Abstract: An acoustic video camera system uses acoustic data acquisition systems to produce digital video imagery capable of interfacing with host equipment that operates using standard video formats compatible with video images obtained using optical systems. The acoustic video camera comprises an Acoustic Imager, a Digital Image Compression Component, an I/O and Processing component, and, optionally, an Image Analytics Component. System analytics may provide automated target identification and tracking. All of these components may be incorporated in a submersible acoustic imaging unit having communications capability for interfacing with a host display and control system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an underwater camera housing capable of receiving and holding a camera having an electronic viewfinder and a proximity sensor. The housing carries an element to optionally allow or substantially prevent the operation of the proximity sensor. In one embodiment the mechanism to optionally allow or substantially prevent the operation of the proximity sensor includes a material substantially non-reflective to electromagnetic waves emitted for receipt by the proximity sensor. In a second embodiment the mechanism to optionally allow or substantially prevent the operation of the proximity sensor includes a substantially reflective device able to reflect sufficient electromagnetic waves emitted for receipt by the proximity sensor away from the proximity sensor so as to substantially prevent operation of the proximity sensor.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit for capturing a subject and generating image data of the subject, an operation input unit for receiving inputs of operation signals containing a release signal for instructing the imaging unit to shoot, an acceleration detector for detecting an acceleration of the imaging apparatus, a state detector for separately detecting a case in which the imaging apparatus is overland, a case in which the imaging apparatus is underwater and a photographer shoots while swimming, and a case in which the imaging apparatus is underwater and the photographer shoots while changing a water depth, and a control unit for performing operation control depending on an input into the operation input unit and/or into the acceleration detector according to a state detection result by the state detector.

Abstract: A universal underwater enclosure has a spherical shell having a hollow in which a camera or other device can be inserted, a lens attached to the shell that can be opened to insert a device, and glove assemblies extending into the hollow for manipulating a device placed therein. The glove assemblies are not full gloves, reducing the dimensions of the enclosure—thereby minimizing buoyancy. A mounting system attaches to a device's tripod mount receptor, fixes the device, and allows it to be adjusted in three dimensions. A pressure equalization system relieves stress on the enclosure, which exhibits neutral buoyancy. A flash mounted on the shell operates independently of any device. Modular lens pods replace the lens to accommodate various other lenses. The glove assemblies have perimeter lips secured to the shell by fasteners and a bezel around teardrop-shaped holes in the shell. The fingers allow access to a device's controls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-lens monitoring system for bed elevation around a pier according to the present invention comprises a container, a holder, a plurality of photographing units, and a processing module. The container is disposed on the pier; the holder is disposed inside the container; and the plurality of photographing units are disposed on the holder for photographing the bed under water and producing a monitoring image. The processing module is used for activating one of the plurality of photographing units for photographing the bed under water. The processing module also analyzes the monitoring image, gives the elevation variation of the bed, and transmits the elevation variation of the bed to a remote monitoring unit for real-timely monitoring and recording. During the monitoring process, the processing module will change activating one of the plurality of photographing units according to the monitoring image, and hence the electrical power can be saved.

Abstract: This invention presents a Water Weather Station system and method for monitoring changes in water quality comprising a water quality monitoring unit, a digital image capturing unit, a digital image processing unit, a water quality display unit, a social media network or cloud collaborative network based water quality data storage, distribution and archiving unit and social media network based communication unit, an automatic water quality classification unit as well as a water quality reporting unit. Various components described in this invention are already well established. The current invention is based on a specific arrangement of these components to develop a Water Weather Station system and a method of using it for monitoring of changes in water quality in any source of water including city water supply, bottled water industry, swimming pools, water theme parks and other arenas where people interact with water resources.

Abstract: A telescopic probe monitoring system for riverbed elevation monitoring at a bridge pier is revealed. The system includes a measurement module for measuring riverbed elevation under water and a control module. The measurement module includes a housing, a multi-layer tube, a driving member with scales, a photographic unit for capturing images, and a sensing unit. The control module controls the driving member to extend the multi-layer tube. Thus the sensing unit on the bottom of the multi-layer tube contacts the riverbed and then sends a sensing signal to the control module for stopping pushing the multi-layer tube and controlling the photographic unit to capture images of the driving member. According to the images and movement of the measurement module, the control module learns the riverbed elevation and sends the riverbed elevation to a remote monitor unit for real-time monitoring of the riverbed elevation.

Abstract: Technical system and method for online measuring and monitoring of the particle content in an injection water flow (6?) in an underwater line (8). The system comprises a data gathering means, a data communication link (48) and a data receiving means comprising an image analysis apparatus (2) provided with: a water sample line (18) for throughput of a partial flow (6?) of the injection water flow (6?); a means of conveyance (24) connected to the water sample line (18) for transport of the partial flow (6?); a light-transparent flow portion (18?) disposed along the water sample line (18); a camera (26) at the flow portion (18?); at least one light source (30, 32) for emission of light (34) via the flow portion (18?) and into the camera (26); an electronic control means (36) for (a) control of the image recording of the camera (26); (b) reception of image material from the camera (26); and (c) transmission of the image material to the data receiving means; and at least one energy supply.

Abstract: A laser scanner assembly for obtaining data to generate one or more three-dimensional clouds of data describing one or more submerged surfaces. The laser scanner assembly includes a housing subassembly with one or more body elements defining one or more cavities therein and comprising at least one window element therein at least partially defining the cavity, a light-generating subassembly positioned in the cavity having a laser source for generating laser light and a means for configuring the laser light into a fan configuration, and one or more optical sensors positioned in the cavity. The laser scanner assembly also includes means for moving the light-generating subassembly relative to the submerged surface, for illuminating illuminated points respectively, and means for determining the data for locating each illuminated point respectively utilizable for generating the three-dimensional cloud of data by using a baseline distance and first and second angles for each illuminated point respectively.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed digital electronic camera that is designed to operate both on land and underwater to great depths, and method of making same. The present invention is a camera which is hermetically sealed by being totally encapsulated, preferably by being cast in plastic, with no seals, holes, joints, penetrating pins, wires or other objects. Wireless means are used for communicating information, electrical power and control signals. The invention is impervious to atmospheric contamination and absolutely incapable of leaking under water to great depths and pressures. In an alternate embodiment camera optics are not encapsulated but are immersed in water when the encapsulated digital camera is placed in water.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit for capturing a subject and generating image data of the subject, an operation input unit for receiving inputs of operation signals containing a release signal for instructing the imaging unit to shoot, an acceleration detector for detecting an acceleration of the imaging apparatus, a state detector for separately detecting a case in which the imaging apparatus is overland, a case in which the imaging apparatus is underwater and a photographer shoots while swimming, and a case in which the imaging apparatus is underwater and the photographer shoots while changing a water depth, and a control unit for performing operation control depending on an input into the operation input unit and/or into the acceleration detector according to a state detection result by the state detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable waterproof pack, and more particularly, to a portable waterproof pack with an air bladder pack, which includes an air bladder pack, into which an air is injected, formed in a rear surface of a pack main body, and thus, can float on the water to reduce a risk of losing a portable terminal, such as a smart phone, without a buoyancy means when the portable terminal falls into water.

Abstract: An underwater interchangeable lens mount system with a lens mount integrated within an underwater housing for a motion picture camera. The lens mount includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The interchangeable lens mount is embedded in a watertight housing which provides more flexibility in using other types of lens mounts and avoids distortion in underwater photography due to a lens port. The interchangeable lens mount is designed to mount a submersible lens specifically designed for under water use. The interchangeable lens mount is adaptable to change with a wide variety of submersible lenses and acts as a camera's entire lens mount normally contained within a watertight housing. Two interchangeable lens mounts and two submersible lenses allow the motion picture cameras to make stereoscopic configurations.

Abstract: Systems and processes for creating dual-media images. More specifically, implementations provide processes for capturing an image of a subject as viewed from within one media and another image of the subject as viewed from within another media. The images can be synchronized and combined to create a dual-media image of the subject. Embodiments provide systems, apparatus, etc. for creating dual-media images from images of a subject as captured from within different media.

Abstract: An apparatus for placement on or in a body of water for hyperspectral imaging of material in the water comprises an artificial light source and a hyperspectral imager. These are arranged so that in use light exits the apparatus beneath the surface of the water and is reflected by said material before re-entering the apparatus beneath the surface of the water and entering the hyperspectral imager. The hyperspectral imager is adapted to produce hyperspectral image data having at least two spatial dimensions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of imaging a longitudinal conduit resting by its base on the seabed, comprising the following steps: acquiring a set of images of at least a part of the conduit by a mobile underwater acquisition device, each image being associated with a temporal reference corresponding to the moment of its acquisition, extracting from each image the zone included in one and the same window, said window being predefined with respect to the frame of the images, and effecting an unwrapped image of at least a part of the conduit by juxtaposing, in chronological order, the extracted zones of each image.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus configured to perform white balance correction on an image captured with flash emission includes an object region specifying unit configured to specify an object region irradiated with flash by the flash emission, a first white balance coefficient calculation unit configured to calculate a first white balance coefficient based on a light amount of flash for the object region specified by the object region specifying unit and a light amount of external light, an object distance calculation unit configured to calculate an object distance when imaging with the flash emission includes underwater photography, and a second white balance coefficient calculation unit configured to calculate a second white balance coefficient from the first white balance coefficient and the object distance calculated by the object distance calculation unit when the object distance calculated by the object distance calculation unit is equal to or less than a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A waterproof camera includes an image pickup section, a display section that displays image data, a mode setting section that sets a semi-underwater mode in which both objects under water and above water are simultaneously photographed, and a display control section that limits a display range of the display section when the semi-underwater mode is set, wherein the mode setting section controls the position of a photographing lens or the like to adjust a focus balance of at least one of under water and above water, and the display control section displays both object images under water and above water within a limited display range of the display section.

Abstract: A camera housing for underwater use comprising a turbulence-reducing design, a recess for mounting a camera, attachment means, and stabilizing outer shell and keel design.

Abstract: The present invention described various embodiments of underwater digital video camera and recorder (DVC/R) devices and associated methods for capturing and storing images and video of fish responding to artificial, live or dead bait. The DVC/R device may be in the form of a fishing lure, an in-line device, a float or other configuration. The DVC/R device may continually capture underwater video while the angler is fishing, and continuously store the video in memory (e.g., FIFO protocol) for subsequent review by the angler.

Abstract: Systems for making a toy more comfortable are provided. In one embodiment, a system is provided, including a toy including a body and a hand, wherein the toy's temperature is adjustable; an infrared tracking device used to wirelessly detect an amount of heat radiating from a remote object including a human being, wherein the tracking device is included in the toy; a laser-based distance measuring device included in the toy; a temperature tracking device in the toy used to measure a room temperature; a first heater included in the body of the toy; a second heater included in the hand of the toy; a first cooler included in the body of the toy; and a second cooler included in the hand of the toy.

Abstract: A method for automated real-time acquisition of a marine mammal in a natural body of water in the surroundings of a vessel includes detecting a thermal signature of the marine mammal is detected by imaging thermographic scanning of a water surface with an infrared camera system so as to generate an image data stream of consecutive images. A modular processing of the image data stream is performed including performing an image pre-processing, detecting local changes in contrast in the images, classifying the detected local changes in contrast so as to detect a pattern of the thermal signature of the marine mammal, localizing the classified thermal signature of the marine mammal, verifying the classified, localized thermal signature of the marine mammal and documenting the classified, localized and verified thermal signature of the marine mammal.

Abstract: A waterproof sensing device including a base, a rear cover, a sensing module, and a lens is provided. The rear cover is selectively rotatably disposed on the base, wherein the rear cover has a side wall to enclose an accommodation space. The sensing module is disposed in the accommodation space. The lens covers the rear cover on the edge of the side wall of the rear cover and seals the accommodation space. A waterproof treatment is disposed between the lens and the edge of the side wall, such that moisture is prevented from intruding into the accommodation space to cause damage, no matter where the sensing device is disposed.

Abstract: Device for destroying parasites on fish, such as salmon lice on salmon in fish farms, comprising a camera (4) communicating with a controlling unit (51) which in turn communicates with a light source (5) adapted to fire pulses of point shaped light which is harmful for the parasite in question. The controlling unit (51) controls a system for optical recognition within a defined coordinate system and is arranged to detect points and to update in real time coordinates that exhibits contrast differences typical for parasites on a fish surface and to trigger a light pulse from the light source (5) when the coordinates for at detected point coincides with the coordinates for the aiming point of the light source.

Abstract: A waterproof camera includes an image pickup section, a display section that displays image data, a mode setting section that sets a semi-underwater mode in which both objects under water and above water are simultaneously photographed, and a display control section that limits a display range of the display section when the semi-underwater mode is set, wherein the mode setting section controls the position of a photographing lens or the like to adjust a focus balance of at least one of under water and above water, and the display control section displays both object images under water and above water within a limited display range of the display section.

Abstract: A user-configurable waterproof camera case includes a housing for sealingly holding different models of camera therein, an actuating shaft extending through an opening of the housing, a probe-carrying member connected to an inner end of the actuating shaft, and an adjustable probe carried by the probe-carrying member at a position engageable with an on/off button or a shutter button of the camera.

Abstract: An improved protector allows the operation of camera buttons to operate at greater depths through use of a “see-saw” mechanism proximate the camera buttons.

Abstract: Dive computers in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment includes a mobile phone handset, including a microprocessor, a microphone connected to the microprocessor, a speaker connected to the microprocessor, a telephone transceiver connected to the microprocessor, memory, a display, and an external connector for communicating with external devices wherein the memory contains a software application, and a waterproof housing including a pressure transducer, where the mobile phone handset is located within the waterproof housing and connected to the pressure transducer via the external connector, and wherein the software application configures the mobile phone handset to create a dive log stored in memory, wherein the dive log comprises recorded information including depth of submersion information recorded from the pressure transducer and display the recorded information during the dive.

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 hermetically sealed digital electronic camera that is designed to operate both on land and underwater to great depths, and method of making same. The present invention is a camera which is hermetically sealed by being totally encapsulated, preferably by being cast in plastic, with no seals, holes, joints, penetrating pins, wires or other objects. Wireless means are used for communicating information, electrical power and control signals. The invention is impervious to atmospheric contamination and absolutely incapable of leaking under water to great depths and pressures. In an alternate embodiment camera optics are not encapsulated but are immersed in water when the encapsulated digital camera is placed in water.

Abstract: An ice fishing camera support device generally comprises a base portion that rotatably supports an indexed wheel. The support base generally comprises a circular top portion and downward-protruding side wall extending from the outer peripheral section of the top portion. A plurality of gripping teeth extend from the bottom surface of the side wall. The gripping teeth may be embedded into the ice surface to prevent the camera support device from sliding on the ice surface. The indexed wheel is centrally supported within the recessed section and may be freely rotated with respect to the support base. The support base and the indexed wheel comprise a slotted section which extends from their centers through their peripheral edges. An underwater camera cable is inserted into the slot, and the indexed wheel may be rotated with respect to the support base to precisely determine the angular orientation of the underwater camera.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging device with a thermal imaging surveillance capability for safety, security and situational awareness. Closed circuit television systems (CCTV) are usually supported on drive and actuating mechanisms so that their active imaging portions are housed in a protective environment in a transparent dome. Existing thermal imaging devices are used in fixed configurations or on platforms and are bulky and expensive. In addition they are unsuitable for harsh marine environments. The invention is an imaging device and comprises: a thermal imager, which in use is housed within a sealed housing. A pan and tilt mechanism is supported in the housing for displacing the thermal imager.

Abstract: An integrated system for diving operations for use in turbid water by a remote operator comprising a surface console station that supports the receipt of tethered command and control of system components and display for received real-time video via a communications channel; a remote wearable information processing unit tethered to the surface console station and having integrated controls; a wearable human interface system connected to the remote wearable information processing unit and including a video display and two-way audio system; a viewing enhancing device tethered to the remote wearable information processing unit and the surface console station, including an image capture device; and a fluid clarification unit coupled to the viewing enhanced apparatus. The apparatus may be warn and operated by a diver, mounted on a remotely operated vehicle or manipulated remotely while mounted on the end of a pole and may include an array of viewing enhancing devices.

Abstract: A system for controlling the injection of wastewater treatment chemicals into a wastewater treatment stream includes a holding tank for collecting and holding wastewater being treated, a camera positioned for making images of the wastewater in the holding tank, a computer for automatically making the images of the wastewater in the holding tank at scheduled intervals. The computer analyzes the images in order to determine the necessity for injecting wastewater treatment chemicals into the wastewater stream by measuring the size, distribution and number of pixels of differing colors and appearances, such that pixels of differing colors and appearances represent differing metal moieties in the wastewater stream. A pump and injection port injects wastewater treatment chemicals into the wastewater stream responsive to the analysis of the images indicating the necessity of such injection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole fish-imaging system. The fish-imaging system includes, a fish-imaging device positionable downhole near the fish, and a processor. The fish-imaging device has at least one shape changeable portion with a plurality of sensors therein for monitoring the shape of the at least one shape changeable portion, a shape of the at least one shape changeable portion is influenced by a shape of the fish. The processor is in operable communication with the fish-imaging device and is coupled to a wired pipe for transmitting data therealong from the sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for photographing a pipe without suspension of water supply and a system for controlling the same are disclosed. According to present invention, the interior of the pipe can be photographed by inserting the camera into the pipe and moving and rotating the camera without halting water supply, and information about the movement and rotation of the camera can be produced. A problem of discontinuance of using the whole pipe due to photographing of the interior of the pipe can be prevented. The camera can accurately photograph respective portions in the pipe by precisely moving forward/backward and rotating left/right or up/down. Since information about a practical position in the pipe with respect to the photographed image is provided, a user can accurately grasp a defect-position in the pipe, and can easily control the camera.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for imaging and characterizing materials when performing subterranean operations are disclosed. A method for analyzing gaseous emissions from a subterranean formation comprises positioning a hyperspectral image capturing mechanism to monitor an area of interest and detecting presence of one or more materials of interest in the area of interest using the hyperspectral image. The amount of the one or more materials of interest in the area of interest is then quantified.

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: An electronic device is provided that includes a housing, an air pressure sensor, and controller. The housing is constructed of a water-tight structure and includes an air hole and a waterproof air-permeable membrane that block off the air hole. The air pressure sensor is disposed in the housing and configured to detect an air pressure value inside the housing. The controller is configured to calculate water pressure exerted on the housing and/or water depth of the housing based on the detected air pressure value inside the housing via the air pressure sensor.

Abstract: An image capturing device with waterproofing, comprising a main body, a first sensing unit, and a pressure control module. The main body has a containing space for containing an electronic component set. The first sensing unit is disposed at the outside of the main body and used for sensing the pressure where the main body is located to obtain a first pressure value. The pressure control module is disposed in the containing space of the main body and electrically connected to the first sensing unit. By using a second pressure sensing unit to sense the pressure of the containing space, the pressure control module obtains a second pressure value and compares the relative deviation of the first pressure value and the second pressure value through a processing unit to adjust the inner pressure of the image capturing devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is an underwater CCD camera for visual testing of a reactor cooling system. The underwater CCD camera includes a CCD camera, a casing having a supporter supporting the CCD camera and a cooling pin on a top surface thereof, a Pb-glass window on a front side of the easing to shield the CCD camera from radiation and to reduce a temperature difference between the interior and exterior of the casing, a sealing O-ring preventing a coolant from being introduced into a gap between the Pb-glass window and the casing, a sealing nut providing a fastening force to bring the Pb-glass window into close contact with the sealing O-ring, a rear cap, a silicon O-ring preventing the coolant from being introduced into a gap between the rear cap and the casing, and a fastening nut providing a fastening force to prevent leakage between a camera cable and the casing.

Abstract: A waterproof housing (10) enables convenient underwater operation of a touch-screen interface of an electronic device. The housing (10) includes a casing (12) that defines a cavity (30) in which the electronic device can be mounted, the casing (12) including a window (26) through which the touch-screen interface can be viewed. A swivel mechanism (14) is mounted within a hole in the casing, wherein the swivel mechanism (14) is rotatable in three degrees of freedom. A control arm (16) slidingly engages and extends through the swivel mechanism (14), wherein a manipulating part (34) of the control arm (16) projects into the cavity (30) and a handle part (36) of the control arm (16) is disposed outside the casing (12). In use, the handle part (36) of the control arm (16) may be operated to move the manipulating part (34) of the control arm (16) in three dimensions to operate the touch-screen interface of the electronic device.

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 camera housing includes an integrated expansion module for providing expanded functionality to a camera (e.g., a display screen). Different embodiments of the housing include different expansion modules for adding a variety of features to the camera when the camera is placed in the housing. Thus, a user may modify features of a camera by swapping the housing. Furthermore, a user may add a feature to an existing camera without needing to purchase a new camera.

Abstract: A camera retained in a waterproof underwater housing is controlled remotely and conveniently by a diver holding a hand-held remote device. The device can be a removable handle on the underwater housing, communicating with the camera, usually a movie camera, by infrared or other wireless protocol. Key functional camera settings, which would normally require navigation through a menu tree with a series of steps and selections, are selected by a single press of a button on the hand-held device. An important example is white balance calibration, which typically must be reset for every five feet of depth change.

Abstract: An optical sensor including a photo emitting element and a photo receiving element carried side-by-side by a supporting and feeding element either associated or associable in use with a support for a container, and a composite lens, either associated or associable with the container, designed so as to remain in use immersed in a liquid contained in the container and facing the photo emitting and photo receiving elements; the lens including: a first cylindrical body made of a light-permeable material, mountable in use vertically from the top of the container facing the photo emitting and photo receiving elements to a bottom wall of the container; and a second cylindrical body, arranged concentrically with and outside the first body and open towards the bottom wall; respective side walls of the first and second cylindrical bodies having the same length, that of the second body being separated from that of the first body by a predetermined annular clearance, and being made so as to be at least partially reflecti

Abstract: A telescopic probe monitoring system for riverbed elevation monitoring at a bridge pier is revealed. The system includes a measurement module for measuring riverbed elevation under water and a control module. The measurement module includes a housing, a multi-layer tube, a driving member with scales, a photographic unit for capturing images, and a sensing unit. The control module controls the driving member to extend the multi-layer tube. Thus the sensing unit on the bottom of the multi-layer tube contacts the riverbed and then sends a sensing signal to the control module for stopping pushing the multi-layer tube and controlling the photographic unit to capture images of the driving member. According to the images and movement of the measurement module, the control module learns the riverbed elevation and sends the riverbed elevation to a remote monitor unit for real-time monitoring of the riverbed elevation.

Abstract: A system is provided herein by which underwater characteristics may be easily checked for evaluation. The system may be configured to include: a housing; an arrangement for detecting a characteristic of the water disposed in or on the housing; a buoy; an arrangement for transmitting data disposed in the buoy; an anchor for tethering the housing to a bottom of a body of water; an arrangement for transmitting data collected by the detecting arrangement to the arrangement for transmitting data disposed in the buoy; and, a second anchor for tethering the buoy to the housing. Advantageously, with the subject invention, the level of clarity of water, and/or other water characteristics, may be detected and transmitted to a remote location so as to be accessible over a network of computers, such as the Internet.

Abstract: An electronic image pickup apparatus includes a zoom lens system which is a taking optical system, an electronic image pickup element which is disposed at an image side of the taking optical system (zoom lens system), and which converts an image formed by the taking optical system (zoom lens system) to an electric signal, and an image restoring section which restores electrically a photographed image according to a difference in occurrence of an aberration by the taking optical system (zoom lens system) in an air environment photography and in a underwater environment photography.

Abstract: A background image is generated based on a captured image. A data cluster is formed in pixel blocks of the background image using at least one feature of pixels in the pixel blocks. A data cluster formed in each pixel block includes a data distribution having a mean value and a standard deviation from the mean value. After generating the background image, each pixel of a subsequent captured image is compared with the data cluster of a pixel block of the background image to generate a first discrepancy value. A pixel of a subsequent image is compared with a data distribution of another adjacent pixel block of the background image to generate a second discrepancy value. Based on the discrepancy values, the pixels of the subsequent image are regarded as background or foreground pixels in a binary map, in which connected foreground pixels are marked to form a foreground object.