Development and Testing of Optical and Acoustical Imaging Systems on both Remotely Operated Vehicles and Autonomous Surface and Underwater Vehicles to Better Understand Complex Subsurface Terrains
Abstract
The Ocean Exploration Trust proposes a continuation of its ongoing program to develop, test, and use optical and acoustical deep submergence technologies to map and characterize complex underwater geological terrains from unmanned and autonomous vehicle systems.We propose a deliberate path to fieldable technologies that will highlight the hidden characteristics of complex terrain. Each element of the proposal fits into one of the three progressive phases, development, demonstration, and deployment. Our recent researchhas focused on the development and use of optical and acoustical imaging systems deployed on autonomous surface vessels, remotely operated vehicles and autonomous undersea vehicles to locate and map the interior of submerged cave complexes located in various geological terrains including sea caves, lava tubes, and sinkholes Through this proposal, in year 1 we plan to develop a 3D very high resolution optical imaging system that will be integrated into a highly maneuverable autonomous underwater vehicle. We also plan to collect multibeam data of lava tubes near Hawaii. This lava tube survey is exploratory and if lava tubes are found they will be further mapped and image in year 3 with the 3D very high resolution optical imaging system. In year 2, we propose to demonstrate the subsea docking of AUV SUNFISH developed through previous funding in 2019-2021 and will demonstrate the 3D imaging system developed in Year 1. During the demonstration of the optical sensor, SUNFISH will be connected to the surface with a tether to accelerate the development process and observe system behavior. In year 3, we propose to conduct two demonstrations. The first will be SUNFISH deployed within a cave to autonomously collect optical imagery. The second demonstration will see SUNFISH deployed from a subsea docking station into lava tubes identified in year 1.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 05, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112543
Entities
People
- Robert Ballard
Organizations
- Ocean Exploration Trust
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy