Developed by BSB Marine, a young company based in Port La Foret, Oscar is a box that includes 3 cameras: 2 for night vision and one for day vision. These cameras reflect a video stream that is analyzed by an on-board computer that detects any floating objects in the ship's path. Once detected, it informs the skipper (alarm) who then has time to deviate his route.
No more shocks with containers or whales
This system was designed by Raphaël Biancale, an engineer involved in intelligent automotive systems. This occasional yachtsman did not understand how to continue sailing at night in the dark, without knowing what to expect. Installed at the top of the mast, Oscar scans the road and detects objects that are more than 1 m2 (for the moment): logs, containers, grolers, icebergs... and even a cetacean that sleeps on the surface.
More and more intelligent
Equipped with artificial intelligence, the system is designed to progress and advance all its congeners. For each registered UFO (Unidentified Floating Object), it implements its database which benefits all equipped vessels. The system was developed in collaboration with offshore racing teams and in the specifications, it is designed for sailboats sailing at speeds of up to 30 knots. Installed at the top of the mast, it detects an object at least 600 m away.
Weighing 840 g, Oscar is mounted on a stirrup that allows him to follow the movements of a rotating mast. A computer (with one or two microprocessors, depending on the desired processing speed) is installed in the cabin. Equipped with connectors, it can interfere with other equipment on board (screen or alarm in particular).
Already widely used in IMOCA
Today the project is in the test phase before moving on to the commercialization phase. Major racing teams (IMOCA and Ultim) are already testing the Beta version: PRB, Arkéa/Paprec, Banque Populaire, Charal, V&B Mayenne, Initiatives C?ur, MACIF... The feedback is extremely positive since Oscar has even managed to detect a trap buoy!
The current version based on Flir cameras is still very expensive (between 16,500 euros and 24,000 euros depending on the embedded computer), but the development team hopes to be able to adapt cameras sourced in China that should significantly lower the price. The final objective is to be able to offer a system for 5,000 euros.
