Work-class ROV’s execute a variety of complicated tasks in congested environments. Efficient execution of these tasks is the key to delivering improved project financials for offshore construction projects. Improving the pilots situational awareness is propose to improve operational efficiency while reducing the risk of damage to the ROVs or subsea equipment.
Strategic selection and positioning of cameras and other sensors on the vehicle is necessary to collect data about the ROVs environment. Multiple solutions for displaying sensor data and cameras have been pursued including implementation of the video feeds into a virtual reality headset.
The virtual reality headset platform enables paired stereo cameras on the front of the vehicle to provide depth perception to the pilot. Lack of depth perception during ROV operations has resulted in the need to provide depth awareness through other means. Implementation of stereo vision in the headset will improve the efficiency of ROV manipulation tasks and may eliminate the need for multiple ROVs to provide 2nd angle views during subsea equipment interfacing.
Integrating video feeds from cameras mounted around the vehicle in 360 degrees to the headset will enable intuitive head movements of the pilot in order to identify potential hazards for collision of the back and sides of the ROV.
Work class ROV functions require the pilot to operate the piloting controls such as joysticks, bear claws, and touch screen controls. Headset visualization will eventually need to develop augmented reality functions enabling the pilot to not only see the subsea environment but also see the control room. Work class ROV control screens also must be integrated into the headset to enable the pilot to track vehicle conditions and performance during ROV tasks.
A headset visualization system was integrated to a work class ROV in a test tank to evaluate the above identified benefits of headset visualization. Additional testing and development will determine the overall benefit and establish the feasibility and benefits of headset visualization for pilots operating work class ROVs.
