Trends in ROV Development

Three new directions in remotely operated vehicle (ROV) control system development are described in this paper: providing ROV systems with sophisticated remote diagnostics; using model-based ROV operation control techniques; and exploiting digital video capabilities. The goals of these trends are to increase productive time by bringing outside resource to the ROV for troubleshooting and maintenance, to increase operational efficiency through the addition of automation, and to increase ROV operations end products (such as video) value. Digital video advances can enhance video imagery value through facilitation of combination of video with other data, increasing the range of products that can be created from video, as well as analyses, and improving utility. Systems are enabled to treat video in a manner close to other sensor data transmission and processing, reducing camera and video imagery end use interfaces and the number of components through current digital video technology. Pilots may potentially be relieved from managing all tasks concerning low-level control, coordination, and motion through model-based control, enabling higher-level task planning and executive to be concentrated on by pilots. Software technique application specifically designed for data flow management in distributed control systems can give access to all the information and tools needed for worksite maintenance and troubleshooting assistance to remote experts.