The Sensors Group focuses on research and development of optical (remote sensing) techniques, methods and sensor systems for vision enhancement in order to contribute to improved situational awareness in maritime situations. The group’s activities can be separated into three areas:
Development of (active) optical sensors and instruments
Simulation/modelling of sensor systems and methods
Development of novel measurement methods and solutions for vision enhancement
The field of application thereby ranges from underwater, land-based as well as shipborne sensors to system and method developments for drones and helicopter applications.
Development of (active) optical sensors
As a shipborne sensor, the Gated-Viewing system TRAGVIS was developed working in the infrared spectral region. The instrument consists of a pulsed light source that is synchronized with a camera enabling illumination of range-resolved “gates” within the acquired image. The resulting suppression of atmospheric backscatter causes an increase in image contrast. The TRAGVIS instrument is developed for harsh visual conditions in cooperation with the German maritime search and rescue service. A first demonstrator was successfully tested at sea in December 2022. The instrument has potential use for different applications (e.g. visual surveillance of infrastructures) and/or from different platforms (e.g. helicopters) as well. Therefore, the hardware is further developed in a modular way. In addition, a very similar measurement method is developed for underwater use within the SUBVIS project. Main topics here are, e.g., inspection tasks of critical infrastructures at the sea floor.
Simulation and modelling of sensor systems and measurement methods
Physical simulations and models are developed for a better understanding of measurement techniques and instruments, which stimulates further developments. At the same time, the potential use and benefit of the instrument in different environments and/or from different platforms can be studied, including the required hardware improvements. As an example, the use of the TRAGVIS sensor mounted at a helicopter is studied in a computer-generated 3D simulation (HEDELA). In the HUMAN project, the benefit of this configuration for an accident at sea is investigated and simulated sensor data is displayed in the pilot’s head-mounted display. For validation of the developed sensor systems and as input for physical models, environmental data is collected during field tests and from a sensor platform at the institute’s roof.
Development of novel measurement methods and solutions for vision enhancement
Upcoming measurement methods as well as new ideas and technologies for vision enhancement are continually investigated in laboratory experiments, field tests, and by modelling. An example is the measurement of the local orientation of the sea surface using polarization imaging, which is currently investigated. In addition, new technologies available on the market (e.g. cameras for single photon detection, new LEDs or laser diodes) are investigated by means of their potential for vision enhancement and implemented in upgrades of existing hardware or used in new developments. In collaboration with other groups at the institute as well as external partners, new sensor developments are combined with AI object detection methods, e.g. for supporting autonomous navigation at sea.
Projects:
SUBVIS: SUBsea VISion for inspection tasks
MAI: Modular Active Imaging
HUMAN: Hubschraubereinsätze im Rahmen der maritimen Notfallvorsorge
REMAP: Rapid Environmental Monitoring via Airborne optical Platforms
The TRAGVIS sensor installed onboard a rescue vessel during the final project demonstration. The infrared laser illumination at 808 nm appears in violet colors here as the image was taken with a RGB camera having only residual efficiency in the infrared.
Calibration measurements of the SUBVIS sensor, which is developed for vision enhancement in underwater applications, predominantly inspection of critical infrastructures.
Physical simulation of the TRAGVIS sensor in a computer animated 3D world. The simulation was performed together with the Institute of Flight Guidance in the context of the HEDELA project. The goal is to study the potential and necessary further technical developments for use of the instrument for airborne (helicopter) applications.
