Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are underwater robots that can perform various tasks such as exploration, inspection, maintenance, and repair. ROVs are widely used in the oil and gas industry, marine science, and military applications. They can operate in harsh and challenging environments that are inaccessible or dangerous for humans.
One of the key components of an ROV is the display unit, which provides the operator with visual feedback and information from the ROV’s sensors and cameras. The display unit is essential for the operator’s situational awareness, navigation, and control of the ROV.
However, not all display units are created equal. Some display units are prone to failure, damage, or degradation due to the extreme conditions of the underwater environment. For example, sunlight, saltwater, pressure, and temperature can affect the performance and reliability of the display unit. Moreover, some display units are bulky, heavy, and complex, which adds to the cost and difficulty of installation and maintenance.
This is where the SmartDisplay™ comes in. The SmartDisplay™ is a revolutionary display unit that is designed specifically for ROVs and other harsh environment applications. The SmartDisplay™ is a product of NKK Switches, a leading manufacturer of electromechanical switches and programmable displays.
The SmartDisplay™ offers several advantages over conventional display units, such as:
- Durability: The SmartDisplay™ is built to withstand the harsh conditions of the underwater environment. It has a rugged design that is resistant to shock, vibration, corrosion, and moisture. It also has a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, and a high brightness of 700 cd/m2 that can be adjusted for optimal visibility in any lighting condition.
- Simplicity: The SmartDisplay™ is easy to install and use. It has a compact and lightweight design that reduces the space and weight requirements of the ROV. It also has a simple and intuitive interface that allows the operator to switch between different modes and functions with a single push of a button. The SmartDisplay™ can display up to 64 colors and 96 x 32 pixels, which is sufficient for most ROV applications.
- Flexibility: The SmartDisplay™ is compatible with various ROV systems and protocols. It can communicate with the ROV’s controller via RS-232, RS-485, or SPI interfaces. It can also be customized to suit the specific needs and preferences of the operator. For example, the SmartDisplay™ can display text, graphics, icons, or animations, depending on the type and amount of information that the operator wants to see.
The SmartDisplay™ has been successfully deployed in several ROV projects around the world, such as:
- Eclipse Group: Eclipse Group is a global provider of subsea engineering and technical solutions. Eclipse Group uses the SmartDisplay™ in its ROV systems for deepwater search and recovery operations. The SmartDisplay™ helps the Eclipse Group’s operators to monitor and control the ROV’s position, depth, heading, speed, and other parameters. The SmartDisplay™ also displays the status and alerts of the ROV’s subsystems, such as thrusters, manipulators, cameras, and sensors.
- KAIKO: KAIKO is a world-class ROV that is operated by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). KAIKO is designed for deep sea surveys and marine resource exploration. KAIKO uses the SmartDisplay™ in its ROV system for displaying the ROV’s depth, altitude, attitude, and other data. The SmartDisplay™ also shows the ROV’s mission objectives, such as sampling, mapping, or observing the underwater environment.
- Oceaneering: Oceaneering is a leading provider of ROV services to the oil and gas industry. Oceaneering operates a fleet of over 300 ROVs that can perform various tasks such as drilling support, pipeline inspection, subsea construction, and intervention. Oceaneering uses the SmartDisplay™ in its ROV systems for displaying the ROV’s telemetry, diagnostics, and video feed. The SmartDisplay™ also allows the Oceaneering’s operators to select and control the ROV’s tools and accessories, such as cutters, grippers, or injectors.
The SmartDisplay™ is a proven and reliable display unit that enhances the performance and efficiency of ROV operations. The SmartDisplay™ is the legacy of NKK Switches, a company that has been innovating and delivering high-quality switches and displays for over 65 years.
