Multiple Image Sensors for Real-Time Underwater Depth Perception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater depth perception technologies rely heavily on remote computing, leading to delays and insufficient real-time feedback, and existing sensors like sonar and LiDAR provide limited detail and specificity, overwhelming onboard computing resources.
Innovation Solution
Implementing systems with multiple image sensors or a combination of an image sensor and a complementary sensor, along with onboard computing systems, to provide real-time underwater depth perception by processing data locally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sonar or laser-based sensors are used for underwater depth perception, then real-time feedback is provided for navigation, but the detail and specificity are limited and computing resources are overwhelmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into multiple specialized image sensors (e.g., red, green, blue sensors) positioned at different locations, each capturing specific wavelength information. This segmentation allows detailed depth perception through multi-spectral imaging while distributing computational processing across multiple sensors rather than overwhelming a single computing resource
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-dimension sonar/LiDAR depth measurement to multi-dimensional optical sensing by capturing images at multiple wavelengths and spatial positions. This dimensional expansion provides richer depth information through spectral and spatial analysis without proportionally increasing computational burden
2Device complexity
If remote computing is used for depth perception processing, then computing resources are reduced onboard, but delays occur and real-time feedback is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs depth perception processing onboard the submersible vehicle using integrated image sensors and computing systems, eliminating the need to transmit raw data to remote servers. This preliminary action of processing data locally prevents communication delays and enables real-time navigation decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The submersible vehicle is equipped with self-sufficient depth perception capabilities through onboard multi-spectral image sensors and processing systems. The vehicle serves its own computing needs without external assistance, maintaining operational autonomy and avoiding delays associated with remote processing
Data Source
AI summary
Systems described herein use either multiple image sensors or one image sensor and a complementary sensor to provide underwater depth perception. The systems include a computing system that provides the underwater depth perception based on data sensed by the multiple image sensors or the one image sensor and the complementary sensor. The systems can include a submersible device (such as a submersible mobile machine) that includes a holder configured to hold the one image sensor. The holder can be configured to hold the computing system in addition to the one image sensor. And, in some embodiments, the holder is configured to hold the complementary sensor in addition to the computing system and the one image sensor. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the holder is configured to hold the multiple image sensors. And, the holder can be configured to hold the computing system in addition to the multiple image sensors.