Kongsberg using Kinect for seismic streamer deck handling

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Norwegian maritime electronics company Kongsberg is using Microsoft's "Kinect" body movement detection device for training seismic vessel operators in deck operations.

It has installed a system at the Vestfold University College, Norway, as part of the Kongsberg Maritime Offshore Vessel Simulator. It has been developed in co-operation with Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS).

The device tracks students' movements.

On the screen, students can see themselves on a stern streamer deck of the vessel. By walking around the room, students can see themselves walking around the deck. They can be given tasks to complete.

The students have a virtual toolbox, and have a winch / block control device, worn around their waist. They can select which winch / block they want to use and control it.

The simulator is based on the PGS seismic vessel Ramform Viking.

The simulator has an accurate hydrodynamic model, 3D hull design and realistic stern streamer deck to ensure that students relate to the simulated vessel environment during training.

The detailed hydrodynamic model behaviour is an important aspect for vessel navigators and operators on the streamer deck, as the operation of winches changes according to conditions and vessel motion.

A typical simulation scenario involves three students; one is assigned supervisor, responsible for controlling winches, using a real winch control terminal interfaced to the simulator. The other two students operate auxiliary winches and are equipped with the virtual toolbox, with all equipment needed to complete the operation simulated on screen.

'Back-deck operations have been increasing in complexity over the years and personnel are getting less exposure to these critical operations, so we decided that simulator training was a natural step to ensure safety and efficiency,' says Einar Nielsen, Vice President Projects, Marine Acquisition PGS.

'This has been an interesting and challenging project for both parties and I would say the techniques employed with the system represent a step change in simulator training for the offshore environment.'

The installation at Vestfold University College consists of two Instructor stations, one navigation bridge, winch and block control terminals, a common info station for all three students and three streamer deck crew operator stations (student stations).

Each student station consists of three 65' TFT-LCD screens mounted vertically, which displays their simulated position on the streamer deck and the actions they are carrying out with the virtual toolbox. The centre display units are fitted with touch screens, allowing the student to open and close valves and winch locks, power on/off winches and blocks together with enabling lines on the helper winches in the scene.