3D Photogrammetry for Fish Parasite Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring fish health in fish cages struggle to accurately identify and count external crustacean parasites, such as salmon lice, especially in the early stages of their development, due to their small size and difficulty in recognition by image recognition.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing digital close-range photogrammetry with multiple cameras and a data-processing unit to create a three-dimensional model of fish within a fish cage, allowing for the accurate identification and counting of structures deviating from a smooth surface, including external parasites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional image recognition systems are used to detect parasites on fish, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision is insufficient for small parasites in early stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image recognition to three-dimensional photogrammetric modeling. By capturing images from multiple camera angles and reconstructing 3D models of fish surfaces, the system can detect parasites in three-dimensional space, significantly improving detection accuracy for small early-stage parasites that are invisible in flat 2D images.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the fish body surface into multiple regions by creating a 3D mesh model from photogrammetric data. This allows the detection algorithm to analyze each surface segment independently, improving the ability to detect small parasites by comparing local surface geometry against the expected smooth fish skin model.
2Measurement precision
If fish are placed in channels or guiding devices for monitoring, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation decreases and fish welfare is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows fish to swim freely in the cage environment without requiring channels or guiding devices. The photogrammetric cameras capture images of fish as they naturally move through the water, and the 3D reconstruction process automatically tracks and models each fish's surface, eliminating the need for physical constraints on fish movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to handle dynamic, moving fish in three-dimensional space rather than static fish in channels. The photogrammetric reconstruction algorithm can track fish movement and reconstruct 3D models from multiple camera views as fish swim freely, maintaining measurement precision without restricting fish behavior.
3Measurement precision
If multiple camera angles are used for photogrammetry, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photogrammetric reconstruction algorithm serves multiple functions: it simultaneously creates 3D models of fish surfaces, detects parasites, measures fish dimensions, and tracks fish movement. This multi-functionality justifies the use of multiple cameras, as the same complex data processing yields multiple valuable outputs from a single measurement session.
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
The system enables continuous monitoring and recording of external crustacean parasites, improving the accuracy of parasite detection and counting, even in early stages, thus enhancing fish health monitoring in fish cages.
Implementation Method 1
The invention relates to the use of digital close-range photogrammetry. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of a system comprising several cameras... Each camera of the camera group takes synchronized pictures of an object within the fish cage... The synchronized images from the identical cameras are processed by the central data-processing unit, and the data-processing unit creates a three-dimensional model of the object that has been photographed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is for in-situ monitoring and recording of fish health of fish in a fish cage. The system has at least one camera housing. The camera housing is provided with a camera group having at least two cameras arranged to take synchronized pictures for digital close-range photogrammetry. The system has a central data-processing unit, the central data-processing unit being arranged to calculate a three-dimensional model of an object photographed synchronously by the at least two cameras. The data-processing unit is arranged to report the number of structures deviating from the smooth surface of the object in the three-dimensional model.