Seabed RFID Marker Positioning via Dynamic Antenna Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for accurately relocating seismic nodes on the seabed, such as those using acoustic position transmitters, are inefficient and prone to damage from fishing gear, and lack the precision and longevity offered by radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of passive RFID radio markers with unique identification numbers, buried or placed on the seabed, and a subsea vehicle equipped with radio antennas to detect and adjust power for precise positioning, utilizing a control and database program to record and control RFID signals, allowing for accurate and long-term seabed installation without damage from fishing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If acoustic position transmitters are used for seabed node relocation, then positioning capability is achieved, but the system is prone to damage from fishing gear and has limited longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic transponders with passive RFID radio frequency markers. RFID technology uses electromagnetic fields instead of acoustic waves, enabling passive markers without batteries that are virtually everlasting and cannot be damaged by fishing gear, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability against fishing damage and longevity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs passive RFID markers that are simple, inexpensive, and require no power source. These markers are deployed permanently on the seabed and cannot be damaged by fishing operations, providing indefinite service life without requiring maintenance or replacement, thus achieving both reliability and longevity
2Speed
If radio antennas with high power are used to detect radio markers, then detection range is increased, but positioning precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic power adjustment of radio antennas based on operational phase. During initial acquisition, high power extends detection range. During precise positioning, power is reduced to create a more localized signal field, improving positional accuracy. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between detection range and positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power parameter of radio antennas according to operational requirements. High power is used when markers are first being located, then power is reduced for precise positioning tasks. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize both detection range and positioning precision at different stages
3Measurement precision
If multiple radio antennas are deployed to improve positioning accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning system into simple, identical radio antenna units that can be independently deployed. Each antenna operates autonomously to detect RFID markers, and multiple antennas work in parallel to improve accuracy through triangulation without requiring complex coordination, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity
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 fast, accurate, and durable seabed node relocation with improved precision and resistance to fishing gear damage, facilitating efficient integration with sensors and maintaining node positions with minimal deviation over time.
Implementation Method 1
RFID, Radio Frequency Identification, employs a small radio marker (RFID chip) which includes an electronic circuit/processor with integrated antenna. When the radio marker is subjected to a radio signal with a specific frequency, it sends back an echo. A radio antenna intercepts this signal if the radio marker is within range.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The invention involves one or more radio markers (1) being located on or buried in the seabed with a suitable tool at a location where a geographical point requires to be retrieved. Radio markers may be deployed, for example, by means of a subsea vehicle (2). The subsea vehicle (2) is equipped with a positioning system and gyro (6) when the radio markers (1) are deployed, thereby enabling the approximate position of each individual radio marker (1) to be recorded with global map position. A subsea vehicle equipped with a radio antenna detects radio markers after returning to the approximate position by means of the coordinates.