Renishaw Releases Next-Generation Controller to Accompany its Well-Established Fanbeam® 5 Laser-Based DP Position Reference System

Fanbeam® Controller 4.0 is the advanced new Fanbeam 5 control system developed in-house by global engineering technologies company Renishaw.

Designed to enhance product usability, functionality and performance, this next-generation Fanbeam controller includes a fresh new software interface, with a collection of reliable, intelligent automated features and advanced user modes for optimum performance in extreme conditions.

Renishaw’s Fanbeam DP position reference system (PRS) pioneered the use of laser technology for dynamic positioning over 20 years ago. Today, Fanbeam 5 continues to help offshore support vessel (OSV) operators to perform safer, faster and more accurate DP operations.

The Fanbeam 5 PRS uses accurate time-of-flight laser technology to determine vessel position relative to custom reflectors that can be fixed to offshore rigs, installations or other vessels. Fanbeam data is fed into the vessel’s DP system, which controls thrusters that are used to maintain vessel position during operations.

Renishaw has decades of experience working closely with OSV operators to understand the requirements of these operations, and the challenges of working within the demanding environments found offshore. Fanbeam Controller 4.0 is the result of the extensive research that led Renishaw's in-house software development and usability teams to make this highly functional software and control system as easy to use as possible.

To support DP vessel operators, Fanbeam Controller 4.0 now provides advanced software features and functionality that place control in the hands of the dynamic positioning operator (DPO).

These features include a cleaner and more intuitive user interface to support ease of tracking confidence and threats from false observations. Improvements include fewer controls on screen; bigger buttons; controls that are grouped logically; simple function keys; and large, clear input/output icons.

The new software also offers next-generation functionality, which has been thoroughly performance tested for optimum usability. This includes both reliable, intelligent automation for increased operator confidence, and full DPO control over filtering.

The modes and graphical display preferences supported by the new system include a basic bird’s-eye view overview mode for when conditions are good, and a range of advanced modes, which present information in greater detail for when conditions are more challenging.

Smart display preferences reduce the need for user interaction, leaving the operator free to focus on more complex tasks. Such options include a day/night colour scheme, which automatically adjusts the display to allow for changing conditions.

The control system now operates on a Windows® 7 embedded control PC. And vessel operators have the option of installing a panel- or bracket-mounted control panel.

“The new user interface is the result of user research and information needs analysis,” said Renishaw Senior Usability Engineer Nicholas Colford. “It’s based on a deep understanding of the decisions that DPOs make and the information they need. We analysed at each decision and worked out the right way to show the DPO the right information at the right time.”

Renishaw Marine Sales Manager John Howells added: “Renishaw is committed to improving the usability of our products, and the new Fanbeam software release focuses on that. We’re confident that the new software will present DP operators, both old and new, with a greater user experience that allows them to make key decisions quicker.”

For further information or to find out how Renishaw’s new Fanbeam Controller 4.0 can help to improve your DP operations, click here.