Acoustic Video Camera for Murky Underwater Surveillance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical video cameras struggle in murky and turbid underwater conditions, while sonar imaging systems are difficult to integrate with existing image analysis systems, limiting their adoption in underwater surveillance applications despite their improved imaging range.
Innovation Solution
Acoustic video cameras that use acoustic imaging systems to acquire and process data, converting it into digital formats compatible with standard video systems, allowing integration with optical imaging systems and enabling 'plug and play' deployment in various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If optical video cameras are used for underwater imaging, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the viewing range is limited in murky and turbid underwater conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical imaging with acoustic imaging (sonar) to overcome the limitations of light transmission in murky water. The acoustic camera uses sound waves instead of light waves to penetrate turbid underwater environments, providing extended viewing range while maintaining ease of operation through standardized digital video outputs.
2Length of stationary object
If sonar imaging systems are used for underwater surveillance, then the viewing range is improved in murky and turbid conditions, but the images are difficult to interpret and require expertise and training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that converts raw sonar images into standardized digital video formats compatible with existing optical video analysis systems. This intermediary conversion enables automated image analysis and integrates acoustic imaging with familiar processing pipelines, reducing the need for specialized training while maintaining extended viewing range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the output format parameter of sonar systems from specialized raw sonar data to standardized digital video formats (such as MPEG-4, H.264). This parameter transformation allows the same hardware to be interpreted by existing video analysis tools, making the system easier to operate without requiring expertise in sonar-specific processing.
3Length of stationary object
If sonar imaging systems are used for underwater surveillance, then the imaging range is improved, but the system is difficult to integrate with existing image analysis systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the imaging system universal by enabling it to output in multiple standardized digital video formats that are compatible with both optical and acoustic processing systems. This multi-format capability allows the same acoustic camera to integrate with existing surveillance infrastructure, reducing device complexity while maintaining improved imaging range.
4Adaptability or versatility
If acoustic imaging data is processed and output in standardized digital formats, then the integration with host processing systems is enabled, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing and format conversion at the acoustic camera itself before data transmission to host systems. By pre-converting the acoustic imaging data into standardized digital video formats locally, the system reduces the processing burden on remote host systems while maintaining adaptability to various processing platforms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the use of sonar systems in combination with optical systems for comprehensive underwater surveillance, providing high-resolution images and automated analytics, enhancing reliability and adaptability in diverse water conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Acoustic video cameras use acoustic systems for acquiring imaging data
Implementation Method 2
The Acoustic Imager component comprises acoustic transmit/receive array(s) integrated with or connected to appropriate transmit/receive electronics and collects real-time or archival acoustic images
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic video camera system uses acoustic data acquisition systems to produce digital video imagery capable of interfacing with host equipment that operates using standard video formats compatible with video images obtained using optical systems. The acoustic video camera comprises an Acoustic Imager, a Digital Image Compression Component, an I/O and Processing component, and, optionally, an Image Analytics Component. System analytics may provide automated target identification and tracking. All of these components may be incorporated in a submersible acoustic imaging unit having communications capability for interfacing with a host display and control system.