RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present disclosure claims benefit of priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application 2021903691 entitled Underwater communication network, filed 17 November, 2021, Australian Provisional Patent Application 2021903402 entitled Fully autonomous undersea surveillance and communications system, filed 25 October, 2021, and Australian Provisional Patent Application 2021901236 entitled Two-Way underwater communication network filed 27 April, 2021, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. In jurisdictions where incorporation by reference is not permitted, the applicant reserves the right to add any or the whole of the contents of the applications as an Appendix hereto, forming part of the specification.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention provides for systems and methods for the sensing and communication of data in an underwater environment

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0004] Today there are a few ways of transmitting data from Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV), usually:

[0005] (1) an AUV collets data when submerged during its mission and transmits it via wireless connection when surfaced,

[0006] (2) an AUV transmits data (e.g., QSPK) to sonar buoys or a service vessel in close vicinity using acoustic signals. Sonar buoys transmit the signal further using wireless comms,

[0007] (3) the AUV uses an optical signal (blue light) to transmit the signal to an optical modem.

[0008] The AUV may be replaced with another communication device or person that needs to communicate. This includes but is not limited to scuba divers, ROVs, submarines and so on. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is an object of the invention, in its preferred form to provide an improved form of underwater sensing and communications network.

[0010] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an underwater communications system including: an initial remote data source unit recording first data information for transmission; a first acoustic modem transmission unit interconnected to the initial data source for transmitting information from the initial data source acoustically through a water environment to a modem receiver unit; a modem receiver unit, receiving the acoustic transmission, converting the first data information to a corresponding optical signal for transmission along an optical waveguide to a gateway unit; an optical waveguide interconnecting the modem receiver unit with a remote gateway unit; and a remote gateway unit for receiving the optical communication from the modem receiver unit for storage and on transmission.

[0011] In some embodiments, the modem receiver units are powered by an optical power source transmitted over said optical waveguide. In some embodiments, multiple modem receiver units are interconnected to a remote gateway unit over said optical waveguide. The remote gateway unit can transmit information on from modem receiver units to an external network.

[0012] In some embodiments, the waveguide includes optical power sent over the optical waveguide with power a first substantially constant portion of the optical waveguide signal and data comprising second higher frequency modulation of the optical waveguide signal. Preferably, information from a first modem receiver unit can be transmitted to a second modem receiver unit interconnected to the same gateway. In some embodiments, multiple modem receivers communicate with said remote gateway unit by wavelength division multiplexing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0014] Fig. 1 illustrated schematically the operation of an embodiment;

[0015] Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the operations of one form of network;

[0016] Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the operation of communication between users; [0017] Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a communications arrangement in more detail; [0018] Fig. 5 illustrates an example of the input signal;

[0019] Fig. 6 illustrates an implementation utilising wavelength division multiplexing;

[0020] Fig. 7 illustrates an arrangement using multi core fibers, with a WDM splitter used to separate light into different cores; and

[0021] Fig. 8 illustrates schematically a gateway unit in more detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The embodiments disclose a two-way underwater communication capability underwater covering a large area and associated technologies.

[0023] Communications can include data transfer, image transfer, voice transfer, machine to machine transfer, the use of cryptography, quantum signalling, acoustic signally and any other format.

[0024] In the embodiments, there is provided a novel network, hereinafter denoted: “OCTOPUSZ”, which is designed to provide extensive wide area coverage for users having a need for underwater communication. These can include divers, AUVs, ROVs, etc. The network can operate over a very large area with the highest sensitivity, high data speed transfer, cyber immunity, data security and covertness in an interconnection to a control station.

[0025] Turning initially to Fig. 1, there is illustrated the principle of operation of the proposed embodiment 1. The system includes a network of two way communications 2, where the communication can take the form of an initial short acoustic transmission 3 of a short distance (less then say 3km), followed by an electrical transmission 4, then an optical transmission of a longer distance 5, say upto 100km. This is followed by an electrical transmission 6.

[0026] In this way a more efficient transfer of information and a wide area underwater network can be constructed.

[0027] The embodiments are based on an acoustic to electrical, electrical to optical and back to electrical palindrome conversion mechanism. [0028] In the arrangement of Fig. 1, a first user is equipped with an initial communication device (PhoenixZ underwater Phone (PuP)) which transmits and receives two ways acoustic signals 3 through water to a NODE and back. The NODE converts 4 the signal from electrical into optical domain to be transmitted via Optical Fibre 5 to the “GateWay Unit”. The Optical Fibre can low attenuation, as well as simple multiplexing and high data security capabilities. The GateWay Unit converts the optical signal back to an electrical 6 to be transmitted back to network or further globally to an external network,

[0029] Turning now to Fig. 2, there is illustrated one form of network (hereinafter denoted the OctopusZ network) 20. In this arrangement, a first user 21 is equipped with communication device 22 (PhoenixZ underwater Phone (PuP)) and transmits and receives a two way acoustic signal through water to a NODE 23. The NODE 23 converts the signal from electrical into optical domain to be transmitted via Optical Fibre 25 to the “GateWay Unit” 24. The optical fiber 25 provides low attenuation, as well as simple multiplexing and high data security capabilities. The GateWay Unit 24 converts the optical signal back to electrical to be transmitted back to OCTOPUSZ network via optical fiber bust 25 to other nodes 26 to other users 28 by PuP devices or further globally to external networks via radio connection 29.

[0030] The users 21, 28 which can be devices or people receives sound through a microphone or audio receiver from PuP device 22. That sound is converted to electrical signal and either immediately converted to sound on a speaker or prepared for transmission to a final receiver and speaker 28 much farther away via an optical fibre. This means the electrical signal is converted to an optical signal using a specialist transducer and then transmitted along an optical fibre where a detector receives the optical signal and converts this to an electrical signal. The electrical signal is then either stored or converted to sound at a speaker which may or may not be a device or a person. The PuP device 22 may be a robot, submarine, RROV or UAV or other. It may also be a PhoenixZ underwater Phone or PuP or other listening device.

[0031] Fig. 2 illustrates schematically an example of communication between two users using PuPs. The PuP sends and receives communications to each node as it crosses the cellular domain demarcated by each node. Ie. The nodes act in a similar manner to mobile phone base stations.

[0032] Turning now to Fig. 3, there is illustrated an example of communication with a first user 31 with a second global user 37 operating a mobile phone. In this arrangement, the user communicates with a first PuP device 31 with the signal being transmitted acoustically to node 34. The signal is then transferred optically via fiber network 39 to gate way 33 which includes a radio transmitter. The gateway device 33 can provide radio communication 38 with other wireless nodes 36 across other networks 35.

[0033] Fig. 3 illustrates schematically an example of communication between a PuP and a global user. The optical fibre node is connected to a second layer gateway - in this case it is wireless based communicating to standard 5G antennas. However, other protocols may be used depending on the regional accessibility available. They may also be any other wireless protocol.

[0034] Fig. 4 illustrates the communications arrangement 40 in more detail, providing more details on the internal portions of the PuP 22, Node 23, fiber 25 and Gateway Unit 24 of Fig. 2.

[0035] The PuP device 22 can include a number of optional user input/output devices including camera 42, microphone 43 and earphones 44. These can be interconnected to an acoustic modem device 45 and powered by battery 46. The PuP device 22 is a portable device with INPUT and OUTPUT ports capable of paring with array of sensors, earphones, microphone, or underwater robot. The acoustic modem 45 outputs to acoustic transducer 47 which transmit and received acoustic information. The acoustic transducer interacts with a corresponding transducer 50 of a node 23.

[0036] The PuP 22 includes an Acoustic Modem, Acoustic Transducer, Rechargeable Battery and DAQ Card. The DAQ Card receives DATA from the Array of Sensors, Microphone or Video cameras and sends it to the Acoustic Modem. The Modem digitizes it and reformates into a specific communication protocol and sends it to the Acoustic Transducer. The Transducer transforms electric digital signal into Acoustic wave to be transmitted through the water to a node 23.

[0037] The node 23 converts the acoustic transducer signal 50 to corresponding modem input/output 51. This information is then input and output to the optical fiber link via photocell 53 and transducer 54, with the output being to the optical fiber link 25.

[0038] The optical fiber link 25 can include two links 58, 56, with a first link providing data output transmission and a second data link 56 providing a data input link and a power input link to power the node 23.

[0039] The optical fiber link 25 is, in turn, interconnected with Gateway 59 which provides overall control of the fiber network. The gateway 25 can include gateway control unit 59 and data unit 60, with the data unit providing input and output to a user 41 via DAQ input output unit 60. [0040] The Node 23 includes an Acoustic Transducer 50, Acoustic Modem 51, Rechargeable Battery 52, Fibre Optic Transducer 54 and Photovoltaic Cell 53. The Node 23 provides two-way connection (DATA OUT / DATA IN) between PuPs 22 with the Optical Fibre Link 25.

[0041] The Node (DATA OUT): The NODE transmits DATA OUT via Optical Fibre Link (58). The acoustic transducer receives the acoustic signal wirelessly transmitted by PuP 22, transforms it into a corresponding electrical signal and sends it into the Acoustic Modem 51. Acoustic Modem 51 assigns it to a specific communication protocol and outputs it into Optical Fibre Transducer 54 connected to the Acoustic modem’s OUTPUT port to be transmitted via Optical Fibre link (56) to Gate-Way unit 24.

[0042] The NODE (DATA IN): The NODE 23 receives DATA IN signals 56 over the Optical Fibre link 25. There are two ways that DATA could be routed into the network and into the NODE 23: (1) (Fig. 2) DATA to the NODE can be supplied from another NODE 26, which is part of the network; (2) (Fig. 3) Data is supplied from the 5G network 35 (global user).

[0043] ( 1) As shown in Fig. 2, the Data from the NODE 27 is already coded using communication protocol used by the network, it needs to be re-directed from the NODE 27 to the NODE 22. From Node 27 the Date is supplied to a GateWay Unit 24 via Optical Fibre Link 25 in an optical form. At GateWay Unit signal/channel corresponding to the NODE 27 is separated for the flow of the mix of other channels supplied via Optical Fibre Link 25 by a Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) unit and directed to a corresponding photodetector. The photodetector transforms optical signal into electrical and supplies it into the appropriate INPUT channel of a data acquisition (DAQ) Card corresponding to NODE (27) (Port (2)). The DAQ Card directs it to the microprocessor which sends it to the OUTPUT Port (1) of the same the DAQ card corresponding to the NODE (22). Electrical signal from Port (1) is modulating output of Optical Fibre modulator. This modulator modulates output of the High-Power Light Source. This light is supplied to NODE (22) of the OCTOPUSZ network via Optical Fibre Link (25).

[0044] (2) Turning now to Fig. 3, there is shown the case where the data communicates with an external network. The DATA from 5G network 35 needs to be re -coded into communication protocol used by OCTUPOSZ network and directed to the right NODE 34. Data from 5G network is re-coded by the microprocessor in Gateway 33 into the communication protocol used by the network and directed to the OUTPUT Port of the DAQ Card corresponding to the NODE 34 and subsequently to the correct fibre optic modulator. This modulator modulates output of c the High-Power Light Source. This light is supplied to the required NODE 34 of the OCTOPUSZ network via Optical Fibre Link 39.

[0045] After receiving DATA transmitted via Optical Fibre Link 39 to the Photovoltaic Cell of the specific NODE 34 it is transformed into electrical signal and forwarded to the Acoustic Modem via an input port. The Acoustic Modem sends it to the Acoustic Transducer, where the Acoustic Transducer transform the electric signal into Acoustic to be wirelessly transmitted via the water to the PuP 31.

[0046] Powering the Nodes (c.g. 23k The Acoustic Modem 51 uses electric power provided by the rechargeable battery52 while transmitting signals. The battery is constantly charged by the light sent to it via Optical Fibre link (25). The Optical Fibre sub link 58 supplies light to a photovoltaic cell 54 that transformers optical power into electrical power and supplies it to charge the battery 52. The signals sent via the optical fibre Link 58 can be a combination of an AC and DC signal. It is an AC signal with a DC offset. DC and AC components are separated at the NODE after being transformed from optical into electrical domains. The AC part of the electrical signal is supplied to the appropriate port of a DAQ Card to be further processed and DC component of the electrical signal is used to charge the re-chargeable battery. Standard electrical separation of the DC term is used.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 5, the input signal can consist of a DC component 51 which provides a constant portion of the signal (in this case 80%). The AC component is modulated over the DC component and is provided for transmitting information in a digital format.

[0048] Fibre Optic Link: Turning again to Fig. 4, the Optical Fibre link is used to connect NODES to a gateway control centre 24 where all the DATA from each NODE is collected and transmitted further to 5G network or the like to provide global connectivity or send back to another NODE to connect underwater users. This connectivity can bi-directional.

[0049] The network architecture could be based on wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology or multicore optical fibre cable, or mixture of both approaches. Henceforth the term Optical Fibre us used to define the single and multimode optical fibre technologies.

[0050] Fibre Optic Link (WDM tech): Turning now to Fig. 6, there is illustrated a first WDM Optical signal arrangement 60 where a multiwavelength source 61 is launched into the core of the Optical Fibre. The nodes 62, 63, 64 are daisy chained to a single core Optical Fibre 65. Each WDM Drop Filter 66, 68 cuts out light of certain wavelength/channel and assigns it to each NODE by connecting the output of each WDM Drop Filter to the input of the Optical Fibre Transducer e.g 69.

[0051] Optical Fibre Transducer e.g. 69 is avariable reflector changing its reflectivity depending on the electrical output of the Modem. The reflected signal from the transducer is directed back into Optical Fibre Link 65 via corresponding WDM Drop Filter 66 and back to the GateWay. DATA and Power to each modem can be supplied by a multicore Optical Fibre -Link 71 - 73. Each optical fiber link 71-73 is connected to each modem.

[0052] Multi -core fibre optic cable implementation: Turning now to Fig. 7, there is illustrated a multi core fibre optic cable implementation. In this arrangement, high power light 80 is provided for multiple fiber cores. Each high powered light source e.g. 81 is modulated 82 for data and power transmission along individual fiber e.g. 83 which is connected to a node e.g. 84. Data from each node is separelty fed back to a gateway by a separate core e.g. 87, 88 via a separate wavelength, where it can be multiplexed 86, before forwarding to gateway 85. The split could be accomplished by using WDM technology, where light is split on the basis of wavelength or using simple splitter where light is split on the basis of power. In case of WDM splitting, multiwavelength light is combined by the WDM multiplexer 86. The splitter/demultiplexer 86 can separate wavelengths and transmit each wavelength into a separate core.

[0053] DATA and Power to each modem is supplied by multicore Optical Fibre -Link 89. Each core is connected to each modem.

[0054] Gateway Unit 90: Turning now to Fig. 8, there is illustrated one form of gateway unit 90. The gateway unit 90 provides DATA and power into the OCTOPUSZ network, receives it back and transform it externally utilising the required protocol.

[0055] For communications to and from the GateWay Unit, generally within portion 93, a broad band light source 93 is connected to channel 1 of an optical circulator 93 and provides an unpolarised broadband optical signal into FIBRE -LINK 94. The FIBRE-LINK 94 distributes light to multiple locations or nodes. Each node contains an Optical Fibre Transducer. The Optical Fibre Transducer can be a variable reflector changing its reflectivity depending on the electrical OUTPUT of the Modem. Reflected signal from the transducer is directed back into the Optical Fibre Link (95) which is transmitted back to the GateWay Unit via circulator 92. The unit splits the light into separate channels corresponding to different modems using a wavelength demultiplexer (DWDM) splitter 96 connected to the FIBRE-LINK (95) via optical circulator 92. Each channel is connected to a photodetector e.g. 97. The photodetectors 97 transform optical signals into electrical signals. The electrical OUPUT of each Photodetector e.g.97 is connected to the INPUT of a DAQ Card 98. The DAQ Card 98 sends those electrical signals to a microprocessor 98 for further re-processing.

[0056] DATA delivered INTO the OCTOPUSZ network: High-Power Light Sources 106, 107 provide signal carrying DATA into the network. Modulators 104, 105, are connected to the output of the High-Power Light Sources 106, 107 under the control of DAQ card 98 and microprocessor 99 and are used to code the optical signal provided by the High -Power Light Source. The same High- Power Light Source is used to provide power to the nodes. As previously discussed, the overall signal fed into the FIBER-LINK is a mix of DC and AC components, the DC component carrying the optical power and AC component transmits digital DATA to the NODE.

[0057] The gateway unit allows for the transmission of DATA from a first user to a second user via the OCTOPUSZ network rather than directly from the PuP of User 1 to the PuP of the User 2. The architecture of the OCTOPUSZ network needs to know the location of each user (PuP) at any given moment in time. Each PuP transmits Geo-Location signal to the OCTOPUSZ network. By going through the OCTOPUSZ network the underwater range is extended as the optical fibres remains a highly transmissive signal medium in communications, outpacing wireless and acoustics using glass. Connecting to the wider internet also allows for wider global reach.

[0058] The embodiments therefore provide a method for providing efficient underwater communications to and from moving vehicles of any sort, including, but not limited to UAV, UUV, automobiles, planes, missiles, robots, boats, vehicles, submarines, divers and more. The communications can include general interconnection to the internet.

[0059] The system can convert underwater sounds, vibration or strains to an optical signal which acts as an overall sensor. The optical fiber is provided to enable two-way communications. The use of acoustic to optical transduction also enables two-way communications. The use of trans conduction into the optical fiber enables data transmission.

[0060] This allows for the use of an optically readable hydrophone and an optically powered and controlled acoustic transducer to monitor and transmit acoustic signals from and to underwater devices such as AUVs. Further the general architecture allows for either one way, two way and/or multiparty communications. [0061] The use of a multiplexing system allows for the collection of signals from OSCUs at multiple locations (cells) relying on a single broadband light source and to transmit these to a centralised location. This allows for wide area monitoring.

[0062] The gateway unit allows for a multitude of interconnected gateways generate and received signals in and out of the OSCUs or any other device. The system also allows for vehicular transport or moving technology such as but not limited to AUVs with appropriate sensors and acoustic or other modalities for enabling communication to an Optical Fibre.

[0063] Further, the systems flexibility allows for the use of any kind of transducer for converting acoustic to electrical to optical and back. It may include but Is not limited to any electrical to optical and back transducer. The system also allows for the generation of acoustic signals either directly with a laser sources or indirectly using existing communications within the telecom network. This includes but is not limited to remote generation of signals, the use of already generated signals in existing telecom infrastructure, and allows for the use of existing telecom infrastructure for the purpose of developing a readily available network.

[0064] The systems provides the integration of additional communication networks to the fibre backbone including but not limited to 4, 5 and 6G and beyond, LIDAR, LiF, and more.

[0065] The system allows for the use of compact batteries, rechargeable or fixed, to power sensors and components that can support the network. Further, the system can include the use of energy saving approaches such as solar cells, hydrogen cells, and batteries to enable the systems. This may include but is not limited to ZnBr batteries made by Gelion, Lithium rechargeable batteries etc.

[0066] The system can include the use of additive manufacture in any way to improve signal performance whether it is acoustic, optics, mechanical or other. For example, 3D printed acoustic horns that improve signal transmission and/or security from the fibre to the piezo or other device.

[0067] The system can include the use of this technology for sensing, detecting or diagnosing sound and all associated software to distinguish types of sound. This may include but is not limited to insect sounds (e.g. termites, spiders), sea sounds (e.g. whales, ice breaking, submarines, earthquakes) and all other kinds of sound (e.g. weapons, explosions), intelligence gathering and spying (e.g. conversations in buildings), traffic monitoring (e.g. cars, trucks numbers and types including number of passengers and their conversations and health), health (e.g. hospital patients) and so on.

Interpretation

[0068] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “some embodiments” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in some embodiments” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0069] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[0070] In the claims below and the description herein, any one of the terms comprising, comprised of or which comprises is an open term that means including at least the elements/features that follow, but not excluding others. Thus, the term comprising, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter. For example, the scope of the expression a device comprising A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B. Any one of the terms including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

[0071] As used herein, the term “exemplary” is used in the sense of providing examples, as opposed to indicating quality. That is, an “exemplary embodiment” is an embodiment provided as an example, as opposed to necessarily being an embodiment of exemplary quality.

[0072] It should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0073] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0074] Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a computer system or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.

[0075] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0076] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term coupled, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limited to direct connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A coupled to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

[0077] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as falling within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.