A historical perspective on underwater optical imaging

Underwater optical imaging is an important area for sensing in aquatic environments. In this proceedings article, a historical perspective on underwater imaging is presented. The earliest underwater imaging systems, no doubt were developed by animals to hunt, avoid predators, and to find mates. Subsequently, the earliest human efforts at underwater imaging were from submarines and hardhat divers. The use of both film and video cameras evolved as the technology became more sophisticated and underwater housings with adequate view ports were developed. For the purposes of this review, the modern age of underwater imaging was inaugurated with the advent of digital camera technology and the subsequent ease of use in digital processing. Developments from that time on are considered in a companion article.