Innovative Underwater Camera Is Small but Mighty
#MightySmall
Innovative Underwater Camera Is Small but Mighty
#MightySmall
Research Terms
Electrical Engineering Ocean Engineering
Industries
Ocean Microelectronics & Computer Products
SPIE, Member; 2013 - present
IEEE, Member; 2000 - present
The early stages of the fish life cycle are critical for survival into the reproductive stage. Without appropriate larval densities and live feed densities, the survival of the fish are at risk. Larval enumeration and growth monitoring systems allow aquaculture producers to both optimize hatchery space and to maintain proper densities of live feed organisms. Current methods of enumeration and growth monitoring are manual methods requiring significant resources and suffer from inaccuracy.
Researchers at FAU have developed a cost-effective tool for reliable larval enumeration and continuous growth monitoring in a non-intrusive manner. The system is comprised of an image capture front end which utilizes a light field rendering camera and strobe light. The image is then processed using a proprietary algorithm to enhance the image and then analyzed. This technology could potentially reduce feed costs, improve survivability, and lower production costs of aquaculture.
FAU is seeking partners to advance this technology into the marketplace through licensing or development partnerships.
Aquaculture is the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants for food and feed supply. It is expected that aquaculture is expected to produce nearly two-thirds of the fish for global consumption by 2030. Although aquaculture has proven to be a successful method for food production, the field is facing challenges that compel innovation to ensure its sustainability.
Researchers at FAU have developed a novel artificial intelligence-driven water-quality monitoring framework. This system will achieve seamless human/machine collaboration and conduct automated sampling at frequencies relevant for accurate prediction. The novel technology provides a platform that enables cost-effective water quality measurements with advanced accuracy and less environmental burden.
FAU is seeking partners to advance this technology into the marketplace through licensing or development partnerships.
Advances in underwater imaging technologies and techniques have focused on improving the ability to identify and detect dangerous items such as explosive ordnance devices on ocean floors. These devices have the ability to cause damage to both seafaring vessels as well as humans. Therefore, they are the focus of ongoing efforts by both governments and private enterprises. However, the presence of natural and other non-lethal man-made objects in the vicinity of explosive ordnance devices have increased the use of advanced underwater imaging techniques. The U.S. Navy has started equipping underwater unmanned vehicles with the capability of identifying and extracting or neutralizing these devices.
Researchers at FAU have developed a compact device that is able to perform active imaging of underwater objects. The whole system can fit into a soda can-sized container, which allows it to easily mount on different types of undersea vehicles. Additionally, this invention overcomes contrast loss and blurring and exponential attenuation of light. The invention can also be used in assisting divers during deep diving exercises, inspections of the underside of sea vessels, and underwater robotic operations.
The methodology used in this invention consists of generating a sequence of coded illumination patterns coupled with a continuous wave laser to light up the target. A high dynamic range commercially-available camera records the sequence of images of the spatially, light modulated target. This technique helps to reduce backscattering effects on the images while allowing for enhanced image filtering during the recovery process. Included in the post-processing steps is the application of a total variation noise reduction filter. This helps to achieve the highest degree of image contrast enhancement while simultaneously capturing details of low reflectance objects of interest. The greatest benefit gained by this invention is its ability to provide advanced underwater imaging and processing capability in a very compact form-factor.
FAU is seeking partners to advance this technology into the marketplace through licensing or development partnerships.
Polyurethane foams have found employment in a variety of industrial and commercial applications. These materials have excellent thermal insulation properties along with high mechanical strength properties.
Researchers at FAU utilized these materials to design a foam that can be activated and used in underwater environments. Specific application areas include use in structural frameworks that house underwater sensors, emergency release mechanisms that bring objects to the surface of the water, buoyance balances that control platform depth, and integration into undersea robot designs. This chemically activated foam can be used instead of underwater mechanical pumps, which helps reduce the overall weight of oceanic platform systems and equipment used in marine applications. This helps to expedite in-field construction time while reducing energy requirements and operating expenses.
FAU is seeking partners to advance this technology into the marketplace through licensing or development partnerships.
