Battelle’s unique HorizonVue 360 interactive camera and viewing software will be demonstrated to attendees of the Oceanology International conference in London March 15-17. The video system is now available for sale or rental throughout the global offices of Seatronics Ltd., specialists in marine electronic equipment.
The camera’s unique viewing capability and interactive video provides never-before available situational awareness allowing ROV operators to inspect subsea equipment and to perform detailed tasks in complex operating environments with increased efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, the system includes full-view playback and interactive software for further review back on shore. The full coverage of the work area means no more sifting through hours of recorded video waiting for something to come into the view of a pan and tilt camera.
Battelle is a leader in innovative and reliable undersea technology for the oil and gas industry and defense markets. For more than 40 years, Battelle has provided rapid development, transition and deployment of unique technologies and solutions to sustain safe operations in the oceans.
The single camera system, which is depth-rated to 4,500 meters, allows operators to capture the same view that would normally require six to nine regular cameras. It also gives the user a virtual pan and tilt capability with no moving parts.
“The system has been generating excitement from our partners after reviewing the data collected during demonstrations, and changing the way they look at survey data packages,” said Matt Gusto, a Battelle research scientist. “Recently, we successfully demonstrated it with Technip, USA, at a depth of 2,200 meters in the Gulf of Mexico where we inspected risers, pipelines, and a variety of other subsea oilfield equipment.”
The Oceanology International event offers the world’s leading forum where industry, academia and government share knowledge and connect with the marine science and ocean technology communities. It’s attended by more than 8,400 industry professionals from 82 countries who are interested in strategies for measuring, protecting and operating in the world’s oceans.
Battelle HorizonVue™ M360 Video System, Deep water situational awareness and full-view playback.
The Battelle HorizonVueTM M360 Video System provides the unique ability to continuously monitor a 360 degree view around a remote vehicle in real time and to playback after the fact.
The first of its kind, the HorizonVue camera allows ROV operators to perform detailed tasks with ease due to a significantly improved field of view. Reduce the challenge of maintaining situational awareness and avoid incidents.
Never miss a critical view again with the Battelle HorizonVue™ M360 Video System. The Battelle HorizonVue camera’s unique complete viewing capability and real-time interactive video provides never before available awareness – allowing ROV operators to inspect subsea equipment and perform detailed tasks in complex operating environments with increased efficiency and effectiveness. The benefit continues onshore with full-view playback and interactive software.
Record and explore
The camera and software records all 360 degrees of the scene simultaneously. When the video is played back – use the digital pan and tilt window to explore the immersive 360 image to investigate what can be easily missed by the array of cameras typically required.
Designed to meet ROV operator and client needs:
- Control and video of system over Ethernet connection
- Continuous 360-degree video
- User-defined areas of interest and full resolution viewing
- Operator-selectable resolution and frame rate
- Software capable of queuing separate Pan, Tilt and Zoom (PTZ) camera views
- HorizonVue M360 Video System Product Package
- More than a camera, the HorizonVue Video System also includes custom, interactive PTZ playback software. The video system is made up of:
- 360-degree deep water camera
- Interactive playback software
How it works
- RAW DATA FROM IMAGE SENSOR
- DATA TRANSFERRED OVER ETHERNET
- LIVE VIDEO OUTPUT ON ONE OR MULTIPLE SCREENS
- VIDEO INVESTIGATION USING PTZ CONTROL
- USERS CAN MOVE VIRTUAL PTZ WITHOUT IMPACTING OTHER USER FEEDS
- PLAY BACK ANYTIME – HAVE VIRTUAL PTZ CONTROL FROM DESKS ON-SHORE
Video system capture&configuration
- Connect to survey junction box with GigE input.
- Send data over fiber through tether management system
- Data goes into umbilical to multiplex card inside 19” rack mount.
- Donut image output to ROV control computer, rack mounted machine or tablet to unwarp the data.
- Donut image (see figure below) output to Ethernet switch that distributes video stream to DVR or other user.
- Optional output from Ethernet switch to computers loaded for co-pilots, supervisors, survey engineers or bridge users.
Advantages
- Complete 360 degree view of surroundings
- Real-time video
- Anytime interactive virtual PTZ playback
- Both manipulators are captured in a single image
- No “fisheye” distortion in PTZ boxes
- No moving parts
- Low power
- Lightweight
- Reduce time, effort and expense needed to work in crowded, complex undersea environments.
Easily retrofitted on vehicles already in use or incorporated into newly built platforms using the COTS connector of choice, the HorizonVue camera replaces multiple cameras with one device that is lighter, uses less power and has no moving parts.
Interact with the footage. Isolate objects with PTZ boxes and digitally zoom in – as shown above.
Change configuration and control parameters as needed with these options:
- Slider bars for brightness
- Switch between high and low resolution modes
- Switch to start/stop streaming to DVR and other computers
- Point-and-click on objects in 360 to show in more detail in PTZ windows
Playback anytime. The HorizonVue software plugin works with a preferred client viewer using the “donut” video stream stored on the DVR linked to metadata captured from other sensors by the DVR. Removable hard drives from the DVR are delivered after work is performed.
Optional Touchscreen Interface
- Tap objects on the 360 strip to dedicate virtual PTZ boxes to that object
- Allow multiple users to manipulate their own video feed simultaneously
- Control camera output with a tablet
About Battelle
At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries.