AI Bathymetry Navigation Using Underwater Landmark Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for bathymetry, which are essential for maritime logistics, are laborious and time-consuming, necessitating the development of more efficient techniques for mapping the ocean floor.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) with a sonic unit on a boat that transmits ultrasonic pulses, processes metric data from return pulses to generate bathymetric images, identifies underwater landmarks, and navigates autonomously to create accurate and efficient maps of the ocean floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional bathymetry methods are used, then mapping accuracy can be maintained, but the process becomes arduous and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical bathymetry equipment with an AI-based system that uses acoustic imaging and machine learning algorithms. The AI system processes acoustic data to automatically generate bathymetric maps, eliminating the need for manual measurement and mapping operations, thereby significantly reducing time requirements while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous boat navigates and collects bathymetric data independently without human intervention. The AI system automatically processes the collected acoustic data to generate bathymetric maps, making the entire mapping process self-service and eliminating the laborious manual operations associated with traditional methods.
2Productivity
If manual bathymetry operations are performed, then detailed mapping can be achieved, but labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual bathymetry operations with an autonomous AI system that performs all mapping tasks automatically. The system uses acoustic sensors to collect data and machine learning algorithms to process and interpret the data, eliminating the need for skilled operators to perform manual measurements and map drawing, thereby improving efficiency while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous boat with AI processing capabilities performs the entire bathymetry operation independently. The system self-navigates, self-collects data, self-processes information, and self-generates bathymetric maps, making the operation extremely simple while dramatically improving productivity.
3Loss of time
If AI processing is implemented, then mapping time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single autonomous boat platform. The boat combines navigation, acoustic data collection, AI processing, and map generation capabilities in one system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate equipment and operations, managing system complexity while achieving rapid mapping through integrated AI processing.
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
The AI bathymetry system significantly reduces the time and effort required for mapping by autonomously navigating and processing data to produce precise bathymetric images and maps, enhancing the efficiency of maritime logistics.
Implementation Method 1
a sonic unit attached to a boat, the sonic unit configured to transmit a plurality of ultrasonic pulses; receive a plurality of return pulses
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for artificial intelligence (AI) bathymetry is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sonic unit attached to a boat, the sonic unit configured to generate a plurality of metric data as a function of a plurality of ultrasonic pulses and a plurality of return pulses. An image processing module is configured to generate a bathymetric image as a function of the plurality of metric data, identify, as a function of the bathymetric image, an underwater landmark, and register the bathymetric image to a map location as a function of the underwater landmark. A communication module is configured to transmit the registered bathymetric image to at least a remote device. An autonomous navigation module is configured to determine a heading for the boat as a function of a path datum and command boat control to navigate the boat as a function of the heading.