Voyis has successfully provided its Recon LS Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) payload to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for incorporation into a Remus 600 AUV, aimed at enhancing subsea exploration and conservation efforts.
NOAA, a key agency under the US Department of Commerce, is dedicated to weather forecasting, monitoring oceanic and atmospheric conditions, mapping marine environments, conducting deep-sea research, and overseeing the protection of marine life, including endangered species and marine mammals.
To facilitate its mission, NOAA sought a compact laser and camera module that could be easily integrated into either a new or existing Remus 600 AUV. A primary goal was to gather highly detailed 3D data through the laser system, alongside high-quality, well-illuminated still images from the imaging module.
In response, Voyis delivered a comprehensive solution that incorporated its advanced optical sensors into the Recon LS AUV payload tailored for the Remus 600.
Innovative Solution
The Recon Laser Scanner (LS) AUV module merges Voyis’ cutting-edge laser scanning technology with high-speed, high-resolution imaging capabilities. This development builds on Voyis’ extensive experience with autonomous vehicle integrations, adapting the technology for smaller, more versatile AUVs. The essential components of the Recon LS include a laser scanner and a 4K still camera equipped with a lightbar.
The Recon LS leverages the architecture of the Insight Micro, seamlessly integrating into the NOAA’s operational framework.
This system features a laser projector and an optical receiver that captures the seabed’s line geometry by extracting multiple points along a laser light sheet, rather than relying on a single point from a laser beam.
Highlighted features and advantages of the Recon LS include:
- Captures 2464 data points per laser line
- High-speed data acquisition,reaching up to 85 Hz
- 50-degree underwater field of view,providing extensive laser coverage
- Optical filter designed to focus on the laser spectrum,minimizing interference from ambient light
Recon LS – Imaging and Illumination
The Recon LS camera is a high-resolution color camera with 4K capabilities,featuring real-time image enhancement and correction algorithms. Images are processed onboard to eliminate distortions and optical aberrations, ensuring accurate rectilinear projections.
This camera system is engineered to work in tandem with the Recon LS laser scanning technology, guaranteeing synchronized laser data collection and uninterrupted still images. the images are time-synchronized with the vehicle’s navigation systems, embedding all positioning data within the image metadata to enhance photomosaicing, photogrammetry, and target localization.
The camera utilizes the same sensor as the Recon 4K camera payload, which is a standard feature for the latest REMUS 100 and REMUS 300 models.
The lightbar is designed to be hydrodynamic and externally mounted, conforming to the diameter of the REMUS 600. It consists of 32 LEDs arranged to provide optimal light uniformity for the Recon LS camera,synchronized with the camera’s exposure settings and boasting a verified output of 500,000 lumens.
