Software Upgrades to Sonar CoPilot System
SeeByte, UK, in collaboration with VideoRay, USA, has successfully developed and tested improvements to the Sonar CoPilot system. These software upgrades include improvements to the user interfaces and target tracking features. The system provides a comprehensive tool to allow for 1-click automated target inspections using a man-portable ROV.
The system has undergone successful testing in a variety of environments to ensure its reliability. The VideoRay was flown in the FloWave Ocean tank, located in Edinburgh University facilities, which aims to simulate ocean conditions. The system was also tested in-water at Dunbar pier off the North Sea and at the Wave Tank at Heriot-Watt University.
Sonar CoPilot by SeeByte for VideoRay Pro 4 ROVs allows a target to be identified by the operator and the computer controls the thrusters to manoeuvre to within visual range. This solution takes a VideoRay Pro 4 ROV system with a BlueView P900 series imaging sonar and adds software which effectively allows click-and-go auto piloting as the vehicle is able to autonomously fly to a selected target.
Image: VideoRay Pro 4 during testing at Dunbar Harbour.
