Marine research scientists typically collect plankton population information by towing large plankton nets. Unfortunately, this method does not provide information on plankton distribution within a volume of water. It is desirable to use a video camera technology for plankton imaging, but until now technical difficulties such as data transfer, uniform subject lighting, and turbulence free body design were not overcome.
Solution
The present invention is a system that includes a collimated light source, line scan camera and an underwater housing. It solves a problem of providing a large volume imaging of planktonic particles without disturbing the environment by either water turbulence or excessive illumination.
Competitive Advantage
The present invention provides a reliable automated method for high resolution imaging of marine organisms in various bodies of water without disturbing monitored environment.
Applications
Zooplankton remote sensing and monitoring water quality in ship bilges.
Patent Status
International Patent Application No.
WO2008103697
entitled, "MARINE IMAGING SYSTEM," was published on August 28, 2008.
Licensing Opportunity
We are looking for a commercialization partner with capabilities in product development, sales, and marketing. An exclusive worldwide license is available.
About the Inventors
Robert Cowen holds an appointment of Robert E. Maytag Chair in Ichthyology at Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science at the University of Miami. Since being appointed the Maytag Chair in 1998, Dr. Cowen's research has produced important new knowledge vital to the study of marine population dynamics, management of fishery stocks like the billfish, and the design of marine reserves. In addition, he has worked on the reproductive and population biology of hermaphroditic (sex-changing) fishes, as well as community ecology of kelp bed systems. His research has been conducted on both reef-related and pelagic species throughout the Caribbean, along the East Coast of the United States, California and Mexico.
Cedric M. Guigand is a Senior Research Associate at Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science at University of Miami. He received a Masters degree in marine biology at Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, FL in 2002. His main scientific interests are in oceanographic instrument design and development.
Selected References
Guigand CM, Cowen RK, Llopiz JK, Richardson DE. 2005. A coupled Asymmetrical Multiple Opening Closing Net with Environmental Sampling System. Marine Technology Society Journal 39: 22-24.
G. Tsechpenakis, C. Guigand, and R. Cowen, "Image analysis techniques to accompany a new In Situ Ichthyoplankton Imaging System (ISIIS)," IEEE OCEANS 2007, Aberdeen, Scotland, June 2007.
Paris BC, Guigand C, Irisson J-O, Fisher R, D'Alessandro E (2008) Orientation With No Frame of Reference (OWNFOR): A novel system to observe and quantify orientation in reef fish larvae, In: Grober-Dunsmore R and Keller B (eds), Caribbean Connectivity Symposium, Proceedings from the 59th Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute, Belize 2006, National Marine Sanctuary Conservation Series, in press.
Cowen RK and Guigand CM. 2008. In situ Ichthyoplankton Imaging System (ISIIS): system design and preliminary results. Limnol. Oceanogr. Methods. 6: 126-132.
