Underwater voice communication between users

Abstract

The inventions relate to noise-resistant underwater voice communication between users. For the purpose of such communication, a piezoceramic vibration transducer is positioned in the region of a user's larynx, a voice message from the user is received by the piezoceramic vibration transducer, the signal is digitized, cleaned of noise and converted into an encoded signal, the encoded signal is transmitted with the aid of a hydroacoustic modem to hydroacoustic modems of other users, and the analog signal is recreated and transmitted to an underwater earpiece. A system for implementing the above method is also claimed.

Description

[0001] Method and system for voice communication of users in underwater conditions

[0002] The field of technology to which the invention relates.

[0003] This group of inventions relates to voice communication between users in underwater environments and can be used to provide an effective, interference-resistant method for voice communication between divers and snorkelers in underwater environments over short and long distances. This method is compatible with any type of diving equipment. This invention can also be used for communication with / between swimmers, freedivers, or snorkelers. The system implements the proposed method.

[0004] State of the art of the system.

[0005] According to its first aspect, the present invention relates to systems for voice communication between users in underwater environments. Such a system is described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. US9767821B2, published in 2016.

[0006] This system is the closest in technical essence and achievable technical result and is chosen as a prototype of the proposed invention as a system.

[0007] The disadvantage of this prototype is the low quality of communication and the presence of interference.

[0008] Disclosure of the invention as a system.

[0009] The present invention is primarily intended to provide a system for voice communication of users in underwater conditions, which allows at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages to be mitigated, namely: to provide the ability to improve the quality of communication by removing background noise of the environment, breathing noise and other interference, ensuring a clear and clearly distinguishable speech signal even in difficult hydroacoustic conditions, which is the problem being solved.

[0010] To achieve this goal, the system includes a plurality of user subsystems, each of which includes a. a piezoceramic vibration transducer located in the user's larynx area, sealed with a two-component electrically insulating polyurethane compound, and connected to b. an underwater earphone located near the user's ear, based on a piezoceramic emitter, sealed with a two-component electrically insulating polyurethane compound, wherein

[0011] C. A piezoceramic vibration transducer and an underwater earphone are connected to a sealed housing worn by the user, which contains: i. A signal processing unit capable of processing signals using deep learning algorithms for noise suppression, encoding speech into an encoded sequence, and reverse generation of a voice signal for playback to the recipient, ii. A hydroacoustic modem

[0012] These advantageous characteristics make it possible to improve communication quality by removing background noise, breathing noise, and other interference, ensuring a clear and clearly distinguishable speech signal even in difficult hydroacoustic conditions.

[0013] Indeed, this capability is achieved through the use of a piezoceramic vibration transducer mounted on a fiberglass substrate of a specific shape and sealed with liquid rubber. The transducer is positioned tightly against the diver's throat, near the thyroid cartilage. When the diver generates a vocal signal, the laryngeal vibrations replicate it at a lower amplitude. These vibrations are detected by the piezoceramic transducer and converted into an electrical signal. This device operates similarly to a laryngophone (throat microphone), which is used in aviation and security applications. However, the described method is specifically adapted for underwater use, due to the sealing of the piezoceramic transducer and the use of a specially shaped substrate, which allows for the diver's vocal signal to be accurately captured in unusual underwater conditions.Standard methods for capturing divers' voice signals are significantly affected by the diver's breathing sounds. This is due to the microphone's location inside the diver's full-face mask. Breathing airflows vibrate the microphone membrane, significantly reducing the useful signal's noise. The aforementioned signal capturing methods are impossible without full-face masks, as they rely on conventional air-based microphones. Therefore, the proposed method of capturing voice signals not only avoids the noise associated with diver breathing sounds but also allows for use with both full-face masks and conventional air regulators.

[0014] Additionally, the proposed coding method implemented by the claimed system includes a set of algorithms for transforming a voice signal contaminated by underwater noise. The result of these transformations is a compressed signal containing useful information. The coding method is robust to various underwater environmental conditions and noise levels. Signal transformation is based on discrete audio processing algorithms and neural network technologies.

[0015] The method for decoding the transmitted signal involves converting the compressed signal containing useful information into a voice signal that contains the same semantic content as the original signal generated by the sender. This conversion is based on neural network technologies and results in a voice signal close to human sound, ensuring the entire communication system closely resembles live communication.

[0016] The encoding and decoding algorithms are optimized for use on a single-board computer in underwater conditions.

[0017] There is a variant of the invention in which the system further includes a surface station located on the boundary of the aquatic environment, having a hydroacoustic modem located in the underwater space, connected to b. a signal processing unit, configured to process signals using deep learning algorithms for noise suppression, encoding speech into an encoded sequence and decoding back into text or audio or graphic form of information for reproduction by a recipient located in the surface space and including

[0018] C. module for data exchange with the operator.

[0019] Thanks to these advantageous characteristics, it becomes possible to connect users located above the water, such as operators, to the communications system.

[0020] State of the art of the method.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for voice communication between users in underwater conditions.

[0022] Such a method is described, for example, in US Patent No. US9767821B2, published in 2016.

[0023] This method is the closest in technical essence and achievable technical result and is chosen as a prototype of the proposed invention as a method.

[0024] Another disadvantage of this prototype is the low quality of communication and the presence of interference.

[0025] Disclosure of the invention as a method.

[0026] Based on this original observation, the present invention is primarily intended to provide a method for voice communication between users in underwater conditions that allows at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages to be mitigated, namely, to provide the ability to improve the quality of communication by removing background noise of the environment, breathing noise and other interference, ensuring a clear and clearly distinguishable speech signal even in difficult hydroacoustic conditions, which is the same problem being solved.

[0027] To achieve this goal, the method includes the following steps: a. placing a piezoceramic vibration transducer in the user's larynx area, b. receiving a voice message from the said user by the piezoceramic vibration transducer and digitizing the said signal,

[0028] C. the said digital signal is cleared of noise by a signal processing unit and converted into an encoded signal by the same unit, d. the said encoded signal is transmitted via a hydroacoustic modem to the hydroacoustic modems of other users with whom communication is taking place, e. the signal processing unit recreates an analog signal based on the encoded signal and transmits it to the underwater earphone.

[0029] These advantageous characteristics make it possible to improve communication quality by removing background noise, breathing noise, and other interference, ensuring a clear and distinct voice signal even in challenging hydroacoustic conditions. The same detailed arguments outlined for the system apply.

[0030] There is a variant of the invention in which all signal processing units are pre-trained with deep learning algorithms for noise suppression, speech recognition, conversion into an encoded signal, and reverse generation into a voice signal and noise removal.

[0031] This advantageous feature makes it possible to more precisely configure the operation of signal processing units.

[0032] There is also another version of the invention in which the encoded signal is additionally transmitted to the hydroacoustic modem of the surface station, where it is decoded for the operator’s perception.

[0033] Thanks to these advantageous characteristics, it becomes possible to connect users located above the water, such as operators, to the communications system.

[0034] Brief description of the drawings. Other distinctive features and advantages of the invention are clearly evident from the description given below for illustration and not as limiting, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] - Figure 1 depicts a functional diagram of a system for voice communication of users in underwater conditions, according to the invention,

[0036] - Figure 2 depicts an electrical circuit diagram of the power supply of the said system, according to the invention,

[0037] - Figure 3 depicts a block diagram of a scenario for recording and transmitting signals of a system for voice communication of users in underwater conditions, according to the invention,

[0038] - Figure 4 depicts a block diagram of a scenario for receiving and reproducing signals of a system for voice communication of users in underwater conditions, according to the invention,

[0039] - Figure 5 depicts an example of the implementation of a method for voice communication between users in underwater conditions, the “diver-to-diver” option, direct transmission of information, according to the invention,

[0040] - Figure 6 depicts an example of the implementation of a method for voice communication between users in underwater conditions, a “diver-to-diver” option, reverse transmission of information, according to the invention,

[0041] - Figure 7 depicts an example of the implementation of a method for voice communication between users in underwater conditions, the “diver-surface station” option, direct transmission of information, according to the invention,

[0042] - Figure 8 depicts an example of the implementation of a method for voice communication between users in underwater conditions, the “diver-surface station” option, reverse transmission of information, according to the invention,

[0043] - Figure 9 depicts an example of the implementation of a method for voice communication between users in underwater conditions, the “Diver - surface station and diver” option, according to the invention,

[0044] - Figure 10 depicts an example of the implementation of the method of voice communication of users in underwater conditions, the “Diver - multiple divers” option, according to the invention, - Figure 11 depicts an example of the implementation of the method of voice communication of users in underwater conditions, the “Surface station - multiple divers” option, direct transmission of information, according to the invention,

[0045] - Figure 12 depicts an example of the implementation of a method for voice communication of users in underwater conditions, the “Surface station - multiple divers” option, reverse transmission of information, according to the invention.

[0046] The figures indicate:

[0047] 1 - diver,

[0048] 2 - piezoceramic vibration transducer of the diver,

[0049] 3 - underwater diver's earphone,

[0050] 4 - sealed diver's body,

[0051] 5 - diver's hydroacoustic modem,

[0052] 6 - diver's belt,

[0053] 7 - diver's cylinder,

[0054] 8 - diver's lung demand valve,

[0055] 9 - diver's hose,

[0056] 10 - diver's underwater mask,

[0057] 11 - diver wire connections,

[0058] 12 - components of the signal transmission mode

[0059] 13 - operational amplifier

[0060] 14 - audio card

[0061] 15 - single-board computer

[0062] 16 - signal transmission mode software,

[0063] 17 - signal reading module,

[0064] 18 - dynamic noise reduction module,

[0065] 19 - compression encoder module,

[0066] 20 - software for signal reception mode,

[0067] 21 - signal generation module,

[0068] 22 - compression encoder module,

[0069] 23 - components of the signal reception mode,

[0070] 24 - audio amplifier, 25 - battery,

[0071] 26 - VS / VS converter,

[0072] 27-1 - first diver subsystem,

[0073] 27-2 - second diver subsystem,

[0074] 28 - surface station,

[0075] 29 - software (the second index means that 1 - refers to the first diver, 2 - to the second diver, 3 - to the surface station)

[0076] 30 - selective hardware components (the second index means that 1 - refers to the first diver, 2 - to the second diver, 3 - to the surface station),

[0077] 31 - operator interaction interface,

[0078] 32 - surface space,

[0079] 33 - water line,

[0080] 34 - underwater space,

[0081] Numbers 40-72 indicate signals that are transmitted from the previously mentioned devices and units and are further explained in the text.

[0082] As shown in Figure 1, the diver (1) is underwater. The components of his device include a piezoelectric vibration transducer (2), an underwater earpiece (3), and a sealed housing (4) containing a hydroacoustic modem (5).

[0083] The piezoceramic vibration transducer (2) is attached to a strap around the diver's neck (1) and is positioned a short distance to the side of the diver's larynx (1). The underwater earpiece (3) is positioned near the diver's ear (1) and is secured with a clip to the underwater mask (10).

[0084] The hydroacoustic modem (5) is rigidly attached to the housing (4) containing the system's electronic components, which is secured to the cylinder (7) using a strap (6). The housing (4) containing the electronic components is connected to the piezoceramic vibration transducer (2) and the underwater earpiece (3) via wire connections (11).

[0085] The diver (1) breathes using a lung-operated apparatus (8), connected via a hose (9) to a cylinder (7).

[0086] Figure 2 shows the device's electrical power supply circuit. The device's power source is a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 2000 mAh and a nominal voltage of 3.7 V. All electronic components in the device require 5 V, so the battery's current is fed to a DC / DC converter, which boosts the voltage to 5 V. The DC / DC converter powers the remaining components of the device, namely the audio card, operational amplifier, audio amplifier, Raspberry Pi CM4 single-board computer, and hydroacoustic modem.

[0087] Figure 3 shows a scenario for recording and transmitting a speech signal. A piezoelectric transducer (2-1) converts mechanical vibrations into a low-amplitude electrical signal. The signal is then fed to a specialized operational amplifier (13), which increases the amplitude of the input signal without adding additional noise. The analog signal is then fed to an audio card (14), where it is digitized. The digital signal is then transmitted via a USB interface to a Raspberry Pi CM4 single-board computer (15), where software encodes the signal, which is then transmitted via a digital UART interface to a hydroacoustic modem (5-1).

[0088] Figure 4 shows the reception and playback scenario. The hydroacoustic modem (5-1), having received the signal, transmits it via UART to the Raspberry Pi CM4 single-board computer (15). The signal then undergoes software processing, namely, it is decoded and converted into an audio signal. The resulting signal is sent to the audio card (14) via the USB interface. The audio card (14) converts the digital signal to analog, after which it is fed to the audio amplifier (24) for amplification to 30 V. The processed signal is sent to the underwater earpiece (3-1), where the electrical signal is converted into a mechanical signal, which, in turn, transmits vibrations to the aquatic environment.

[0089] Implementation of the invention.

[0090] The system for voice communication between users in underwater conditions works as follows.

[0091] Step 1. Place a piezoceramic vibration transducer (2) in the user’s larynx area (1).

[0092] Step 2. The user's voice message is received by the piezoelectric transducer (2) and digitized. Step 3. The digital signal is denoised by the signal processing unit, which then converts it into an encoded signal. All signal processing units are pre-trained with deep learning algorithms for noise suppression, speech recognition, speech conversion into an encoded signal, and back-generation into a voice signal and denoising.

[0093] Step 4. Transmit the specified encoded signal using a hydroacoustic modem (5) to the hydroacoustic modems of other users with whom communication is taking place.

[0094] Step 5. The signal processing unit regenerates an analog signal from the encoded signal and transmits it to the underwater earpiece. Because the signal is essentially resynthesized from a text message, it is free of any extraneous noise or interference, ensuring maximum clarity.

[0095] An underwater earphone (3) is used to reproduce the received and decoded voice signal. The underwater earphone (3) consists of a piezoelectric transducer mounted on a fiberglass substrate and sealed with a 2-5 mm thick layer of two-component polyurethane compound. The device is positioned near the diver's ear.

[0096] When an electrical signal with an amplitude of up to 30 V is applied to this emitter, it is converted in the aquatic environment into a hydroacoustic signal, which the diver can detect with their ears. This provides a cost-effective method for transmitting an acoustic signal to a diver underwater, eliminating the need for an expensive bone-contact earphone.

[0097] The aforementioned headphones are also difficult to seal and unsafe to use underwater due to the potential for a large pressure differential between the eardrum and the underwater environment. High sound quality is also achieved by taking into account the frequency response of the designed headphones.

[0098] Examples of the invention. Example 1. Communication scenario for a diver-to-diver system. Direct information transfer. See Figure 5.

[0099] The main elements of the communication system operation considered below are designated in Fig. 5 as the first diver subsystem (27-1), the second diver subsystem (27-2) and the surface station (28). The first diver subsystem (27-1) and the second diver subsystem (27-2) are located below the boundary of the aquatic environment (32) in the underwater space (34), and the surface station (28) is located above the boundary of the aquatic environment (32) in the surface environment (33). The first diver subsystem (27-1) and the second diver subsystem (27-2) represent a selective set of the software and hardware part of the device located on each of the divers. The surface station (28) designates the surface system with an outlet into the underwater space (33) for monitoring and interacting with divers located in the underwater space (34).

[0100] The first diver subsystem (27-1) and the second diver subsystem (27-2) and the surface station (28) have a similar structure and include software blocks (29-1, 29-2, 29-3) and selected hardware components (30-1, 30-2, 30-3)

[0101] The signal processing unit, including software, is a set of developed algorithms for processing data received from selected hardware components. The data processing results are fed back to the selected hardware component unit for further system operation.

[0102] The selective hardware component units include an underwater earpiece, a piezoceramic vibration transducer, and a hydroacoustic modem, which are elements of the diver's device hardware and are necessary for a high-quality description of the system's operation.

[0103] The selective hardware components (30-3) of the surface station (28) include the operator interaction interface units (31) and the hydroacoustic modem (5-4). The operator interaction interface is required for communicating with the operator and receiving operator feedback when communicating with the parts of the system located in the underwater space (34) and can be implemented as a monitor display with a keyboard / microphone / set of buttons, as a speaker with a keyboard / microphone / set of buttons, as a touch screen with a keyboard / microphone / set of buttons, or an interface system consisting of several of the described components in a mixed configuration can also be implemented. The hydroacoustic modem (5-4) is located in the underwater space (34), the remaining parts of the surface station unit are located in the surface space (33).

[0104] Fig. 5 shows a scenario for the direct transmission of information from one diver to another through a schematic representation of the interaction of the units of the first diver's subsystem (27-1) and the second diver's subsystem (27-2). The process begins with the receipt (35) of a signal read from the diver's larynx using a piezoceramic vibration transducer (2-2) by the software unit (29-1) for processing the received data. The result of the software (29-1) is sent (36) to the input of the hydroacoustic modem (5-2).

[0105] Communication between the hydroacoustic modem (5-2) of the first diver's subsystem (27-1) and the hydroacoustic modem (5-3) of the second diver's subsystem (27-2) occurs (37) via the hydroacoustic channel. The signal received by the hydroacoustic modem (5-3) is sent (38) to the software unit (29-2), where it is processed and converted into a voice signal. The output of the software unit (29-2) is sent (39) to the underwater earphone unit (3-3), which is used to voice information to the user of the second diver's subsystem (27-2).

[0106] Example 2. Communication scenario for a diver-to-diver system. Reverse transmission of information. See Figure 6.

[0107] Fig. 6 shows a scenario for the reverse transmission of information from one diver to another by means of a schematic representation of the interaction of the blocks of the second diver's subsystem (27-2) and the first diver's subsystem (27-1). The process begins with the receipt (40) of a signal read from the diver's larynx using a piezoceramic vibration transducer (2-3) by the software block (29-2) for processing the received data. The result of the software (29-2) operation is received (41) at the input of the hydroacoustic modem (5-3). Communication between the hydroacoustic modem (5-3) of the second diver's subsystem (27-2) and the hydroacoustic modem (5-2) of the first diver's subsystem (27-1) occurs (42) via a hydroacoustic channel. The signal received using the hydroacoustic modem (5-2) is sent (43) to the software block (29-1), where it is processed and converted into a voice signal.The result of the work of the software block (29-1) is sent (44) to the underwater earphone block (3-2), with the help of which the voice information is transmitted to the user of the first diver subsystem (27-1).

[0108] Forward and reverse transmission of information (Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) is implemented in half-duplex mode.

[0109] Example 3. Communication scenario for a diver-surface station system. Direct information transfer. See Figure 7.

[0110] Fig. 7 shows a scenario for direct transmission of information from the first diver to the operator by means of a schematic representation of the interaction of the blocks of the first diver's subsystem (27-1) and the surface station (28). The process begins with the receipt (45) of a signal read from the diver's larynx using a piezoceramic vibration transducer (2-2) in the software block (29-1) for processing the received data. The result of the software operation is received (46) at the input of the hydroacoustic modem (5-2). Communication between the hydroacoustic modem (5-2) of the first diver's subsystem (27-1) and the hydroacoustic modem (5-4) of the surface station (28) occurs (47) via a hydroacoustic channel.

[0111] The signal received by the hydroacoustic modem (5-4) is sent (48) to the software unit (29-3), where it is processed and converted into a signal of the type required by the implemented type of operator interaction interface (31). The result of the software unit (29-3) operation is sent (49) to the operator interaction interface unit (31), which subsequently implements feedback from the operator to the signal received from the first diver's subsystem (27-1).

[0112] Example 4. Communication scenario for the Station - Diver system. Feedback transmission of information. See Figure 8. Figure 8 shows a scenario for the feedback transmission of information from the operator to the first diver using a schematic representation of the interaction of the units of the surface station (3) and the first diver's subsystem (27-1). The process begins with the receipt (50) of the operator feedback signal, read via the operator interaction interface (31) into the software unit (29-3). The result of the software unit (29-3) operation is received (51) at the input of the hydroacoustic modem (5-4).

[0113] Communication between the hydroacoustic modem (5-4) of the surface station (28) and the hydroacoustic modem (5-2) of the first diver's subsystem (27-1) occurs (52) via the hydroacoustic channel. The signal received by the hydroacoustic modem (5-2) is sent (53) to the software unit (29-1), where it is processed and converted into a voice signal. The result of the software unit (29-1) is sent (54) to the underwater earphone unit (3-2), which is used to voice information to the user of the first diver's subsystem (27-1).

[0114] Forward and reverse transmission of information (Fig. 7 and Fig. 8) is implemented in half-duplex mode.

[0115] Example 5. Communication scenario for a system of the type "Diver - surface station and another diver". See Figure 9.

[0116] Fig. 9 shows a scenario for switching the information transmission mode from the first diver’s subsystem (27-1) either to the surface station (28) or to the second diver’s subsystem (27-2) by means of a schematic representation of the interaction of these blocks.

[0117] The process begins with the receipt (55) of a signal read from the larynx of the first diver using a piezoceramic vibration transducer (2-2) by the software unit (29-1) for processing the received data. The result of the software (29-1) operation is received (56) at the input of the hydroacoustic modem (5-2). The user of the first diver's subsystem (29-1) can select the recipient, which can be either the surface station (28) or the second diver's subsystem (27-2). Communication between the hydroacoustic modem (5-2) of the first diver's subsystem (27-1) and the hydroacoustic modem (5-3) of the second diver's subsystem (27-2) or the hydroacoustic modem (5-4) of the surface station (28) occurs (57-1, 57-2) via the hydroacoustic channel.

[0118] The signal received via the hydroacoustic modem (5-3 or 5-4) is sent (58-1, 58-2) to the software unit (29-2 or 29-3), where it is processed. In the second diver's system software unit (29-2), the signal is converted into a voice signal and sent (59-2) to the underwater earphone unit (3-3), which is used to transmit voice information to the user of the second diver's subsystem (27-2).

[0119] The software block (29-3) processes and converts the received signal into a signal of the type required by the implemented operator interaction interface (31). The output of the software block (29-3) is sent (59-1) to the operator interaction interface block (31), which subsequently implements operator feedback on the signal received from the first diver's subsystem (27-1).

[0120] Example 5. Communication scenario for a system of the type "Diver - multiple divers". See Figure 10.

[0121] Fig. 10 shows a scenario for transmitting information from one diver to several by means of a schematic representation of the interaction of the blocks of the first diver’s subsystem (27-1), the second diver’s subsystem (27-2), the subsystem of diver No. K (27-4) and the subsystems of other divers (27-3).

[0122] The subsystem of the second diver (27-2) and the subsystem of diver No. K (27-4) include the only components - hydroacoustic modems (5-3, 5-5), necessary to illustrate this mode of operation of the system.

[0123] The other divers' subsystem block (27-3) is a generalized block, meaning it can include several blocks. The upper limit for the number of all blocks can be twenty-five and can be justified by the technical limit on the number of participants in the modem network. The process begins with the receipt (60) of a signal read from the first diver's larynx using a piezoceramic vibration transducer (2-2) by the software block (29-1) for processing the received data. The output of the software (29-1) is sent (61) to the input of the hydroacoustic modem (5-2). Messages are transmitted via a hydroacoustic channel from the hydroacoustic modem (5-2) to the hydroacoustic modems (5-3, 5-5) of the blocks of the second diver’s subsystem (27-2), the subsystem of diver No. K (27-4), as well as to the hydroacoustic modems of similar subsystems of other divers (27-3).

[0124] Example 6. Communication scenario for a system of the type "Surface station - multiple divers". See Figure 11.

[0125] Fig. 11 shows a scenario for transmitting information from an underwater station (28) to several divers by means of a schematic representation of the interaction of the blocks of the first diver’s subsystem (27-1), the second diver’s subsystem (27-2), the subsystem of diver No. K (27-4) and the subsystems of other divers (27-3).

[0126] The process begins with the receipt (63) of a signal from the operator from block 931) to block (29-6), and its transmission to the hydroacoustic modem (5-4). Messages are transmitted via the hydroacoustic channel from the hydroacoustic modem (5-4):

[0127] - to the hydroacoustic modem (5-1) of the first diver subsystem block (27-1)

[0128] - signal (65-1),

[0129] - to the hydroacoustic modem (5-3) of the second diver subsystem block (27-2)

[0130] - signal (65-2),

[0131] - to the hydroacoustic modem (5-5) of the diver subsystem block No. K (27-4) - signal (65-4),

[0132] - to the hydroacoustic modem of the other divers’ subsystem block (27-3) - signal (65-3).

[0133] Using the example of the first diver's subsystem unit (27-1), it is evident that the signal received via the hydroacoustic modem (5-2) is sent (66) to the software unit (29-1), where it is processed and converted into a voice signal. The output of the software unit (29-1) is sent (67) to the underwater earphone unit (3-2), which is used to transmit voice information to the user of the first diver's subsystem (27-1).

[0134] Example 7. Communication scenario for a system of the type "Surface station - multiple divers". See Figure 12.

[0135] Fig. 12 shows a scenario for transmitting information from several divers to the underwater station (28) by means of a schematic representation of the interaction of the blocks of the first diver’s subsystem (27-1), the second diver’s subsystem (27-2), the subsystem of diver No. K (27-4) and the subsystems of other divers (27-3).

[0136] Using the example of the first diver's subsystem block (27-1), it is evident that the process begins with the receipt (68) of a signal read from the first diver's larynx using the piezoceramic vibration transducer (2-2) by the software block (29-1) for processing the received data. The result of the software (29-1) is sent (69) to the input of the hydroacoustic modem (5-2). Messages are transmitted via the hydroacoustic channel from the hydroacoustic modem (5-2) to the hydroacoustic modem (5-4) - signal (70-1).

[0137] In the same way, messages are transmitted via the hydroacoustic channel from the hydroacoustic modem (5-3) of the second diver’s subsystem unit (27-2) - signal (70-2), from the hydroacoustic modem (5-5) of the subsystem unit of diver No. K (27-4) - signal (70-4), from the hydroacoustic modem (5-3) of the subsystem unit of other divers (27-3) - signal (70-3).

[0138] The signal received by the hydroacoustic modem (5-4) is sent (71) to the software unit (29-3), where it is processed and converted into a signal of the type required by the implemented type of operator interaction interface (31). The result of the software unit (29-3) operation is sent (72) to the operator interaction interface unit (31), with the help of which feedback is subsequently implemented from the operator to the signal received from the first diver's subsystem (27-1), the second diver's subsystem unit (27-2), the diver No. K subsystem unit (27-4), and the other divers' subsystem unit (27-3).

[0139] Industrial applicability. The proposed system for voice communication between users in underwater environments can be implemented by a skilled person and, when implemented, ensures the fulfillment of the stated purpose, which allows us to conclude that the invention meets the "industrial applicability" criterion.

[0140] The system's electronics are housed within a sealed enclosure. This enclosure includes a single-board computer (SBC), a carrier board for the SBC, and batteries. The sealed enclosure consists of two parts—a housing and a lid—made of anodized aluminum.

[0141] The sealing system is a radial seal and is achieved by using rubber O-rings installed in a groove in the cover. Sealed connectors screwed into the housing are used to transmit and receive electrical signals outside the housing. The threaded joint is sealed using anaerobic sealants. The calculated and manufactured design can be used in an aquatic environment at pressures up to 40 atm and at depths of up to 400 meters. The custom housing design reduces the device's dimensions and ensures the required reliability in underwater conditions.

[0142] Thus, due to the fact that: a. a piezoceramic vibration transducer is placed in the user’s larynx area, b. a voice message from the said user is received by the piezoceramic vibration transducer and the said signal is digitized,

[0143] C. the digital signal is cleared of noise by a signal processing unit and converted into an encoded signal by the same unit; d. the encoded signal is transmitted via a hydroacoustic modem to the hydroacoustic modems of other users with whom communication is taking place; e. the signal processing unit recreates an analog signal based on the encoded signal and transmits it to an underwater earpiece. The claimed technical result is achieved, namely, the ability to improve communication quality by removing background noise from the environment, breathing noise, and other interference, ensuring a clear and clearly distinguishable speech signal even in difficult hydroacoustic conditions.

[0144] An additional technical advantage is the ability to operate the system without the use of full-face masks, which is typical for similar systems, as well as the ability to transmit signals over longer distances compared to similar systems.

[0145] Due to the limitations of most similar devices, which require the use of full-face masks and additional diving equipment, this device offers significant advantages in ease of use. It requires no additional diver equipment and is compatible with any type of equipment.

[0146] The system is a compact, embedded solution for full-fledged voice communication, requiring no additional communication with external devices. Unlike similar solutions that rely on cable communication, the system features hydroacoustic signal transmission.

[0147] The proposed system can also be used for primary searches, aquaculture work, underwater welding, assembly and disassembly of underwater structures, etc. Furthermore, it can be used for educational purposes in diving and scuba diving training, for excursions, as well as for use in emergency situations and other activities involving human presence underwater, possibly with the task of communication between users.

Claims

Invention formula 1. A system for voice communication between users in underwater conditions, characterized in that the system includes a plurality of user subsystems, each of which includes a. a piezoceramic vibration transducer located tightly near the user's throat in the area of ​​the thyroid cartilage, sealed with a two-component electrically insulating polyurethane compound, configured to read vibrations of the larynx and convert the said vibrations into a low-amplitude electrical signal and connected to b. an underwater earphone located near the user's auricle, consisting of a piezoceramic emitter, fixed on a fiberglass substrate and sealed due to the surface application of a two-component polyurethane compound, where the underwater earphone is fixed with a clip on an underwater mask, wherein c.A piezoceramic vibration transducer and an underwater earphone are connected via an operational amplifier and an audio card with a sealed housing located on the user, where the audio card is configured to digitize an analog signal and reversely convert the digital signal into an analog signal, wherein said sealed housing contains: i. a signal processing unit configured to process signals using deep learning algorithms to clean the signal from noise by means of noise suppression, encoding speech into an encoded sequence and reverse generation of a voice signal for playback to the recipient, ii. a hydroacoustic modem.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the system further includes a surface station located at the boundary of the aquatic environment, having a. a hydroacoustic modem located in the underwater space, connected to b. a signal processing unit, configured to process signals with deep learning algorithms for noise suppression, encoding speech into an encoded sequence and inverse decoding information into text, audio, or graphic form for playback by a recipient located in the above-water space and including a data exchange module with the operator.

3. A method for voice communication between users in underwater conditions, which comprises: a. placing a piezoceramic vibration transducer tightly against the user's throat in the area of ​​the thyroid cartilage; b. receiving a voice message from said user with the piezoceramic vibration transducer, converting it into a low-amplitude electrical signal and digitizing it using an audio card; c. clearing said digital signal of noise using a signal processing unit by means of noise suppression, and converting it into an encoded signal using the same unit; d. transmitting said encoded signal using a hydroacoustic modem to the hydroacoustic modems of other users with whom communication is taking place; e.The signal processing unit, based on the encoded signal and via the audio card, recreates an analog signal and transmits it to an underwater earphone consisting of a piezoelectric emitter, fixed on a fiberglass substrate and sealed by surface application of a two-component polyurethane compound, where the underwater earphone is fixed with a clamp on the underwater mask.

4. The method according to paragraph 3, characterized in that all signal processing blocks are pre-trained with deep learning algorithms for noise suppression, speech recognition, its conversion into an encoded signal, and reverse generation into a voice signal and noise removal.

5. The method according to paragraph 3, characterized in that the encoded signal is additionally transmitted to the hydroacoustic modem of the surface station, where it is decoded into text, audio, or graphic information for playback by the operator.

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