Fish Egg Fertilization Detection Using Fixative Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aquaculture, determining the fertilization rate of fish eggs is challenging due to the opaque outer membrane of eggs in species like Atlantic salmon, making it difficult to detect early cleavage and assess fertilization success.
Innovation Solution
A method involving treating a sample of eggs with a fixative to make the outer membrane transparent and capturing images of the blastodisc from multiple angles to detect cell division, using cameras positioned in orthogonal planes and potentially with prisms or mirrors to ensure clear views of the blastodisc, followed by image analysis to classify eggs as fertilized or unfertilized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the outer membrane of fish eggs remains in its natural state, then the egg structure is preserved intact, but the blastodisc cannot be visualized due to opacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by treating the egg sample with a fixative solution that alters the optical properties of the outer membrane. The fixative changes the membrane's transparency parameter, transforming it from opaque to transparent, thereby enabling visualization of the blastodisc without damaging the overall egg structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple images are captured from different directions to ensure complete visualization of the blastodisc, then detection accuracy improves, but the complexity of the imaging system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs another dimension by capturing images from multiple spatial directions (different angles and planes). Instead of attempting to visualize the entire blastodisc from a single viewpoint, the system captures two-dimensional images from various three-dimensional positions, allowing comprehensive analysis of cell division through multi-angle imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating multiple image copies of the same egg from different perspectives. Each image serves as a copy that captures specific features of the blastodisc visible from that particular angle, and these copies are then analyzed collectively to determine fertilization status with high accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If the fertilization rate is determined by visual inspection of cleavage, then the assessment is straightforward, but the opaque membrane prevents reliable detection of early cleavage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by treating the egg sample with fixative before imaging to pre-establish the transparent state of the outer membrane. This preliminary treatment ensures that when imaging and analysis occur subsequently, the blastodisc is already visible, eliminating the need for complex real-time observation techniques and enabling straightforward fertilization assessment.
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
This method effectively determines the fertilization rate by allowing clear visualization of cell division in the blastodisc, overcoming the opacity issue and providing accurate classification of fertilized eggs, thus improving the assessment of fertilization success in aquaculture.
Implementation Method 1
treating the sample with a fixative bringing an outer membrane of the eggs at least partly transparent and/or a blastodisc of the eggs at least partly opaque
Data Source
AI summary
A method of identifying fertilized fish eggs (200) in a sample of eggs (104) taken from a batch of incubating fish eggs is disclosed. The method includes the steps of treating the sample, within a period of time from initial fertilization of the batch, with a fixative (106) bringing an outer membrane of the eggs at least partly transparent and/or a blastodisc of the eggs at least partly opaque. The method further includes the step of capturing at least one image of individual eggs of the sample depicting the blastodisc of the egg, analysing the at least one image for detecting divided cells in the blastodisc, and identifying each egg associated with an image showing divided cells in the blastodisc as a fertilized egg. An associated system and a fish egg analysis apparatus are also disclosed.