Automated Optical Parasite Detection for Salmon Lice Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating salmon lice infestations in farmed salmon, such as chemical treatments and mechanical removal, are costly, stressful for the fish, and prone to resistance, with the issue further complicated by the impact on wild salmon due to escaped farmed salmon, necessitating a chemical-free and cost-effective solution.
Innovation Solution
An automated optical recognition system using a camera and laser unit to identify and target parasites on fish within a controlled passage, allowing precise and gentle treatment without chemicals, utilizing a movable light source to kill or dislodge parasites based on real-time image analysis and fish movement tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical treatments are used to destroy salmon lice, then the parasites are effectively killed, but the fish are exposed to harmful chemicals and resistance develops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical treatment methods with a mechanical/physical system consisting of a water jet device and suction apparatus. The water jet dislodges parasites from fish skin while suction simultaneously removes them from the water, achieving parasite destruction without chemical exposure and preventing resistance development.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical system (water jet and suction apparatus) between the fish and the parasites. Instead of directly applying chemicals to kill parasites, the system uses water flow as a mediator to physically remove parasites through dislodgement and suction, eliminating harmful chemical exposure.
2Reliability
If mechanical removal of parasites is performed manually, then parasites are removed from fish, but the process is costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated system where fish pass through the treatment apparatus and the water jet/suction mechanism automatically detects and removes parasites without human intervention. The system self-regulates the water flow and suction to handle multiple fish continuously, dramatically increasing productivity compared to manual removal while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a continuous treatment process where fish move through the apparatus in sequence and the water jet and suction operate continuously rather than intermittently. This continuous action allows multiple fish to be treated simultaneously or in rapid succession, significantly improving throughput and reducing costs compared to discrete manual removal operations.
3Reliability
If mechanical treatment requires guiding fish from cages to treatment areas, then parasites can be removed, but fish experience undesired stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the parasite removal function from the traditional cage-based handling system. Instead of removing fish from their environment and transporting them to treatment areas, the treatment apparatus is positioned to work within or adjacent to the cage, allowing fish to remain in their natural habitat during treatment and minimizing stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses water flow as an intermediary medium to deliver treatment without requiring physical handling or transport of fish. The water jet and suction system operates through the water in which fish naturally swim, eliminating the need to guide or restrain fish and thereby reducing stress while maintaining parasite removal effectiveness.
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 an efficient, cost-effective, and stress-reduced method for treating fish infestations, effectively targeting parasites while minimizing the risk of resistance and environmental impact, effectively addressing the challenges of existing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a light source in the form of a laser unit (5) which via a flexible optical cable (6) can shoot light pulses from a light orifice (7)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Device for destroying parasites on fish, such as salmon lice on salmon in fish farms, comprising a camera (4) communicating with a controlling unit (51) which in turn communicates with a light source (5) adapted to fire pulses of point shaped light which is harmful for the parasite in question. The controlling unit (51) controls a system for optical recognition within a defined coordinate system and is arranged to detect points and to update in real time coordinates that exhibits contrast differences typical for parasites on a fish surface and to trigger a light pulse from the light source (5) when the coordinates for at detected point coincides with the coordinates for the aiming point of the light source.