USV Relay Coordination for Multi-AUV Underwater Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional underwater mapping systems are inefficient due to high costs and limited area coverage, requiring a large host surface vessel and a single autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to operate in tandem, which restricts the scanning area and increases operational expenses.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with a single host platform communicating wirelessly with multiple unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) that act as intermediate nodes, allowing multiple AUVs to operate simultaneously, thereby increasing the scanning area coverage by using different communication protocols between the host platform, USVs, and AUVs, including RF, microwave, and acoustic signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single host surface vessel is paired with a single AUV for underwater mapping, then the system can maintain reliable communication and control, but the area coverage per unit time is limited and operational costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the mapping operation by deploying multiple AUVs simultaneously, each covering a distinct area. The host vessel is divided into multiple workgroups, with each group managing one or more AUVs. This segmentation enables parallel operations across multiple areas, significantly increasing area coverage per unit time while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces workgroups as intermediary entities between the host vessel and multiple AUVs. Each workgroup acts as a mediator that manages communication and coordination for its assigned AUVs, allowing the host vessel to control multiple vehicles without direct one-to-one management. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by enabling scalable system complexity while maintaining reliable control.
2Productivity
If multiple AUVs operate simultaneously from a single host platform, then area coverage increases, but communication coordination between vehicles becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the fleet management into discrete workgroups, each responsible for coordinating specific AUVs. This segmentation of communication responsibilities ensures that each workgroup manages a manageable subset of vehicles, maintaining ease of operation even as the total number of AUVs increases. The modular workgroup structure prevents communication overload at the host vessel level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements acoustic positioning systems and standardized communication protocols that create equipotential communication conditions across all workgroups and AUVs. By establishing uniform communication capabilities and coordination mechanisms throughout the system, multiple AUVs can operate simultaneously without creating communication bottlenecks or coordination difficulties.
3Reliability
If the host surface vessel travels with the AUV to maintain communication, then reliable acoustic communication is maintained, but operational costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the communication management by assigning specific AUVs to specific workgroups, allowing the host vessel to remain relatively stationary while workgroups manage local communication with their assigned vehicles. This segmentation enables reliable acoustic communication without requiring the entire host vessel to continuously track and travel with each individual AUV, thereby reducing time loss and operational costs.
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 configuration significantly enhances area coverage per unit time, reduces operational costs, and allows for more efficient use of high-cost resources by enabling multiple AUVs to scan a larger area simultaneously while minimizing the host vessel's movement and personnel requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the host platform communicates wirelessly with multiple unmanned surface vehicles (USVs)
Implementation Method 2
including RF, microwave, and acoustic signals
Implementation Method 3
the SVs and the AUVs communicate via a second communications protocol, distinct from the first communications protocol... including RF, microwave, and acoustic signals
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are operated by a host platform by configuring the AUVs with intermediate nodes (such as unmanned surface vehicles (USVs)) so as to allow the host platform to manage multiple AUVs. The intermediate nodes act as a relay for communications between the host platform and the AUVs allowing the host platform to scale to higher numbers of vehicles thus simultaneously operating the entire fleet of AUVs. The AUVs may provide underwater mapping data. The host platform may be stationary. The host platform may communicate with the intermediate nodes by satellite.