FAQ

The maximum depth is indicated in the name of each photogrammetry unit: up to 100 m for the Hydro 100, 300 m for the Hydro 300, 1000 m for the Hydro 1000, and 6000 m for the Hydro 6000.

All of the Hydro Series units are stereo and therefore have 2 cameras.

Our subsea photogrammetry cameras feature a compact, embedded lighting system designed for efficiency and performance. The integrated flashes provide:

• Space-saving design: The lighting is built directly into the camera, eliminating the need for external components and simplifying deployment.
• Powerful illumination: Despite its compact size, the system delivers high-intensity lighting, ensuring clear and precise image capture even in challenging underwater conditions.
• Enhanced durability: With fewer external parts, the system is more robust and easier to handle, reducing the risk of damage during operations.

This integrated approach optimizes both functionality and convenience, making our cameras ideal for demanding asset inspection tasks.

The camera resolutions are as follows: the Hydro 100 features two 5.4 MP cameras, while the Hydro 300, Hydro 1000 and Hydro 3000 each feature two 12.4 MP cameras.

For all Hydro Series products, a minimum dedicated 35 Mbps (megabits per second) is sufficient for a smooth survey with or without using the IVM SLAM.

Data can be recovered at any rate, although a 1 Gbps (gigabit per second) data rate is preferred. When such a connection is not available, data can be easily recovered directly on the data port (1 Gbps rated) of your Hydro Series unit.

Each system has 2 TB (Terabite) of internal storage which can log up to 20 h of continuous survey on the Hydro 100 and up to 8h of survey on the Hydro 300, Hydro 1000 and Hydro 6000.

Full range of the system goes from 0,6 m to 9 m from the subject. The most common working distance goes from 0.8 to 2 m from the subject. For very low visibility environments, each kit can be delivered with a short focus set up to work from 0,35 to 1.5 m away from the subject.

Various factors are involved, but in general for 5 common links it takes around 30 min to perform the inspection on site and 2h30 to process data in hidden time from other operations, which is much less time compared to conventional methods.

Various factors are involved, but in general a 60 m spoolpiece metrology takes around 2 h to perform the inspection on site and 24 h to process data in hidden time from other operations, which is much less time compared to conventional methods.

All of the Hydro units use high resolution digital stills cameras recording at 4 fps (frame per second) and are capable of recording videos at 20 fps in 4K or 2.7K in parallel of image stills recording.

All recorded digital stills images are stored on the system 2 Tb (Terabite) internal storage at full resolution, 12.4 Mpx (Mega Pixel) or 5.4 Mpx in .jpg format.

The server is directly on Hydro and produces a 20 fps (Frames per second) video stream, accessible by connecting to Hydro (lower bandwidth). Currently, the video is in .avi format at 4K or 2.7k resolution and can be recorded.

The Hydro 300, 1000, and 3000 capture images at 4112 × 3008 pixels, while the Hydro 100 captures images at 2464 × 2056 pixels.

Yes, all cameras are designed to take high resolution digital stills for best 3D model accuracy.

Yes.

All systems are able to display up to 20 fps on the GUI (Graphic User Interface) while logging up to 4 fps of high resolution stills in the camera internal storage.

Yes.

A new calibration can be done in situ before acquisition and depends on temperature and depth. Follow the user handbook provided by IVM Technologies. A full calibration usually takes around 15 minutes. If the temperature changes by about 2 °C, it is advisable to repeat the calibration.

The accuracy of the system for chain inspections depends on water quality, the distance to the surface being inspected, and the acquisition speed. However, it consistently achieves sub-millimetric accuracy—typically around 0.3 mm.

The accuracy of the system for spoolpiece metrology surveys depends on water quality, the distance to the subject, and acquisition speed. However, it consistently achieves an accuracy of 1:9000 (i.e., 1  mm over 9  m of measured distance). This accuracy is currently under certification by a third party.

SLAM generates a limited scale accuracy and resolution 3D point cloud model to enable a true monitoring of the survey progress and coverage and optimize survey duration and make sure all required data has been collected. While IVM constantly works on improving its IVM SLAM accuracy, at this time measurements are to be performed on the final 3D model generated in post processing.

Yes. Agisoft Metashape and 3DF Zephyr are the main softwares for which our products are automatized with.

IVM SLAM processes the real time 3D model on the go through a surface computer with our proprietary SLAM solution. Highest accuracy 3D models are to be post processed with third party softwares (Agisoft metashape or 3DF Zehyr) using our proprietary plugins for ease of use.

No, it requires the interface, but if the connection is lost, it will still continue to record pictures and perform the survey.

It is a closed source.

Point clouds formats: LAS/LAZ (.las ; .laz), PLY (.ply), XYZ (.xyz), PTS (.pts), and E57 (.e57).

Mesh formats: OBJ (.obj), FBX (.fbx), 3DS (.3ds), COLLADA (.dae) and STL (.stl).

No, being based on stereo photogrammetry the system provides true scaling of the subject without markers or scale bars. Also all Hydro units are precalibrated.

As the cameras are designed to synchronize with the integrated strobe lights, no synchronization with external light sources are required.

There is an IMU inside to display the angle of the sensor during acquisition, it enhances the accuracy of post-processing. The IMU is also used to determine the vefrtical reference for the 3D model. An echo sounder is added as a standard distance-to-the-subject monitoring device on the Hydro 6000 and can be added to other products if required.

IVM SLAM (Simultaneous Location And Mapping) can be used alongside our cameras. It generates a 3D point cloud of the subject in real time. While this 3D point cloud has a limited scale accuracy and resolution, it enables true monitoring of the survey progress and coverage to optimize survey duration and make sure all required data has been collected. The final 3D model, with fine scale accuracy and resolution is generated in post processing to enable maximum inspection capabilities.

The IVM SLAM generates a limited scale accuracy and resolution 3D point cloud model to enable a true monitoring of the survey progress and coverage and optimize survey duration and make sure all required data has been collected. Measurements are to be performed on the final 3D model generated in post processing.

Various optional power converters are available for ROV integration. Check our add-on products page.

Yes, a diver held add-on kit is available for the Hydro 100.

Integrated LEDs enable consistent lighting conditions during the survey without relying on other lights sources and simplifying integration to ROVs. Hydro units work with image stills which allows the use of strobe lights, enabling high lumen with very compact light sources. Having integrated LED lights simplifies the product integration to any vehicle.

Yes, generally a laptop.

Yes and yes.

Explore our case studies gallery and discover 3D models produced by the Hydro Series

Only Windows.

No, it requires an SPU or a USB stick with an installer.

No, only ethernet connection with the Hydro.

Software updates are included in the IVM Care package for subscribers. If you are not a subscriber, updates can be provided on demand at standard prices.

Via .exe files or factory return.