Underwater Camera Unit With Single-Cable OFDM Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater camera systems require separate cables for transmitting video signals, power, and control/monitoring signals, which increases complexity and cost, and are limited by cable length, especially for high-definition video.
Innovation Solution
Multiplexing image data with control and monitoring signals over a single underwater cable, using orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), allowing power supply through the same cable, reducing the need for separate conductors and enabling connection of multiple camera units to a single surface controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate cables are used for video signals, power, and control signals, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (power delivery, video signal transmission, control signal communication, and illumination) into a single cable system. The cable includes power conductors, signal conductors, and integrated lighting elements, eliminating the need for separate cables for each function while maintaining reliable transmission through proper shielding and twisting of signal pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The single cable system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it delivers power to the camera and lighting, transmits video signals bidirectionally, carries control and monitoring signals, and provides structural support. This multi-functional design reduces installation complexity while maintaining system reliability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If separate cables are used for video signals and power supply, then signal interference is reduced, but installation cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates power conductors and signal conductors into a single cable assembly with proper physical separation and shielding. The signal conductors are twisted pairs shielded from power conductors, reducing electromagnetic interference while maintaining cost-effective single-cable installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable structure acts as an intermediary that physically separates and shields different signal types while keeping them in a single assembly. Shielding layers and twisting patterns serve as intermediaries to prevent interference between power and signal conductors.
3Length of stationary object
If fibre-optic transmission is used for video signals, then cable length limitation is extended, but system complexity increases due to optical signal management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex fibre-optic systems with electrical signal transmission over copper conductors. By using balanced differential signals on twisted pairs with proper shielding, the system achieves sufficient transmission distance without requiring optical converters, signal regeneration, or complex fibre management infrastructure.
4Reliability
If multiple separate cables are used for camera and lighting, then power delivery reliability is improved, but the need for separate conductors increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery for both camera and lighting into a single cable system with multiple power conductors. The cable includes dedicated power conductors that can deliver high current to lighting elements while maintaining reliable power delivery through proper gauge selection and connection design.
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
Simplifies connections, reduces costs, and extends cable length limitations, enabling reliable high-definition video transmission and remote control of multiple underwater cameras with integrated sensors and lighting.
Implementation Method 1
The modem is operable to multiplex image data from the image processor with control and/or monitoring signals from the command processor and transmit the multiplexed image data and control and/or monitoring signals from the underwater camera unit
Data Source
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AI summary
An underwater camera unit and a surface controller for controlling the underwater camera unit via an underwater cable. The camera unit includes a pressure housing containing a modem., a command processor coupled to the modem to receive control signals from the modem, an image processor coupled to the modem, to provide image data to the modem, and a camera sensor coupled to the image processor. The camera unit also includes a connector for connecting the underwater camera unit to the underwater cable. The modem is coupled to the connector. The modem is operable to multiplex image data from the image processor with control and/or monitoring signals from the command processor and transmit the multiplexed image data and control and/or monitoring signals from the underwater camera unit via the connector. The modem is also operable to receive control and/or monitoring signals via the connector and pass them to the command processor.