Towards Underwater Biomass Estimation using Plenoptic Technology

Abstract

This research faces a completely new issue where it is investigated if plenoptic camera technology can provide decent depth results of objects underwater. The plenoptic camera technology has been developed as a tool meant for 3D monitoring in stable and still environments. But could the technology also potentially be used in an ocean fish farm measuring the biomass of several hundred thousand Atlantic Salmon?

Biomass estimation is something that is longed-for by the aquaculture industry, especially the fish breeding industry. It would increase profits, help production planning and potentially decrease the vulnerable phase of a breeding fish's life, which is in the saltwater due to lice.

This is a fundamental study with the overall goal of biomass estimation in mind. The objective of this research is to use plenoptic camera technology to produce a good depthmap of underwater objects, where the setup, the calibration process and the verification of depth points are the main focus areas.

This report will present the basic theory behind plenoptic camera technology along with information on the camera used throughout this research - the Raytrix R42 color camera. The idea of underwater biomass estimation using plenoptic technology is discussed and experiments on obtaining a good camera calibration and underwater results are presented.