Fish Weight Measurement via Acoustic-Visual Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods in aquaculture cannot accurately measure the weight of fish as they only provide measurements in two dimensions, lacking the necessary three-dimensional data required for precise weight estimation.
Innovation Solution
A target measuring apparatus and method that combines a transducer and a camera to measure the length, width, and height of a target, such as a fish, by transmitting a transmission wave and capturing images, allowing for the calculation of weight using a model linking these dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stereo camera technology is used to measure fish dimensions, then two-dimensional measurements (length and width or length and height) can be obtained, but accurate weight measurement cannot be achieved due to missing three-dimensional data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional stereo camera measurements to three-dimensional measurements by integrating acoustic sensor data. The acoustic sensor provides the missing dimension (height or depth) by measuring fish body dimensions through sound wave reflection, enabling complete 3D reconstruction of fish geometry for accurate weight estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines stereo camera technology with acoustic sensor technology into an integrated measurement system. The camera captures visual dimensions while the acoustic sensor measures body height and internal structure, merging both data sources to achieve comprehensive three-dimensional measurement and accurate weight calculation.
2Measurement precision
If echo sounding technology is used to measure fish length, then target strength data can be obtained, but accurate weight estimation cannot be achieved without complete three-dimensional measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges echo sounding technology with stereo camera technology. The acoustic sensor provides target strength data and body height measurements while the camera provides length and width measurements, combining both data streams to achieve complete three-dimensional measurement for accurate weight estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enhances one-dimensional acoustic length measurements by integrating camera-based two-dimensional visual measurements. This dimensionality enhancement provides the missing spatial information (width and height) needed to convert acoustic data into accurate three-dimensional weight estimates.
3Measurement precision
If conventional single-method measurement systems are used, then device complexity remains low, but measurement accuracy and reliability are insufficient for precise weight determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines camera and acoustic sensor systems into an integrated measurement apparatus with a unified control unit. This merging approach increases measurement accuracy through multi-dimensional data collection while managing complexity through coordinated system architecture and centralized data processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions: the camera captures visual dimensions, the acoustic sensor measures body height and internal structure, and the control unit processes all data for weight estimation. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement precision through diverse measurement modalities while the unified design manages system complexity.
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 accurate weight measurement of fish by synchronizing transducer and camera data to determine the target's dimensions, overcoming the limitations of two-dimensional measurements and providing a comprehensive three-dimensional assessment.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer (104) configured to transmit a transmission wave into water and configured to generate a reception signal based on a reflection wave of the transmission wave on a target (106)
Implementation Method 2
generate a reception signal based on a reflection wave of the transmission wave on a target
Implementation Method 3
a camera (102) configured to take a picture of the target
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein relates to a target measuring apparatus (100). The target measuring apparatus (100) includes a transducer (104) configured to transmit a transmission wave into water and configured to generate a reception signal (104a) based on a reflection wave of the transmission wave on a target (106); and a camera (102) configured to take a picture (102a) of the target (106), the camera (102) and the transducer (104) facing a first direction. The target measuring apparatus (100) further includes a target measuring system (200) coupled to the transducer (104) and the camera (102). The target measuring system (200) includes a first length measuring module (202) configured to measure a first length (106a) of the target (106) based on the reception signal, the first length (106a) being measured in a direction parallel with the first direction; a target distance measuring module (204) configured to measure a target distance (102b) between the camera (102) and the target (106) based on the reception signal (104a); a second and third length measuring module (206) configured to measure a second length (106b) and a third length (106c) of the target (106) based on the picture (102a) and the target distance (102b), the second length (106b) being measured in a second direction, the third length (106c) being measured in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction, the second and third directions forming a plane perpendicular to the first direction; and a weight measuring module (208) configured to measure a weight (106d) of the target based on the first length (106a), the second length (106b), and the third length (106c) of the target (106).