Communications system

Abstract

A communication system for use in monitoring an underwater structure, the communication system having a communication module comprising at least one data input mechanism, a data management mechanism, a wireless communication mechanism, and a power supply, such that, in use, data is input by way of the data input mechanism is provided to the data management mechanism which is operable to output representative data to the wireless communication mechanism for onward transmission.

Description

[0001] COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

[0002] The present invention relates to a communication system for use in monitoring criteria status of and underwater structure and, in particular, though not exclusively, to a wireless communication system for use in monitoring an underwater structure.

[0003] The oceans of the world become increasingly busy through offering efficient transport routes for cargo, engineering, military, and passenger vessels and being the source of increasing numbers of offshore energy installations. As a result, the technological development of ocean and river based structures and vehicles has taken huge strides forward in recent years, as more efficient, durable and cost-effective structures have been sought.

[0004] Access to data representing the status, integrity and performance of an underwater structure, can avoid unnecessary downtime and improve the lifespan and operational capability of the structure.

[0005] However, access for manual structural assessment is costly and resource intensive. Sensor systems with cable connection typically involve an invasive installation process, particularly if installation is not planned for during structure design or if mounted externally are vulnerable to damage, wear and tear. In addition, the cable connection becomes an expensive potential failure point which can be problematic to isolate as the issue and subsequently replace.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a communication system for use in monitoring an underwater structure which obviates or mitigates at least some of the disadvantages in the prior art.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a communication system for use in monitoring an underwater structure, the communication system having a communication module comprising: at least one data input mechanism a data management mechanism, a wireless communication mechanism, and a power supply, such that, in use, data is input by way of the data input mechanism is provided to the data management mechanism which is operable to output representative data to the wireless communication mechanism for onward transmission.

[0008] By providing a communication module operable to receive data as an input from sensors monitoring an underwater structure and then wirelessly transmit data representative of the input data, structure status upon demand or in real time to enable ongoing assessment of the structure condition which allows remote monitoring of the structure system. The use of a wireless communication mechanism means the communication module may be mounted on a structure during construction or retrofitted without any invasive disruption of the structure integrity to accommodate cabling.

[0009] The communication module may be a deployed communication module. A deployed communication module may be mounted on a structure, for example, a vessel, adjacent a sensor monitoring an aspect of the vessel such that data obtained from the sensor may be transmitted wirelessly from where the module is mounted.

[0010] The wireless communication mechanism may comprise at least one wireless transmission mechanism, operable to transmit data using at least one of electromagnetic, optical or acoustic signals. By providing a wireless transmission mechanism for transmitting data from the communication module, the module can be fitted to a structure, such as an underwater structure, to be monitored without the need for installation of cabled connections yet still without requiring data to be collected by divers.

[0011] Each wireless communication mechanism may comprise a transceiver for transmitting electromagnetic and / or magnetic data carrying signals.

[0012] By incorporating a transceiver, the wireless communication system may be operable to enable bi-directional communication. In this way, command and control signals may be provided to the communications module. The communications unit may be operable to output command and control signals to at least one connected to an ancillary device such as a sensor

[0013] The wireless communication mechanism may include an electromagnetic transceiver, operable to transmit and receive electromagnetic and / or magnetic data carrying signals. The transceiver may comprise an electrically insulated magnetic coupled antenna. The transceiver may comprise an electric field coupled antenna. The antenna may be a wire loop, coil or similar. Such antenna may create both magnetic and electric fields. The wireless communication mechanism may comprise an acoustic transceiver. The wireless communication system may comprise an optical transceiver.

[0014] The wireless communication system may comprise one or more of an electromagnetic, optical and acoustic transceiver. Each at least one of the electromagnetic, optical and acoustic transceiver may be provided with an associated transducer. Each transducer may comprise an antenna. The wireless communication mechanism may comprise a multimode wireless communications system that uses electromagnetic, optical and acoustic carrier signals either in combination or through selection of a single carrier signal.

[0015] The wireless communication mechanism may comprise a selection mechanism to enable selection of the transceiver most suitable for optimal transmission of data in the operating environment on a real time basis. Optimal transmission may be determined by data integrity or by transmission range or by a combination of both.

[0016] By selectively optimizing transmission of data carrying signals, the system may be operated in a consistent, reliable and user friendly manner.

[0017] The data to be transmitted may be compressed prior to transmission. In this way, the occupied transmission bandwidth can be reduced.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a communication module for providing ouput data representative of the status of an underwater structure, the communication module comprising: a wireless communication mechanism; a data management mechanism; at least one data output mechanism, and a power supply such that, in use, data received by the wireless communication mechanism and provided to the data management mechanism which is operable to provide data to the data output mechanism indicative of the status of an underwater structure.

[0019] The communication module may be a remote communication module. The remote communication module may further comprise at least one data input. The data input may be a cabled connection input. The data input may be a user interface input mechanism.

[0020] The remote communication module may comprise a data interface mechanism. A data interface mechanism will enable the communication module to integrate into the wider vessel communications system or other general infrastructure.

[0021] The data output mechanism may be a graphic user interface. The data output mechanism may be operable to create an alarm output such as a sound. The data output mechanism may be operable to actuate an alarm output such as a visual alert including, but not limited to lights.

[0022] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a communication system for use in monitoring an underwater structure in a vessel, the communication system comprising at least two communications modules, at least one deployed communication module and at least one remote communication module wherein, in use, the deployed communication module is operable to transmit data carrying signals to the remote communication module.

[0023] The provision of at least one remote communication module and at least one deployed communication module enables the communication system to have a dedicated pair of spaced apart transceivers to enable optimization of communication between the remote communication module and the deployed communication module such that data is wirelessly transmitted and / or received and subsequently processed between the two in the most efficient and reliable manner possible given the operating conditions.

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a communication system of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a communication module of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a communication system of the present invention; Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a communication system of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a communication system of the present invention, and

[0029] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a communication system of the present invention.

[0030] Reference is initially made to Figure 1 of the drawings which illustrate a communication system generally indicated by reference numeral 22 having a deployed communication module 20 which is shown mounted on a vessel structure system 19. The deployed communication module 20 in this embodiment is mounted on a vessel hull with the corresponding remote communications module 120 located in the control room 60 of the vessel 19. It will be appreciated that the deployed communication module 20 may be located at any position on the hull of the vessel whilst the remote communications module 120 may be located in the control room as show, or on deck, on railings, or on the hull at a location above the water line. Wireless transmission enables the deployed module 20 to communicate with corresponding module 120 allowing sensor data from underwater to be obtained directly thus simplifying instalment, replacement or servicing of the communications system whilst also allowing for the remote communication module 120 to enable data to be passed from the module 120 to a local PC or terminal or via a cellular or satellite link or other topside communication networks (not shown). It will be appreciated that the communications system 22 is arranged such that the remote module 120 can communicate to / from the submerged module 20 and associated monitoring systems while the vessel is moving or stationary. In use, control and command signals, as well as recorded data information can be communicated from remote module 120 to and / or from the submerged deployed module 20 and associated monitoring systems such that, as well as data exchange, control signals may be sent from above the water to the module 20 deployed water in order to control functions below the waterline.

[0031] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the communication module 20 which includes a data input mechanism 50 operable to interface with connector 42 to facilitate connection to sensor (not shown); a data management mechanism 52 and a wireless communications mechanism 54. The components of module 20 are provided power by power supply 56. The power supply 56 can also power the sensor via connection cable 42. In this embodiment, housing 48 contains the operating components of module 20. The housing 48 can be formed on any suitable non-reactive material, such as, for example acetal, but it will be understood that any suitable plastic, metal or other suitable material may be used. The data input mechanism 50 is, in this case, a standard connection interface connected to a sensor, via a standard subsea waterproof connector and / or cable system 42.

[0032] The data management system 52 is, in this embodiment, a modem which receives data from the data input mechanism 50 and acts upon it in this case by digitising analogue data carrying signals from spacing dimension sensor 40. It will be understood that the data management mechanism 52 may incorporate additional processing and / or alternative functionality such as compression, modulation, data storage, aggregation of data, specific processing and analysis and can be provided with intelligent capabilities to determine and provide command and control output signals as well as determine the need for action by a third party such as a vessel engineer. It will similarly be understood that the data input mechanism 50 may be operable to receive digital signals via cable 42 from a sensor to which it is connected in use.

[0033] Additional functionality may be incorporated within the communication module 20. For example, in use the data management system 52 can include a control mechanism (not shown) the activation of which is either implemented by an operator following a procedure or on an automated basis.

[0034] The data output from the data management mechanism 52 is provided to wireless communication module 54. The wireless communication module 54 in this embodiment includes a transducer which transmits, via a suitable antenna (not shown) electromagnetic data carrying signals. However, it will be appreciated that the wireless communication module 54 may incorporate at least one of an optical, radio or acoustic transmitter able to generate a drive signal appropriate for the optimal transducer given the location and circumstances in which transmission is occurring. In a radio, or electromagnetic, transmitter subsystem the transducer may be a loop antenna; solenoid; solenoid formed around a high relative permeability material or two contacts in direct conductive contact with the water. In an optical system the transducer may be a laser diode. In an acoustic system the transducer may, for example, be a piezoelectric transducer.

[0035] The components, in this case components 50, 52 and 54 of the communication module 20 are powered by power supply 56, in this case a battery but it will be appreciated any suitable power supply could be used. In use, data signals from the sensor will be input into the communication module by way of input mechanism 50. These signals will be analogue signals representative of a measurement from a spacing dimension sensor and provided to an analogue to digital convertor in the data management mechanism 52 where they will be digitized. The digital data signals will be output to wireless communication module 54 for onward transmission. The transmitted signals will be operable to be received by any suitable transceiver.

[0036] In an optimized embodiment of communication system 22 the deployed communication module 20 will be in communication with a remote communication module 120. An embodiment of such a communication system 22 having a suitable transceiver arrangement is illustrated in Figure 4 which shows a deployed communication module 20 and a corresponding remote communication module 120. In this embodiment the deployed communication module 20 is arranged on the structure of propeller 36 with the corresponding remote communication module 120 located in the control room 60 of a vessel 19. Wireless transmission enables the deployed module 20 to communicate with corresponding module 120 whilst it is situated in a more accessible location than locally to the sensor 40 where the underwater direct measurement is obtained thus simplifying instalment, replacement or servicing of the communication system 22.

[0037] The remote communication module 120 is shown in more detail in Figure 3 with components corresponding to deployed communication module 20 given the same reference numbers.

[0038] The remote communication module 120 thus includes a wireless communication module 54 operable to transmit and receive signals from communication module 20 at least. The communication module 120 further includes a data management mechanism 52 and a data interface mechanism 58 is provided and can provide data input and allow for data input which enables interaction between an end user (not shown) and the system 22. The components of module 120 are provided power by power supply 56.

[0039] In this embodiment, also includes user interface 58 includes a display, or graphic user interface, 57 which can provide data from the data output mechanism 58 in a format able to be interpreted by an end user. It will be appreciated that the user interface 58 may also incorporate input mechanism 57 which can include features such as a keyboard, touch screen or input button pad allowing two way communication with a user. Furthermore, although the data output mechanism 58 may be linked to a user interface 57, it may also be linked to systems which provide an automatic input including light or sound systems (not shown). In use, transmission from the deployed communication module 20 to the remote communication module 120 may occur on demand, for example upon request at the user input interface 59 by an user wishing to review the sensor monitored data status, or it may occur at predetermined intervals; as a result, reading may be real time readings, saved readings of a combination of saved and real time data.

[0040] For example, in use, the data management mechanism 52 of module 20 may, upon demand from an external request received from module 120 via interface 59, actuate the process of obtaining and reporting sensor data.

[0041] It will be appreciated that in this and all other embodiments, the deployed communication module 120 can have the ability to perform an over-ride transmission of data signals to module 20 if the data received from a sensor 40 is determined to be of a level requiring attention. For example, boundary criteria for example in relation to sensed data indication vibration levels or temperature levels could be set such that a sensor reading outwith that criteria, when received by the data management mechanism 52 of module 20, could instigate an automatic transmission of an alert signal to module 120.

[0042] In Figure 4 there is a further embodiment of a communications module 220 with like components of the module given the equivalent reference numbers as module 20. In this embodiment the communication module 220 has a modular structure with power supply 26 housed externally to processing unit 45. Within the housing 46 of processing unit 45 there is contained data management mechanism 52 which provides and receives data from wireless communication mechanism 54 as well as any associated sensors 40. In this embodiments, wireless communication mechanism 45 is provided with an external antenna, or transducer, 28. This modular arrangement of communication module 220 allows for deployment of the module in very small or awkward locations. Whilst the modular communications module does require local interconnecting wires 42, 43 and 44 the communications system 22 does not required cabled connections to take the output data from the module 220 to the remote communication mechanism 120 thus still having the advantages of a wireless communication system.

[0043] With reference to Figure 5 another embodiment shows the remote module 120 may be mounted on a harbour side 62, this may be a permanent fixture so that any vessel 19 with a deployed communication module 20, 220 can be interrogated whilst in dock, or it may be a transportable unit that is brought to the harbour side for readings to be taken when a ship with a deployed module 20, 220 is to be assessed.

[0044] In Figure 6 it can be seen that in an alternative embodiment, the remote communication module 120 may be mounted on the distal end of a pulley 64 of a crane 64 and so maneuvered in and out of water 63 to bring the remote module 120 within communicable range of module 20, 220 should transmission distance be an issue. A remote communication module 120 may also be secured to, or in, harbour wall 66 to provide a remote communication module 120 which is located permanent underwater for communication with deployed modules 20,220 whenever a vessel is docked. Communication from the underwater module 20 can be transmitted to a user interface 70 on the surface using either wireless transmission or cabled transmission via cable 67. Whilst these embodiments show the remote communication module on a crane or arranged in, or on, the harbourside, it will be appreciated that other methods or means, such as deployment on an AUV, a diver, submarine or other vessel may be used in the same manner, for example, an AUV brough close to the vessel will enable interrogation of the deployed communication module 20 to occur.

[0045] An advantage of the present invention is that the communication module and communication system are simple and non-invasive to install thus reducing the installation time and enabling it to be installed either during construction or on a retrofit basis.

[0046] Another advantage of the present invention is that by removing the requirement from cabled connections from the structure data sensor and deployed communication module to the remote communication module, a potential point of failure is removed from the system. As the communication system is non-invasive in implementation as it does not require the surface of structures to be breached in order to allow cables to pass through thus replacement or removal is a simple process which does not impinge on the integrity of the structure.

[0047] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the invention herein described without departing from the scope thereof. For example any suitable, or necessary, sensor for determining required or desired criteria about a structure may be deployed to sense data relating to one or more aspects of the structure arrangement, including but not limited to corrosion monitor sensor, temperature sensors, vibration monitors and water quality sensors. Similarly, although a data input mechanism 50 and connector 42 is detailed, it will be appreciated that any other suitable connector and interface may be used. It will further be appreciated that whilst the remote communication module may be mounted at or on any suitable point on a vessel including on the deck, in the hull or indeed multiple remote communication systems may be mounted throughout the vessel each operable to received data from the deployed communication module it may also be mounted on any fixed or temporarily submerged structure including but not limited to communications structures, cables, piping, harbour structures, offshore energy production structures, monitoring structures or the like. The remote communication module may comprise a data interface mechanism having multiple interface options enabling a multitude of input sources to connect with the module, this enables the communication module to integrate into the wider vessel communications system or other general infrastructure. Whilst only a single sensor 40 is detailed in the current arrangements, multiple sensors may be connected to the communication module. Also, it will be appreciated that sensors may be integrated within the communication module unit housing and not externally to module 20. The communication module 20 may be installed during construction of a structure 19, however, the wireless communication techniques used by the communication module mean that the system may be retrofitted to a structure by a diver or underwater vehicle once the structure is in operation. The mounting mechanism (not shown) may, for example, be a magnetic fixing system, suction cups, or a mechanical bracket or any other suitable security unit or system. Furthermore, whilst only one deployed module is illustrated in the accompanying drawings it will be appreciated multiple deployed modules may communicate with a remote module and in such as arrangement, a networking scheme to allow the remote modules to send and receive information from multiple deployed modules through the use of an addressing mechanism would be implemented. In addition, a real time clock mechanism may be incorporated within the modules 20, 120, 220.

Claims

Claims1 . A communication system for use in monitoring an underwater structure, the communication system having a communication module comprising at least one data input mechanism, a data management mechanism, a wireless communication mechanism, and a power supply, such that, in use, data is input byway of the data input mechanism is provided to the data management mechanism which is operable to output representative data to the wireless communication mechanism for onward transmission.

2. A communication system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the communication module is a deployed communication module.

3. A communication system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the wireless communication mechanism comprises at least one wireless transmission mechanism, operable to transmit data using at least one of electromagnetic, optical or acoustic signals.

4. A communication system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the at least one wireless communication mechanism comprises a transceiver for transmitting electromagnetic and / or magnetic data carrying signals.

5. A communication system as claimed in any precedingclaim wherein the wireless communication system comprise one or more of an electromagnetic, optical and acoustic transceiver.

6. A communication module for providing ouput data representative of the status of an underwater structure, the communication module comprising a wireless communication mechanism; a data management mechanism; at least one data output mechanism, and a power supply such that, in use, data received by the wireless communication mechanism and provided to the data management mechanism which is operable to provide data to the data output mechanism indicative of the status of an underwater structure.

7. The communication module as claimed in claim 6 wherein the module is a remote communication module.

8. The communication module as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the module further comprises at least one data input.

9. The communication module as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the module comprises a data interface mechanism.

10. A communication system for use in monitoring an underwater structure in a vessel, the communication system comprising at least two communications modules, at least one deployed communication module and at least one remote communication module wherein, in use, the deployed communication module is operable to transmit data carrying signals to the remote communication module.

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