Conference Session

Ocean, Marine, and Coastal Engineering Topics

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jennifer Waters, U.S. Naval Academy; Randy Broussard, U.S. Naval Academy; Jenelle Piepmeier, U.S. Naval Academy

Tagged Divisions

Ocean and Marine

backscatter, etc.). We present a vision-basedwave sensing technique that can be used to measure water surface heights and computepertinent wave characteristics, such as slope, height, or frequency. Using a commerciallyavailable stereo imaging system, students can acquire an image of a wave surface andaccurately measure its characteristics. System configuration and data analysis methodsare discussed. Data generated using this method can be verified using traditional wavegauges, and used for a variety of student project or laboratory experiments. We haveused this system for a laboratory investigation in an Introduction to Computer Visioncourse, and as an experimental platform for independent study by Ocean Engineeringstudents. Sample results from

Conference Session

Ocean, Marine, and Coastal Engineering Topics

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Stephen Wood, Florida Tech; Brian Howell, Western Carolina University

Tagged Divisions

Ocean and Marine

application came as a result of proposals tothe National Undersea Research Program at Hawaii Underseas Research Laboratory. Atthe time (2003), they were planning a series of dives on the underwater seamountVailulu’u off the coast of American Samoa. In support of that, the team proposed thedeployment of an AUV for testing of environmentally based navigation in thatenvironment. For that mission the specifications were basic:Scenario 1: Underwater volcanic exploration.Seamount depth: 500mCaldera Floor :1000m: Operational Range: 0-1000mCaldera Mouth: 2km:Vehicle speed 2kts:Range 5 kmOperational life on 1 batt charge 2 hoursMission ProfileMode 1: Make one pass over caldera, compass based, turn 180 degree, dive to next depthand return. Surface for battery