An acoustic camera for 3D underwater imaging

Underwater inspection and work operations are often restricted by turbid water caused by soft particles being stirred up by current, moving vehicles, thrusters, tools etc. A three dimensional real-time acoustic camera is being developed by OmniTech. The camera will be able to provide acoustically based visual information to the user of an ROV-even if turbidity restricts optical sight. As the update frequency of the acoustic image is 5 Hz, the acoustic camera can be used as a real time image sensor during work operations. Unlike conventional sonars, the camera provides three dimensional information and the image is based upon one acoustic pulse-making the camera virtually insensitive to movement