A NEW LASER-SCANNING SENSING TECHNIQUE FOR UNDERWATER ENGINEERING INSPECTION

In this paper, we describe the concept and technique of a laser space- frequency-difference scanning (LSFDS) sensing system for underwater en gineering inspection. Based on this technique, 3D data can be sensed d irectly in a wide view held and the sensing speed is up to the level o f mu s/point. Also the backscattering problem in underwater surroundin gs is avoided. Furthermore a new method for 3D information display on a 2D video system is implemented. Given the requirements of fast data processing in real time applications, neurocomputing is applied for co mputation of 3D positioning of the target points. The experimental res ults show the possibility of improvement of computing speed through ha rdware implementation. Finally the potential of the LSFDS technique fo r machine vision in the application of target finding and measurement is discussed. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.