System and method of operation for remotely operated vehicles with superimposed 3D imagery

摘要

The present invention provides a system and method of utilizing superimposed 3D imagery for remotely operated vehicles, namely 3D, reconstructed images of the environment of the ROV. In another aspect, it includes generating a virtual video of 3D elements in the operation environment, synchronizing the angle and position of the camera of a virtual video with the angle and position of a real camera, superimposing the virtual video and the real video from the real camera; superimposing these video feeds such that one is manipulated to show transparencies in areas of less interest, in order to show through the other video. It furthermore may include superimposing information, whether graphic, textual or both on to the hybrid virtual-real 3D imagery. The subject invention is also networked, such that the immersive visual interface described above is accessible to a plurality of users operating from a plurality of locations.

主权项

1. A system for exploration comprising:
a remote operated vehicle (ROV), wherein said ROV comprises a video camera for acquiring a live video feed; a networked operating system comprising a visualization engine, wherein said visualization engine further comprises:
a database module of 3D elements representing objects disposed in an operation environment of said remote operated vehicle;a virtual video generating module for generating a virtual video feed incorporating said 3D elements;a synchronizing module for synchronizing an angle and position of a virtual camera with an angle and position of the video camera, wherein the virtual camera defines a field of view for the virtual video feed, wherein the field of view is preferably between about 45 and 144 degrees from a central point of view; anda superimposition module for superimposing said virtual video feed and said live video feed, wherein said superimposition module is configured to modulate the transparency or opaqueness of a region of lesser interest in one of the virtual or live video feeds such that a corresponding region of the other video feed is more visible, said superimposed virtual and live video feeds comprising hybrid 3D imagery; and a navigation interface configured to display said hybrid 3D imagery, said navigating interface comprising at least one networked monitor.