on 16 Feb 2023
The update includes an improved user interface with easily switchable navigation modes
Image: Yann-Riou
Anti-collision software specialist Sea.Ai has updated its offshore and competition series systems, in a bid to make its interface more user-friendly.
The firm — which rebranded from Oscar in 2022 — says its latest software update features an ‘improved user interface with easily switchable navigation modes, new customisable warnings and intelligent alarms, improved daylight object detection and recognition accuracy, and enhanced thermal imaging capability.’
Sea.Ai has reviewed feedback from early adopter customers to create a redesigned and simplified user interface that is said to make the system easier to operate. The update features a new dark design and a night mode option for operation in the hours of darkness.
The new interface also allows users to quickly and easily switch between three pre-set navigation modes: Harbour mode, coastal mode and offshore mode.
Harbour mode is designed for use in harbours and marinas where users can use the system’s cameras to help them navigate but visual warnings are not displayed, and audible alarms are silenced to avoid distraction.
Coastal mode is designed for use on coastal passages where visual warnings and single audible alarms are triggered for objects identified as a collision risk. Meanwhile, the offshore mode is used on offshore passages where detected objects trigger alarms that are repeated at regular intervals until the situation becomes safe.
Another new feature in the software update is a set of three threat levels, created to give users optimum risk awareness across all three navigation modes. Each of the three levels includes colour-coded visual indications of detected objects – with anything assessed as a collision risk also visually tagged with an impact symbol.
Additionally, detected objects trigger a range of audible warnings that increase in intensity across the three threat levels. The new update allows users to easily customise the distance parameters for each threat level to suit their individual needs.
Sea.Ai says its systems are constantly evolving thanks to continuous data acquisition and machine learning, built around a powerful artificial intelligence engine.
The latest software update features increased levels of daylight object detection and recognition accuracy through the application of enhanced machine learning algorithms. The application of a new two-step thermal image enhancement process in this update has improved both the sharpness and contrast of the system’s thermal images – making them easier for users to accurately interpret what is going on around their vessel in low visibility conditions.
Originally introduced as collision avoidance systems for ocean racing yachts, Sea.Ai products quickly evolved to full-spectrum lookout supports on motor yachts, government vessels and commercial ships.