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Ocean Engineering - AUV • Submersibles • QUAD HD Camera
AUV
One of the major chalanges with ocean exploration is that the activity requires large ships and
tethered Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) or manned submersibles whose operations are limited to
a few hours a day. The Center will use much smaller autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) which can
be launched from smaller ships, at lower cost, and are able to forage the seafloor for areas of
interest much more rapidly than conventional devices. A complete survey will result in many hours
of images and generate gigabytes of data. The searching of this data set for features of interest is
an important attribute and can be achieved by using the latest approaches developed for computer
science applications. Work done through the Center will significantly enhance the platform capabilities
by increasing the depth rating of these vehicles and improve video image quality using the FAU propriety
HDTV camera, so that exploration of deep-water habitats for novel species with the potential for
yielding high value bioproducts becomes feasible. Visit FAUês Department of Ocean Engineering for
more information on AUVs: http://www.oe.fau.edu/
Submersibles
JOHNSON-SEA-LINK I & II, HARBOR BRANCH manned submersibles, devoted primarily to research in the
marine sciences, are classed and certified to a maximum operating depth of 3,000 feet by the American
Bureau of Shipping (ABS). The forward five-inch thick acrylic sphere accommodates the pilot and an
observer at "one atmosphere," and allows panoramic visibility. A second crew member and another observer
occupy the after-observation chamber where a video monitor and side view ports provide forward and side
observation.
The evolution of specialized equipment such as manipulator arms, suction devices, and rotary plankton
samplers has made it possible for crewmen to accomplish almost any work from within the subs that once
was done only by divers. The JOHNSON-SEA-LINK submersibles are further outfitted with active sonar,
laser-aimed still and broadcast-quality video cameras, and HARBOR BRANCH-developed xenon arc lights.
The arc lights approximate sunlight, illuminating underwater scenes in true color and near daylight
conditions, even in the darkest seas.
These sophisticated and highly maneuverable free swimming submersibles have been in operation since 1971
and 1975. Maintained and operated by experienced and expert pilots and crews, they are further supported
by in-house ocean engineers.
Typical applications include benthic and/or mid-water observations, photo/video documentation and collection
of organisms; dump site inspections and monitoring; punch and box coring; search and recovery; bottom
surveys; photogrammetric surveys; archaeological site documentation and recovery; and environmental impact
studies. Visit the HARBOR BRANCH Marine Operations website for more information:
http://www.hboi.edu/marineops/marineops_home.html
QUAD HD Camera
The FAU Imaging Technology Center (ITC) will provide high-resolution imaging technologies to the Center.
The ITC has recently completed (with support by NASA and ONR) a compact QUAD HD CMOS Color Digital Video Camera,
which is the first in the world at 8 million pixels, while maintaining its small size, light weight, and low
power requirement. In addition, it is 3-D capable with 500-800 ASA sensitivity and a variable frame rate up
to 30 FPS. FAU Autonomous Underwater Vehicles will utilize this ultra high-resolution camera to observe ocean
systems and organisms. Center researchers will be able to zoom in and examine small areas of an entire image
with incredible clarity. A camera with these specifications and capabilities is not available on the
commercial market.
Please CLICK HERE to view the ocean engineering team.
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