Gangway docking assistant

Abstract

Gangways are a common facility to transport personnel in offshore operations. Docking the gangways is challenging, and system developers of Uptime International gangways, ICD Software, desires a system to assist the docking operation. This project attempts to develop an idea or system to assist gangway docking by enhanced visualization for gangway operators. A system was developed to utilize two cameras for mapping and visualizing the gangway landing in real-time, where data from the mapping is used to visualize a 3-dimensional model in a graphics engine. In addition, a feature of displaying the camera images directly, enhancing depth perception for the gangway operator by applying 3D-tv technology. The result is a system implementable into the pre-existing gangway control system, with two modes. Mapping the gangway landing in real-time is possible, but certain measures have to be taken to ensure a satisfying result considering performance, processing rate and detail. Displaying the images with on a 3D-tv with 3D-features enabled, enhances depth perception from the camera images dramatically. This report describes the background theory of the applied technologies, methods, results and conclusions of the project. In addition, proposals for further development is included.