Abstract
Underwater object identification by optical sensors is usually difficult in turbid or dark environments. The objective of this paper was to identify different underwater materials using active electrolocation technology. We proposed a bionic sensor inspired by the weakly electric fish. The material identification was completed by analyzing electric signal images, since the electric signal changes when different materials are identified. Firstly, the effective lift-off distance for identification was researched. The materials used in this paper can be effectively identified by the sensor at a lift-off distance of 10 mm. Furthermore, the performance of the sensor for identifying and locating was studied in the presence of multiple materials. The results indicated that the sensor can effectively identify and locate the objects when the distance between objects is greater than 30 mm, while the location error is less than 5% in most cases. Our research proves that the bionic sensor we made can effectively recognize different materials underwater in short-range, which is about 10 mm. Therefore, we expect that the bionic sensor we made can be utilized as a useful tool for underwater object identification.
Highlights
Since the “Nanhai No.1” shipwreck of the Song Dynasty was found in 2013, researchers have found iron nails, grains, and other items from the ship
A bionic sensor was developed simulating the sensor of the weakly electric fish
In order to studying the identification performance of the sensor, we carried a battery of tests
Summary
Since the “Nanhai No.1” shipwreck of the Song Dynasty was found in 2013, researchers have found iron nails, grains, and other items from the ship. A reasonable salvaging program needs to be developed according to the materials of the objects. After immersion and corrosion in the sea, it is difficult to identify the material of the objects solely by their appearance [1,2]. In waters where the depth is less than 50 m, frogmen are mainly used for checking and salvaging objects. When the water depth exceeds 50 m, it is dangerous for frogmen to work, so sonar sensors and underwater camera equipment are used. Sonar sensors are suitable for searching for objects, such as submarines, a shoal of fish, or a shipwreck. The images collected by underwater camera equipment are not satisfactory because of the impact of light in turbid water
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