RCW 2 in control

Sea trials on the Second-Generation Remote Control Workstation The second-generation Remote Control Workstation was launched in 2006.

Sea trials were conducted using the Remote Control Workstation software to control a vehicle directly across a combination of Wi-fi, optical fibre, serial and Ethernet communications.

A special edition of RCW was configured to control a small, extremely agile vehicle. Extensive in-water trials in Portland Harbour and the Solent have demonstrated the systems capabilities over many hours of operation, demonstrating manoeuvres from hover through high speed transit and waypoint following.

The system has now been released for delivery under a licence agreement with our clients.

Airship SPECTRE

H Scientific have signed a contract with an airship systems company to support the development of a high altitude autonomous airship. The airship is of a novel design which requires equally novel features for control. The SPECTRE unit was configured to control the airship, and the first SPECTRE system was tested and delivered in August 2007.

The airship will be operating at upwards of 60,000 feet, and will be required to keep station to a high degree of accuracy for several months at a time.

SPECTRE launches SPECTRE

In what is believed to be a first for the industry, a trial in 2007 saw the first launch of a vehicle controlled by SPECTRE, from another vehicle also controlled by SPECTRE.

The host vehicle was an autonomous underwater vehicle running in Surface Hover mode, while the smaller vehicle was launched under remote control via WiFi and optical fibre.

As a final touch, the main trials support vessel was also equipped with an autopilot running H Scientific algorithms under licence.

SPECTRE DP on Work-Class ROV

In 2007, SPECTRE was successfully trialled on a work-class ROV, demonstrating depth and horizontal hover mode with operator joystick control. The trials demosntrated how the operator workload may be considerably reduced, allowing totally hands-off hover control.

Beta release of H Scientific new RCW software

The new generation of Remote control software has been released and used on sea trials in March. A screen shot from this software is shown under Autopilots - RCW software. It is anticipated that the new generation of simulator code will be released in Autumn 2007.

H Scientific supplies advanced control system for new submarine vehicle

H Scientific has supplied its SPECTRE remote controlled autopilot system to a new submarine vehicle developed by BAE Systems. The vehicle, known as Talisman, is a new concept in autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) developed for military applications by BAE Systems. About 4 metres long, Talisman is equipped with six ducted fan thrusters and two movable fins, making the vehicle extremely manoeuvrable but controlling the thrusters and fins simultaneously is not a trivial matter.

The first task was to incorporate the BAE vehicle design and hydrodynamic data into H Scientific's vehicle simulator to provide a test bed for the control system. The simulator allows the vehicle to be controlled manually - which quickly illustrates that the task is too difficult for a human operator. The simulator may be controlled by the SPECTRE autopilot, and this was used to test the system in a wide range of conditions.

The SPECTRE autopilot is an advanced self-tuning design. Initially SPECTRE commands the vehicle to undertake zigzag manoeuvres; the motions are then analysed, allowing SPECTRE to "learn" how to control the vehicle. The process typically takes about 20 seconds for each axis - tuning the autopilot for forwards and lateral thrust, turning, roll, pitch etc.

Once SPECTRE had been put through its paces on the simulator, the first trial runs were undertaken last year. The results were immediately successful, vindicating the design methodology. The vehicle has since been subjected to more advanced manoeuvring trials, demonstrating its ability to hover and to manoeuvre at low speeds.

The process of integrating SPECTRE into the new vehicle, and completing extensive pre-trials testing, took only a few weeks, compared to the months or even years required for a more traditional approach. The result shows how this technology is extremely cost-effective. Dr Henry Robinson, Managing Director of H Scientific, said "The core autopilot within SPECTRE remains unchanged whether we're controlling a fast boat, an airship or a submarine. SPECTRE's ability to adapt rapidly to different vehicles validates the generic self-tuning design and its effectiveness in a marketplace dominated by a vast variety of vehicles but where there may only be small numbers of each type."

The SPECTRE remote control autopilot system is an extremely versatile design which has been applied to a wide variety of vehicles - semi submersible, manned submarine, fast surface craft and even airships. In one period of six weeks, the autopilot was commissioned on a manned submarine, an airship, and a fast boat operating at up to 40 kts. SPECTRE has been used by a prominent UK customer for the past few years to control an unmanned boat which tows gunnery targets at high speed. BAE's Talisman vehicle illustrates the versatility of the SPECTRE autopilot, as well as its advanced manoeuvring capability.

For more information, contact us using the Enquiries form.

H Scientific support H Scientific Inc sea trials of SPECTRE remote control system (USA)

H Scientific supported a demonstration programme carried out by H Scientific Inc, on the Patuxent River, Maryland, U.S.A in April 2006. The SPECTRE Remote Control System was fitted to a 7m standard U.S. Navy RHIB and trials carried out to demonstrate its ability to steer accurately, follow tracks, and carry out self tuning. The trials were extremely successful:

SPECTRE was installed on a diesel powered 7M RHIB and was able to control throttle and steering,

Self tuning was demonstrated to be consistent and swift,

Track following was demonstrated at various speeds; a key test was to control at top speed (25 kts) which was demonstrated successfully,

Adaptive behaviour was demonstrated, with SPECTRE able to detect and correct for external changes in craft asymmetry, within about three seconds.

See SPECTRE RCAS for more information or contact us using the Enquiries form.

Successful trials of gyro-stabilised camera

H Scientific worked with Forward Vision CCTV UK to develop a gyro-stabilised version of the MIC1-400 motorised CCTV camera. A fast and accurate attitude sensor was used, together with sophisticated integration algorithms running on the SPECTRE architecture, which allow the camera to work in the following modes: Pointing in a fixed direction relative to the vehicle (azimuth, elevation) Pointing in a fixed direction (absolute heading, elevation), or Pointing at a fixed position and height.

The stabilised cameras have been tested both on land and sea and have been in use with QinetiQ, UK, on a fast RHIB (FASTAR) and on moored barges.

See Stabilised Camera for more information or contact us using the Enquiries form.

Blind Pilotage Trainer delivered to RN Submarine Training School

H Scientific delivered and installed the new Blind Pilotage Trainer at the Submarine Training School, HMS Dolphin, Plymouth. The system replaced the original system installed by H Scientific in 2000. H Scientific provided the ship simulation software and hardware, including ECDIS displays and output to heading, depth, and speed display heads, together with interfaces for the plotting table and radar displays. The instructor can define own ship type, set the exercise area, and set up training scenarios including a number of pre-programmed target vessels. The radar simulation was provided by Simutech Ltd.

See BlindPilotage Trainer for more information or contact us using the Enquiries form.

H Scientific win Royal Navy order for Blind Pilotage Trainer

H Scientific have won the contract to refresh the Blind Pilotage Trainer at the Submarine Training School, HMS Dolphin, Plymouth. The original system was installed by H Scientific in 2000.

See BlindPilotage Trainer for more information or contact us using the Enquiries form.

Talisman Vehicle - Successful autopilot trials

Trials on the Talisman Vehicle developed by BAE SYSTEMS LTD have been successful. The Talisman AUV uses the SPECTRE autopilot. More information in the Press Release issued in June 2006.

H Scientific Inc set up to represent H Scientific Ltd in U.S.A.

H Scientific, Inc. is a new company that has been established in Maryland, USA with the express purpose of promoting and supporting the H Scientific range of products and technology in North and South America. H Scientific, Inc. will focus on the development of markets for its broad range of technology and innovative solutions for the marine, submarine and airborne industries.

For more information, see www.hscientific.com.

SPECTRE Autopilot - more sales, more features and more trials

2005 has seen increasing orders for SPECTRE autopilots for use on ROVs and AUVs. In addition, the continuing development has included a number of new features including hovering and a NMEA command interface. The autopilot's Track Keeping (waypoint following) performance was demonstrated in successful trials on a high-speed surface craft in August.

See SPECTRE for more information or contact us using the Enquiries form.

PHANTOM - Diver Navigation System undergoes successful trials

PHANTOM which comprises an integrated navigation data and chart display, giving the diver estimated position data, was trialled successfully in demanding conditions in January. The navigation sensors and the position-estimation algorithms were tested, and the ergonomics of operating the system in limited visibility underwater were proven.

See Diver Navigation System for more information or contact us using the Enquiries form.

H Scientific 2004

H Scientific started the year in new, larger premises and with two new employees - Dr. Maria Jones, senior software Engineer, and Chris Norsworthy, in charge of Sales and Marketing. Netting the order for the Radio Communications Trainer for HMS Collingwood at the end of 2003, together with a significant order for several Diver Navigation Systems from a customer in Korea, meant that the first half of 2004 was very busy. In June, H Scientific were successful in achieving BS-EN-ISO 9001:2000 and TickIT Management System Certification. The GENIE 2 board was developed; this is a high specification digital and analogue I/O externally mounted board, connecting to the PC or laptop computer via serial or USB ports. It is used as standard for data acquisition within H Scientific and has been supplied for all orders of Ship Sim I for autopilot testing applications. In October, we approached the Maritime Coastguard Agency with a view to attaining endorsement of the Helmsman Trainer and were pleased when they replied with a positive review of the trainer. We look forward to another busy and exciting year in 2005.

H Scientific win order from BAE Systems to provide Autopilot Controller for Talisman Vehicle

H Scientific have secured an order to provide the Autopilot Controller for the Talisman vehicle being developed by BAE Systems. The Talisman vehicle is a highly maneouvrable AUV with six vectorable thruster pods and two movable fins.

See AUV Autopilot for more information or contact us using the Enquiries form.

Helmsman Trainer reviewed by Maritime Coastguard Agency

H Scientific awarded ISO 9001:2000 and TickIT Accreditation

H Scientific launch GENIE 2 board

H Scientific have launched the new Genie 2 multiple channel analogue/digital I/O board. The board connects to the PC serial port or USB port, and therefore can be used equally with a laptop or desktop PC to provide external analogue and digital inputs and outputs. This provides 8x12-bit analogue input, 8x12-bit analogue outputs, 16xdigital inputs, 16xdigital outputs on PC104 footprint board. Up to 15 boards can be stacked on a single USB / serial port. See GENIE board for more information or contact us using the Enquiries form.

H Scientific receive orders for submarine navigation systems

H Scientific have received an order for several submarine navigation systems from a client in the Far East.

Further trials of diver navigation system in USA successful

Further trials of the diver navigation system have been carried out in the USA by our clients. These have been extremely successful. See Diver Navigation Unit for more information or please use the Enquiries form.

H Scientific exhibit at ITEC, ExCel

H Scientific exhibited the Radio Communications Trainer and the Helmsmen Trainer at ITEC, ExCel in April. ITEC is the principal exhibition for the Defence, Training and Simulation industries.

H Scientific launch 3D external viewer for Ship Sim I

H Scientific have launched an upgrade option to the successful Ship Sim I. Based on the graphics technology used in Ship Sim II, the external viewer offers the user a 3D external view from the bridge or from a trailing camera. This is available for both existing users of Ship Sim I and new purchasers. For more information, please use the Enquiries form.

H Scientific deliver Royal Navy Radio Techniques Voice Procedure Trainer

The Radio Communications Trainer has been installed at HMS Collingwood; this 25-seat facility is used to train students on Radio Communications Procedures. Using voice recognition technology, the system tests the students as pre-prepared scenarios are displayed on simulated RADAR screens. The students' progress is monitored by instructors over the networked system. For more information, see under Training Simulators or use the Enquiries form.

H Scientific moves and expands!

Following a successful year in 2003, H Scientific have moved to larger premises and recruited new personnel. Senior software Engineer, Dr. Maria Jones has joined us from Eircom and will be working on new remote control software and project managing diver navigation systems, while Chris Norsworthy is our new Sales and Marketing Manager. Chris has considerable experience in the naval, marine and commercial fields having worked for Marconi and Vega.

H Scientific win Royal Navy Contract for Radio Techniques Voice Procedure Trainer

H Scientific have won the contract with the Royal Navy to supply the Radio Techniques Voice Procedure Computer Based Trainer for HMS Collingwood. This simulator based trainer will include voice simulation and recognition. For more information, please use the Enquiries form.

H Scientific to exhibit at DSEi, ExCel

H Scientific exhibited Simulation Training Systems and Remote Control Systems at DSEi, ExCel, 9-12 September. The stand generated a large amount of interest from potential clients and collaborators.

Diver Navigation Unit delivered and tested

The Diver Navigation Unit has been delivered to the customer for extensive testing. Preliminary results indicate that the system performs well. See Diver Navigation Unit for more information or use the Enquiries form.

H Scientific launch Modem Handshaking Module

Developed following experience with interfacing with a range of modems, the Hardware Handshaking Module is a data-buffer which explicitely handles the handshaking between modems. This reduces the complexity of working with modems which require hardware handshaking. For more information, please use the Enquiries form.

H Scientific launch GENIE board

H Scientific Ltd have developed a multiple channel analogue/digital I/O board. The board connects to the PC serial port, and therefore can be used equally with a laptop or desktop PC to provide external analogue and digital inputs and outputs. It also drives a 4-digit 7-segment LED display and can be configured to interface with a 64-key keyboard. See GENIE board for more information or use the Enquiries form.

H Scientific secure order for Diver Navigation Unit

H Scientific Ltd have won the order to develop a Diver Navigation Unit. Rated to a depth of 50m, the system will comprise a suite of sensors and an underwater PC, which integrates the environmental data and provides the diver with navigation information. For more information, please use the Enquiries form.

Early installation of Helmsman Trainer Facility at HMS Raleigh

H Scientific Ltd delivered the initial installation of the Helmsman Training Facility at HMS Raleigh in Plymouth, U.K. The training simulators use photo-realistic displays of the real-ships instruments and touch screens for a flexible user interface. See the Applications section for more information or use the Enquiries form.

H Scientific secure contract to provide Royal Navy with Helmsman Trainer Facility

H Scientific Ltd have won the contract to provide the new Helmsmen Trainer facility at HMS Raleigh in Plymouth, U.K. H Scientific will provide the ship simulation software and hardware, including control hardware and instrument displays.

3DMC autopilot systems commissioned underwater, on the surface.. and in the air!

In the space of just six weeks, H Scientific Ltd has successfully commissioned 3DMC autopilots on a manned submarine, on a fast RHIB (over 30kts) and on an airship. The autopilot is the world's first off-the-shelf autopilot for AUVs. The 3DMC, developed by H Scientific in collaboration with Chelsea Technologies, is designed to be applicable to a wide range of vehicles - software configuration allows the autopilot to be connected to many different sensors and actuators.

The recent trials illustrate the versatility of the autopilot, working not only on such different vehicles in such different speed regimes, but also in different media - air, as well as surface and subsea. These successes demonstrated how effectively it can learn the characteristics of a new vehicle, typically in less than a minute. In each case the learning process worked first time, with no pre-tuning needed.
The autopilot is controlled via a serial port, using commands either in the NMEA 0183 format, or using a proprietary protocol (SSSCP). SSSCP is designed for use with radio or acoustic modems, where sentences must be short, and the protocol is designed to provide a high degree of fault tolerance. The SSSCP is built in to H Scientific's front-end Remote Control Workstation software.

The 3DMC has a high i/o capacity - any of which, if unused for the autopilot tasks, may be reallocated for user-defined purposes. For example, in the case of the fast RHIB, H Scientific was asked to provide engine start/stop and monitoring, and to switch on on-board video cameras and a transponder, and to provide a serial link for future on-board instruments. By gathering all these functions onto a single board, the system is able to control all these functions across a single modem datalink.

The success of these trials demonstrates the success of the 3DMC not only on a technical front, but as a device that fulfils an industry need. Until now, vehicle developers have regarded the vehicle control problem as something so that they needed to address in-house, because no off-the-shelf systems were available. Now, developers can buy in this technology, on the same level as buying in the navigation sensors. The versatile interface means that the operator can very easily integrate the controller into their system designs, whether using the built-in SSSCP remote control protocol or by connecting it to their own on-board navigation computer.

For more information, please use the Enquiries form.

Airship Autopilot: First flight tests completed successfully!

The first flight tests of the new autopilot were carried out in December 2002. Both heading and height control modes were used successfully, together with controller auto-tuning procedures. The auto-tune procedures, in which the autopilot 'learns' the vehicle characteristics by performing a short sequence of manoeuvres, took around a minute to perform. In Phase I of the trial, only the rudder was connected to the autopilot, with the pilot retaining manual control of elevator, engine thrust and engine vectoring using a radio control set. The auto-tuning was carried out as the airship flew up-wind. The process took around a minute to perform. Following this, the airship was controlled solely using the heading autopilot. In Phase II, all controllers were connected to the autopilot. The height autopilot was engaged and auto-tuning was performed; thereafter the airship was flown under autopilot control of both the height and the heading.

Future trials are being planned to test novel algorithms, namely track control, in which the airship flies between a sequence of waypoints, and hovering. Track control will be invaluable for use in environmental monitoring and minesweeping applications, while hovering will enable the airship to be used for videoing and as a communications relay station.

For more information, please use the Enquiries form.

H Scientific launch telemetry board

H Scientific Ltd have launched their new telemetry system. The specification includes: 8 digital lines which can be individually configured to be inputs, outputs, or PWM (pulse width modulated) signals for servo control, 4 analogue outputs (+/-5V, 8-bit), 12 analogue inputs (+/-5V, 10-bit ADC), 5 serial output ports (RS232/RS485). Communications use a proprietary format with low bandwidth requirement and good noise immunity. The front-end software is compatible with the user’s Visual Basic applications.

For more information and a copy of the Telemetry Front End demonstration software: please use the Enquiries form.

H Scientific win SMART award to develop airship autopilot

H Scientific Ltd have won a SMART award to carry out a feasibility study looking at the viability of developing a generic autopilot capable of controlling a range of airships. Based on H Scientific's experience with AUV and surface vessel autopilots, the project aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of the autopilot technology in controlling airships for applications such as surveying, mapping and filming. The project aims include demonstration of a number of modes including speed, heading, height, attitude, track control and hovering. An airship simulator will also be developed during this project, for use in developing and testing the airship autopilot algorithms and as the basis for the remote control, flight monitoring and flight data logging system.

H Scientific secure contract to provide QinetiQ with control system for fast surface craft

H Scientific Ltd secured the contract to provide QinetiQ with a control system for a fast surface craft (>30kts). The control system allows remote and fully autonomous control of the craft, including heading and speed control and track following modes.

H Scientific presents autopilot sea trial results at SUT 2001

TITLE: 3D AUTOPILOT AND MISSION CONTROLLER FOR AUVS

BY: Henry Robinson (Managing Director, H Scientific Ltd) and Brian Phillips (Managing Director, Marine Acoustics Ltd)

ABSTRACT: This paper presents a new autopilot system suitable for a very wide range of underwater vehicles. The autopilot system was developed using a versatile vehicle simulator, and together these two components form a useful tool for the design and development of new vehicles. The first sea trials of the system are reported. The autopilot was fitted to a semi-submerged vehicle which was equipped with an instrument platform above the water surface, allowing the trial to be controlled and monitored using a radio modem. Good control of roll, pitch, heading and depth was demonstrated. Above all, the success of the sea trials demonstrates the effectiveness of the design methodology.

H Scientific presents sea trial results for Correlation Velocity Log at SUT 2001

TITLE: COVELIA - A CORRELATION SONAR VELOCITY SENSOR

BY: Alison Keary (Engineering Scientist, H Scientific Ltd), Brian Phillips (Managing Director, Marine Acoustics Ltd) and Henry Robinson (Managing Director, H Scientific Ltd)

ABSTRACT: Position finding is a significant problem in the operation of underwater vehicles. While surface vessels can rely on GPS to provide accurate position information, sub-sea vehicles either use techniques that locate position relative to external objects or those that calculate position from measurements of the vehicle's acceleration or speed. A substantial proportion of the Earth's surface lies under water and has not been explored, and therefore there is clearly a need for an accurate positioning instrument for this environment.

This paper describes the development of an entirely new correlation sonar velocity sensor aimed specifically at the rapidly maturing market for AUV platforms and associated instrumentation. The chosen implementation places particular emphasis on producing a product with very high accuracy, vector velocity output which is maintained down to zero speed and when operated in a hover manoeuvre. Other essential features of this velocity sensor are its small size and low power budget.

The features, advantages and proposed uses of the new velocity log, together with a description of the hardware system and the sensor development are discussed. Results from lake and sea trials are presented which demonstrate the system's capabilities.

H Scientific launch AUV Navigation and Control demonstration CD

Press release Oceansp@ce, March 2001

H Scientific Ltd announces the launch of a new CD entitled "ROV and AUV Navigation and Control". This CD presents recent advances and products including a vehicle Autopilot system which controls all 6 degrees of freedom and provides auto depth, heading, waypoint following and a variety of hovering modes, and programmable emergency procedures. The autopilot system may be entirely autonomous or under remote control. The vehicle controller is very versatile and may be configured to use a wide range of actuators, propulsors, hydroplanes etc., making it a truly generic vehicle controller.

The system was developed using a generic AUV simulator, also created by H Scientific Ltd - a demo version of which is also included on the CD. The AUV simulator not only provides a front-end for remote control, but it may also be used as a vehicle design tool, allowing users to build up new designs and investigate how they may be controlled before building a prototype. Another product described on the CD is the COVELIA correlation Velocity Log which, in conjunction with a Motion Reference Unit, provides a means of accurate navigation down to the lowest velocities. Both the Vehicle Controller and the Covelia sensor have been developed in collaboration with Chelsea Technology Group (Marine Acoustics). Organisations wishing to obtain a copy of the CD should email H Scientific Ltd., giving a postal address.

H Scientific install blind pilotage training facility at HMS Raleigh

H Scientific Ltd have installed a blind pilotage training facility for the Royal Navy Submarine Training School at HMS Raleigh in Plymouth, U.K. H Scientific provided the ship simulation software and hardware, including displays for heading, depth, and speed, together with interfaces for the plotting table and radar displays. The radar simulation was provided by Simutech Ltd.

H Scientific secure contract to provide autopilot controller for semi-submersible vehicle

H Scientific Ltd secures the contract to provide a dynamic control system for the 'SASS' semi-submersible vehicle. The SASS - Survey Autonomous Semi-Submersible - was conceived as a vehicle which could replicate the main functionality of a survey vessel at significantly reduced costs. The AUV Sim software was used to develop and test the AUV autopilot algorithms and was used as the remote control operator workstation during operation. The project is funded by NERC and the DTI under the Seasense Link Programme.

Marine Acoustics Ltd wins Smart Award for COVELIA development project

Marine Acoustics wins a SMART Development award to continue the development of the Correlation Velocity Log in collaboration with H Scientific Ltd. The Correlation Velocity Log is an accurate velocity sensor particularly suited to slow moving vehicles such as AUVs.