OceanView Technology

The following information describes the four technologies used in OceanView’s marine products. All 4 have their own individual benefits and limitations when installed on a modern vessel, depending on the application.

Thermal Technology

All objects including people, boats, buildings, shorelines or floating objects have a particular “heat signature” created as a result of the way they absorb heat. Thermal sensors detect the difference between the heat signature of any object and those of the surrounding area or other objects. These differences are converted to video with distinct colours or shades of grey assigned to “hot” and “cool” objects, producing an image that resembles a photographic negative.

Main Benefits in a marine environment:

To enhance

1. The navigation capability of the vessel by helping to detect objects such as semi-submersed containers, unlit buoys and other objects that can be a danger to shipping, some of which may not be detected by radar.
2. The surveillance capability of the vessel by helping to quickly identify other vessels or people that could become a threat to the vessel.
3. The safety capability of the vessel by providing additional capability when navigating in areas of particular danger or in MOB situations.

Main Restrictions:

Factors which equalise or mask the heat signature of different objects include fog, rain and heavy spray. Even the length of time after sunset can reduce the effectiveness of thermal imaging.

Ultra-Low Light Technology

Ultra-Low Light technology amplifies ambient light, such as navigation lights or street lights, to make a high quality Black and White video in very low levels of lighting.

Main Benefits in a marine environment:

1. The picture is displayed in a format that is recognisable as a picture.
2. Ideal for use when there is insufficient light for the colour camera.
3. Ideal for when there is too much light for a GEN 111 camera.

Gen III (I2) Light Intensifying Technology

Originally developed for the military, Gen III light intensification scans a scene and intensifies the available light to produce a clear image. This technology does require a certain level light, but starlight will produce a satisfactory result and a moonlit night produces outstanding images.

Main Benefits in a marine environment:

The picture is displayed in a format that is recognisable as a picture.

Main Restrictions:

1. Because the system requires at least a minimum level of ambient light, heavy overcast conditions can limit its effectiveness.
2. Higher light levels such as those encountered when approaching a marina or populated area, may overwhelm the system and reduce its effectiveness.

Colour Video Technology

High resolution colour images are captured with an auto focus camera equipped with up to 312x zoom dependent on the model (26 times optical and 12x digital). These cameras have many applications in a marine environment dependent on the conditions.

Main Benefits in a marine environment:

1. Zoom feature gives ability to see detail at long distances.
2. Useful in identification and tracking of tenders and incoming vessels.

Main Restrictions:

Only useful in good light conditions.