Real-Time Streaming for Remote Operations
A version of this article was originally published in the 2022 edition of the Seabed Gazette.
Our oceans are not well understood. With over 80% of global oceans still untouched and unexplored, ocean science specialists, like SubC Imaging, deliver complete underwater video solutions for ocean exploration. These deep sea cameras, subsea lights, lasers and accompanying software are not only cutting edge and technologically advanced but are safe for use in the ocean environment. SubC Imaging are the eyes of the ocean, allowing users to see a future where real-time video data and remote missions are a reality.
“Our team at SubC Imaging is very experienced with ocean exploration tools and we know that there are better ways to collect ocean data. That is why we are always improving, always asking what can be better. We don’t accept the status quo.” says Adam Rowe, Vice President of Software at SubC Imaging, “We design and build tools for our users, we seek out feedback and adjust. SubC Imaging is driving change in underwater video technology. We are delivering exactly what clients want; easy to use tools that deliver great data.”
Underwater video has been providing valuable insight and data to ocean industries since the first deployments in the 1940’s. Following the success of these early deployments, underwater video data has become an integral part in many ocean observing and research projects, including many deployments around the European Union as part of the large-scale Marine Strategic Framework Directive, or MSFD. While subsea video technology has greatly improved since the early days of underwater video monitoring, many deployments still rely on outdated methods, resulting in equipment not being used to its full potential, hence providing incomplete or old data.
Multiple streams being viewed on a single screen, made possible by Real-Time Streaming
SubC Imaging, global leader in underwater imaging, has worked tirelessly for over a decade to improve underwater video technology. The result is high-quality deep sea camera systems, supporting subsea software packages, and complete customized subsea imaging solutions.
However, even though underwear video technology improved, it is still common practice to deploy subsea video equipment from a fully crewed vessel. This type of deployment is not only expensive, but with Real-Time Streaming software, it is also unnecessary. By enabling real-time data delivery, these deployments can often be carried out by an ASV or ROV and key personnel can remain onshore, significantly cutting costs of data collection. Real-time data streaming also provides users with the ability to make decisions in-situ. Without access to real-time data, issues such as leaks, equipment damage, environmental impact, asset loss, or even improper installation of video equipment, can go unnoticed, resulting in negative outcomes such as fines, poor data quality, loss of revenue, or even injury of personnel.
Real-Time Decision Making
Having listened to their end users, SubC Imaging learned that clients in every industry they support, want reliable deployments that deliver the best data, from offshore remote deployments, in real-time. Working through these pain points with end users lead to the development of Real-Time Streaming, the subscription software from SubC Imaging. This software solution allows users to stream real-time video data to up to four destinations from a remote vehicle or offshore deployment. Real-Time Streaming needs only an internet connection to start streaming HD video data. Bandwidth is adjustable, so streaming is possible over any type of connection. This functionality makes real-time video data accessible anywhere; onboard a vessel, in a field station, command centre or office. Set up is quick and easy as this cloud-based serve can be downloaded onto any PC.
"While we were confident in the solution, the vessel personnel displayed hesitancy and said it would never work; we proved them wrong. The video streaming worked great! We were able to provide the divers both audio and video streaming through the Sub-C software solution. This allowed the archaeologists and client, that were both on the beach, as well as the dive superintendent who was offshore, to see and hear the diver's feed. Additionally, it allowed them to enter an audio presentation that enabled real-time discussions of the operations via a very efficient process." - Scott Doucet, Fugro Remote Operations Centre Supervisor for the Americas region
Work flow is simplified with the streamlined set-up and use of Real-Time Streaming software
The Future of Underwater Video
Real-Time Streaming software makes it possible for teams based in various locations to view real-time data simultaneously, allowing for immediate, collaborative decision making. By providing real-time video data, SubC Imaging’s Real-Time Streaming software can reduce environmental impact and improve crew safety by providing a remote real-time solution. Uncrewed vehicles are less invasive in marine environments, require less fuel and present an economical alternative to large, crewed vessels. Renting a vessel and paying for a full crew add huge sums to the bottom line of any project and many are seeking autonomous and uncrewed vehicles for their cost savings. By implementing Real-Time Streaming software along with an autonomous deployment, the cost of data collection is greatly reduced, allowing users to reinvest savings into other projects. The ability to view data in real-time means users have greater control over missions. There is no compromise when implementing Real-Time Streaming software, clients can view video in real-time and make decisions based on relevant data, while saving costs and ensuring the safety of their crew and the environment.
Autonomous and remote vehicles are being employed in nearly every ocean industry, from aquaculture to oil and gas exploration, ocean science to marine renewables. The future is remote and our data must be real-time. Without access to timely, quality data, remote deployments simply cannot provide the same quality of information that a crewed mission can.
Around the world, demand is rising for accessible, easy to use tools and services that enable the ethical exploration of our oceans. As we continue to build industry, using the oceans for resource extraction, transportation, energy and much more, programs such as Real-Time Streaming software are becoming essential. By providing users the ability to view HD video streams in real-time, make data-based decisions, and manage asset and project remotely, Real-Time Streaming is changing the way we work in our oceans. Real-Time Streaming is easy to use, from anywhere in the world. All a person needs to start viewing real-time video data is an account and an internet connection.
Crew member streaming video data in a field office
Real-time data is changing the way we work in our oceans. Adherence to rules and regulations is made easy. Assets are protected and loss is managed or prevented entirely. Wildlife and marine environments are protected. Operation costs are greatly reduced and risk of injury to personnel nearly eliminated.
The future of subsea video is real-time. With proven results streaming live video from various offshore subsea camera systems, including USV and ROVs, SubC Imaging’s Real-Time Streaming software is helping traditional industries transform. Driven by a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, the SubC Imaging team is driving change, showing what is possible when ocean science specialists develop products and systems with the end user in mind.