JPH0372201A - Method and apparatus for measuring quality and sizes and classifying fish - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To control the effect on fish to minimum by measuring a time period required for a fish to pass a light ray at a precalculated speed, and calculating a fish length, for simple, safe and fast function. CONSTITUTION: A fish 21 traverses measuring devices 11-13 in which one or multiple light lays are directed almost vertically to the movement direction of the fish 21 among transmission/reception devices 22-25. These devices are connected to a microcomputer 26 to which all measurements are supplied, with light ray assigned at a specified intercept, and when the fish 21, passing through the devices 11-13, shields the light ray, the time period required for the fish 21 to move in a specified section between light rays is measured, so its speed can be calculated. At the same time, the time period required for the fish 21 to pass through one light ray at a pre-calculated speed is measured, so that the length of fish 21 is calculated with the microcomputer 26, and the fish 21 is introduced into a course corresponding to its size.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring and classifying the quantity and size of moving objects, particularly raw fish such as salmon and trout.

[Conventional technology]

Fish farming is a rapidly growing industry in many countries around the world. Fish quantity, size measurement and size classification are very important steps in the fish farming process.

Since fry are usually sold in "numbers" and hundreds of thousands of fish are bought and sold at a time, it is extremely important to know the exact number and size of the fry to be delivered. In fish farming, an important factor in achieving effective growth rates is knowing the exact number of fry of the same size in the same ditch or pond. This is due to the fact that some groups of fish grow more rapidly than others, and that smaller fish grow more slowly when surrounded by larger fish. In fish farming, the recognition of accurate numbers and dimensions is important for achieving accurate calculations for feeding amount, low labor costs, proper dosage, accurate shipping volume, and even safer basis for insurance assessment. It's a huge help.

Various methods are well known for measuring and classifying the quantity and size of raw fish such as young salmon. Regarding quantity measurements, the first method is to count each individual fish using a simple manual counter and write it down. Fish measurements are made by weighing the individual fish or measuring its length with a tape measure. There is one type of roller device for mechanically grading the dimensions of live fish. Here, the fish slides in a substantially horizontal platform between two cylinders, one of which rotates relative to the other. The cylinders are tilted somewhat outward from the horizontal position in the direction of fish movement, but the intercept between the cylinders increases at the same time. By the rotation of the cylinder,
The fish moves forward and falls into a specific position between the cylinders when the intercept between the cylinders is equal to the width of the fish.

It is clear that these methods contain a number of drawbacks. The fish would be left out of the water for a length of time that is not considered suitable. This applies in particular to live fish such as fry and small salmon, which often need to be counted and categorized during their rearing process. Any device that creates friction and may injure the fish is inappropriate and undesirable in the production and processing of raw fish. This causes stress in the fish. In addition, these methods are very slow and
It is labor intensive and inaccurate.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

It is an object of the invention to provide a method and device of the above type that works simply, safely and quickly, has minimal impact on the fish, and furthermore allows the fish to be out of the water for only a limited time. .

[Means to solve the problem]

According to the invention, a method and apparatus are provided in which a fish moves across a measuring device in which one or more light beams are oriented between the transmitting and receiving devices, practically perpendicular to the direction of movement of the fish. , the device is connected to a microcomputer into which all measurements are sent, and the beam is placed at a predetermined intercept so that when a fish passes through the measuring device and interrupts the beam, a predetermined division “S” between the beams Since the time Δt1 required for the fish to move is measured, its speed “■” can be calculated, and at the same time the fish passes through t rays at a pre-calculated speed “V”. The time required for
As a result of also measuring t2, it is possible to calculate the body length "L" of the fish by a microcomputer and introduce the fish into a predetermined course corresponding to the length.

This method is based on measuring the "speed of movement" of the fish, whereby the length of the fish is calculated from the time it takes for the fish to pass through one beam of light. Figure 7 makes this clear. fish first
When the beam is interrupted, a change appears in the receiver, the intensity of the light received by the receiver decreases or disappears, and this change remains until the fish passes through the beam. Similarly, the fish is the second
A similar change appears until the ray passes through. 7th
In the figure, this is 'bl A z top, Δ1. Shown as By measuring the time that elapses from when the fish blocks the first beam to when it blocks the second beam, the speed of the fish can be calculated. This time is shown as Δtl in FIG. By measuring the time during which the light beam is interrupted (the time it takes for the fish to pass through the light beam), the body length of the fish can be determined as described above.
L” can be calculated.

V - Speed of movement S = Distance between the rays Δt, = Time required for the fish to move between the rays ■ = Δ 1゜L = Body length of the fish Δ12 = Time required for the fish to pass the rays L = VX
Δt2.

Therefore, by determining K, we can calculate the fish's biomass.

1≦ to ≦1.4, first of all depends on the species of fish and conditions, but K can be estimated by simple measurements.

The optical receiver of the device is then coupled to a microcomputer which measures and records the times Δt1 and Δt2 from the change in the amount of light coming to the receiver. At the same time, the computer counts and records the number of deflections from one or both receivers corresponding to the number of fish that have passed the device. The length of each color and the type of each color are also recorded. Due to the speed at which the computer can operate, it is possible to open (command) the appropriate gates to place the fish into a predetermined groove depending on its type.

〔Effect of the invention〕

In raising salmon, as with other species of fish, it is important to know the number of fish in each row or pond and the dimensions of all fish. In this way, it is possible to know the optimal diet, oxygen supplementation, water change, appropriate temperature, appropriate medication for each region and region, as well as a safer basis for insurance assessment and the quantity of fish to be handed over, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of breeding. achieve utilization. This is possible if the fish can be counted and categorized in a fast and efficient manner. When buying and selling live young fish, counting and classifying them is extremely important, especially when it comes to small fish, where hundreds of thousands of fish are often bought and sold. Being a valuable commodity, it is all the more important for both sellers and buyers to know the exact number, size and weight of the fish being contracted. Furthermore, when transporting fish from a farm to a seafood factory, the fish must be of a size that meets the demands of the market (the fish farmer must confirm the quantity of fish shipped).

A feature of the device according to the invention is that the track for moving the fish is practically square in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and in a position inclined towards the longitudinal axis, the fish being held wedge-like in the track and angular. , as it slides past the device, individual fish can be counted and their dimensions measured at the same time. As shown in Figures 1, 3 and 5, the track is actually
The shape has the effect, especially for live fish placed in the truck, that the fish cannot actually move on its own.

The entire wall of the truck supports the entire length of the fish and the ■
Due to the interaction of the shape and body shape of the fish, the movement ability of raw fish,
The fish are in either a dorsal or ventral position, especially since their ability to move laterally is limited by the walls of the track. The bottom of the track also provides support and impedes vertical movement of the fish. By tilting the track, the fish is given a certain speed along the track due to the acceleration effect of gravity so that it slides between the measuring devices without being pushed.

Another feature is that the track includes a continuously increasing slope at least at certain intercepts. This is because when a fish enters a particular intercept or location in the track where the slope begins to increase sustainably, the speed of the fish along the trasok is accelerated, thus separating schools of fish and allowing individual fish to continue in the track. It brings about the effect of easily distinguishing from the next fish. Furthermore, the device has the feature that water flow and rapids along the bottom of the track are thereby facilitated. The water acts as a lubricant between the fish and the truck.

The methods and apparatus described herein thus provide significant benefits to fish farming practicalities.

[Examples and effects]

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view taken along line 1--1 in FIG. 2 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the track. The track consists of two wall units 4.5 forming the track. In practice, a fish with an oval cross section 3 is located opposite the inner wall 6 and bottom 2 of the track as shown in the figure. The walls of the track are V-shaped in cross-section, and the angle between the walls is approximately 35-55°, specifically 40°.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the truck 1 with the injection tank 8 arranged at its upper end. At the injection point 7 the slope of the track is practically flat, but it slopes down further along the lower part of the track and increases in slope up to a predetermined section 19, where it becomes flat again at the tip 18. A measuring device 11 is placed in this area. As an example, two
It consists of a pair of transmitting and receiving devices. From the truck, the fish are dropped into a breeding tank or the like, or depending on their size, they are directed to a breeding tank.

Figure 3 shows the truck and the injection tank 8 into which fish are dumped in bulk through an opening 15 at the top. By pouring water onto the fish, such as through the mouth 16 of the wall 17 of the injection tank facing the upper end 7 of the truck, the fish either seek an exit there or are flushed into the truck.

From there, the fish falls along a wedge-shaped track by the track inner wall 6, accelerating section 19 and measuring device 11,
12.13 and enter the rearing tank from the lower end 18 of the truck.

FIG.
Two signal transmitters 22, 23 located at 7 are shown. These radiate optical signals perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the fish 21. Send signal! Opposite 22.23, receivers 24.25 are arranged which receive the transmissions and, if there is a change in the intensity of the light beam, these transmit a message to the microcomputer or recording device 26 accordingly.

FIG. 5 shows a fish located in the truck between the optical signal transmitter 22 and the receiver 25, but the emitted light beam 36 is blocked and the optical signal is prevented from reaching the receiver 25 completely.

Figure 6 shows 34 rows of fish and 3 pieces of tfi! ! 3
1, 32.

33 shows the arrangement of the measuring device 37. From the holding tank, the fish pass through the device 37 and move to the appropriate water volume where the sorting gate 35 opens accordingly.

FIG. 7 schematically shows a signal/time graph of a device for measuring quantity and length. The AI shows the deflection when the fish intercepts the beam and crosses the first transmitting and receiving device 22.25 and until the fish passes the beam. Similarly, A2 represents the deflection when the fish intercepts the second beam with its muzzle, which remains until the pressure section of the fish passes the sensor. Δ1. is the elapsed time from when the fish blocks the first light beam until it blocks the second light beam, and Δt2 is the time interval during which the first light beam or the second light beam is blocked.

8 and 9, in the upper region 45 of the track tip,
A truck with a drainage compartment 43 is shown.

The inlet 45 of the drainage compartment may be constructed, for example, from a number of longitudinally arranged bars with gaps smaller than the minimum fish thickness, or from other materials that allow water to easily pass through but prevent the passage of fish. It will be done. The fish are flushed with water into the truck through pipe 44 into a drainage compartment arranged so that too much water does not flow through the truck and interfere with the measuring device.

The amount of water flowing down the track is adjusted to allow the fish to slide down the track as smoothly as possible. Water is drain 4
2 and exits the drainage compartment. In the lower region of the track, preferably above the measuring device, a protective gauntlet 41 is arranged to prevent the fish from jumping out of the track.

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the protection plate 41 fixed to the top wall of the truck 1 with a horizontal bar 47. The shake plate is triangular and has a small opening 4
From 8 the fish flow and are placed in the track to pass the measuring device.

The invention described herein is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be operated in a wide variety of ways without changing the principle from the main concept described above. For example, the method and apparatus can be used to count, measure and classify dead fish, such as cod, or other objects.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 is a cross-sectional view of the track of FIG. 2; FIG. 2 is a side view of the inclined track with injection grooves; FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the injection grooved track; and FIG. 4 is a view from above. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the measuring device as viewed from the direction of fish movement; Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the measuring device in the classification system; Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of the measuring device. Fig. 8 is a side view of the truck with a drainage compartment and protection plate, Fig. 9 is a view of the truck in Fig. 8 from above, and Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the protection plate. be. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Track, 2... Track bottom, 8... Injection part, 11.12.13.37... Measuring device, 14.
...Computer connection part, 15.16...Opening part, 2
1...Fish, 22.23...Transmitter, 25.24...
・Receiver, 26...Microcomputer, 34...
・Gate Wl, 31°32.33...Classification groove, 43...
Drainage compartment, 44...pipe, 1...protection plate.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1) A method for measuring and classifying the quantity and size of a moving object, especially a raw fish such as a young salmon, wherein the fish moves across a measuring device, and in the measuring device 1. In this case, two or more light beams are directed between a transmitting and receiving device, practically perpendicular to the specific direction of movement of the fish, and this device is connected to a microcomputer into which all measurements are fed, and the light beams are directed in a predetermined direction. placed at the intercept so that when a fish passes through the device and interrupts the beam, the time required for the fish to travel through a given intercept between the beams is measured so that its speed can be calculated; At the same time the time required for the fish to pass through one of the beams at a pre-calculated speed is measured, and it is therefore possible to calculate the body length of the fish and introduce it into a predetermined course according to its length. The method is characterized in that: 2) Measuring the time interval that elapses from when the fish blocks the first beam with its muzzle to when it blocks the second beam with its muzzle; The measurement of the time interval that elapses from when any of the rays is blocked by the muzzle to when the entire fish body passes through the rays is sent to a computer in order to calculate the body length of the fish. Measure the quantity and dimensions of the raw fish listed in scope 1,
A method for categorizing. 3) Measuring the quantity and size of raw fish according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a microcomputer counts and records the number of fish passing through the device based on the number of times the light beam is interrupted. method for categorizing. 4) As the computer counts and records the number of fish passing through the device, it also records the calculated length of the fish, introduces them into specific courses according to their length, and records which course each fish was introduced into and how many. 4. A method for measuring and categorizing the quantity and size of raw fish according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it records how many fish have been introduced into each particular course. 5) Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fish are introduced into a specific section by opening and closing a gate intentionally created according to the calculated length of the fish according to a signal from a computer. A method for measuring and classifying the quantity and dimensions of raw fish described in any of the above. 6) A device for measuring and classifying the quantity and size of moving objects, especially raw fish such as young salmon, to count the number of fish;
comprising a track along which the fish flows or moves past or across a measuring device for measuring and classifying dimensions;
The track is generally V-shaped in a transverse section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the fish are held wedge-like within the track while they slide across the measuring device, allowing individual fish to be counted at the same time. The device is characterized in that it is also capable of measuring dimensions. 7) The angle between the walls of the V-shaped track is approximately 35~
Measuring and classifying the quantity and size of raw fish according to claim 6, characterized in that the angle is 55 degrees, specifically 40 degrees, so that the fish are located wedge-like in the track due to their body shape. equipment for 8) According to claim 6 or 7, the track is installed with a predetermined inclination in the longitudinal axis direction so that the fish can slide on the track and pass the measuring device. equipment for measuring and classifying the quantity and dimensions of raw fish. 9) Measuring the quantity and size of raw fish according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that water flows along the bottom of the track to facilitate the flow of fish along the track. A device for classifying. 10) The inclination of the track increases at least partially from its initial position along the longitudinal axis, so that the fish achieves a sustained increasing acceleration along the track and slides along the track one after the other. 9. A device for measuring and classifying the quantity and size of raw fish according to claim 6 or 8, characterized in that an intercept is formed between more fish. 11) Claim 7, characterized in that the inclination coefficient in the longitudinal axis direction of the track is at least higher than the initial degree of inclination.
An apparatus for measuring and classifying the quantity and dimensions of raw fish according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 10. 12) moving a fish past first and second spaced apart sensors, the sensors sensing the presence or absence of the fish proximate their respective locations, and the moment the sensor senses the fish; A method for measuring the length of a fish, the method comprising calculating the length of the fish from 13) A method for detecting fish comprising first and second sensors for sensing the presence or absence of fish in proximity to the respective positions of the sensors, and means for calculating the body length of the fish from the moment and duration when the sensors sense the fish. A device that measures body length. 14) an obliquely arranged groove having a substantially V-shaped cross section and sensing means for sensing fish passing along the groove;
and means responsive to the sensing means for calculating the length of the fish. 15) A triangular protection plate arranged at the lower end of the track to prevent fish from jumping out of the track, according to any one of claims 6 to 14. A device for measuring and classifying the quantity and dimensions of raw fish. 16) A drainage inlet formed by a rod or the like placed in the longitudinal direction with a gap smaller than the minimum fish thickness placed at the bottom of the entrance of the truck and allowing the fish to slide through the measuring device as smoothly as possible. The quantity and size of raw fish according to any one of claims 6 to 15 is characterized by including a drainage compartment provided with a drainage outlet that can adjust the amount of water falling down the groove. Equipment for measuring and classifying.