RU114170U1 - HYDROACOUSTIC COMPLEX OF MONITORING AND LIGHTING OF UNDERWATER SITUATIONS - Google Patents

Abstract

 1. A hydro-acoustic monitoring and lighting complex for the underwater environment, comprising an on-board module, including a central computer system (CVS), a processing, data recording and control system and satellite navigation system equipment connected by system buses, an outboard module including acoustic antennas and pre-processing equipment, and also containing a generator device (GU) and a power supply system, characterized in that the outboard module includes a receiving acoustic antenna, consisting one of the antenna modules made of multi-element and multi-channel, with each of the antenna modules being able to independently control the directivity characteristics, and the general opening of the receiving antenna can be mounted in the form of a flat or convex surface, while each of the elements of the antenna module contains a series-connected electroacoustic receiver and the pre-processing unit, structurally combined and connected through a system bus to the DAC, also contains a radiating multi-element an internal acoustic antenna consisting of broadband acoustic transducers and connected to the GU made by multichannel, connected to the DAC and located in the on-board module, moreover, the equipment for receiving / transmitting information from the INMARSAT satellite system, connected via Manchester to the DAC, and automated technical diagnostic system implemented on the hardware and software of the complex. ! 2. The complex according to claim 1, characterized in that the radiating multi-element acoustic �

Description

The utility model relates to multifunctional lighting systems for underwater environments, including monitoring of various physical processes in the aquatic environment.

Multifunctional complexes that solve a number of problems related to a common objective function are currently ubiquitous. The largest number of known complexes created on the basis of radio electronics, computer technology, computer science, communications. The complexes are used in the military-technical sphere and civilian areas close to it in scientific and technical equipment [1-5]. Fundamentally, complexes are information systems that have their own sensors of controlled physical fields, equipment for generating and processing signals, and equipment for transmitting processed signals to other systems (if necessary). Complexes may be able to exchange information with sensors that are not related to the complex. The general structure of information systems monitoring the aquatic environment is described in the article [1]. The specificity of information systems focused on obtaining information from the aquatic environment is that information characteristics are obtained in the process of processing and recording acoustic signals.

Known methods and devices that solve various problems of lighting the underwater environment and monitoring the underwater situation. So, utility models [3, 6] are intended mainly for bottom studies in the shelf zone; the system described in the patent [4], consists of a set of hydrophones located along the contour of the water area, intended for information about unauthorized entry of an underwater object into a protected area; the system presented in [7] is a bottom station transmitting information from acoustic signal sensors via a radio channel.

The closest in technical and functional characteristics to the proposed utility model is a marine geoacoustic complex, a description of which is given in [3]. This device is taken as a prototype.

The prototype device is intended for the examination of the shelf zone and consists of outboard and airborne modules connected by a cable. The outboard module is located in a towed body and contains acoustic antennas, pre-processing equipment (APO), a generator (GU), analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, interfaces for transmitting (or receiving) information from the on-board module, as well as local power supply devices. The on-board module contains the main signal processing and generation equipment based on computer technology (central computer system - central computer), information display, control, documentation devices, satellite navigation system equipment, and an on-board power supply device.

The prototype device [5] has several disadvantages that are associated with the following main factors:

- since the device is designed to study the shelf zone, the overview of space is limited to a relatively narrow sector; inside the review sector, it is not possible to control the beam of the radiation pattern (MD) to localize the object of observation; as a result, objects outside the field of view are not detected;

- prototype device systems (echo sounder, side-scan sonar, etc.) are designed as narrow-band for their purpose, which makes it impossible to emit and process broadband signals that have advantages over narrow-band signals;

- due to the need to place a limited size in a towed body, the equipment is high-frequency and low-power, which makes it possible to observe underwater objects located at small distances;

- there is no equipment for transmitting data to external objects.

An analysis of the requirements for monitoring and observation systems for underwater conditions [1] in the areas of stationary and mobile offshore drilling platforms, power plants, including nuclear ones, while guarding special-purpose facilities shows that the system should provide a circular view, detect and track underwater objects at considerable distances, quickly exchange information with third-party facilities and with management systems, including at the state level.

The prototype device, which is largely highly specialized, does not provide these general requirements.

The objective of the presented utility model is to expand the functional characteristics when monitoring and observing the underwater environment.

The main technical results of using the proposed device are:

- providing a circular view of the space;

- ensuring work with broadband signals in active and passive modes;

- Providing communication and information exchange with third-party systems, as well as communication with divers, underwater vehicles.

To achieve the claimed technical result in a complex containing airborne and outboard modules, the airborne module includes a central computing system (CVS), a data processing and control system (SORDiU) and satellite navigation system (ANS) equipment connected by system buses, an outboard module , including acoustic antennas and pre-processing equipment, as well as containing a generator device (GU) and a power supply system, new features are introduced, namely:

- acoustic antennas of the outboard module include a receiving acoustic antenna (AP) and a radiating multi-element acoustic antenna (AI);

- the receiving acoustic antenna consists of antenna modules made of multi-element and multi-channel, each of which is made with the possibility of independent control of radiation patterns, and the general opening of the receiving acoustic antenna can be mounted in the form of a flat or convex surface; each of the elements of the antenna module includes a series-connected electro-acoustic receiver and a pre-processing unit, structurally combined and connected through a system bus to the DAC;

- a radiating multi-element acoustic antenna consists of broadband acoustic emitters;

- The control unit is located in the on-board module, is multi-channel, and is connected to the DAC;

The following are additionally introduced into the onboard module:

- equipment for receiving / transmitting information from the INMARSAT satellite system. Manchester connected to a central heating station;

- An automated system of technical diagnostics implemented on the hardware and software of the complex.

In addition, to increase the overview of the space in the radiation mode, the radiating multi-element acoustic antenna can be made in the form of radiating antenna modules.

For the exchange of information via a sonar channel with divers performing underwater technical and research work, with underwater vehicles and other information systems, a sonar communication and telemetry system can be introduced, connected via a system bus to a digital computer and consisting of a receiving-emitting antenna (AS), located in the aquatic environment, a receive / transmit switch (PPC) and a receiving-emitting tract located in the on-board module of the complex.

New features introduced into the device make it possible to carry out the following functions

- realize circular observation (360 °) in the reception mode by performing the receiving acoustic antenna of the AP in the form of modules, each of which can control a given sector of space;

- carry out simultaneous control of several objects located in different sectors of space due to the independent formation and control of the radiation pattern (MD) of each AP module; due to the formation of a static DN fan, each AP antenna module increases the localization speed of the detected object;

- use broadband signals in the reception and emission modes, each of the antenna modules of the AP and AI can independently operate in different frequency ranges, and the AI modules, in addition, generate sounding signals of various shapes, optimal for a particular jamming signal situation;

- exchange information with third-party systems using the INMARSAT marine terminal (an international network providing the exchange of voice and telemetry information using a specialized satellite system);

- separation of acoustic antennas into the receiving (AP) and radiating (AP) allows optimizing their characteristics (see, for example, [8]), because highly sensitive acoustic receivers fundamentally differ structurally from powerful broadband acoustic emitters;

- the constructive connection of the receiver and the APO unit increases the noise immunity, shortens the signal transmission line from the receiver to the APO, increases reliability, maintainability and maintenance;

- the introduction of an automated system of technical diagnostics (ASTD), covering all elements of the complex, makes it possible to control their proper operation, to locate malfunctions and to eliminate them in a timely manner.

In the case of a radiating AI antenna in the form of multi-channel modules, the claimed complex allows you to probe the space in a given (arbitrary) direction.

The proposed complex, when supplemented with a sonar communication system and telemetry, allows communication, reception / transmission of telemetry information (including control signals) via the sonar channel when working with divers, underwater vehicles and other objects, in particular physical field sensors (for example, sensors of temperature, salinity, background radiation, etc.).

The invention is illustrated in figure 1, which presents a block diagram of the claimed utility model.

The complex consists of outboard module 1 and on-board module 2.

The outboard module 1 consists of a receiving acoustic antenna (AP) 3 and a radiating multi-element acoustic antenna (AI) 4.

The receiving acoustic antenna 3 is made in the form of separate antenna modules 5, each of which consists of elements (channels) 6, including electro-acoustic receivers 7 and equipment 8 pre-processing (APO).

The radiating multi-element acoustic antenna 4 is also made of separate radiating antenna modules 9, each of which consists of electro-acoustic emitters 10.

The on-board module 2 includes a central computing system (CVS) 11, a system 12 for processing, recording, documenting and controlling (SORDiU), a multi-channel generator device (GU) 13, equipment 14 of a satellite navigation system (ANS) and equipment 15 for receiving / transmitting information from a satellite system INMARSAT. The devices included in the on-board module are connected by system buses 16.

An automated system for technical diagnostics (ASTD) is performed on the hardware and software of the claimed complex, indicated in figure 1. Information control and ASTD management are carried out from SORDiU.

ASTD and the power supply system located in the on-board module, not shown in figure 1.

System 17 sonar communication and telemetry consists of a receiving-emitting antenna (AC) 18, which is located in the aquatic environment, and located in the on-board module of the receiving-emitting tract 19 and the switch 20 reception / transmission (CAT).

Consider the work of the claimed complex, which can be carried out in modes of receiving acoustic signals, radiation and receiving echo signals, communication mode and exchange of telemetric information.

When receiving acoustic signals from an object located in any sector of space, this signal is fixed by one of the DD of the static fan formed by the antenna module. After preliminary processing in the APO 8 (amplification, filtering in a wide band) via the system bus 16, the signal enters the DAC 11 (analog-to-digital conversion is carried out in the terminal stages of the APO 8 units). where it is analyzed, signs are determined (direction of arrival, frequency range, classification signs, etc.), then the information array is transferred to SORDiU 12, where the decision is made to visualize the signal in the specified form on the monitor (time diagram, alphanumeric information, schedule, etc.).

At the command of SORDiU 12, information is transmitted through the INMARSAT 15 equipment to external systems. Information coming from the INMARSAT equipment is reflected on the SORDiU monitor. The data on the location of the carrier of the complex, coming through the equipment of the satellite navigation system (ANS) 14, are visualized in a separate window on the SORDiU monitor.

The emission of acoustic signals is carried out using an AI 4 antenna. Based on the control signal of their SORDiU 12, a sounding signal of a given spectral composition and duration is synthesized in the DAC 11. This signal is transmitted to the multi-channel generator device 13 and further to the emitters 10 of the antenna AI 4. The echo signal from the object is received by the receiving antenna AP.

System 17 sonar communication and telemetry can operate in voice communication mode, which is carried out when working with divers and with controlled underwater vehicles, as well as in the mode of exchange of information with uncontrolled information systems (uncontrolled underwater vehicles, sensors of the physical characteristics of the marine environment, etc.).

When transmitting a speech signal through a hydroacoustic channel, the operator of the complex speaks the text into the microphone, which is transmitted through the receiving-emitting path 19 (where it is amplified, modulated, encoded if necessary), the CPT 20, and the AC antenna 18 to the selected subscriber. The reception of the speech signal is carried out using the antenna AC 18, PPC 20, the receiving-emitting path 19 (when receiving, the processes opposite to radiation are performed, i.e., the signal is amplified, filtered, demodulated and, if necessary, decoded). Next, the speech signal enters the headphone (telephone) of the operator. Depending on the configuration, the microphone and headphones may be part of the path 19 or SORDiU 12 (not shown in figure 1).

If it is necessary to send a signal in telemetry mode (control, monitoring, emergency, etc.), the operator controls SORDiU 12 calls the operating mode with the selected subscriber, enters the necessary source data (power, frequency, etc.) or calls them from the data bank; then these data fall into the DAC 11, are converted and transmitted as an array using the path 19, through the checkpoint 20 and the antenna 18 into the aquatic environment. The telemetry signal is received using the antenna AC 18, PPC 20, path 19, after which the signal enters the DAC 11, where it is processed and transmitted to SORDiU 12. Further, depending on the processing program used, the signal can be presented to the operator in the form of alphanumeric or other information, registered (for example, printed out on a printer), stored in the conservation device, transmitted using INMARSAT equipment 15 to external consumers of information. Peripheral documentation and conservation devices are not shown in FIG. 1.

Monitoring and diagnostics of systems, devices and blocks of the claimed complex is carried out by the ASTD in automatic mode using the hardware and software of the complex, as well as by the command of the operator of the complex, which launches the appropriate programs from the SORDiU 12 control panel. The results of the checks and other information related to the operation of the ASTD, It is issued on the SORDiU monitor in alphanumeric or graphic format.

Thus, the claimed technical effect is achieved, consisting in a significant expansion of the functional characteristics of the system.

The utility model can be used in monitoring and lighting the underwater environment of man-made systems located on the shelf, for the protection of objects and for other civil and military systems.

List of sources of information

1. Lobkovsky A., Zatsepin A., Kovachev S.I. et al. Multilevel monitoring technology for the information security of offshore oil and gas production - Fuel and Energy Technologies, 2007. No. 4

2. Ivanov A., Ostrovsky A. The use of technical radar for monitoring offshore oil production and transportation - Fuel and Energy Technologies, 2003. No. 6

3. Certificate of the Russian Federation for utility model No. 38233. Marine geoacoustic complex "MAK". IPC G01V 1/38, G05D 27/00. Publ. 05/27/2004

4. Pat. US No. 72333544. Harbor fence. IPC B63G 9/00, G01S 15/04. Publ. 06/14/2007

5. Application for invention No. 2004138959. A method for operational monitoring of the state of the ocean. IPC G01V 1/00. Publ. 06/10/2006

6. Certificate of the Russian Federation for utility model No. 16406. Multifunctional technological complex for shelf research. IPC G01V 1/38, G05D 27/00. Publ. 12/27/2000

7. Pat. RF for utility model No. 86003. Autonomous radio-acoustic system for monitoring acoustic signals on the shelf. IPC G01H 3/00. Publ. 08/20/2009

8. Handbook of sonar / ed. A.E. Kolesnikova. L .: Shipbuilding, 1988

Claims (3)

1. A hydro-acoustic monitoring and lighting complex for the underwater environment, comprising an on-board module including a central computer system (CVS), a processing, data recording and control system and satellite navigation system equipment connected by system buses, an outboard module including acoustic antennas and pre-processing equipment, and also containing a generating device (GU) and a power supply system, characterized in that the outboard module includes a receiving acoustic antenna, consisting one of the antenna modules made of multi-element and multi-channel, each of the antenna modules being able to independently control the directivity characteristics, and the general opening of the receiving antenna can be mounted in the form of a flat or convex surface, while each of the elements of the antenna module contains a series-connected electroacoustic receiver and the pre-processing unit, structurally combined and connected through a system bus to the DAC, also contains a radiating multi-element an internal acoustic antenna, consisting of broadband acoustic transducers and connected to the GU, made of multi-channel, connected to the DAC and located in the on-board module, moreover, the equipment for receiving / transmitting information from the INMARSAT satellite system, connected via Manchester to the DAC, and automated system of technical diagnostics, implemented on the hardware and software of the complex. 2. The complex according to claim 1, characterized in that the radiating multi-element acoustic antenna is made in the form of radiating antenna modules. 3. The complex according to claim 1, characterized in that the system of hydroacoustic communication and telemetry is additionally introduced, connected via a system bus to a DAC and consisting of a receiving-emitting antenna located in an aqueous medium and connected to a receiving / transmitting switch and a receiving-radiating path located in the on-board module of the complex.