Optical sensor systems and methods

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to optical sensors, including optical sensors for determining seaweed or other aquatic organisms, for example, their performance. Surprisingly, it has been found that optical sensors or measuring techniques based on light absorption by larger particles suspended in a medium are more efficient at determining particle concentrations than optical sensors that rely on light scattering. Such optical sensors may be superior for studying larger organisms such as seaweed or macroalgae in seawater, e.g., due to their larger sizes (e.g., millimeters or centimeters in diameter, or more in some cases). In some embodiments, concentrations or masses of such organisms may be determined by determining the light absorption of organisms, for example, in a cultivation system, e.g., at different wavelengths of light.

Description

[0001] OPTICAL SENSOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS

[0002] RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 578,116, filed August 22, 2023, entitled “Optical Sensor Systems and Methods,” incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0004] FIELD

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to optical sensors, including optical sensors for determining seaweed or other aquatic organisms, for example, their performance.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Obtaining biomass estimates of actively growing seaweed cultures is a manual, very labor intensive process. Optical sensors can be used to estimate biomass concentration in actively growing cultures of microalgae and natural populations of phytoplankton (e.g., sensors on buoys, ship-based instruments, satellites, etc.). However, these types of sensors rely on the light scattering properties of small particles (e.g., microalgae and phytoplankton) and cannot be used on larger organisms such as seaweed or macroalgae. Accordingly, improvements are needed.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] The present disclosure generally relates to optical sensors, including optical sensors for determining seaweed or other aquatic organisms, for example, their performance. The subject matter of the present disclosure involves, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and / or a plurality of different uses of one or more systems and / or articles.

[0010] One aspect is generally drawn to an apparatus. In one set of embodiments, the apparatus comprises a light source able to produce a beam of light having an average diameter of at least 1 cm, a detector positioned to receive the beam of light, and a compartment able to contain a medium positioned between the light source and the detector. In some cases, the detector is a multi-channel detector.

[0011] Another aspect is generally drawn to a method. In one set of embodiments, the method comprises directing a light beam through a medium onto a multi-channel detector, determining light absorption and / or transmittance by the medium of at least two different wavelengths, and determining a concentration or a mass of an organism in the medium based on the light absorption and / or transmittance. The method, in another set of embodiments, comprises providing a compartment containing an organism having an average characteristic diameter of less than about 1 cm; directing a light beam through the compartment onto a multi-channel detector; and determining light absorption and / or transmittance by the seaweed of at least two different wavelengths.

[0012] In another aspect, the present disclosure encompasses methods of making one or more of the embodiments described herein, for example, an optical sensor. In still another aspect, the present disclosure encompasses methods of using one or more of the embodiments described herein, for example, an optical sensor.

[0013] Other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, which are schematic and are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component illustrated is typically represented by a single numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure, nor is every component of each embodiment of the disclosure shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure. In the figures:

[0016] Fig. 1 illustrates a sensor device according to one embodiment;

[0017] Fig. 2 illustrates a calibration curve produced according to another embodiment;

[0018] Fig. 3 illustrates another calibration curve produced according to yet another embodiment; and

[0019] Fig 4 illustrates another calibration curve, in still another embodiment.

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present disclosure generally relates to optical sensors, including optical sensors for determining seaweed or other aquatic organisms, for example, their performance. Surprisingly, it has been found that optical sensors or measuring techniques based on light absorption by larger particles suspended in a medium are more efficient at determining particle concentrations than optical sensors that rely on light scattering.

[0022] Such optical sensors may be superior for studying larger organisms such as seaweed or macroalgae in seawater, e.g., due to their larger sizes (e.g., millimeters or centimeters in diameter, or more in some cases). In some embodiments, concentrations or masses of such organisms may be determined by determining the light absorption of organisms, for example, in a cultivation system, e.g., at different wavelengths of light.

[0023] The cultivation system may be, as a non-limiting example, a translucent vessel containing seawater or another medium that may contain organisms. A beam of light may pass through at least a portion of the cultivation system. As a non-limiting example, a beam of light may pass through seawater or another sample containing such organisms, and absorption of light by organisms within the sample may be determined using a multi-channel detector, for example, by scaling the recorded voltage detected from the detector to a relative zero point, e.g., when a beam of light passes through seawater or another aqueous sample not containing such organisms.

[0024] One embodiment of an optical sensor is presented in Fig. 1, as a non-limiting example in accordance with one aspect. In this figure, optical sensor 10 comprises a light source 20, a detector 30, and a volume 40 for containing a sample. A beam of light 25 produced by the light source passes through the volume holding the sample to detector 30. Absorbance of the light by the sample, for example, by organisms such as seaweed that may be present within the sample, can be used to determine the organisms, for example, their performance, including their concentration, mass, or other characteristics. Other non-limiting examples include medium quality, microalgal contaminants, or other medium characteristics.

[0025] Accordingly, certain aspects are generally directed to optical sensors based on light absorption and / or transmittance, e.g., for use in determining particles, or for other applications. In some cases, the sensors may include a light source that is able to produce a beam of light that passes through a sample to a light detector.

[0026] The light source may be any suitable light source. In some cases, the light source may include one or more LEDs or other light sources, incandescent lights, lasers, fluorescent lights, or other suitable sources of light. One or more than one light source may be present; for example, the light source may comprise one or more LEDs. The light source may produce light of a single frequency, or multiple frequencies (e.g., beams of light having different colors, or white light, etc.), or in some embodiments, a broad spectrum of light bound by specific wavelengths. In addition, in some cases, the light may be collimated. The light may be produced in collimated form (e.g., a laser), and / or the light may be passed through a lens or other optical device able to produce collimated light, e.g., from uncollimated light.

[0027] In some cases, the light source may produce a beam of light that can be passed through a sample, e.g., as discussed below. The beam of light may be of any size, and may have circular or non-circular cross-sectional shape. In certain cases, the beam of light may be relatively large, e.g., larger than organisms in the sample. This may allow more for accurate sampling by the sensor, e.g., if the sample is relatively non-homogenous, as may be the case for seaweed or other types of organisms. In some cases, the beam of light may have an average cross-sectional dimension of at least 1 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 1 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm, at least 5 cm, at least 10 cm, etc. In addition, in some cases, the beam of light may have an average cross-sectional dimension of less than 10 cm, less than 5 cm, less than 4 cm, less than 3 cm, less than 1 cm, less than 5 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 1 mm, etc. Combinations of any of these are also possible, e.g., the beam of light may have an average cross-sectional dimension of between 1 cm and 5 cm, between 3 cm and 4 cm, between 5 mm and 3 cm, etc.

[0028] The light beam may pass through a sample to a detector, in certain aspects. The sample may, for example, be contained within a compartment. As non-limiting examples, the sample may include seaweed and / or seawater, or other medium (e.g., an aqueous medium). In some cases, the compartment may be outfitted with one or more detectors, e.g., placed at nonspecific angles for attenuation of light from scattering in addition to absorbance. For example, the light source may be positioned such that the beam of light passes through the sample, e.g., through aqueous solution.

[0029] The medium may include water in some cases. For example, the water may be fresh water, seawater (e.g., from the ocean), brackish water, hypersaline water, or the like. In addition, in some cases, various aqueous solutions may be used as media, for example, cell culture media.

[0030] The compartment may be a compartment of an artificially constructed systems (e.g., tanks, aquariums, raceways, tubular systems, greenhouses, etc.), or in an ocean-based system. A variety of compartments may be used. Such containers may include articles defining a volume in which something may be contained. In some cases, the compartment may have a width (e.g., where the light beam passes through) of at least 1 cm, at least 2 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 4 cm, at least 5 cm, at least 7 cm, at least 10 cm, at least 15 cm, at least 20 cm, at least 30 cm, at least 40 cm, at least 50 cm, etc. In some cases, the compartment may also have a maximum width of no more than 50 cm, no more than 40 cm, no more than 30 cm, no more than 20 cm, no more than 15 cm, no more than 10 cm, no more than 7 cm, no more than 5 cm, no more than 4 cm, no more than 3 cm, no more than 2 cm, no more than 1 cm, etc. Combinations of any of these are also possible in some cases, e.g., the compartment may have a width where the beam of light passes through of between 3 cm and 5 cm, between 2 cm and 7 cm, between 10 cm and 15 cm, etc. In addition, the compartment, in certain embodiments, may have a volume of at least 1 cm3, at least 3 cm3, at least 5 cm3, at least 10 cm3, at least 15 cm3, at least 20 cm3, at least 25 cm3, at least 30 cm3, at least 40 cm3, at least 50 cm3, at least 75 cm3, at least 100 cm3, at least 200 cm3, at least 300 cm3, at least 500 cm3, at least 1000 cm3, etc.

[0031] In some cases, the compartments may be constructed of relatively rigid materials. Non-limiting examples of materials for rigid compartments include but are not limited to glass, silica, and acrylic. Other materials are also possible. In some cases, the compartments may be relatively flexible. In some cases, the compartment may comprise flexible materials such as polyethylene, nylon, and / or polyester. Other materials are also possible. If more than one compartment is present, both compartments may be rigid, or both may be flexible. In some embodiments, at least one of the compartments may be flexible (e.g., the first compartment) and the other compartment may be rigid, or the compartments may independently exhibit the same or different degrees of rigidity, depending on the application.

[0032] In some embodiments, one or more (or all) of the components may be in a sealed system, e.g., to prevent or reduce exposure to seawater or other environmental conditions. In some embodiments, the only physical connection may be an environmentally sealed voltage or power connector. In some cases, communications with the device may be performed using light or radio frequencies, etc.

[0033] In some embodiments, the compartment may be at least partially optically transparent, e.g., to the beam of light from across the light source to a detector. The compartment may be formed out of any suitable material, e.g., glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, polymethylmethacrylic acid, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, amorphous copolyesters, cyclic olefin copolymer, polyethylene, ionomer resin, transparent polypropylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene, styrene methyl methacrylate, styrene acrylonitrile resin, polystyrene, transparent ABS, etc. In addition, the compartment may be substantially watertight in certain embodiments, e.g., such that fluids (e.g., seawater) does not leak out of the compartment.

[0034] After passing through the compartment, the light beam may be directed at one or more detectors in certain aspects. Examples of detectors include, but are not limited to, photomultiplier tubes, avalanche photodiodes, CCD devices, CMOS chips, cameras, or the like. In some cases, the detector may be a multi-channel detector, e.g., a detector able to determine incident light at more than one wavelength or frequency. For example, the detector may be able to determine red light (e.g., light having wavelengths of between 620 nm and 750 nm, or other wavelengths such as those described herein) and / or green light (e.g., light having wavelengths of between 500 nm and 570 nm, or other wavelengths such as those described herein) and / or blue light (e.g., light having wavelengths of between 450 nm and 500 nm, or other wavelengths such as those described herein). As a non-limiting example, in one set of embodiments, the detector may be a silicon-based detector.

[0035] The detector may be used to determine the light absorption or optical density of the beam of light, e.g., at different wavelengths, such as any of those described above. One, two, three, four, or more wavelengths may be determined in some embodiments, e.g., using one or more detectors. For example, in some cases, the light may be directed at a multi-channel detector, which may include a single detector or a plurality of detectors (e.g., which can determine light at different wavelengths or frequencies). In some cases, the absorption and / or transmittance may be determined by comparing the intensity of the light entering the sample to the intensity of the light exiting the sample, e.g., at different wavelengths.

[0036] In some cases, the intensity of the light may be measured in watts, lumens, quanta, moles, lux, candella, etc. In certain cases, the light may be determined to be at least 0.1 W, at least 0.3 W, at least 0.5 W, at least 1 W, at least 3 W, at least 5 W, at least 10 W, etc. In certain cases, the intensity may be no more than 10 W, no more than 5 W, no more than 3 W, no more than 1 W, no more than 0.5 W, no more than 0.3 W, or no more than 0.1 W. Combinations of any of these are also possible, e.g., between 1 W and 5 W, between 3 W and 10 W, between 1 W and 3 W, between 0.1 W and 1 W, etc.

[0037] In some cases, the light may be at least 10 lumen, at least 20 lumen, at least 30 lumen, at least 50 lumen, at least 75 lumen, at least 100 lumen, at least 200 lumen, at least 300 lumen, at least 400 lumen, at least 500 lumen, at least 600 lumen, at least 700 lumen, at least 800 lumen, at least 900 lumen, etc. In some cases, the light may be no more than 1000 lumen, no more than 900 lumen, no more than 800 lumen, no more than 700 lumen, no more than 600 lumen, no more than 500 lumen, no more than 400 lumen, no more than 300 lumen, no more than 200 lumen, no more than 100 lumen, no more than 75 lumen, no more than 50 lumen, no more than 30 lumen, no more than 20 lumen, no more than 10 lumen, etc. Combinations of any of these are also possible in some embodiments. For example, the light may be between 50 lumen and 200 lumen, between 100 lumen and 200 lumen, between 50 lumen and 500 lumen, between 100 lumen and 700 lumen, etc.

[0038] The absorption and / or transmittance of light, e.g., at various wavelengths, can be used to determine one or more characteristics about the sample, in various aspects. For example, in one set of embodiments, the sample may include seaweed, e.g., present within seawater. In some cases, as discussed, seaweed or other organisms are often relatively non- homogeneously distributed within a sample, which can make it difficult to accurately determine characteristics such as concentration or mass (e.g., biomass) within a sample. However, in certain cases, by measuring the absorption and / or transmittance of light by the detector, e.g., at different wavelengths, the concentration or mass of organisms such as seaweed within a sample may be determined.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the wavelengths or frequencies used to determine seaweed or other aquatic organisms, for example, their concentration, health, performance, etc., may include visible light, e.g., having wavelengths of between 400 nm and 700 nm. In some cases, the light that is used may have a wavelength of at least 400 nm, at least 425 nm, at least 450 nm, at least 475 nm, at least 500 nm, at least 525 nm, at least 550 nm, at least 575 nm, at least 600 nm, at least 625 nm, at least 650 nm, at least 675 nm, at least 700 nm, etc. In some cases, the light that is used may have a wavelength of no more than 700 nm, no more than 675 nm, no more than 650 nm, no more than 625 nm, no more than 600 nm, no more than 575 nm, no more than 550 nm, no more than 525 nm, no more than 500 nm, no more than 475 nm, no more than 450 nm, no more than 425 nm, no more than 400 nm, etc.

[0040] Combinations of any of these are also possible in certain embodiments, e.g., the wavelengths that are used are between 625 nm and 750 nm, between 450 nm and 500 nm, between 500 nm and 575 nm, between 400 nm and 600 nm, between 500 nm and 700 nm, etc.

[0041] In addition, in some cases, more than one region of wavelengths or frequencies can be used in certain instances. For instance, in one set of embodiments, a first wavelength range and a second wavelength range may be used, and each of these ranges may independently selected, e.g., from the ranges described above. In some cases, a first wavelength range, a second wavelength range, and a third wavelength range may be used, and each of these ranges may independently selected, e.g., from the ranges described above.

[0042] In some cases, the ratios between two or more wavelengths or frequencies may be used to determine seaweed or other aquatic organisms, for example, their concentration, health, performance, etc. For instance, in one set of embodiments, the ratio of red light (e.g., light having wavelengths of between 620 nm and 750 nm, or other wavelengths such as those described herein) to blue light (e.g., light having wavelengths of between 450 nm and 500 nm, or other wavelengths such as those described herein), the ratio of red light to green light, the ratio of blue light to green light (e.g., light having wavelengths of between 500 nm and 570 nm, or other wavelengths such as those described herein), etc., may be determined, and used to determine the seaweed or other aquatic organisms, e.g., present in a sample. The ratios may include ratios of absorption and / or transmittance of light, e.g., at such wavelengths or frequencies.

[0043] One non-limiting example of determining homogeneity of organisms present in a volume is as follows. A light source may be transmitted through a volume for a certain amount of time, e.g., a certain number of seconds. During this time, the signal received by the detector from the light source may be averaged. The averaged signal can be compared to the transmittance of light through the volume of the compartment containing seawater, or another medium, that is similar or identical, but does not contain any organisms of interest. For example, the sample transmittance may be multiplied by a zeroing scale factor using the transmittance of light through the volume of the control. In another example, the zeroing scale factor may be used to correct for interference of light absorbing organisms that are not target to the density measurement cycle, e.g., in an adjacent compartment separate to the compartment containing organisms of interest. This may be used to provide a baseline for optical density measurements of the target organisms. In some cases, a zeroing scale factor can be used to correct for noise in the seawater or other medium that the target organisms are suspended in at the time of measurement.

[0044] Additionally, in certain cases, the health of organisms within a sample may be determined. For example, in some cases, the presence of certain types of algae (e.g., bluegreen algae) may be an indication that seaweed within a sample is not healthy, and the algae may be determined as a change (e.g., an increase) in light absorption and / or transmittance at green or blue wavelengths. In certain embodiments, changes in ratio of absorption and / or transmittances may be correlated with changes in color or pigmentation, which may be correlated with the health of the seaweed, population of the compartment containing target organisms, etc. As another example, in some cases, a ratio of absorption and / or transmittances, e.g., at different wavelengths of light, may be used to determine the seaweed performance, e.g., the health of the seaweed, the presence of contaminants (e.g., blue-green algae), or the like.

[0045] In some embodiments, the detection of different wavelengths can be used to infer content of different pigment classes (for example, phycobiliproteins versus carotenoids versus chlorophylls). The inferred relative abundance of these pigments can be used to detect contaminants, e.g., with different pigment compositions. For instance, a seaweed such as Asparagopsis taxiformis may have different pigment classes than contaminants such as bluegreen algae. In some cases, the target organism may be seaweed (or macroalgae), which encompass a variety of macroscopic, multicellular, marine algae. Macroalgae are also known as seaweed, and include a variety of species, such as Asparagopsis (red macroalgae), or others including those discussed herein. Macroalgae may be cultivated, or “farmed,” e.g., in an aquaculture setting, for a variety of uses, such as food, animal feed, biofuel, raw materials for chemical production, or the like. One example of macroalgae are those belonging to the genus Asparagopsis, also known as the red macroalgae. Many such macroalgae are edible. Non-limiting examples of seaweed within the red macroalgae genus include Asparagopsis taxiformis or Asparagopsis armata. Various cultivars have been developed, including the Icarus variety described in US Plant Patent No. PP 34,510, incorporated herein by reference.

[0046] Other examples of macroalgae that may be enhanced include, but are not limited to, macroalgae in the following families: Acinetosporaceae, Agaraceae, Ahnfelitaceae, Alariaceae, Arthrospira, Bangiaceae, Bonnemaisoniaceae, Caulerpacaea, Chlorella, Chordariaceae, Cladophoraceae, Codiaceae, Compsopogonales, Cyanidioschyzonaceae, Cyanidiaceae, Cylindrospermum, Delesseriaceae, Desmarestiaceae, Dictyotaceae, Dumontiaceae, Erythropeltales, Fucaceae, Furcellariaceae, Gelidiellacaeae, Gigartinaceae, Gracilariaceae, Halimedacaea, Haylmedacaea, Faminariaceae, Naccariaceae, Nannochloropsis, Palmariaceae, Phaeophyceae, Phyllophoraceae, Phragmonemataceae, Porphyridiaceae, Pterocladiaceae, Rhodomelaceae, Rhodochaetales, Rhizophyllidacaeae, Rhodomelaceae, Rufusiaceae, Sargassacaea, Sphacelariaeceae, Stylonemataceae, or Ulvaceae. In addition, in some cases, more than one type of macroalgae may be present in an aquaculture setting.

[0047] In addition, in one aspect, the seaweed may be processed prior to optical sensing. For example, in some embodiments, the seaweed may be optionally be processed to have an average characteristic diameter of less than about 10 cm, less than about 3 cm, less than about 1 cm, less than about 3 mm, less than about 1 mm, less than about 300 micrometers, less than about 100 micrometers, etc. etc. In some embodiments, the seaweed may have an average characteristic diameter of at least 10 micrometers, at least 30 micrometers, at least 50 micrometers, at least 100 micrometers, at least 300 micrometers, at least 1 mm, etc. Combinations of these are also possible, e.g., the concentration may be between 100 micrometers and 1 cm, between 1 mm and 1 cm, etc.

[0048] In some cases, the seaweed may be physically cut or sheared, subjected to vigorous mixing, mechanical forces, fluid flows, etc. that may cause larger seaweeds to fragment, or the like. In addition, it should be noted that for certain species of seaweed, this may encourage more biomass production, and thus be an advantage to the seaweed. In some cases, fragmentation of the seaweed may increase homogeneity of the biomass, which may increase precision and / or accuracy of any measurements.

[0049] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 578,116, filed August 22, 2024, entitled “Optical Sensor Systems and Methods,” is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0050] The following examples are intended to illustrate certain embodiments of the present disclosure, but do not exemplify the full scope of the disclosure.

[0051] EXAMPLE 1

[0052] Empirical measurements and calibration are ways to generate the conversion equation of signal to biomass estimation. A calibration curve is generated based on algae size as aforementioned. Seaweed is added to the vessel incrementally in known mass quantities and sequential sensor measurements are computed relative to the zeroing factor. The curve generated provides a line described by a mathematical relationship between known quantities of algal biomass added and relative sensor measurements. Using this mathematical relationship, continuous measurements can be made that precisely and accurately estimate contained biomass concentration.

[0053] In this experiment, Asparagopsis taxiformis tetrasporophyte fresh weight (FW) biomass was dewatered by centrifugation to a static volume of aqueous solution contained in a photobioreactor. After determining the correction factor by averaging 10 sensor measurements (luminous flux) without biomass present in the photobioreactor, biomass was added in identical increments and 10 measurements per addition of biomass were collected. After each addition of biomass, the system was allowed no less than 15 minutes to reach a homogenous state prior to taking a measurement. The resulting measurements for each channel of the sensor was multiplied by the correction factor to obtain the apparent absorption of through light by the relative density of added biomass. This experiment was conducted over the course of 10 hours.

[0054] Examples of such curves are shown in Figs. 2 and 3, with seaweed densities of less than 1.0 g FW / L (fresh weight) and greater than 0.95 g FW / E, respectively. These are plotted as the observed BMM versus density of seaweed. BMM stands for BioMass Monitor. Electronic components of the sensors were commercial off the shelf components. All mechanical components, e.g., housing, mounts, etc. were designed and fabricated in house. Operating software was developed in house.

[0055] EXAMPLE 2 This example illustrates a sensor in another embodiment. In this example, a stabilized high intensity LED light source provides illumination of the sample chamber. Current versions use a 25 mm cylindrical sample chamber between the source and the detector. A simple optical element focuses the transmitted light on a multispectral detector that provides three color bands between 400-500 nm, 500-580 nm, and 580-640 nm, as well as a wideband 400-650 nm wavelength light intensity measurement.

[0056] Data from this detector is read by a microprocessor that provides all control functions as well as data logging and storage. As this unit has network access functions such as time synchronization and unit configuration are handled over the network interface.

[0057] Initial calibration and data reduction is performed by this processor in real time allowing immediate measurements. Data can be retrieved from this device through a webserver in standard HTML format allowing access using operator’s phones or computers. Data access as well as configuration of the units can also be accomplished through ModbusTCP, a standard industrial control protocol.

[0058] The optical and electronic elements of the unit are housed in a custom case designed to shield the unit from the harsh environment typical in an aquaculture setting that involves intense sunlight, rain and winds, as well as splashed fresh and salt water. Due to the harsh conditions, there is no external operator interface provided. Control is handled wirelessly. The only external connection is an environmentally sealed low voltage power connector.

[0059] An example calibration curve for this device with known densities is shown in Fig. 4. The density of seaweed in a container can be determined using a clear light reading.

[0060] While several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present disclosure is / are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the disclosure described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The present disclosure is directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0061] In cases where the present specification and a document incorporated by reference include conflicting and / or inconsistent disclosure, the present specification shall control. If two or more documents incorporated by reference include conflicting and / or inconsistent disclosure with respect to each other, then the document having the later effective date shall control.

[0062] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0063] The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

[0064] The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0065] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.”

[0066] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and / or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0067] When the word “about” is used herein in reference to a number, it should be understood that still another embodiment of the disclosure includes that number not modified by the presence of the word “about.”

[0068] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

[0069] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

Claims

What is claimed is:CLAIMS1. A method, comprising: directing a light beam through a medium onto a multi-channel detector; determining light absorption and / or transmittance by the medium of at least two different wavelengths; and determining an organism in the medium based on the light absorption and / or transmittance.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the organism is seaweed.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the seaweed comprises Asparagopsis taxiformis.

4. The method of any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the seaweed has an average characteristic diameter of less than about 1 cm.

5. The method of any one of claims 2-4, wherein the seaweed has an average characteristic diameter of at least 100 micrometers.

6. The method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the two different wavelengths are separated by at least 100 nm.

7. The method of any one of claims 1-6, wherein at least one of the wavelengths is between 620 nm and 750 nm.

8. The method of any one of claims 1-7, wherein at least one of the wavelengths is between 500 nm and 570 nm.

9. The method of any one of claims 1-8, wherein at least one of the wavelengths is between 450 nm and 500 nm.

10. The method of any one of claims 1-9, comprising determining a ratio of red light to green light and / or blue light.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the red light has an average wavelength of between 620 nm and 750 nm.

12. The method of any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the green light has an average wavelength of between 500 nm and 570 nm.

13. The method of any one of claims 10-12, wherein the red light has an average wavelength of between 450 nm and 500 nm.

14. The method of any one of claims 1-13, further comprising determining blue-green algae within the medium.

15. The method of claim 14, comprising determining blue-green algae within the medium by determining light absorption and / or transmittance at wavelengths of between 450 nm and 750 nm.

16. The method of any one of claims 1-15, further comprising determining health of the organism.

17. The method of any one of claims 1-16, comprising determining a ratio of light absorption and / or transmittance at a first wavelength to light absorption and / or transmittance at a second wavelength.

18. The method of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the light beam has an average diameter of at least 10 cm.

19. The method of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the light beam is collimated.

20. The method of any one of claims 1-19, wherein the light beam has an intensity of between 1 W and 5 W.

21. The method of any one of claims 1-20, wherein the light source comprises one or more LEDs.

22. The method of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the medium is seawater.

23. The method of any one of claims 1-22, further comprising determining a mass of the organism based on the light absorption and / or transmittance.

24. The method of any one of claims 1-23, further comprising determining a concentration of the organism based on the light absorption and / or transmittance.

25. A method, comprising: providing a compartment containing an organism having an average characteristic diameter of less than about 1 cm; directing a light beam through the compartment onto a multi-channel detector; and determining light absorption and / or transmittance by the organism of at least two different wavelengths.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the organism is seaweed.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the seaweed comprises Asparagopsis taxiformis.

28. The method of any one of claims 26 or 27, wherein the seaweed has an average characteristic diameter of at least 100 micrometers.

29. The method of any one of claims 26-28, comprising cutting seaweed into pieces having an average characteristic diameter of less than about 1 cm.

30. The method of any one of claims 26-29, wherein the seaweed is contained in a medium.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the medium is seawater.

32. The method of any one of claims 25-31, further comprising determining the organism based on the light absorption and / or transmittance.

33. The method of any one of claims 25-32, further comprising determining a mass of the organism based on the light absorption and / or transmittance.

34. The method of any one of claims 25-33, further comprising determining a concentration of the organism based on the light absorption and / or transmittance.

35. An apparatus, comprising: a light source able to produce a beam of light having an average diameter of at least 1 cm; a multi-channel detector positioned to receive the beam of light; and a compartment able to contain a medium positioned between the light source and the multi-channel detector.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the compartment has a width of at least 3 cm.

37. The apparatus of any one of claims 35 or 36, wherein the compartment has a volume of at least 25 cm3.

38. The apparatus of any one of claims 35-37, wherein the light source comprises one or more LEDs.

39. The apparatus of any one of claims 35-38, wherein the medium is seawater.

40. The apparatus of any one of claims 35-39, further comprising a processor configured to receive input from the multi-channel detector and determine an organism in the compartment.

41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the organism is seaweed.

42. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the organism is blue-green algae.

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