Computer model for predicting underwater color images

Andrew W. Palowitch; Jules S. Jaffe

doi:10.1117/12.48877

1 December 1991 Computer model for predicting underwater color images

Andrew W. Palowitch, Jules S. Jaffe

Proceedings Volume 1537, Underwater Imaging, Photography, and Visibility; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.48877
Event: San Diego, '91, 1991, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

A computer model to simulate the formation of color underwater images has been developed. The model simulates the appearance of an underwater image as seen by an underwater camera. The images are intended to portray the appearance of a planar reflectance map that has been illuminated with artificial illumination. The input to the model consists of the geometry of the camera, artificial lights, the environmental constants that govern the propagation of light underwater, and the reflectance values of the map. To simulate the appearance of color images the spectrally varying nature of these inputs has been taken into account. This article describes the algorithm and illustrates the images that can be obtained as a function of different water types and camera/light configurations. A specific imaging geometry is used to simulate the appearance of objects that would be seen by a towed underwater imaging platform. The images have been synthesized in two types of ocean water at several distances. The results indicate the important role that frequency dependent scatter and absorption play in the process of underwater image formation.

Citation Download Citation

Andrew W. Palowitch and Jules S. Jaffe "Computer model for predicting underwater color images", Proc. SPIE 1537, Underwater Imaging, Photography, and Visibility, (1 December 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.48877

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available