Time-Lapse Underwater Photography System with Event Sensor Capability

A 35 mm still photography system with unique time-lapse capabilitities is described. The instrument package can be applied as a self-contained, "intelligent" unit floating in the water column or anchored on the seafloor. Due to low-power microcircuitry, the system can be immersed for several weeks without external battery packs. The camera microprocessor governs a versatile databack unit for data imprint on film and allows the communication with other oceanographic sensors via serial interface. Applications with acoustic range finders, transmissometers, and current meters are discussed.