Underwater Acoustic Transceiver for Diver Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underwater acoustic communication systems for scuba diving are bulky, expensive, and inefficient, with limitations in monitoring multiple divers' parameters and providing accurate positioning due to high voltage requirements and data packet collisions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a remote device and wearable devices with processing units that transmit and receive signals to determine distance and direction, using time-of-travel or signal strength methods, allowing for accurate positioning and communication of multiple divers' locations without the need for high voltages, and incorporating a master-slave configuration for orderly communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If high voltage (100V-1000V) is used to achieve acceptable transmission range underwater, then transmission range is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase due to large inductors and capacitors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical high-voltage generation system with an acoustic signal transmission system. Instead of using large inductors and capacitors to generate 100V-1000V electrical signals for underwater communication, the system encodes data into acoustic signals that can be transmitted through water more efficiently, eliminating the need for bulky high-voltage generation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission medium parameter from electrical signals to acoustic signals. By encoding data into acoustic waveforms with frequencies optimized for underwater propagation (e.g., 20kHz-100kHz range), the system achieves acceptable transmission ranges without requiring high voltage, as acoustic waves naturally propagate better through water than electrical signals.
2Device complexity
If simple on/off modulation is used for communication, then device complexity is reduced, but data packet collisions occur frequently in multi-user scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time-division multiplexing where each diver's device transmits in assigned time slots. Instead of continuous or random transmission, devices transmit encoded acoustic signals periodically according to their assigned slot, which systematically prevents data packet collisions while maintaining relatively simple modulation schemes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where receiving devices monitor the acoustic channel for signal presence and quality, and transmit control signals back to sending devices to adjust transmission timing or request retransmission. This feedback loop resolves collisions dynamically while keeping individual device complexity low.
3Adaptability or versatility
If time-division multiplex scheme is used for underwater network, then multi-user communication is enabled, but system is sensitive to multipath propagation and allows only slow data rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each diver's device universally capable of both transmitting and receiving acoustic signals with full decoding functionality. Instead of having dedicated master-slave roles or base station infrastructure, any device can initiate communication and any device can respond, enabling flexible multi-user communication without being constrained by multipath effects on a centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic time-division multiplexing where time slot assignments are not fixed but can be adjusted based on channel conditions, user priorities, and real-time communication needs. This dynamic allocation allows the system to adapt to multipath propagation by shifting transmissions to more favorable time slots while maintaining higher overall data rates through efficient resource utilization.
4Measurement precision
If GPS information signaling is performed between various devices, then positioning accuracy is improved, but communication overhead and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each diver's device to independently calculate its position by processing acoustic signals received from other devices and using onboard algorithms. Instead of relying on continuous GPS signaling from a base station or other divers, each device serves itself by autonomously determining position through acoustic triangulation or time-of-flight calculations, significantly reducing communication overhead and energy consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, compact, and low-energy communication systems for underwater positioning of multiple divers, reducing the risk of accidents by providing accurate and reliable real-time monitoring of divers' parameters and positions.
Implementation Method 1
Sound travels extremely well underwater, and can be encoded to contain data. Scuba divers are sometimes seen using full face masks equipped with wireless voice communication systems. These communication systems rely on ultrasonic sound waves to transfer encoded voice from one diver to another
Implementation Method 2
To achieve the required change of several hundred meters, a transducer such as a typical ring transducer must be excited by a square wave of between 100V and 200V
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method, as well as a positioning and wearable devices for determining the distance and position of devices communicating with each other over a medium, the system, are disclosed. At least one remote device comprises first processing unit, at least one transmitter functionally connected to the first processing unit and adapted to transmit signals over a medium, and at least one receiver functionally connected to the first processing unit and adapted to receive signals over said medium. At least two wearable devices, each comprising a second processing unit and wireless communication means capable of receiving and sending data signals over said medium, are also provided. The remote device is adapted to determine the distance to at least two wearable devices, to determine the direction to said at least two wearable devices based on at least two different bearings taken from said at least one remote device to each wearable device, to calculate the position of said at least two wearable devices relative to the remote device, and to communicate the position of at least one first wearable device to a second wearable device. The wearable devices are adapted to process the position of a first wearable device in their processing unit and to present to the user of a second wearable device an indication of direction and distance to said first wearable device.