Underwater Tracking System Using Ultrasonic Ping Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning systems, such as GPS, are ineffective underwater due to signal propagation issues, making it difficult to determine the location of scuba divers in emergency situations or for navigation purposes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing ultrasonic ping signals transmitted between a floating unit on the water surface and an underwater device, where the time difference between sequential ultrasonic ping signals is used to provide location information and other data, enabling accurate underwater positioning through triangulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS signals are used for positioning, then accurate location determination on Earth's surface is achieved, but the system becomes ineffective underwater due to signal propagation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ultrasonic waves as an intermediary medium for positioning underwater. Since GPS electromagnetic signals cannot propagate effectively through water, the system uses ultrasonic waves (which can propagate through water) as a mediator to establish positioning. The surface unit transmits ultrasonic ping signals that travel through water to the underwater device, enabling position determination without relying on GPS signals that fail underwater.
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic ping signals are transmitted between surface and underwater units, then accurate underwater positioning is achieved, but the system complexity increases compared to simple GPS reception
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into distinct functional components: a surface unit (floating on water) and an underwater device. The surface unit handles ultrasonic signal transmission and position calculation, while the underwater device handles signal reception and transmission of depth information. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and simplifies the overall system architecture by distributing complexity across separate units rather than requiring all functions in a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses ultrasonic waves as an intermediary to transfer positioning information between the surface unit and underwater device. The surface unit transmits ultrasonic ping signals that serve as timing references, and the underwater device uses these signals along with depth measurements to determine its position. This intermediary approach enables accurate positioning without requiring complex direct communication protocols between the units.
3Loss of information
If sequential ultrasonic ping signals are used to transmit location information, then real-time positioning feedback is provided, but the time required for multiple signal exchanges increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surface unit transmits ultrasonic ping signals at predetermined time intervals before position information is actually needed. These preliminary signals establish timing references and allow the underwater device to begin its position calculation process earlier. By preparing and transmitting signals in advance rather than waiting for position requests, the system reduces the overall time required to provide positioning feedback while ensuring complete position information is transmitted.
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
This solution allows for real-time, accurate determination of the position of multiple divers underwater, enhancing safety and efficiency by providing precise x, y, and z coordinates, and can be used in various diving scenarios, including recreational and professional diving operations.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a first ultrasonic ping signal from a first floating unit; receiving the first ultrasonic ping signal in an underwater device
Implementation Method 2
Sonar refers to a technique using sound propagation to navigate, communicate with or detect objects on or under the surface of water
Implementation Method 3
determining a time difference between a time of transmission of the first ultrasonic ping signal from the first floating unit and a time of reception of the second ultrasonic ping signal in the first floating unit; based on the time difference, providing location information
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises transmitting (901) a first ultrasonic ping signal from a first floating unit (M1). The first ultrasonic ping signal is received in an underwater device (D1, D2, D3). After a predetermined delay from the reception of the first ultrasonic ping signal, the underwater device transmits (905) a second ultrasonic ping signal from the underwater device. The second ultrasonic ping signal is received in the first floating unit. The first floating unit determines a time difference between a time of transmission of the first ultrasonic ping signal from the first floating unit and a time of reception of the second ultrasonic ping signal, and based on the time difference, provides location information and/or other information to the underwater device by transmitting (910) to the underwater device sequential underwater ultrasonic ping signals such that time differences between the sequential underwater ultrasonic ping signals indicate the provided information.