Aquatic Organism Imaging With Parallel Light Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack an efficient method to illuminate and capture detailed images or videos of aquatic organisms in a controlled environment, particularly for scientific research and aquaculture, while minimizing external interference and ensuring consistent imaging across multiple tanks.
Innovation Solution
An aquatic imaging system comprising a first platform with a light source and a second platform with image capture devices, where the organism tanks receive light beams parallel to their base, allowing simultaneous imaging from above or below, and utilizing a beam splitting device to split light for multiple views, with central optical assemblies to ensure uniform illumination and minimize shadows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light sources and image capture devices are positioned at different heights above and below the tank, then uniform illumination and detailed imaging are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is divided into separate functional modules: a top platform with light sources and image capture devices, and a bottom platform with additional light sources and image capture devices. Each platform operates independently but coordinates through the control system, allowing uniform illumination from multiple directions while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-point illumination to multi-dimensional illumination by positioning light sources both above and below the tank. This vertical dimensionality enables light to traverse the water column from multiple directions, achieving uniform illumination that would be impossible with single-direction lighting, while the control system coordinates these multi-dimensional light paths.
2Productivity
If multiple organism tanks are illuminated and imaged simultaneously, then productivity increases, but the device complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The top and bottom platforms are designed with universal functionality to support multiple organism tanks simultaneously. Each platform contains multiple light sources and image capture devices that can be independently controlled but coordinated through the central control system, enabling parallel processing of multiple tanks without requiring separate dedicated systems for each tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system receives feedback from all image capture devices and coordinates the illumination timing and intensity across all platforms and tanks. This feedback mechanism enables synchronized imaging across multiple tanks while automatically adjusting light paths to maintain uniform illumination, reducing manual coordination complexity.
3Measurement precision
If light beams are directed parallel to the tank base through the water column, then detailed imaging of aquatic organisms is achieved, but external interference from ambient light increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system operates the light sources in coordinated sequences, activating top platform lights and bottom platform lights in alternating or synchronized periods. This periodic control allows the system to maintain detailed illumination of organisms while managing ambient light interference through temporal separation of illumination events, enabling precise imaging without constant exposure to external light sources.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable collection of detailed information on aquatic organism behavior by providing uniform illumination and synchronized imaging across multiple tanks, reducing external interference and allowing for interchangeable components without disturbing the organisms.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a beam splitting device to split light for multiple views
Implementation Method 2
the organism tank is configured to receive a light beam originating from the light source and configured to project at least a portion of the light beam through the well and in a directional plane that is parallel to the base of the organism tank
Data Source
AI summary
An example aquatic imaging system comprises a light source, a first platform coupled with a image capture device and a second platform that is parallel to the platform, the image capture device having a first field of view, and, the second platform being coupled to a organism tank, first organism tank having an inner wall, outer wall and a base that defines a well capable of retaining water, the base being parallel to the second platform, the organism tank configured to receive a light beam originating from the light source and configured to project at least a portion of the light beam through the well and in a directional plane that is parallel to the base, the image capture device configured to direct the first field of view from the first platform through the well in the organism tank.