Real-time video mosaicking of the ocean floor

Abstract

This research proposes a method for the creation of real-time video mosaics of the ocean floor. New vision processing hardware is the enabling technology which makes real-time video mosaicking conceivable. A complete system has been developed to create mosaics from a single camera source. The mosaicking system was tested using a remotely operated vehicle. The test was targeted to determine the capabilities of the system in an actual scientific marine setting. The chief concerns were whether marine snow and nonuniform lighting of the field of view would hinder mosaic creation. Several mosaics of portions of a brachiopod field were successfully created.