Vibration dampening on ROV systems

Problem

Some ROV systems with high amounts of vibration, particularly ones with hydraulics units, can cause the Camera focus lens to shake. This has been observed in a few workclass ROV models.

• The symptoms of this issue depend on the amplitude and frequency of the vibrating motion generated by the ROV system. High-amplitude vibration is undesirable at most frequencies and should be dampened to reduce the effect on image focus and video quality.

• If the vibration frequency of the operating ROV system is at or near the resonant frequency of the camera it will lead to shaky video and blurred images if vibration mitigation is not implemented.

• During testing, it has been determined that the issue is present below 120Hz, with lower frequencies (30-70Hz) resulting in visible shaking and the higher frequencies (80-120Hz) resulting in lower focus.

• The issue is most prevalent at 70Hz vibration with vibrations above 120Hz having minimal impact on the camera at all.

Solution

• Additional rubber or neoprene generally gives a better result. Wrapping a sheet of thick rubber or neoprene around the camera before clamping it into the pan-tilt or mount point helps mitigate this issue in most cases.

• We have integrated Optical Image Stabilization into a software update. This reduces the effects of system vibration substantially.