3D Visualization Capability for Fleet Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs)

Critical missions performed by the US Navy require detailed visualization of objects observed in underwater video. The tasks performed by trained operators require control of Navy remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) in close proximity to objects of interest, and accurate motor control of mechanical manipulators on the ROVs. Current visualization systems consist only of forward-looking video, external lighting when necessary, and sonar in some situations. The video, however, even with external lighting and sonar information, does not provide the depth perception or detail necessary to carry out the fine manipulation tasks. Furthermore, with only forward-looking video, an operator’s situational awareness is very limited. On this effort, Toyon Research Corporation is proposing the design and development of a 360-degree, 3D, visualization system with virtual reality (VR) capabilities. The system will consist of the latest COTS cameras, embedded processors, and VR hardware along with Toyon-developed video processing software, assembled in a Toyon-designed waterproof housing. The developed technology will be designed within the Navy’s SWaP-C constraints, and will be fabricated as a complete plug-and-play subsystem for the Navy’s Next Generation Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) ROVs. The designed system will greatly enhance the environmental situational awareness and underwater depth perception of current Navy systems.