CODA has demonstrated the recently launched Echoscope4G® Surface during a US Navy training exercise as part of a Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) 3D HUD System.
The Surface is a real-time 3D sonar and can be used for launch on small rapid response rigid inflatable boats (RIB) and additional inflatable craft used in law enforcement, salvage and underwater construction.
During the live demonstration, tethered divers were able to hand carry the near neutrally buoyant sonar underwater and use it in two operational modes — navigation and observation.
Both modes can operate with or without subsea positioning simplifying deployment. The diver, through use of the 3D Head Up Display (HUD) technology under development, and the dive supervisor on the surface can view simultaneously the same real-time 3D sonar image, CodaOctopus said.
The biggest challenge for divers in challenging environments is visibility and real-time scene awareness – from their perspective and in 3D, Blair Cunningham , Coda’s President of Technology, explained.
“There are clear benefits for applications such as marine security, where the new Surface will help divers to identify foreign objects in the underwater environment where cameras cannot be relied upon. Specific markets including breakwater construction and inspection can immediately benefit from this technology providing clear 3D diver inspection data,” Cunningham added.
“During this US Navy training exercise in which we demonstrated the capabilities of our newly launched Surface, in navigation mode the diver effortlessly navigated around seabed debris and towards vertical piles structure hundreds of feet away with clear and effective communication between diver and supervisor. Coupled with a real-time enhance video feed from the diver helmet, the supervisor was acutely aware of the benefit of safe navigation underwater for the diver with clear direction and scene understanding by both parties.”
“Observation mode allows the diver to simply detach the hand-held Echoscope4G® Surface and attach to a mount or the asset under inspection – at this point both diver and supervisor have a 3rd person perspective overview of the scene with the diver also being clearly imaged. In salvage and construction operations, as well as those of the military and law enforcement, this (…) capability allows full safety monitoring of the diver and a comprehensive record of activities and events within the sonars imaging range,” he further said.