A biomass estimation apparatus

Abstract

A biomass estimation apparatus (101) for counting organisms such as shrimps in a shrimp hatchery is disclosed, the apparatus at least comprises an inlet section, a counting section, and an outlet section section, wherein the counting section at least comprises a passage (115), an illumination system (113), and an imaging system (103). The passage is defined by a first side (105), a second side (109), and two opposing sides (107), wherein the passage has a through hole (111) positioned centrally and along a longitudinal axis of the passage, the through hole allowing fluid communication between the inlet section and the outlet section, such that the inlet section and the outlet section are fluidically connected through the through hole of the passage, and the through hole further being configured to allow fluid and the organism to be counted to pass though the through hole from the inlet section to the outlet section. The through hole has a substantially constant cross section along a longitudinal axis of the passage. The imaging system (103) is positioned at the first side (105) of the passage, the first side of the passage being made of a transparent material. The illumination system (113) is positioned at the second side (109) of the passage, the second side of the passage being made of an opaque material, such that it is configured to function as a diffuser for the illumination system hereby distributing light when emitted from the illumination system on the second side of the passage. The disclosure further relates to a method of counting organisms such as shrimps in a shrimp hatchery.

Description

[0001] A biomass estimation apparatus

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a biomass estimation apparatus for counting organisms such as shrimps in a shrimp hatchery, the apparatus at least comprises an inlet section, a counting section, and an out section. The disclosure further relates to uses of a biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims for counting organism, a passage for use in a biomass estimation apparatus, and a method of counting organisms such as shrimps in a shrimp hatchery.

[0004] Background art

[0005] Accurate biomass estimation has long been a cornerstone of effective aquaculture management. Traditionally, this task has been performed through manual methods, where workers physically remove e.g. shrimp from ponds or tanks, weigh the collected samples, and extrapolate the total biomass based on those measurements. While this approach provides a rough estimate, it suffers from several critical drawbacks. Manual sampling can stress the shrimp, leading to reduced growth rates or increased mortality, particularly when repeated frequently.

[0006] This process is also highly labor-intensive, requiring significant manpower and time. The physical handling of shrimp introduces variability in measurements due to human error and inconsistencies in sample selection. Sampling bias often occurs, as workers may unintentionally select shrimp that do not represent the overall population’s size distribution, leading to inaccurate biomass estimates. These inaccuracies can result in overfeeding or underfeeding, negatively impacting water quality and the overall health of the shrimp.

[0007] Moreover, the manual method fails to deliver accurate data, which is increasingly important for modern aquaculture practices. In dynamic environments, such poor accuracy can lead to poor decision-making and reduced operational efficiency. Manual weighing methods also lack scalability, becoming impractical for large-scale operations where hundreds of thousands of shrimp need to be monitored regularly.

[0008] Hence, there is a need within the field of biomass estimation to overcome such disadvantages. It is particularly important to reduce the inaccuracy that are introducesduring the manual handling, due to human error, sampling bias, and inconsistent measurement techniques. It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method which significantly reduces the inaccuracy in the estimated biomass while avoiding the manual process.

[0009] As further mentioned above, the physical handling of e.g., shrimp during manual sampling causes stress, which can negatively affect shrimp growth rates and increase mortality, impacting overall farm productivity. It is thus a further object of the present invention to provide a way of estimating the biomass without stressing the organism.

[0010] Lastly, it is another object to provide an apparatus and a method to estimate biomass, where such apparatus and method are avoiding the current labor-intensive manual process, hereby providing an apparatus and a method that are practical for large-scale aquaculture operations, where frequent, real-time biomass monitoring is essential for maintaining optimal conditions.

[0011] Summary

[0012] The description herein of any aspect or embodiment of the invention using terms such as “comprising”, “having,” “including,” or “containing” with reference to an element or elements is intended to provide support for a similar aspect or embodiment of the invention that “consists of’, “consists essentially of”, or “substantially comprises” that particular element or elements, unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context, e.g. a composition described herein as comprising a particular element should be understood as also describing a composition consisting of that element, unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises," "comprising," "includes" and / or "including," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0013] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpretedin an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined in the present specification.

[0014] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms, including “at least one,” unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. “At least one” is not to be construed as limiting “a” or “an.”

[0015] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise itemed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-itemed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0016] Disclosed herein in a first aspect is a biomass estimation apparatus for counting organisms such as shrimps in a shrimp hatchery, the apparatus at least comprises an inlet section, a counting section, and an out section; wherein the counting section at least comprises a passage, an illuminations system, and an imaging system; wherein the passage is defined by a first side, a second side, and two or more opposing sides; wherein the passage has a through hole; the through hole being positioned centrally and along a longitudinal axis of the passage, the through hole allowing fluid communication between the inlet section and the outlet section, such that the inlet section and the outlet section are fluidically connected through the through hole of the passage, and the through hole further being configured to allow fluid and the organism to be counted to pass though the through hole from the inlet section to the outlet section; wherein the through hole has a substantially constant cross section along a longitudinal axis of the passage; wherein the imaging system is positioned at the first side of the passage, the first side of the passage being made of a transparent material; and wherein the illumination system is positioned at the second side of the passage, the second side of the passage being made of an opaque material, such that it is configured to function as a diffuser for the illumination system hereby distributing light when emitted from the illumination system on the second side of the passage.

[0017] This means that the present invention addresses the limitations as described above, by providing an automated imaging-based systems. By capturing and analyzing images of e.g., shrimp within their natural environment, the present invention offers a non-invasive, efficient, and scalable solution. Imaging technologies can provide real-time estimates ofe.g., shrimp biomass, enabling more precise feed management, stock optimization, and timely intervention when necessary.

[0018] One of the advantageous of using an imaging system is that they can identify e.g., individual shrimps in their natural environment, which will in turn result in a significant improvement over manual methods by reducing labor requirements, minimizing stress on the organism, and delivering accurate, real-time data to support decision-making.

[0019] Another advantage of the present invention is that it is able to estimate the biomass with a precision at or above 95%, where the manual processes can be as low as to provide a 60% to 70% accuracy, however, this depends on the day and can vary between hatcheries and farms.

[0020] However, using imaging capture to estimate biomass may be challenging, especially, if the organism to be estimated is a small transparent organism, such as e.g., a shrimp, which has been recently hatched in a shrimp hatchery. The present invention, however, solves this issue by cleverly using a combination the combination of a passage, an illuminations system, and an imaging system, where the imaging system is positioned at the first side of the passage and the illumination system is positioned at the second side of the passage, and said side if made of an opaque material hereby functioning as a diffuser for the illumination system. This will distribute the light evenly and enable the imaging system in ensuring clear image capture without water movement interference.

[0021] The present invention is not limited to use in only detection of small shrimp in e.g., shrimp hatchery, but due to the configuration, ensuring the clear capture, it may be utilized for various smaller or larger organism, especially partly transparent organism, such as young crabs, fish egg, such as salmon egg, or another organism.

[0022] Disclosed herein in a second aspect is a use of a biomass estimation apparatus according to the first aspect for counting organism. Further, disclosed herein in a third aspect is a use of a biomass estimation apparatus according to the first aspect for counting shrimp in at a shrimp hatchery or shrimp farm. Additionally, the biomass estimation apparatus may be used at shrimp farm, shrimp hatcheries, salmon smolt stations, and / or salmon hatcheries.Even further, disclosed herein in a fourth aspect is a passage for use in a biomass estimation apparatus as disclosed herein, the passage comprising a first side, a second side, and two or more opposing sides; wherein the passage has a through hole; the through hole being positioned centrally and along a longitudinal axis of the passage, the through hole allowing fluid communication between an inlet section and an outlet section in the biomass estimation apparatus, such that the inlet section and the outlet section are fluidically connected through the through hole of the passage, and the through hole further being configured to allow fluid and the organism to be counted to pass though the through hole from the inlet section to the outlet section; and wherein the through hole has a substantially constant cross section along a longitudinal axis of the passage.

[0023] Lastly, disclosed herein in a fifth aspect is a method of counting organisms such as shrimps in a shrimp hatchery, the method comprising: providing a sample of organisms to be counted; passing the sample through a passage having a through hole; capturing a plurality of images using an imaging system positioned on a first side of the through hole in the passage, wherein the first side is made of a transparent material; illuminating the through hole from a second side while capturing the plurality of images, wherein the illumination is performed using an illumination system, and wherein the second side being opposite the first side, and wherein the second side is made of an opaque material, such that it is configured to function as a diffuser for the illumination system hereby distributing light when emitted from the illumination system on the second side; processing the captured images from the imaging system to obtain an organism count.

[0024] Effects and features of the second to fifth aspects are to a large extent analogous to those described above in connection with the first aspect. Embodiments mentioned in relation to the first aspect are largely compatible with the second to fifth aspects.

[0025] Brief description of the drawings

[0026] Figure 1 shows a front view of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a top angled (birds’ eye) view of the same embodiment as figure 1.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a passage as disclosed herein in accordance with some embodiments.Figure 4 shows a top angled (birds’ eye) view of another embodiment as disclosed herein.

[0029] Figure 5-8 shows images captured from an imaging system as disclosed herein before (figures 5 and 6) and after (figure 7 and 8) background subtraction.

[0030] Figure 9 shows a method of counting organisms using the apparatus according to one or more embodiments as disclosed herein.

[0031] Detailed description

[0032] The present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of the disclosure by way of illustration only. Those skilled in the art understand from guidance in the detailed description that changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the disclosure.

[0033] As disclosed above, the present disclosure relates to a biomass estimation apparatus for counting organisms such as shrimps in a shrimp hatchery, the apparatus at least comprises an inlet section, a counting section, and an out section. The disclosure further relates to uses of a biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims for counting organism, a passage for use in a biomass estimation apparatus, and a method of counting organisms such as shrimps in a shrimp hatchery.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the counting section further comprises a housing. In one or more embodiments, the housing encloses at least the imaging system and the passage, and wherein the housing has an opening at both ends of the through hole, to allow passage from the inlet section to the collecting section through the though hole of the passage in the housing. In one or more embodiments, the illumination system is further enclosed within the housing.

[0035] There may be several benefits of enclosing one or more components of the apparatus within the housing, one being that the housing protects sensitive components, including the light source, from environmental factors such as water, dust, and physical damage, ensuring long-term durability and consistent performance. Further, it assists in maintain optimal conditions for the operation, such as temperature regulation, reducing the risk of overheating. Additionally, by containing electrical components and light sources, thehousing minimizes the risk of accidents or exposure to harmful emissions, ensuring safe operation in various settings.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the housing is made of and / or coated with a light absorbing material, such that reflections from light emitted from the illumination system is reduced inside the housing. This will assist in preventing or at least reducing the amount of light being reflected, which can reduce the capture images quality of the apparatus.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the counting section further comprises a housing, wherein the housing encloses at least the imaging system and the passage, and wherein the housing has an opening at both ends of the through hole, to allow passage from the inlet section to the collecting section through the though hole of the passage in the housing, and wherein the housing is made of and / or coated with a light absorbing material, such that reflections from light emitted from the illumination system is reduced inside the housing.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the inlet section may further comprise a bucket or similar, such that the fluid and the organism to be counted can be added to said bucket, prior to passing through the inlet section and entering the through hole in the passage.

[0039] Additionally, a bucket could be added to the outlet section, to collect the fluid and the organism after they have been counted.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the imaging system comprises one or more cameras. The imaging system could further include multiple cameras, which may be arranged to capture images from different angles, which could assist in enhancing the estimation accuracy.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the illumination system comprises one or more light sources.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the biomass estimation apparatus further comprises a processing unit operatively connected to the imaging system, wherein the processing unit is configured to analyse captured images using pattern recognition algorithms to identify and count individual organisms.In one or more embodiments, the biomass estimation apparatus further comprises a processing unit operatively connected to the imaging system, wherein the processing unit is configured to analyse captured images using background subtraction to identify and count individual organisms.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the biomass estimation apparatus further comprises a processing unit operatively connected to the imaging system, wherein the processing unit is configured to analyse captured images using Deep Learning Object Detection Framework to identify and count individual organisms.

[0044] If for example the apparatus is operated as a shrimp counting system in a shrimp farm environment, the shrimp will pass through the through hole having the transparent first side, where the imaging system will capture images. The system has a consistent background, which yields an increased sensitive to changes, which will assist in ensuring a good accuracy in counting shrimp as small as e.g., 2 mm. The processing unit monitors the through hole when fluid is running through it to learn the usual background, including the clear through hole first side and any static elements. When shrimp move through the through hole, the processing unit detects this movement, distinguishing the shrimp from the static background, making them easy to identify and then e.g., makes a bounding box around the object, predicts the object location in the next frame and lastly counts the shrimp when it has crossed a virtual line.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the processing unit is configured to subtract a background image from the captured images from the imaging system.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the biomass estimation apparatus further comprises a user interface for displaying counting results.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the biomass estimation apparatus further comprises a data output system configured to export counting data for further analysis or storage.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the biomass estimation apparatus is for shrimp biomass estimation.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the first side is a top side of the passage. In one or more embodiments, the second side is a bottom side of the passage.In one or more embodiments, the dimensions of the through hole is configured to allow passage of between 500 and 1.000.000 organism to be counted per hour the apparatus is being used. In one or more embodiments, the dimensions of the through hole is configured to allow passage of up to 20.000.000 organism to be counted per hour the apparatus is being used.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the imaging system is configured to capture images at a constant frame rate, such as 30 frames per second, 60 frames per second, or 120 frames per second. The framerates given here are average framerates taking the range into account as framerates are never constant, but in ranges, e.g. 60 FPS as an example may have a ranges of plus / minus 10, i.e. 50 to 70 FPS.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the imaging system is configured to capture images at 60 frames per second.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the counting section comprises two or more passages.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the two or more passages are aligned next two each other, such that fluid and the organism to be counted are equally distributed but only pass though one through hole when flowing from the inlet section to the outlet section.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, the counting section comprises two or more passages, wherein the two or more passages are aligned next two each other, such that fluid and the organism to be counted are equally distributed but only pass though one through hole when flowing from the inlet section to the outlet section.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, the inlet section, the counting section, and the outlet section are configured such that fluid flow from the inlet section to the outlet section are gravity driven without the need for a pump. This means that the flow of fluid including the organism to be counted is preferably driven through the though hole of the passage, from the inlet section to the outlet section, via gravitation. However, if needed, or preferred, a pump could be added to the apparatus to drive the fluid through. This will be dependent on the required counting speed and also of the organism to be counted; thus, in one or more embodiments a pump is used to drive the fluid flow from the inlet section to the outlet section.In one or more embodiments, the fluid is water, such as filtered water, and wherein the fluid comprises the organism to be counted. By filtered water is meant that the water is clear and preferably free of any debris or the like other than the organism to be counted. This could be obtained by running the water through a filter. A skilled person knows what this means, as shrimp hatcheries are already using filtered / clear water then counting with present methods. In one or more embodiments, the filtered water could be transparent water with turbidity levels below 200 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units). The water should be such that it allows for optical detection of e.g., individual postlarvae.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the organism to be counted is a partly transparent organism, such as an organism having a body with at least 50% of the body being transparent.

[0057] In this context transparent refers to a characteristic of the body or specific parts of the body of the organism, where such parts allow light (within the visible wavelength) to pass through with minimal scattering. For example, in a shrimp, the transparency enables certain internal features, such as the shrimp's organs or exoskeleton, to be visible under appropriate lighting conditions. In imaging systems, this transparency can present challenges for accurate detection, as the shrimp may blend into their surroundings or appear indistinct due to the lack of strong contrast. For the context of the present invention, an optical transmission greater than 60% of the incident light is considered a transparent body or parts of body. In one or more embodiments, an optical transmission greater than 65% of the incident light is considered a transparent body or parts of body, such as greater than 70%, such as greater than 75%, or such as greater than 80%.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the inlet section, the counting section, and the outlet section are configured such that when fluid flow from the inlet section to the outlet section the through hole is substantially filled with the fluid flowing.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, the inlet section, the counting section, and the outlet section are configured such that fluid flow from the inlet section to the outlet section are gravity driven without the need for a pump, and wherein the inlet section, the counting section, and the outlet section are configured such that when fluid flow from the inlet section to the outlet section the through hole is substantially filled with the fluid flowing.In one or more embodiments, the inlet section, the counting section, and the outlet section are configured such that fluid flow from the inlet section to the outlet section are driven by a pump, and wherein the inlet section, the counting section, and the outlet section are configured such that when fluid flow from the inlet section to the outlet section the through hole is substantially filled with the fluid flowing.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, the height of the through hole, when measured from the first side to the second side through the longitudinal axis is between 1 and 10 mm, such as between 2 and 8 mm, such as between 3 and 6 mm, such as between 3 and 5 mm. The height of the through hole can be adjusted, if the organism to be counted is changed. The height will be only a few millimeters larger than the size of the organism to be counted.

[0061] In one or more embodiments, the organism to be counted is shrimp between a PL1 and PL16 stage. PL1 and PL16 refers to the number of days since it became a shrimp from a larvae, where PL1 is one day since, PL2 is two days since, etc. In one or more embodiments, the shrimp is between 0.2 mm and 2.5 cm in length. In one or more embodiments, the organism to be counted is shrimp between 0.2 mm and 1 cm in length.

[0062] In one or more embodiments, the resolution of images captured by the imaging system has a resolution at or below 2048 x 1080, such as at or below 1920 x 1080, such as at or below 1280 x 720, such as at or below 640 x 360, such as at or below 320 x 240. The lower the resolution used the smaller processor may be used to process the captured pictures. However, the image quality is also important, as a lower resolution also makes it more difficult for the apparatus to recognize the organism to be counted. A trade-off between resolution quality and size may therefore be used.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the illumination system is providing light in the visible spectra and / or in the infra-red spectra. The visible spectrum is herein defined as wavelengths between 380 nm and 750 nm, while the infra-red spectrum is herein defined as wavelengths between 750 nm and 1 mm.

[0064] In one or more embodiments, the imaging system is configured to capture visible images and / or infra-red images. Visible images are captured with a sensor that is sensitive to visible light. Wavelengths used for image capture range from about 400 nm to about 700nm. Infra-red images are captured with a sensor that is sensitive to infra-red light. The part of the spectrum used is referred to as near-infra-red to distinguish it from far-infrared, which is the domain of thermal imaging. Wavelengths used for image capture range from about 750 nm to about 1 mm.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, the organism is shrimp, crab, or fish egg, such as salmon egg. In one or more embodiments, the organism is at or below 4 cm in length, such as at or below 3 cm in length, such as at or below 2.5 cm in length, such as at or below 2 cm in length, or such as at or below 1 cm in length. In one or more embodiments, the organism is prawn or lobster. In one or more embodiments, the organism is prawn or lobster having a length at or below 4 cm in length, such as at or below 3 cm in length, such as at or below 2.5 cm in length, such as at or below 2 cm in length, or such as at or below 1 cm in length.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, the organism is partly transparent organism, such as an organism having a body with at least 50% of the body being transparent.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the method is for counting shrimps in a shrimp hatchery. In one or more embodiments, the method is for counting crabs, such as zoea. In one or more embodiments, the method is for counting prawn. In one or more embodiments, the method is for counting lobster. In one or more embodiments, the method is for counting fish egg, such as salmon egg.

[0068] Shrimps in a hatchery can be classified in various ways. One way is using the different stages as defined as Nauplius Stages (N), Zoea Stages (Z), Mysis Stages (M), Post larva Stage (PL), in chronologic order. The stages are then given a number, depending on the day in the stage. The present disclosure is configured to be able to count from stage M1 to PL16.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, an apparatus as disclosed herein is used in the method as also disclosed herein.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the through hole is in a passage being defined by a first side, a second side, and two or more opposing sides; the through hole being positioned centrally and along a longitudinal axis of the passage, the through hole allowing fluid communication between an inlet section and an outlet section, such that the inlet sectionand the outlet section are fluid ically connected through the through hole of the passage, and the through hole further allows fluid and the organism to be counted to pass though the through hole from the inlet section to the outlet section.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, the through hole has a substantially constant cross section along a longitudinal axis.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the through hole is positioned in a housing.

[0073] In one or more embodiments, the housing encloses at least the imaging system and the passage, and wherein the housing has an opening at both ends of the through hole, to allow passage from the inlet section to the collecting section through the though hole of the passage in the housing.

[0074] In one or more embodiments, the captured images are processed using pattern recognition algorithms to identify and count individual organisms. In one or more embodiments, the captured images are processed using background subtraction to identify and count individual organisms. In one or more embodiments, the captured images are processed using Deep Learning Object Detection Framework to identify and count individual organisms.

[0075] In one or more embodiments, the captured images are processed by subtracting a background image from the captured images. In one or more embodiments, the captured images are processed by foreground detection of the captured images.

[0076] In one or more embodiments, the organism count is further displayed on a user interface.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, a fluid flow through the trough hole is gravity driven without the need for a pump. In one or more embodiments the fluid flow is driven by a pump.

[0078] In one or more embodiments, the provided sample of organisms to be counted are provided in in a fluid, such as in water, such as filtered water.In one or more embodiments, the organism to be counted is a partly transparent organism, such as an organism having a body with at least 50% of the body being transparent.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, the resolution of the images captured has a resolution at or below 2048 x 1080, such as at or below 1920 x 1080, such as at or below 1280 x 720, such as at or below 640 x 360, such as at or below 320 x 240.

[0080] In one or more embodiments, the illumination system is providing light in the visible spectra and / or in the infra-red spectra. In one or more embodiments, the captured images are capture infra-red images.

[0081] When describing the embodiments, the combinations and permutations of all possible embodiments have not been explicitly described. Nevertheless, the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent items or described in different embodiments does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The present invention envisages all possible combinations and permutations of the described embodiments.

[0082] The invention will hereafter be described by way of the following non-limiting items.

[0083] 1. A biomass estimation apparatus for counting organisms such as shrimps in a shrimp hatchery, the apparatus at least comprises an inlet section, a counting section, and an out section;

[0084] wherein the counting section at least comprises a passage, an illuminations system, and an imaging system;

[0085] wherein the passage is defined by a first side, a second side, and two or more opposing sides;

[0086] wherein the passage has a through hole; the through hole being positioned centrally and along a longitudinal axis of the passage, the through hole allowing fluid communication between the inlet section and the outlet section, such that the inlet section and the outlet section are flu id ically connected through the through hole of the passage, and the through hole further being configured to allow fluid and the organism to be counted to pass though the through hole from the inlet section to the outlet section;wherein the through hole has a substantially constant cross section along a longitudinal axis of the passage;

[0087] wherein the imaging system is positioned at the first side of the passage, the first side of the passage being made of a transparent material; and wherein the illumination system is positioned at the second side of the passage, the second side of the passage being made of an opaque material, such that it is configured to function as a diffuser for the illumination system hereby distributing light when emitted from the illumination system on the second side of the passage.

[0088] 2. The biomass estimation apparatus according to item 1, wherein the counting section further comprises a housing.

[0089] 3. The biomass estimation apparatus according to item 2, wherein the housing encloses at least the imaging system and the passage, and wherein the housing has an opening at both ends of the through hole, to allow passage from the inlet section to the collecting section through the though hole of the passage in the housing.

[0090] 4. The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of items 2-3, wherein the housing is made of and / or coated with a light absorbing material, such that reflections from light emitted from the illumination system is reduced inside the housing.

[0091] 5. The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the imaging system comprises one or more cameras.

[0092] 6. The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the illumination system comprises one or more light sources.

[0093] 7. The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the biomass estimation apparatus further comprises a processing unit operatively connected to the imaging system8. The biomass estimation apparatus according to item 7, wherein the processing unit is configured to analyse captured images using pattern recognition algorithms to identify and count individual organisms.

[0094] 9. The biomass estimation apparatus according to item 7, wherein the processing unit is configured to analyse captured images using background subtraction to identify and count individual organisms.

[0095] 10. The biomass estimation apparatus according to item 7, wherein the processing unit is configured to analyse captured images using Deep Learning Object Detection Framework to identify and count individual organisms.

[0096] 11. The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of items 7-10, wherein the processing unit is configured to subtract a background image from the captured images from the imaging system.

[0097] 12. The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the biomass estimation apparatus further comprises a user interface for displaying counting results.

[0098] 13. The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the biomass estimation apparatus further comprises a data output system configured to export counting data for further analysis or storage.

[0099] 14. The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the biomass estimation apparatus is for shrimp biomass estimation.

[0100] 15. The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the first side is a top side of the passage.

[0101] 16. The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the second side is a bottom side of the passage.

[0102] 17. The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the dimensions of the through hole is configured to allow passage of upto 20.000.000 organism to be counted per hour the apparatus, such as between 500 and 1.000.000 organism to be counted per hour the apparatus is being used.

[0103] The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the imaging system is configured to capture images at a constant frame rate, such as 30 frames per second, 60 frames per second, or 120 frames per second.

[0104] The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the imaging system is configured to capture images at 60 frames per second.

[0105] The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the counting section comprises two or more passages.

[0106] The biomass estimation apparatus according to item 17, wherein the two or more passages are aligned next two each other, such that fluid and the organism to be counted are equally distributed but only pass though one through hole when flowing from the inlet section to the outlet section.

[0107] The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the inlet section, the counting section, and the outlet section are configured such that fluid flow from the inlet section to the outlet section are gravity driven without the need for a pump.

[0108] The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of items 1-21 , wherein the inlet section, the counting section, and the outlet section are configured such that fluid flow from the inlet section to the outlet section are driven by a pump.

[0109] The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the fluid is water, such as filtered water, and wherein the fluid comprises the organism to be counted.

[0110] The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the organism to be counted is a partly transparent organism, such as an organism having a body with at least 50% of the body being transparent.The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the inlet section, the counting section, and the outlet section are configured such that when fluid flow from the inlet section to the outlet section the through hole is substantially filled with the fluid flowing.

[0111] The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the height of the through hole, when measured from the first side to the second side through the longitudinal axis is between 1 and 10 mm, such as between 2 and 8 mm, such as between 3 and 6 mm, such as between 3 and 5 mm.

[0112] The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the resolution of images captured by the imaging system has a resolution at or below 2048 x 1080, such as at or below 1920 x 1080, such as at or below 1280 x 720, such as at or below 640 x 360, such as at or below 320 x 240.

[0113] The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the illumination system is providing light in the visible spectra and / or in the infra-red spectra.

[0114] The biomass estimation apparatus according to item 29, wherein the imaging system is configured to capture infra-red images.

[0115] Use of a biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding items for counting organism.

[0116] Use of a biomass estimation apparatus according to item 31, wherein the organism is shrimp, crab, or fish egg, such as salmon egg.

[0117] Use of a biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of items 31-32, wherein the organism is partly transparent organism, such as an organism having a body with at least 50% of the body being transparent.34. Use of a biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of items 1-30 for counting shrimp in at a shrimp hatchery or shrimp farm.

[0118] 35. A passage for use in a biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of items 1-30, the passage comprising a first side, a second side, and two or more opposing sides; wherein the passage has a through hole; the through hole being positioned centrally and along a longitudinal axis of the passage, the through hole allowing fluid communication between an inlet section and an outlet section in the biomass estimation apparatus, such that the inlet section and the outlet section are fluidically connected through the through hole of the passage, and the through hole further being configured to allow fluid and the organism to be counted to pass though the through hole from the inlet section to the outlet section; and wherein the through hole has a substantially constant cross section along a longitudinal axis of the passage.

[0119] 36. A method of counting organisms such as shrimps in a shrimp hatchery, the method comprising:

[0120] providing a sample of organisms to be counted;

[0121] passing the sample through a passage having a through hole;

[0122] capturing a plurality of images using an imaging system positioned on a first side of the through hole in the passage, wherein the first side is made of a transparent material;

[0123] illuminating the through hole from a second side while capturing the plurality of images, wherein the illumination is performed using an illumination system, and wherein the second side being opposite the first side, and wherein the second side is made of an opaque material, such that it is configured to function as a diffuser for the illumination system hereby distributing light when emitted from the illumination system on the second side;

[0124] processing the captured images from the imaging system to obtain an organism count.

[0125] 37. The method of counting organisms according to item 36, wherein the method is for counting shrimps in a shrimp hatchery.

[0126] 38. The method of counting organisms according to any one of items 36-37, wherein an apparatus according to any one of items 1-30 is used in the method.The method of counting organisms according to any one of items 36-38, wherein through hole is in a passage being defined by a first side, a second side, and two or more opposing sides; the through hole being positioned centrally and along a longitudinal axis of the passage, the through hole allowing fluid communication between an inlet section and an outlet section, such that the inlet section and the outlet section are fluidically connected through the through hole of the passage, and the through hole further allows fluid and the organism to be counted to pass though the through hole from the inlet section to the outlet section.

[0127] The method of counting organisms according to any one of items 36-39, wherein the through hole has a substantially constant cross section along a longitudinal axis.

[0128] The method of counting organisms according to any one of items 36-40, wherein the through hole is positioned in a housing.

[0129] The method of counting organisms according to any one of items 36-41, wherein the housing encloses at least the imaging system and the passage, and wherein the housing has an opening at both ends of the through hole, to allow passage from the inlet section to the collecting section through the though hole of the passage in the housing.

[0130] The method of counting organisms according to any one of items 36-42, wherein the captured images are processed using pattern recognition algorithms to identify and count individual organisms.

[0131] The method of counting organisms according to any one of items 36-42, wherein the captured images are processed using background subtraction to identify and count individual organisms.

[0132] The method of counting organisms according to any one of items 36-42, wherein the captured images are processed using Deep Learning Object Detection Framework to identify and count individual organisms.46. The method of counting organisms according to any one of items 36-45, wherein the captured images are processed by subtracting a background image from the captured images.

[0133] 47. The method of counting organisms according to any one of items 36-46, wherein the organism count is further displayed on a user interface.

[0134] 48. The method of counting organisms according to any one of items 36-47, wherein a fluid flow through the trough hole is gravity driven without the need for a pump.

[0135] 49. The method of counting organisms according to any one of items 36-47, wherein a fluid flow through the trough hole is driven by a pump.

[0136] 50. The method of counting organisms according to any one of items 36-49, wherein the provided sample of organisms to be counted are provided in in a fluid, such as in water, such as filtered water.

[0137] 51. The method of counting organisms according to any one of items 36-50, wherein the organism to be counted is a partly transparent organism, such as an organism having a body with at least 50% of the body being transparent.

[0138] 52. The method of counting organisms according to any one of items 36-51, wherein the resolution of the images captured has a resolution at or below 2048 x 1080, such as at or below 1920 x 1080, such as at or below 1280 x 720, such as at or below 640 x 360, such as at or below 320 x 240.

[0139] 53. The method of counting organisms according to any one of items 36-52, wherein the illumination system is providing light in the visible spectra and / or in the infrared spectra.

[0140] 54. The method of counting organisms according to item 53, wherein the captured images are capture infra-red images.

[0141] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred example embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in other forms and should not be construed aslimited to the herein disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to the skilled person.

[0142] Detailed description of the drawings

[0143] The above objects, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0144] Various examples are described hereinafter with reference to the figures. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the examples. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the itemed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the itemed invention. In addition, an illustrated example needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular example is not necessarily limited to that example and can be practiced in any other examples even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

[0145] Figure 1 shows a front view of a biomass estimation apparatus 101 according to one or more embodiment. As can be seen in the drawing, the apparatus 101 comprises an imaging system 103, in this embodiment depicted as a camera. Hence, the imaging system 103 can be a camera. The imaging system 103 is positioned above a passage 115, which is comprised of a first side 105, a second side 109 and two opposing sides 107. This construction hereby creates a through hole 111 which is here depicted with a liquid, such as water running through the through hole 111 (depicted as waves in the figure). Below the second side 109 is an illumination system 113 shown. This illumination system 113 is configured such that light is emitted on the second side 109 of the passage 115.

[0146] As the liquid is passing through the through hole 111, light is emitted from the illumination system 113 onto the second side 109, which then functions as a diffuser, due the material, from which it is made. This diffused light creates a lighted background which the imaging system 103 captures. Once an organism, such as e.g. a shrimp, moves through the through hole 111 in the liquid, such as water, the organism will create different coloured pixels in the captured image, as the imaging system 103 regularly capture images through the transparent first side. These different coloured pixels willthen be recognized by the biomass estimation apparatus 101, e.g. via a processing unit, as an organism to be counted. The apparatus 101 will then track the organism through the through hole 111, such that it only counts said organism once.

[0147] It is important that the passage 115 has a first side 105 (facing the imaging system 103), which is mad of a material that has visibility for the imaging system to see the liquid and the second side. Further, it is important that the second side is illuminated from below, as this assists in ensuring a clear image capture without liquid movement interference. In this way the apparatus 101 may use a background subtraction algorithm, comparing current frames with previous ones to detect pixel differences for accurate counting.

[0148] The through hole 111 is in this configuration shown as a rectangular square shape, which may be preferred. However, one can imaging other shapes being equally as good. The important thing regarding the size of the through hole 111 is that it is configured in a height, i.e., the distance between the inner side of the second side 109 and the inner side of the first side 105, only slightly larger than the size of the organism that is to be counted. This is to ensure that only one “layer” of organism is allowed to flow though the through hole 111 at any given time, such that the imaging system can capture these.

[0149] This also means that in one or more embodiments, the counter section comprises a closed funnel / passage having a substantially constant cross section along a longitudinal axis, a diffuser for distributing the light provided by a light source on a second side of the funnel / passage, and a camera on a first side of the funnel.

[0150] An apparatus 101, 301 as disclosed herein is hereby e.g., capable of counting very small shrimp, by utilizing a flow-through system that allows shrimp to be transferred directly from one side to another side without any handling. This is shown in e.g. figure 3, where the inlet section 219 is shown and the outlet section 217 is shown. This makes the counting process significantly more practical, and less stressful for the shrimp. Also, computing is handled on the edge, giving the farmer instant feedback on the count.

[0151] Figure 2 shows a top angled (birds’ eye) view of the same embodiment as described above for figure 1 , however, in this figure the liquid is not shown, which make the through hole 111 even more noticeable.Figure 3 shows a passage 215 as disclosed herein in accordance with some embodiments. The passage 215 is very similar to the passage 115 shown in figure 1 and 2. In addition, here the inlet section 219 and the outlet section 217 is visible, and attached to the passage 215, at the two openings of the through hole 211. The exact geometry of the inlet section 219 and the outlet section 217 is not important, and the skilled person could configure multiple ways of constructing such. However, as shown, the inlet section 219 and the outlet section 217 is configured such that a flow-through system is created, which are able to count organisms moving from inlet section 219 to outlet section 217 through the through hole 211. This has not previously been feasible due to water turbulence disrupting the counting process. However, the passage 215 as disclosed herein eliminates the impact of water turbulence, making accurate flow-through counting possible.

[0152] The process of counting e.g., shrimp, may involve pouring the shrimp into a large bucket connected to the inlet section 219, the bucket being capable of hosting millions of shrimp. A short ramp at the bucket's end maintains a e.g., 3 cm water depth, optimizing capacity. Continuous water flow directs the shrimp towards the ramp, where they enter the through hole 211 of the passage 215 through the inlet section 219. The through hole could e.g. have a height of 4 mm, or 5 mm. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the height of the through hole, when measured from inside of the second side 209 to the inside of the first side 205 is between 3 mm and 5 mm. Further, in one or more embodiments, a bucket is attached to the inlet section 219. Even further, in one or more embodiments, a bucket is attached to the outlet section 217. In one or more embodiments, the inlet section 219, outlet section 217, and passage 215 is configured such that the depth of the liquid flowing through the through hole 211 is at least 20%, such as 50%, or such as 100% higher than the hight of the through hole 211.

[0153] Figure 4 shows a top angled (birds’ eye) view of another embodiment as disclosed herein. In this embodiment, the apparatus 301 has a housing 321 inclosing the passage, illumination system, and imaging system. Liquid can enter the housing 321 of said apparatus 301 through an inlet section 319 and exits through an outlet section 317. Between said sections 317, 319 is the passage positioned, such that the imaging system can capture images, which are background emitted via the illumination system in combinations with the second side functioning as a diffuser.Figure 5-8 shows images captured from an imaging system as disclosed herein before (figures 5 and 6) and after (figure 7 and 8) background subtraction. The organism in these images is a small shrimp. Figure 5 shows the shrimp (marked with a square around it) when it has entered the though hole. The square around it indicates that the apparatus has recognized it as an organism to be counted. The apparatus then tracks the pixel when it moves through the through hole, as seen from the movement from figure 5 to 6.

[0154] Figure 7 and 8 is the same pictures as 5 and 6, but here the apparatus has made a background subtraction, which makes the organism much easier to count (white dots on a black background). By using such processing, the apparatus as disclosed herein are able to count 500.000 or more organism per hour flowing through a through hole in a passage. In some examples, the apparatus can be configured such that it can count up to 2.000.000 or more organism per hour.

[0155] One way of measuring / counting using the apparatus is shown in figure 9. The first step is to start the apparatus 423. Then the apparatus captures the background from birds eye view and stores the background 425. The organism to be counted then enters the through hole 427 and hereby passes through the capturing mechanism 429. The apparatus hereby detects the organism as a foreign object within the field of view and creates a bounding box around the object by grouping closely related pixel changes into a single object 431. The apparatus registers the object as counted when the object crosses a digital line 433. The organism hereafter exits the apparatus through the outlet of the through hole 435.

[0156] References

[0157] 101, 301 - Biomass estimation apparatus

[0158] 103 - Imaging system

[0159] 105, 205 - First side

[0160] 107, 207 - Opposing sides

[0161] 109, 209 - Second side

[0162] 111, 211 - through hole

[0163] 113- Illuminations system

[0164] 115, 215 - Passage

[0165] 217, 317 - Outlet section

[0166] 219, 319 - Inlet section321 - Housing 423 - Step 1 425 - Step 2 427 - Step 3 429 - Step 4 431 - Step 5 433 - Step 6 435 - Step 7

Claims

27Claims1. A biomass estimation apparatus for counting organisms such as shrimps in a shrimp hatchery, the apparatus at least comprises an inlet section, a counting section, and an out section;wherein the counting section at least comprises a passage, an illuminations system, and an imaging system;wherein the passage is defined by a first side, a second side, and two or more opposing sides;wherein the passage has a through hole; the through hole being positioned centrally and along a longitudinal axis of the passage, the through hole allowing fluid communication between the inlet section and the outlet section, such that the inlet section and the outlet section are fluidically connected through the through hole of the passage, and the through hole further being configured to allow fluid and the organism to be counted to pass though the through hole from the inlet section to the outlet section;wherein the through hole has a substantially constant cross section along a longitudinal axis of the passage;wherein the imaging system is positioned at the first side of the passage, the first side of the passage being made of a transparent material; and wherein the illumination system is positioned at the second side of the passage, the second side of the passage being made of an opaque material, such that it is configured to function as a diffuser for the illumination system hereby distributing light when emitted from the illumination system on the second side of the passage.

2. The biomass estimation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the counting section further comprises a housing, wherein the housing encloses at least the imaging system and the passage, and wherein the housing has an opening at both ends of the through hole, to allow passage from the inlet section to the collecting section through the though hole of the passage in the housing, and wherein the housing is made of and / or coated with a light absorbing material, such that reflections from light emitted from the illumination system is reduced inside the housing.

3. The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the counting section comprises two or more passages, wherein the two or more passages are aligned next two each other, such that fluid and the organism to be counted are equally distributed but only pass though one through hole when flowing from the inlet section to the outlet section.

4. The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet section, the counting section, and the outlet section are configured such that fluid flow from the inlet section to the outlet section are gravity driven without the need for a pump, and wherein the inlet section, the counting section, and the outlet section are configured such that when fluid flow from the inlet section to the outlet section the through hole is substantially filled with the fluid flowing.

5. The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the organism to be counted is a partly transparent organism, such as an organism having a body with at least 50% of the body being transparent.

6. The biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the through hole, when measured from the first side to the second side through the longitudinal axis is between 1 and 10 mm, such as between 2 and 8 mm, such as between 3 and 6 mm, such as between 3 and 5 mm.

7. Use of a biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims for counting organism.

8. Use of a biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-26 for counting shrimp in at a shrimp hatchery or shrimp farm.

9. A passage for use in a biomass estimation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-26, the passage comprising a first side, a second side, and two or more opposing sides; wherein the passage has a through hole; the through hole being positioned centrally and along a longitudinal axis of the passage, the through hole allowing fluid communication between an inlet section and an outlet section in the biomass estimation apparatus, such that the inlet section and the outletsection are fluidically connected through the through hole of the passage, and the through hole further being configured to allow fluid and the organism to be counted to pass though the through hole from the inlet section to the outlet section; and wherein the through hole has a substantially constant cross section along a longitudinal axis of the passage.

10. A method of counting organisms such as shrimps in a shrimp hatchery, the method comprising:providing a sample of organisms to be counted;passing the sample through a passage having a through hole;capturing a plurality of images using an imaging system positioned on a first side of the through hole in the passage, wherein the first side is made of a transparent material;illuminating the through hole from a second side while capturing the plurality of images, wherein the illumination is performed using an illumination system, and wherein the second side being opposite the first side, and wherein the second side is made of an opaque material, such that it is configured to function as a diffuser for the illumination system hereby distributing light when emitted from the illumination system on the second side;processing the captured images from the imaging system to obtain an organism count.

Images