nir-vana innovation network

An Italian research group has developed an innovative technology: a programmable, autonomous and stand-alone intelligent imaging system. The system allows the acquisition and processing of images containing subjects whose size is larger than 1cm (e.g. gelatinous zooplankton, fishes, litter, manufacts), form the seafloor or along the water column, in shallow or deep waters. It is capable to recognize and classify the image content through pattern recognition algorithms that combine computer vision and artificial intelligence methodologies. The relevant content of the acquired images is stored on board or transmitted through the communication facilities of the imaging system (e.g. acoustics or satellite modem). The use of such an image acquisition and processing system, installed on fixed or mobile platforms (e.g. cabled or stand-alone observatories, lander, AUV -autonomous underwater vehicle-, Argo Floats, drifter buoys, sea gliders), allows for low cost and long lasting underwater monitoring activities at local or regional scale.

The researchers are looking for a commercial agreement with technical assistance, focused on the use of the intelligent camera for the development of innovative marine observing systems (e.g. stand-alone and cabled observatories, autonomous underwater vehicles) or for its exploitation in applications dealing with the underwater monitoring of either marine environment (e.g. biodiversity, commercially relevant species, invasive species, MPA restoration) or artificial infrastructures (e.g. arbour infrastructures, underwater pipelines, offshore platforms and wind-farms).

Advantages & innovations

The underwater video systems currently in use for marine monitoring mainly consist of imaging devices that can be installed on fixed platforms wired to a land station (cabled or stand-alone observatories like the JERICO-RI, EMSO or Ocean Network Canada) or operated or deployed by surface vessels, like for example ROV- Remotely operated vehicle, and AUV-autonomous underwater vehicle. The use of wired stations and vessels makes the monitoring activity expensive and necessarily limited in time and space. The proposed intelligent imaging device overcomes all these limits. It has been conceived for stand-alone applications and for executing on-board image analysis algorithms, it has a small volume and weight and can be easily installed on board mobile or fixed platforms. It performs autonomous monitoring activities for long periods (> 24 months), and across wide geographical areas, as it can be easily located and relocated.

Stage of development

Prototype available for demonstration

Partner sought

The researchers are looking for a commercial agreement with technical assistance. The partners sought could be entities whose purpose is to monitor the marine environment (e.g. marine protected areas, parks, port authorities), or who need to include smart cameras within their sea observation platforms. For example, those who develop autonomous submarine vehicles or intelligent marine observatories for both environmental and industrial purposes (e.g. monitoring of artificial structures such as marine pipes, marine platforms, wind fields, port infrastructures)