We have developed a flicker-free stereoscopic video system which uses commercial television components. This system has been installed on an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that is used for service and inspection tasks at a gas production platform 130 km off the North-West coast of Western Australia. We report the results of field and laboratory time trials of remote manipulation tasks and also the general experience gained in the field operation of the system. Stereoscopic video provides the operator with an intuitive sense of the depth relationships of the work site. Operators report that this reduces frustration and mental effort as well as giving them confidence in their actions. Some of the other advantages that we have observed include the increased ability to see through suspended matter (fine particles) in the water. The system is most useful in manipulative tasks but also useful for general `flying' of the ROV making navigation through the platform easier. Our results indicate that stereoscopic video will be a valuable tool in the operation of remotely operated vehicles in the underwater environment.
展开▼
