August 14, 2024
San Diego, CA – DWE.ai, a leader in cutting-edge underwater computer vision solutions, proudly showcased its latest innovation in real-time underwater stereo vision at the 11th Annual Maritime Security West Conference. The system can be configured for 1000m, 6000m, or full ocean depth (12,000m) operations.
Kunal Singla, CTO, showcasing live stereo vision at the 2024 Maritime Security West Conference
At the core of this advanced technology is DWE.ai's proprietary Aquagon™ Optics, a revolutionary non-distortion lens technology. Unlike traditional solutions that rely on software corrections, Aquagon™ Optics uses all-glass lenses to correct underwater distortion with a precision of less than 1.5% distortion. This breakthrough also minimizes chromatic aberration and enhances sharpness, particularly along edges, delivering unparalleled image quality. "This provides ideal images not only for underwater subjects but also for computer vision marker detection algorithms, such as fiducial markers, checkerboards, and other automation markers," said Warren Chang, COO of DWE.ai.
Aquagon Optics Live Demo
Further pushing the boundaries of underwater imaging, DWE.ai has introduced PrecisionSync™ technology, which ensures an exceptionally precise synchronization of stereo images from two or more cameras. The system, equipped with global shutter sensors, delivers crisp and clear images, even in challenging underwater environments.
By integrating Aquagon™ Optics and PrecisionSync™ technologies into their explore3D system, DWE.ai's DeepWater computer vision team has developed an advanced proprietary depth-sensing algorithm. This system, enhanced by an in-house AI model and optimized with Nvidia's CUDA technology, represents a significant leap forward in underwater stereo vision. All while being configurable for 1000m, 6000m, or full ocean depth (12,000m) operations.
During the conference, Viva Suresh, Head of Computer Vision at DWE.ai, commented on the system's performance: "Our alpha-stage model achieves real-time processing at 20 frames per second, with less than 150ms from glass to the depth map visual. There is still room for further performance gains."
Stereo Vision Live Demo
Beyond its immediate technical achievements, this innovation opens up new possibilities for a more accessible and modular ecosystem in underwater technology. The explore3D system and its components are designed to support a wide range of applications, including seafloor mapping, 3D reconstruction and scanning, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM), and the detection of fish and other underwater life. These capabilities will enable researchers, engineers, and developers to create highly specialized tools tailored to specific underwater tasks, fostering innovation in marine exploration, conservation, and industry.
Looking ahead, DWE.ai plans to release an initial version of its software development kit (SDK) and UI tools for live stereo vision data collection later this year. Meanwhile, the explore3D system, featuring a 150mm baseline configuration, is available for purchase. For more information, visit https://dwe.ai/3d.