Underwater Laser Imaging for 3D Modeling

The patent replaces acoustic/sound-based surveying methods with optical laser-based methods. Multiple cameras capture images illuminated by lasers, and photogrammetric algorithms process these images to create 3D models. This substitution eliminates the harmful effects of sound propagation limitations in water columns, achieving accurate measurements without relying on acoustic waves.

The patent introduces lasers as an intermediary illumination source and cameras as intermediaries for capture. Instead of directly using sound waves to measure underwater structures, the system uses lasers to illuminate the structures, cameras to capture the illuminated images, and photogrammetric algorithms to process the images into accurate 3D models, thereby mediating the measurement process to avoid sound propagation issues.

The patent segments the illumination process into multiple distinct illumination settings (e.g., different laser positions, angles, or patterns). Each illumination setting captures different aspects or perspectives of the underwater structure. By segmenting the surveying process into multiple illumination phases, the system achieves comprehensive and accurate 3D modeling while managing device complexity through systematic organization of the multiple settings.

The patent employs periodic action by cycling through multiple distinct illumination settings in a structured sequence. The system alternates between different laser illumination configurations, capturing images at each phase, and then processes all captured images together. This periodic switching between illumination states enables comprehensive data collection for accurate modeling without requiring all illumination sources to operate simultaneously, thus managing complexity.