Automated Fish Weighing Kiosk for Accurate Stock Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fish stock management techniques rely on self-reporting and manual log-keeping, leading to inaccurate data and a significant burden on fishermen, resulting in either underreporting or overreporting of fish catches, which can lead to inappropriate regulations.
Innovation Solution
A fishing kiosk system that weighs fish and transmits the data to a central database, using a touchscreen interface, cameras for image capture, and a scale connected to a processor and transmitter, reducing the need for manual reporting and providing accurate weight and number counts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If self-reporting and manual log-keeping techniques are used, then fishermen can report fish catches, but the data accuracy deteriorates due to underreporting or overreporting
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated weighing and data capture at the dock, eliminating the need for fishermen to manually report. The scale automatically records weight, the camera captures images, and the system transmits data electronically, allowing the system to serve itself rather than relying on human reporting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical reporting methods with an automated electronic system. The mechanical act of writing logs or verbally reporting is substituted by an automated scale, camera, and electronic transmission system that directly captures and sends data to managers.
2Quantity of substance
If manual log-keeping and survey techniques are used, then fish catch data can be collected, but the time burden on fishermen increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs data collection automatically without requiring fisherman involvement. The scale weighs fish automatically, the camera takes pictures, and the system transmits data electronically, freeing fishermen from time-consuming manual reporting tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs data capture and transmission immediately at the dock when fish are brought in, rather than requiring fishermen to later compile and submit logs. This preliminary automated action eliminates subsequent time burdens.
3Quantity of substance
If statistical formulations and estimation techniques are used, then fish stock management data can be derived, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to over-estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces statistical estimation methods with direct mechanical measurement. The scale provides actual weight measurements and the camera system counts fish, eliminating the need for statistical formulations and providing precise data without over-estimation.
Data Source
AI summary
A fish weight capture system accurately captures and records the number and weight of each fish caught by fishermen through a geographic area. The system uses a series of dispersed kiosks such that each kiosk weighs each fish processed by the kiosk and captures and image and other information about the fish. The data about each fish is recorded within the kiosk and is transmitted to a central computer and stored within a database. The data received from each kiosk allow a regulatory agency to determine the number and weight of each fish type taken and set appropriate rules and regulations based on this data.