Seabed Imaging System

Acoustic imaging is the preferred modality for mine detection. However, acoustic images are noisy and difficult to interpret due to acoustic clutter, the interaction of sound with the seafloor, and potential penetration of sound into the sediment with subsequent reflection. Creare proposes to develop a Seabed Imaging System (SIS) capable of providing detailed information on both the topography and composition of the seafloor. The SIS is intended to be mounted on an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to provide data that can be used to supplement and constrain acoustic performance models. Data from the SIS will assist in estimating sonar penetration depth and the magnitude of acoustic image degradation due to clutter. The Creare SIS balances the need for high spatial resolution with low power consumption and fully automated data processing. The small footprint of the system facilitates mounting on existing AUV platforms.