Prototype of Stereoscopic Vision System to Improve the Image Quality in Turbid Waters during Underwater Inspections

Underwater Visual Inspection is one of the main Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques that can give us an accurate idea of the condition of any structure placed underwater. However, water and everything within affect light, compromising vision acuity and Inspector judgement. This work explores the possibility to compensate the side effects that light reflection and scattering (caused by turbidity) produce in the visualization of objects subjected to inspection. With the use of a stereoscopic vision system and the application of filter lenses as well as digital video processing, a better quality video was accomplished. Surveyors and Inspectors on surface will obtain benefits of a SD-vision system during underwater inspections