In Situ Fish Scale Imaging for Real-Time Age Determination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the age of fish, such as analyzing the Otolith or scales, are labor-intensive and require killing the fish or take significant time, limiting real-time management decisions in fisheries.
Innovation Solution
A fish scale imaging device that electronically scans the growth rings of fish scales in situ, providing real-time age estimation and potentially unique identification, using digital scanning methods and imaging technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods (Otolith or scale analysis) are used to determine fish age, then accurate age determination is achieved, but the process is labor-intensive and requires killing the fish or takes significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis of otoliths and scales with an automated optical imaging system. The device uses a camera to capture images of growth rings and software to automatically count and analyze them, eliminating the need for manual examination under microscopes and replacing the need to kill fish for scale sampling with non-invasive in-situ imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-analysis through automated image processing algorithms that automatically detect, count, and measure growth rings without human intervention. The software independently processes the captured images to determine fish age, eliminating the labor-intensive manual counting process.
2Measurement precision
If fish are killed for age determination (Otolith analysis), then accurate age data is obtained, but fish population loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information (age data from growth rings) without removing or killing the fish. Instead of extracting the otolith from a dead fish, the system captures images of the growth rings through the living fish's scale using transparent imaging technology, obtaining the required data while leaving the fish intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light and transparent imaging as an intermediary to access the growth rings without direct contact or harm to the fish. The optical system penetrates the scale to capture images of the underlying otolith or scale rings, serving as a non-invasive mediator between the observer and the fish's internal structures.
3Loss of information
If manual scale removal and analysis is performed, then age information is obtained, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary capture of growth ring images during the fishing process itself, before any laboratory analysis is needed. The imaging device can quickly capture images of multiple fish in sequence, storing them for later automated analysis, thus eliminating the time-consuming manual preparation and examination steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the entire manual mechanical process of scale removal, mounting, and microscopic examination with an automated optical imaging and digital image processing system. The software automatically detects and counts growth rings in captured images, dramatically reducing the time and labor required compared to manual methods.
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 real-time age determination of fish with minimal impact, allowing for immediate management decisions and long-term population trend analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an imager configured and disposed to image patterns within the in situ fish scale
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a fish scale imaging device and method for in situ imaging fish scales and estimating an age of a fish. The imaging device is configured to image a fish scale in situ. The imaging device comprises a first extension configured and disposed to be placed under the in situ fish scale being imaged, a second extension extending proximate the first extension, and a gap space between the first extension and the second extension. The gap space is sufficient to receive the in situ fish scale and the imaging device has an imager configured and disposed to image patterns within the in situ fish scale.