Sub-bottom Profiler Localization for Buried Seabed Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and localizing buried objects in seawater are inadequate due to the limitations of ground penetrating radar, acoustic arrays, and visual inspections, which are either ineffective in saline environments or require complex setups and are prone to false interpretations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a sub-bottom profiler mounted on an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) or unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) that transmits sound energy to detect reflections from seabed sediments, combined with sidescan sonar for accurate localization of buried objects, employing a localization model that incorporates Levenberg-Marquardt non-linear least squares formulae and derivative matrices to process data and reduce artifacts.
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 ineffective in saline seawater environments due to conductivity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electromagnetic waves (GPR) to acoustic waves (sub-bottom profiler), which can effectively propagate through saline water and seabed sediments, resolving the conductivity issue while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic detection system (GPR) with an acoustic detection system (sub-bottom profiler), utilizing sound wave propagation and reflection principles that work effectively in aquatic and sediment environments
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If acoustic arrays are used to detect objects in the sea, then detection capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sub-bottom profiler and sidescan sonar into a single integrated system mounted on an AUV, merging multiple detection functions into one unified platform, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions including sub-bottom profiling, sidescan imaging, and object localization using a single AUV platform, eliminating the need for separate complex acoustic arrays
3Productivity
If sidescan is used to detect objects, then detection speed is improved, but it cannot detect completely buried objects since it requires visible portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from surface-level sidescan detection to subsurface detection by using sub-bottom profiler technology that can penetrate and image objects buried beneath the seabed, adding the depth dimension to detection capability
4Ease of operation
If visual inspection of sub-bottom data is performed manually, then object identification is attempted, but human error and data overload lead to false interpretations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated localization model that processes sub-bottom profiler data and automatically identifies and localizes buried objects, eliminating the need for manual human inspection and reducing interpretation errors
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses iterative optimization algorithms that refine object localization by comparing detected features with expected patterns, providing feedback-based correction to improve identification accuracy
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 efficient and reliable detection and localization of buried objects beneath the seafloor, reducing equipment complexity and time, while minimizing human error and improving data utilization, allowing for precise navigation and potential excavation of buried targets.
Implementation Method 1
the sound energy is reflected from the seabed and the sub-surface sediment layers
Implementation Method 2
the disclosed system utilizes a sub-bottom profiler mounted on an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) or unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) that transmits sound energy to detect reflections from seabed sediments
Implementation Method 3
employing a localization model that incorporates Levenberg-Marquardt non-linear least squares formulae and derivative matrices to process data and reduce artifacts
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided to detect and localize 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 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 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 targeted object.