Abstract: The invention disclosed herein describes a supervised autonomy system designed to precisely model, inspect and process the surfaces of complex three-dimensional objects. The current application context for this system is laser coating removal of aircraft, but this invention is suitable for use in a wide variety of applications that require close, precise positioning and maneuvering of an inspection or processing tool over the entire surface of a physical object. For example, this system, in addition to laser coating removal, could also apply new coatings, perform fine-grained or gross inspection tasks, deliver and/or use manufacturing process tools or instruments, and/or verify the results of other manufacturing processes such as but not limited to welding, riveting, or the placement of various surface markings or fixtures.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein describes a supervised autonomy system designed to precisely model, inspect and process the surfaces of complex three-dimensional objects. The current application context for this system is laser coating removal of aircraft, but this invention is suitable for use in a wide variety of applications that require close, precise positioning and maneuvering of an inspection or processing tool over the entire surface of a physical object. For example, this system, in addition to laser coating removal, could also apply new coatings, perform fine-grained or gross inspection tasks, deliver and/or use manufacturing process tools or instruments, and/or verify the results of other manufacturing processes such as but not limited to welding, riveting, or the placement of various surface markings or fixtures.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein describes a supervised autonomy system designed to precisely model, inspect and process the surfaces of complex three-dimensional objects. The current application context for this system is laser coating removal of aircraft, but this invention is suitable for use in a wide variety of applications that require close, precise positioning and maneuvering of an inspection or processing tool over the entire surface of a physical object. For example, this system, in addition to laser coating removal, could also apply new coatings, perform fine-grained or gross inspection tasks, deliver and/or use manufacturing process tools or instruments, and/or verify the results of other manufacturing processes such as but not limited to welding, riveting, or the placement of various surface markings or fixtures.

Abstract: A method and system that can be used for scanning underwater structures. The method and system allow a user to gain a better understanding of an underwater structure. For example, the method and system detect change(s) to an underwater structure. An acoustic sonar wave is directed toward an underwater structure, and a reflected acoustic sonar wave is received and processed to produce a three dimensional image. Data points of this three-dimensional image of the underwater structure are aligned to a pre-existing three dimensional model of the underwater structure. A change detection model is generated based on the aligned 3D images, and the change detection model is compared to the pre-existing three dimensional model of the underwater structure. Based on the comparison, occurrences of structural changes in the underwater structure are detected.

Abstract: A method and system are described that can be used for scanning underwater structures. The method and system allow a user to gain a better understanding of an existing underwater structure. For example, the method and system allow for building a three dimensional model of an underwater structure. A sonar wave is directed toward an underwater structure, and a reflected sonar wave is received. Initial 3D data points are obtained from the reflected sonar wave, and are configured to provide a three-dimensional image of the underwater structure. A working alignment model of the underwater structure is generated by the initial data points. As new 3D sonar data is collected, the new 3D sonar data is aligned with and added to the alignment model.

Abstract: A method and system that can be used for scanning underwater structures. The method and system allow a user to gain a better understanding of an underwater structure. For example, the method and system detect change(s) to an underwater structure. An acoustic sonar wave is directed toward an underwater structure, and a reflected acoustic sonar wave is received and processed to produce a three dimensional image. Data points of this three-dimensional image of the underwater structure are aligned to a pre-existing three dimensional model of the underwater structure. A change detection model is generated based on the aligned 3D images, and the change detection model is compared to the pre-existing three dimensional model of the underwater structure. Based on the comparison, occurrences of structural changes in the underwater structure are detected.

Abstract: A method and system are described that can be used for scanning underwater structures. The method and system allow a user to gain a better understanding of an existing underwater structure. For example, the method and system allow for building a three dimensional model of an underwater structure. A sonar wave is directed toward an underwater structure, and a reflected sonar wave is received. Initial 3D data points are obtained from the reflected sonar wave, and are configured to provide a three-dimensional image of the underwater structure. A working alignment model of the underwater structure is generated by the initial data points. As new 3D sonar data is collected, the new 3D sonar data is aligned with and added to the alignment model.

Abstract: A method and system that can be used for scanning underwater structures. For example, the method and system estimate a position and orientation of an underwater vehicle relative to an underwater structure, such as by directing an acoustic sonar wave toward an underwater structure, and processing the acoustic sonar wave reflected by the underwater structure to produce a three dimensional image of the structure. The data points of this three dimensional image are compared to a pre-existing three dimensional model of the underwater structure. Based on the comparison, a position and orientation of an underwater vehicle relative to the underwater structure can be determined.

Abstract: A pair of thin, hinged carriers are designed to close around and hold therein both skis and ski poles. A snap lock structure is incorporated into the structure to securely keep it closed around the skis and poles. Each carrier has a hook formed on at least one side thereof, and a flexible belt extending between the carriers is connected at each end to one of these hooks.