Seeing through murky waters
When remotely operated vehicles settle on the seafloor or dig through a sand bed, they can kick up clouds of sediment that onboard cameras struggle to see through. Often, the only thing to do is wait until the dust settles. But a new system developed by Amy Phung, SM ’23, PhD ’26, and her advisor…
When remotely operated vehicles reach the ocean floor or navigate sand beds, they disturb sediments, creating murky conditions that hinder onboard cameras' ability to capture clear images. In such situations, the only recourse is to wait for the cloud of sediment to clear. However, a novel system devised by Amy Phung, SM ’23, PhD ’26, and her mentor Richard Camilli, SM ’00, PhD ’03, from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), presents a promising solution.
Their method involves the vehicle initially employing sonar to swiftly generate a broad overview of its environment. While sonar does not yield detailed imagery, it functions effectively in both murky and transparent waters, enabling the vehicle to approach specific objects safely for more precise camera inspections.
To expedite the processing of sonar data, the researchers integrated it with an advanced image-matching algorithm originating from France. This algorithm swiftly approximates the depth of each pixel within a two-dimensional scene. Phung and Camilli liken their technique to navigating a darkened china shop while searching for a particular coffee mug without causing any damage.
By applying this approach, the researchers aim to mitigate the challenges posed by turbid waters, which could find utility in various fields. These applications encompass scientific exploration, underwater construction and maintenance tasks, and the handling of unexploded maritime mines.
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