Sub-bottom Profiler Localization for Buried Seabed Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and identifying buried objects in seawater, such as ground penetrating radar, acoustic arrays, and visual inspections, are inadequate due to the conductive nature of saline water, complexity, and inaccessibility, leading to unreliable and incomplete data.
Innovation Solution
The use of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) or unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) equipped with a sub-bottom profiler and sidescan sonar to survey the seabed, process reflected sound energy, and apply a localization model incorporating Levenberg-Marquardt non-linear least squares formulae to detect and identify buried objects, reducing equipment complexity and improving data utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If ground penetrating radar is used to detect buried objects, then detection capability is improved, but it becomes incapable of scanning through the seafloor because saline water is conductive and leads to inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electromagnetic waves (GPR) to acoustic waves (sub-bottom profiler). Acoustic waves are not affected by the electrical conductivity of saline water, allowing reliable penetration through the seafloor and detection of buried objects without the interference that plagues radar systems in marine environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic detection system (GPR) with an acoustic detection system (sub-bottom profiler). This substitution eliminates the fundamental incompatibility between electromagnetic waves and conductive saline water, enabling reliable subsurface detection in marine environments where GPR fails.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If acoustic arrays are used to detect buried objects, then detection capability is improved, but the system becomes complex and expensive with extensive setup time and multiple points of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from the complex acoustic array system, retaining only the critical sub-bottom profiler component mounted on the AUV. This extraction eliminates unnecessary complexity while preserving the core detection capability, resulting in a more reliable and easier-to-operate system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-bottom profiler is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting buried objects, mapping seafloor topography, and identifying subsurface features. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate specialized equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capabilities.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If sidescan is used to detect buried objects, then detection capability is improved for visible objects, but it becomes insufficient for completely buried objects under sediment
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of scanning from the side (sidescan), the patent uses a sub-bottom profiler that scans vertically downward through the seafloor. This inverted approach allows detection of completely buried objects by penetrating the sediment layer, rather than relying on objects being partially exposed on the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal scanning (sidescan) to vertical scanning (sub-bottom profiler). This dimensional change enables detection through the sediment layer, providing capability to detect completely buried objects that sidescan cannot find, while maintaining the ability to detect surface-visible objects.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If visual inspection is used to identify buried objects, then identification capability is improved for accessible objects, but it becomes insufficient for inaccessible buried objects and suffers from data overload and human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated detection and identification without requiring human divers or inspectors to physically access the objects. The AUV with sub-bottom profiler autonomously surveys the area, and the localization model automatically identifies buried objects, eliminating the need for human inspection of inaccessible areas and reducing human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computational localization model as an intermediary between data collection and human interpretation. This model processes the acoustic data, identifies buried objects, and localizes their positions, serving as a mediator that translates raw acoustic signals into actionable information without requiring direct human visual inspection of inaccessible objects.
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 the detection of fully buried objects beneath the seafloor with increased accuracy and reduced complexity, allowing for precise localization and potential excavation of buried objects, while minimizing artifacts and prior inferences in data interpretation.
Implementation Method 1
As the sub-bottom profiler transmits sound energy in the form of a short pulse towards the seabed, the sound energy is reflected from the seabed and the sub-surface sediment layers
Implementation Method 2
The use of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) or unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) equipped with a sub-bottom profiler and sidescan sonar to survey the seabed, process reflected sound energy
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided to detect and identify targeted objects buried in the seabed. A targeted area of the seabed may be scanned with a sub-bottom profiler based on predetermined parameters. A localization engine may model the sub-bottom profiler data using a Levenberg-Marquardt non-linear least squares determination. Distance measurements may be extracted based on the modeled data, including a vertical range based on a slant range measured from the sub-bottom profiler to the closest points on the exterior of the targeted objects. The location of the targeted objects may be based on the extracted measurements. In some embodiments, the sub-bottom profiler may be mounted on an unmanned underwater vehicle having thrusters to navigate the vehicle toward the targeted area to excavate and sidescan the targets object.