3D Underwater Scanner for Inspection and Documentation

The UVision UScanner is an end-to-end underwater 3D scanning solution designed to produce photorealistic and measurable 3D models of underwater assets.

Combining a stereo global shutter colour camera, positioning information, onboard sensors, real-time point cloud generation, and cloud-based post-processing, the UScanner provides an integrated workflow for underwater inspection and documentation.

Its compact size and lightweight construction make it suitable for a wide range of underwater applications. The scanner can be mounted on an ROV, installed on a telescopic pole, or operated handheld by a diver.

Key Features

• Photorealistic and measurable 3D models
• Real-time 3D point cloud rendering
• Stereo global shutter colour camera
• 2.3 MP camera resolution
• 90° horizontal field of view
• <1 mm resolution at 1 m distance
• 50 mm dome ports
• IMU and depth sensor
• 1 TB SSD storage
• GNSS positioning input
• Compatible with NMEA format
• Cloud-based post-processing
• UVisualiser web portal
• Multiple downloadable 3D model formats
• ROV, pole-mounted, and handheld configurations
• Compact, corrosion-resistant aluminium housing
• UController scanner management software

Real-Time 3D Point Cloud

During scanning, the UScanner generates a real-time 3D point cloud that helps the operator orientate and guide the scanning process.

The real-time visualization also allows the operator to evaluate the quality of the captured data while scanning, helping ensure that the required area has been completely documented before the operation is finished.

The datasheet also states that automated processing of the scanned data is designed to simplify the overall workflow.

Photorealistic and Measurable Results

Post-processing converts the collected scan data into a scaled, photographic-quality 3D model.

These models allow underwater assets and features to be visually inspected and measured, with the UVision product information describing details down to the millimetre level.

This provides a digital representation of the inspected underwater asset that can be used for further inspection, documentation, measurement, and analysis.

Stereo Global Shutter Camera

The UScanner incorporates a stereo global shutter colour camera.

Unlike a rolling-shutter camera, which reads pixels sequentially, the global shutter captures all pixels at the same moment.

According to the UScanner datasheet, the camera provides:

• 2.3 MP resolution
• 90° HFOV
• <1 mm resolution at 1 m distance
• 50 mm dome ports

The dome ports are designed to minimise distortion toward the edges of the field of view and maximise image quality.

Flexible Mounting Options

The UScanner’s compact size and low weight allow it to be deployed using several different configurations.

ROV Mounted

The scanner can be integrated with an ROV, including smaller ROV systems.

It can function as either the main camera or as an additional sensor, allowing it to become part of an existing underwater inspection setup.

Pole Mounted

For inspections close to the waterside, the scanner can be installed on a telescopic pole.

UVision also supports pole-mounted operation with its own lights and power supply, and this configuration can be used in combination with a Virtual Reality headset.

Handheld

The UScanner can also be operated by a diver using a handheld configuration.

Different grip configurations can be provided depending on the operator’s preferences.

Integrated Cloud Processing

The UScanner is connected to UVision’s cloud solution for post-processing and visualization.

After processing, the completed 3D model is delivered through the UVisualiser web portal, where it can be:

• Visualized
• Measured
• Annotated
• Downloaded

The resulting model can therefore be reviewed within UVision’s environment or exported for use in another environment.

3D Model Export Formats

Finalised 3D models can be downloaded in multiple formats, including:

• .GLB
• .PLY
• .OBJ
• .LAS

This provides flexibility for using the processed 3D data in other compatible software environments.

Positioning Input

The UScanner supports GNSS position input.

GNSS positioning information can be read into the system using the NMEA format.

UController Management Software

The scanner is managed using UController software.

According to the datasheet, UController is compatible with:

• Windows
• Linux
• macOS

Technical Specifications

These values come directly from the supplied UScanner technical datasheet.

Connections

The UScanner datasheet specifies:

• SubConn Micro Circular 8-pole male connector for power and communication
• SubConn 3-pin connector for lights

Network Bandwidth

The occupied bandwidth between the UScanner and UController is specified as:

• Less than 20 Mbps over tether
• Usually less than 10 Mbps