A Laser Line Auto-Scanning System for Underwater 3D Reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Robotics and Automation
• Optical Engineering
• Marine Technology

Background:

• Accurate 3D reconstruction is crucial for underwater inspection and research.
• Existing methods often face challenges with resolution and accuracy in submerged conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and validate a novel laser line auto-scanning system for high-accuracy, high-resolution underwater 3D reconstruction.
• To address limitations in current underwater close-range 3D imaging technologies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a galvanometer-controlled laser plane for automatic scanning and strip acquisition.
• Employed homography constraints for system parameter calibration.
• Implemented a cost function to optimize galvanometer axis equations.
• Applied optical refraction compensation for underwater imaging.

Main Results:

• The system demonstrated high accuracy and spatial measurement capability in laboratory tests.
• Successful 3D surface reconstruction of an underwater instrument's sealing cover was achieved.
• The auto-scanning approach provided continuous laser strips for detailed reconstruction.

Conclusions:

• The developed laser line auto-scanning system is effective for underwater close-range 3D reconstruction.
• The system offers a promising solution for accurate and high-resolution imaging in aquatic environments.
• Refraction compensation and precise calibration are key to achieving satisfactory results.