Rotating Plate Imaging for Underwater Distance Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recognition technologies struggle to accurately estimate information about objects underwater due to the attenuation of light and difficulty in obtaining high-quality training data for machine learning models, particularly in fish farming applications.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a plate group and supporting member that includes rotating plates and a light source, allowing for the acquisition of reference information to estimate distances and improve training data quality for underwater object recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional image recognition technology is used for underwater object estimation, then the system is simple to implement, but the measurement precision of object information is poor due to light attenuation and lack of high-quality training data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing reference images of plates at known distances before actual fish counting. These reference images are used to create training data that models the relationship between image features and distance information. This preliminary data collection enables the machine learning model to accurately estimate object information in subsequent underwater images without requiring complex real-time measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing artificial plates with known positions and orientations as mediators between the imaging system and the underwater environment. These plates serve as calibration objects that provide reference information for distance estimation and feature recognition, bridging the gap between simple imaging and accurate measurement in the challenging underwater medium.
2Measurement precision
If machine learning models are trained without underwater reference data, then the training process is simple, but the model accuracy for underwater object recognition is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by systematically capturing reference images of plates at multiple known distances and orientations before actual fish counting operations. This preliminary data acquisition creates a comprehensive training dataset that captures the unique characteristics of underwater imaging, including light attenuation patterns and depth-related visual changes. The time invested in collecting this reference data enables significantly improved model accuracy for subsequent underwater object recognition tasks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed plates are used for imaging, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different underwater conditions and distances is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed plates with rotatable plates that can change their orientation and position. The plate group includes multiple plates that can rotate around rotation axes, allowing the system to adapt to different underwater conditions, distances, and viewing angles. This dynamic configuration enables the same imaging system to effectively capture images across a wide range of scenarios, from close-up to distant objects, by adjusting plate orientations accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality through a plate group design where multiple plates with different orientations and positions can serve multiple functions. The same plate group structure can capture reference information for various distances, provide calibration data for different depth ranges, and adapt to different imaging scenarios. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate calibration systems for different conditions, making the imaging system universally applicable to diverse underwater environments.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system equipped with a subject device includes a plate group constituted of multiple plates arranged at a position opposing a light source for imaging; and a supporting member that supports the plate group. The plate group is constituted of plates arranged in a planar manner, and includes at least one of a rotating plate that is a plate rotatable around one side as a rotation axis, and the supporting member axially supports one side corresponding to the rotation axis of the rotating plate.