To conduct the measurements, Hou needed a self-illuminating optical target as part of a visibility test. One of the factors affecting undersea visibility is the background, or path radiance, of light. A target that is active -- or self-illuminating, like an iPad -- will help to reduce or remove the impacts of path radiance, which helps isolate a specific visibility factor researchers want to zero in on.
Hou decided on the iPad for use in the experiment after exploring other options, which were either too expensive or would take too long to deliver, according to the NRL. The iPad’s compact size and weight, as well as its brightness, low power consumption, and low heat emissivity were other design factors that made it useful. However, since it’s not waterproof, a colleague of Hou’s designed a waterproof case to protect the device.
To conduct the experiment, researchers attached the iPad to a rigid frame called the image Measurement Assembly for Subsurface Turbulence, or iMAST. Onboard the boat, researchers used the device to display active targets, such as resolution charts and image patterns, before lowering it into the water.
Once submerged, the iPad allowed control of the brightness of the patterns and charts for the purpose of the experiments, which in the end confirmed researchers’ theory that optical turbulence interferes with visibility under the water, according to the NRL.
Researchers plan to conduct future experiments to further quantify and lessen the effects of optical turbulence to aid in the design of the Navy’s next-generation electro-optical systems.
Definitely one of the more out-there uses of the iPad that I've seen to date. Not sure a ruggedized or military version of the iPad is in keeping with Apple's aesthetic design sensibilities, but I suppose there are plenty of groups like this Naval team that will do whatever it takes to retrofit what they see as the right tool for the project at hand.
I'm with you Beth. Much like the experimentalists that hacked Microsoft's Kinect integrated sensor bar and brought them kicking and screaming toward their new product Kinect for Windows, innovators will continue to use what they have on hand to accomplish their tasks. If a $499 iPAD does the trick, I say hooray. Place it in the toolbox along side the duct tape, paperclips, and famous multi-thousand dollar hammers... =]
Once again, we see the advantages of pervasiveness. The story notes that the advantage of the iPad was its ability to support custom applications. Also, "other options were too expensive or would take too long to deliver." The lesson is that success breeds success.
Being a Navy man, I can assure you the Navy WILL find a way. It would be interesting to see a depth ruggedized version for research and/or SEAL team use. Way to go FAU and Harbor Branch!
Great, Navy. I think NASA would have launch several careers and employed a number of research universities - in any event, they would have found a solution.
Interesting use. Try one of the Android phones its cheaper.... Im sure a dozen other handheld phones can do the same.... some smart phones you can even strap to your wrist and pay less. ohh and i dont think you pay for android so yes you can install it in a System-On-Chip and build what ever custom device you want???
Its ok we know all the Apple Zealots are out there promoting iPad... i still say free software is better.... And hardware that can run on free software is even better :)
As an engineering person, I say Yay, using an everyday item which seems to have the flexibility to be used in such an unusual context, - that is what I do for a living, and that is what we all need to do.
In regards ervin, have you really read this article? you cite phones, but it was a tablet, don't let your misplaced loyalty to Bill Gates or "how we always do things" interfere with your problem solving abilities.
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