Coda Octopus Upgrades Underwater Sonar Survey Software

Published: 09 Jul 2018 | Author: Mike Rees

Coda Octopus has announced the release of Version 8 of Underwater Survey Explorer (USE), the company’s software package for recording, displaying, processing and reporting on real time 3D sonar data collected by ROVs (remotely operated vehicles), AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) and other vessels. This is a major upgrade and has new features designed to deliver significant new capability to Coda Octopus’ real time 3D range of sonars.

Auto Pan & Tilt Tracking – uses the Coda Octopus Integrated Pan & Tilt (IPT) to automatically maintain a designated fixed point within the center of the real-time 3D data display screen, as the vessel or ROV then moves around it.

Moving Object Auto Tracking – uses the IPT combined with industry standard NMEA GGA Geo-referenced positional data strings that manipulate IPT control to maintain moving or static objects in the centre of the sonar viewing volume such as an ROV or a diver.

IPT Joystick Control – allows joystick control with input via a USB connected game controller, UDP or serial connection, to operate and control the position of the IPT in real-time.

Combined with the CodaOctopus Construction Monitoring Software (CMS), the Auto Tracking and IPT Joystick Control options will further enhance and simplify breakwater construction operations, enabling the operator to use existing joystick controls to move the IPT, and to use the software and IPT to maintain the image of the block in the center of the 3D display.

Auto Compensation of the IPT for vessel roll/pitch – enables the operator to program horizontal limits on movement, such that a designated horizontal area is always maintained within the center of the real-time 3D field of view, regardless of the vessel’s pitch and roll. This will enable customers to automatically maintain Touch Down Points (TDP) within the center of the real-time 3D data window, freeing up the operator to concentrate on additional tasks.

Within all of the above new features, the operator can set limits on IPT movement, preventing any inadvertent damage to the equipment. Our Integrated Single Axis Rotator (ISAR) is also fully supported though limited to tracking in the deployed axis (Pan or Tilt).