Underwater Base for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine seismic survey methods using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) face challenges in deploying and recovering seismic sensors efficiently and inexpensively, particularly in accurately positioning AUVs on the ocean bottom for effective data collection.
Innovation Solution
A marine seismic survey system that includes an underwater base with a storing part for AUVs, a control part to guide them to desired positions, and a heave compensated crane for continuous connection, allowing AUVs equipped with seismic sensors to record seismic data and resurface for recharge and data transfer, while preventing burial into the ocean bottom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional streamers are used for seismic data acquisition, then seismic data can be collected, but the cost becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable or reusable ocean bottom stations (OBS) that can be deployed and recovered multiple times, replacing expensive traditional streamers. The OBS units are relatively inexpensive compared to streamer systems while providing equivalent or superior seismic data collection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) that can independently navigate to deployment positions, deploy OBS units, and return to recovery positions without continuous human intervention, reducing operational costs and improving efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If ocean bottom stations are used to improve coupling, then seismic data quality improves, but positioning seismic sensors becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces AUVs as intermediary vehicles that carry GPS receivers and communication equipment, serving as mediators between the surface (where GPS signals are available) and the ocean bottom (where OBS units are deployed). The AUVs provide positioning references and guidance to help accurately position the OBS units on the ocean bottom.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses acoustic communication between AUVs and OBS units, along with GPS tracking of AUV positions, to provide feedback on deployment accuracy. This allows real-time monitoring and adjustment of OBS positioning to ensure precise placement for optimal seismic data quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If AUVs are deployed autonomously without continuous connection, then operational flexibility increases, but control and recovery efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the AUV can operate autonomously during deployment and recovery phases (connected to the vessel via crane), and independently during OBS deployment and data collection phases. The system transitions between autonomous and controlled modes optimally, maintaining both flexibility and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The AUV maintains continuous operation by returning to the vessel for battery recharging and data transfer, then immediately deploying again. This continuous cycle of deployment, data collection, recovery, and recharging maximizes productivity while maintaining operational flexibility through autonomous navigation between missions.
Data Source
AI summary
An underwater base handles an autonomous underwater vehicle. The underwater base includes a storing part configured to store the AUV; a control part configured to control the storing part; and a support part configured to support the control part and the storing part and to prevent a burial of the underwater base into the ocean bottom. The control part is further configured to guide the AUV while approaching a desired target position on the ocean bottom.