LUCIE: a Laser Underwater Camera Image Enhancer

Calculation of the scattering and absorption coefficients obtained from the analysis of data taken in the waters off the coasts of Canada by NEARSCAT (a full spectrum narrow forward angle transmissometer-nephelometer) persuaded the authors that a laser assisted underwater camera system could provide better quality images over that of a conventional-system. Accordingly, the authors have designed and built a Laser Underwater Camera Image Enhancer (LUCIE). The system has been tested in a water tank facility and has been mounted on the HYSUB 5000, a remotely operated vehicle, for sea trials at a mean depth of 35 m in Patricia Bay near Victoria. In these waters the system has a range of 3 to 5 times that of a conventional camera with floodlights.<
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