June 2017 – for immediate release
Further information: Helen Porter, +44 1904 736736
Renishaw releases next-generation controller to accompany its wellestablished 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 inhouse 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, please visit www.renishaw.com/fanbeamcontroller
-ENDSNotes to editors
1. Renishaw plc is one of the world's leading engineering and scientific technology companies,
with metrology expertise, including developing laser systems and sensors for highperformance mapping, surveying, positioning and measuring in extreme environments.
2. The Renishaw Group currently has over 4,000 employees located in the 35 countries where it
has wholly owned subsidiary operations. For the year ended June 2016 Renishaw recorded
sales of £436.6 million of which 95% was due to exports. The company’s largest markets are
China, the USA, Japan and Germany.
3. Throughout its history Renishaw has made a significant commitment to research and
development, with historically between 14 and 18% of annual sales invested in R&D and
engineering. The majority of this R&D and manufacturing of the company’s products is carried
out in the UK.
4. The Company’s success has been recognised with numerous international awards, including
18 Queen’s Awards recognising achievements in technology, export and innovation.
5. Renishaw is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:RSW) where it is a constituent of the
FTSE 250, with a current valuation of £2 billion.
6. Please visit www.renishaw.com/fanbeam for more information on Renishaw’s Fanbeam 5
laser DP position reference system.