Marine biologists desire an automated system for observing gelatinous zooplankton. This study represents the first attempt at real-time robotic tracking of a gelatinous animal in the open ocean. Challenges stem from uneven lighting, encounters with other marine life and frequent out-of-frame events. Analysis of a large video library of human-controlled jelly tracking supported selection of an appropriate vision algorithm. The vision architecture was implemented as an ROV pilot aid and tested at 600m below the surface of Monterey Bay.
Jason Rife, Stephen M. Rock