Underwater laser imaging apparatus

Abstract

A simulation method for imaging of an underwater object is performed by simulating the object with a test panel having several strips of different brightness, and irradiating the test panel with a pulsed laser beam having three primary colors. From the reflected beam pulses, contrast values of the test stripes are computed for reflected pulses of each color in relation to the turbidity and visibility distance. The method may be used in conjunction with an imaging apparatus having a laser generation device which produces three primary colors of three different wavelengths; a laser beam detection device to receive the reflected beam pulses of respective primary colors, to determine intensities of the reflected beam pulses of respective primary colors, and to output three primary color signals to an image monitoring device. The imaging system may also be arranged so that a laser irradiation device, a laser beam detection device and an image monitoring device are all placed underwater in a submersible vessel with appropriate provisions for hydrostatic pressure and unmanned operation.