The Jason II virtual control van system, data acquisition system, web-based event logger, and SeaNet

Abstract

Scientific underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) collect data from multiple video cameras and scientific instruments. This integrated information is often only available in an ROV control-van during operations. Although all the data is logged, it is difficult for scientists to re-create a combined display of this data and have the ability to review and access an entire cruise dataset easily. We introduce a methodology of taking continuous real-time information snapshots (infosnaps) during interesting events and at regular time intervals for complete data coverage. These infosnaps capture four simultaneous video sources, vehicle data, instrument data, and event data as entered by scientists. The infosnaps are automatically cataloged and immediately accessible and searchable via a web-browser. We developed, built, and deployed the Jason II Virtual Control Van system on seven Jason cruises. The system has captured over 50,000 control-van infosnaps, containing more than 200,000 images co-registered with vehicle telemetry and scientific instrument data. The Virtual Control Van is designed for both scientific collaboration and public/educational outreach. It has been integrated with the SeaNet system to provide remote on-shore access. The report describes the Jason II Virtual Control Van system and includes instructions for setting up the system in the field.