Communication with unmanned underwater vehicles
US11273891B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 4, 2019 |
| Grant date | Mar 15, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63G2008/005
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A task such as inspection is performed at a subsea location by positioning a functional unit such as an unmanned underwater vehicle to perform the task. When positioned to perform the task, the unit is then in a shadow region where wireless control signals from a subsea control transmitter are obscured by a subsea obstacle. Consequently, control signals are transmitted wirelessly through water from the control transmitter to an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) positioned outside the shadow region and are relayed from the AUV to the unit to control the unit to perform the task. The unit can be tethered to the AUV or can communicate with the AUV wirelessly. The AUV can move itself to improve wireless communication with the subsea control transmitter and optionally also with the unit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.