Voyis Unveils Advanced Vision Systems for ROVs

Voyis has introduced an innovative range of vision systems tailored for Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), designed to deliver low-latency enhanced video for piloting while also capturing high-quality still images for 3D modeling.

Balancing Video Quality and 3D Imaging

Traditionally, piloting cameras have focused on providing low-latency video, often sacrificing the image quality necessary for effective 3D model creation. On the other hand, 3D cameras prioritize high-quality image data, which can lead to increased latency and a narrower field of view, hindering piloting efficiency.

Introducing the Discovery Vision System

The new Discovery Vision System from Voyis offers a groundbreaking solution by delivering 4K video for piloting alongside real-time 3D data. This dual capability enhances applications in piloting,inspection,and autonomous operations.

Two Distinct Models: Discovery Camera and Discovery Stereo

Voyis provides two distinct models within the Discovery line: the Discovery Camera and the Discovery Stereo.

Discovery Camera: compact and Efficient

The Discovery Camera is designed for smaller ROV platforms, featuring a compact imaging and lighting system that streams 4K low-latency video while also capturing sharp still images for 3D modeling. Equipped with a large, high-sensitivity sensor and a wide-angle lens, it offers an notable ultra-wide field of view (130°x130°), ensuring complete situational awareness without the need for camera tilting.

With an 8-megapixel sensor and resolution-matched optics, the camera achieves true 4K video quality and supports lossless sensor zoom. the integrated high-power Nova Mini lights provide an extraordinary 125,000 lumens of uniform illumination, enhancing the operational range and feature detection of the vision system. Real-time edge computing corrects visual inaccuracies and utilizes high dynamic range data to optimize lighting, allowing still images to be directly utilized for 3D modeling.

Discovery Stereo: Depth Perception and 3D Modeling

The Discovery Stereo model offers true depth perception and real-time 3D modeling capabilities for ROVs operating at depths of up to 4,000 meters. It maintains a wide field of view (75°x75°) and low latency for the piloting video stream, while onboard computing rapidly generates 3D depth maps for precise measurements and coverage monitoring.

Thes depth maps are created as 3D point clouds derived from feature matches between two images captured concurrently, which can be visualized in a rotatable video stream. This allows pilots to observe the evolving 3D habitat and track the vehicle’s position relative to its target.Such depth perception could pave the way for autonomous functionalities in advanced robotic platforms,including automated manipulation and station-keeping without relying on seabed locking.

Seamless Integration and Enhanced Reliability

Both versions of the Discovery system come equipped with Nova Mini lights and support for DDS (Data Distribution Service) and ROS2 (Robot Operating system).Voyis asserts that these new robotics standards significantly streamline vehicle integration and enhance system reliability.

Industry Impact and Future Prospects

“Voyis is at the forefront of innovation, enhancing capabilities in underwater exploration and inspection,” stated Chris Gilson, CEO of Voyis. “The Discovery Vision Systems mark a ample advancement in ROV vision technology, providing simultaneous 4K video and 3D data streams. We anticipate that this system will set a new benchmark for underwater machine vision and autonomy, driving a change in subsea robotics.”

For more details,download the datasheet.