Sonar
sonar systems
Water visibility is arguably one of the most important factors when trying to complete a successful inspection mission with a VideoRay ROV. Though the ROV camera has a few options to assist with image quality in low light / low clarity situations, such as shutter speed, wide dynamic range, and LYYN real time video enhancement, it can only see so much when conditions are poor. When trying to image structures, vessel hulls, or trying to locate unknown targets in low visibility or even complete blacked out environments, an acoustic imaging device is an essential tool.
There are several 2-dimensional (2D) imaging sonar and 360° scanning sonar solutions available that integrate seamlessly with the VideoRay Pro 3 and Pro 4 ROV systems. These sonar systems attach in minutes to the ROV and utilize existing communication channels so there is never any reason to send back your system to the factory for integration. For intimate imaging missions to long range target location and navigation in low visibility environments there are several different frequency and field of view (FOV) options available in the 2D imaging sonar offerings. Typically the higher the frequency the higher the image resolution - in this case the sonar's range is limited and vice versa for lower frequencies. Obviously the wider the horizontal FOV the more area is being imaged by the operator and sonar options for VideoRay ROVs range from 45 degrees to 130 degrees. The 2D sonars available on VideoRay ROVs frequencies range from 450kHz, 720kHz, 900kHz, and 2250kHz - the last 2 are also offered as a dual frequency option in one package. Ranges on the 2D imaging sonars are anywhere from 0 to 450 ft (137 m).
The scanning sonar option offers a compact solution providing a 360 degree "scanning" view with a frequency of 650kHz to 750kHz. It is ideal for large target identification and navigation with a range of 6 ft - 250 ft (2m - 75m). The scanning sonar also utilizes the existing communications in the VideoRay Pro 3 or Pro 4 ROV systems and integrates easily and in seconds to the submersible.
Teledyne BlueView V-Series Multibeam Imaging Sonar
Teledyne BlueView V Series 2D imaging sonars have been developed exclusively for VideoRay Pro 4 ROVs. Ideal for underwater detection and identification tasks in low or zero visibility conditions, V Series sonars provide both midrange detection and close-range identification capabilities from moving or stationary platforms.
Adapted from the high-performance Teledyne BlueView P900 Series multibeam imaging sonar, V Series sonars feature the same power and capability of its predecessor in a 30% smaller package. The V Series sonar is available in two field-of-view (FOV) options for high-performance, forward looking imaging sonar: 90° and 130°.
Tritech Gemini 720i Multibeam Imaging Sonar
The Tritech Gemini 720i sonar provides real-time, crisp imagery of the underwater scene ahead, making Gemini the ideal technology for subsea sonar vision for obstacle avoidance or search & rescue (SAR) operations.
The sonar head weighs just over 1 kg in water and is designed to be easily integrated onto the VideoRay Pro 4 ROV platform. It features a 720kHz operating frequency, a 120º field of view (FOV), and state of the art processing electronics, including an integrated sound velocity sensor which assists in providing the sharpest image possible with accurate ranging. The Gemini 720i is also supplied with Gemini's standalone software that works alongside the VideoRay Pro 4 Cockpit software.
Tritech Micron DST Scanning Sonar
The Tritech Micron DST Sonar (formerly known as the SeaSprite - an OEM name for the Micron) is the smallest digital CHIRP sonar in the world and is ideal for use on VideoRay Pro 3 and Pro 4 ROV systems as a first-rate obstacle avoidance sonar in miniature form. CHIRP (or Compressed High Intensity Radar Pulse) techniques have been used for a number of years above the water in many commercial and military RADAR systems. CHIRP technology dramatically improves the range resolution compared with conventional scanning sonars and is a feature normally associated with much larger, more expensive systems.
In addition to boasting CHIRP technology, as part of Tritech's range of mechanical imaging sonars, the Micron scanning sonar utilizes Digital Sonar Technology (DST) to offer exceptional clarity and resolution. The Micron scans 360° with a frequency up to 750kHz.