HYDROPOS V2 SOFTWARE
HydroPos V2 is a multi-module software programme that allows the user to plan, acquire and post process TZ/OBC acoustic positioning data. The software is designed to run on a PC operating either Windows XP or Windows 7 with a recommended display resolution of 1024 x 768.
Line data can be imported in OGP P1 and SEG SPS formats as well as a CSV file and once loaded, transponder locations can be simply added either by ‘hand’ or via the HydroPos V2 RFiD Cable deployment modules.
During acoustic acquisition, HydroPos commands the OBC 12 transceiver to interrogate the relevant seabed transponders and logs their acoustic replies. An initial online positioning solution is available on the acquisition screen with a visual indication of positioning accuracy.
HydroPos also provides on-line vessel positioning information to the user, to enable acquisition by the most efficient sail line plan, and at the optimum interrogation speed and geometry as well as an independent helmsman’s display to provide vessel guidance. The helmsman’s display is available to all PCs on the same network as the acquisition PC.
On completion of data acquisition, the raw data can be exported from HydroPos into OGP P2/94 or SEG SPS format for submission to the client.
HydroPos is also able to post process the raw data. This simple procedure also allows the operator the ability to automatically or manually remove any ranges which obviously do not fit the solution. Data can be processed several times allowing for different parameters and scenarios to be tried; for example, alterations to sound speed, solving for depth or fixed depth and tidal corrections.
All raw and processed data is stored in a single, user-selectable, logging file (.LOG) to allow easy archiving of the data. The recorded .LOG file contains all the online acquisition parameters as a header, followed by blocks of recorded data. This enables the data to be easily processed as blocks of data, either at a later date, or at a remote location if required.
RFID Asset Tracking
In large surveys where hundreds of acoustic transponders are deployed, monitoring equipment movements can be time consuming and inaccurate. Sonardyne’s OBC RFID system automatically logs the identities of transponders and cables as they are deployed from vessels, together with their associated GPS drop co-ordinates.
The system comprises of four main parts; an RFID software module within HydroPos V2, reader modules, antennas and small passive RF tags.
During cable deployment, as a transponder fitted with an RF tag passes antennas built into the chute, its address, channel and asset description is read and logged within HydroPos V2, along with current GPS location. Using the interfaced surface navigation data, HydroPos V2 then determines which Receiver Group the transponder is associated with and automatically includes this information with the line definition in the property cable file.
