Abstract: An underwater dock light having an adjustable anchoring system having a capturing assembly with an upper capturing housing located opposite a lower capturing housing. The upper capturing housing can have at least one cord opening configured to receive a cord. The upper capturing housing can have a cord capturing structure. The cord is configured to contact a portion of the cord capturing structure. A fastener is configured to connect the upper capturing housing to the lower capturing housing. The cord is captured between the cord capturing structure of the upper capturing housing and a surface of the lower capturing housing. An anchoring weight is configured to connect to the capturing assembly. The anchoring weight has an opening. The upper capturing housing and lower capturing housing are configured to retain the anchoring weight.

Abstract: An audio capture device for a submersible camera including a supporting structure to prevent a waterproof membrane from deflecting beyond a point that will cause damage to the membrane. A microphone assembly includes a microphone for detecting ambient sound and generating an electrical signal representing the ambient sound. The microphone assembly is covered by a waterproof membrane to prevent water from reaching the microphone assembly. One or more supporting rings near the waterproof membrane prevents the waterproof membrane from deflecting more than a threshold deflection.

Abstract: Disturbance noise is distinguished and an appropriate detection result is output in accordance with a state of each disturbance noise. A signal processing circuit (11) of a photodetection device (101) includes non-synchronous detection units (112, 113) that detect existence of a light reception signal which is not synchronous with a light emitting drive timing in at least one of a case where it is determined that a value of the light reception signal exceeds a predetermined first threshold and a case where the value of the light reception signal becomes less than a predetermined second threshold in a non-synchronous detection period except a synchronous detection period in a detection period in the signal processing circuit (11).

Abstract: Described herein are various configurations and designs for an external flash device. The external flash device can attach to a camera device, such as a mobile phone or smartphone, to provide enhanced flash performance to an internal flash of the camera device. An adjustable arm of the external flash device can include a sensor positionable to receive an optical transmission, such as a flash from the camera device. The adjustable arm can allow the external flash to function with various camera devices. In response to receiving and detecting the optical transmission, the external flash can activate one or more light emitting units to generate a flash that is synchronized with the capture of an image by the camera. One or more light emitting arrays can be included in the external flash to provide greater flash brightness or more than one color temperature of light emitting units.

Abstract: An imaging system designed for use in a low visibility, underwater environment includes a short wavelength light source, such as an ultraviolet LED, for illuminating an object and a camera for capturing images of the object. The exterior of the object is applied with a light absorptive coating, such as a phosphorescent coating. In use, some the light emitted by the light source is reflected by particles suspended in the water, such as silt or algae, at the same relatively short wavelength as initially emitted. However, some of the light emitted by the light source is absorbed by the coated object and re-emitted at a relatively long wavelength based on a principle of fluorescence known as Stokes shift. Accordingly, a cutoff filter disposed in front of the camera enhances visibility of the object by filtering out the short wavelength light reflected by particles suspended in the immediate environment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for underwater swimming pool video monitoring and other data gathering and transmission, and related controls. Embodiments include one or more cameras and/or other sensors and/or controls operatively mounted and/or used with an underwater pool light feature.

Abstract: The device used for collecting information on the condition of a sewer network. It includes a set of observation devices mounted on a floating housing (1) introduced in the sewer pipe flow and connected by the rear (8) to a check cable which the operator can unreel from the surface of an upstream manhole, and is completed by display, control and optional recording systems on the surface. The on-board devices comprise a pan and tilt surface camera housed behind a glass dome (2), a bottom camera (3), distance detectors (6 and 7), a system transmitting wireless signals (5), lights, and batteries (4). The signals run along the inside of the pipe to a receiver located at a manhole and from there are transmitted to the station on the surface. The components are compact, reliable and preferably derived from mass-produced devices such as video surveillance cameras, computers or video screens.

Abstract: A camera head comprising: (a) housing having a front and back orientation and defining a cavity, the housing being cylindrical and having an axis, the housing having a rear portion for interengaging with a support system; (b) a first wall annularly configured in the housing; (c) a front portion in threaded engagement with the housing such that rotating the front portion causes it to move axially with respect to the housing, the front portion having a front face at least a portion of which is transparent, the front portion comprising a second wall being cylindrical and extending backward from the front face to define a center cavity, the first and second walls cooperating to define an annular cavity; (d) at least one lens attached to the second wall and disposed in the center cavity; (e) one or more light emitting devices disposed in the annular cavity and operatively connected to the housing; and (f) at least one imaging device disposed in the cavity operatively connected to the housing and optically coupled

Abstract: A system and method are provided for imaging in scattering media such as fog, water and biological tissues. Normally, such images suffer from poor visibility due to backscattering and signal attenuation. At least two images are taken of the scene using active widefield polarized illumination, with different states of a camera-mounted polarizer. The degree of polarization of backscatter is estimated in every point of the scene, leading to an estimation of the backscatter in every point of the scene. A portion or all of the value of backscatter can be deducted in each point of the scene resulting in an enhanced image with improved contrast and brightness range across the field of view.

Abstract: A control system for an underwater camera housing, including a pin assembly within the housing wall. The pin has a clamp ring and a set of O-rings at an end of the pin. The pin is received into a well in the housing. A spring is received into a bushing also positioned within the well, with the pin inserted into the center of the spring, and the spring compressed against the seat of the bushing by the clamp ring. The pin is depress-able to contact a control button of the housed camera. The control system additionally includes a knob rotatably attached to the housing's exterior. The knob has a boss magnet to move a worker magnet positioned on the housing's interior. The knob is rotatable to move the boss magnet, and so move the worker magnet, to control functions of the housed camera.

Abstract: An underwater camera apparatus for use in obtaining photograph images of underwater structures is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of a sealed box having a defined interior space with a transparent front face. A lens adaptor is mounted in an opening on the rear face of the box and a camera having a lens is mounted onto the lens adaptor. The box is provided with a removable cap plate allowable sealable access to the interior space of the box. The removable cap plate is used to fill the box with clear water to assist in making the apparatus buoyant neutral in an underwater environment.

Abstract: A submerged organism detection system. Particularly, a system and method for detection of organisms and includes a rotational mirror and laser light. The system has a camera with a visible field and detects a flash; a laser device produces a laser beam; a mirror rotates about an axis and reflects the laser beam throughout a plane, the plane being substantially horizontal, the visible field being a portion of the plane, wherein, when an object obstructs the laser beam, the flash is produced; and a counter that has a count, wherein, when the flash is produced, the counter increases the count. Further, the system may be submerged underwater.

Abstract: A digital camera containing an internal flash also has an externally attached flash which is adapted to emit light by using as trigger a signal received from the internal flash. A control system for the flash includes circuits for starting and stopping preliminary and main emission of light from the external flash by using as trigger the starting and stopping of light emission from the internal flash and may also be adapted to vary the quantity of light from the external flash for the preliminary emission by changing its waveform. A light screen may be provided to prevent light from the internal flash from illuminating the target object to be photographed by the camera and a light conductor such as an optical cable may connect the internal flash with the external flash. A single knob is operated to switch between two or more different modes of operation such as automatic and manual modes.

Abstract: A camera head comprising: (a) housing having a front and back orientation and defining a cavity, the housing being cylindrical and having an axis, the housing having a rear portion for interengaging with a support system; (b) a first wall annularly configured in the housing; (c) a front portion in threaded engagement with the housing such that rotating the front portion causes it to move axially with respect to the housing, the front portion having a front face at least a portion of which is transparent, the front portion comprising a second wall being cylindrical and extending backward from the front face to define a center cavity, the first and second walls cooperating to define an annular cavity; (d) at least one lens attached to the second wall and disposed in the center cavity; (e) one or more light emitting devices disposed in the annular cavity and operatively connected to the housing; and (f) at least one imaging device disposed in the cavity operatively connected to the housing and optically coupled

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus (210) for capturing an image (214) of a scene (12) that is within a fluid (16) includes an apparatus frame (228), a capturing system (230), and a control system (236). The capturing system (230) captures the image (214). The control system (236) adjusts a color content of the captured image (214) based on at least one of a separation distance (SDist) between the image capturing apparatus (210) and a subject (20) of the scene (12); an apparatus depth (AD) of the image capturing apparatus (210) below a fluid surface (21); a subject depth (SDep) of the subject (20) below the fluid surface (21); or a fluid type of the fluid (16). Additionally, the image capturing apparatus (210) can include a depth sensor (234) that provides an apparatus depth signal that corresponds to the apparatus depth (AD) of the image capturing apparatus (210).

Abstract: A photographing apparatus that performs photographing with a camera main body accommodated in a waterproof housing includes a touch panel disposed in overlapping relationship with a display unit of the camera main body. The camera main body is operated by the touch panel, and, when photographing is performed with the camera main body accommodated in the waterproof housing, the operation of operation buttons of the waterproof housing operate corresponding operation buttons of the camera main body.

Abstract: A waterproof housing for storing a camera with a lens barrel includes, a cylindrical lens barrel storage section for storing the lens barrel portion with a through hole communicating the outside and inside of the waterproof housing; and a rotatable cylindrical operation ring supported on an outer periphery of the cylindrical lens barrel storage section and provided to enclose an outer periphery of a rotary ring on the stored lens barrel for rotating the same. The waterproof housing also includes a transmitting member in the hole on an outer wall of the cylindrical lens barrel storage section connected to the rotary ring for directly transmitting rotation of the operation ring thereto, and a waterproof member between the outside of the cylindrical lens barrel storage section and an inner periphery of the operation ring for waterproof between the interior and the exterior of the cylindrical lens barrel storage section.

Abstract: A digital camera containing an internal flash also has an externally attached flash which is adapted to emit light by using as trigger a signal received from the internal flash. A control system for the flash includes circuits for starting and stopping preliminary and main emission of light from the external flash by using as trigger the starting and stopping of light emission from the internal flash and may also be adapted to vary the quantity of light from the external flash for the preliminary emission by changing its waveform. A light screen may be provided to prevent light from the internal flash from illuminating the target object to be photographed by the camera and a light conductor such as an optical cable may connect the internal flash with the external flash. A single knob is operated to switch between two or more different modes of operation such as automatic and manual modes.

Abstract: An upright camera housing having an adjustable pan position and an upright front pane for at least one camera with adjustable lens and tilt includes a mount for installing the housing onto a vertical structure and for attaching the mount to the housing by fasteners at the horizontal axis of the housing. An adjustable tilt is provided for the camera within the interior of said housing through a screw guided movable slider driven by first adjustment tool and linked to said at least one camera and wherein said adjustment tool is accessed through first sealed access of said housing. An adjustable lens is provided for each camera for manual adjustment and remote control adjustment. A manual adjustment is accessed by second adjustment tool through a second sealed access of the housing and the remote control adjustment being provided by one geared motor.

Abstract: A method is provided for the generation an image in a turbid medium. After illuminating locations along a each of three adjacent lines using beam(s) of light, a camera is activated to generate three separate images. The second line is between the first and third lines. In terms of amplitude associated therewith, a portion of each of the first image and third image are subtracted from the entirety of the second image to generate a resulting image.

Abstract: A lamp for an underwater camera to illuminate and photograph or film objects in the macrorange including a minimum of three LED diodes that emit white light which are arranged concentrically and at the same distance from each other around, and at a specific angle to, the optical axis of an underwater camera. An annular lamp holder may be used or the lamps may be directly integrated into the housing of the camera.

Abstract: A system has a camera and a waterproof housing. The camera has a strobe light-emitting portion which is rotated to the pop-up position for light emission and to the restoring position for non light-emission position and a light-emission preparing member which moves the strobe light-emitting portion from the restoring position to the pop-up position. The waterproof housing can be closed and opened and watertightly stores the camera. Further, the waterproof housing has an operating member which can externally be operated and a press member. In the waterproof housing, the light-emission preparing member on the camera is pressed by pressing the operating member and the strobe light-emitting portion at the restoring position is moved to the pop-up position. The rear portion of the strobe light-emitting portion at the pop-up position is pressed by pressing the press member, thus to move the strobe light-emitting portion to the restoring position.

Abstract: Viewing enhancing apparatus for visibility impaired fluid, such as turbid water or a smoke-filled room, includes a fluid-permeable sidewall and a housing defining a confluence cavity having an axis extending between first and second housing ends. The housing ends are connected by the sidewall. The second housing end is open. The sidewall has a proximal end towards the first housing end and a distal end towards the second housing end. The housing defines a supply cavity surrounding the sidewall and coupleable to a source of viewing fluid, typically clear water when operating in a turbid water environment. The sidewall provides a resistance to flow of the viewing fluid therethrough, the resistance varying according to the position on the sidewall. The viewing fluid passes through the confluence cavity and exits the second housing end. This creates a chosen velocity profile for the viewing fluid exiting the second housing end.

Abstract: A microprocessor based strobe controller provides an interface between a digital camera and one or more strobe units. The strobe controller provides interoperability and enhanced user control by enabling the user to vary separately the light output of a variety of strobes of different manufacturers. The strobe controller enables a user to take pictures using digital TTL manual bracketing based on TTL feedback and full manual operation with the ability to adjust light output over a plurality of power levels with any TTL strobe. The strobe controller may be incorporated in a housing for operatively enclosing a digital camera for use underwater or in harsh environments. The housing provides a communication link between the camera and one or more strobes, and includes an intuitive user interface that accesses camera functions, strobe controller functions and gives visual strobe control feedback.

Abstract: A microprocessor based strobe controller provides an interface between a digital camera and one or more strobe units. The strobe controller provides interoperability and enhanced user control by enabling the user to vary separately the light output of a variety of strobes of different manufacturers. The strobe controller enables a user to take pictures using digital TTL manual bracketing based on TTL feedback and full manual operation with the ability to adjust light output over a plurality of power levels with any TTL strobe. The strobe controller may be incorporated in a housing for operatively enclosing a digital camera for use underwater or in harsh environments. The housing provides a communication link between the camera and one or more strobes, and includes an intuitive user interface that accesses camera functions, strobe controller functions and gives visual strobe control feedback.

Abstract: For controlling emission of light from an outer flash lamp having a light receiving part and externally attached to a camera, which may be a digital camera and may be enclosed inside a watertight housing for underwater photography, having an inner lamp which is provided internally and includes a light emitting part, a filter which passes infrared and near infrared light but prevents visible light from passing through may be attached to the light emitting part of the inner lamp or on the housing of the camera. Light emitted from the inner lamp has sufficiently strong infrared intensity and the portion passing through the filter is sufficiently strong to activate the outer lamp. The filter may be substituted with a light intensity-reducing filter for reducing the intensity of incident light thereon with an amplifier added to the light receiving part of the outer lamp such that the light with reduced intensity through such a filter can activate the outer lamp.

Abstract: A universal camera and flash unit mount having a camera mounting plate to which a handle may be detachably connected. A camera mounting plate is adjustably carried on the mount. The end of the handle, as well as the mount having ball joint to which flash arms may be selectively attached and adjustable to a wide range of lighting positions.

Abstract: An instrument for the inspection of well bores includes an improved light source contained within the same pressure barrel as the camera. A low power lamp is disposed within an elliptical-shaped reflector that reflects the lamp light to a focal point distal of the reflector. Optical fibers are disposed at that focal point and conduct the light received from the lamp to form an array of light sources disposed about the camera. An annular window disposed in the line of illumination of the array of light sources directs the illumination into the field of view of the camera. The light source arrangement provides an unobstructed and illuminated field of view for the camera. Because of the increased efficiency of the light source that includes the described elliptical reflector, a self-contained power system may be used in the instrument thereby resulting in a much smaller support cable for the instrument with the ability to inspect much smaller boreholes. Standard size batteries may be used in the power system.

Abstract: A flash lamp for underwater photography has at least two straight discharge tubes mounted to a panel perpendicularly to each other in a T-form or an L-form such that a circular target area can be illuminated. A plurality of smaller capacitors and transformers for these discharge tubes can be arranged inside a watertight housing in a space-efficient manner. The mode switching circuit for selecting between automatic and manual modes of operation is designed such that a single mode selecting switch needs to be operated in order to select a mode. A slave flash lamp has a more reliable control circuit having one or two light receiving circuits for detecting light from a master and outputting a corresponding light sensing signal, a start signal output circuit and a stop signal output circuit for analyzing the received light signal and analyzing it to detect start and stop signal elements and to output a start signal and a stop signal for causing flash light to start emission and to stop it.

Abstract: A flash lamp for underwater photography for use in combination with a camera has a target light, which may be a laser diode or a focussed LED and is set so as to emit a beam of light coaxially with its flash light source such that the user can visually ascertain where the lamp will illuminate. The lamp is controlled such that the target light is automatically switched off or made darker approximately simultaneously as the shutter of the camera is opened. If the flash lamp is of a kind which undergoes preliminary flash light emission prior to main flash light emission, the target light is controlled so as to be switched off or made darker by using the preliminary light emission as the trigger. If the camera is of a kind that outputs a ready signal when its shutter is pressed to a half-way position to indicate that it is ready to be clicked completely, the ready signal may be used as the trigger for switching off or darkening the target light.

Abstract: An underwater camera having high speed film is coupled to illumination apparatus that includes a pair of ultraviolet-white-light fluorescent light bulbs for illuminating fluorescent life forms at night, and having a substantial component of ultraviolet light of a wavelength of about 365 nanometers, along with light having significant components of wavelength extending substantially throughout the visible spectrum. A transparent optical grade tubular protective enclosure surrounds the light bulbs and their electrical components.

Abstract: A flash lamp for underwater photography for use in combination with a camera has a target light, which may be a laser diode or a focussed LED and is set so as to emit a beam of light coaxially with its flash light source such that the user can visually ascertain where the lamp will illuminate. The lamp is controlled such that the target light is automatically switched off or made darker approximately simultaneously as the shutter of the camera is opened. If the flash lamp is of a kind which undergoes preliminary flash light emission prior to main flash light emission, the target light is controlled so as to be switched off or made darker by using the preliminary light emission as the trigger. If the camera is of a kind that outputs a ready signal when its shutter is pressed to a half-way position to indicate that it is ready to be clicked completely, the ready signal may be used as the trigger for switching off or darkening the target light.

Abstract: An underwater camera housing for enclosing a camera for use with a flash unit has a cable connector to which a signal-transmitting cable extending to the flash unit is attached and a link switch is provided on its outer surface by which the transmission of signals through the cable can be cut off or connected again. The signal transmitted through the cable may be electrical signals or light signals. If light signals are transmitted from the housing to control the flash unit, a circuit is provided for generating an electrical signal to prepare the camera for flash photography and the link switch serves to control the generation of this electrical signal such that the camera can be prepared selectively either for flash or natural-light photography.

Abstract: A camera for underwater photography may be used together with one or more flash lamps each capable of serving both as a main lamp and as a slave. The camera is connected through its housing to a main lamp by way of an optical cable and when it is clicked, a control signal is emitted as a light signal and transmitted to the main lamp through the optical cable. The flash lamp has a photosensing unit for receiving a light signal and converting it into an electrical signal. A signal conversion circuit further converts this signal into a flash control signal by which the lamp flashes light. The photosensing unit is connected to the optical cable through a connector and receives light only through the cable when the connector is attached to it. When the lamp is used as a slave, the connector for the optical cable is detached from the photosensing unit and external light received through a transparent window is converted into an electrical signal for the emission of flash light.

Abstract: There is disclosed a photographic system incorporating a photographic apparatus of the type including an exposure control system which senses and evaluates ambient and infrared spectral energy for controlling camera functions; as well as an accessory for use in combination therewith which compensates for attenuation of infrared energy underwater which infrared energy would otherwise be used in controlling the camera functions. Provision is made for a supplemental source of infrared energy that is directed to such system for a time period and in an amount based upon an evaluation of reflected visible spectral energy from the scene.

Abstract: A CPU causes a Xe tube to emit light by charging a charging capacitor through an emission control circuit. Flash light from the Xe tube is projected toward an object to be measured through a mask, a visible light cutting filter, and a projection lens. Light reflected by the object is incident on a light-receiving element through a light-receiving lens and the visible light cutting filter. An output from the light-receiving element is input to a light position detection circuit. The CPU then calculates the distance to the object in accordance with an output from the light position detection circuit. A camera which can be used in water includes an electronic flash section capable of controlling its light amount. An underwater detection section detects whether the camera is used in water, and sends the detection result to a CPU. A distance measurement section projects a distance measurement light beam onto an object to be photographed, and measures the amount of light reflected by the object.

Abstract: Camera system for viewing an object located in a region of contamination (e.g., oil, water, particulate matter, or the like). The system is capable of being internally pressurized above ambient pressure, so that the contamination is prevented from entering the camera system to foul the camera. The system includes a housing having an interior and a view port. An electronic sensor is disposed in the housing opposite the port for sensing the object and for generating an electrical output signal that travels along a conductor connected to the sensor. A processor is connected to the conductor for amplifying the output signal. The amplified signal is received by a display monitor which displays an image of the object. The system further includes a quick-disconnect connector which interconnects the housing to a source of pressurized fluid used to pressurize the housing above ambient pressure.

Abstract: A viewer and system for observing under water objects where conditions are turbid, characterized by a chamber open at one end adapted to interface with a field of view and closed by a window at the other viewing end where clear water is pumped into the chamber and displaces turbid waters therefrom, for high resolution viewing, ocularly or by objective camera lenses and with remote video monitoring, and providing a work chamber.