Vector Sensors for Underwater Acoustic Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underwater wireless telemetry and data communication systems face limitations in data rates, particularly for real-time transmission of massive data such as video and telemetry signals over medium and long distances, as they primarily utilize the scalar component of the acoustic field, which is insufficient for high-speed applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of vector sensors and components of the acoustic field, including particle velocity and acceleration, to transmit and receive data, allowing for the modulation of multiple co-located vector components, thereby increasing the number of available channels and improving data transmission rates and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If scalar sensors are used for underwater acoustic communication, then the system is simple and reliable, but the data transmission rate is limited and insufficient for real-time video and telemetry signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using only scalar sensors to using vector sensors that measure both scalar (pressure) and vector (particle velocity) components of the acoustic field. This dimensional expansion of the measurement space enables additional data transmission channels without fundamentally changing the communication paradigm, thereby increasing data transmission rate while maintaining relative system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Vector sensors perform multiple functions by simultaneously measuring both scalar pressure and vector particle velocity components in a single device. This multi-functionality allows the system to extract multiple independent data streams from the acoustic field, effectively increasing the data transmission rate without requiring separate sensor systems for each measurement type
2Productivity
If multiple spatially-separated scalar sensors are used to increase data transmission rate, then the data transmission rate improves, but the array size and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the measurement of multiple acoustic field components (pressure and particle velocity in different directions) into a single vector sensor location. Instead of requiring multiple spatially-separated scalar sensors to achieve high data transmission rates, the system uses a single vector sensor that simultaneously measures all necessary components, thereby reducing array size while maintaining or improving data transmission rate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the vector nature of particle velocity to create additional measurement dimensions at a single location. By measuring particle velocity in multiple directions simultaneously, the system achieves the equivalent information content of multiple spatial sensors without the physical separation required by traditional scalar sensor arrays, thus reducing array size
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 approach enhances data transmission rates and reliability by utilizing unexplored degrees of freedom in the acoustic field, reducing the array size required for data transmission and recovery, and is applicable in various underwater and surface applications.
Implementation Method 1
The invention provides a method, that may include providing a communication system having at least one vector sensor and operating in a medium through which acoustic waves can propagate
Implementation Method 2
A vector component of an acoustic field includes measurements of particle motion including derivatives of the displacement of particles
Implementation Method 3
The spatial derivative of the pressure may be referred to as a pressure gradient or, in some circumstances, the velocity or particle velocity or acoustic particle velocity
Implementation Method 4
transmitting data through the medium using the at least one vector sensor; and receiving the data using at least one scalar sensor or one vector sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4(b)
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention relates to transmitting data using vector sensors and via the vector components of the acoustic field. The data can be received via vector sensors and/or scalar sensors and/or arrays of such sensors.