Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparats and a method for generating vision information on food items in large quantities, such as fish, before the items are fed onto a grading device. Moreover, the present invention relates a method of generating information for authorities for catch control monitoring and to prevent throwaway of a catch.

Background of the Invention

The process of grading objects such as small and delicate marine species or fruit can be a problem due to their small size and the volume to be processed at each time and the fact that the quality of the food items deteriorates quickly upon rough handling procedures.

An efficient grading process is therefore required based on selection criteria such as size, species, sex etc.

Several different types of grading devices are known for grading fish and food items, which grade the items according to an assessment of their thickness. The known devices are based on belts and rollers as well as shaker-graders, which use several grading channels.

Following grading of fish such as herring and mackerel, further processing usually follows. The fishing vessel brings a catch to shore and the whole catch is pumped out of the vessel into an RSW tank where the fish is then transported onwards to a processing factory or storage. It can be beneficial to have information on a catch of fish prior to the processing step.

Several systems have been used to prepare items for grading, some solutions are focussed on separating or distributing the items prior to feeding them onto a grading device, while other focus on arranging the items in a certain direction prior to dropping them on the grading device. The common use of grading devices such as ridge belt grading devices is the grading of a large quantity of items, such as a catch of small aquatic animals like shrimp or herring, where the items are loaded through in-feeding devices onto the grader. None of the prior art solutions do any analysis of the items at this stage. Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for providing information on a catch before it is graded on a grading device. The apparatus disclosed herein is designed to monitor the catch after it has been pumped from the vessel to a storage means such as an RSW tank. The device brings the fish from an in-feed station, such as out of a storage tank under an image means for collecting information on the catch before the weight is determined. Information such as size, weight and species can be useful for the fishery to do better process planning in addition to calculation of settlement for the crew. This information may even be beneficial or even required by authorities in order to keep track on quota calculations and determination or even to determine the percentage of damaged fish. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a first conveying device for bringing the catch from a reservoir, such as an RSW tank and delivering a certain amount as a batch of objects from the catch to a second conveyor. The batch is then released onto a weighing device. During the transport from the first conveying device and through the transport on the second conveying device, an imaging device obtains one or more images of the items to be graded. The apparatus of the invention may aid or replace in-feeding mechanisms for ridge-belt graders as well as providing information on the catch for process planning and aiding settlement for crew and fishery. The apparatus may further comprise a drying device for removing some of the liquid associated with the catch as it is conveyed from the reservoir and to the second conveyor, but reduction of water before weighing is beneficial for the fishery with respect to providing more correct information to the authorities for quota calculation for example.

The present invention provides technology for combination with grading devices and for generating information relating to items to be graded before they are fed onto the grader. The technology disclosed herein provides real-time vision information, which can be made instantly available on-line, relating to size and species and can be made available to the controller of a fishing vessel, authorities and/or fisheries and generates a tool for providing information on a catch for various purposes. The imaging means can also be positioned over the first conveyor or over the second conveyor for continuous gathering of information about the objects in the catch prior to weighing. The weighing can be performed by a static weighing device (chamber), which receives a certain amount of fish (such as 300kg) for weighing. The whole batch is then released onto a grading device. By using a combination of two conveyors, the food items are better distributed for obtaining better images of the items and thereby providing more accurate information on the catch. This is not only beneficial for the operators for setting grading parameters for the grading apparatus to ensure efficient grading and determining what items are graded as one category, but also for both authorities and fisheries to get real- time data and give feedback to the operators for possible changes in the grading process. In some embodiments of the present invention, the following features may be employed : a) transfer mechanism for feeding a catch from a reservoir to a grading device where a the liquid in the catch is removed by drying and thereby reducing the error of liquid in the weight of the catch, b) using two conveyors to distribute the catch prior to weighing for better vision and weighing, c) collecting a batch on a second conveyor prior to weighing a batch of items which provides a more efficient and rapid weighing process, and d) obtaining vision data on the objects to be graded to generate data for settlement calculations and further processing of the catch, to obtain better distributed food items for obtaining better images of the items and thereby providing more accurate information on the catch, as well as for setting grading parameters for the grading apparatus to ensure efficient grading and determining what items are graded as one category and for getting real-time data to authorities and fisheries.

One of the advantages of the method and device of the present invention is that the reduction of liquid during the drying step provides a more accurate weight of the catch for quota calculations for authorities and for settlement calculations for the crew.

Furthermore, the information obtained by the imaging means provides a better platform for process planning as it provides information on the species in a mixed catch and correct preparations can therefore be made in the factory.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art and to provide an improved and/or alternative and/or additional method and an apparatus for obtaining information on a catch prior to feeding the objects in the catch onto a grading apparatus. Moreover, it is a preferred object of the present invention to provide an efficient design, preferably to transport objects in a catch onto a grader where information on size and species is obtained prior to grading. Another preferred object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus where the weight of the catch is determined in batches prior to feeding the items onto a grading device. A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for reducing the amount of liquid in a catch prior to weighing the catch before grading.

The object(s) underlying the present invention is (are) particularly solved by the features defined in the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to preferred

embodiments of the present invention. Further additional and/or alternative aspects are discussed below.

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for preparing obtaining information on a catch before it is fed to a grading apparatus. Although several methods of distributing and feeding objects onto a grading device are known, methods for obtaining information on objects in large quantity, such as a catch of herring, while preparing the catch to be graded are not known. The object is specifically to obtain information on smaller items like pelagic fish, such as mackerel and herring or salmon, which are caught or slaughtered in large quantity and graded prior to packing or further processing. The information is useful for several parties, such as a controller of a vessel, the fishery, fishing authorities etc.

Thus, at least one of the preferred objects of the present invention is solved by a system for generating information on items to be graded. The system comprises i) transferring items on a first conveyor from a reservoir to a second conveyor, ii) obtaining one or more images of the items to be graded by an image means as the items are transported in the first or the second conveyor belt, and iii) ejecting a batch of items from the second conveyor onto a weighing device. Furthermore, the computing means determines at least one characteristic property of the items to be graded and provides output data based on the characteristic property of the items to be graded.

Another preferred object of the present invention is solved by a method for generating information on items to be graded, the method comprises the steps of: a) transferring items on a first conveyor from a reservoir to a second conveyor, b) obtaining one or more images of the items to be graded by an image means as the items are transported in the first or the second conveyor belt, and c) ejecting a batch of items from the second conveyor onto a weighing device. The method further comprises the steps of d) the computing means determining at least one characteristic property of the items to be graded, and e) providing output data based on the characteristic property of the items to be graded.

One preferred object of the present invention is solved by an apparatus for generating information on items to be graded. The apparatus comprises: i) a first conveyor, ii) a second conveyor, iii) an image means for obtaining at least one image of the items to be graded, iv) a weighing device, and v) computing means. Furthermore, the computing means determines at least one characteristic property of the items to be graded and provides output data based on the characteristic property of the items to be graded.

Another object of the present invention is provided by an apparatus for generating information on items to be graded. The apparatus comprises a first conveyor for transferring items from a reservoir, a weighing device and a second conveyor for advancing the items to the weighing device. The apparatus further comprises an image means for obtaining at least one image of the items to be graded and a computing means. The computing means determines at least one characteristic property of the items to be graded based on the data from the imaging means and controls the speed of the second conveyor to continuously feed the weighing device as a batch of items has been released from the weighing device. This gives a number of possibilities with respect to providing information on the objects to be graded in terms of further processing or to calculate settlement for a catch of fish for example. Furthermore, the second conveyor collects and delivers batches of items to be weighted as soon as a prior batch has been weighted, which increases the throughput or efficiency of the feeding process.

A further object of the present invention is obtained by an apparatus for generating information on items to be graded, the apparatus comprising : a first conveyor for transferring items from a reservoir, a weighing device, a second conveyor for advancing the items to the weighing device, a drying device, an image device for obtaining at least one image of the items to be graded, and computing means. The apparatus uses the computing to determine at least one characteristic property of the items to be graded based on the data from the imaging means and the drying device is directed to blow over the items as they are transported on the first and/or the second conveyor to reduce the amount of liquid amongst the items prior to weighing.

One preferred objects of the present invention is solved by an apparatus for generating information on a catch of aquatic animals to be graded. The apparatus comprises a first conveyor for transferring the catch from a reservoir such as an RSW tank/tub, a drying device, a weighing device and a second conveyor for advancing the catch to the weighing device. The apparatus further comprises an image means for obtaining at least one image of the aquatic animals in the catch to be graded and a computing means. The computing means determines at least one characteristic property of the aquatic animals to be graded based on the data from the imaging means. The drying device is directed to blow over the catch as it is transported on the first and/or the second conveyor to reduce the amount of liquid amongst the aquatic animals in the catch prior to weighing. The computing means further controls the speed of the second conveyor to continuously feed the weighing device as a batch of aquatic animals has been released from the weighing device. Furthermore, the second conveyor collects and delivers batches of aquatic animals to be weighted as soon as a prior batch has been weighted, which increases the throughput or efficiency of the feeding process.

Another object of the present invention is obtained by system for generating information on items to be graded, where the system comprises i) transferring items on a first conveyor from a reservoir to a second conveyor, ii) obtaining one or more images of the items to be graded by an image means as the items are transported in the first or the second conveyor belt, and iii) ejecting a batch of items from the second conveyor onto a weighing device. The system is further characterised in that the computing means determines at least one characteristic property of the items to be graded, and in that the speed of the second conveyor is controlled by the computer to continuously feed the weighing device as a batch of items has been released from the weighing device. One use for such a system is to generate information on fish from a catch. Such information can be used to collect information on a catch of fish for the fishery or authorities. This may be useful for calculating percentage of bycatch, for giving authorities real-time data on catching of an entire fleet such as weight, species etc.

One preferred object of the present invention is solved by an apparatus for generating information on items to be graded. The apparatus comprises a i) first conveyor, said conveyor being a cleated conveyor for bringing items one by one out of a storage means such as a tank, ii) a second conveyor, said second conveyor being a portioning conveyor, iii) an image means for obtaining at least one image of the items to be graded, said image means being positioned above the dropping zone of items from the first conveyor to the second conveyor, iv) a weighing device and v) a computing means. The apparatus is characterised in that the computing means determines at least one characteristic property of the items to be graded and in that the speed of the second conveyor is controlled by the computer to continuously feed the weighing device as a batch of items has been released from the weighing device.

Description of the Invention

The following embodiments relate to the system, the method and the apparatus of the invention.

In an embodiment of the present invention the weighing device is a static weighing device at the out-feed end of the second conveyor.

In an embodiment of the present invention the imaging means is positioned above the first or the second conveyor before or after the weighing device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the drying device is positioned above the first conveyor and/or the second conveyor.

In an embodiment of the present invention the apparatus further comprises an in-feed station for providing/feeding items to the first conveyor.

In an embodiment of the present invention the in-feed station is a tub for providing items in liquid to be advanced from the tub by the first conveyor belt. In some embodiments the tub is an RSW tub receiving fish from a vessel. In an embodiment of the present invention the first conveyor is a cleated conveyor with an inclining in-feed portion to carry items from an in-feed station toward the weighing device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the second conveyor is a portioning and/or batching conveyor.

In an embodiment of the present invention the imaging means is positioned over the top portion of the cleated conveyor belt.

In an embodiment of the present invention the imaging means is positioned over the top portion of the cleated conveyor belt.

In an embodiment of the present invention the second conveyor holds batches on imaginary area (length) of the belt, which is determined by the computer. The computer knows and determines the speed of the second conveyor belt in order to eject a batch of items onto the weighing device as soon as the weighing means has finished determining the weight of a previous batch.

In an embodiment of the present invention the apparatus further comprises a grading device. In further embodiments of the present invention the grading device is a ridge belt grading device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the apparatus further comprises an in-feed station, where the conveyor belt is a cleated conveyor belt and where a portion of the cleated conveyor belt is raised relative to an in-feed and an out feed end of the cleated conveyor belt. The cleats will then pick up or pull items/objects from the in-feed station and transport them to the second conveyor. In this embodiment the distance between two adjacent cleats of the conveyor belt allows conveying one or more item(s) in a space between two adjacent cleats.

In an embodiment of the present invention an axis raises the cleated conveyor belt between the in-feed and the out-feed end forming a top position and wherein an in-feed portion of the belt is at least partially inclining and an out feed-portion is at least partially declining. In such embodiments the image means may be positioned above the top position of the cleated conveyor belt.

In an embodiment of the present invention transporting the items over the top position of the cleated conveyor belt rolls the items from side to side which generates/provides more than one image view of the items. In an embodiment of the present invention the computing means regulates the speed of the first and the second conveyor belt to optimise the output of the weighing device, such that the first conveyor continuously delivers objects to the second conveyor and the speed of the second conveyor is set to collect batches for weighing and at such speed that when the weighing of a batch is completed the second conveyor is ready to eject the next batch onto the weighing device.

In an embodiment of the present invention the method further comprises the step of using a drying device for reducing the amount of liquid among the objects to be graded prior to the weighing step.

In an embodiment of the present invention the items are aquatic animals such as pelagic fish, including herring or mackerel, salmon or other fish.

Between separations or cleats in the conveyor belt, pockets are formed to fit one item in each pocket.

In an embodiment of the present invention the at least one characteristic property if the fish is used to collect information on a catch of fish for the fishery or authorities.

In an embodiment of the present invention the images are used for determining the species of all the fish in the catch. This provides information of percentage of each species in the catch. Such information is useful for quota calculation of the authorities, to determine bycatch and for the fishery to calculate the cut for the crew, to provide information for a potential buyer and to determine the amount of damaged fish in the catch.

In an embodiment of the present invention the apparatus further comprises in-feed station being a tub for providing items in liquid to be advanced from the tub by the first conveyor belt.

In an embodiment of the present invention a drying device is positioned above the first conveyor for removing water from the items as they are transported from the tub.

In an embodiment of the present invention the characteristic property of the items to be graded is size, weight, species or colour.

In an embodiment of the present invention the output data based on the characteristic property of the items to be graded is used to collect information on a catch of fish for the fishery or authorities. In an embodiment of the present invention the output data based on the characteristic property of the items to be graded is used for determining the species of all the fish in the catch.

In an embodiment of the present invention the information on a catch of fish is used for determining the grading and/or batching conditions for the catch.

In an embodiment of the present invention the speed of the second conveyor is controlled by the computer to continuously feed the weighing device as a batch of items has been released from the weighing device.

Detailed description of the Invention

The invention will now be described in relation to the drawings with reference numerals to indicate the different components of the invention.

Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of the apparatus of the present invention. The drawing is a side view of the various devices of the apparatus. In this embodiment the apparatus is designed to bring items, such as herring or mackerel, from an RSW tank by the use of a conveyor (conveyor I). The conveyor has an inclining portion to retrieve the items from the RSW tank and bring them to a second conveyor (conveyor II) while air is being blown over the items to remove the liquid from the items prior to weighing. As the items are leaving conveyor I and being dropped onto conveyor II, the imaging means obtains images of all the items and sends the images to the computer for data processing. The items are thereby collected on conveyor II for portioning the fish before weighing. The computer regulates the speed of conveyor II in order to keep the weighing device constantly busy. Therefore, no part of the system is going faster or slower than the capacity of the weighing device. Conveyor II therefore functions as a buffer band by being ready with the next portion of items as soon as the weighing device is ready to determine the weight of a new portion. After the weighing device has determined the weight of a portion, the items are ejected from the weighing device and either directly or via another transfer device to the grading device.

As used herein, including in the claims, singular forms of terms are to be construed as also including the plural form and vice versa, unless the context indicates otherwise. Thus, it should be noted that as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Throughout the description and claims, the terms "comprise", "including", "having", and "contain" and their variations should be understood as meaning "including but not limited to", and are not intended to exclude other components.

The present invention also covers the exact terms, features, values and ranges etc. in case these terms, features, values and ranges etc. are used in conjunction with terms such as about, around, generally, substantially, essentially, at least etc. (i.e., "about 3" shall also cover exactly 3 or "substantially constant" shall also cover exactly constant).

The term "at least one" should be understood as meaning "one or more", and therefore includes both embodiments that include one or multiple components. Furthermore, dependent claims that refer to independent claims that describe features with "at least one" have the same meaning, both when the feature is referred to as "the" and "the at least one".

It will be appreciated that variations to the foregoing embodiments of the invention can be made while still falling within the scope of the invention. Features disclosed in the specification, unless stated otherwise, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose. Thus, unless stated otherwise, each feature disclosed represents one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Use of exemplary language, such as "for instance", "such as", "for example" and the like, is merely intended to better illustrate the invention and does not indicate a limitation on the scope of the invention unless so claimed. Any steps described in the specification may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

All of the features and/or steps disclosed in the specification can be combined in any combination, except for combinations where at least some of the features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. In particular, preferred features of the invention are applicable to all aspects of the invention and may be used in any combination.