Counting device

Abstract

Conventional fish counting devices require a large installation space and suffer from problems such as reduced counting accuracy due to external light and water flow. [Solution] This invention integrates the flow path and counting device, reducing installation space. It is equipped with light blocking means and water draining means to reduce the influence of the external environment and improve counting accuracy. The calculation unit detects fish based on imaging data and achieves accurate counting. As a result, counting accuracy is improved regardless of the shape or movement of the fish, making fish population management in the fisheries industry simpler. Furthermore, it has a function to output the counting results to another electronic device, which can improve the efficiency of data management. As a result, improved work efficiency and accuracy can be expected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fish counting device, and particularly to a counting device for accurately and efficiently counting the number of fish in the fishery industry.

Background Art

[0002] [[ID=1']]Conventional fish counting devices counted the number of individuals by imaging fish moving through a flow path and analyzing the images. In the device described in Patent Document 1, it was necessary to prepare a flow path and a counting device separately, and there was a problem that it was difficult to secure an installation space and an appropriate imaging angle. Furthermore, since differences occur in the images captured depending on the environment, location, time, etc. for counting, there is concern about the influence on the counting accuracy.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional fish counting devices had a problem in that, since the flow path and the counting device were separated, a large installation space was required and they lacked convenience. Also, the counting accuracy was easily affected by imaging conditions, and measures such as means for blocking the influence of external light and countermeasures for the decrease in visibility of fish due to flowing water were insufficient. Furthermore, the counting accuracy sometimes decreased depending on the shape and movement of the fish.

[0005] In order to solve these problems, the present invention provides a counting device that integrates a flow path and a counting device to reduce the installation space, includes light blocking means to reduce the influence from the external environment, includes water draining means to reduce the influence of the decrease in visibility due to flowing water, and improves the counting accuracy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The counting device of the present invention consists of a processing housing and a flow path housing. The processing housing houses an imaging unit, a calculation unit, and a light source device, and has the function of counting fish. The flow path housing is equipped with a drainage structure, side supports, and an inclined three-dimensional hollow structure, and has the function of smoothly transporting fish and flowing water and efficiently separating fish and flowing water.

[0007] The calculation unit has the function of detecting fish based on imaging data and counting the fish flowing through the channel based on the detection information. This function enables accurate counting regardless of the shape or movement of the fish. Furthermore, the calculation unit has the function of outputting the counting results to another electronic device, which makes it easy to check the counting results and manage the data.

[0008] Furthermore, by using the light-blocking sheet and light-blocking plate, the influence of external light on the flow path housing is blocked, improving counting accuracy. The water drainage structure reduces the impact of reduced visibility due to flowing water, improving counting accuracy. As a result, a counting device is provided that reduces installation space, minimizes environmental impact, and improves counting accuracy. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The counting device of the present invention reduces installation space and improves convenience by integrating the processing housing and the flow path housing. The calculation unit can detect fish based on imaging data and accurately count the fish flowing through the flow path based on the detection information, thus achieving high counting accuracy regardless of the shape or movement of the fish. Furthermore, by using the light-blocking sheet and light-blocking plate, the influence of external light can be blocked, further improving counting accuracy.

[0010] Furthermore, the aforementioned drainage structure reduces the impact of reduced visibility due to flowing water, thereby improving counting accuracy. Since the calculation unit has a function to output counting results to another electronic device, verification of counting results and data management become easier, improving work efficiency. This makes fish population management in the fisheries industry simpler, and is expected to improve work efficiency and accuracy.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a configuration diagram of a counting device. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an overall view of a counting device. [Figure 3] It is a bottom view showing a processing housing. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a draining mechanism. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an inclined three-dimensional shape cavity structure. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing a connecting pipe joint fixing plate. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a counting device. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an operation image of a counting device. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an image example of counting processing. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a flowchart of counting processing. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an illustration of counting processing. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an object detection example. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing confirmation of counting results on another terminal.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, the counting device 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of the counting device 1 of the present invention. The counting device 1 is composed of a flow path housing 2 and a processing housing 3.

[0014] The processing housing 3 has an imaging unit 107, an arithmetic unit 201, and a light source device 109. Further, the arithmetic unit 201 has a counting processing program 307.

[0015] With the above configuration, the arithmetic unit 201 executes a counting processing program 307 based on an image captured by the imaging unit 107 of the processing housing 3 for the fish transferred together with the running water from the flow path housing 2, and efficiently counts the fish. Note that the counting processing program 307 of the present invention is exemplary, and other algorithms and methods can also be applied.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the entire counting device 1 of the present invention. The counting device 1 is connected to a drain mechanism 601, a first side support column 505, a second side support column 507, a first light blocking plate 501, a second light blocking plate 503, an inclined three-dimensional hollow structure 701, a connecting pipe joint fixing plate 803, and a connecting pipe joint 801, and includes a flow path housing 2, an imaging unit 107, an arithmetic unit 201, and a light source device 109 inside, and has a light blocking sheet 521 outside the housing. The processing housing 3 is connected to the first side support column 505 and the second side support column 507.

[0017] The first light blocking plate 501 and the second light blocking plate 503 have the function of blocking external light from the side surface of the flow path housing, and the light blocking sheet 521 has the function of blocking external light from the opening of the flow path housing. Thereby, accurate counting can be performed without being affected by the external environment. The drain mechanism 601 has a structure for efficiently separating fish and running water, and operates in cooperation with the main body of the counting device 1.

[0018] The inclined three-dimensional hollow structure 701 has a shape of a parallelepiped with a hollow center and has an inclined surface for transferring fish and running water, and is connected to the first side support column 505, the second side support column 507, and the drain mechanism 601. Thereby, fish and running water can be smoothly transferred, and further, fish and running water can be efficiently separated.

[0019] The connecting pipe joint 801 has a structure capable of connecting flow pipes of various pipe diameters and is connected to the connecting pipe joint fixing plate 803. The connecting pipe joint fixing plate 803 is connected to the corresponding connecting pipe joint 801 and serves as an inlet of the inclined three-dimensional hollow structure 701. Thereby, the connection of the flow pipe becomes easy, and the efficiency of the counting operation is improved.

[0020] Thus, with the configuration shown in Figure 2, the counting device 1 provides a foundation for efficiently and accurately counting the number of fish individuals.

[0021] Furthermore, the method of connecting each component may involve metal parts such as bolts and screws, or welding and adhesives may be used. In addition, the structure is characterized by being composed of any material, including but not limited to metals, polyvinyl chloride, and composite materials.

[0022] Figure 3 is an overhead view showing the processing enclosure of the present invention. The processing enclosure 3 has an imaging unit 107, a calculation unit 201, and a light source device 109 inside, and is equipped with a light-blocking sheet 521 to block external light. The processing enclosure 3 also has an opening, and is characterized by a structure in which the opening is covered with an acrylic plate 103 which serves as a lid member and a first rubber packing 901 which serves as a sealing material. This structure makes the interior airtight and waterproof. However, since the processing enclosure is sealed, heat generated from the imaging unit 107, calculation unit 201, and light source device 109 becomes a problem, but an additional opening may be provided in the processing enclosure 3 and a heat sink may be attached, or the main body of the processing enclosure 3 may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity.

[0023] The imaging unit 107 has the function of photographing fish and transmitting the image to the processing unit 201. The processing housing 3 improves the stability of the image by blocking external light, enabling accurate counting without being affected by the external environment.

[0024] Figure 4 shows the drainage mechanism 601 of the present invention. The drainage mechanism 601 has a structure for efficiently separating fish from flowing water. The drainage mechanism base 605 has a rectangular structure, and multiple drainage pipes 603 are fixed in parallel to it, thereby realizing the function of separating fish from flowing water.

[0025] The drainage mechanism 601 has a flow path composed of multiple drainage pipes 603, and the flowing water is discharged downward through the gaps between the pipes, allowing the fish to pass through the flow path. This reduces the deterioration of visibility caused by the flowing water, improves the visibility of the fish in the images captured by the imaging unit 107, and contributes to improved counting accuracy.

[0026] The connection between the drain base 605 and the drain pipe may be made of metal such as bolts, or by adhesive or welding. Furthermore, the structure is characterized by being made of any material, including but not limited to metal, polyvinyl chloride, and composite materials.

[0027] Figure 5 shows the inclined three-dimensional hollow structure 701 of the present invention. The inclined three-dimensional hollow structure 701 has the shape of a parallelepiped with a hollow center and an inclination, and plays a role in forming a flow path when fish pass through.

[0028] This structure is composed of a first square plate 703, a second square plate 705, a first parallelogram plate 709, and a second parallelogram plate 711. These plates are joined at a 90-degree angle to form a three-dimensional structure with openings at both ends. The first square flange 713 and the second square flange 715 are connected to the openings at both ends.

[0029] This structure, with its slope, allows for smooth transport of fish and flowing water. This facilitates the passage of fish and improves the efficiency of the counting process. Furthermore, the flange structure allows for easy connection to the first side support column 505, the second side support column 507, the drainage mechanism 601, and the connecting pipe joint fixing plate 803.

[0030] Thus, the design of the 701 inclined three-dimensional hollow structures enables the smooth transport of fish and plays a role in improving the overall performance of the device.

[0031] The inclined three-dimensional hollow structure 701 can be attached using any of the following methods: adhesive, mechanical fasteners (bolts, screws, rivets, etc.), fitting, friction engagement, welding, etc., and the structure is made of any material, including but not limited to metal, polyvinyl chloride, composite materials, etc. Furthermore, although the inclined three-dimensional hollow structure 701 in this invention is a parallelepiped, any structure with an inclination and openings at both ends is acceptable, so cylindrical, triangular pyramidal, and square pyramidal structures are also applicable and are not limited to these.

[0032] Figure 6 shows the connecting pipe joint fixing plate 803 of the present invention. The connecting pipe joint fixing plate 803 has a structure for stably fixing the connecting pipe joint 801. The connecting pipe joint 801 has a structure that can connect to flow pipes of various diameters and is connected to the inclined three-dimensional hollow structure 701.

[0033] The connecting pipe fitting fixing plate 803 has a rectangular shape and is provided with a circular through-hole in the center to secure the flow path of the connecting pipe fitting 801. Furthermore, circular through-holes may be provided around the perimeter for connecting the connecting pipe fitting 801, and the structure is characterized by the ability to employ any connection method, including but not limited to adhesives or welding. This facilitates the installation of the device. Thus, the configuration of the connecting pipe joint fixing plate 803 shown in Figure 6 provides the counting device 1 with an important element for stably connecting the flow pipes.

[0034] Figures 7 and 8 show a cross-sectional view of the counting device 1 of the present invention and an image of its operation.

[0035] The counting device 1 has a channel for the fish and flowing water to pass through, and its cross-section is shown in Figure 7. This structure allows the fish and flowing water to pass smoothly through the counting device 1.

[0036] Figure 8 shows an image of the operation of the counting device 1, where the flow pipe from the fish transfer device is connected to the connecting pipe fitting 801, and fish and flowing water are flowing into the counting device 1. The imaging unit 107 inside the processing housing 3 takes an image of the transferred fish and transmits the image to the calculation unit 201. The draining mechanism 601 plays a role in efficiently separating the fish and flowing water, allowing the fish to move along the flow path and the flowing water to be drained downwards. These diagrams show how each element within the counting device 1 is arranged and how it functions.

[0037] Figure 9 shows an example image of the counting process of the present invention. An example image obtained from the imaging unit 107 installed inside the processing housing 3 is shown. This image captures the movement of fish and flowing water from the top to the bottom of the image from the imaging unit 107.

[0038] In Figure 9, the first light-blocking plate 501 and the second light-blocking plate 503 are imaged on the side of the image, thereby blocking the influence of external light. The drainage base 605 and drainage pipe 603 of the drainage mechanism 601 are imaged in the background, showing that the fish and the flowing water are separated. In the images, the fish are moving in a certain direction, and their movement is captured in real time by the imaging unit 107. These images are transmitted to the calculation unit 201, where the counting processing program 307 performs the counting process. As shown in Figure 9, the image example of the counting process visually illustrates how the counting device 1 captures fish and performs the counting process.

[0039] Figures 10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating the counting process of the counting program 307 of the present invention as an example. These diagrams visually illustrate a series of processing steps and their specific operations for the counting device 1 to count fish, and are not limited to these.

[0040] In the imaging step (S1), the imaging unit 107 captures images of fish flowing through the channel and transmits the images to the processing unit 201. This step allows the movement of the fish to be captured in real time. The imaging unit 107 is installed inside the processing housing 3 and is unaffected by external light thanks to the first light blocking plate 501 and the second light blocking plate 503, enabling imaging with a constant amount of light from the light source device 109. In the object detection step (S2), the imaging unit 107 uses deep learning object detection technology to detect a fish, as shown in Figure 12, from the image acquired in the imaging step (S1), and identifies its coordinate position. The object detection program 301 captures the outline of the fish and detects rectangles that are tangent to the top, bottom, left, and right edges of that outline. Specifically, a fish detection rectangle 45 is set for the entire fish, a fish head detection rectangle 46 for the head, and a fish tail fin detection rectangle 47 for the tail fin. In the tracking step (S3), the tracking program 305, based on the coordinate information obtained from object detection, identifies the same fish from the image frames before and after the current time, and tracks the fish's position information frame by frame. The fish's movement trajectory line 48 shows the path the fish has traveled and is used for counting determination in the next counting step (S4). In the counting step (S4), if a fish is detected within a certain image frame range based on tracking information obtained from the tracking step S3, and moves in a specific direction above a threshold, it is counted. The counting processing program 307 accurately counts the number of fish and wirelessly outputs the counting result to the counting result confirmation terminal 401.

[0041] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the flowcharts and diagrams illustrating the counting process visually show how the counting device 1 captures fish and performs the counting process. Each step works in coordination to enable accurate counting of the number of fish. However, these processing steps are just examples, and other processing flows and algorithms can also be used.

[0042] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of operation based on a flowchart. This diagram shows that in the imaging step (S1), an image is captured; in the object detection step (S2), the fish's position information is obtained based on the captured image; in the tracking step (S3), the fish's movement trajectory line 48, which is information about how the fish followed across multiple frames, is obtained based on the position information; and in the counting step (S4), a counting determination is performed based on the fish's movement trajectory line 48. This diagram concretely illustrates the entire process from capturing images of fish to counting them. This makes it easier to understand how the counting device captures fish and performs the counting process. However, these processing steps are just examples, and other processing flows and algorithms can also be used.

[0043] Figure 12 shows an example of object detection according to the present invention. This figure illustrates how object detection technology is used in counting processing. A rectangle is detected that covers the outline of the fish, and rectangles are set individually for the overall outline of the fish, the head, and the caudal fin. The object detection program 301 uses deep learning technology to analyze the position of the fish from the captured image, captures the outline of the fish, and detects rectangles that are tangential to the top, bottom, left, and right edges of that outline.

[0044] Specifically, a fish detection rectangle 45 is set for the entire fish, a fish head detection rectangle 46 for the head, and a fish tail fin detection rectangle 47 for the tail fin. Based on the information of each rectangle and the training data consisting of image sets, an object detection learning model 305 is generated. The reason for using these rectangles is that, especially when fish too large to fit within the image pass through a channel, the entire fish may not be captured within the image, which can lead to tracking difficulties and reduced accuracy. By using the fish head detection rectangle 46 and the fish tail fin detection rectangle 47, the parts that fit within the screen can be reliably captured, improving tracking accuracy. Furthermore, even for fish that are small enough to fit within the image, it is possible to detect each part using the fish detection rectangle 45, fish head detection rectangle 46, and fish tail fin detection rectangle 47, which contributes to correcting the count when false detections occur.

[0045] Furthermore, the present invention uses existing algorithms for implementing the object detection program 301 and the tracking program 305, regardless of whether these algorithms are open source, commercial solutions, or proprietary. The arithmetic unit 201 used in the present invention is an electronic device equipped with computing resources for performing predetermined processing, and the arithmetic unit 201 has a configuration that includes at least a central processing unit (CPU), a storage device (memory, auxiliary storage device, etc.), and input / output means. The arithmetic unit 201 is provided with an executable program for realizing the functions of the present invention. The program consists of a set of electronically recorded instructions and controls the arithmetic unit 201 to execute the processing targeted by the present invention. The program may be provided as compiled code, script format, or intermediate code, and the appropriate format is selected depending on how it is executed on the arithmetic unit 201. The arithmetic unit 201 can be configured as a single hardware device (edge ​​computer, tablet terminal, etc.), or it can be configured in a cloud computing environment where functions are distributed and executed across multiple devices. The arithmetic unit 201 and the program can be implemented using existing technological foundations, and the program can take any form that is independent of a specific operating system. Specifically, the program can run on a general operating system and can be written in any widely used programming language, but is not limited to that. The program may be supplied to the arithmetic unit 201 via a USB drive, CD-ROM, DVD, memory card, or network, but is not limited to these forms. Furthermore, the program may run on a virtual machine, container environment, or distributed processing architecture when the arithmetic unit 201 executes it.

[0046] Figure 13 shows the counting result confirmation process using the counting result confirmation terminal 401 of the present invention. This figure shows how the counting device 1 wirelessly outputs the counting result to the counting result confirmation terminal 401 for confirmation.

[0047] The counting device 1 uses the calculation unit 201 to wirelessly transmit the counting result to the counting result confirmation terminal 401. The counting result confirmation terminal 401 may be any device capable of outputting results, including, but not limited to, a display screen, a 7-segment display, an LED indicator, an audio output device, a printer, or a combination thereof. Thus, the verification of counting results on a separate terminal shown in Figure 13 visually illustrates how the counting device 1 outputs the counting results and how the user verifies them. By using wireless communication, verification of counting results becomes easier, and the efficiency of data management is improved.

[0048] The counting device 1 of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings. The counting device 1 of the present invention provides an innovative technology for accurately and efficiently counting the number of fish. By working together, each component enables separation of fish from flowing water, real-time counting, and wireless output of counting results. This makes fish population management in the fisheries industry simpler and is expected to improve work efficiency and accuracy.

[0049] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and can be applied to other fisheries-related processes. Further development is expected in the future. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1. Counting device 2. Flow channel housing 3 Processing enclosure 45 Fish detection rectangle 46 Fish head detection rectangle 47 Fishtail fin detection rectangle 48 Movement trajectory line 103 Acrylic sheet 107 Imaging Unit 109 Light source device 201 Arithmetic section 301 Object Detection Program 303 Object Detection Learning Models 305 Tracking Program 307 Counting Processing Program 401 Terminal for verifying counting results 521 Light-blocking sheet 601 Drainage mechanism 603 Drainage pipe 605 Draining Base 505 1st side support 507 2nd side support 501 First light blocking plate 503 Second light shielding plate 701 Inclined three-dimensional hollow structure 703 1st square plate 705 Second square plate 709 First Parallelogram Plate 711 Second Parallelogram Plate 713 First square flange 715 Second Square Flange 803 Connecting pipe joint fixing plate 801 Connecting pipe fittings 901 First rubber gasket

Claims

1. It comprises a processing enclosure and a flow path enclosure, The processing enclosure houses the imaging unit, the calculation unit, and the light source device, while the flow path enclosure is equipped with a water drainage structure, side support columns, and an inclined three-dimensional cavity structure. The processing unit has the function of counting fish, and the flow path unit has the function of smoothly transporting fish and flowing water. Counting device.

2. It comprises a drainage structure, side supports, and an inclined three-dimensional hollow structure. The drainage structure has a structure for separating fish from flowing water, the side supports have a structure for supporting the flow path housing, and the inclined three-dimensional hollow structure has a three-dimensional shape with a hollow center. The counting device according to claim 1.

3. The processing unit comprises an imaging unit, a calculation unit, and a light source device. The imaging unit has the function of imaging fish flowing through the flow channel housing. The calculation unit has the function of detecting and counting fish based on the image data. The light source device has the function of providing light to assist imaging by the imaging unit. The counting device according to claim 1.

4. It comprises a light-blocking sheet, a first light-blocking plate, and a second light-blocking plate. The light-blocking sheet has a structure for blocking external light from entering the opening of the flow channel housing. The first light-blocking plate has a structure for blocking external light coming from the side relative to the flow channel housing, and the second light-blocking plate has a structure for blocking external light coming from the side relative to the flow channel housing. The light-blocking sheet is placed on the processing casing, the first light-blocking plate is placed on the first side support, and the second light-blocking plate is placed on the second side support. The counting device according to claim 1.

5. It comprises a connecting pipe joint and a plate for fixing the connecting pipe joint, The connecting pipe fitting has a structure that allows for the connection of flow pipes of various diameters, and the connecting pipe fitting fixing plate has a structure for fixing the connecting pipe fitting. The connecting pipe fitting is connected to the connecting pipe fitting fixing plate, and the connecting pipe fitting fixing plate securely fixes the connecting pipe fitting. The counting device according to claim 1.

6. The calculation unit has the function of detecting fish based on imaging data and counting the fish flowing through the channel based on the detection information. The counting device according to claim 1.

Images