ROV Dynamic Positioning via Direct INS Interface for Multi-Node Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack the ability to automatically and efficiently control multiple remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for deploying seismic nodes on the seabed, requiring excessive manpower and being impractical for high-speed operations due to the lack of direct interface between surface vessel Integrated Navigation Systems (INS) and ROV Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems.
Innovation Solution
Establishing a direct data connection between the surface vessel's INS and ROV DP system using commercially available Ethernet hardware and TCP/IP protocol, allowing the INS to output target coordinates and position data to the DP system, which calculates necessary movements and controls the ROVs automatically, enabling simultaneous operation of multiple ROVs without manual steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual steering of ROVs is used, then control flexibility is maintained, but productivity decreases and excessive manpower is required
Solution Approach 1:
The ROV DP system automatically controls the vehicle by receiving target coordinates from the surface vessel INS and autonomously navigating to the target position, eliminating the need for continuous manual steering and significantly improving deployment productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated electronic control system where the INS and DP system communicate via data connection, allowing the ROV to automatically position itself based on calculated navigation data without human intervention
2Productivity
If multiple ROVs are operated simultaneously, then productivity increases, but device complexity and coordination difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The surface vessel INS serves multiple ROVs simultaneously through a universal data connection interface, providing target coordinates and navigation data to multiple DP systems, enabling coordinated operation of multiple ROVs without proportional increase in control complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The INS acts as an intermediary system that centralizes navigation data generation and distribution to multiple ROVs, simplifying the coordination of multiple vehicles by having a single source of truth for target positions and navigation information
3Extent of automation
If direct interface between INS and DP system is established, then automation extent increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses commercially available Ethernet hardware and TCP/IP protocol as intermediary communication infrastructure, allowing the INS and DP system to exchange data through standard networking equipment rather than requiring custom complex interface hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal Ethernet and TCP/IP communication protocols that are widely available and standardized, reducing the complexity of data connection by using common off-the-shelf technology rather than specialized custom interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments, including systems and methods, for remotely controlling underwater vehicles (such as ROVs) and deploying ocean bottom seismic nodes from the underwater vehicles. A direct data connection may be created between an Integrated Navigation System (located on a surface vessel) and a ROV controller/Dynamic Positioning (DP) system (which may be located on the surface vessel and/or the ROV). The INS may be configured to output the ROV target position and ROV position (such as standard 2 or 3 dimensional coordinates) to the DP system. The DP system may be configured to calculate the necessary ROV movements based on directly received data from the INS. Based on a selected ROV target destination or desired ROV action (which may be done automatically or by an operator), the ROV may be automatically positioned and/or controlled based on commands from the DP system based on commands and/or data from the INS.