ClearCruiseAR (Augmented Reality) is an impressive addition to Raymarine’s range of Axiom displays. It literally takes out all that guesswork over distinguishing vessels and navigation marks, and working out which AIS call sign is which, especially on a wet misty day. Looking at a two-dimensional chartplotter filled with information is fine, but then you have to convert this into a three-dimensional perspective in your head. The sea has the ability to reduce perceived distances so that a mark or a vessel 2 miles away often gives the impression of being much closer. On land, where we spend most of our time, our brains become conditioned to viewing closer objects than at sea. If we can see a substantial distance, either across open ground or from an elevated position, our arc of vision is normally filled with quite a bit of detail that the sea lacks. Consequently, the sea tricks us with its comparatively bland appearance, even when filled with vessels, the smaller of which the naked eye often cannot see.
With ClearCruise AR this confusion vanishes, as you will be looking at a display filled with information. What your brain will have to adjust to is quickly reading the multitude of tags attached to the various marks and craft, overlaid onto video footage. ClearCruise accurately displays nearby navigation marks, automatic identification system (AIS) traffic, objects and waypoints in sync with real-world imagery, making high-traffic situations simpler to understand. Physical navigation objects are overlaid directly on Axiom’s high-definition video display, all kept in accurate check by a video stabilization module – the AR200, which integrates with ClearCruise. The AR200 includes a precision GPS/GNSS sensor and the same attitude heading reference sensor (AHRS) technology as used in Raymarine’s Evolution autopilots.
The video imagery is produced by either a CAM210 IP or a CAM220 IP Raymarine video camera. The CAM210 is a bullet camera suitable for mounting anywhere, while the CAM220 [FB1] is a compact eyeball camera designed to be flush-mounted, or fixed where space is limited. Both are 1080 HD, both have low-light abilities, both have IR illumination out to 20m and both have wide-angle lenses. The 210 has an extra feature known as ‘digital defog’, which cleans up video imagery on a foggy day, and both cameras have what is termed ‘intelligent video’, which detects movement. This makes it easier for the software to marry up footage with moving AIS call signs, and moving targets identified by the radar. Both cameras connect via an Ethernet system to the boat’s Axiom displays, in conjunction with the AR200.
The most impressive aspect of this piece of artificial intelligence is that it is a free download – you just need to buy the hardware, which is actually not that costly, all things considered. This probably helped ClearCruise claim the Innovation Award in the OEM electronics category at the IBEX marine industry event in Tampa, Florida.
ClearCruise AR for Axiom, Axiom Pro and Axiom XL multifunction navigation displays is compatible with the latest LightHouse 3.7 OS update. Axiom users will be able to download the update at www.raymarine.com/lighthouse.
The CAM210 marine video camera with AR200 and all cables retails at £1,160 (inc. VAT), while the CAM220 with AR200 and cabling costs from around £995 (inc. VAT). The AR200 video stabilization module on its own costs £520.
To learn more about ClearCruise AR visit www.raymarine.com/clearcruise.