In fields such as ocean exploration and underwater operations, underwater cameras play a vital role. They are like human eyes, helping us gain insight into the mysterious underwater world.
1. Working principle of underwater camera
The working principle of underwater cameras is similar to that of ordinary cameras, but it also needs to adapt to the special requirements of the underwater environment. It usually uses an optical lens to collect light and image the object on the image sensor. The image sensor then converts the light signal into an electrical signal or a digital signal, and stores or transmits the image data after signal processing. In order to deal with problems such as underwater light refraction and scattering, underwater cameras often use special optical lens designs, such as anti-distortion wide-angle lenses, to ensure clear and distortion-free images. At the same time, some underwater cameras are also equipped with infrared lights or white light lights to provide illumination in low light or dark environments.
2. System composition of underwater camera
(1) Underwater cameras and accessories
Including high-speed cameras, camera lenses, pressure-resistant housings, pressure-resistant window glass, watertight joints and fixed structures, etc. The pressure-resistant shell is generally made of stainless steel and other materials to withstand high underwater pressure. The front shell is placed with optical glass, and the rear shell is placed with components such as cameras and lenses.
(2) Underwater lighting system
It consists of an underwater lighting pressure-resistant shell, a watertight joint, a pressure-resistant window glass, a lighting source and a driving circuit, a fixed bracket, etc. Underwater lighting usually uses LED lights, which have the advantages of long life and high reliability. The drive circuit is controlled by remote dimming of the water surface control unit.
(3) Underwater installation, fixing and adjusting brackets
Used to hold the camera in place and adjust as needed.
(4) Underwater cable transmission part
Including underwater composite cables and underwater Ethernet cables, etc., used to transmit power and image data, they must have good waterproof performance and anti-interference capabilities.
(5) Water surface transmission and water surface control unit
It is used to complete the remote control and power supply of the underwater camera system, and realize functions such as camera trigger control, synchronization, network connection, and lighting dimming control.
3. Key features of underwater cameras
(1) Waterproof and pressure resistant
Underwater cameras need to reach an IP68 or higher protection level and be able to work normally in a long-term submerged environment. Its shell is usually made of high-strength metals such as stainless steel and titanium alloy to withstand high pressure in deep water environments.
(2) Corrosion resistance
The casing and components are made of anti-corrosion materials to adapt to fresh water and salt water environments. Some also add anti-corrosion coatings to the surface to enhance durability.
(3) Low light performance
Using a low-illumination sensor, it can capture clear images in low light or even completely dark underwater environments. Some also have built-in infrared lights or white light lights to avoid blurring images caused by underwater infrared light scattering.
(4) High-definition imaging
Typically providing 1080p or higher resolution images, using an anti-distortion wide-angle lens to ensure the details of underwater targets are captured.
(5) Image stabilization and anti-interference
Equipped with image anti-shake technology, it eliminates picture jitter caused by water flow or underwater mechanical vibration. It also optimizes the circuit design to prevent the complex underwater electromagnetic environment from affecting normal operation.
4. Application fields of underwater cameras
(1) Marine Science Research Beijing Party Member Education Network
Used to observe the behavior and ecological habits of marine organisms, monitor changes in the marine environment, etc. For example, researchers can use underwater cameras to monitor ocean pollution or observe the health and growth of fish in aquaculture farms.
(2) Underwater engineering operations
In underwater projects such as deep-sea exploration, bridge pile foundation construction, and hydropower station dam maintenance, underwater cameras can realize construction visualization, provide early warning of hidden dangers, and provide data support for decision-making. For example, in the shield construction of the Nanjing Yangtze River Tunnel, it is linked with the cutterhead to transmit the tunneling surface images in real time, and uses AI to analyze formation changes to provide early warning of tool wear risks.
(3) Inspection of underwater facilities
It can be used for inspections of deep-sea oil and gas pipelines, submarine cables and other facilities. Its starlight-level low-illumination performance can capture subtle changes on the surface of facilities, such as cracks, corrosion, etc., reducing the risk of artificial diving and improving inspection efficiency and safety.
(4) Leisure and entertainment
It is suitable for underwater shooting and live broadcasting in aquariums and diving bases, allowing people to appreciate beautiful underwater landscapes and creatures.