Enhanced underwater images thanks to image optimisation system EVS1VX

Our industrial underwater drone, the DiveUnit300, is Japan’s first underwater drone. It is equipped with a hovering function, a Full HD camera, and is capable of a maximum dive depth of 300 meters. Weighing approximately 28 kg, it is small enough to be operated by two adults. Its greatest feature is the 3.7 mm-thin cable that transmits video signals. The strength of the coated cable protecting the optical fiber is strong enough to withstand a weight of 136 kg. In addition, the PC and LTE unit are housed in a dedicated carrying case, allowing for real-time online video distribution. This makes it possible to check video at a remote location.

Images captured by the underwater drone camera are converted to HDMI signals and input to the EVS1VX where they are processed to improve visibility and output via HDMI to a high-brightness monitor for review. Underwater images with poor visibility can be sharpened in real time, allowing the operator to inspect in detail. Underwater turbidity can be mitigated, and images can be checked with appropriate contrast, making it easier to find problem areas for repair in infrastructure facilities, such as pipe tunnels and dam surface structures.

What are the reasons you chose the EVS1VX image optimization system and what are the advantages?

The primary reason we selected the EVS1VX was that it was not only smaller and lighter than other companies’ products, but the quality of the build was better and hardware more reliable. Additionally, the wiring is simple, which makes maintenance easy and helps us a great deal in the long run. EIZO also provides a utility software called EVS Image Optimization Utility which allows detailed image adjustment according to our needs – haze, dark areas, colour, and high-ISO noise can all be corrected, and fine cracks made more distinguishable. Each parameter can be fine-tuned according to how low the visibility is in varying water quality conditions. The system leaves a positive impression during demonstrations to our customers because it enables sharpening of the image in the desired area in real time.

For infrastructure facilities in rivers and oceans, divers usually need to take photographs and, in some cases, remove water, which requires many days of work and resources. Underwater drones provide an alternative with safe and efficient inspections. Turbidity varies from one environment to the next, depending on where the images are captured. Turbidity is an optical characteristic of water and measured according to its relative clarity influenced by how much kaolin material, a type of clay, is mixed in with the water. This causes water to appear anywhere from whitish to brown in colour. By using the EVS1VX to improve visibility of the images, inspection points can be clearly checked, and problem areas can be detected early for quick response.

Do you have any additional comments for EIZO?

The turbidity of rivers in Japan is very high, and in many cases, inspections are extremely difficult even when filming with an underwater drone. In an environment with high turbidity, it is possible to check captured images with a visible light camera if the object is up close at 1 to 2 cm distance. But it is difficult to check images captured with a wide-angle lens camera. For such cases, we look forward to EIZO’s continued technological advances to help us respond in such situations by improving sharpness of captured images without needing to use an infrared camera.