Analysis and Application of an Underwater Optical-Ranging System

Abstract

In order to provide a high-resolution underwater-ranging capability for scientific measurement, a commercially available optical-ranging system is analyzed for performance and feasibility. The system employs a structured- lighting technique using a laser-light plane and single-camera imaging system. The mechanics of determining range with such a system are presented along with predicted range error. Controlled testing of the system is performed and range error is empirically determined. The system is employed in a deep-sea application, and its performance is evaluated. The measurements obtained are used for a scientific application to determine seafloor roughness for very-high- spatial frequencies (greater than 10 cycles/meter). Use and application recommendations for the system are presented.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1992
Accession Number
ADA257177

Entities

People

  • John G. Kusters Jr

Organizations

  • Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Cameras
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Image Processing
  • Laser Applications
  • Laser Beams
  • Laser Radar
  • Laser-Based Detection
  • Lasers
  • Light Sources
  • Optics
  • Range Finding
  • Refractive Index
  • Two Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Engineering
  • Physics

Readers

  • Acoustical Oceanography.
  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Geodesy

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy