the center of the float 3, the position of the imaging device 4 can be aligned with the center of the float 3, i.e., the release device 2, by making the amount by which the first rope 71 and the second rope 72 are let out equal. This makes it easy to reliably overlap the imaging device 4 and the release device 2 when viewed vertically. Furthermore, since the installation depth of the imaging device 4 can be grasped when sinking the imaging device 4, it is possible to prevent the imaging device 4 from coming into contact with the bottom of the fish pen 10. In particular, in this embodiment, a scale 75 corresponding to the installation depth of the imaging device 4 is provided, so the operator can intuitively grasp the installation depth of the imaging device 4. This makes it easy to adjust the installation depth of the imaging device 4 to a depth that reflects past knowledge (for example, a depth at which it is easy to capture images of schools of fish or remaining bait). Furthermore, the actual installation depth of the imaging device 4 can be easily recorded as numerical data.

[0056] The feeding system 1 of this embodiment further includes a weight 5 attached to the bottom of the imaging device 4. In this configuration, the weight of the weight 5 can prevent the position of the imaging device 4 from being carried away by the tidal current, so that the imaging device 4 can be reliably superimposed on the release device 2 when viewed vertically. Also, by attaching the weight 5 to the bottom of the imaging device 4, the imaging device 4 can be maintained in an optimally installed state facing upward.

[0057] In this embodiment, the rope 7 extends from the imaging device 4 and has attached thereto a communication cable 11 for transmitting image signals. In this configuration, the rope-like body 7 not only has a function of positioning the imaging device 4 but also a function of guiding the communication cable 11. This prevents the communication cable 11 from interfering with other elements and prevents damage to the communication cable 11. In particular, in this embodiment, the communication cable 11 is attached to the rope-like body 7 in a slack state, which prevents excessive tension from being applied to the communication cable 11 and effectively prevents damage to the communication cable 11.

[0058] In this embodiment, the imaging device 4 comprises an imaging device main body 41 and a waterproof camera housing 42, and the waterproof camera housing 42 comprises a cylindrical case 421 that covers the imaging device main body 41, and the central axis L of the case 421 is aligned vertically. In such a configuration, the side surface of the case 421 can reduce the force acting when subjected to the tidal current, thereby preventing the position of the imaging device 4 from being swept away by the tidal current and enabling the imaging device 4 to be maintained in an upward facing position in an optimal manner.

[0059] In this embodiment, the waterproof camera housing 42 further includes plate members 422 and 423 that extend horizontally from the case 421 and to which the rope-like body 7 is attached, and the thickness direction of the plate member 422 is aligned vertically. In this configuration, the rope-like body 7 is attached at a position horizontally spaced apart from the case 421, which makes it easier to stabilize the posture of the case 421. Furthermore, the plate member 422 is arranged along the horizontal direction, which can prevent the current from hitting the plate member 422 and prevent the position of the imaging device 4 from being swept away by the current.

[0060] As described above, the installation method for the feeding system 1 of this embodiment includes an installation step (step S4) of attaching the rope-like body 7 extending downward from the float 3 to the imaging device 4, and a sinking step (step S5) of sinking the imaging device 4 to which the rope-like body 7 is attached in the installation step (step S4) so ​​that it overlaps with the float 3 when viewed vertically. According to this installation method, by operating the rope-like body 7 in the attachment step (step S4), the imaging device 4 can be easily submerged so as to overlap the floating body 3. This allows the effects described for the feeding system 1 of this embodiment to be appropriately obtained.

[0061] The installation method of the feeding system 1 of this embodiment further includes an installation step (step S3) before the sinking step (step S5), in which a first rope-like body 71 is installed at a first corner 33 of the float 3 and a second rope-like body 72 is installed at a second corner 34 diagonally corresponding to the first corner 33. This installation method can improve the maintainability of the first rope-like body 71 and the second rope-like body 72. It also prevents the imaging device 4 from being washed away into the sea during the sinking step (step S5). The installation step (step S3) may be performed on land together with the assembly of the floating body 3, or may be performed on the floating body 3 at sea.

[0062] The installation method for feeding system 1 of this embodiment further includes a connecting step (step S1) of connecting weight 5 to the bottom of imaging device 4 on land before the installation step (step S3). According to this installation method, the sinker 5 can be connected in a more stable location than on the sea, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0063] The installation method of the feeding system 1 of this embodiment further includes a fixing step (step S2) of fixing the communication cable 11 extending from the imaging device 4 and transmitting image signals to the first rope-like body 71 on land before the installation step (step S3). According to this installation method, the communication cable 11 can be fixed in a more stable location than on the sea, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0064] This embodiment can be modified in various ways, as exemplified below.

[0065] [Variation 1] As shown in Fig. 5, the rope-like body 7 according to the first modification may be attached to any two opposite sides (hereinafter referred to as the first side 36 and the second side 37) among the multiple sides constituting the float 3, instead of the first corner 33 and the second corner 34 of the float 3. In this case, it is preferable that the end 712 of the first rope-like body 71 is installed at approximately the middle of the first side 36 of the float 3, and the end 722 of the second rope-like body 72 is installed at approximately the middle of the second side 37 of the float 3. Note that the approximately middle part of the first side 36 to which the first rope-like body 71 is installed and the approximately middle part of the second rope-like body 72 to which the second rope-like body 72 is installed may be within a range where the first rope-like body 71 and the second rope-like body 72 are arranged to overlap with each other on the release device 2 when viewed along the vertical direction. In this first modification, as in the above embodiment, the maintainability of the first rope-like body 71 and the second rope-like body 72 can be improved, and the shaking of the imaging device 4 due to the tidal current can be suppressed.

[0066] [Variation 2] As shown in Figure 6, the rope-like body 7 according to variant example 2 may be attached to the release device 2 instead of the float 3. In this case, it is preferable that the release device 2 further comprises mounting portions 23, 24 that are provided on opposite sides of the release device 2 and to which the rope-like body 7 is attached. An end 712 of the first rope-like body 71 is attached to the mounting portion 23 of the release device 2, and an end 722 of the second rope-like body 72 is attached to the mounting portion 23 of the release device 2. Furthermore, when the release device 2 has a polygonal structure as the outer structure of the tank 21, the mounting portions 23, 24 may be provided at any two corners (first corner and second corner) located diagonally of the structure, or may be provided at approximately the middle of two sides (first side and second side) located opposite each other of the structure. In this second modification, similarly to the above embodiment, it is easy to position the imaging device 4 relative to the discharging device 2, and it is possible to prevent the position of the imaging device 4 from being swept away by the tidal current.

[0067] [Variation 3] In the feeding system 1 according to the third modification, the sinker 5 and the buoy 6 of the above embodiment may be omitted, and the lower part of the imaging device 4 may be attached to a third rope-like body extending from the bottom net of the fish pen 10. In other words, the third rope-like body attached to the lower part of the imaging device 4 may extend from approximately the center of the bottom of the fish pen 10.

[0068] [Variation 4] As shown in FIG. 7 , in the feeding system 1 according to the fourth modification, the communication cable 11 may be attached to a cable rope 19 instead of the rope-like body 7 that supports the imaging device 4. One end of the cable rope 19 is attached to a desired location on the floating body 3 (for example, near the opening A), and the other end of the cable rope 19 is attached to a desired location on the imaging device 4. Under normal circumstances, the cable rope 19 has slack so as not to apply excessive force to the imaging device 4. In this fourth modification, when performing maintenance such as cleaning the imaging device 4, an operator can pull in the cable rope 19 and conveniently pull the imaging device 4 onto the floating body 3.

[0069] [Other Modifications] The waterproof camera housing 42 of the above embodiment may have other shapes. For example, the plate members of the present invention may be flanges protruding from the case 421 instead of the pair of plate members 422, 423.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the communication cable 11 is attached to the first rope-like body 71, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, another guide rope for attaching the communication cable 11 may be extended from the floating body 3.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the buoy 6 is connected between the imaging device 4 and the sinker 5, but this buoy 6 may be omitted and the sinker 5 may be attached directly to the imaging device 4. Also, in the above embodiment, the sinker 5 and the buoy 6 may be omitted.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the scale 75 provided on each of the first rope-like body 71 and the second rope-like body 72 indicates the installation depth of the imaging device 4, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the scale 75 may indicate the distance from the imaging device 4 in each length direction of the first rope-like body 71 and the second rope-like body 72. Alternatively, the first rope-like body 71 and the second rope-like body 72 may be provided with both the scale 75 indicating the installation depth of the imaging device 4 and another scale indicating the distance from the imaging device 4.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the rope 7 includes two ropes, the first rope 71 and the second rope 72, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rope 7 may include three or more ropes extending downward from the floating body 3, or may be a single rope.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the rope-like body 7 is attached to the float 3, and in the above modified example 2, the rope-like body 7 is attached to the release device 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rope-like body 7 may be attached to the fish cage 10. In this modified example, the first rope-like body 71 and the second rope-like body 72 are preferably attached to opposing portions of the frame of the fish cage 10.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the bait may be sprayed underwater instead of being scattered on the sea. In this case, the discharge outlet 22 of the discharge device 2 may be installed in the sea, and the bait may be discharged into the sea. The discharge device 2 may also be a tip device attached to the tip of a bait supply pipe extending from a large tank on land or at a sea base, and the float 3 in the above embodiment may be omitted. The specific configuration of the discharge outlet 22 may be, for example, the configuration disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6840484. In such a modified example, the release device 2 overlaps with the imaging range R of the imaging device 4, and thus the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the imaging device 4 is arranged so as to overlap with the discharging device 2 when viewed in the vertical direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the imaging device 4 may be arranged so that at least the imaging range R overlaps with the discharging device 2.

[0077] In the above embodiment, a preferred method for installing feeding system 1 is described, but the method for installing feeding system 1 is not limited to the above embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1...feeding system, 10...fish cage, 11...communication cable, 12...antenna, 13...binding device, 14...operation rope, 19...cable rope, 2...discharge device, 21...tank, 22...discharge outlet, 23...mounting portion, 24...mounting portion, 3...floating body, 31...frame, 32...buoy, 33...first corner portion, 34...second corner portion, 35...mounting portion, 36...first side portion, 37...second side portion , 4...imaging device, 41...imaging device main body, 42...waterproof camera housing, 421...case, 421A...upper part of case, 421B...lower part of case, 422, 423...plate member, 5...weight, 6...buoy, 7...rope-like body, 71...first rope-like body, 711, 712...end part, 72...second rope-like body, 721, 722...end part, A...opening, L...central axis, R...imaging range, 75...scale.

Claims

1. A discharge device that discharges feed to be given to farmed fish downward; an imaging device installed underwater; A feeding system comprising: the emission device overlaps with the imaging range of the imaging device; A feeding system characterized by:

2. Further provided is a rope-like body attached to either the release device or a floating body on which the release device is placed and extending downward; The imaging device is suspended by the rope.

2. The feeding system of claim 1.

3. the rope includes a first rope and a second rope; The first rope is attached to a first corner portion which is a corner of the release device or the float, The second rope is attached to a second corner, which is a corner diagonally opposite the first corner.

3. The feeding system of claim 2.

4. the rope includes a first rope and a second rope; The first rope-like body is attached to approximately the middle of a first side portion, which is one of the sides constituting the release device or the float, The second rope-shaped body is attached to the side, and the second side portion is the side corresponding to the opposite side of the first side portion, approximately in the middle of the second side portion.

3. The feeding system of claim 2.

5. Each of the first and second ropes is provided with a scale.

4. The feeding system of claim 3.

6. a weight attached to a lower portion of the imaging device; 10. The feeding system of claim 1, further comprising:

7. The rope extends from the imaging device and has a communication cable attached thereto for transmitting image signals.

3. The feeding system of claim 2.

8. The imaging device includes an imaging device body and a waterproof camera housing, the waterproof camera housing includes a cylindrical case that covers the imaging device body; The central axis of the case is substantially along the vertical direction.

2. The feeding system of claim 1.

9. The imaging device overlaps with the emission device when viewed along the vertical direction. The feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The bait is released from a release outlet that is part of the release device, The imaging device overlaps with the discharge outlet when viewed along the vertical direction. The feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. The imaging device is installed facing upward in the vertical direction. The feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

12. The emission device is disposed in the horizontal center of the imaging range. The feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

13. The discharge outlet, which is a part of the discharge device, is disposed in the horizontal center of the imaging range. The feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

14. The bait is released into the sea from a release outlet that is part of the release device, The discharge outlet is positioned above the imaging device in the vertical direction. The feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

15. The imaging device includes an imaging device body and a waterproof camera housing, the waterproof camera housing includes a cylindrical case that covers the imaging device body; The waterproof camera housing includes a plate member extending horizontally from the case and to which the rope-like body is attached; Further provided with The thickness direction of the plate member is substantially along the vertical direction. The feeding system according to any one of claims 2 to 5 and 7.

16. A discharge device that discharges feed to be given to farmed fish downward; a floating body on which the release device is placed; an imaging device installed underwater; A method for installing a feeding system comprising: an attachment step of attaching a rope extending downward from the floating body to the imaging device; a sinking step of sinking the imaging device to which the rope-like body is attached in the attaching step so that the imaging device overlaps the floating body when viewed along the vertical direction; An installation method comprising:

17. the rope includes a first rope and a second rope; an installation step, before the sinking step, of installing the first rope-like body at a first corner portion, which is a corner of the floating body, and installing the second rope-like body at a second corner portion, which is the corner diagonally corresponding to the first corner; 17. The installation method of claim 16, further comprising:

18. a connecting step of connecting a weight to a lower part of the imaging device on land before the installing step; 、 20. The installation method of claim 17, further comprising:

19. a fixing step of fixing a communication cable extending from the imaging device and transmitting an image signal to the first rope on land before the installing step; 20. The installation method of claim 17, further comprising:

Images