AU2020396882A1 - System and method for controlling conveyance of aquaculture feeding systems - Google Patents

Abstract

According to one embodiment, a system for feeding aquaculture within an aquatic farming resource is described. The system includes one or more floatable aquaculture feeding system, each including a plurality of floatation devices. Each aquaculture feeding system is configured to dispense feed into the aquatic farming resource and to alter its positioning on the aquatic farming resource in response to signaling from a management console. The management console is configured to transmit management signals to the floatable aquaculture feeding system to control movement of the aquaculture feeding system where such movement may include altering its feeding area even during a current feeding event, returning to shore for feed restocking or maintenance, or general repositioning on the aquatic farming resource.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING CONVEYANCE OF AQUACULTURE

FEEDING SYSTEMS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority on U.S. Patent Application No. 62/942,672 filed December 2, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

[0002] One embodiment of the invention relates to an aquaculture feeding system that is configured for flotation along with an automated recall to reposition the aquaculture feeding system during a feeding event and/or return the aquaculture feeding system towards shore based on detection of a particular event or operational state.

GENERAL BACKGROUND

[0003] Feeders are currently used for commercial fishing and harvesting of fish and/or shrimp from commercial fishing/shrimp ponds. Details of the feeder are described in Patent Cooperative Treaty (PCT) application WO 2018/171989, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference. For this type of feeder, it is positioned in a stationary location in which a laborer would need to wade into the pond (or maneuver a boat) to the feeder in order to re-stock its feed tank or repair the feeder. These feeders are highly inefficient from a resource usage perspective.

[0004] For example, the restocking of the feed tank requires significant reliance on human labor, which may be prone to error or neglect when the feed tank is not restocked in a timely fashion. For some aquaculture, such as shrimp for example, significant disruption in feeding may cause death to a portion of the shrimp colony or the entire shrimp colony. Similarly, the repair of these stationary feeders are awkward and difficult to perform (from a boat or standing waist-deep in water). [0005] Besides the inefficiencies described above, conventional feeders cannot be repositioned during a feeding event to expand its normal coverage area. In particular, while a stationary feeder may be reinstalled in a different area of the shrimp ponds, such reinstallation of the feeder merely changes its coverage area and does not expand the coverage area. Also, such reinstallation cannot occur during a feeding event, namely when a disposition of feed (bio-mass) is in progress, because manual redeployment of the feeder is necessary. Lastly, conventional feeders are not equip to conduct such repositioning automatically in response to one or more detected events, in response to a predetermined change in the operating (system) state of the feeder, and/or in response to signaling from a management console, which is monitoring coverage of other feeders and determines that additional feed coverage may be needed for a certain feeder based on interrupted or inconsistent operability of another feeder that may be in needs or repair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

[0007] FIG. l is a first exemplary embodiment of an automated conveyance system featuring one or more aquaculture feeding systems.

[0008] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a first aquaculture feeding system deployed as part of the automated conveyance system of FIG. 1.

[0009] FIG 2B is a side view of a feed storage and dispensing unit installed on a second embodiment of an aquaculture feeding system deployed as part of the automated conveyance system of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3A is a first illustrative layout of the aquaculture feeding systems deployed within an aquatic farming resource and as part of the automated conveyance system of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3B is a second illustrative layout of the aquaculture feeding systems in a grid formation within an aquatic farming resource and as part of the automated conveyance system of FIG. 1

[0012] FIG. 3C is a third illustrative layout of the aquaculture feeding systems deployed as part of a pulley-based system along a connected looped interconnect and as part of the automated conveyance system of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3D is a fourth illustrative layout of the aquaculture feeding systems deployed within the aquatic farming resource and as part of the automated conveyance system of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4A is a first embodiment of a top, front and right side perspective of the first aquaculture feeding system of FIG. 2A including a positioning control system to provide for automated recall and/or repositioning within the aquatic farming resource. [0015] FIG. 4B is a more detailed view of the feed storage and dispensing unit of the first aquaculture feeding system of FIG. 4A.

[0016] FIG. 4C is an embodiment of the positioning control system mounted on the first aquaculture feeding system of FIG. 4A to provide for automated recall and/or repositioning within the aquatic farming resource.

[0017] FIG. 4D is a second embodiment of a top, front and right side perspective of the first aquaculture feeding system of FIG. 2B including the positioning control system.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a left side elevation view of the second embodiment of the aquaculture feeding system of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a second embodiment of the first aquaculture feeding system of FIG. 2 A including a positioning control system centrally located on the first aquaculture feeding system.

[0020] FIG. 6A is a more detailed illustration of a first embodiment of the positioning control system deployed within the aquaculture feeding system of FIG. 4A or FIG. 4D.

[0021] FIG. 6B is a more detailed illustration of a second embodiment of the positioning control system deployed within the aquaculture feeding system of FIG. 4A or FIG. 4D.

[0022] FIG. 6C is a more detailed illustration of a third embodiment of the positioning control system deployed within the aquaculture feeding system of FIG. 4A or FIG. 4D.

[0023] FIG. 7 is an exemplary embodiment of the management console configured to control the automated conveyance system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] One embodiment of the invention relates to an automated conveyance system configured to recall, return, and/or reposition one or more aquaculture feeding systems floating on an aquatic farming resource (e.g., fish pond, shrimp ponds, etc.). More specifically, according to this embodiment of the disclosure, each aquaculture feeding system may be configured with a positioning control system to control system movement within the aquatic farming resource and each aquaculture feeding system may be configured to operate in any of a plurality of operating modes, including operating modes that prompt movement of the aquaculture feeding system. These operating modes may include, but are not limited or restricted to a recall mode, a return mode, a repositioning mode, and a feed adjustment mode. During each of the operating modes, the positioning control system is responsible for controlling movement of the aquaculture feeding system.

[0025] In particular, as an illustrative example, when the aquaculture feeding system is placed into the recall mode, the positioning control system causes the aquaculture feeding system to move toward a termination point at or proximate to the shore, which may include positioning the aquaculture feeding system on land, at a location in shallow water less than two feet, or at a location adjacent to a dock from which components of the aquaculture feeding system can be accessed (generally referred to as the “shore”). Similarly, when the aquaculture feeding system is placed into the return mode, the positioning control system causes movement of the aquaculture feeding system from the termination point to return to its predetermined or new location within the aquatic farming resource.

[0026] When the aquaculture feeding system is placed into the repositioning mode, the positioning control system causes the aquaculture feeding system to adjust its positioning within the aquatic farming resource to concentrate feeding on a different area. This area may be closer to or further away from the shore. The repositioning mode may correspond to the aquaculture feeding system being placed into the recall mode or the return mode, but the operations curtailing before recall to the shore or return back to its prior feeding location.

[0027] Lastly, when the aquaculture feeding system is placed into the feed adjustment mode, which may occur prior to and during a feeding event (e.g., disposition of feed (bio-mass) is in progress), the positioning control system causes movement of the aquaculture feeding system to expand its normal feeding area. The amount (size) of increase to the feeding area may be a set, prescribed amount (e.g., control movement of the aquaculture feeding system during a feeding event to increase its coverage radius (r) thereby increasing the feeding area (by nr²) or the increased area amount (and its location) may be programmable based on signaling from a management console as described below. Alternatively, in lieu of moving the aquaculture feeding system, the feeding area may be altered by changing operability of certain components such as rotational speed of the feed spreader and/or amount of feed dispensed by the dispensing unit.

[0028] Herein, one example of the positioning control system may include, but is not limited or restricted to an automated winch configured to receive power from a power source (e.g., solar panel and power converters). The winch may include a collection of components protected by a waterproof housing such as a motor, a gear system, and a pair of tension wheel (or tension roller). Each of the tension wheels applies additional tension to an interconnect, which is suspended over the aquatic farming resource with the termination point on shore.

[0029] According to this embodiment of the disclosure, besides the automated winch, the positioning control system may further include a power source (e.g., solar panel), one or more sensors (hereinafter, “sensors”), and/or electronic circuitry and control software (e.g., processor, memory inclusive of the control software, and/or wireless transceiver) that receives power to control operations of the automated winch. The operations of the automated winch may be based the operating mode (recall, repositioning, feed adjustment) of the aquaculture feeding system, which may be set based on certain events and/or system state changes detected by the sensors. Herein, the power source may be positioned at a different location on the aquaculture feeding system than the automated winch while some or all of the electronic circuitry may be positioned outside of the housing including the automated winch (e.g., in a waterproof housing under the solar panel).

[0030] According to a first exemplary embodiment of the automated conveyance system, the automated winch of the positioning control system of an aquaculture feeding system may be activated and placed into a selected operating state in response to one or more detected events and/or in response to a predetermined change in the operating (system) state of the aquaculture feeding system. In particular, the automated winch may be placed into a first operating state in response to the aquaculture feeding system being placed into the recall mode. Herein, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the gear system causes the motor to rotate a member (e.g., a shaft, a cylindrical attachment positioned over or coupled to the shaft, etc.) in a first rotational direction along its axis (e.g., clockwise, “CW”) to recall the aquaculture feeding system. This rotation facilitates movement of the aquaculture feeding system, along the interconnect, towards the shore. Similarly, when the automated winch is placed in a second operating state in response to the aquaculture feeding system being placed into the return mode, the gear system causes the motor to rotate the cylindrical member in a second rotational direction along its axis (e.g., counter-clockwise, “CCW”) to reposition the aquaculture feeding system on the aquatic farming resource. This rotation facilitates movement of the aquaculture feeding system along the interconnect away from the shore.

[0031] Similarly, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the automated conveyance system, an automated winch deployed as part of an aquaculture feeding system may operate in different operating states, at different periods of time during a feeding event, to expand the feeding area of the aquaculture feeding system. Herein, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the gear system may cause the motor to rotate the member in CW and/or CCW direction(s) along the same interconnect or along different, connected interconnects with the automated winch transitioning to a different interconnects at a connection point to expand the feeding area provided by the aquaculture feeding system.

[0032] To maintain a sufficient amount of friction between the interconnect and a surface of the rotated member, a set of tension wheels may be positioned in contact with the interconnect. As described below, at least one tension wheel may be positioned on different sides (in front, in back) of the rotated member to augment an amount of tension applied to the interconnect to improve reliability in movement of the aquaculture feeding system. Herein, the interconnect may be a cable, rope, wire, or other type of connection material, where the rope may be integrated magnets for use in positioning or orientation of the aquaculture feeding systems, especially for pulley-based system with a connected loop interconnect as illustrated in FIG. 3C. [0033] Alternatively, in lieu of the automated winch or other mechanism that relies on the interconnect for movement and positioning of the aquaculture feeding system to/from shore, the positioning control system may be configured with a global positioning system that controls a motorized navigational system (e.g., outboard engine with a mechanism to control lateral positioning, etc.) to reposition the aquaculture feeding system to one or more specific latitudes/longitudes. For example, according to one embodiment, one of the specific latitudes/longitudes may be at a location on the shore to allow for restocking the feed into feed storage and dispensing unit of the aquaculture feeding system. Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the specific latitudes/longitudes may represent a specific placement within the aquatic farming resource that alters the location of the aquaculture feeding system or may represent a collection of different locations that are selected to expand the feeding area, through propelled movement of the aquaculture feeding system, beyond an area normally supported by the aquaculture feeding system when residing in a stationary position.

[0034] As in this and other embodiments of the aquaculture feeding system, the movement and positioning may be based, at least in part, on one or more detected events and/or a predetermined change of system state. More specifically, the automated conveyance system is configured to automatically recall, return and/or reposition an aquaculture feeding system in response to a sensor-based detection of a first type of event and/or a predetermined change in system state. As a result, in response to a sensor-based detection of the first type of event and/or system state change, one or more components associated with the positioning control system are activated to recall the aquaculture feeding system to return towards the shore. An example of a first type of event that warrants recall of the aquaculture feeding system to the shore may include, but is not limited or restricted to certain type or types of weather conditions (e.g., high-wind storms, severe lightning storms, inclement weather such as freezing temperatures or heavy rains, etc.), scheduled maintenance, system relocation, component or system replacement, or the like. An example of a system state change may include, but is not limited or restricted to a level of feed within a feed tank falling below a particular threshold, an actual mechanical and/or electrical failure, or a detected mechanical and/or electrical abnormality or operability below a prescribed (metric) threshold that may identify a potential mechanical and/or electrical failure of certain components deployed on the aquaculture feeding system. [0035] Similarly, the automated conveyance system may be configured to automatically return the aquaculture feeding system temporarily positioned at the shore back to a predetermined location in the aquatic farming resource in response to a sensor-based detection of a second type of event and/or another change in system state. An example of a second type of event may include, but is not limited or restricted to a system reset based on completion of the scheduled maintenance or repair of the actual or potential failure, or reset of the sensor. An example of a second system state change may include, but is not limited or restricted to a change in an amount of feed stored within a feed tank that now exceeds a second threshold representing a greater amount of feed than the first threshold.

[0036] Finally, the automated conveyance system may be configured to automatically reposition the aquaculture feeding system, where the repositioning may occur prior to or during a feeding event in response to a sensor-based detection or receipt of signaling from a neighboring aquaculture feeding system or the management console, as described below. An example of types of events that may trigger repositioning of the aquaculture feeding system during feeding may include, but is not limited or restricted to a measured characteristic associated with the aquatic farming resource that prompts increased feed distribution is needed (e.g., bio-mass concentration less than a prescribed threshold) or signaling from the management console (or the neighboring aquaculture feeding system) of a system state change detected for the neighboring aquaculture feeding system. This detected system state change may include some sort of needed maintenance, low feed level, or system relocation that will cause the neighboring aquaculture feeding system to go offline.

I. TERMINOLOGY

[0037] In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe features of the invention. In certain situations, the terms “component” and “unit” are representative of hardware, software or a combination thereof, which is configured to perform one or more functions. As hardware, the component (or unit) may represent a mechanical element (e.g., pontoon, support rod, etc.), an electrical-mechanical element (e.g., a lid automated to pivotally or slidably open/close, a powered winch to control lateral movement of the aquaculture feeding system, etc.), global positioning system (GPS), and/or circuitry that assists in controlling the positioning/repositioning of the aquaculture feeding system. Examples of such circuitry may include, but are not limited or restricted to a processor (e.g., microprocessor, a programmable gate array, a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit, etc.), non-transitory storage medium, a wireless receiver and/or transceiver, a power source, or the like.

[0038] Alternatively, or in combination with the hardware described above, the component (or unit) may be (or may include) software in the form of one or more software modules. The software module(s) may include an executable application, an application programming interface (API), a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an applet, a routine, source code, a shared library/dynamic load library, or one or more instructions. The software module(s) may be stored in any type of a suitable non-transitory storage medium, or transitory storage medium (e.g., electrical, optical, acoustical or other form of propagated signals such as carrier waves, infrared signals, or digital signals). Examples of non-transitory storage medium may include, but are not limited or restricted to a programmable circuit; a semiconductor memory; non- persistent storage such as volatile memory (e.g., any type of random access memory “RAM”); persistent storage such as non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory “ROM”, power- backed RAM, flash memory, phase-change memory, etc.), a solid-state drive, hard disk drive, an optical disc drive, or a portable memory device.

[0039] The term “message” generally refers to information in a prescribed format and transmitted in accordance with a suitable delivery protocol. Hence, each message may be in the form of a series of analog signals (over wired or wireless transmission medium), a series of bits having any prescribed format (e.g., one or more packets or frames) or any other signaling format. The term “transmission medium” may be construed as a physical or logical communication path between two or more electronic devices. For instance, as a physical communication path, wired and/or wireless communications in the form of electrical wiring, optical fiber, cable, bus trace, or a wireless channel using infrared, Bluetooth™, radio frequency (RF) or cellular technologies, may be used.

[0040] The term “interconnect” may include any type of medium that may be taunt during use and assists in the retrieval and return of an item to its intended location on an aquatic farming resource. The item may include an aquaculture feeding system as described herein. Examples of the interconnect may include, but are not limited or restricted to a collection of metal wires exposed or placed in a protective casing, a collection of nonmetallic material (e.g., a rope or cord), nonmetallic material embedded with magnetic material, or the like.

[0041] The character “(s)” denotes one or more of a particular element. For example, the term “event(s)” denotes one or more events as the terms “system(s),” “change(s)” and “state(s)” denote one or more systems, one or more changes, and one or more states, respectively. Hence, the phrase “change(s) in operating (system) state(s)” denotes one or more changes in one or more operating (system) states.

[0042] Finally, the terms “or” and “and/or” as used herein are to be interpreted as inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. As an example, “A, B or C” or “A, B and/or C” mean “any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C.” An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

[0043] As this invention is susceptible to embodiments of many different forms, it is intended that the present disclosure is to be considered as an example of the principles of the invention and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described.

IF EXEMPLARY CONVEYANCE SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, a first exemplary embodiment of an automated conveyance system 100 featuring one or more aquaculture feeding systems 110_I-110_N (N>1) is shown. Each aquaculture feeding systems 110i... or 110_N (e.g., aquaculture feeding system 110i_, where i=l... or N) may operate in accordance with a plurality of operating modes, where each of the operating modes designates movement of the aquaculture feeding system l lOi. These operating modes may include, but are not limited or restricted to a recall mode, a return mode, a repositioning mode, and a feed adjustment mode. As discussed below in more detail, in recall mode, the aquaculture feeding system 110i is moved toward a termination point at or proximate to the shore. In return mode, the aquaculture feeding system 110i is returned from the shore to its predetermined or new location within an aquatic farming resource 140 (e.g., fish pond, shrimp ponds, etc.). In repositioning mode, the aquaculture feeding system 110i is positioned within the aquatic farming resource 140 to a different area. This area may be closer to or further away from the shore. In feed adjustment mode, which may occur prior to and during a feeding event (e.g., disposition of feed (bio-mass) is in progress), the aquaculture feeding system 110i would expand its normal feeding area. The amount (size) of increase to the feeding area may be a set, prescribed amount (e.g., certain number of square meters, increase its coverage radius (r) thereby increasing the feeding area by nr², etc.) or the increased area amount (and its location) may be programmable based on signaling from a management console 150 as described below.

[0045] Herein, as shown in FIG. 1, the first aquaculture feeding system 110i is configured with a positioning control system 120 to bring the first aquaculture feeding system 110i to shore 130 as well as reposition the first aquaculture feeding system 110i within the aquatic farming resource 140. In general, each positioning control system, deployed as part of an aquaculture feeding system 110i, is configured to control movement for that aquaculture feeding system l lOi.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, for illustrative purposes, two different architectures of aquaculture feeding systems are shown, the first aquaculture feeding system 110i may be configured with the positioning control system 120 that relies on mechanical components to apply forces to pull the feeding system 110i toward shore 130 or reposition the feeding system 110i back into the aquatic farming resource 140. However, aquaculture feeding system 1 10N is configured with another version of the positioning control system 120, which controls movement of the aquaculture feeding system 11 ON based on one or more types of detected event(s) and/or predetermined change(s) in operating (system) state(s) of the aquaculture feeding system 110N. The event(s) or system state change(s) may be detected by local sensors positioned on the aquaculture feeding system 110N and/or signaling from the management console 150. In some cases, the signaling from the management console 150 may be based on metrics gathered from the local sensors.

[0047] Herein, for the aquaculture feeding system 11 ON architecture, the positioning control system 120 may include a power source 111 (e.g., solar panel), a global positioning system (GPS) unit 112, which controls a motorized navigational system 114 (e.g., outboard engine with a mechanism to control lateral positioning, etc.) to locate the aquaculture feeding system 11 O_N to a specific latitude/longitude. According to one embodiment, the specific latitude/longitude may be selected at the shore 130 to allow for replenishing of feed into its feed storage and dispensing unit 200 or conduct repairs to components of the aquaculture feeding system 11 O_N.

[0048] According to another embodiment, management signal(s) 155 may be transmitted from the management console 150, over a wired or wireless transmission medium, to alter the operating mode of the aquaculture feeding system 1 10N. For this embodiment, the management signal(s) 155 may include information that identifies the aquaculture feeding system (e.g., system identifier) and one or more specific latitude/longitudes, which may be received by the aquaculture feeding system 11 ON during a feeding event. In response to the management signal(s) 155, the motorized navigational system 114 of the positioning control system 120 may be activated and controlled (by the GPS unit 112) to expand the feeding area 116 supported by the aquaculture feeding system 110N. This may require periodic and/or repetitive adjustment of the location of the aquaculture feeding system 110N within the aquatic farming resource 140, such as movement of the aquaculture feeding system 11 ON in a circular or other shaped pattern of movement.

[0049] Although not shown, the GPS unit 112 deployed within the aquaculture feeding system 110N may include a wireless receiver or transceiver, a processor, a memory to maintain control software such as (i) a communication software module coded to interpret incoming wireless signals (e.g., the management signal(s) 155 from a management console 150), (ii) a diagnostic software module to conduct analytics of data received from sensors and/or messages from the management console 150, and/or (iii) a GPS software module to identify latitude/longitude for locations within and surrounding the aquatic farming resource 140. Herein, the communication software module and/or GPS software module are responsible for adjust operability of one or more components of the motorized navigational system 114 (e.g., motor speed, direction, etc.) so as to control movement of the aquaculture feeding system l 10N to remain at or move toward a targeted latitude/longitude. [0050] As further shown in FIG. 1, the positioning control system 120 of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i is configured to control movement of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i based on certain types of detected events and/or predetermined system state change(s). As described above, detection of the event(s) or system state change(s) may be accomplished locally (by sensors deployed on the first aquaculture feeding system 110i processed by the diagnostic software module) and/or remotely based on management signal(s) 155 (e.g., wireless messages) from the management console 150. Herein, the management console 150 may be configured to receive sensor readings and/or analytic results produced by the diagnostic software module from each of the aquaculture feeding systems 110_I-110_N along with information from other data sources (e.g., weather feeds, scheduling applications, etc.). Based on the sensor readings and/or analytic results, the management console 150 is further configured to transmit the management signal(s) 155 to the aquaculture feeding systems 110i-l 10_N in order to control their collective operations in efforts to produce a higher yield of aquaculture (e.g., greater shrimp yield).

[0051] More specifically, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the positioning control system 120 deployed on the first aquaculture feeding system 110i features a power source 121(e.g., solar panel, miniature wind turbine, etc.), data processing circuitry 122 (e.g., processor, non-transitory storage medium, control software including communication, GPS and/or diagnostic software modules), wireless receiver or transceiver 123, and/or a friction- based conveyance 124 inclusive of a winch 125 and a tension adjustment mechanism 126. The winch 125 corresponds to a collective unit including (i) a motor with a rotatable member and (ii) a gear system to adjust the operating state of the motor. The rotatable member is coupled to an interconnect 128 (e.g., rope, cable, wire, etc.) so that, when the motor is placed into a first operating state in response to the first aquaculture feeding system 110i being placed into recall mode, the first aquaculture feeding system 110i is moved toward the shore 130 (and perhaps a feed refilling station 135 or some sort of conveyance control unit located proximate to the refill station 135). Similarly, when the motor is placed into a second operating state in response to the first aquaculture feeding system 110i being placed into return mode, the first aquaculture feeding system 110i is moved away from the shore 130. In repositioning mode and/or feed adjustment mode, the motor may be placed into the first operating state and/or the second operating state given the desired repositioning location or expanded feed area (e.g., oblong shaped area).

[0052] As further shown in FIG. 1, the first aquaculture feeding system 110i floats on water 145 of the aquatic farming resource 140 and is coupled to a system retention component 160, such as a pole or static device to maintain a position of the first aquaculture feeding system l lOi. Any of the aquaculture feeding systems 110_I-110_N, including the first aquaculture feeding system 110i as discussed, may be moved and/or repositioned in response to detection of certain event(s) and/or system state change(s), which may be sensor-based as described below and/or based on the management signal(s) 155 from the management console 150.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the disclosure, as shown in FIG. 1, one or more sensors 170 positioned at different locations on an aquaculture feeding system 110i are configured to detect certain events or system state change that prompt activation of the motorized navigational system 114 (system 110_N) or the winch 125 (system 110i) to recall, return or adjust the positioning of the aquaculture feeding system 110i. For example, for the first aquaculture feeding system 110i, one of the sensors 170 may be positioned on the first aquaculture feeding system 110i to monitor environmental conditions (e.g., oxygen-level of the water 145, air or water temperature, barometric pressure, etc.). Another sensor 170 may be located within a feed storage and dispensing unit 200 of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i, which is coupled to a non-corrosive frame mounted on flotation devices (e.g., pontoons), to monitor the feed level maintained in the feed storage and dispensing unit 200. Another sensor 170 may be located proximate to power or input/output (I/O) interfaces to monitor operability of a component (e.g., solar panels, motor, wireless etc.) and the operating condition of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i.

[0054] An on-shore feed conveyor 180 may be activated as an aquaculture feeding system (e.g., the first aquaculture feeding system 110i) approaches the refill station 135 (or conveyance control unit proximate thereto) and halts movement to allow for replenishing of feed (bio-mass) within the feed storage and dispensing unit 200 of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i. The positioning of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i in relation to the feed conveyor 180 may be based on the location of the feeding system 110i along the interconnect 128 and/or wireless communications between the first aquaculture feeding system 110i and the management console 150 and/or refill station 135.

[0055] Herein, as an illustrative embodiment, the feed conveyor 180 of FIG. 1 may be a cylindrical conduit (e.g. a tube with an adaptive nozzle, etc.) for coupling to a feed intake port or another type of conduit (e.g., U-shaped channel, etc.) of the refill station 135 with an end positioned over the aquaculture feeding system having a lid 210 placed into an opened state to receive feed conveyed via the feed conveyor 180 into an interior of the feed storage and dispensing unit 200. The feed conveyor 180 may be static or partially rotational, based on detected location of the aquaculture feeding system by the refill station 135 (e.g., laser guided alignment, RF-guided alignment, optical-based alignment, acoustic-based alignment, or the like).

III. AQUACULTURE FEEDING SYSTEM - GENERAL EXEMPLARY ARCHITECTURE

[0056] As shown in FIG. 2A, the first aquaculture feeding system 110i may be adapted with a motorized lid 210 covering an opening for the feed storage and dispensing unit 200. The lid 210 may be controlled by the on-board motor, to open the lid 210 at a specified location during transport or at a specified time based on the last known position. As shown, the motorized lid 210 may occupy a portion of a top surface of the feed storage and dispensing unit 200 so that, when the lid 210 is opened and positioned under the feed conveyor 180 (e.g., a feed silo), the feed conveyor 180 releases a specified or calibrated amount of feed through an opening 205 in the feed storage and dispensing unit 200. A feed tube 220 for the feed conveyor 180 may be oriented vertically above (and aligned with) the opening 205, where the feed conveyor 180 (e.g., feed silo, conveyor belt, etc.) relies on gravity to release a specified or calibrated amount of feed into the feed storage and dispensing unit 200. Herein, the feed conveyor 180 includes a cylindrical conduit that is coupling to a feed intake port positioned at the opening 205 (e.g. conduit with an adaptive nozzle, etc.) or another type of conduit (e.g., U- shaped conduit, etc.) with an open end positioned above the opening 205 of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i with the lid 210 placed into an opened state. Alternatively, the feed conveyor 180 may be adjusted (raised/lowered) so that the feed tube 220 associated with the feed conveyor 180 may provide the feed from an elevated position.

[0057] As an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the lid 210 may be opened through mechanical means. For instance, the lid 210 may be configured with certain groves 240 in the lid 210, which may be angled in such a way when an angular stationary object 250 on the refill station 135 or the feed conveyor 180 is inserted into and pushed inwardly to cause the lid 210 to open. Regardless of the lid opening mechanism, the alignment between the feed tube 220 and the opening 205 can be enhanced using GPS location and/or a supplemental alignment system such as a laser guided system or RF-guided system.

[0058] Referring back to FIG. 1, each of the aquaculture feeding systems 110i-l 10N, including the first aquaculture feeding system 110i, may be configured to adjust its positioning in response to a detection of certain types of event(s) and/or system state changes. As a result, in response to local (sensor-based) or remote (signaling from the management console 150) detection of a first type of event and/or certain system state change, the first aquaculture feeding system 110i is placed into a recall mode in which the positioning control system 120 is activated to cause the first aquaculture feeding system 110i to move towards shore. An example of a first type of event that warrants movement of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i to the shore 130 may include, but is not limited or restricted to certain types of weather conditions (e.g., high-wind storms, severe lightning storms and/or inclement weather), scheduled maintenance, system relocation, component or system replacement, or the like. An example of a first type of system state change that warrants movement of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i to the shore 130 may include, but is not limited or restricted to a level of feed within the feed storage and dispensing unit 200 falling below a particular threshold, an actual mechanical and/or electrical failure, or a detected mechanical and/or electrical abnormality or operability below a prescribed (metric) threshold that may identify a potential mechanical and/or electrical failure of certain components deployed on the aquaculture feeding system (e.g., feed dispenser unit, the feed tank, power source, etc.). [0059] Similarly, the automated conveyance system 100 may be configured to place the first aquaculture feeding system 110i into the return mode, causing automatic return of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i back to a prescribed location within the aquatic farming resource 140, in response to detection of a second type of event and/or system state change. An example of a second type of event may include, but is not limited or restricted to a physical or software-based reset based on completion of the scheduled maintenance or repair of the actual or potential failure, or physical or software-based reset of the sensor. An example of a second type of system state change may include, but is not limited or restricted to the return of a measured amount of feed within the feed storage and dispensing unit 200 to exceed a second threshold, where the second threshold represents a greater amount of feed than the first threshold, a monitored power level exceeding a prescribed voltage or amperage, a monitored detected signal strength by a wireless transceiver, or the like

[0060] Other illustrative perspectives of operations conducted by an aquaculture feeding system l lOi deployed as part of the automated conveyance system 100 may include, but are not limited or restricted to the following:

(1) Move the aquaculture feeding system l lOi towards the shore for re stocking feed.

(2) Move the aquaculture feeding system 1 lOi towards the shore based on a maintenance event, based on an alarm sent to the management console 150 over wireless communications (e.g., stuck motor, component malfunction, etc.).

(3) Move the aquaculture feeding system l lOi to the shore based on a weather event detected by one of the sensors 170, such high winds which can risk and tip-over of the aquaculture feeding system 110i.

(4) Move the aquaculture feeding system l lOi to the shore based on scheduled maintenance event (e.g., cleaning of the solar panel 111/121).

5) Move the aquaculture feeding system 110i to the shore based on the need to change the feed type, based on the lifecycle and needs of the bio-mass.

(6) Move the aquaculture feeding system l lOi to the shore based on a signaling commands from the management console 150 during harvest which requires the aquaculture feeding systems 110i-l 10N to be on-shore. (7) Move the aquaculture feeding system 110i into a new position in the aquatic farming resource based on operators desire to vary the locations of the aquaculture feeding systems 1 10I-1 10N.

(8) Move the aquaculture feeding system 110i into a new position in the aquatic farming resource 140 based on additional aquaculture feeding systems being added and all of the aquaculture feeding systems 110i-l 10N need a minimum distance between each other.

(9) Move the aquaculture feeding system 110i into a new position in the aquatic farming resource 140 based on the radius of feed delivery, where the delivery distance may change as the type of feed changes. The operator puts parameters into software operating on the management console 150 for distance calculation.

IV. AQUATIC FARMING RESOURCE - EXEMPLARY AUTOMATED

CONVEYANCE SYSTEM LAYOUTS

[0061] Referring now to FIG. 3A, a first illustrative layout of the aquaculture feeding systems 110_I-110_N deployed within the aquatic farming resource 140 and as part of the automated conveyance system 100 of FIG. 1 is shown. Herein, the automated conveyance system 100 supporting the aquatic farming resource 140 may be organized into a collection of multiple interconnects 300, where the first aquaculture feeding system 110i is coupled to a first interconnect 310i (i.e., interconnect 128 of FIG. 1). As shown, each of the aquaculture feeding systems 110i-l 10_N is coupled to a dedicated interconnect 310i-310_N terminating proximate to the feed conveyor 180 located on the shore 130. It is contemplated that the feed conveyor 180 is centralized as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0062] Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, a second illustrative layout of the aquaculture feeding systems 110_I-110_N within the aquatic farming resource 140 and as part of the automated conveyance system 100 of FIG. 1 is shown. Herein, the automated conveyance system 100 supporting the aquatic farming resource 140 may be organized in a grid formation with different subsets of the aquaculture feeding systems 110i-l 10_N (e.g., a first subset 320 of aquaculture feeding systems 110i-l 10i (l<i<N) and a second subset 330 of aquaculture feeding systems HO_I+I-I ION) may be handled by different feed conveyors/refill stations 340/342 positioned at different locations on the shore 130 of the aquatic farming resource 140. [0063] Although not shown in detail, it is contemplated that multiple aquaculture feeding systems may be coupled to the same interconnect in which movement of one aquaculture feeding system may necessitate movement of another aquaculture feeding system. More specifically, the automated conveyance system 100 for the aquatic farming resource (farming pond) may be oriented with a matrix of interconnects (ropes, cables) to allow for positioning of the aquaculture feeding systems in accordance with different directions besides toward or away the shore. Additionally, or in the alternative, each of the aquaculture feeding systems 110i-l lO_Nmay include a wireless receiver or transceiver that is configured to receive a recall message from the management control 150, which activates and controls the motorized navigational system 114 (see FIG. 1) associated with a targeted aquaculture feeding system to return to shore.

[0064] As yet another alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3C, it is contemplated that the automated conveyance system 100 supporting the aquatic farming resource 140 may be organized in accordance with each of the aquaculture feeding systems 110i-l 10N relying on a pulley-based system with movement along a connected looped interconnect 350. In particular, the aquaculture feeding systems 110i-l 10_ό are connected to the looped interconnect 350 where movement of each of the aquaculture feeding systems HOi-110₆ may be controlled by its automated witch installed thereon. The winch is configured as a pulley-based mechanism that allows for ordered movement of the aquaculture feeding systems 110i-l 10₆ in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction along the looped interconnect 350. At a predetermined location 360, one of the aquaculture feeding systems 110_I-110_N is positioned adjacent to the refill station 135 (and shore 130) in which additional feed can be delivered, the maneuvered aquaculture feeding system can be serviced, or the aquaculture feeding system may be removed for further maintenance (and potentially substituted with another aquaculture feeding system).

[0065] Alternatively, in lieu of a single looped interconnect 350, it is contemplated that the automated conveyance system 100 may feature subsets of aquaculture feeding systems as shown in FIG. 3B. However, instead of dedicated interconnects, the first subset of the aquaculture feeding systems 320 would be connected to a first looped interconnect while the second subset of aquaculture feeding systems 330 would be connected to a second looped interconnect_. Both the first looped interconnect and the second looped interconnect would be directed to different feed conveyors/refill systems 340/342 positioned at different locations on the shore 130 as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0066] Referring now to FIG. 3D, a fourth illustrative layout of the aquaculture feeding systems I IOi-I IO_ό deployed within the aquatic farming resource 140 and as part of the automated conveyance system 100 of FIG. 1 is shown. Herein, the automated conveyance system 100 supporting the aquatic farming resource 140 may include the aquaculture feeding systems 110i-l 10_ό organized to provide feed to aquaculture located in feeding areas 370_I-370₆, respectively. Based on certain detected events and/or system state change, some or all of the aquaculture feeding systems HOi-110₆ may be receive management signal(s) 155 by the management console 150 to place these systems into feed adjustment mode to expand or reduce its feeding area, where the management signal(s) 155 may be provided and acted upon while a targeted aquaculture feeding system is conducting a feeding event (i.e., dispensing feed). As an illustrative example, each of the feeding areas 370i, 370₃ and 370s associated with the aquaculture feeding systems 110i, 1 IO3 and 1 IO5 is expanded to cover a portion of the feeding area 370₂ and 370₄ handled by the aquaculture feeding systems 1 IO4. These increased feeding areas 370i, 370₃ and 370s may occur to ensure that a sufficient amount of feed is provided to the feeding areas 370₂ and 370₄ (e.g., when the aquaculture feeding system l lOi and/or I IO4 may not be operating properly as represented by a reduced feeding area or is being placed into recall or repositioning mode) or when one of the feeding areas 370₆ is ripe for increased aquaculture yield if more feed is provided.

V. AQUACULTURE FEEDING SYSTEM - DETAILED EXEMPLARY ARCHITECTURES

[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B, a top, front and right side perspective view of the first aquaculture feeding system l lOi of FIG. 2A along with a detailed illustration of the feed storage and dispensing unit 200 is shown. The first aquaculture feeding system 1 lOi features the feed storage and dispensing unit 200, a first plurality of floats (hereinafter referred to as “first flotation devices”) 400i-400₂, a frame 410 for coupling the feed storage and dispensing unit 200 to the first flotation devices 400_I-400₂, and the positioning control system 120 coupled to various portions of the first aquaculture feeding system l lOi (e.g., feed storage and dispensing unit 200, frame 410 and/or at least one of the first flotation devices such as the first flotation device 400i).

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4B, the feed storage and dispensing unit 200 includes a storage unit 420 to maintain feed and a dispensing unit 430 to dispense feed at scheduled times and in accordance with a prescribed distribution rate. In particular, the storage unit 420 may be configured to operate as a storage container, which may be segmented into an upper feed compartment 421 and a lower feed compartment 425. As shown, the first aquaculture feeding system 110i is adapted to be loaded with feed in the upper feed compartment 421 by opening the lid 210 and exposing the opening 205 in a top wall 422 of the upper feed compartment 421. The loading of feed into the first aquaculture feeding system 110i may be performed by orientation of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i on shore so that feed from the feed conveyor 180 (see FIG. 2A) passes through the opening 205. A sensor 435 may be deployed within an inner wall 423 of the upper feed compartment 421 to measure an amount of feed currently available within the storage unit 420.

[0069] Feed is transferred from the upper feed compartment 421 to the lower feed compartment 425 by a disc motor (not shown), positioned within the feed storage and dispensing unit 200, based on alignment of apertures formed a disc rotated by the disc motor to channels providing openings for feed to enter into the lower feed compartment 425 from the upper feed compartment 421. As feed (bio-mass) is released into the aquatic farming resource 140 from a feed outlet 426 of the lower feed compartment 425, a sensor 437 directed to feed levels may be positioned on an inner sidewall 427 of the lower feed compartment in addition to or alternatively to the sensor 435.

[0070] Thereafter, a spreader motor (not shown) is adapted to rotate a shaft to which a feed spreader 428 may be coupled. The feed spreader 428 may be a plate or other member arranged beneath the feed outlet 426 to receive feed from the lower feed compartment 425. Stated differently, a spreader shaft (not shown) extends between and is connected to the spreader motor and to the feed spreader 428, which may be oriented to rotate about a generally vertical axis to propel feed into areas surrounding the aquaculture feeding system 110i. The rotation speed of (and/or volume of feed received by) the feed spreader 428 may be programmable to increase or decrease the coverage area of the feed (e.g., change rotational speed of the spreader motor, change concentration of feed).

[0071] Referring back to FIG. 4A, as shown, the frame 410 of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i features (i) a first support member 440 coupled to the first flotation devices 400_I-400₂, (ii) at least a pair of support rods 450 and 452 coupled to the first support member 440, (iii) a second support member 445 oriented substantially in parallel with the first support member 440 and coupled to the first flotation devices 400_I-400₂, and (iv) at least a third support rod 454 coupled to the second support member 445. The support members 440 and 445 may include reinforcement members 456 and 458 to provide rigidity to sustain the feed storage and dispensing unit 200. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the positioning control system 120 of FIGS. 1-2A may be coupled to a portion of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i, such as the frame 410, a top surface of at least one of the first flotation devices 400_I-400₂, and/or a sidewall of the feed storage and dispensing unit 200.

[0072] Herein, the first flotation devices 400_I-400₂ are pontoons that are oriented substantially in parallel to each other. Each of the first flotation devices 400_I-400₂ are configured to receive different ends 441/442 of the first support member 450 and different ends 446/447 of the second support member 455, where these ends 441/442 and 446/447 may reside within elongated channels 402/403/404/405 positioned on top surfaces 406-407 of the first flotation devices 400_I-400₂, respectively.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4C, the first aquaculture feeding system 110i features the positioning control system 120, which includes the power source (e.g., solar panel and power converters) 121, the data processing circuitry 122 (e.g., processor, non-transitory storage medium, control software including diagnostic software module(s), communication software module(s) and/or GPS software module(s)), the wireless receiver or transceiver 123, and a friction-based conveyance 124, all partially or entirely maintained within a housing 460. The friction-based conveyance 124 comprises a motor 461 with rotating member, a gear system 462, and a pair of tension wheels (or rollers) 463-464. Each of the tension wheels 463-464 applies additional tension to the interconnect 128, which is suspended over the aquatic farming resource 140 and terminates at the shore as shown in FIG. 1. [0074] Herein, according to an exemplary embodiment, the positioning control system 120 of first aquaculture feeding system 110i may be activated and placed into a selected operating state in response to detected event(s) and/or detected system state change(s) by the first aquaculture feeding system l lOi. In particular, when the positioning control system 120 is placed in a first operating state, the gear system 462 causes the motor 461 to rotate a member 465 (e.g., a shaft, a cylindrical attachment positioned over or coupled to the shaft, etc.) in a first rotational direction along its axis A (e.g., clockwise, “CW”). This rotation facilitates movement of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i along the interconnect 128 towards the shore for this deployment. Similarly, when the positioning control system 120 is placed in a second operating state, the gear system 462 causes the motor 461 to rotate the member 465 in a second rotational direction along its axis A (e.g., counter-clockwise, “CCW”). This rotation facilitates movement of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i along the interconnect 128 away from shore. It is contemplated that, by rotating the first aquaculture feeding system 110i by 180 degrees, the CCW rotation of the member 465 would be directed to a recall of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i while a CW rotation of the member would be directed to a repositioning of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i.

[0075] As described above, to maintain a sufficient amount of friction between the interconnect 128 and a surface of the rotatable member 465, the set of tension wheels 463-464 may be positioned in contact with the interconnect 128. As shown in FIG. 4C, the tension wheels 463 and 464 may be positioned on different sides (in front, in back) of the rotatable member 465 to augment an amount of tension applied to the interconnect 128 from the rotatable member 465. Springs 466 or other tension applicable mechanisms, attached to the first flotation device 400i, a portion of the frame 410 (as shown) or other components of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i, may be used to ensure contact of the rollers 463 and 464 to the interconnect 128. Herein, the interconnect 128 may be a rope, where the rope may include integrated magnets or a knot for use in positioning the first aquaculture feeding system 110i on shore or the rope may be arranged as a connected loop for use in a pulley-based system. [0076] Herein, although not shown, in accordance with another exemplary automated conveyance system relying on the interconnect 128 for positioning is described below. When the automated winch 125 of the positioning control system 120 is activated and placed into a first operating state, the dual motors may be provided to rotate a pair of (shaft) members, namely a first cylindrical member and a second cylindrical member. The first cylindrical member may be rotated in the first (CW) direction along its axis while the second cylindrical member may be rotated in the second (CCW) direction along its axis. Collectively, these cylindrical members cause sufficient tension to allow for movement of the aquaculture feeding system along the interconnect towards the shore. Additionally, when activated and placed into a second operating state, a first motor may be configured to rotate the first cylindrical member along its axis in the second (CCW) direction of rotation while the second motor may be configured to rotate the second cylindrical member along its axis in the first (CW) direction of rotation to allow for movement of the aquaculture feeding system to its intended location on the aquatic farming resource (and away from the shore).

[0077] Alternatively, in lieu of the winch or other mechanism that relies on the interconnect 128 for movement and positioning of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i to/from shore, the positioning control system 120 may be configured with the power source (e.g., solar panel and power converters) 121 along with the GPS unit 112 and the motorized navigational system 114, as described above. The GPS unit 112 may include the data circuitry 122 (e.g., a processor and a storage medium to maintain the control software including communication software module(s), diagnostic software module(s) and/or GPS software module(s)) and the wireless receiver or transceiver 123 of FIG. 4B. As in this and other embodiments of the aquaculture feeding system, the movement and positioning may be based, at least in part, on one or more detected event(s) and/or its system state change(s).

[0078] More specifically, the automated conveyance system is configured to automatically reposition any of the aquaculture feeding system(s), such as the first aquaculture feeding system 110i for example, in response to a first type of event and/or a certain type of system state change. Similarly, the automated conveyance system may be configured to automatically return the first aquaculture feeding system 110i away from the shore and into the aquatic farming resource in response to detection of a second type of event and/or operational state. The detection may be based on a local determination (sensor-based detection) or remote determination (detection by software installed at the management console 150, as described above.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 4D, a second exemplary embodiment of a top, front and right side perspective of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i is shown. The first aquaculture feeding system 110i features the feed storage and dispensing unit 200 (as described above) along with a second version of flotation devices (hereinafter referred to as “second flotation devices”) 470_I-470₂, a frame 480 of a different construction that includes a plurality of cantilevers 485-486 for coupling the feed storage and dispensing unit 200 to the second flotation devices 470_I-470₂. As described above, the feed storage and dispensing unit 200 includes the storage unit 420 to maintain feed and the dispensing unit 430 to dispense feed at scheduled times and in accordance with a prescribed distribution rate, as described above.

[0080] The first aquaculture feeding system 110i further features a first support (e.g., cantilever) 485 positioned between a first pair of support rods 490 and 492 and a second support (e.g., cantilever) 486 is positioned between a second pair of support rods 491 and 493. The supports 485-486 provide rigidity to the support rod pairs 490/492 and 491/493 to sustain the feed storage and dispensing unit 200. Additionally, the first aquaculture feeding system 110i features a third support (e.g., rod) 487 positioned between a first and second support rods 490 and 491 and a fourth support (e.g., rod) 488 is positioned between a third and fourth support rods 492 and 493. The supports 485-488 provide rigidity to the support rod pairs 490/492, 491/493, 490/491 and 492/493 to sustain the feed storage and dispensing unit 200.

[0081] Herein, the second flotation devices 470_I-470₂ are pontoons that are oriented substantially in parallel to each other with cutout portions 475_I-475₂ and channels 476_I-476₄ to receive the support rods 490-493. The second flotation devices 470_I-470₂ are configured to receive the plurality of support rods 490-493 recessed within the channels 476_I-476₄ and first support rod 490 is oriented on an opposite side of the feed storage and dispensing unit 200 and oriented in a direction that is approximately ninety (90) degrees to (or an acute or obtuse angle from) the fourth support rod 493. Similarly, the second support rod 491 is oriented on an opposite side of the feed storage and dispensing unit 200 and in a direction that is approximately ninety (90) degrees to (or an acute or obtuse angle from) the third support rod 492.

[0082] Herein, the positioning control system 120 may be partially deployed and fastened to the cutout portion 475i for further coupling to the second frame 480. For instance, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the positioning control system 120 may be partially positioned on one of the supports 485...or 488, on any sidewall of the feed storage and dispensing unit 200. The positioning control system 120 would include the components illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C (e.g., power source, motor, gear system, and tension wheels) and operate in a similar manner.

[0083] Referring now to FIG. 5, a front elevation of the first embodiment of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i of FIG. 4A with relocation of the positioning control system 120 is shown. As described above, the upper feed compartment 421 of the storage unit 420 forming a portion of the feed storage and dispensing unit 200 is illustrated as a cylindrical container with an angular sidewall 510 toward the dispensing unit 430, which is responsible for dispensing feed maintained in the storage unit 420. As previously shown and described, the storage unit 420 may include the lid 210, which may be pivotally coupled to the top surface (wall) 422 of the storage unit 420 to open and close the lid 210. The opening of the lid 210 enables access to an interior area of the upper feed compartment 421 of the storage unit 420 to replenish feed to be dispensed by the dispensing unit 430 into the aquatic farming resource 140 for maintenance of aquaculture involving commercial fishing or shrimping ponds. The lid 210 may be opened/closed through a motor (not shown) that is adapted to open the lid 210 in response to detection of an event (e.g., wireless signal such as Bluetooth™ or WiFi™ signals from a remote management console or the positioning control system 120 deployed as part of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i; mechanical or sensor-based trigger in which the lid 210 is opened/closed in response to a condition (e.g., sensor on one or more of the first flotation device 400_I-400₂ detects water less than a prescribed depth or proximity to land; rotatable member of the automated winch 125 operating as part of the positioning control system 120 engaging with a notch or other indicia associated with interconnect 128 pulling the aquaculture feeding system 100 to shore that prompts the opening or closing of the lid 210, etc.).

[0084] Herein, the positioning control system 120 may be centrally located on the first aquaculture feeding system l lOi. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, the positioning control system 120 may reside on a base support 500 of the frame 410 of the first aquaculture feeding system l lOi. Herein, the base support 500 include a first set of support members 520 and 530, which are spaced to maintain the housing 460 of the positioning control system 120. The location of the positioning control system 120 is selected to avoid interference with the opening of the lid 210 or spreading of the feed by the dispensing unit 430. The base support 500 is positioned adjacent and generally planar with (i) the first support member 440, (ii) the second support member 445, and (iii) the reinforcement members 456 and 458.

[0085] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6C, exemplary embodiments of components of the positioning control system 120 that are provided to control movement of an aquaculture feeding system is shown. As shown in FIG. 6A, the automated conveyance system 600 may be configured with one or more aquaculture feeding systems, such as the first aquaculture feeding system 110i installed with the positioning control system inclusive of the autonomous GPS unit 112 and the motorized navigational system 114 (e.g., outboard engine with a mechanism to control lateral positioning, etc.) to position the aquaculture feeding system to specific latitude and longitude for feeding and refilling by the feed conveyor 180. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6B, the first aquaculture feeding system l lOi may be configured with the positioning control system 120 including a stepper motor 610 that can be adjusted to calibrate its movement toward shore and its repositioning. Herein, the positioning control system 120 further includes the tension wheels 463 and 464, as described above, to provide tension to move the feeder along a single rope 128.

[0086] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6C, the first aquaculture feeding system 110i may be configured with the positioning control system 120 including a standard motor 620 that utilizes two or more tension wheels 463 and 464 as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B. However, magnets 630 may be integrated into the interconnect 128 in which a magnetic sensor 640 may be positioned to collect data from the magnets 630 based on movement of the interconnect 128 during recall and/or repositioning of the first aquaculture feeding system 110i. For example, the magnetic sensor 640 may count the number of magnets to determine the distance traveled by the first aquaculture feeding system l lOi. Based on this information, software installed on the first aquaculture feeding system 110i may determine the proximity (distance) to the feed conveyor 180. Alternatively, the magnetic sensor 640 may detect a magnet that identifies a shutdown and other activity to orient the first aquaculture feeding system 110i to perform the necessary activity (e.g., maintenance, replenish feed, etc.). Another magnet may be positioned on that particular interconnect to identify that the first aquaculture feeding system 110i has reached its assigned position.

VI MANAGEMENT CONSOLE - GENERAL ARCHITECTURE

[0087] Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary embodiment of the management console 150 configured to control the automated conveyance system 100 of FIG. 1 is shown. The management console 150 is configured to receive signaling (e.g., wired or wireless signals) from one or more aquaculture feeding systems I IOi-I IO_ό situated within the aquatic farming resource 140. In particular, the management console 150 may render an image 700 of the automated conveyance system, including display elements 710_I-710₆ representing the deployed aquaculture feeding systems 110i-l 10₆. The arrangement of the aquaculture feeding systems 110i-l 10_ό may be captured in the image 700. Upon selection of a particular display element (e.g., 710₆), the management console 150 may generate further display(s) 720 that provide operating state information 730 associated with the aquaculture feeding system associated with the selected display element. Some of the state information 730 may be gathered from sensors deployed on the aquaculture feeding system (e.g., aquaculture feeding system I IO_ό).

[0088] The state information may be used by the management console 150 to identify whether a particular aquaculture feeding system is in a first (normal) operating state or a second operating state. In the first operating state, an aquaculture feeding system (e.g., aquaculture feeding systems I IO_ό) does not require any immediate attention by services or personnel located on the shore. In the second operating state, however, the aquaculture feeding systems 110₆ has provided state information to the management console 150, which causes the management console 150 to (a) generate an alert to prompt an operator to manually recall the aquaculture feeding system 110₆ (e.g., manual selection of a display element that causes transmission of management signal(s) to place the aquaculture feeding systems 110₆ into recall mode) or (b) automatically generate and issue the management (recall) signal to the aquaculture feeding systems 110₆ causing its return to shore. The state information associated with a second operating state may include (i) state information that identifies system maintenance is required, (ii) information that identifies a component of the aquaculture feeding systems 110₆ requires maintenance, (iii) information that identifies a low feed level, and/or (iv) information associated with other conditions where recall of the aquaculture feeding systems 110₆ is needed.

[0089] Additionally, the management console 150 may be used to alter the feeding area within the aquatic farming resource 140 supported by any of the aquaculture feeding systems 110i-l 10N. In particular, the management console 150 may be configured to generate and transmit management signals that, upon receipt by targeted aquaculture feeding systems (e.g., the aquaculture feeding systems 1 lC ) to enlarge or reduce its feeding area. This may be accomplished by altering (e.g., periodic or continuous) the positioning of the aquaculture feeding systems 110₆, altering operation of components of the aquaculture feeding systems 110₆ to increase coverage area (e.g., increased or decreasing a rotational rate of the feed spreader, or the like. The change in feeding area may be calculated by the management console 150 to ensure appropriate coverage of the aquatic farming resource 140, where the feeding areas of one or more of the aquaculture feeding systems 1 10I-1 10N are changed concurrently.

[0090] In summary, the aquaculture feeding system 100 may be configured with a motorized lid, controlled by an on-board motor, to open to receive feed. The motorized lid may occupy a portion of a top surface of the feed storage and dispensing unit. Other illustrative perspectives may include, but are not limited or restricted to the following, summarized below.

[0091] An exemplary embodiment of a management console (system) configured to control the automated conveyance system. The management console is configured to receive signaling (e.g., wired or wireless signals) from one or more aquaculture feeding systems situated within the aquatic farming resource (farming pond). The management console is further configured to generate one or more displays that identify a state of the aquaculture feeding system(s). For example, the signaling may provide information associated with a current operating state(s) of the aquaculture feeding system(s). This state information may be used, by the management console, to identify whether a particular aquaculture feeding system is in a first (normal) operating state or a second (abnormal/recall) operating state. In the first operating state, the aquaculture feeding system does not require any immediate attention by services or personnel located onshore. In the second operating state, the aquaculture feeding system provides control information to the management console that prompts its return to shore. The control information may include information that represents the aquaculture feeding system is in the second operating state, which prompts recall of the aquaculture feeding system to shore. Examples of this second operating state may include (i) an operating state in which maintenance is required, (ii) an operating state in which a feed level within the feed storage and dispensing unit requires maintenance, (iii) feed low level, and/or (iv) other situations where recall of the aquaculture feeding system is needed.

[0092] Additionally, exemplary embodiment of an automated conveyance system for supporting reorientation of a plurality of aquaculture feeding systems may include a matrix of interconnects (ropes, cables) to allow for positioning of the aquaculture feeding system in accordance with different directions besides toward or away the shore. Alternatively, each of the aquaculture feeding systems may include a wireless receiver and/or transceiver that is configured to receive a management signal (recall message) from the management console, which activates a motor of the aquaculture feeding system to support it return to shore. Stated differently, the aquaculture feeding systems are operating independently via wireless signaling from the management console.

[0093] Embodiments of the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, not restrictive. The scope of the embodiments is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims (19)

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system for feeding aquaculture within an aquatic farming resource, comprising: a floatable aquaculture feeding system including a plurality of floatation devices, the aquaculture feeding system to dispense feed into the aquatic farming resource; and a management console in communication with the aquaculture feeding system, the management console being configured to transmit management signals to the floatable aquaculture feeding system to control movement of the aquaculture feeding system.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the management console is configured to transmit the management signals to alter a feeding area serviced by the aquaculture feeding system prior to or during a feeding event.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the management console is configured to transmit the management signals to recall the aquaculture feeding system from a location on the aquatic farming resource to shore.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the aquaculture feeding system includes a wireless receiver or a wireless transceiver to receive the management signals from the management console located on shore and remotely from the aquaculture feeding system.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the aquaculture feeding system includes a global positioning system (GPS) unit and a motorized navigational system including an outboard engine, the GPS unit to control the motorized navigational system to locate the aquaculture feeding system to a specific latitude and longitude on the aquatic farming resource.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the aquaculture feeding system includes one or more sensors to monitor for an occurrence of one or more events and one or more system state changes and signal the GPS unit to control the motorized navigational system to relocate the aquaculture feeding system to shore, wherein the one or more events include a current or predicted weather condition or a scheduled maintenance time and the one or more system state changes include an actual mechanical or electrical failure, or a change in operability of the aquaculture feeding system that may identify a potential mechanical or electrical failure of a component deployed on the aquaculture feeding system.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the aquaculture feeding system includes one or more sensors to monitor for an occurrence of one or more system state changes including a level of feed within a feed tank of the aquaculture feeding system falling below a particular threshold and signal the GPS unit to control the motorized navigational system to relocate the aquaculture feeding system to shore for restocking of feed into the aquaculture feeding system.

8. An aquaculture feeding system comprising: a frame; a feed storage and dispensing unit coupled to the frame; and a plurality of flotation devices coupled to the frame, wherein the feed storage and dispensing unit includes a motorized lid to open to receive feed stored within and released from the feed storage and dispensing unit.

9. The aquaculture feeding system of claim 8 further comprising: a power source and a positioning control system to receive power supplied by the power source, the positioning control system is configured to control movement of the aquaculture feeding system while floating within an aquatic farming resource.

10. The aquaculture feeding system of claim 9, wherein the positioning control system includes an automated winch that, when active, engages with an interconnect to move the aquaculture feeding system in a direction along the interconnect.

11. The aquaculture feeding system of claim 10, wherein the automated winch comprises a motor, a gear system and a plurality of tension wheels.

12. The aquaculture feeding system of claims 9 and 10 further comprising one or more sensors to monitor for an occurrence of one or more events and to signal the positioning control system unit to control movement of the aquaculture feeding system to shore in response to the occurrence of an event of the one or more events, wherein the event includes a current or predicted weather condition that would potentially cause the aquaculture feeding system to capsize or a scheduled maintenance time.

13. The aquaculture feeding system of claims 9, 10 or 11 further comprising one or more sensors to monitor for an occurrence of one or more system state changes and signal the positioning control system unit to control movement of the aquaculture feeding system to shore in response to an occurrence of a system state change of the one or more system state changes, wherein the system state change includes (i) an actual mechanical or electrical failure or (iii) a change in operability of the aquaculture feeding system that identifies a potential mechanical or electrical failure of a component deployed on the aquaculture feeding system.

14. The aquaculture feeding system of claim 9, wherein the positioning control system includes a global positioning system (GPS) unit and a motorized navigational system including an outboard engine, the GPS unit to control the motorized navigational system to locate the aquaculture feeding system to a specific latitude and longitude on the aquatic farming resource.

15. The aquaculture feeding system of claim 14 further comprising one or more sensors to monitor for an occurrence of one or more events and one or more system state changes and signaling the GPS unit to control the motorized navigational system to reposition the aquaculture feeding system.

16. The aquaculture feeding system of claim 14, wherein the GPS unit comprises a wireless receiver or a wireless transceiver to receive wireless signaling to the GPS unit to control the motorized navigational system to enlarge a feeding area serviced by the aquaculture feeding system prior to or during a feeding event.

17. The aquaculture feeding system of claim 13 being one of a plurality of aquaculture feeding systems deployed within the aquatic farming resource featuring a plurality of interconnects including the interconnect to which each of the plurality of aquaculture feeding systems are coupled, where the automated winches for each of the plurality of aquaculture feeding systems enable an automated return to shore in response to the one or more sensors detecting any of the one or more events or any of the one or more system state changes.

18. The aquaculture feeding system of claim 9 further comprising a wireless receiver or a wireless transceiver to receive wireless signaling from a management console remotely located from the aquaculture feeding system, the wireless signaling to cause the positioning control system to conduct movement of the aquaculture feeding system toward shore or away from shore of the aquatic farming resource.

19. The aquaculture feeding system of claim 9, wherein the motorized lid is activated upon detecting by the positioning control system that the aquaculture feeding system is at a location to receive feed from a feed conveyor located on shore.