AUV Ascent Control Using Multi-Sensor Surface Target Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) require external human guidance for collision-free ascent to the surface, which limits their autonomous operation and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A processing circuitry-based method for controlling the ascent of an AUV from a safety depth to the water surface, utilizing a combination of passive sonar, magnetic sensors, active sonar, and LIDAR to collect data on surface targets and navigate through stages of ascent, avoiding collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If external human guidance is used for AUV ascent, then collision-free navigation is achieved, but autonomous operation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The AUV performs self-navigation during ascent by autonomously detecting surface targets using passive sonar and other sensors, determining surfacing zones without external guidance, and executing ascent maneuvers independently. The system serves itself by integrating sensor data processing, target detection, and navigation control within the AUV's own processing circuitry.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for target detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (passive sonar, active sonar, magnetic sensors, LIDAR, optical sensors, radar sensors) into an integrated detection system. The processing circuitry merges data from these different sensors to comprehensively detect surface targets, determining both presence and characteristics of targets through data fusion rather than relying on a single sensor type.
3Productivity
If AUV ascends to surface, then operational efficiency is improved, but collision risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Before the AUV initiates ascent, the system performs preliminary detection of surface targets using passive sonar and other sensors to identify surfacing zones where no targets are present. The processing circuitry analyzes target locations, directions, and velocities to predict future positions and determine safe ascent paths in advance, ensuring collision-free navigation before the ascent process begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors surface target detection data during the ascent process and adjusts the ascent trajectory accordingly. The processing circuitry provides feedback control by comparing detected target positions with the planned ascent path and modifying navigation commands to maintain safe separation from detected targets throughout the ascent to the surface.
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 autonomous, collision-free ascent of AUVs to the surface, improving operational efficiency and reducing reliance on external control, while avoiding detection by other parties through stealthful mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
collect, from a passive sonar associated with the UV, first data indicative of first locations of surface targets
Implementation Method 2
data from an active sonar associated with the UV
Implementation Method 3
data from a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) scanner associated with the UV
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a computerized method of controlling ascent of an underwater vehicle (UV) from a safety depth to a water surface, the method comprising: at safety depth, controlling the UV to collect, from a passive sonar associated with the UV, first data indicative of first locations of surface targets within a first surface area of interest; controlling ascent of the UV to an intermediate depth in accordance with the first data; at the intermediate depth, controlling the UV to collect second data indicative of second locations of surface targets within a second surface area of interest, wherein the second data comprises one or more of: data from a passive sonar, data from one or more magnetic sensors, data from an active sonar, data from a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) scanner; and controlling ascent of the UV to a periscope depth in accordance with the second data.