Systems and methods for treating parasitic infection on aquatic lifeforms

Abstract

A system and method utilize a guiding channel to guide fish from a pre-treatment aquaculture area toward the surface of the body of water defining an upper boundary of a post-treatment aquaculture area. The guiding channel identifies and removes sea lice from all surfaces of the fish as the fish travels from the guiding channel inlet to the guiding channel outlet.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING PARASITIC INFECTION ON AQUATICLIFEFORMSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 653,453, filed May 30, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to systems for treating parasitic infection on aquatic lifeforms such as fish. The present disclosure relates to methods of treating parasitic infection on aquatic lifeforms such as fish.INTRODUCTION

[0003] Aquaculture of various fish species provides a food source for a growing world population. In 2021, it was estimated that about 175 million metric tons of fish were produced for global consumption. An increase in demand for fish by consumers has resulted in an increase in the number of aquaculture farms around the world. With an increase in aquaculture farms comes an increased need for sustainable technologies for safe and effective pest control in farmed fish populations.

[0004] A common problem for salmon farmers is sea lice (for example, Lepeophtheirus salmonis and Caligus species). Sea lice are small ectoparasites that embed into the bodies of salmon and feed on the mucus, epidermal tissue, and blood of the salmon. Sea lice are known to cause a reduction in fish growth as well as a loss in appetite, factors which reduce farmer profits as well reducing the quality of food and standard of animal welfare. Sea lice can spread disease amongst a farm population. Sea lice can also spread disease outwards to wild populations of fish when farms are situated offshore or on rivers.

[0005] Sea lice treatment regimens are largely performed on all the fish in a net cage, which means that up to 20000 fish get the same treatment. The treatment may be medication, use of chemicals, mechanical treatment, or slaughtering. The present treatment methods often involve starving fish, fish concentrating operations, as well as pumping fish into a different net cage or into a fish-tank ship. A fish concentrating operation includes making the available swimming volume for the fish smaller and transferring the fish using suction hoses or landing nets.

[0006] These treatments stress the fish, may inflict damage, and possible loss of fish mucous layer. The fish mucous layer (mucosa epithelia) is important to the fish resistance against sea lice and other parasites and pathogens and loss of this fish mucous layer makes the fish even more susceptible to infection than they are after suffering from wounds.

[0007] Improved sea lice management in salmon aquaculture is desired.SUMMARY

[0008] The present disclosure relates to systems for treating parasitic infection on aquatic lifeforms such as fish, and particularly salmon. The present disclosure relates to methods of treating parasitic infection on aquatic lifeforms such as fish, and particularly salmon. The systems and methods described herein minimize stress on the fish while improving sea lice treatment efficacy.

[0009] The system and method described herein utilizes a guiding channel that guides the fish from a pre-treatment aquaculture area toward the surface of the body of water defining an upper boundary of a post-treatment aquaculture area. The guiding channel identifies and removes sea lice from all surfaces of the fish as the fish travels from the guiding channel inlet to the guiding channel outlet.

[0010] The guiding channel extends toward the surface of the body of water. The fish swim from the guiding channel inlet to the guiding channel outlet without outside intervention based on the fish’s instinct to reach the surface of the body of water and refill the fish swim bladder. Harnessing this instinctual behavior of the fish to reach the surface of the body of water allow the fish to be treated for sea lice along the guiding channel with reduced stress on the fish.

[0011] In some embodiments, a system for treating a parasitic infection on an aquatic lifeform comprises an aquaculture enclosure submerged below a surface of a body of water. The aquaculture enclosure defines a pre-treatment aquaculture area and a post-treatment aquaculture area, the surface of the body of water forms an upper boundary of the post-treatment aquaculture area. The post-treatment aquaculture area separates the pre-treatment aquaculture area from the surface of the body of water. A blocking element separates the pre-treatment aquaculture area and a post-treatment aquaculture area. A control unit comprises at least a processor and a memory. A guiding apparatus connects the pre-treatment aquaculture area with the post-treatment aquaculture area. The guiding apparatus extends through the blocking element. The guiding apparatus comprises a guiding channel configured to guide the aquatic lifeform from the pre-treatment aquaculture area to the post-treatment aquaculture area. At least a first imaging device and asecond imaging device. Wherein each imaging device is disposed along inner surfaces of the guiding channel, and each imaging device is communicably coupled to the control unit. At least a first light source disposed within the guiding channel and associated with the first imaging device and a second light source disposed within the guiding channel and associated with the second imaging device. Wherein each light source is communicably coupled to the control unit; such that when aquatic lifeforms enter the guiding channel: each imaging device captures images of the aquatic lifeform and transmits image data based on the images to the processor; the processor processes the image data from each imaging device to detect a presence of a parasitic infection on the aquatic lifeform; in response to detecting the presence of the parasitic infection on the aquatic lifeform, the control unit transmits an activation signal to the light source associated with the imaging device that transmits image data indicating the presence of the parasitic infection; and in response to receiving the activation signal, the light source emits a light pulse targeting an indicated area on the aquatic lifeform where the presence of the parasitic infection is detected.

[0012] The guiding channel may extend along a longitudinal axis from a guiding channel inlet to a guiding channel outlet toward the surface of the body of water. The longitudinal axis may be orthogonal to the surface of the body of water.

[0013] The guiding apparatus may include more than two imaging devices and associated light sources. The guiding apparatus may include a third imaging device and an associated third light source. The guiding apparatus may include a fourth imaging device and an associated fourth light source. The guiding apparatus may include a fifth imaging device and an associated fifth light source. The guiding apparatus may include a sixth imaging device and an associated sixth light source. The imaging devices and associated light sources may be equally spaced along the inner surface of the guiding channel to image and treat all surfaces of the fish at the same time.

[0014] In some embodiments, a method for treating a parasitic infection on an aquatic lifeform, comprises guiding an aquatic lifeform disposed within a pre-treatment aquaculture area, without access to a surface of a body of water, via a guiding apparatus comprising a guiding channel extending toward the surface of the body of water, through the guiding channel to a post-treatment aquaculture area having the surface of a body of water forming a boundary of the post-treatment aquaculture area. The method includes capturing images of the aquatic lifeform via at least a first imaging device and a second imaging disposed on along an inner surface of the guiding channel and transmitting image data based on the images to a control unit comprising a processor and a memory, and processing, via the processor, image data to detect a presence of a parasitic infection. The method then includes transmitting an activation signal, via the control unit and in response todetecting the presence of a parasitic infection, to at least one light source of a plurality of light sources within the guiding channel, wherein the at least one light source is associated with the imaging device that transmits image data wherein the presence of the parasitic infection is detected, and emitting a light pulse, via the at least one light source of the plurality of light sources, targeting an indicated area on the aquatic lifeform where the presence of the parasitic infection is detected.

[0015] Guiding an aquatic lifeform may comprise guiding an aquatic lifeform along a length of the guiding channel toward the surface of the body of water. The guiding the aquatic lifeform may comprises guiding an aquatic lifeform along a longitudinal axis of the guiding channel from an inlet of the guiding channel to an outlet of the guiding channel toward the surface of the body of water.

[0016] The systems and methods may utilize one or more of a coherent light source (LASER), or an ultraviolet light source, or an infrared light source targeting an indicated area on the aquatic lifeform where the presence of the parasitic infection is detected. The systems and methods may also utilize a sound generator to direct a high frequency or low frequency sound targeting an indicated area on the aquatic lifeform where the presence of the parasitic infection is detected.

[0017] The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the techniques described in this disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate several aspects of the invention and together with a description of the embodiments serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. A brief description of the drawings is as follows:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative system for treating a parasitic infection on an aquatic lifeform.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic transparent perspective diagram of an illustrative treatment zone of the guiding apparatus.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic top cross-sectional diagram of another illustrative treatment zone of the guiding apparatus.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an illustrative method for treating a parasitic infection on an aquatic lifeform.

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a system and apparatus configured to perform the methods described herein.

[0024] It should be understood that numerous other modifications and examples can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of this disclosure.DEFINITIONS

[0025] All scientific and technical terms used herein have meanings commonly used in the art unless otherwise specified. The definitions provided herein are to facilitate understanding of certain terms used frequently herein and are not meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] All values are presumed to be modified by the term “about”. The term “about” is used here in conjunction with numeric values to include normal variations in measurements as expected by persons skilled in the art and is understood to have the same meaning as “approximately” and to cover a typical margin of error, such as ±5 % of the stated value.

[0027] Terms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration.

[0028] The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are used interchangeably with the term “at least one.” The phrases “at least one of’ and “comprises at least one of’ followed by a list refers to any one of the items in the list and any combination of two or more items in the list.

[0029] As used here, the term “or” is generally employed in its usual sense including “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term “and / or” means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

[0030] Any direction referred to here, such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,” and other directions and orientations are described herein for clarity in reference to the figures and are not to be limiting of an actual system or use of the system.

[0031] The terms “upstream” and downstream” refer to locations along the guiding channel from an upstream guiding channel inlet to a downstream guiding channel outlet as the aquatic lifeform moved from the pre-treatment aquaculture area to the post-treatment aquaculture area.

[0032] Values expressed in a range format should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range were explicitly recited. For example, a range from “25 cm to 125 cm” shouldbe interpreted to include not just the endpoints 25 cm and 125 cm, but also the individual values (for example, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30... 123, 124 cm) and the sub-ranges (For example, 40 cm to 100 cm, 50 cm to 120 cm) within the indicated range.

[0033] As used here, “have,” “having,” “include,” “including,” “comprise,” “comprising,” or the like are used in their open-ended sense, and generally mean “including, but not limited to.” It will be understood that “consisting essentially of,” “consisting of,” and the like are subsumed in “comprising” and the like. As used herein, “consisting essentially of,” as it relates to a system, device, method, or the like, means that the components of the system, device, method, or the like are limited to the enumerated components or steps and any other components that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the system, device, method, or the like.

[0034] The words “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, including the claims.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The aspects of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, a purpose of the aspects chosen and described is so that the appreciation and understanding by others skilled in the art of the principles and practices of the present invention can be facilitated.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative system 100 for treating a parasitic infection on an aquatic lifeform 10. FIG. l is a schematic transparent perspective diagram of an illustrative treatment zone 160 of the guiding apparatus 150. FIG. 3 is a schematic top cross-sectional diagram of another illustrative treatment zone 160 of the guiding apparatus 150.

[0037] The present disclosure relates to systems for treating parasitic infection on aquatic lifeforms such as fish, and particularly salmon. The present disclosure relates to methods of treating parasitic infection on aquatic lifeforms such as fish, and particularly salmon. The systems and methods described herein minimize stress on the fish while improving sea lice treatment efficacy.

[0038] The system and method described herein utilizes a guiding channel 152 that guides the fish 10 from a pre-treatment aquaculture area 122 toward the surface 106 of the body of water 105 defining an upper boundary of a post-treatment aquaculture area 124. The guiding channel 152identifies and removes sea lice from all surfaces of the fish as the fish travels from the guiding channel inlet 151 to the guiding channel outlet 153. The treated fish 11 can reach the surface 106 of the body of water 105 to refill the swim bladder.

[0039] The guiding channel 152 extends toward the surface 106 of the body of water 105. The fish swim from the guiding channel inlet 151 to the guiding channel outlet 153 without outside intervention based on the fish’s instinct to reach the surface 106 of the body of water 105 and refill the fish swim bladder. Harnessing this instinctual behavior of the fish to reach the surface 106 of the body of water 105 at regular time intervals allow the fish to be treated for sea lice along the guiding channel 152 with reduced stress on the fish.

[0040] An aquaculture enclosure 120 may be defined by a net or netting that prevents fish, such as salmon from exiting the aquaculture enclosure 120. The aquaculture enclosure 120 may be disposed in a large body of water 105. The aquaculture enclosure 120 may be submerged below the surface 106 of the body of water 105. The aquaculture enclosure 120 may define two or more areas that are separated from each other with net or netting to prevent fish, such as salmon, from moving between the separate areas. The aquaculture enclosure 120 may define a first area or pretreatment area 122 and a second area or post-treatment area 124.

[0041] A system 100 for treating a parasitic infection on an aquatic lifeform, comprises a submerged aquaculture enclosure 120 below a surface 106 of a body of water 105. The aquaculture enclosure 120 defines a pre-treatment aquaculture area 122 and a post-treatment aquaculture area 124. The surface 106 of the body of water 105 forms an upper boundary of the post-treatment aquaculture area 124. The post-treatment aquaculture area 124 separates the pre-treatment aquaculture area 122 from the surface 106 of the body of water 105.

[0042] A blocking element 130 separates the pre-treatment aquaculture area 122 and a posttreatment aquaculture area 124. A control unit 140 comprises at least a processor and a memory, pre-treatment aquaculture area 122 and a post-treatment aquaculture area 124.

[0043] A guiding apparatus 150 connects the pre-treatment aquaculture area 122 with the posttreatment aquaculture area 124. The guiding apparatus 150 extends through the blocking element 130. The guiding apparatus 150 comprises a guiding channel 152 configured to guide the aquatic lifeform or fish 10 from the pre-treatment aquaculture area 122 to the post-treatment aquaculture area 124

[0044] At least a first imaging device 161 and a second imaging device 162 are disposed along inner surfaces 154 of the guiding channel 152 and each imaging device 161 / 162 is communicably coupled to the control unit 140. At least a first light source 163 is disposed within the guidingchannel 152 and is associated with the first imaging device 161 and a second light source 164 is disposed within the guiding channel 152 and is associated with the second imaging device 162. Each light source 163 / 164 are communicably coupled to the control unit 140.

[0045] When aquatic lifeforms or fish 10 enter the guiding channel 152: each imaging device 161 / 162 captures images of the aquatic lifeform 10 and transmits image data based on the images to the processor. The processor processes the image data from each imaging device to detect a presence of a parasitic infection on the aquatic lifeform 10. In response to detecting the presence of the parasitic infection on the aquatic lifeform 10, the control unit transmits an activation signal to the light source 163 / 164 associated with the imaging device 161 / 162 that transmits image data indicating the presence of the parasitic infection, and in response to receiving the activation signal, the light source 163 / 164 emits a light pulse targeting an indicated area 170 on the aquatic lifeform 10 where the presence of the parasitic infection is detected.

[0046] The guiding channel 152 may define a treatment zone 160. The treatment zone 160 extends along a length of the guiding channel 152 between the guiding channel inlet 151 and the guiding channel outlet 153. The treatment zone 160 may be equally spaced from the guiding channel inlet 151 and the guiding channel outlet 153. The light sources 163 / 164 and the associated imaging devices 161 / 162 are contained within the treatment zone 160.

[0047] The post-treatment aquaculture area 124 may be stacked on top of the pre-treatment aquaculture area 122. The pre-treatment aquaculture area 122 may be submerged to a depth that discourages sea lice.

[0048] The blocking element 130 may be formed of a net or netting. The blocking element 130 may form an angle with the guiding channel 152. The blocking element 130 may be angled toward the surface 106 of the body of water 105, from a pre-treatment aquaculture area 122 side wall to the guiding channel 152. The angled blocking element 130 may encourage the aquatic lifeform or fish 10 to be guided toward the guiding apparatus 150 when seeking the surface 106 of the body of water 105, further reducing stress on the fish.

[0049] The blocking element 130 may include a return element to allow the treated aquatic lifeform to return to the pre-treatment aquaculture area 122 from the post-treatment aquaculture area 124. The treated aquatic lifeform may return to the pre-treatment aquaculture area 122 or another designated area on its own initiative. Alternatively, the treated aquatic lifeform may be transported to the pre-treatment aquaculture area 122 or another designated area from the posttreatment aquaculture area 124.

[0050] The guiding channel 152 extends toward the surface 106 of the body of water 105. The guiding channel 152 may extend along a longitudinal axis LA from a guiding channel inlet 151 to a guiding channel outlet 153 toward the surface 106 of the body of water 105. The longitudinal axis LA may be orthogonal to the surface 106 of the body of water 105. The aquatic lifeform or fish 10 swims from the pre-treatment aquaculture area 122 to the post-treatment aquaculture area 124 on its own initiative. The guiding apparatus 150 may be a passive fish transport conduit minimizing stress on the fish passing from the pre-treatment aquaculture area 122 to the posttreatment aquaculture area 124.

[0051] The guiding apparatus 150 may include a third imaging device 165 and an associated third light source 167. The guiding apparatus 150 may include a fourth imaging device 166 and an associated fourth light source 168. The guiding apparatus 150 comprises a fifth imaging device and an associated fifth light source 171. The guiding apparatus 150 comprises a sixth imaging device and an associated sixth light source 172.

[0052] Each of the imaging devices and their associated light sources may be spaced apart from each other an equal distance along the inner surfaces 154 of the guiding channel 152. The two or more imaging devices and light sources may be placed along the inner surfaces 154 of the guiding channel 152 to ensure all the surfaces of the aquatic lifeform or fish 10 are imaged, and all surfaces of the aquatic lifeform are treated at the same time to damage or remove sea lice from the aquatic lifeform or fish 10. Each imaging device (opposing each other in the guiding channel 152) may be spaced apart from each other a lateral distance of less than 1.5 meters, or less than 1 meter.

[0053] The guiding channel 152 defines a width or diameter that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis LA. The width or diameter of the guiding channel 152 may be less than 1.5 meters. The width or diameter of the guiding channel 152 may be in a range from 25 cm to 125 centimeters. The width or diameter of the guiding channel 152 may be in a range from 50 cm to 100 centimeters. The length of the guiding channel 152 from the guiding channel inlet 151 to the guiding channel outlet 153 may be in a range from 1 to 12 meters, or 1.5 to 9 meters. The guiding channel may define a cylinder. The guiding channel may define an elongated polygon.

[0054] The system may include an illuminator associated with one or more of the imaging devices. The illuminator may be configured to illuminate the aquatic lifeform or fish 10 for imaging. The illuminator may emit visible light, or infrared light.

[0055] Preferably the light source is a coherent light source (LASER). Coherent light or laser light pulses damage sea lice. Coherent light or laser light pulses can be cycled to target multiple sea lice infections.

[0056] The light source may include an ultraviolet light source. Ultraviolet light pulses damage sea lice. Ultraviolet light pulses can be cycled to target multiple sea lice infections. Ultraviolet light may be used alone or in conjunction with coherent light or laser light.

[0057] The light source may include an infrared light source. Infrared light pulses damage sea lice. Infrared light pulses can be cycled to target multiple sea lice infections. Infrared light may be used alone or in conjunction with coherent light or laser light, or ultraviolet light.

[0058] According to some examples, the processor uses machine learning to analyze and automate actions. For example, an artificial intelligence (Al) model may be used to enable detection and predict information about potential parasitic infections. This information may include parasitic infection classification information, likely locations for parasitic infections on the aquatic lifeform, ambient temperature associated with parasitic infections, time of year for likely parasitic infections, among others. As used herein, an “Al model” is a mathematical algorithm implemented in a programming language that recognizes patterns from data and / or performs a task, either automatically or by learning from data in a supervised, unsupervised, semi-supervised, or selfsupervised fashion. The types of Al models may include generative models and predictive models, for example. An Al model is used herein synonymously with a machine learning or deep learning model and may comprise an artificial neural network.

[0059] As used herein, “deep learning” is a sub-field of machine learning that does not require expert feature engineering, but rather learns data features automatically from large quantities of data. Deep learning algorithms or models may comprise an artificial neural network having multiple hidden layers and many (for example, thousands, millions, or billions) of learnable parameters. Example deep learning algorithms include convolutional neural networks, generative adversarial networks, recurrent neural networks, transformers, autoencoders, and deep reinforcement learning models.

[0060] The Al model may be trained using past parasitic infection data. The past infection data may include locations for infections, probability of infections, type of infections, infection classification, weather or climate associated with infections, and ambient temperatures associated with infections. The Al model may be trained with infection data from one particular area. In some examples, the Al model is trained using data from other locations or other similar locations. The processor may further include a parasitic infection classification circuit. The parasitic infection classification circuit is configured to classify a detected parasitic infection based on captured image data. The processor may include at least one neural network configured to enable detection and classification of the parasitic infection.

[0061] The control unit 140 may be located within the guiding apparatus 150. The control unit 140 may be located remote from the guiding apparatus 150.

[0062] In some embodiments, the guiding apparatus 150 includes a sound source 180, such that in response to detecting the parasitic infection on the aquatic lifeform, the control unit 140 transmits an activation signal to the sound source 180. In response to receiving the activation signal, the sound source 180 emits a sound wave targeting an indicated area 170 on the aquatic lifeform 10 where the presence of the parasitic infection is detected. The sound source 180 may be an ultrasound source emitting a sound of 20000 Hertz or greater. The sound source 180 may be a low frequency sound source emitting a sound of 1000 Hertz or less. The sound source 180 may be a low frequency sound source emitting a sound of 500 Hertz or less. The sound source 180 may be a low frequency sound source emitting a sound of 100 Hertz or less. The sound source 180 may be a low frequency sound source emitting a sound in a range from 300 Hertz to 55 Hertz.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of an illustrative method 200 for treating a parasitic infection on an aquatic lifeform. A method 200 for treating a parasitic infection on an aquatic lifeform, comprises guiding 202 an aquatic lifeform disposed within a pre-treatment aquaculture area, without access to a surface of a body of water, via a guiding apparatus comprising a guiding channel extending toward the surface of the body of water, through the guiding channel to a post-treatment aquaculture area having the surface of a body of water forming a boundary of the post-treatment aquaculture area. The method includes capturing 204 images of the aquatic lifeform via at least a first imaging device and a second imaging disposed on along an inner surface of the guiding channel and transmitting 206 image data based on the images to a control unit comprising a processor and a memory, and processing 208, via the processor, image data to detect a presence of a parasitic infection. The method then includes transmitting 210 an activation signal, via the control unit and in response to detecting the presence of a parasitic infection, to at least one light source of a plurality of light sources within the guiding channel, wherein the at least one light source is associated with the imaging device that transmits image data wherein the presence of the parasitic infection is detected, and emitting 212 a light pulse, via the at least one light source of the plurality of light sources, targeting an indicated area on the aquatic lifeform where the presence of the parasitic infection is detected.

[0064] The method may further comprise classifying, via a classification circuit, an aquatic lifeform based on captured image data. The method may further comprise classifying, via a classification circuit, a parasitic infection based on captured image data.

[0065] The method may comprise emitting, via any of the light sources, a coherent light pulse (LASER) onto the indicated area on the aquatic lifeform. The method may comprise emitting, via any of the light sources, an ultraviolet light pulse onto the indicated area on the aquatic lifeform. The method may comprise emitting, via any of the light sources, an infrared light pulse onto the indicated area on the aquatic lifeform.

[0066] The method may further comprise transmitting an activation signal, via the control unit and in response to detecting the presence of a parasitic infection, to a sound source, wherein the sound source is associated with the imaging device that transmits image data wherein the presence of the parasitic infection is detected, and emitting a sound wave, via the sound source, targeting an indicated area on the aquatic lifeform where the presence of the parasitic infection is detected.

[0067] The guiding an aquatic lifeform may include guiding an aquatic lifeform along a length of the guiding channel toward the surface of the body of water. The guiding the aquatic lifeform may include guiding an aquatic lifeform along a longitudinal axis of the guiding channel from an inlet of the guiding channel to an outlet of the guiding channel toward the surface of the body of water.

[0068] The methods and processes described above can be implemented on computer hardware, for example, workstations, servers. In FIG. 5, a block diagram shows a system and computing apparatus 500 that may be used to implement methods according to various examples (for example, as a computer, a mobile device, a server, a smart sensor, a control system, among others.). The components may be implemented as integrated circuits (ICs), portions thereof, discrete electronic devices, or other modules, instruction sets, programmable logic or algorithms, hardware, hardware accelerators, software, firmware, or a combination thereof, or as components otherwise incorporated within a chassis of a larger system.

[0069] The controller 520 may include conventional computing hardware such as a central processor 521, memory 522, input / output (I / O) interfaces 523, and a non-volatile data storage unit 524 (for example, hard disk drives, solid state drives). The processor 521 may include any one or more of a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. In some examples, the processor 521 may include multiple components, such as any combination of one or more microprocessors, one or more controllers, one or more DSPs, one or more ASICs, and / or one or more FPGAs, as well as other discrete or integrated logic circuitry. The functions attributed to the controller 520 and / or processor 521 herein may be embodied as software, firmware, hardware, or any combination of these. Certain functionality of the controller 520 may also be performed in the cloud or other distributed computing systemsoperably connected to the processor 521. It is to be understood that the computing devices described herein may be a set of computing devices that are communicatively coupled via a cloudbased system, for example. For example, controller 520 can be a system of multiple controllers that operate together in a cloud-based system.

[0070] The memory 522 may include any volatile, non-volatile, magnetic, optical, and / or electrical media, such as a random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, and / or any other digital media. While shown as both being incorporated into the controller 520, the memory 522 and the processor 521 could be contained in separate modules.

[0071] The controller 520 includes an external data interface 526 that receives imaging data from the one or more imaging devices 504. The controller 520 uses the imaging data to detect a presence of a parasitic infection on the aquatic lifeform. In some examples, the controller 520 uses the imaging data to detect locations of the parasitic infection on the aquatic lifeform. In response to detecting the parasitic infection, the controller 520 may send an activation signal to the one or more light sources 506. In some examples, in response to detecting the parasitic infection, the controller 520 sends an activation signal to the one or more sound sources 508. The activation signal may include information about locations in which the parasitic infection is detected on the aquatic lifeform. Other sources of data 518 may also be used as inputs to the controller 520, such as ambient temperatures or other weather data, for example. In some examples, the controller includes a parasitic infection classification circuit 532 that is used to classify the parasitic infection based on information received from the one or more imaging devices 504 and any other data received.

[0072] According to various examples, information regarding a detected parasitic infection may be accessed via a user interface 525 that communicates data to a user. The user may be able to manually activate the one or more light sources 506 and / or the one or more sound sources 508 via the user interface 525.

[0073] The data storage unit 524 may store a machine learning model 528 that predicts various information about parasitic infections based on historical and present imaging device and user input data. According to various examples, a trend data model 530 may be used to trend past data of one or more of detected parasitic infection with or without input from the machine learning model 528. An automation system 534 is used to perform one or more automatic actions such as automatic treatment based on detection of a parasitic infection, for example.ASPECTS

[0074] The following is a list of exemplary aspects of the present disclosure.

[0075] Aspect l is a system for treating a parasitic infection on an aquatic lifeform, comprising: an aquaculture enclosure submerged below a surface of a body of water, the aquaculture enclosure defines a pre-treatment aquaculture area and a post-treatment aquaculture area, the surface of the body of water forms an upper boundary of the post-treatment aquaculture area, the post-treatment aquaculture area separates the pre-treatment aquaculture area from the surface of the body of water; a blocking element separates the pre-treatment aquaculture area and a post-treatment aquaculture area; a control unit comprising at least a processor and a memory; and a guiding apparatus connects the pre-treatment aquaculture area with the post-treatment aquaculture area, the guiding apparatus extends through the blocking element, the guiding apparatus comprising: a guiding channel configured to guide the aquatic lifeform from the pre-treatment aquaculture area to the post-treatment aquaculture area; a first imaging device and a second imaging device, wherein each imaging device is disposed along inner surfaces of the guiding channel, and each imaging device is communicably coupled to the control unit; and a first light source disposed within the guiding channel and associated with the first imaging device and a second light source disposed within the guiding channel and associated with the second imaging device, wherein each light source is communicably coupled to the control unit; such that when aquatic lifeforms enter the guiding channel: each imaging device captures images of the aquatic lifeform and transmits image data based on the images to the processor; the processor processes the image data from each imaging device to detect a presence of a parasitic infection on the aquatic lifeform; in response to detecting the presence of the parasitic infection on the aquatic lifeform, the control unit transmits an activation signal to the light source associated with the imaging device that transmits image data indicating the presence of the parasitic infection; and in response to receiving the activation signal, the light source emits a light pulse targeting an indicated area on the aquatic lifeform where the presence of the parasitic infection is detected.

[0076] Aspect 2 is the system according to aspect 1, wherein the guiding channel extends along a longitudinal axis from a guiding channel inlet to a guiding channel outlet toward the surface of the body of water.

[0077] Aspect 3 is the system according to aspect 2, wherein the longitudinal axis is orthogonal to the surface of the body of water.

[0078] Aspect 4 is the system according to any of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the guiding apparatus comprises a third imaging device and an associated third light source.

[0079] Aspect 5 is the system according to any of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the guiding apparatus comprises a fourth imaging device and an associated fourth light source.

[0080] Aspect 6 is the system according to any of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the guiding apparatus comprises a fifth imaging device and an associated fifth light source.

[0081] Aspect 7 is the system according to any of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the guiding apparatus comprises a sixth imaging device and an associated sixth light source.

[0082] Aspect 8 is the system according to any of aspects 4 to 7, wherein each of the imaging devices and their associated light sources are spaced apart from each other an equal distance along the inner surfaces of the guiding channel.

[0083] Aspect 9 is the system according to aspect 2 or 3, wherein the guiding channel comprises a width or diameter orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and the width or diameter of the guiding channel is less than 1.5 meters, or the width or diameter of the guiding channel is in a range from 25 cm to 125 centimeters, or the width or diameter of the guiding channel is in a range from 50 cm to 100 centimeters.

[0084] Aspect 10 is the system according to any proceeding aspect, wherein each imaging device is spaced apart from each other a lateral distance of less than 1.5 meters, or less than 1 meter.

[0085] Aspect 11 is the system according to any proceeding aspect, wherein the system further comprises an illuminator associated with one or more of the imaging devices.

[0086] Aspect 12 is the system according to any proceeding aspect, wherein any of the light sources comprise a coherent light source (LASER).

[0087] Aspect 13 is the system according to any proceeding aspect, wherein any of the light sources comprises ultraviolet light source.

[0088] Aspect 14 is the system according to any proceeding aspect, wherein any of the light sources comprises infrared light source.

[0089] Aspect 15 is the system according to any proceeding aspect, wherein the guiding channel defines a cylinder.

[0090] Aspect 16 is the system according to any proceeding aspect, wherein the guiding channel defines an elongated polygon.

[0091] Aspect 17 is the system according to any proceeding aspect, wherein the processor further comprises: a parasitic infection classification circuit, configured to classify a detected parasitic infection based on captured image data.

[0092] Aspect 18 is the system according to aspect 17, wherein the processor comprises at least one neural network configured to enable detection and classification of the parasitic infection.

[0093] Aspect 19 is the system according to any proceeding aspect, wherein the control unit is located within the guiding apparatus.

[0094] Aspect 20 is the system according to any proceeding aspect, wherein the control unit is located remote from the guiding apparatus.

[0095] Aspect 21 is the system according to any proceeding aspect, wherein the system comprises at least a sound source, such that: in response to detecting the parasitic infection on the aquatic lifeform, the control unit transmits an activation signal to the sound source; and in response to receiving the activation signal, the sound source emits a sound wave targeting an indicated area on the aquatic lifeform where the presence of the parasitic infection is detected.

[0096] Aspect 22 is the system according to aspect 21, wherein the sound source is an ultrasound source.

[0097] Aspect 23 is the system according to aspect 21, wherein the sound source is a low frequency sound source.

[0098] Aspect 24 is a method for treating a parasitic infection on an aquatic lifeform, comprising: guiding an aquatic lifeform disposed within a pre-treatment aquaculture area, without access to a surface of a body of water, via a guiding apparatus comprising a guiding channel extending toward the surface of the body of water, through the guiding channel to a post-treatment aquaculture area having the surface of a body of water forming a boundary of the post-treatment aquaculture area; capturing images of the aquatic lifeform via at least a first imaging device and a second imaging disposed on along an inner surface of the guiding channel; transmitting image data based on the images to a control unit comprising a processor and a memory; processing, via the processor, image data to detect a presence of a parasitic infection; transmitting an activation signal, via the control unit and in response to detecting the presence of a parasitic infection, to at least one light source of a plurality of light sources within the guiding channel, wherein the at least one light source is associated with the imaging device that transmits image data wherein the presence of the parasitic infection is detected; and emitting a light pulse, via the at least one light source of the plurality of light sources, targeting an indicated area on the aquatic lifeform where the presence of the parasitic infection is detected.

[0099] Aspect 25 is the method according to aspect 24, further comprising: classifying, via a classification circuit, an aquatic lifeform based on captured image data.

[0100] Aspect 26 is the method according to aspect 24 or 25, further comprising: classifying, via a classification circuit, a parasitic infection based on captured image data.

[0101] Aspect 27 is the method according to any of aspects 24 to 26, wherein the method comprises emitting, via any of the light sources, a coherent light pulse (LASER) onto the indicated area on the aquatic lifeform.

[0102] Aspect 28 is the method according to any of aspects 24 to 27, wherein the method comprises emitting, via any of the light sources, an ultraviolet light pulse onto the indicated area on the aquatic lifeform.

[0103] Aspect 29 is the method according to any of aspects 24 to 28, wherein the method comprises emitting, via any of the light sources, an infrared light pulse onto the indicated area on the aquatic lifeform.

[0104] Aspect 30 is the method according to any of aspects 24 to 29, wherein the method further comprises: transmitting an activation signal, via the control unit and in response to detecting the presence of a parasitic infection, to a sound source, wherein the sound source is associated with the imaging device that transmits image data wherein the presence of the parasitic infection is detected; and emitting a sound wave, via the sound source, targeting an indicated area on the aquatic lifeform where the presence of the parasitic infection is detected.

[0105] Aspect 31 is the method according to any of aspects 24 to 30, wherein guiding an aquatic lifeform comprises guiding an aquatic lifeform along a length of the guiding channel toward the surface of the body of water.

[0106] Aspect 32 is the method according to aspect 31, wherein the guiding the aquatic lifeform comprises guiding an aquatic lifeform along a longitudinal axis of the guiding channel from an inlet of the guiding channel to an outlet of the guiding channel toward the surface of the body of water.

[0107] All patents, patent applications (including provisional applications), and publications cited herein are incorporated by reference as if individually incorporated for all purposes. Unless otherwise indicated, all parts and percentages are by weight and all molecular weights are weight average molecular weights. The foregoing detailed description has been given for clarity of understanding only. No unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom. The invention is not limited to the exact details shown and described, for variations obvious to one skilled in the art will be included within the invention defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A system for treating a parasitic infection on an aquatic lifeform, comprising: an aquaculture enclosure submerged below a surface of a body of water, the aquaculture enclosure defines a pre-treatment aquaculture area and a post-treatment aquaculture area, the surface of the body of water forms an upper boundary of the post-treatment aquaculture area, the post-treatment aquaculture area separates the pre-treatment aquaculture area from the surface of the body of water; a blocking element separates the pre-treatment aquaculture area and a post-treatment aquaculture area; a control unit comprising at least a processor and a memory; and a guiding apparatus connects the pre-treatment aquaculture area with the post-treatment aquaculture area, the guiding apparatus extends through the blocking element, the guiding apparatus comprising: a guiding channel configured to guide the aquatic lifeform from the pre-treatment aquaculture area to the post-treatment aquaculture area; a first imaging device and a second imaging device, wherein each imaging device is disposed along inner surfaces of the guiding channel, and each imaging device is communicably coupled to the control unit; and a first light source disposed within the guiding channel and associated with the first imaging device and a second light source disposed within the guiding channel and associated with the second imaging device, wherein each light source is communicably coupled to the control unit; such that when aquatic lifeforms enter the guiding channel: each imaging device captures images of the aquatic lifeform and transmits image data based on the images to the processor; the processor processes the image data from each imaging device to detect a presence of a parasitic infection on the aquatic lifeform; in response to detecting the presence of the parasitic infection on the aquatic lifeform, the control unit transmits an activation signal to the light sourceassociated with the imaging device that transmits image data indicating the presence of the parasitic infection; and in response to receiving the activation signal, the light source emits a light pulse targeting an indicated area on the aquatic lifeform where the presence of the parasitic infection is detected.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the guiding channel extends along a longitudinal axis from a guiding channel inlet to a guiding channel outlet toward the surface of the body of water.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal axis is orthogonal to the surface of the body of water.

4. The system according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the guiding apparatus comprises a third imaging device and an associated third light source.

5. The system according to any proceeding claim, wherein each of the imaging devices and their associated light sources are spaced apart from each other an equal distance along the inner surfaces of the guiding channel.

6. The system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the guiding channel comprises a width or diameter orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and the width or diameter of the guiding channel is less than 1.5 meters, or the width or diameter of the guiding channel is in a range from 25 cm to 125 centimeters, or the width or diameter of the guiding channel is in a range from 50 cm to 100 centimeters.

7. The system according to any proceeding claim, wherein each imaging device is spaced apart from each other a lateral distance of less than 1.5 meters, or less than 1 meter.

8. The system according to any proceeding claim, wherein the system further comprises an illuminator associated with one or more of the imaging devices.

9. The system according to any proceeding claim, wherein any of the light sources comprise a coherent light source (LASER).

10. The system according to any proceeding claim, wherein any of the light sources comprises ultraviolet light source.

11. The system according to any proceeding claim, wherein any of the light sources comprises infrared light source.

12. The system according to any proceeding claim, wherein the guiding channel defines a cylinder.

13. The system according to any proceeding claim, wherein the guiding channel defines an elongated polygon.

14. The system according to any proceeding claim, wherein the processor further comprises: a parasitic infection classification circuit, configured to classify a detected parasitic infection based on captured image data.

15. The system according to claim 17, wherein the processor comprises at least one neural network configured to enable detection and classification of the parasitic infection.

16. The system according to any proceeding claim, wherein the system comprises at least one sound source, such that: in response to detecting the parasitic infection on the aquatic lifeform, the control unit transmits an activation signal to the sound source; and in response to receiving the activation signal, the sound source emits a sound wave targeting an indicated area on the aquatic lifeform where the presence of the parasitic infection is detected.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the sound source is an ultrasound source.

18. The system according to claim 16, wherein the sound source is a low frequency sound source.

19. A method for treating a parasitic infection on an aquatic lifeform, comprising: guiding an aquatic lifeform disposed within a pre-treatment aquaculture area, without access to a surface of a body of water, via a guiding apparatus comprising a guiding channel extending toward the surface of the body of water, through the guiding channel to a posttreatment aquaculture area having the surface of a body of water forming a boundary of the post-treatment aquaculture area; capturing images of the aquatic lifeform via at least a first imaging device and a second imaging disposed on along an inner surface of the guiding channel; transmitting image data based on the images to a control unit comprising a processor and a memory; processing, via the processor, image data to detect a presence of a parasitic infection; transmitting an activation signal, via the control unit and in response to detecting the presence of a parasitic infection, to at least one light source of a plurality of light sources within the guiding channel, wherein the at least one light source is associated with the imaging device that transmits image data wherein the presence of the parasitic infection is detected; and emitting a light pulse, via the at least one light source of the plurality of light sources, targeting an indicated area on the aquatic lifeform where the presence of the parasitic infection is detected.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising: classifying, via a classification circuit, an aquatic lifeform based on captured image data.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, further comprising: classifying, via a classification circuit, a parasitic infection based on captured image data.

22. The method according to any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the method comprises emitting, via any of the light sources, a coherent light pulse (LASER) onto the indicated area on the aquatic lifeform.

23. The method according to any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the method comprises emitting, via any of the light sources, an ultraviolet light pulse onto the indicated area on the aquatic lifeform.

24. The method according to any of claims 19 to 23, wherein the method comprises emitting, via any of the light sources, an infrared light pulse onto the indicated area on the aquatic lifeform.

25. The method according to any of claims 19 to 24, wherein the method further comprises: transmitting an activation signal, via the control unit and in response to detecting the presence of a parasitic infection, to a sound source, wherein the sound source is associated with the imaging device that transmits image data wherein the presence of the parasitic infection is detected; and emitting a sound wave, via the sound source, targeting an indicated area on the aquatic lifeform where the presence of the parasitic infection is detected.

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