Underwater Acoustic Array for Diver Location
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current underwater communication systems are inadequate for accurately locating divers in low-visibility environments and fail to provide reliable directional and distance information, especially in recreational diving scenarios where electromagnetic and ultrasonic waves attenuate, limiting communication and location capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An underwater communication and location system utilizing an array of omni-directional or isotropic ultrasonic transducers, combined with signal processing techniques such as cross-correlation and phase delay compensation, to transmit and receive analog waveforms, enabling accurate location determination and messaging between divers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple antenna-based location systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of directional and distance location information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the location determination function into multiple independent ultrasonic transducers (at least four) positioned at different locations. Each transducer independently receives signals and provides directional information, which are then combined through signal processing to achieve accurate three-dimensional location without requiring a single complex antenna system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signal processing system that processes acoustic signals between the ultrasonic transducers and the final location determination. This intermediary layer performs cross-correlation, time delay estimation, and triangulation calculations, enabling accurate location measurement while keeping individual transducer elements simple
2Speed
If electromagnetic waves are used for underwater communication, then communication speed is improved, but signal attenuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces electromagnetic wave-based communication with acoustic wave-based communication. Acoustic waves propagate much more efficiently in water than electromagnetic waves, reducing signal attenuation. The ultrasonic transducers convert electrical signals to acoustic waves for transmission and receive acoustic waves, converting them back to electrical signals for processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the communication medium from electromagnetic waves to acoustic waves. This parameter change allows communication to proceed effectively in the underwater environment where electromagnetic waves suffer severe attenuation, while maintaining communication capability through acoustic wave propagation
3Reliability
If close proximity communication is required, then signal quality is improved, but communication versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducer array system serves multiple functions: it provides both communication between divers and location determination of divers. The same transducers that receive communication signals also enable triangulation-based location tracking, eliminating the need for separate close-proximity communication devices and extending effective communication range through acoustic wave propagation
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
The system effectively locates divers in three-dimensional space and facilitates communication, even in low-visibility conditions, by using tetrahedral transducer arrays and advanced signal processing to correct for delays and triangulate positions, enhancing safety and coordination during underwater operations.
Implementation Method 1
an array of at least four omni-directional or isotropic ultrasonic transducers, the ultrasonic transducers positioned such that all of the transducers are not contained within a common plane, a transmitter adapted to generate a pseudo-random code element, generate a data element, generate a modulation element, combine the pseudo-random code element, the data element and the modulation element into an analog waveform, and transmit the analog waveform through each of the four ultrasonic transducers
Implementation Method 2
a receiver arranged to receive, with the array of transducers, an analog waveform generated by a transmitter; to determine location information of the transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
An underwater communication system comprises a plurality of network nodes for sending and receiving ultrasonic energy through water. In accordance with one aspect, each of the network nodes includes an array of two ultrasonic transducers positioned so as to define a line segment. Each node also includes a transceiver adapted to generate a code element, generate a data element, generate a modulation element, and combine the code element, the data element and the modulation element into an analog waveform. The system is further adapted to transmit the analog waveform through each of the ultrasonic transducers and receive the analog waveform generated by at least one of the network nodes.