Sea Lice Counting Light Unit with Spectral Peaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for counting sea lice on salmon in aquaculture are hindered by weather and environmental light conditions, leading to unreliable sea lice monitoring and reporting, as there is no regulation on light conditions during counting, resulting in large discrepancies in reported and actual sea lice numbers.
Innovation Solution
A light system with a specific spectral power distribution (SPD) characterized within the visible wavelength range of 380nm-780nm, featuring dominant wavelength peaks between 490-540nm and 620-660nm, is used to provide a stable and controlled light environment for improved observation of sea lice, utilizing LED light sources and a counting box with integrated light sensors to adjust and optimize light conditions for accurate counting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If counting is done in open environment without controlled light conditions, then operation flexibility is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to weather and environmental light variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable counting box as an intermediary environment between the open sea cage and the counting process. This box provides controlled lighting conditions (with specific spectral power distribution peaks at 490-540nm and 620-660nm) while maintaining portability and ease of use in the field, thus resolving the contradiction between operational flexibility and measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If standard white light is used for counting, then device complexity is minimized, but detection difficulty increases due to poor contrast between sea lice and fish skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral parameters of the lighting system by using LED sources with specific dominant wavelength peaks (490-540nm and 620-660nm) instead of standard white light. This parameter change optimizes the contrast between sea lice and fish skin, making detection easier while maintaining relatively simple device complexity through the use of LED technology.
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 light system enhances the reliability of sea lice counting by reducing dependency on weather conditions, providing optimal contrast and detectability, thereby improving the accuracy of sea lice monitoring and compliance with regulatory reporting requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the one or multiple light sources may be LED light sources
Implementation Method 2
Said SPD is characterized within the visible wavelength range, 380nm-780nm, with at least two dominant wavelength peaks, one in the range between 490-540 nm and one in the range between 620-660 nm
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
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AI summary
The present disclosure proposes an improved apparatus and method for counting of sea lice by providing a stable and controlled light environment which ensures counting of sea lice reliably and independent of weather conditions and an optimized spectral power distribution and intensity of the light for improved observation (detectability) of sea lice with respect to fish skin. An embodiment of the disclosed light system comprises multiple LEDs, at least two LEDs providing a light colour with peaks in the range 490- 540nm (Cyan/Green) respectively 620-660nm (Red).