Range-Gated Imaging System for Underwater Monitoring in Ocean Environment

Patrizio Mariani, Iñaki Quincoces, Karl H. Haugholt, Yves Chardard, Andre W. Visser, Chris Yates, Giuliano Piccinno, Giancarlo Reali, Petter Risholm and Jens T. Thielemann
Additional contact information
Patrizio Mariani: DTU Aqua, National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Iñaki Quincoces: AZTI—Marine Research, Txatxarramendi Ugartea z/g, E-48395 Sukarrieta, Spain
Karl H. Haugholt: Smart Sensor Systems, SINTEF Digital, 0373 Oslo, Norway
Yves Chardard: SUBSEA Tech, Marine and Underwater Technologies, 13016 Marseille, France
Andre W. Visser: DTU Aqua, National Institute for Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
Chris Yates: Odos Imaging Ltd., Edinburgh EH16 4BB, UK
Giuliano Piccinno: Bright Solutions Srl, 27010 Pavia, Italy
Giancarlo Reali: Bright Solutions Srl, 27010 Pavia, Italy
Petter Risholm: Smart Sensor Systems, SINTEF Digital, 0373 Oslo, Norway
Jens T. Thielemann: Smart Sensor Systems, SINTEF Digital, 0373 Oslo, Norway

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: High-quality video observations are very much needed in underwater environments for the monitoring of several ecosystem indicators and to support the sustainable development and management of almost all activities in the ocean. Reliable video observations are however challenging to collect, because of the generally poor visibility conditions and the difficulties to deploy cost-effective sensors and platforms in the marine environment. Visibility in water is regulated by natural light availability at different depths, and by the presence of suspended particles, scattering incident light in all directions. Those elements are also largely variable in time and space, making it difficult to identify technological solutions that can be used in all conditions. By combining state-of-the-art “time of flight” (ToF) image sensors and innovative pulsed laser illumination, we have developed a range-gated camera system (UTOFIA) that enables affordable and enhanced 3D underwater imaging at high resolution. This range-gated solution allows users to eliminate close-range backscattering, improving quality of the images and providing information on the distance of each illuminated object, hence giving access to real-time 3D measurements. Furthermore, as the system is based on pulsed laser light, it is almost independent of natural light conditions and can achieve similar performances at an extended depth range. We use this system to collect observations in different oceanographic conditions and for different applications, including aquaculture monitoring, seafloor mapping, litter identifications and structure inspection. Performances are evaluated by comparing images to regular cameras and by using standard targets to assess accuracy and precision of distance measurements. We suggest that this type of technology can become a standard in underwater 3D imaging to support the future development of the ocean economy.

Keywords: ocean observations; LIDAR technology; marine life; aquaculture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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