Tiny camera probes deep ocean

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Tiny camera probes deep ocean

Jennifer Foreshew
MAY 10, 2005

RESEARCHERS at Perth's Curtin University of Technology have developed the world's smallest underwater 3D video camera, for deep-ocean use.

The mini-3D stereoscopic underwater video camera will help oil, gas and minerals explorers. Curtin's marine science and technology centre (CMST) developed an underwater 3D camera in 1992 and has continued working on ways to reduce its size.

Early models weighed a hulking 25kg, but the weight is now down to 1.3kg.

The camera measures about 9.5cm in diameter and is about 16cm long.

It is attached to remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), which are used in the oil and gas sector for underwater inspections and maintenance.

The 3D camera, which cost less than $100,000 to develop, is designed for use on an ROV only half a metre long.

It is expected to improve vision and control for the ROV's pilot.

"Companies are moving into deeper water such as 2000m-plus, where they can't use a diver," CMST research fellow Andrew Woods said.

The 3D camera differs from a standard single-lens video camera because it uses two lenses side by side, aligned to simulate human vision.

Mr Woods said one of the cameras was shipped to Aberdeen, Scotland, last month for probable use in the North Sea.

"Maybe now we can build a higher resolution camera, but that depends on requirements in the industry and where they are likely to be used," he said.

The system has also been used in developing cameras for underground mines in conditions that are too dangerous for people.

The entertainment sector is also interested "in using 3D and not necessarily just for film, it may have other applications as well", Mr Woods said.

The camera was developed in co-operation with Canadian company Welaptega Marine, which provides services to the oil and gas sector.

Welaptega jointly owns the intellectual property.

"We plan to have about 10 systems in operation in the next 12 months," Mr Woods said.

The units would be rented to ensure they were maintained correctly.

"It is usually difficult for companies to justify purchasing the equipment outright anyway," he said.

The Australian