Optical Fluorescence Parasite Detection and Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling external parasites in open aquaculture facilities are costly, environmentally unfriendly, and stressful for fish, with high false detection rates and inadequate parasite removal techniques, particularly for sea lice infestations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing optical fluorescence detection and high-intensity acoustic or optical radiation for precise localization and removal of parasites, allowing for continuous monitoring and treatment without physical contact or stress to the fish, using a constrained volume setup for efficient parasite identification and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pharmaceutical treatments are used to control parasites, then parasite removal effectiveness is improved, but environmental safety deteriorates and fish marketability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical pharmaceutical treatments with a physical system combining optical detection (fluorescence imaging) and mechanical removal (robotic arm with removal tool). This substitution eliminates environmental contamination and residue issues while maintaining effective parasite control through precise localization and targeted removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescence imaging as an intermediary detection mechanism that enables precise parasite localization without direct chemical contact. The optical system acts as a mediator between the fish and the removal mechanism, allowing non-invasive detection and targeted intervention only where parasites are present.
2Reliability
If cleaner fish are used to control parasites, then parasite removal is improved, but additional production costs increase and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces biological cleaner fish with an automated robotic system that uses optical detection and mechanical removal. This substitution eliminates the need for managing secondary livestock populations and their associated feeding, health monitoring, and operational requirements, while providing more predictable and controllable parasite removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service parasite control by automatically detecting and removing parasites without requiring manual intervention or management of cleaner fish populations. The automated robotic arm performs removal operations based on real-time optical detection, eliminating the need for human operators to manually handle or monitor cleaner fish.
3Measurement precision
If manual parasite inspection and removal is performed, then detection accuracy is improved, but labor costs increase and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated monitoring and removal operations that can process multiple fish sequentially without interruption. The robotic system maintains continuous operation once activated, eliminating the start-stop nature of manual inspection and providing sustained parasite control across the entire fish population.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses fluorescence imaging to create an optical copy or map of parasite locations on each fish, allowing precise identification and targeting without physical contact during detection. This optical copying enables accurate localization that matches or exceeds manual inspection accuracy while eliminating manual labor requirements.
4Reliability
If high-intensity radiation is used for parasite removal, then removal effectiveness is improved, but risk of fish injury increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies removal treatment locally and selectively only at the precise location where parasites are detected through fluorescence imaging. The robotic arm positions the removal tool to target individual parasites on specific fish, concentrating the intervention effect exactly where needed while leaving the rest of the fish and surrounding environment unaffected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical fluorescence imaging as an intermediary to precisely locate parasites before applying removal treatment. This intermediary detection step ensures that high-intensity radiation or mechanical removal is applied only to confirmed parasite locations, preventing accidental injury to healthy fish tissue through misdirected treatment.
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 provides reliable detection and removal of parasites, reducing stress on fish and operational costs, while maintaining a healthy aquaculture environment with continuous monitoring and low parasite numbers.
Implementation Method 1
The ectoparasite is illuminated by an optical radiation source with a spectrum selected to effectively excite one or more fluorescent structures in the ectoparasite
Implementation Method 2
The fish is inspected for a fluorescence signal indicating the presence of an ectoparasite by means of a detector
Implementation Method 3
The ectoparasite is damaged by means of high intensity acoustic or optical radiation
Implementation Method 4
The ectoparasite is damaged by means of high intensity acoustic or optical radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for monitoring and control of ectoparasites of fish based on optical fluorescence where a fish potentially infested with ectoparasites is optically illuminated using an optical excitation source (220) with spectral composition capable of exciting optical fluorescence in said ectoparasites. The optical fluorescence is detected using one or more optical detectors (223) together with appropriate spectral filters (222) arranged to detect substantially only the optical fluorescence from said one or more ectoparasites. The ectoparasites can be removal by use of directed acoustic or optical radiation.