The success of this project is the sum of efforts from all the partners in the different work packages in the project.
In the early months of the project a proof of concept version was made based on off-the-shelf components. Also an end-user requirement survey was performed. The result of these actions set the direction for this project.
Since UTOFIA contains a laser, eye-safety has been a concern. Trials were performed at DTU Aqua (Denmark) to investigating the impact of the laser on fish. Swimming behaviour was not affected, and no measurable stress responses were observed from heart monitors placed inside several fish. The latest version fits in the lowest laser safety class.
Following the first version, two succeeding iterative versions have been made. Each new version with lower volume and more laser power. The laser module from Bright Solutions is powerful, rugged and compact. It has worked flawlessly during the project.
A critical element of both range extension and 3D capability is the image sensor used. The project employs two different sensor principles, one from ODOS and one from Fraunhofer IMS. The ODOS sensor was available from the start of the project and has been a working horse for software and firmware development. For the Fraunhofer IMS sensor, we have tested different pixel architectures and developed a new sensor with 320x240 pixels. Each pixel has two active areas that could be timed separately relative to the laser emission. This opens for new image algorithms particularly suited for longer ranges.
The compact marine housing is rated to 300 meters depth. It includes a heat management that use sea water for cooling to stabilize the internal temperature. Versions for larger depths will be available.
UTOFIA can capture 3D in both static and dynamic scenes. Algorithms were developed by SINTEF and embedded in the camera hardware for interpreting the sensor data. This effort resulted in a camera upgrade that allowed live 3D in spring 2017. Image processed data is streamed to the surface at up to 600Mbit/s over an Ethernet line. During the project an operator interface (GUI) has been developed and visualization of the data can be recorded and viewed on a topside computer. Novel directions for high-contrast imaging have been addressed for the visualization. Furthermore, an API for easy access to the camera data is included.
Dissemination activities included maintaining the website, social media outlets (twitter @UTOFIA_H2020, Facebook, ResearchGate) and videos posted on YouTube, preparing a total of 6 half-yearly newsletters, attending conferences and tradeshows, onsite visits, teleconferences, workshops and demonstrations to end-users, and analysing dissemination metrics. These activities also involved writing and publishing articles for trade journals and peer reviewed scientific journals.
Dissemination and exploitation strategies beyond the lifetime of the project focus on:
- Commercialization of the UTOFIA system. A plan for manufacturing of the first units has been made. This plan will be revised according to market feedback.
- Development of UTOFIA system features to target specific stake-holder applications.
In particular, UTOFIA has spawned several spin-off projects that are designed to improve the exploitation potential of the system.
