Abstract: This invention provides a system and a method for supporting the operation of subsea installations for 3D reconstruction of flexible pipes (1) during a direct vertical connection operation, comprising the steps of painting the flexible pipe (1) with a specific regular pattern, and performing a 3D reconstruction of the points sampled on the flexible pipe (1) to obtain the radius of curvature of the flexible pipe (1), in which the 3D reconstruction comprises the steps of: capturing images of the flexible pipe (1) during the direct vertical connection operation; sending the captured images to a dedicated computer (4); and processing the captured images, generating information on the radius of curvature, wherein the method initially comprises at least one of the following steps: painting the bend restrictor (6) with a specific regular pattern; painting straps (71) for buoys (7) with a specific regular pattern; and painting straps (71) for the arch bend, in the event of second-end direct vertical connection.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and a method for supporting the operation of subsea installations for 3D reconstruction of flexible pipes (1) during a direct vertical connection operation, comprising the steps of painting the flexible pipe (1) with a specific regular pattern, and performing a 3D reconstruction of the points sampled on the flexible pipe (1) to obtain the radius of curvature of the flexible pipe (1), in which the 3D reconstruction comprises the steps of: capturing images of the flexible pipe (1) during the direct vertical connection operation; sending the captured images to a dedicated computer (4); and processing the captured images, generating information on the radius of curvature, wherein the method initially comprises at least one of the following steps: painting the bend restrictor (6) with a specific regular pattern; painting straps (71) for buoys (7) with a specific regular pattern; and painting straps (71) for the arch bend, in the event of second-end direct vertical connection.

Abstract: A method of address allocation in a network comprises determining, from negotiations between nodes, whether a first node shall assume a server role responsible for distribution and management of network addresses to clients. If this determination is made, the first node is provided with a pool of network addresses. The invention provides a method of dynamic re-allocation of address pools between servers of the network, in accordance with, for example, network requirements or traffic load.

Abstract: A distributed network address allocation method is disclosed. For this purpose, an apparatus is provided for use as or in a node of the network. The apparatus comprises a portion (2, 3, 4) for maintaining a seed value n and a state value s. An address (8) of the node is determined from the seed value n by address setting portion (6). A portion (9) is provided for receiving a request from a new node wishing to join the network and itself adapted to perform the method. A portion (10, 12) is provided for generating a proposed seed value using the formula (n+2s) and a proposed state value using the formula (s+1). A portion (14) is provided for offering the proposed seed and state values to the new node. A portion (18) is provided for updating the node's state value s to be the same as that accepted by the new node, if the proposed seed and state values are accepted by the new node. This provides unique address allocation to nodes in a Mobile Ad-Hoc Network.

Abstract: A decentralised method is disclosed of deciding a common configuration parameter in a network. The network comprises at least one node designated to perform the method. In the method, a designated node makes a local decision relating to the configuration parameter in dependence upon information relating to its local operating environment (M3). The designated node sends its local decision to other designated nodes, if any, and receives corresponding local decisions made by other designated nodes, if any (M4). Following such receipt, the designated node makes a common decision relating to the configuration parameter in dependence upon its local decision and the received local decisions (M5). The common decision is made using a decision algorithm common to the designated nodes.

Abstract: A distributed network address allocation method is disclosed. For this purpose, an apparatus is provided for use as or in a node of the network. The apparatus comprises a portion (2, 3, 4) for maintaining a seed value n and a state value s. An address (8) of the node is determined from the seed value n by address setting portion (6). A portion (9) is provided for receiving a request from a new node wishing to join the network and itself adapted to perform the method. A portion (10, 12) is provided for generating a proposed seed value using the formula (n+2s) and a proposed state value using the formula (s+1). A portion (14) is provided for offering the proposed seed and state values to the new node. A portion (18) is provided for updating the node's state value s to be the same as that accepted by the new node, if the proposed seed and state values are accepted by the new node.

Abstract: A method of address allocation in a network comprises determining, from negotiations between nodes, whether a first node shall assume a server role responsible for distribution and management of network addresses to clients. If this determination is made, the first node is provided with a pool of network addresses. The invention provides a method of dynamic re-allocation of address pools between servers of the network, in accordance with, for example, network requirements or traffic load.

Abstract: A decentralised method is disclosed of deciding a common configuration parameter in a network. The network comprises at least one node designated to perform the method. In the method, a designated node makes a local decision relating to the configuration parameter in dependence upon information relating to its local operating environment (M3). The designated node sends its local decision to other designated nodes, if any, and receives corresponding local decisions made by other designated nodes, if any (M4). Following such receipt, the designated node makes a common decision relating to the configuration parameter in dependence upon its local decision and the received local decisions (M5). The common decision is made using a decision algorithm common to the designated nodes.