Create 3D models of your underwater assets
Table of Contents
Captured easily and accurately
Our multi-camera system is capable of producing high-resolution 3D models with very high accuracy and reliability, while significantly decreasing acquisition time.
Designed to be tailor-made for your mission, it adapts to ROV, AUV, drone, and diver operations.
Having worked with single camera systems for decades, we recognized that there are many areas for improvements. Which we have addressed in our new system.
System Highlights
- High quality images and videos
- Capture images and videos with different settings at the same time
- Generate 3D models
- Get the right dimensions from the 3D models
- Capture static or moving objects
System Capabilities
- Measure distances and angles
- Measure surfaces and volume
- Track moving objects like subsea structures during installation
- Measure wear and tear on structures like anchor chains
- Document installations
- Compare 3D models
Our Multi-Camera Methodology
We use an innovative technique that extracts spatial data, such as the size and position of objects, from two-dimensional images. This method is highly versatile and can be applied in various activities where dimensions, angles, and surfaces are required.
Aqualens Multicam Studio software
- Synchronizes multiple cameras
- Handles large volumes of images
- Advanced processing of images
- Multi-camera calibration
- User-friendly interface
- Integrate with other systems
Aqualens Multicam Studio software information
Aqualens Multicam Studio is our in-house developed software for acquisition and processing of images.
A complete solution for image and video acquisition, documentation, 3D model processing, and reporting. And all of this can be performed using your own resources.
Key features:
- project-based
- no prior photogrammetry expertise needed
- using well-known calibration techniques
- using established photogrammetry solutions
- scaling using the distance between cameras or scale bars (or coded targets with known distances between them)
- capturing fast-moving objects with a multi-camera setup
- cover large areas with multiple camera instances
- filtering of point clouds
- automation, just set it and leave it alone
- camera models will be added continuously or on request
- processing and calibration solutions will be added continuously or on request
- export data for further processing
Camera acquisition:
- acquire images from a single-camera
- acquire images from a synchronised stereo camera setup
- acquire images from a synchronised multi-camera setup
- video acquisition
- camera models are added continuously or on request
Camera calibration:
- calibration of single cameras and/or multi-camera/stereo setups
- calibration solutions will be added continuously or on request
3D point clouds and spatial data from:
- synchronised multi-camera images
- stereo camera images
- single camera images
Where our system can be applied
Offshore
Offshore wind
Aquaculture
Ships
Bridges
Defence / Navy
Civil construction
Anchor Chain inspection
Marine archaeology
Marine Biology
Environment
Coral reef
Our experience
We were pioneers in the development of digital single camera Photogrammetry in the North Sea offshore industry, executing from small projects to the world’s largest (in length and number of images acquired). Over the years we have performed metrologies in many parts of the world.
Since 2000, we have been involved in more than 500 metrologies.
Advising, managing, planning, executing, processing, and reporting.
With over 25 years of experience in underwater Photogrammetry, we have identified the key factors to obtain reliable and precise results.
Key factors in achieving reliable and accurate results with photogrammetry
Our path to Multi Camera system
In early 2000 we did our first underwater photogrammetry project for the oil and gas industry using the single camera system. This was a great success, and our Clients encouraged us to further develop the method and system.
Within a few years we had the knowledge and system to measure anything from small objects like anchor supports to spool routes close to hundreds of meters in length. Accuracy evolved from 1 in 5 000 to 1 in 20 000. All related to camera, equipment and routine upgrades. In addition, the processing time went down from days to hours.
An area of improvement that did not progress as fast as we wanted, was offshore time and personnel usage. For small to medium size objects like damages and jacket nodes, installing and removing artificial markers and scale bars took very long time. Also, the hiring of equipment and personnel was for some clients a showstopper.
Our idea was to reduce marking equipment to zero and let the Clients handle all the work on the vessel/rig. The result was a system with more than one camera sensor built into one can. The Multi Camera system. How it works? Point to the area that you want the 3D model from. Press one button on your PC. Produce the 3D model. Simple as that.
Why Use 3D models
3D models help us understand objects better and provide useful details that images and videos don’t.
You can extract correct information that is almost impossible to extract from images and videos.
Read about Depth Perception, Interactivity, Realism and Enhanced Learning.
Depth Perception: 3D models provide a sense of depth, allowing you to see the spatial relationships between different parts of the model. This makes it easier to understand the structure and dimensions of an object.
Interactivity: You can interact with 3D models by rotating, zooming, and viewing them from different angles. This interactivity helps you to explore and understand the model more thoroughly.
Realism: 3D models can be more realistic and detailed, which can make it easier to visualize and comprehend complex objects or scenes.
Context: 3D models can show how different components fit together in a way that 2D images often cannot. This is particularly useful in fields like engineering, architecture, and medicine.
Enhanced Learning: Studies have shown that 3D models can improve learning and retention, as they engage multiple senses and provide a more immersive experience.
3D model usage
3D models are used for many reasons and purposes across different industries. A few are shown here.
Visualization
Provide a more realistic and detailed representation of objects, making it easier to understand their shape and structure.
Interactivity
It can be manipulated and viewed from different angles, offering a better understanding of the object. Users can zoom in, rotate, and explore the model in ways that are not possible with images or videos.
Communication
Better communicate complex ideas and concepts. They provide a clearer understanding of design and functionality, which can be crucial in collaboration between designers, engineers, and clients.
Engineering
Highly accurate and precise, which is important in technical and scientific applications. This allows for detailed analysis and simulations.
Prototyping
Can be used for virtual prototyping, reducing the need for physical prototypes. This saves time and costs in the product development process.
Simulation
Animate to show movement and functionality. This is useful in engineering to demonstrate how a product or system will work in practice.
Augmented
Can be integrated into virtual and augmented reality environments, providing users with an immersive experience.
Photogrammetry advantages
Non-invasive and sustainable: Unlike some other methods, underwater photogrammetry does not disturb or damage the underwater environment. It is a sustainable approach that allows for repeated monitoring without harming the ecosystem.
High-resolution Data Acquisition: Capture high-resolution images and videos, providing detailed information about the structure, composition, and condition of underwater features.
3D Reconstruction and Analysis: Generate 3D models of underwater environments, allowing for precise measurements, volume calculations, and detailed analysis of underwater structures and ecosystems.
Monitoring and Change Detection: Monitor changes in underwater environments over time, providing valuable insights into ecosystem dynamics, erosion, and the impact of human activities.
A few of the metrologies we have been involved in.
Since year 2000 we have been involved in more than 500 metrologies/surveys using the single camera solution. Above are some examples.
Let’s discuss your challenges and requirements for underwater measurements.
We will respond as soon as possible.