In this research and innovation project, two master students from the University of Agder have been developing a multi camera system which will be used for testing 3D reconstruction underwater. The insights from this attempt can help developing an underwater observation system in a bigger scale to monitor ocean ecosystems with the help of applied AI. This project is a collaboration between the University of Agder and the Institute of Marine Research and is a part of the larger «Arven etter Dannevig» project, which is aiming to build a coastal observatory at Torungen lighthouse and to research technological ecology in marine coastal monitoring.
The four main projects are listed below:
– Building of 24 watertight camera houses
– Building of a dome construction
– Building of underwater housing for three embedded computers
– System Integration and Underwater Testing
Seen from a distance, Earth appears as a blue planet with water covering over half of the surface. The oceans contain a wast amount of wildlife and biodiversity, with species we have not discovered yet. Multiple factors result in unpredictable consequences in ocean ecosystems that are not easy to discover in time. In general, it is difficult for humans to perceive the impact of global changes on underwater ecosystems. The ocean is a harsh environment that is challenging for researchers to observe. This is why it is important to develop new technology that can enhance the quality of the observation-data for marine researchers.
Our goal was to take the first step in developing a research station capable of three-dimensional underwater video streaming. The 3D reconstruction of marine life, captured using only cameras, has the potential to generate valuable data for future research. Combined with artificial intelligence, the station could enable re-identification of fish, species detection, behavioral monitoring, and the general mapping of marine ecosystems.
Our task was to create twenty-four waterproof camera housings, a mechanical structure in the form of a geodesic dome to mount all 24 cameras, and three integrated computer compartments equipped with power and communication networks.
Throughout the project period, the design of the cameras and the dome structure has been optimized to be light weight, easy to assemble and only consists of a few components. After strength-testing and updating revisions to make the parts easier to machine, both the dome and the 24 cameras are produced and assembled.
The camera housings were machined at the UiA Mechatronics Lab, while other components had to be ordered from external suppliers. The cabling solution for the system was particularly challenging, as subsea components are expensive. However, an affordable solution was found, and one set has been ordered for implementation and testing.
From an engineering perspective, the project has presented challenges such as camera synchronization, environmentally friendly biofouling prevention, waterproofing all components, and designing products capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to the harsh ocean environment. Sustainable technology development has been a guiding principle for us throughout the project.
Through this project, we have gained valuable experience in designing components, further developing devices, and integrating embedded computing systems into the design. It has been exciting to contribute to the development of underwater technology, a field highly relevant to Norwegian industry and research. Hopefully, the multi-camera system will be a step in the right direction toward documenting changes in the ocean effectively.
We would like to thank Associate Professor Daniel Hagen and Assistant Professor Kristian Muri Knausgård from UiA for the opportunity to work on this project and for their support throughout the project period. We also extend our thanks to Tonje Knutsen Sørdalen from the Institute of Marine Research for her financial and knowledge-based contributions.