EP1582455A1 - Apparatus for the observation of underwater objects - Google Patents

Apparatus for the observation of underwater objects Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1582455A1
EP1582455A1 EP05290537A EP05290537A EP1582455A1 EP 1582455 A1 EP1582455 A1 EP 1582455A1 EP 05290537 A EP05290537 A EP 05290537A EP 05290537 A EP05290537 A EP 05290537A EP 1582455 A1 EP1582455 A1 EP 1582455A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
deployable element
deployable
underwater
underwater object
camera
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Application number
EP05290537A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1582455B1 (en
Inventor
Guénael Joseph Marie Guillerme
Jean-Marcel Azzis
Richard Emmanuel Eteki
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ECA SA
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ECA SA
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63GOFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE ARRANGEMENTS ON VESSELS; MINE-LAYING; MINE-SWEEPING; SUBMARINES; AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
    • B63G7/00Mine-sweeping; Vessels characterised thereby
    • B63G7/02Mine-sweeping means, Means for destroying mines
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63CLAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C11/00Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/48Means for searching for underwater objects

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and a system observation of underwater objects.
  • the invention relates more particularly to the observation and destruction of a bottom mine or a mine.
  • Document FR-A-2,750,946 describes a mine killer under the form of a small destructive load carrier. The craft is consumable because destroyed at the time of the destruction of the mine and is without a sensor capable of detecting an underwater object.
  • EP-A-0 691 264 which describes a submarine vehicle piloted from a surface vessel or a aircraft that removably carries a destruction unit consisting of intermediate equipment that is installed on the bottom or at an intermediate depth between the bottom and the object by the underwater vehicle piloted prior to the explosion of the load and which is also made up of a load carrying craft that is put into work from the intermediate equipment that constitutes a point anchor for the movements of the load-bearing machine which are controlled from the surface vessel.
  • the cargo carrier is connected to a control station of this movement and / or firing of the load on board the surface vessel or aircraft by a transmission cable of remote control order that connects the surface vessel to the unit of destruction.
  • the remote control cable is a telecontrol cable which, in addition to remote control commands, transmits information provided by sensors and which can be wound or unwound gradually from a reel carried by a drum, itself carried by the frame of the intermediate equipment of the unit of destruction.
  • the submarine vehicle carrying the destruction unit is piloted from the surface vessel via a second transmission cable, called the steering cable, which can be unwound or wound from a drum arranged on the vessel of area.
  • a second transmission cable called the steering cable
  • the load-bearing machine is connected to the equipment intermediate of the destruction unit by a connecting cable whose length is controlled to control the movements of the machine load carrier in relation to the intermediate equipment.
  • a connecting cable whose length is controlled to control the movements of the machine load carrier in relation to the intermediate equipment.
  • the invention proposes to remedy the disadvantages of systems mentioned above.
  • the invention proposes a device which ensures both a correct identification, and high security.
  • the identification Correct and reliable requires approaching close to the object submarine that can be a mine.
  • the eventual destruction involves the implementation of an explosive charge in the immediate vicinity of the submarine object taking into account that modern mines are better protected against explosions by influence and therefore require, in general, the laying of the explosive charge in direct contact with the mine.
  • Modern mines are also equipped with sensors capable of detecting the underwater vehicle and to provoke the explosion of the mine and the destruction of the submarine vehicle. The safety of the underwater vehicle is all the better ensured that the distance to the submarine object is high.
  • the device for observing underwater objects is of the type comprising a body, means for propulsion, at least one sensor means capable of detecting an underwater object, means for identifying said underwater object, and an element deployable supported by said body and provided with a movable end relative to said body, at least one sensor means being disposed at the movable end of said deployable element, so that said body may remain distant from the submarine object while the said means sensor approaches the submarine object.
  • the moving end can move away from the body of the device that remains at a safe distance this which reduces the risk of body shock on the underwater object.
  • the submarine object is a mine
  • the risk of detection of the device by a sensor of the mine is reduced, hence a significant increase in the probability of device survival and reuse.
  • the device comprises driving means disposed at the movable end of said deployable element.
  • the driving means may comprise a load of releasable destruction.
  • the destruction charge can be arranged to the submarine object and separated from the device which can then move away and operate the remote destruction charge, for example by an acoustic signal.
  • the device includes one or more work tools, for example a clamp cutting element, a cutting element for metal parts, a station for welding, etc.
  • work tools for example a clamp cutting element, a cutting element for metal parts, a station for welding, etc.
  • the device includes a sonar disposed at the movable end of said element deployable.
  • the device includes a camera disposed at the movable end of said element deployable.
  • the output signal from the camera can be transmitted to body of the device in a wired manner.
  • a unit of analysis and automatic identification can be embarked on board the body of the device for performing image analysis and identification automatic submarine object.
  • the device can then transmit the identification of the underwater object to another device, for example a surface ship or an aircraft, in a wired, acoustic way, radio, etc.
  • An operator on board said other device can then make a decision of attack or not of said underwater object.
  • the decision to attack or not is taken so automatic on board said other device equipped with a management unit tactical, or aboard the said destruction device equipped with a tactical management related to the unit of analysis.
  • the signal output of the camera can be transmitted to said other device which performs image analysis and decision making.
  • the camera can be approached the underwater object for safer identification while maintaining a low probability of explosion of the mine.
  • the device includes a control unit for propulsion and the deployable element, said control unit being connected to the camera to achieve visual servoing.
  • the device is thus able to maintain a desired position with respect to said object submarine.
  • the deployable element is telescopic. AT the folded state, the deployable element can be stored along the body, in particular in a concavity of said body, to provide resistance reduced in progress and facilitate the operation of the device.
  • the element deployable is orientable vertically and laterally to audit body. Maneuvering the deployable element in relation to the object submarine is easy and flexible. The body of the device can be maintained against a marine current, hence a good stability, and the deployable element extended laterally towards the underwater object.
  • the element Deployable includes linear and / or angular position sensors to determine the position of the moving end of said deployable element, particularly the position relative to the body of the device or a repository of said body.
  • the invention also relates to an observation method of submarine objects, in which a self-propelled submersible approaches an underwater object at a safe distance and then a deployable element supported by the body of the craft is deployed from way that an end of the unfoldable element movable with respect to said body approaches the submarine object at a distance less than said safety distance, a relocation step being implemented by a sensor means disposed at the movable end of said element deployable, a step of identification of said underwater object being then implemented.
  • a gripping means of images is approached from the submarine object.
  • control of the position of the body and the position of said end of the element deployable is developed on board said craft.
  • control of the position of the body and the position of said end of the element deployable is developed on board another device remote from said machine.
  • said end of the deployable element carries a charge of destruction, then drops said charge of destruction in contact with the submarine object, or immediate vicinity of the submarine object, the craft then moves away from the submarine object and then remotely control the explosion of said load of destruction.
  • a ship from surface 1 implements a submarine vehicle 2 through a connecting cable 3 ensuring the transmission of information between the vessel 1 and the underwater vehicle 2, in particular information from detection, such as visual images or sonar, information position and control information.
  • the underwater vehicle 2 comprises a body 4 lengthened to inside which storage batteries are arranged of electrical energy 5, a propulsion control unit 6 provided with means for determining the position of the underwater vehicle 2 and propulsion engine control means, a sonar 7 disposed at the front of the body 4 and an identification unit 8 of objects submarines.
  • the underwater vehicle 2 further comprises an element deployable 9 disposed in a housing 10 fixed under the body 4.
  • the deployable element 9 can be in the form of a pole telescopic movable by means of actuators, such as cylinders electric, hydraulic or pneumatic.
  • the deployable element 9 is also controlled by the control unit 8.
  • the deployable element 9 is in the stowed position, being fully disposed in the housing 10 to provide a minimal drag.
  • the deployable element 9 is represented in FIG. deployed position where it has a considerably longer length important than in the stowed position.
  • the deployable element 9 can be provided for this purpose with a plurality of sections 9a fitting the one in the others. It is understood, moreover, that the deployable element 9 is provided with a plurality of actuators including at least one actuator length control device, at least one control actuator of deposit and a site control actuator.
  • the deployable element 9 comprises an end 11 located at the opposite of the housing 10 in the extended position illustrated on the FIG. 2 and in the housing 10 in the stowed position illustrated in FIG. figure 1.
  • Propulsion nacelles 12 are fixed on either side of the body 4 and each comprise a motor 13 driving a propeller 14.
  • Four stabilizing fins 15 are also attached to the back of the body 4.
  • thrusters and stabilizers can be used.
  • the submarine vehicle 2 connected to the vessel 1 by the cable 3 can so move in submersion, locate a mine 16 by means of the sonar 7, then maintaining a minimum safe distance of the mine 16, implement the deployable element 9 whose sections telescopic 9a allow elongation so that the end free 11 said deployable element 9 comes in the immediate vicinity of the mine 16.
  • the maximum length of the deployable element 9 can be of the order of 15 meters.
  • the waves emitted by the sonar 7 carry the reference 17.
  • the end 11 of the deployable element 9 comprises a spherical frame 18 having a transparent front end 18a, a camera 19 disposed in the spherical frame 18 and a destruction charge 20 releasable disposed on one side of the spherical housing 18.
  • the element deployable 9 is thus equipped with observation means of the submarine object as well as means of destruction.
  • the camera 19 can be orientable along one or two axes to facilitate visualization underwater objects, such as mine 16, and the control of positioning of the deployable element 9, especially when the end 11 is approached to the mine 16, when taking pictures of the mine 16 by the camera 19, then during the installation of the charge of destruction 20 in contact with the mine 16.
  • the camera 19 is connected to the identification unit 8 by a data transmission cable, no represent.
  • the identification unit 8 performs an analysis of the images received from the camera 19 and performs an identification of the mine 16, for example compared to a database of mine images.
  • the end 11 of the deployable element 9 can be equipped with a sonar, not shown, in particular a sonar identification of underwater objects likely to take an image acoustic, for example a high frequency sonar, also called acoustic camera.
  • the identification unit 8 is connected to the control unit 6 to be able to achieve visual servoing on the submarine object, to maintain said underwater object in the field of the camera 19 by appropriate action means propulsion system 12 of the underwater vehicle 2, actuators of the deployable element 9 and camera orientation actuators 19.
  • the identification unit 8 includes a computing unit, memory means, a communication bus, input / output ports, and a visual servoing software developing instructions sent to the control unit 6 to keep the object underwater in the field of the camera 19.
  • the observation device of underwater objects is launched and brought to a distance of safety of the submarine object, including by remote control, manual or automatic, from a remote system, usually the ship having launched the observation device.
  • the observing device can be guided using a system sonar remote. Where appropriate, the observation device is oriented facing the marine current to maintain stability and maneuverability satisfactory.
  • the deployable element is then deployed partially, then we sweep by rotating the camera around its rotation axes in order to locate the underwater object in the field of the camera.
  • the servocontrol is carried out using a sonar mounted on the body 4 or at the end 11 of the deployable element, or still an ultrasonic sensor or touch.
  • the observation and destruction device of underwater objects is in the form of a surface ship equipped with the same means, namely a deployable pole allowing an image taking and a pose of destruction charge nearby of an underwater object, while the ship remains at a distance said underwater object.
  • the vessel 1 is equipped with an emitter / receiver 21 of acoustic signals.
  • the underwater vehicle 2 is equipped with a transmitter / receiver of acoustic signals 22 arranged in the body 4 and able to communicate acoustic waves with the transmitter / receiver. passing the cable 3 disposed between the ship 1 and the underwater vehicle 2 and allow remote data communication between the ship 1 and the underwater vehicle 2, including identification data or images.
  • an observation device is produced. of underwater objects perfectly suitable for different underwater works, such as the identification and destruction of mines, the inspection pipes or cables, welding, etc., and increased security conditions thanks to the safety distance maintained between the body of the viewing device and the underwater object subject to observation.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Velocity Or Position Using Acoustic Or Ultrasonic Waves (AREA)

Abstract

The device has a deployable unit (9) supported by a body (4) and provided with an end moveable with respect to the body, where the deployable unit is movable vertically and laterally with respect to the body. A camera is disposed at a moveable end of the deployable unit, such that the body is maintained at a distance from a underwater object e.g. sea mine (16), while the camera is closer to the object. An independent claim is also included for a process of observing underwater objects.

Description

La présente invention concerne un procédé et un système d'observation d'objets sous-marins.The present invention relates to a method and a system observation of underwater objects.

L'invention concerne plus particulièrement l'observation et la destruction d'une mine de fond ou d'une mine à orin.The invention relates more particularly to the observation and destruction of a bottom mine or a mine.

Le document FR-A-2 750 946 décrit un tueur de mine sous la forme d'un petit engin porteur de charge destructrice. L'engin est consommable car détruit au moment de la destruction de la mine et est dépourvu de capteur capable de détecter un objet sous-marin.Document FR-A-2,750,946 describes a mine killer under the form of a small destructive load carrier. The craft is consumable because destroyed at the time of the destruction of the mine and is without a sensor capable of detecting an underwater object.

On connaít également le document EP-A-0 691 264 qui décrit un véhicule sous-marin piloté depuis un vaisseau de surface ou un aéronef qui porte de manière amovible une unité de destruction constituée d'un équipement intermédiaire qui est mis en place sur le fond ou à une profondeur intermédiaire entre le fond et l'objet par le véhicule sous-marin piloté préalablement à l'explosion de la charge et qui est aussi constitué d'un engin porteur de la charge qui est mis en oeuvre à partir de l'équipement intermédiaire qui constitue un point d'ancrage pour les déplacements de l'engin porteur de charge qui sont contrôlés depuis le vaisseau de surface.Also known is EP-A-0 691 264 which describes a submarine vehicle piloted from a surface vessel or a aircraft that removably carries a destruction unit consisting of intermediate equipment that is installed on the bottom or at an intermediate depth between the bottom and the object by the underwater vehicle piloted prior to the explosion of the load and which is also made up of a load carrying craft that is put into work from the intermediate equipment that constitutes a point anchor for the movements of the load-bearing machine which are controlled from the surface vessel.

L'engin porteur de charge est relié à un poste de commande de ce déplacement et/ou de mise à feu de la charge située à bord du vaisseau de surface ou de l'aéronef par un câble de transmission d'ordre de télécommande qui relie le vaisseau de surface à l'unité de destruction. Le câble de télécommande est un câble de télécontrôle qui, outre les ordres de télécommande, transmet des informations fournies par des capteurs et qui peut être enroulé ou dévidé progressivement à partir d'une bobine portée par un touret, lui-même porté par le bâti de l'équipement intermédiaire de l'unité de destruction. The cargo carrier is connected to a control station of this movement and / or firing of the load on board the surface vessel or aircraft by a transmission cable of remote control order that connects the surface vessel to the unit of destruction. The remote control cable is a telecontrol cable which, in addition to remote control commands, transmits information provided by sensors and which can be wound or unwound gradually from a reel carried by a drum, itself carried by the frame of the intermediate equipment of the unit of destruction.

Le véhicule sous-marin qui porte l'unité de destruction est piloté à partir du vaisseau de surface par l'intermédiaire d'un deuxième câble de transmission, appelé câble de pilotage, qui peut être dévidé ou enroulé à partir d'un touret agencé sur le vaisseau de surface.The submarine vehicle carrying the destruction unit is piloted from the surface vessel via a second transmission cable, called the steering cable, which can be unwound or wound from a drum arranged on the vessel of area.

Par ailleurs, l'engin porteur de charge est relié à l'équipement intermédiaire de l'unité de destruction par un câble de liaison dont la longueur est commandée pour contrôler les déplacements de l'engin porteur de charge par rapport à l'équipement intermédiaire. Une telle conception est donc relativement complexe à mettre en oeuvre dans la mesure où elle nécessite deux câbles distincts à partir du vaisseau de surface.Furthermore, the load-bearing machine is connected to the equipment intermediate of the destruction unit by a connecting cable whose length is controlled to control the movements of the machine load carrier in relation to the intermediate equipment. Such a design is therefore relatively complex to implement in the as it requires two separate cables from the ship's area.

L'invention propose de remédier aux inconvénients des systèmes évoqués ci-dessus.The invention proposes to remedy the disadvantages of systems mentioned above.

L'invention propose un dispositif qui assure à la fois une identification correcte, et une sécurité élevée. Or, l'identification correcte et fiable nécessite de s'approcher à faible distance de l'objet sous-marin qui peut être une mine. La destruction éventuelle implique la mise en oeuvre d'une charge explosive à proximité immédiate de l'objet sous-marin en tenant compte du fait que les mines modernes sont de mieux en mieux protégées contre les explosions par influence et nécessitent donc, en général, la pose de la charge explosive en contact direct avec la mine. Les mines modernes sont également équipées de capteurs susceptibles de détecter le véhicule sous-marin et de provoquer l'explosion de la mine et la destruction du véhicule sous-marin. La sécurité du véhicule sous-marin est d'autant mieux assurée que la distance avec l'objet sous-marin est élevée.The invention proposes a device which ensures both a correct identification, and high security. However, the identification Correct and reliable requires approaching close to the object submarine that can be a mine. The eventual destruction involves the implementation of an explosive charge in the immediate vicinity of the submarine object taking into account that modern mines are better protected against explosions by influence and therefore require, in general, the laying of the explosive charge in direct contact with the mine. Modern mines are also equipped with sensors capable of detecting the underwater vehicle and to provoke the explosion of the mine and the destruction of the submarine vehicle. The safety of the underwater vehicle is all the better ensured that the distance to the submarine object is high.

Les solutions proposées antérieurement sont en général onéreuses et de mise en oeuvre délicate en raison de la multiplicité des véhicules ou engins mis en oeuvre qui rend leur pilotage difficile, en particulier en eaux troubles ou agitées.The solutions proposed previously are generally expensive and difficult to implement because of the multiplicity of vehicles or machinery used which renders their driving difficult, in particularly in troubled or agitated waters.

Le dispositif d'observation d'objets sous-marins, selon un aspect de l'invention, est du type comprenant un corps, des moyens de propulsion, au moins un moyen capteur apte à détecter un objet sous-marin, un moyen pour identifier ledit objet sous-marin, et un élément déployable supporté par ledit corps et pourvu d'une extrémité mobile par rapport au dit corps, au moins un moyen capteur étant disposé à l'extrémité mobile dudit élément déployable, de façon que ledit corps puisse rester distant de l'objet sous-marin alors que ledit moyen capteur s'approche de l'objet sous-marin. L'extrémité mobile peut ainsi s'éloigner du corps du dispositif qui reste à une distance de sécurité ce qui réduit le risque de choc du corps sur l'objet sous-marin. En particulier dans le cas où l'objet sous-marin est une mine, le risque de détection du dispositif par un capteur de la mine est réduit, d'où un accroissement sensible de la probabilité de survie du dispositif et de réutilisation.The device for observing underwater objects, according to a aspect of the invention, is of the type comprising a body, means for propulsion, at least one sensor means capable of detecting an underwater object, means for identifying said underwater object, and an element deployable supported by said body and provided with a movable end relative to said body, at least one sensor means being disposed at the movable end of said deployable element, so that said body may remain distant from the submarine object while the said means sensor approaches the submarine object. The moving end can move away from the body of the device that remains at a safe distance this which reduces the risk of body shock on the underwater object. In particular in the case where the submarine object is a mine, the risk of detection of the device by a sensor of the mine is reduced, hence a significant increase in the probability of device survival and reuse.

Dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le dispositif comprend un moyen d'attaque disposé à l'extrémité mobile dudit élément déployable. Le moyen d'attaque peut comprendre une charge de destruction largable. La charge de destruction peut être disposée auprès de l'objet sous-marin et séparée du dispositif qui peut alors s'éloigner et actionner la charge de destruction à distance, par exemple par un signal acoustique.In one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises driving means disposed at the movable end of said deployable element. The driving means may comprise a load of releasable destruction. The destruction charge can be arranged to the submarine object and separated from the device which can then move away and operate the remote destruction charge, for example by an acoustic signal.

Dans un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, le dispositif comprend un ou plusieurs outils de travail, par exemple une pince coupante, un élément de découpe de pièces métalliques, un poste de soudure, etc. In another embodiment of the invention, the device includes one or more work tools, for example a clamp cutting element, a cutting element for metal parts, a station for welding, etc.

Dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le dispositif comprend un sonar disposé à l'extrémité mobile dudit élément déployable.In one embodiment of the invention, the device includes a sonar disposed at the movable end of said element deployable.

Dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le dispositif comprend une caméra disposée à l'extrémité mobile dudit élément déployable. Le signal de sortie de la caméra peut être transmis au corps du dispositif de façon filaire. Une unité d'analyse et d'identification automatique peut être embarquée à bord du corps du dispositif pour effectuer une analyse d'images et une identification automatique de l'objet sous-marin. Le dispositif peut alors transmettre l'identification de l'objet sous-marin à un autre dispositif, par exemple un navire de surface ou un aéronef, de façon filaire, acoustique, hertzienne, etc. Un opérateur embarqué à bord dudit autre dispositif peut alors prendre une décision d'attaque ou non dudit objet sous-marin. Alternativement, la décision d'attaque ou non est prise de façon automatique à bord dudit autre dispositif équipé d'une unité de gestion tactique, ou à bord dudit dispositif de destruction équipé d'une unité de gestion tactique reliée à l'unité d'analyse. Alternativement, le signal de sortie de la caméra peut être transmis audit autre dispositif qui réalise l'analyse d'images et la prise de décision. La caméra peut être approchée de l'objet sous-marin pour une identification plus sûre tout en maintenant une faible probabilité d'explosion de la mine.In one embodiment of the invention, the device includes a camera disposed at the movable end of said element deployable. The output signal from the camera can be transmitted to body of the device in a wired manner. A unit of analysis and automatic identification can be embarked on board the body of the device for performing image analysis and identification automatic submarine object. The device can then transmit the identification of the underwater object to another device, for example a surface ship or an aircraft, in a wired, acoustic way, radio, etc. An operator on board said other device can then make a decision of attack or not of said underwater object. Alternatively, the decision to attack or not is taken so automatic on board said other device equipped with a management unit tactical, or aboard the said destruction device equipped with a tactical management related to the unit of analysis. Alternatively, the signal output of the camera can be transmitted to said other device which performs image analysis and decision making. The camera can be approached the underwater object for safer identification while maintaining a low probability of explosion of the mine.

Dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le dispositif comprend une unité de commande des moyens de propulsion et de l'élément déployable, ladite unité de commande étant reliée à la caméra pour réaliser un asservissement visuel. Le dispositif est ainsi apte à se maintenir dans une position voulue par rapport audit objet sous-marin.In one embodiment of the invention, the device includes a control unit for propulsion and the deployable element, said control unit being connected to the camera to achieve visual servoing. The device is thus able to maintain a desired position with respect to said object submarine.

Avantageusement, l'élément déployable est télescopique. À l'état replié, l'élément déployable peut être rangé le long du corps, notamment dans une concavité dudit corps, pour offrir une résistance réduite à l'avancement et faciliter la manoeuvre du dispositif.Advantageously, the deployable element is telescopic. AT the folded state, the deployable element can be stored along the body, in particular in a concavity of said body, to provide resistance reduced in progress and facilitate the operation of the device.

Dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'élément déployable est orientable verticalement et latéralement par rapport audit corps. La manoeuvre de l'élément déployable par rapport à l'objet sous-marin est aisée et souple. Le corps du dispositif peut être maintenu face à un courant marin, d'où une bonne stabilité, et l'élément déployable étendu latéralement vers l'objet sous-marin.In one embodiment of the invention, the element deployable is orientable vertically and laterally to audit body. Maneuvering the deployable element in relation to the object submarine is easy and flexible. The body of the device can be maintained against a marine current, hence a good stability, and the deployable element extended laterally towards the underwater object.

Dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'élément déployable comprend des capteurs de position linéaire et/ou angulaire permettant de déterminer la position de l'extrémité mobile dudit élément déployable, en particulier la position par rapport au corps du dispositif ou à un référentiel dudit corps.In one embodiment of the invention, the element Deployable includes linear and / or angular position sensors to determine the position of the moving end of said deployable element, particularly the position relative to the body of the device or a repository of said body.

L'invention concerne également un procédé d'observation d'objets sous-marins, dans lequel un engin submersible autopropulsé s'approche d'un objet sous-marin à une distance de sécurité, puis un élément déployable supporté par le corps de l'engin est déployé de façon qu'une extrémité de l'élément déployable mobile par rapport au dit corps s'approche de l'objet sous-marin à une distance inférieure à ladite distance de sécurité, une étape de relocalisation étant mise en oeuvre par un moyen capteur disposé à l'extrémité mobile dudit élément déployable, une étape d'identification dudit objet sous-marin étant ensuite mise en oeuvre.The invention also relates to an observation method of submarine objects, in which a self-propelled submersible approaches an underwater object at a safe distance and then a deployable element supported by the body of the craft is deployed from way that an end of the unfoldable element movable with respect to said body approaches the submarine object at a distance less than said safety distance, a relocation step being implemented by a sensor means disposed at the movable end of said element deployable, a step of identification of said underwater object being then implemented.

Dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention, un moyen de prise d'images est approché de l'objet sous-marin.In one embodiment of the invention, a gripping means of images is approached from the submarine object.

Dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention, on détecte la position de ladite extrémité de l'élément déployable par rapport au corps de l'engin. In one embodiment of the invention, the position of said end of the deployable element with respect to body of the craft.

Dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la commande de la position du corps et de la position de ladite extrémité de l'élément déployable est élaborée à bord dudit engin.In one embodiment of the invention, the control of the position of the body and the position of said end of the element deployable is developed on board said craft.

Dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention, la commande de la position du corps et de la position de ladite extrémité de l'élément déployable est élaborée à bord d'un autre dispositif distant dudit engin.In one embodiment of the invention, the control of the position of the body and the position of said end of the element deployable is developed on board another device remote from said machine.

Dans un mode de réalisation de l'invention, ladite extrémité de l'élément déployable porte une charge de destruction, puis largue ladite charge de destruction en contact avec l'objet sous-marin, ou à proximité immédiate de l'objet sous-marin, l'engin s'éloigne ensuite de l'objet sous-marin, puis commande à distance l'explosion de ladite charge de destruction.In one embodiment of the invention, said end of the deployable element carries a charge of destruction, then drops said charge of destruction in contact with the submarine object, or immediate vicinity of the submarine object, the craft then moves away from the submarine object and then remotely control the explosion of said load of destruction.

La présente invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description détaillée de quelques modes de réalisation pris à titre d'exemples nullement limitatifs et illustrés par les dessins annexés, sur lesquels:

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique qui illustre un agencement d'observation d'objets sous-marins, selon un aspect de l'invention;
  • la figure 2 est une vue schématique d'une étape ultérieure de mise en oeuvre de l'agencement illustré à la figure 1;
  • la figure 3 est une variante de la figure 1;
  • la figure 4 est une variante de la figure 2;
  • la figure 5 est une vue de côté d'un véhicule sous-marin;
  • la figure 6 est une vue de dessus du véhicule sous-marin de la figure 5;
  • la figure 7 est une vue de dessus du véhicule sous-marin de la figure 5 en position d'observation;
  • la figure 8 est une vue de côté du véhicule sous-marin de la figure 7; et
  • la figure 9 est une vue de détail de l'extrémité de l'élément déployable.
The present invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description of some embodiments taken as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings, in which:
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an underwater object viewing arrangement according to one aspect of the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a schematic view of a subsequent step of implementing the arrangement shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a variant of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 is a variant of Figure 2;
  • Figure 5 is a side view of a submarine vehicle;
  • Figure 6 is a top view of the underwater vehicle of Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a top view of the underwater vehicle of Figure 5 in the observation position;
  • Figure 8 is a side view of the underwater vehicle of Figure 7; and
  • Figure 9 is a detail view of the end of the deployable element.

Comme on peut le voir sur les figures 1 et 2, un navire de surface 1 met en oeuvre un véhicule sous-marin 2 par l'intermédiaire d'un câble de liaison 3 assurant la transmission d'informations entre le navire 1 et le véhicule sous-marin 2, en particulier d'informations de détection, telles que des images visuelles ou sonar, des informations de position et des informations de commande.As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, a ship from surface 1 implements a submarine vehicle 2 through a connecting cable 3 ensuring the transmission of information between the vessel 1 and the underwater vehicle 2, in particular information from detection, such as visual images or sonar, information position and control information.

Le véhicule sous-marin 2 comprend un corps 4 allongé à l'intérieur duquel se trouvent disposés des batteries de stockage d'énergie électrique 5, une unité de commande de propulsion 6 pourvue de moyens de détermination de la position du véhicule sous-marin 2 et de moyens de commande de moteur de propulsion, un sonar 7 disposé à l'avant du corps 4 et une unité d'identification 8 d'objets sous-marins.The underwater vehicle 2 comprises a body 4 lengthened to inside which storage batteries are arranged of electrical energy 5, a propulsion control unit 6 provided with means for determining the position of the underwater vehicle 2 and propulsion engine control means, a sonar 7 disposed at the front of the body 4 and an identification unit 8 of objects submarines.

Le véhicule sous-marin 2 comprend en outre un élément déployable 9 disposé dans un logement 10 fixé sous le corps 4. L'élément déployable 9 peut se présenter sous la forme d'une perche télescopique déplaçable au moyen d'actionneurs, tels que des vérins électriques, hydrauliques ou pneumatiques. L'élément déployable 9 est également commandé par l'unité de commande 8.The underwater vehicle 2 further comprises an element deployable 9 disposed in a housing 10 fixed under the body 4. The deployable element 9 can be in the form of a pole telescopic movable by means of actuators, such as cylinders electric, hydraulic or pneumatic. The deployable element 9 is also controlled by the control unit 8.

Sur la figure 1, l'élément déployable 9 est en position rangée, en étant entièrement disposé dans le logement 10 pour offrir une traínée minimale.In FIG. 1, the deployable element 9 is in the stowed position, being fully disposed in the housing 10 to provide a minimal drag.

Sur la figure 2, l'élément déployable 9 est représenté en position déployée où il présente une longueur considérablement plus importante que dans la position rangée. L'élément déployable 9 peut être pourvu à cet effet d'une pluralité de sections 9a s'emboítant les unes dans les autres. On comprend, en outre, que l'élément déployable 9 est pourvu d'une pluralité d'actionneurs dont au moins un actionneur de commande de longueur, au moins un actionneur de commande de gisement et un actionneur de commande de site.In FIG. 2, the deployable element 9 is represented in FIG. deployed position where it has a considerably longer length important than in the stowed position. The deployable element 9 can be provided for this purpose with a plurality of sections 9a fitting the one in the others. It is understood, moreover, that the deployable element 9 is provided with a plurality of actuators including at least one actuator length control device, at least one control actuator of deposit and a site control actuator.

L'élément déployable 9 comprend une extrémité 11 située à l'opposé du logement 10 dans la position déployée illustrée sur la figure 2 et dans le logement 10 dans la position rangée illustrée sur la figure 1.The deployable element 9 comprises an end 11 located at the opposite of the housing 10 in the extended position illustrated on the FIG. 2 and in the housing 10 in the stowed position illustrated in FIG. figure 1.

Des nacelles de propulsion 12 sont fixées de part et d'autre du corps 4 et comprennent chacune un moteur 13 entraínant une hélice carénée 14. Quatre ailerons de stabilisation 15 sont également fixés à l'arrière du corps 4. Bien entendu, d'autres dispositions de propulseurs et de stabilisateurs peuvent être utilisées.Propulsion nacelles 12 are fixed on either side of the body 4 and each comprise a motor 13 driving a propeller 14. Four stabilizing fins 15 are also attached to the back of the body 4. Of course, other provisions thrusters and stabilizers can be used.

Le véhicule sous-marin 2 relié au navire 1 par le câble 3 peut ainsi se déplacer en submersion, repérer une mine 16 au moyen du sonar 7, puis se maintenant à une distance minimale dite de sécurité de la mine 16, mettre en oeuvre l'élément déployable 9 dont les sections télescopiques 9a permettent l'allongement de façon que l'extrémité libre 11 dudit élément déployable 9 vienne à proximité immédiate de la mine 16. La longueur maximale de l'élément déployable 9 peut être de l'ordre de 15 mètres. Sur la figure 2, les ondes émises par le sonar 7 portent la référence 17.The submarine vehicle 2 connected to the vessel 1 by the cable 3 can so move in submersion, locate a mine 16 by means of the sonar 7, then maintaining a minimum safe distance of the mine 16, implement the deployable element 9 whose sections telescopic 9a allow elongation so that the end free 11 said deployable element 9 comes in the immediate vicinity of the mine 16. The maximum length of the deployable element 9 can be of the order of 15 meters. In FIG. 2, the waves emitted by the sonar 7 carry the reference 17.

Plus particulièrement, comme illustré sur la figure 9, l'extrémité 11 de l'élément déployable 9 comprend un bâti sphérique 18 pourvu d'une extrémité avant 18a transparente, d'une caméra 19 disposée dans le bâti sphérique 18 et d'une charge de destruction 20 largable disposée sur un côté du bâti sphérique 18. L'élément déployable 9 est ainsi équipé de moyens d'observation de l'objet sous-marin ainsi que de moyens de destruction. La caméra 19 peut être orientable selon un ou deux axes afin de faciliter la visualisation d'objets sous-marins, tels que la mine 16, et la commande du positionnement de l'élément déployable 9, notamment lorsque l'extrémité 11 est approchée de la mine 16, lors de la prise d'images de la mine 16 par la caméra 19, puis lors de la pose de la charge de destruction 20 au contact de la mine 16. La caméra 19 est reliée à l'unité d'identification 8 par un câble de transmission de données, non représenté. L'unité d'identification 8 effectue une analyse des images reçues en provenance de la caméra 19 et effectue une identification de la mine 16, par exemple par comparaison à une base de données d'images de mine.More particularly, as illustrated in FIG. the end 11 of the deployable element 9 comprises a spherical frame 18 having a transparent front end 18a, a camera 19 disposed in the spherical frame 18 and a destruction charge 20 releasable disposed on one side of the spherical housing 18. The element deployable 9 is thus equipped with observation means of the submarine object as well as means of destruction. The camera 19 can be orientable along one or two axes to facilitate visualization underwater objects, such as mine 16, and the control of positioning of the deployable element 9, especially when the end 11 is approached to the mine 16, when taking pictures of the mine 16 by the camera 19, then during the installation of the charge of destruction 20 in contact with the mine 16. The camera 19 is connected to the identification unit 8 by a data transmission cable, no represent. The identification unit 8 performs an analysis of the images received from the camera 19 and performs an identification of the mine 16, for example compared to a database of mine images.

Optionnellement, l'extrémité 11 de l'élément déployable 9 peut être pourvue d'un sonar, non représenté, en particulier d'un sonar d'identification d'objets sous-marins susceptible de prendre une image acoustique, par exemple un sonar haute fréquence, également appelé caméra acoustique. En outre, l'unité d'identification 8 est reliée à l'unité de commande 6 pour pouvoir réaliser un asservissement visuel sur l'objet sous-marin, permettant de maintenir ledit objet sous-marin dans le champ de la caméra 19 par une action appropriée des moyens de propulsion 12 du véhicule sous-marin 2, des actionneurs de l'élément déployable 9 et des actionneurs d'orientation de la caméra 19. L'unité d'identification 8 comprend une unité de calcul, des moyens mémoires, un bus de communication, des ports d'entrée/sortie, et un logiciel d'asservissement visuel élaborant des consignes envoyées à l'unité de commande 6 pour maintenir l'objet sous-marin dans le champ de la caméra 19.Optionally, the end 11 of the deployable element 9 can be equipped with a sonar, not shown, in particular a sonar identification of underwater objects likely to take an image acoustic, for example a high frequency sonar, also called acoustic camera. In addition, the identification unit 8 is connected to the control unit 6 to be able to achieve visual servoing on the submarine object, to maintain said underwater object in the field of the camera 19 by appropriate action means propulsion system 12 of the underwater vehicle 2, actuators of the deployable element 9 and camera orientation actuators 19. The identification unit 8 includes a computing unit, memory means, a communication bus, input / output ports, and a visual servoing software developing instructions sent to the control unit 6 to keep the object underwater in the field of the camera 19.

Après une détection d'un objet sous-marin par d'autres moyens, par exemple un sonar de navire de surface, un sonar traíné par un navire de surface, ou par un hélicoptère, le dispositif d'observation d'objets sous-marins est mis à l'eau et amené à une distance de sécurité de l'objet sous-marin, notamment par télécommande, manuelle ou automatique, à partir d'un système distant, en général le navire ayant procédé à la mise à l'eau du dispositif d'observation. Le dispositif d'observation peut être guidé à l'aide d'un sonar du système distant. Le cas échéant, le dispositif d'observation est orienté face au courant marin afin de conserver une stabilité et une manoeuvrabilité satisfaisantes. L'élément déployable est alors déployé partiellement, puis on effectue un balayage par rotation de la caméra autour de ses axes de rotation afin de repérer l'objet sous-marin dans le champ de la caméra. En cas d'échec, on peut augmenter le déploiement de l'élément déployable ou déplacer l'élément déployable en site et/ou en gisement afin de relocaliser l'objet sous-marin, c'est-à-dire retrouver son emplacement. Une fois l'objet sous-marin repéré dans le champ de la caméra, on effectue un réglage fin de l'orientation et d'un zoom de la caméra. On peut alors passer en mode d'asservissement visuel pour assurer le maintien automatique de l'objet sous-marin dans le champ de la caméra. En variante, l'asservissement est réalisé à l'aide d'un sonar monté sur le corps 4 ou à l'extrémité 11 de l'élément déployable, ou encore d'un capteur à ultrasons ou tactile.After detection of an underwater object by other means, for example a surface ship sonar, a sonar trailed by a surface ship, or by helicopter, the observation device of underwater objects is launched and brought to a distance of safety of the submarine object, including by remote control, manual or automatic, from a remote system, usually the ship having launched the observation device. The observing device can be guided using a system sonar remote. Where appropriate, the observation device is oriented facing the marine current to maintain stability and maneuverability satisfactory. The deployable element is then deployed partially, then we sweep by rotating the camera around its rotation axes in order to locate the underwater object in the field of the camera. In case of failure, we can increase the deployment of the element deployable or move the deployable element to a site and / or deposit in order to relocate the submarine object, ie to find its location. Once the underwater object is located in the field of the camera, a fine adjustment of the orientation and a zoom of the camera. We can then switch to visual servoing mode for ensure the automatic maintenance of the submarine object in the field of the camera. In a variant, the servocontrol is carried out using a sonar mounted on the body 4 or at the end 11 of the deployable element, or still an ultrasonic sensor or touch.

En variante, le dispositif d'observation et de destruction d'objets sous-marins se présente sous la forme d'un navire de surface équipé des mêmes moyens, à savoir une perche déployable permettant une prise d'images et une pose de charge de destruction à proximité immédiate d'un objet sous-marin, tandis que le navire reste à distance dudit objet sous-marin.In a variant, the observation and destruction device of underwater objects is in the form of a surface ship equipped with the same means, namely a deployable pole allowing an image taking and a pose of destruction charge nearby of an underwater object, while the ship remains at a distance said underwater object.

Dans le mode de réalisation illustré sur les figures 3 et 4, le navire 1 est équipé d'un émetteur/récepteur 21 de signaux acoustiques. Le véhicule sous-marin 2 est équipé d'un émetteur/récepteur de signaux acoustiques 22 disposé dans le corps 4 et apte à communiquer par ondes acoustiques avec l'émetteur/récepteur 21. On peut ainsi se passer du câble 3 disposé entre le navire 1 et le véhicule sous-marin 2 et permettre une communication de données à distance entre le navire 1 et le véhicule sous-marin 2, notamment de données d'identification ou d'images.In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the vessel 1 is equipped with an emitter / receiver 21 of acoustic signals. The underwater vehicle 2 is equipped with a transmitter / receiver of acoustic signals 22 arranged in the body 4 and able to communicate acoustic waves with the transmitter / receiver. passing the cable 3 disposed between the ship 1 and the underwater vehicle 2 and allow remote data communication between the ship 1 and the underwater vehicle 2, including identification data or images.

Grâce à l'invention, on réalise un dispositif d'observation d'objets sous-marins parfaitement apte à différents travaux sous-marins, tels que l'identification et la destruction de mines, l'inspection de conduites ou de câbles, des travaux de soudure, etc., et ce dans des conditions de sécurité accrues grâce à la distance de sécurité maintenue entre le corps du dispositif d'observation et l'objet sous-marin soumis à l'observation.Thanks to the invention, an observation device is produced. of underwater objects perfectly suitable for different underwater works, such as the identification and destruction of mines, the inspection pipes or cables, welding, etc., and increased security conditions thanks to the safety distance maintained between the body of the viewing device and the underwater object subject to observation.

Claims (15)

Dispositif d'observation (2) d'objets sous-marins du type comprenant un corps (4), des moyens de propulsion (12), au moins un moyen capteur apte à détecter un objet sous-marin, et un moyen pour identifier (8) ledit objet sous-marin, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comprend un élément déployable (9) supporté par ledit corps (4) et pourvu d'une extrémité (11) mobile par rapport au dit corps (4), au moins un moyen capteur étant disposé à l'extrémité mobile (11) dudit élément déployable (9), de façon que ledit corps (4) reste distant de l'objet sous-marin (16) alors que ledit moyen capteur s'approche de l'objet sous-marin (16).An observation device (2) for underwater objects of the type comprising a body (4), propulsion means (12), at least one sensor means capable of detecting an underwater object, and means for identifying ( 8) said underwater object, characterized in that it comprises a deployable element (9) supported by said body (4) and provided with an end (11) movable relative to said body (4), at least a sensor means being disposed at the movable end (11) of said deployable element (9), so that said body (4) remains remote from the underwater object (16) while said sensor means approaches the underwater object (16). Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comprend un moyen d'attaque disposé à l'extrémité mobile dudit élément déployable.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an attacking means disposed at the mobile end of said deployable element. Dispositif selon la revendication 2, caractérisé par le fait que le moyen d'attaque comprend une charge de destruction largable (20).Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the driving means comprises a dropable destruction charge (20). Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comprend un sonar disposé à l'extrémité mobile dudit élément déployable.Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sonar disposed at the mobile end of said deployable element. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comprend une caméra (19) disposée à l'extrémité mobile dudit élément déployable.Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a camera (19) disposed at the mobile end of said deployable element. Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comprend une unité de commande (6) des moyens de propulsion et de l'élément déployable, ladite unité de commande (6) étant reliée à la caméra (19) pour réaliser un asservissement visuel.Device according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a control unit (6) of the propulsion means and the deployable element, said control unit (6) being connected to the camera (19) to produce a visual servoing. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que l'élément déployable (9) est télescopique. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deployable element (9) is telescopic. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que l'élément déployable (9) est orientable verticalement et latéralement par rapport audit corps (4).Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deployable element (9) is vertically and laterally orientable relative to said body (4). Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait que l'élément déployable (9) comprend des capteurs de position linéaire et/ou angulaire permettant de déterminer la position de l'extrémité mobile dudit élément déployable (9).Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deployable element (9) comprises linear and / or angular position sensors for determining the position of the moving end of said deployable element (9). Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé par le fait qu'il comprend une unité d'identification automatique d'objets sous-marins.Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an automatic identification unit for underwater objects. Procédé d'observation d'objets sous-marins, dans lequel un engin submersible autopropulsé s'approche d'un objet sous-marin à une distance de sécurité, puis un élément déployable supporté par le corps de l'engin est déployé de façon qu'une extrémité de l'élément déployable mobile par rapport au dit corps s'approche de l'objet sous-marin à une distance inférieure à ladite distance de sécurité, une étape de relocalisation étant mise en oeuvre par moyen capteur disposé à l'extrémité mobile dudit élément déployable, une étape d'identification dudit objet sous-marin étant ensuite mise en oeuvre.A method of observing underwater objects, in which a self-propelled submersible craft approaches an underwater object at a safety distance and then a deployable element supported by the body of the craft is deployed so that one end of the element deployable mobile relative to said body approaches the submarine object at a distance less than said safety distance, a step of relocation being implemented by means of a sensor arranged the mobile end of said deployable element, an identification step said underwater object being then implemented. Procédé selon la revendication 11, dans lequel un moyen de prise d'images est approché de l'objet sous-marin.The method of claim 11, wherein a means of taking pictures is approached from the underwater object. Procédé selon la revendication 11 ou 12, dans lequel on détecte la position de ladite extrémité de l'élément déployable par rapport au corps de l'engin.Process according to claim 11 or 12, wherein detects the position of said end of the deployable element by relation to the body of the machine. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 à 13, dans lequel la commande de la position du corps et de la position de ladite extrémité de l'élément déployable est élaborée à bord dudit engin. Process according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the control of the body position and the position of said end of the deployable element is developed on board said machine. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 à 13, dans lequel la commande de la position du corps et de la position de ladite extrémité de l'élément déployable est élaborée à bord d'un autre dispositif distant dudit engin.Process according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the control of the body position and the position of said end of the deployable element is developed on board another remote device of said machine.
EP20050290537 2004-03-29 2005-03-10 Apparatus for the observation of underwater objects Revoked EP1582455B1 (en)

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FR0403237A FR2868038B1 (en) 2004-03-29 2004-03-29 DEVICE FOR OBSERVING SUBMARINE OBJECTS
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DE602005001219D1 (en) 2007-07-12
FR2868038B1 (en) 2006-06-02
FR2868038A1 (en) 2005-09-30
DE602005001219T2 (en) 2008-01-31

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