ROV Multi-Camera System for 360-Degree Spatial Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
ROV pilots face challenges in navigation and spatial awareness due to obstructed views from existing 360 spherical cameras mounted on the front or top of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), making precision tasks difficult without 1:1 scale visuals and 3D depth, especially when using manipulator arms.
Innovation Solution
A multi-camera apparatus mounted on the external surface of an ROV, comprising synchronized cameras configured to generate a real-time 360-degree panoramic video stream, paired with VR/AR headsets for enhanced spatial awareness and navigation, providing 3D depth and 1:1 object visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If 360 spherical cameras are mounted on the front or top of ROV, then panoramic view is achieved, but the view becomes obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single 360 spherical camera into multiple separate synchronized cameras positioned at different locations around the ROV body. Each camera captures a specific portion of the panoramic view, and their feeds are stitched together to create a complete 360-degree view, eliminating obstructions caused by mounting a single camera on the front or top.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point camera mounting (0D/1D) to a distributed multi-camera arrangement across multiple dimensions around the ROV. Cameras are positioned at front, rear, and side locations, creating a three-dimensional camera network that captures panoramic views without obstruction from any single mounting position.
2Loss of information
If real-time 360 panoramic video streaming is implemented, then spatial awareness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs synchronized cameras that serve multiple functions: each camera captures video for panoramic stitching, provides individual directional views when needed, and works in coordination to deliver both 2D and 3D spatial information. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by having versatile camera units rather than specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a video stitching and processing system that acts as an intermediary between the multiple camera feeds and the final panoramic output. This intermediary component automatically combines, aligns, and processes the synchronized camera feeds in real-time, managing the complexity of coordinating multiple cameras without requiring complex manual synchronization.
3Ease of operation
If synchronized cameras are used to generate real-time panoramic stream, then navigation capability is enhanced, but data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary synchronization of camera triggers and timestamps before video capture begins. By pre-coordinating the camera systems and establishing synchronization protocols in advance, the actual real-time processing during operation is simplified and requires less computational energy, as the heavy lifting of alignment is done beforehand.
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) comprising a body with an external surface and a payload exoskeleton attached to the external surface is disclosed herein. The payload skid comprises synchronized cameras configured to generate a real-time 360 degree panoramic video stream.