(Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1992-09)
Kusters, John G.
In order to provide a high-resolution underwater-ranging capability for scientific
measurement, a commercially available optical-ranging system is analyzed for performance
and feasibility. The system employs a structured-lighting technique using a laser-light plane
and single-camera imaging system. The mechanics of determining range with such a system
are presented along with predicted range error. Controlled testing of the system is performed
and range error is empirically determined. The system is employed in a deep-sea application,
and its performance is evaluated. The measurements obtained are used for a scientific
application to determine seafloor roughness for very-high-spatial frequencies (greater than 10
cycles/meter). Use and application recommendations for the system are presented.
