U.S. patent application number 16/559005 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-09 for underwater optical metrology system.
This patent application is currently assigned to 3D at Depth, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is 3D at Depth, Inc.. Invention is credited to Carl W. Embry, Neil Manning, Cory S. Moore, Derek D. Pierce, Julian Peter Rickards.
Application Number | 20200011992 16/559005 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64902646 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-09 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200011992 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Embry; Carl W. ; et
al. |
January 9, 2020 |
UNDERWATER OPTICAL METROLOGY SYSTEM
Abstract
Described herein are methods and devices for improved location
of any and all underwater structures or equipment installed
underwater. In particular, systems are disclosed that combine
optical and acoustic metrology for locating objects in underwater
environments. The systems allow for relative positions of objects
to be determined with great accuracy using optical techniques, and
support enhanced location of devices that utilize acoustic location
techniques. In addition, location information can be provided by
the system even in conditions that make optical metrology
techniques impossible or impractical.
Inventors: |
Embry; Carl W.; (Boulder,
CO) ; Manning; Neil; (Longmont, CO) ; Pierce;
Derek D.; (Houston, TX) ; Rickards; Julian Peter;
(Norwich, GB) ; Moore; Cory S.; (Katy,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
3D at Depth, Inc. |
Longmont |
CO |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
3D at Depth, Inc.
Longmont
CO
|
Family ID: |
64902646 |
Appl. No.: |
16/559005 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16031867 |
Jul 10, 2018 |
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16559005 |
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62530747 |
Jul 10, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01C 13/00 20130101;
G01S 17/42 20130101; B63G 8/001 20130101; B63G 8/38 20130101; G01S
15/87 20130101; G01S 15/874 20130101; G01S 17/89 20130101; G01C
21/20 20130101; G01S 17/86 20200101; G01S 15/74 20130101; G01S
15/86 20200101; G01S 17/88 20130101; G01S 17/93 20130101; B63G
2008/005 20130101; G01S 17/74 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01S 15/87 20060101
G01S015/87; G01S 17/88 20060101 G01S017/88; B63G 8/00 20060101
B63G008/00; B63G 8/38 20060101 B63G008/38; G01C 21/20 20060101
G01C021/20; G01S 17/89 20060101 G01S017/89; G01S 17/93 20060101
G01S017/93 |
Claims
1. A method for locating objects underwater, comprising: placing a
first metrology device at a first approximate location; operating
an optical metrology system provided as part of the first metrology
device to determine a location of the first metrology device
relative to an object having a known location; placing a first
acoustic transponder at a second approximate location; operating
the optical metrology system of the first metrology device to
determine a location of the first acoustic transponder relative to
the known location.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: prior to placing the
first acoustic transponder at the second approximate location,
applying a target to the first acoustic transponder, and
determining dimensional control data concerning a relationship
between the applied target and an acoustic transducer of the first
acoustic transponder.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: operating the first
acoustic transducer to output at least one of an identification and
a ranging signal.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: operating the optical
metrology system of the first metrology system to point at the
acoustic transducer of the first acoustic transponder over time and
to measure a vibration of the acoustic transducer and thus acquire
the acoustic signal output from the acoustic transponder while the
optical metrology system is pointed at the acoustic transducer.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein an optically reflective target is
placed on a center point of the acoustic transducer.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the object has targets and
indicia, and wherein the indicia allows for unique identification
to access metadata on the object such as offsets, hub number, and
date of installation.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the object is geolocated, and
therefore the first metrology system and the first acoustic
transponder can be geolocated.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein an acoustic array and inertial
navigation unit (INU) system are used to geolocate the first
metrology system and the first acoustic array.
9. The method of claim 2, further comprising: determining a range
between the acoustic transducer placed at the second approximate
location and another acoustic transducer.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: communicating the
determined location of the first acoustic transponder from the
first metrology system to the first acoustic transponder; and
storing the determined location of the first acoustic transponder
on the first acoustic transponder.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: placing a second
acoustic transponder; communicating the determined location of the
first acoustic transponder to the second acoustic transponder.
12. A system for locating objects underwater, comprising: a
plurality of acoustic transponders, the acoustic transponders each
including: an acoustic transducer; indicia, wherein dimensional
control information concerning a relationship between the acoustic
transducer and the indicia is known; a metrology system, the
metrology system including: a light source; a receiver; and a
processor, wherein the processor operates the light source to
generate light that is directed towards a first acoustic
transponder included in the plurality of acoustic transducers,
reflected from the first acoustic transponder, and received at the
receiver to determine a location of the first acoustic transponder
relative to the metrology system.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein an acoustic transducer of the
first acoustic transponder, in a first operating mode, generates an
identification signal.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the metrology system is
operable to detect the identification signal of the first acoustic
transponder using the light source and the receiver.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the metrology system further
includes an acoustic transceiver.
16. The system of claim 12, wherein the indicia includes targets
placed on the acoustic transponders.
17. The system of claim 12, wherein the indicia allows for unique
identification to access metadata on the object such as offsets,
hub number, and date of installation.
18. The system of claim 12, wherein the indicia are similar to a
bar code system that is read by the optical system.
19. The system of claim 12, wherein the locations of the plurality
of transponders and the plurality of metrology systems are all
shared and stored at a central processing center.
20. A method for locating objects underwater, comprising:
determining a location of a plurality of acoustic transponders; for
at least a first acoustic transponder included in the plurality of
acoustic transponders, storing the determined location in memory
included in the first acoustic transponder; communicating a
location of the first acoustic transponder from the first acoustic
transponder to a second acoustic transponder included in the
plurality of acoustic transponders.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein determining a location of a
plurality of acoustic transponders includes determining a location
using an optical metrology system.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the first acoustic transponder
includes a first target and a first acoustic transducer, the method
further comprising: determining dimension control information
regarding a location of the first target relative to a center of
the first acoustic transducer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/031,867, filed Jul. 10, 2018, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
62/530,747, filed Jul. 10, 2017, the entire disclosures of which
are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems
for determining the location of underwater objects, making
measurements between objects, and facilitating the positioning of
objects underwater using optical and acoustical metrology
techniques.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The accurate placement and monitoring of underwater
equipment, such as wellheads, manifolds, risers, anchors, Pipeline
End Terminations (PLETS), Blow Out Preventors (BOPs), pumps, touch
down points, suction piles, chains, slip joints, templates and
pipelines is important to ensuring the safe and reliable operation
of such equipment. However, the methods available in underwater
environments are limited when compared to surface environments. For
example, radio frequencies are severely attenuated in underwater
environments, making radio frequency based location systems, such
as a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) like the U.S. Global
Positioning System (GPS) and the now obsolete long range navigation
(LORAN) systems, unusable at depth. In addition, conventional land
survey techniques, for example using theodolites and measuring
tapes, can be limited by limited visibility, and because they
typically must be operated directly by a human, which may not be
possible or practicable in certain underwater scenarios. As a
result, accurately determining the location of equipment and
measurements between equipment in underwater environments during
installation and survey operations is challenging.
[0004] Conventional techniques for determining a location
underwater can include the use of inertial navigation units (INUs).
In addition, arrays of acoustic transducers having known locations
can be used for determining location within or near the array.
Although acoustic techniques can provide relative bearing and
distance information, the accuracy and precision of such systems is
relatively low. For example, relative locations can at best be
determined with an accuracy of several centimeters.
[0005] More precise location information can be obtained using
active optical techniques. For instance, underwater lidar systems
are available that can provide relative location with a precision
of several millimeters or less. However, such systems can suffer
from limited operational range, particularly in turbid water
conditions.
[0006] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide systems and
methods that allowed for reliable and precise determination of
location in underwater environments.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present disclosure provides systems and methods for
determining a location of objects and measurements between objects
underwater. In accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure, the systems and methods utilize a combination of
optical and acoustical methodologies for determining the locations
of objects in an underwater environment. In accordance with at
least some embodiments of the present disclosure, a metrology
system incorporates a monitoring system that includes a lidar
device and an acoustic transceiver. In accordance with still other
embodiments of the present disclosure, acoustic transponders are
provided with target indicia and memory for storing location
information. The disclosed systems and methods enable the location
of underwater objects to be determined precisely and reliably by
using both optical and acoustical methodologies.
[0008] A combined system in accordance with embodiments of the
present disclosure can include one or more metrology systems that
each incorporate an optical metrology instrument, such as a light
detection and ranging system (hereinafter "lidar") monitoring
device. In such embodiments, the lidar device can be in the form of
a scanning lidar, flash lidar, pulsed laser lidar, amplitude
modulated continuous wave (AMCW) phase detection lidar, chirped
AMCW lidar, amplitude frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW)
lidar, true FMCW lidar, pulse modulation code, or other lidar
system. Moreover, the lidar system can incorporate a pulsed or
modulated continuous wave laser light source. Other embodiments can
include a monitoring system incorporating a laser triangulation,
photometric stereo, stereoscopic vision, structured light,
photoclinometry, stereo-photoclinometry, holographic, digital
holographic, or other device that uses light to sense 3-D space.
Scanning lidars can include a single spot scan or multiple single
spots can be scanned. In addition, the one or more metrology
systems can incorporate an acoustic transceiver. The acoustic
transceiver can operate at acoustic frequencies to enable the
metrology system to locate acoustic transponders or other acoustic
emitters, and to communicate with acoustic transponders or other
receiving devices, such as other acoustic transceivers.
[0009] The combined system can also include one or more acoustic
transponders. Each acoustic transponder generally includes an
acoustic transducer, target indicia, and memory. In general, the
acoustic transducer can be operated to emit an identification
signal to identify the associated acoustic transducer. In addition,
the acoustic transducer of an acoustic transponder can be operated
to emit a signal that allows a receiving device, such as another
acoustic transponder or an acoustic transceiver of a metrology
device, to determine a range and bearing to the emitting acoustic
transducer. In addition, in accordance with embodiments of the
present disclosure, target indicia can be included to uniquely
identify the associated acoustic transducer. Alternatively, or in
addition, the target indicia can be configured to identify a
location of the acoustic transducer of the acoustic transponder. In
accordance with still other embodiments of the present disclosure,
each acoustic transponder can include memory, which can be used to
store a location of the acoustic transponder.
[0010] Methods in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure include providing a plurality of acoustic transponders
having target indicia and an acoustic transducer. Dimensional
control data concerning the relationship of the target indicia to
the acoustic transducer for each acoustic transponder is recorded
prior to placing the acoustic transponders in underwater locations.
After placing the acoustic transponders, one or more metrology
systems can be placed in underwater locations in the vicinity of at
least one of the acoustic transponders. The metrology system can be
located approximately, for example using an included inertial
navigation unit, or more precisely, for example using an optically
determined range and bearing relative to a monument or other
reference. The metrology system can then be operated to generate
point cloud data that includes returns from target indicia of at
least one of the acoustic transponders. The location of the
acoustic transponder can then be determined from the point cloud
data. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the
location information can be communicated from the metrology system
to the acoustic transponder, and can be stored in the acoustic
transponder. The location information stored by the acoustic
transponder can be communicated to other acoustic transponders as
part of or as a supplement to conventional range and bearing
signals.
[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a combined
optical and acoustical locating and positioning system that
includes an optical based metrology system and acoustic devices or
beacons, referred to herein as acoustic transponders. More
particularly, the metrology system can determine the relative
locations of acoustic transponders within a field with great
accuracy (e.g., plus or minus several millimeters). This location
information can then be passed to the acoustic transponders
themselves. The combined use of an optical based metrology system
and acoustic transponders within a field can allow for accurate
positioning of structures or vehicles within the field, while using
fewer acoustic transponders than might otherwise be necessary, and
while providing duplicate, complementary positioning signals (i.e.
light based and sound based signals).
[0012] Optical targets can be affixed to undersea structures or
acoustic beacons to enhance the identification and locating of such
structures by a metrology system. The optical targets can be two or
three dimensional. The optical targets can be configured in a known
relationship relative to an acoustic transponder and in particular
to an acoustic transducer provided as part of the acoustic
transponder, to allow the precise location of the acoustic
transducer by an optical metrology system. In addition, different
targets can have different optical characteristics, to allow the
different targets to be distinguished from one another by the
metrology system. In accordance with at least some embodiments of
the present disclosure, the optical targets can vary
characteristics of the light that is reflected back to the
metrology system. Such characteristics can include the intensity,
pattern, frequency, phase, or polarization of the light. In
addition, the targets can encode information using barcodes,
holograms, human or machine recognition perceptible indicia, or the
like.
[0013] Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the
present disclosure will become more readily apparent from the
following description, particularly when taken together with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 depicts an example of an underwater environment in
which systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the
present disclosure can be employed;
[0015] FIG. 2 depicts an underwater environment that includes a
monitoring and metrology systems, monuments, and acoustic
transponders in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 3 depicts a metrology system in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting functional components of
a metrology system in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0018] FIGS. 5A-5B depict acoustic transponders in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting functional components of
an acoustic transponder in accordance with embodiments of the
present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 7 depicts a monument in accordance with embodiments of
the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a block diagram depicting a monitoring and control
station in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 9 depicts an undersea scenario including the use of an
acoustic transponder and a geo-located monument in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a flowchart depicting aspects of a method of
operating a combined system in accordance with embodiments of the
present disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 11 depicts an undersea scenario in which a monument is
used to find the location of a metrology system;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a flowchart depicting aspects of a method of
operating a combined system in accordance with the scenario of FIG.
11;
[0026] FIG. 13 depicts an undersea scenario including the use of
multiple acoustic transponders and a geolocated monument in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a flowchart depicting aspects of a method of
operating a combined system in accordance with the scenario of FIG.
13;
[0028] FIG. 15 depicts an undersea scenario including multiple
objects and the use of multiple acoustic transponders and multiple
geo-located monuments in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a flowchart depicting aspects of a method of
operating a combined system in accordance with the scenario of FIG.
15;
[0030] FIG. 17 depicts an undersea scenario including multiple
acoustic transponders and multiple metrology systems in accordance
with embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a flowchart depicting aspects of a method of
operating a combined system in accordance with the scenario of FIG.
17;
[0032] FIG. 19 depicts a 3-D target in accordance with embodiments
of the present disclosure; and
[0033] FIG. 20 depicts a 2-D target in accordance with embodiments
of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and
methods that can be used in connection with the placement of
objects in underwater environments. FIG. 1 depicts a drilling and
production system 100, which is an example of an environment in
which embodiments of the present disclosure can be employed. The
drilling and production system 100 can include a variety of surface
and subsea or underwater components or objects 102. As examples,
and without limitation, these components or objects 102 can include
processing platforms 104, jack-up platforms 108, floating platforms
112, pipelay or other surface vessels 116, pipelines 120, risers
124, manifolds 128, wells 130, touch down point 135, suction piles
or anchors 136, chain 137, slip joints 138 and blowout preventers
132. As can be appreciated by one of skill in the art, it is
advantageous to determine and to track the actual locations of the
various components 102 of the system 100, of natural features, and
of other objects in the vicinity of the system 100. In addition,
components of the system 100 often need to be positioned with a
high level of accuracy, to enable intended functions to be
performed, to operatively connect to other components, and/or to
avoid interfering with the operation of other underwater
components.
[0035] FIG. 2 depicts an underwater environment that includes a
combined optical and acoustical locating and positioning system
200, hereinafter referred to simply as the combined system 200, in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The
components of the combined system 200 can include one or more
metrology systems 202, target stands 222, monuments 226, and
acoustic transponders 228. In the example of FIG. 2, the underwater
environment includes components of a drilling and production system
as depicted in FIG. 1, however, embodiments of the present
disclosure can be applied to any underwater environment or system.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the
combined system 200 can employ the one or more metrology systems
202, target stands 222, monuments 226, and acoustic transponders
228 in various combinations to assist in locating natural features
or manmade objects 102 within an underwater environment, as well as
the other components of the combined system 200.
[0036] As depicted in the example scenario of FIG. 2, objects 102
within an underwater environment can include structures or other
manmade objects that are stationary within or moving through the
environment. Determining the actual locations of such objects 102,
components of the combined system 200, and natural features within
the environment is important to ensuring the safe and reliable
operation of equipment, navigation of the environment, maintenance
operations, the installation of additional objects, and the like.
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the
combined system 200 provides optical components, in combination
with acoustical components to assist in locating and identifying
objects 102 and components of the combined system 200 in an
underwater environment. As examples, the optical components of a
combined system 200 can include a metrology system 202 that
utilizes optical instruments, including but not limited to active
optical instruments, such as a light detection and ranging (lidar)
system, optical targets 240 or 244, and visibly distinct features
of underwater objects 102. Examples of acoustical components of a
combined system 200 can include acoustic transceivers associated
with a metrology system 202 or other component or object 102,
hydrophones 248, hydrophone arrays 252, acoustic transponders 228,
and acoustic transducers. In addition, a combined system 200 in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure can include
components that operate using a combination of methodologies. For
example, as discussed in greater detail elsewhere herein, a
metrology system 202 can include an active, optical system capable
of measuring a frequency of a vibration of an acoustic transponder
228 emitting an acoustic signal.
[0037] The inclusion of optical metrology components within the
combined system 200 can allow for the locations of objects 102,
combined system 200 components, and natural features to be
determined with a very high level of precision (e.g. millimeters).
The inclusion of acoustical metrology components within the
combined system 200 can allow for the locations of objects 102 and
combined system 200 components to be determined in conditions in
which optical techniques are compromised or unavailable, for
example due to turbid water conditions. Moreover, the inclusion of
optic-based and acoustic-based metrology systems provides
redundancy, and enables operation in combination with a wider range
of complementary systems. In addition, the combination of
techniques allows improved location accuracy, and operation in a
wider range of conditions.
[0038] As shown in the example scenario of FIG. 2, combined system
200 components, including but not limited to metrology systems 202,
target stands 222, monuments 226, and acoustic transponders 228,
can be positioned using various emplacing equipment 210. As
examples, a combined system 200 component can be put into position
by a crane 212, a submersible vehicle 216, or a diver 220. In each
instance, the combined system component 200 can initially be placed
at a location that is unknown or known approximately. The combined
system 200 can then be operated to determine more accurate location
information for the acoustic transponder 228. In addition, the
combined system 200 can operate to assist in placing objects 102,
and to determining a location of objects 102 within an environment
with reference to previously located acoustic transducers 228,
target stands 222, and monuments 226, as discussed in greater
detail elsewhere herein.
[0039] A metrology system 202 in accordance with embodiments of the
present disclosure is positioned within an underwater environment.
The metrology system 202 can be mounted to a stationary platform or
structure 224, or can be carried by a submersible vehicle 216. A
metrology system 202 in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure can include an active optical metrology system or
instrument that uses light to determine the relative locations of
objects 102, other metrology systems 202, target stands 222,
monuments 226, acoustic transponders 228, and natural features in
an underwater environment. As can be appreciated by one of skill in
the art after consideration of the present disclosure, a metrology
system 202 can determine an absolute or georeferenced location of
an object 102, another component of the combined optical and
acoustical positioning system, or a natural underwater feature
where the metrology system 202 is itself georeferenced or has
measured a relative location of an object 102 or other component of
the combined system 200 that is georeferenced.
[0040] As can be appreciated by one of skill in the art, a
metrology system 202 mounted to a stationary platform or structure
224 has an inherent conical field of regard. By incorporating a pan
and tilt head in the metrology system 202, the field of regard can
be increased to a full 360.degree., or even to over a hemisphere
field of regard. As can further be appreciated by one of skill in
the art after consideration of the present disclosure, a metrology
system 202 can be mounted to a movable platform or vehicle 216,
directly or via a pan and tilt head. As examples, but without
limitation, a moveable platform or vehicle 216 can include a frame
or cage that is moved by a crane, or a vehicle, such as but not
limited to an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), a remotely
operated vehicle (ROV), a submersible vehicle, or the like.
Moreover, a moveable platform or vehicle 216 can be held
stationary, for example by landing the platform or vehicle 216 on
the seafloor or other structure, by clamping onto a structure, or
by holding it in a hovering mode, while the metrology system 202 is
in operation. As discussed in greater detail elsewhere herein, a
monitoring system component of the metrology system 202 can be
operated to scan all or portions of an underwater scene to
determine location information.
[0041] The acoustic transponders 228 generally operate to provide
output signals at acoustic frequencies. For example, an acoustic
transponder 228 can generate an acoustic identification and ranging
signal in response to receiving an acoustic interrogation signal.
An acoustic transponder can additionally receive range information
from another acoustic transponder 228. In at least some
embodiments, an acoustic transponder 228 can also determine an
approximate azimuth and elevation angle of an acoustic signal
received from another acoustic transponder 228 or from an acoustic
transceiver provided as part of a metrology system 202. The
information regarding the relative range or bearing to another
acoustic transponder 228 can all be provided by an interrogated
acoustic transponder 228 in response to the interrogation signal.
In accordance with still other embodiments of the present
disclosure, an acoustic transponder 228 can store information
regarding its location and can provide that information in response
to an interrogation signal. These signals can be received by an
acoustic transceiver, acoustic transducer, acoustic transponder
228, hydrophone 248, hydrophone array 252, or other sensor. An
acoustic transponder 228 in accordance with embodiments of the
present disclosure can include a visible target 240 or 244 or other
indicia that can be used to uniquely identify individual acoustic
transponders 228. Moreover, the visible target 240 or 244 can
facilitate determining the location of the acoustic transponder 228
using optical metrology techniques. Accordingly, the location of an
acoustic transponder 228 within an underwater environment can be
determined by receiving optical signals from the acoustic
transponder 228 in the form of reflected ambient or transmitted
light. An acoustic transponder 228 can be mounted to a tripod 256,
a structure or object 102 or 204, a target stand 222, a monument
226, a moveable platform or vehicle 216, or the like.
[0042] Target stands 222 and monuments 226 can be included as
reference points. More particularly, target stands 222 and
monuments 226 can include 3-D 240 and 2-D 244 targets that enable
the location of a target stand 222 or monument 226 to be determined
using optical metrology techniques. Additionally or alternatively,
target stands 222 and monuments 226 can include acoustic
transponders 228, to enable the location of a target stand 222 or
monument 226 to be determined using acoustical metrology
techniques. In addition, three-dimensional 240 and/or
two-dimensional 244 targets can be fixed to various objects 102 in
the underwater environment, such as components of a drilling and
production system 100, for example, pipelines 120, risers 124,
manifolds 128, wells 130, touch down point 135, anchors, suction
piles, pin piles, blowout preventers 132, or other structures,
target stands 222, monuments 226, stationary platforms 224,
moveable platforms or vehicles 216, or any other underwater object.
As discussed in greater detail elsewhere herein, these targets 240,
244 are specifically designed to provide control points within an
image or within 3-D point cloud data produced by the monitoring
system component of a metrology system 202. The inclusion of
targets 240, 244 can facilitate the accurate determination of a
target location within an underwater environment.
[0043] FIG. 3 depicts a metrology system 202, mounted to a
supporting structure 224, in accordance with at least some
embodiments of the present disclosure. The metrology system 202
generally includes a monitoring system 304. The monitoring system
304 can comprise active, light based systems, such as one or more
lidar devices 308, and one or more acoustic transceivers 310. In
the illustrated example, the metrology system 202 includes two
lidar devices 308, each of which is associated with a pan and tilt
head 312 that can be operated to point the associated lidar device
308 along a selected line of sight. Alternatively or in addition to
a lidar device 308, the metrology system 202 can include other
optical metrology systems. An acoustic transceiver 310 can operate
at acoustic frequencies, to enable the metrology system 202 to
geo-spatially locate acoustic transponders 228 or other acoustic
transceivers 310 using an acoustic metrology system. The acoustic
metrology system can include, for example but without limitation,
Ultra-Short Baseline (USBL), Long Baseline (LBL), untethered
inverted USBL, or other acoustic metrology systems.
[0044] 2-D targets 244 can be mounted to the frame 316 or other
components of the monitoring system, and 3-D targets 240 can be
mounted to the frame 316 or other components of the metrology
system 202, to facilitate precisely locating the metrology system
202 within a field.
[0045] The supporting structure 224 can comprise a frame 316 that
is in turn mounted to a stationary pad, a mud mat, another
structure on the seabed, or placed directly on the seabed. The
frame 316 can be designed to be lowered by a crane from the surface
vessel or rig or can be designed to be deployed via an ROV. The
frame 316 can be lowered using a crane lift 320. The lift 320 can
be connected to the remainder of the frame 316 by a hinge so it
lowers after deployment. This allows the lift 320 to drop out of
the field of view of the lidar devices 308. The frame 316 can also
include ROV manipulator handles 324 to facilitate positioning the
frame 316 using an ROV or AUV. For example, the frame 316 can be
placed on a monument 226 or other structure. The bottom of the
frame 316 can have a pin or receptacle, so it can be lowered onto a
mating receptacle or pin on a structure to enable precise location
and alignment. In accordance with other embodiments of the present
disclosure, the frame 316 may be carried by a vehicle, such as an
ROV. In accordance with still other embodiments of the present
disclosure, a metrology system 202 can be mounted to a vehicle via
a pan and tilt head or can be mounted directly to a vehicle.
[0046] In at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, the
metrology system 202 can itself comprise a subsea system with a
platform with numerous selectable functions. In embodiments in
which the metrology system 202 includes a support structure or
frame 316 that holds multiple lidar devices 308, the lidar devices
308 and acoustic transceiver or transceivers 310 can be precisely
located on the single structure so they create a single referenced
point cloud. By mounting the lidar devices 308 on pan and tilt
heads 312, they can provide hemispherical coverage. Cameras and
lights 328 can be mounted on the support structure 316 or the pan
and tilt heads 312 to enable the acquisition of visual data along
with the lidar data. A hot stab 332 can be included to enable the
metrology system 202 to connect to the local infrastructure for
power and or communications. The metrology system 202 can further
include one or more non-optical point sensors, such as a
conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) device 336. Alternately
or in addition, batteries and a power control system 340 can be
included which allow for long-term autonomous deployment. The
metrology system 202 can also provide additional capabilities
including, but not limited to, data storage and backup, vibration
sensors, turbidity sensors, various chemical sensors, and
communication devices. The communication devices can include RF,
optical, or acoustic devices. The communication devices can
communicate with ROVs, AUVs, resident vehicles, other intelligent
structures in the field, or systems on the surface. In accordance
with still other embodiments the metrology system 202 can provide
timing signals (if needed) between multiple sensors to
time-synchronize the data collection of multiple sensors, such as
from multiple lidar devices 308, and cameras 328, CTD 336, sonars,
INU, and other devices. A single metrology system 202 can provide
power, data storage, and communications for other metrology systems
200 or lidar devices 308, to support multiple monitoring points of
view within an underwater environment.
[0047] FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting components of a
metrology system 202 that may be contained within an underwater
pressure vessel 402 or co-located with one another in accordance
with embodiments of the present disclosure. The metrology system
202 includes a monitoring system 304. The monitoring system 304 can
include a lidar device 308 and an acoustic transceiver 310.
[0048] As can be appreciated by one of skill in the art after
consideration of the present disclosure, a lidar device 308 is an
active optical system that operates by transmitting light towards a
target, receiving reflected light from the target, and determining
the range to the target based upon time of flight information
determined from the amount of time elapsed between the transmission
of light from the light source and the time at which the reflected
light or return signal is received at a receiver. As used herein, a
target can include an area or feature on the sea floor, an object
102, or any other underwater structure or feature, including
manmade structures and natural features or structures, 3-D targets
240 mounted to an underwater structure or device, or placed on the
sea floor, and 2-D targets 244 applied to an underwater structure
or device, or placed on the sea floor. In addition, the location of
a point on the target from which light is reflected can be located
relative to the lidar device 308 in three-dimensional space by
combining the range information with the known azimuth and
elevation information via scanner location (e.g. as an azimuth
angle and an elevation angle) for scanning lidar devices 308, pixel
location for multi-pixel lidar devices 308, or a combination of the
two. The fourth dimension, time, is also recorded so measurements
and features can be compared over time. As can be appreciated by
one of skill in the art after consideration of the present
disclosure, the lidar device 308 enables the metrology system 202
to determine the locations of objects 102 relative to the metrology
system 202, or relative to objects within the field of regard of
the lidar device 308, or that otherwise have a known relative
location, using signals at optical frequencies. Moreover, where a
reference target 240, 244, monument 226, or other object within the
field of regard of the lidar device 308 has a known absolute
location, the lidar device 308 can determine the absolute location
of the metrology system 202 itself and of the objects 102 within
its field of regard of the metrology system 202.
[0049] As can also be appreciated by one of skill in the art after
consideration of the present disclosure, an acoustic transceiver
310 is an acoustic system that can include active and passive
acoustic components. The active components can provide an acoustic
signal that identifies the associated metrology system 202,
provides information that allows an acoustic transceiver provided
as part of another instrument or device to determine a relative
range and bearing to the emitting acoustic transceiver 310,
provides interrogation signals to specific acoustic transponders
228, performs an acoustic modem function, for example to transmit
location information to an acoustic transponder 228, and/or the
like. The passive components can receive acoustic signals from
acoustic emitters provided as part of another instrument or device.
Accordingly, the acoustic transceiver enables the metrology system
202 to identify and to determine the location of acoustic emitters
relative to the metrology system 202. Where an acoustic transponder
228 or other acoustical emitter has a known absolute location, the
acoustic transceiver 310 can determine the absolute location of the
metrology system 202 itself and of other acoustic emitters from
which the acoustic transponder 228 receives a signal. Moreover, as
discussed in greater detail elsewhere herein, a metrology system
202 can use optical and acoustic signals in combination to locate
objects 102 in an underwater environment accurately and in a wide
variety of conditions.
[0050] A metrology system 202 can also include a navigation system,
such as an Inertial Navigation Unit (INU) 403, which can be used to
provide information regarding the location of the metrology system
202, and in turn of objects 102 within the field of regard of the
lidar device 308 or objects 102 from which an acoustic locating
signal is received by the acoustic transceiver 310. The INU 403 can
be used independently or in conjunction with other metrology
systems, including light and acoustic metrology systems, such as
acoustic beacons, super-short baseline (SSBL) systems, ultra-short
baseline (USBL) systems, untethered inverted USBL systems, or long
baseline (LBL) systems.
[0051] The components of the lidar device 308 provided as part of a
metrology system 202 include a light source 404. The light produced
by the light source 404 can be collimated or variably focused by
optics 408. In accordance with at least some embodiments of the
present disclosure, the light source 404 is a pulsed beam laser. As
can be appreciated by one of skill in the art after consideration
of the present disclosure, the light source 404 can produce light
having a selected wavelength or range of wavelengths. As an
example, but without limitation, the light source 404 may comprise
a blue-green laser light source. As a further example, the light
source 404 may have an output centered at 532 nm. Other wavelengths
can also be used, for example to optimize performance in response
to various water conditions. In accordance with still other
embodiments, the light source 404 may produce non-collimated light.
In accordance with still other embodiments, the light source 404
may be light emitting diode (LED) based, continuous wave (CW) laser
based, modulated CW based, structured light, or some other light
source.
[0052] The variable focus optics 408 can include traditional
mechanical focusing elements, or non-mechanical elements, such as
may be provided by fluid lenses, liquid crystal devices,
electro-optic devices, and other optical elements. The ability to
focus the beam can be used to optimize signal return for a specific
target at a specific range for specific water conditions. The light
can then be adjusted in magnitude by a variable filter or
attenuator 412. This is advantageous for underwater sensing as the
attenuation of seawater or other water bodies can vary
dramatically, thus dramatically changing the return signal, which
can strain the dynamic range of the receiver. One method for
reducing the required dynamic range of the receiver is to adjust
the light output power from the transmitter. This can be achieved
by the variable attenuator 412. As examples, the variable
attenuator 412 can include standard neutral density filters, other
attenuation filters, or polarization elements.
[0053] The optical train can also include a variable polarization
rotator 416. It is known that the polarization of the transmitted
light can affect the backscatter power, which is a source of noise
at the lidar device 308 receiver. Transmission range can therefore
be optimized by adjusting the polarization rotation of the output
light. The variable polarization rotator 416 can impart any
polarization to the output light.
[0054] Transmit and receive (Tx/Rx) optics 420 are used to make the
sensor monostatic. Monostatic sensors have the distinct advantage
of simplified scanning as the transmitter and receiver are pointed
at the same location with the same scanning mechanism, resulting in
calibration and reliability performance that is superior to
bistatic systems. A scanning device 424 can then be used to
accurately direct the transmitted beam and the field of view of the
receiver simultaneously to a scene through a window 428 in the
enclosure 402. The scanning device 424 can include a steering
mirror or other beam steering device, such as a
micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMs), liquid crystal,
acousto-optic, or electro-optic device, for precise control of the
pointing of the light source and receiver toward a target location
202, such as an underwater structure, and at known angles relative
to the metrology system 202.
[0055] Light reflected from the target is received by the scanning
device 424 and is split by a beam splitter element included in the
Tx/Rx optics 420. Light from the Tx/Rx optics 420 is provided to a
receive telescope 430, which is configured to focus the received
light so that it can be imaged onto the sensor elements of a
receiver 444 included in the metrology system 202. In a different
embodiment the receive telescope 430 collimates the light and it is
then focused by focusing optic 446. A variable polarization rotator
432 can be included to optimize the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of
the return signal by selecting the optimal polarization for the
hard target return.
[0056] A fast shutter 436 is provided to block any stray light from
the primary beam as it exits the window 428, after being directed
by the scanning device 424. The fast shutter 436 is timed with high
speed electronics, which may be implemented by a processor 448, to
block the window 428 reflection from a transmitted pulse and then
open quickly to capture returns from close targets. Light passed by
the fast shutter 436 is then provided to the receiver 444. The
receiver 444 detects the light reflected from a target, and timing
and intensity information regarding the received signal is used to
create 3-D point cloud data. The receiver 444 thus is an optical
sensor or detector, such as a photodiode, an avalanche photodiode,
a photomultiplier tube, a silicon photomultiplier tube, a Geiger
mode avalanche photodiode, charge coupled device (CCD) detector,
complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) detector, or other
optical detector. It can also include an electronic amplifier
and/or thermal control elements and circuitry. In addition, the
receiver 444 can include or be associated with a narrow band filter
to reduce background light. A focusing optic 446 can be included to
focus received light onto the sensor of the receiver 444. In
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the receiver
444 may comprise a single or multiple pixel sensor. Information
regarding the range to the target is monitored by a processor 448,
which controls and/or has access to information regarding the time
at which transmitted light is output, and the time at which a
return signal, comprising transmitted light that has been reflected
from a target, is received by the receiver 444. In addition,
information from the scanning device 424, from a pan and tilt head
312, from a pitch and roll sensor 426 mounted to the pan and tilt
head 312 or included in the lidar device 308, and/or the location
of a receiving pixel in a lidar device 308 having a multiple pixel
sensor as the receiver 444 can be used by the processor 448 to
determine the azimuth angle and elevation angle to the target. This
information can then be combined with timing information, and in
particular the time at which the transmitted pulse of light
produced by the light source 404 is sent towards the target, and
the time that the return signal is received at the receiver 444.
The range measurement determined from the timing information can
then be applied to obtain a location of the target relative to the
metrology system 202. The pitch and roll sensor or similar device
can be used to provide the gravity vector of the point cloud. This
can then be used to orient the point cloud in relation to gravity,
thus in effect "leveling" the system.
[0057] The acoustic transceiver 310 generally includes an acoustic
output or transmitter 405 and an acoustic input or receiver 406. As
examples, but without limitation, the acoustic transmitter 405 may
comprise an acoustic transducer or set of transducers that operate
to transform electrical signals into acoustic signals having a
selected frequency or frequencies, and to transmit that frequency
or set of frequencies through the water surrounding the metrology
system 202. Moreover, a signal output by the acoustic transmitter
405 can be encoded, for example to address a specific acoustic
transponder 228 or set of transponders 228, or to signal an
acoustic transponder 228 to output a reply or identification
signal, to transmit location information for an acoustic
transponder 228 or to another combined system 200 component, or to
otherwise perform an acoustic modem function. The acoustic receiver
406 may comprise a hydrophone or set of hydrophones that operate to
receive acoustic signals from the water surrounding the metrology
system 202 and to transform those signals into electrical signals.
As discussed in greater detail elsewhere herein, received
acoustical signals can include identification, acknowledgement,
ranging, communication, or other signals. The acoustic transceiver
310 can be inside the same enclosure 402 or can be outside
enclosure 402 and contained within its own enclosure, which is
generally a pressure housing.
[0058] The processor 448 can include any processor capable of
performing or executing instructions encoded in system software or
firmware 463 stored in data storage or memory 464, such as a
general purpose programmable processor, controller, Application
Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Array
(FPGA), or the like. Moreover, the execution of that software or
firmware 463 can control the operation of the metrology system
202.
[0059] With respect to the lidar system 308, operation of the
metrology system 202 can include the acquisition of point cloud
data that includes azimuth angle, elevation angle, intensity, and
range information taken from an underwater scene comprising the
area surrounding the metrology system 202, and can further include
the identification of objects 102, targets 240 and 244, and the
like within the scene. With respect to the acoustic transceiver
310, operation of the metrology system 202 can include the
interrogation of acoustic transponders 228 within the scene
comprising the area surrounding the metrology system 202, the
acquisition of identification, range, bearing or other information,
or other operations.
[0060] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure,
the information from or about objects 102 within a scene can be
obtained using both optical and acoustical methodologies, and used
selectively or in combination by the metrology system 202 to
identify objects within a scene and determine the relative
locations of the objects 102. Moreover, where absolute or
georeferenced location information is available for the metrology
system or an object 102, a metrology system 202 in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure can operate by using optical
and acoustical methodologies alone or in combination to
georeference some or all of the objects 102 within the scene.
Moreover, the identification and locating of objects 102 within the
scene using one or more of the methodologies available to the
metrology system 202 can be performed through operation of the
software 463 stored in the memory 464 and executed by the processor
448 provided as part of the metrology system. In accordance with
still other embodiments of the present disclosure, the metrology
system 202 can report data regarding the identities and locations
of objects 102 within a scene, and can exchange information with
other metrology systems 202, to exchange information with a user
interface, server system, or other computing node in communication
with the metrology system, or the like.
[0061] Different operations of the software 463 can be distributed
amongst different programs, applications, or software modules. In
general, the execution of the software 463 by the processor 448 can
be performed in conjunction with the memory 464. Moreover, the
function of the memory 464 can include the short or long-term
storage of timing information, range information, point cloud data
generated by the lidar system 308, control point locations, or
other control information or generated data. The memory 464 can
comprise a solid-state memory, hard disk drive, a combination of
memory devices, or the like.
[0062] The metrology system 202 can additionally include various
sensors, in addition to those included in the lidar system 308 and
the acoustic transceiver 310. For example, the metrology system 202
can include a CTD device 336 for measuring the conductivity (and
thus the salinity), the temperature, and the depth of the water at
the location of the metrology system 202. Because a CTD device 336
must be in direct contact with the surrounding water, it can be
mounted outside of or adjacent an aperture in the enclosure
402.
[0063] Embodiments of the present disclosure can include all of the
components illustrated in FIG. 4, additional or alternate
components, or a subset of these components. In accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure, the range and angle
measurements made by the lidar system 308 should all be compensated
using techniques described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,184,276 and
8,467,044. The memory 464 can be used for storing the location
information, operating instructions, generated data, and the like.
An input/output or communication interface 468 can be included for
transmitting determined information to a monitoring and control
station 804 (see FIG. 8) or other system or control center in
real-time, near real-time, or asynchronously. A power source and
distribution bus 472 can also be integrated with the metrology
system 202. Various elements of a metrology system 202 as disclosed
herein can be provided as or by discrete or integrated components.
For example, various optical elements of the lidar system 308 can
be formed on a substrate that is bonded to the semiconductor
substrate in which the receiver 444 is formed, creating an
integrated chip or package.
[0064] FIG. 5A depicts an acoustic transponder 228 in accordance
with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in the
figures, an acoustic transponder 228 as disclosed herein generally
includes a water tight body or housing 504 to which one or more 2-D
targets 244, identifying codes, letters, or numerals 508, or other
indicia 512 have been applied. In addition, the acoustic
transponder 228 includes an acoustic transducer 516. As can be
appreciated by one of skill in the art, the acoustic transducer 516
is located so that it is in contact with the surrounding water when
the acoustic transponder 228 is in place in an underwater location.
As described in greater detail elsewhere herein, the indicia 512
can be configured to uniquely identify an associated acoustic
transponder 228, and to assist in precisely locating a reference
point 520, such as a physical center point, of the acoustic
transducer 516 using optical instruments, such as a lidar system
308 included as part of a metrology system 202 as disclosed herein.
In accordance with still further embodiments of the present
disclosure, the indicia 512 can include a 2-D target 244 that is
applied directly to the surface of the acoustic transducer 516.
Accordingly, instead of the generally poorly reflective, rubber or
other pliable surface of the typical acoustic transducer 516, a
highly reflective target 244 can be applied to a portion of that
surface, facilitating the identification of the location of the
acoustic transducer 516 using a lidar device 308 or other optical
system.
[0065] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5A, the targets 244 are
applied directly to the housing 504. As depicted in FIG. 5B,
targets 244 can be held on arms 524 that extend from the housing
504, as well as or in place of targets 244 applied to the housing
504. Alternatively or in addition, a 3-D target 240 can be fixed to
the housing 504. As can be appreciated by one of skill in the art
after consideration of the present disclosure, the inclusion of one
or more 3-D targets 240 and/or of one or more targets 244 held on
arms 524 allows the targets 240 or 244 to be positioned at greater
distances from one another, thereby increasing the ability of the
metrology system 202 to identify the location of the center point
520 of the acoustic transducer 516 included in the associated
acoustic transponder 228. The additional targets 240 and/or 244
included on the arms 524 can also provide more control points in
different orientations and planes for transponder 228 than can be
provided on the housing 504 itself. In accordance with still other
embodiments, an acoustic transponder 228 can be fixed to a target
stand 222 and can be located precisely with reference to targets
240 or 244 also fixed to the target stand 222. A target 244 can
also be placed directly on the acoustic transducer 516 at a
location corresponding to the center point 520 of the acoustic
transducer 516.
[0066] All reference indicia 512 and optical targets 240 and/or 244
can be measured with high accuracy in 3D space at the surface (in
air) relative to the center or reference point 520. These
dimensional control (DC) offsets can then be used to identify the
location of the reference point 520 underwater with high accuracy
based upon reference indicia 512 and the targets 244 or 240.
Identifying codes, letters, or numerals 508 can include a bar code
type system that the lidar device 308 or other optical system
automatically reads. The system can then use a database or other
method to identify the unique transponder 228 and acquire the DC
offsets or other metadata for the uniquely identified transponder
228 from the database. In addition, to the DC offsets, the metadata
can include hub number, date of installation, acoustic
identification code, or any other information associated with the
transponder 228. This reduces the need for ROV video
identification.
[0067] FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting components of the
acoustic transponder 228 of FIGS. 5A-5B. These components generally
include the housing 504, the acoustic transducer 516, a processor
604, memory 608, and a power supply 612. Note that the acoustic
transducer 516 can be a single transducer or an array of individual
transducers, where the array allows for direction finding. The
processor 604 may comprise a general purpose programmable processor
or controller that is capable of executing software or firmware,
such as, but not limited to, an application 616 stored in memory
608. The application 616 may comprise instructions controlling the
operation of the acoustic transponder 228, such as identifying
acoustic interrogation signals that are received at the acoustic
transducer 516 and are addressed to or that otherwise require a
response or other action by the acoustic transponder 228. The
application 616 can further operate to cause the acoustic
transducer 516 to output an acoustic identification, ranging,
direction, or other signal, for example periodically or in response
to an interrogation signal. In addition to an application 616, the
memory 608 of the acoustic transponder 228 can store identification
codes, ranging sequences, or other data 620. An acoustic
transponder 228 in accordance with still other embodiments of the
present disclosure can operate to store information in memory 608
regarding the location of the acoustic transponder 228, for example
that has been communicated to the acoustic transponder 228 as part
of an acoustic information signal provided by a metrology system
202 that has determined that location information. In such
embodiments, the acoustic transponder 228 may further operate to
transmit its location information to other acoustic transponders
228, to acoustic transceivers 310, or other devices. An acoustic
transponder 228 can additionally implement an acoustical modem
function to send, relay, or receive information encoded on acoustic
carrier frequencies.
[0068] FIG. 7 depicts a monument 226 that can be used in connection
with determining locations of objects 102 and underwater features
as part of a combined system 200 as described herein. The monument
226 features three-dimensional 240 and/or two-dimensional 244
targets. In accordance with further embodiments, the monument 226
can include additional or reference indicia 512, such as scales
704, identifying codes, letters, or numerals 508, or the like. Such
indicia 512 can assist in visually identifying the monument 226 and
the relative location of the monument 226, for example using a
lidar 308 provided as part of a metrology system 202. A monument
226 can therefore provide a reference point with respect to which
the relative location of an underwater structure or object 102,
target stands 222, acoustic transducers 228, and/or the metrology
system 202 itself can be determined and monitored. In accordance
with still further embodiments of the present disclosure, the
monument 226 can include an acoustic transponder 228 to enable the
acoustic validation of the location of the monument 226, and to
provide acoustic relative location data. The acoustic transponder
228 can include targets 244 or other indicia 512, an acoustic
transducer 516, and other components included in an acoustic
transponder 228 generally. Moreover, the acoustic transponder 228
can receive and store information regarding the location of the
acoustic transponder 228 and/or the associated monument 226, and
can communicate that information to other combined system 200
components, such as other acoustic transducers 228 and acoustic
transceiver 310 components of metrology systems 202. The inclusion
of an acoustic transponder 228 as part of or mounted to a monument
226 therefore allows for an independent location validation
measurement using a different measurement mechanism (acoustic
versus optical). Accordingly, one or more monuments 226 can be
positioned within a scene to provide fixed reference points that
can be accurately identified by the metrology system 202 and that
can be used as reference points to determine the location of
underwater structures 102, acoustic transponders 228, metrology
systems 202, or other objects within the underwater scene relative
to the monuments 226.
[0069] FIG. 8 is a block diagram depicting human interface and
other components that can be provided as part of or in conjunction
with a monitoring and control station 804 associated with a
combined system 200 in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure. The monitoring and control station 804 can be provided
as a top-side facility, carried by a mobile platform, such as a
surface ship or a submersible vehicle, mounted to a fixed or
stationary platform, such as a production platform, or located at
an on-shore facility. The monitoring and control station 804
facilitates or performs functions that include providing output to
and receiving input from a user or from an automated processing
center. The monitoring and control station 804 generally includes a
processor 808 and memory 812. In addition, the monitoring and
control station 804 can include one or more user input devices 816
and one or more user output devices 820. The monitoring and control
station 804 also generally includes data storage 824. In addition,
a communication interface 828 can be provided, to support
interconnection of the monitoring and control station 804 to the
underwater components of the combined system 200, and/or to other
systems. This interface can be used as a command and control
interface to another autonomous device that provides the inputs and
reads outputs that replaces human user interfaces 816 and 820.
[0070] The processor 808 may include a general purpose programmable
processor or any other processor capable of performing or executing
instructions encoded in software or firmware. In accordance with
other embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor 808 may
comprise a controller, FPGA, or ASIC capable of performing
instructions encoded in logic circuits. The memory 812 may be used
to store programs and/or data, for example in connection with the
execution of code or instructions by the processor 808. As
examples, the memory 812 may comprise RAM, SDRAM, or other
solid-state memory. In general, a user input device 816 is included
as part of the monitoring and control station 804 that allows a
user to input commands, including commands that are transmitted to
the underwater components of the combined system 200, and to
control aspects of the operation of the metrology system 202.
Examples of user input devices 816 that can be provided as part of
the monitoring and control station 804 include a keyboard, keypad,
microphone, biometric input device, touch screen, joy stick, mouse,
or other position encoding device, or the like. A user output
device 820 can, for example, include a display, speaker, indicator
lamp, or the like. Moreover, a user input device 816 and a user
output device 520 can be integrated, for example through a
graphical user interface with a pointing device controlled cursor
or a touchscreen display. Like the memory 812, the data storage 824
may comprise a solid-state device. Alternatively or in addition,
the data storage 824 may comprise, but is not limited to, a hard
disk drive, a tape drive, or other addressable storage device or
set of devices. Moreover, the data storage 824 can be provided as
an integral component of the monitoring and control station 804, or
as an interconnected data storage device or system.
[0071] The data storage 824 may provide storage for a subsea
monitoring system application 832 that operates to present a
graphical user interface through the user output device 820, and
that presents a map or other representation of the locations of
objects 102, metrology systems 202, target stands 222, monuments
226, acoustic transponders 228, and/or other objects in an
underwater environment. The presentation can further depict any
differences between the location of an object 102 as determined
using a lidar device 308 and a location as determined by an
acoustic transceiver 310. For instance, as an optically determined
location, when available, is typically more precise than an
acoustically determined location, a location as determined by the
optical system can be represented as a point on a map of the
seafloor, while the location as determined by the acoustical system
can be represented by an area on the map. This can include visual
representation of measurement uncertainty, or error bars, of each
measurement system. The output device 820 can further provide a
view of point cloud data 840, or data derived from point cloud
data, obtained by a metrology system 202. The application 832 can
further operate to receive control commands from a user through the
user input device 816, including commands selecting target areas or
specific targets within an underwater scene from which 3-D point
cloud data should be obtained by the metrology system 202.
Moreover, the application 832 can operate to receive control
commands regarding acoustic transponders 228 that should be
interrogated, and from which location information should be
collected. In accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure, the application 832 can perform various functions
autonomously, such as identifying underwater objects 102, such as
target stands 222, monuments 226, acoustic transponders 228,
identifying features on underwater objects 102, identifying a
centroid of an underwater object or a feature of an underwater
object, identifying control points on underwater objects,
identifying target 240 or 244 centroids, monitoring the motion,
and/or vibration of underwater objects, or other operations. Such
automated operations can be implemented using, for example, image
recognition techniques. The data storage 824 can additionally
provide storage for the identified locations of underwater objects
102, control point data 836, point cloud data 840, maps of
underwater features, identifiers of underwater features, indicia
512 and identification codes of acoustic transponders 228, and the
like. In accordance with still other embodiments of the present
disclosure, the system application 832 can be executed to operate a
metrology system 202 to detect motion, vibration, vibration mode,
changes, features, lack of features, other anomalies, temperatures,
or leaks instead of or in conjunction with execution of the system
software 463 by the processor 448 of the metrology system 202. The
data storage 824 can also store operating system software 844, and
other applications or data.
[0072] FIG. 9 depicts an undersea scenario including the use of an
acoustic transponder 228 in accordance with embodiments of the
present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a flowchart depicting aspects of a
process that can be performed in connection with a scenario such as
the one illustrated in FIG. 9. The first step, which is performed
at the surface, is to take Dimensional Control (DC) data for the
acoustic transponder 228 (step 1004). This entails taking highly
accurate measurements from the actual acoustic element 516 of the
transponder 228 to the multiple indicia 512 in 3D space (X, Y, Z
coordinates). Highly accurate measurement can be performed using a
Total Station or a Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM). Less
accurate measurements can be achieved with a tape measure or
similar device. The measurement can locate a centroid or defined
center point 520 of the acoustic transducer 516 relative to the
indicia 512. With this information the metrology system 202 can
accurately locate indicia 512 in 3-D space and then use the DC
offsets to compute the location of the center 520 of the acoustic
transducer 516. In accordance with further embodiments of the
present disclosure, the indicia 512 can include information
uniquely identifying an associated acoustic transponder 228. In
this manner the unique offsets for each transponder can be
applied.
[0073] The acoustic transponder 228 is then lowered and placed in
the field 100 at an approximately known location (step 1008). The
metrology system 202 is also lowered and placed in the field 100 at
an approximately known location (step 1012). The metrology system
202 can be placed on a support structure 224, placed on the seabed,
carried by an ROV or AUV 216 that is stationary on the seabed,
carried by an ROV or AUV 216 that is floating in a station-keeping
mode, or otherwise carried or placed in the vicinity of the
acoustic transponder 228.
[0074] The next step is to locate metrology system 202 in relation
to the field 100 (step 1016). Information regarding the location of
the metrology system 202 can be provided by the INU 403.
Alternatively, or in addition, the metrology system 202 can obtain
information regarding its location by referencing one or more
geo-located monuments 226, target stands 222, 3-D targets 240, or
2-D targets 244 or other stationary structures or indicia on the
seabed, or even by the seabed features themselves. Location
information obtained relative to the geo-location monuments 226 or
other structures or indicia can replace or be supplemented by the
known location of the metrology system 202, obtained, for example,
from an INU 403, or other stationary structures on the seabed such
as manifolds 128, wells 130, or suction piles 136, or even by the
seabed features themselves. Note the location can be geo-referenced
or can be relative to the locations of the monuments 226, or other
structures or objects 102 on the seabed.
[0075] As shown, the geo-located monument 226 can include indicia
512, such as a two-dimensional 244 and three dimensional 240
targets, acoustic transponders 228, and scales to assist in
determining the relative location of the metrology system 202, a
nearby acoustic transponder 228, or other objects 102. In
accordance with further embodiments of the present disclosure, the
indicia 512 can include information uniquely identifying an
associated geo-located monument 226.
[0076] The metrology system 202 is then used to create a 3D point
cloud that includes the acoustic transponder 228 (step 1020). With
a known location of metrology system 202, this point cloud can be
put in global or georeferenced coordinates so the location of
indicia 512 on the acoustic transponder 228, and thus the location
of the transponder 228, is known in georeferenced X, Y, Z space
(step 1024). In an additional embodiment, the point cloud includes
both the acoustic transponder 228 and the monument 226. The
relative location of the acoustic transponder 228 is then
determined in 3D space (X, Y, Z coordinates) with respect to
monument 226. The DC offsets for the exact acoustic transponder 228
can then be applied to identify the location of the acoustic
transducer 516 in 3D space (step 1028). The process can then
end.
[0077] FIG. 11 depicts an undersea scenario in which a monument 226
or other structure 102 is used to find the location of the
metrology system 202. FIG. 12 is a flowchart depicting aspects of
the process that can be performed in connection with the scenario
of FIG. 11. Initially, at least three control points or targets 244
on the monument 226 are coordinated or georeferenced (step 1204).
The at least three previously coordinated reference points or
targets 244, are shown as points A, B, and C in FIG. 11. The
metrology system 202, in this example carried by an underwater
vehicle 216 in the form of an ROV, is placed at a location from
which the targets 244 on the monument 226 are visible, to enable
the metrology system to determine its location relative to the
targets 244 (step 1208). More particularly, the lidar device 308
included in the metrology system 202 is operated to scan the
targets 244 (step 1212). The centroids of the targets 244 are then
located, for example by operation of an image analysis module
included in the application software 463 (step 1216). The location
of the metrology system relative to the targets 244 can then be
determined, for example by performing a three point resection
traverse, in which the location of the metrology system 202 is
calculated from the determined angles subtended by lines of sight
from the metrology system 202 to the previously coordinated targets
244 (step 1220). Moreover, where the monument 226 is itself
geolocated, determining the location of the metrology system 202
relative to the monument 226 allows the metrology system 202 to
itself be geolocated. Having identified its location relative to a
monument 226 having a known location, the metrology system 202 can
precisely determine the location of other objects 102, including
but not limited to other monuments 226, target stands 222, and
acoustic transponders 228.
[0078] FIG. 13 depicts an undersea scenario including the use of
multiple acoustic transponders 228 and one or more geo-located
monument 226 or other stationary structures on the seabed, or even
the seabed features themselves in accordance with embodiments of
the present disclosure. In this scenario, the multiple acoustic
transponders 228 can each include indicia 512 in the form of
reference targets 240 or 244. Information regarding the X, Y, Z
location of the acoustic transponders 228 can be provided from the
metrology system 202 to the transponders 228 themselves, which can
result in the transponders 228 having improved location accuracy as
compared to transponders 228 that rely solely on acoustic
information exchanged with other transponders 228. More
particularly, and with reference now to FIG. 14, the dimensional
control data, including the relationship between targets 240 and/or
244 and the center point 520 of the acoustic transducer 516 for
each of the acoustic transducers 228 can be taken (step 1404). The
dimensional control data can be taken on the surface, before the
acoustic transponders are placed on the seabed, and can be stored,
for example in data storage 824 of a monitoring and control station
804 of the combined system 200. The acoustic transponders 228 can
then be placed on the seabed (step 1408). The metrology system 202
can then be placed such that the acoustic transponders 228 and a
previously placed monument 226 with coordinated targets 240 and/or
244 are in view of the metrology system (step 1412). The metrology
system 202 can then be operated to determine the location of one or
more of the acoustic transponders 228 relative to the monument 226
using the included lidar device 308 (step 1416). The precisely
determined location of an acoustic transponder 228 can then be
provided to that acoustic transponder 228, where the location
information can be stored (step 1420). The location information can
be relative to the monument 226 or can be a georeferenced location.
In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present
disclosure, the location for a particular acoustic transponder 228
determined by the metrology system 202 is communicated to that
acoustic transponder 228 using an acoustic carrier signal generated
by an acoustic transceiver 310 included in the metrology system
202.
[0079] Acoustic transponders 228 can then relay their location
information to each other, together with a conventional acoustic
locating signal (step 1424). This can enable a combined system 200
in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure to provide
location information with enhanced precision as compared to systems
that do not include the optically determined location of a
transmitting acoustic transponder with conventional ranging
information or range and direction information. In particular, if
an acoustic transponder 228 is given its X, Y, Z, roll, pitch, yaw
location from a metrology system 202, and then receives the
location of another transponder 228, it knows the exact range and
location of the other acoustic transponder 228. The range can be
compared to its acoustic range for that acoustic transponder 228.
This can be used as a critical quality control check for the range
between acoustic transponders 228. Moreover, in this scenario the
two ranges are calculated using different sensor physics (acoustic
and optical), providing for a very robust system. For example, the
X, Y, Z location information of the acoustic transponders 228 can
be provided with millimeter accuracy, as compared to the centimeter
to meter accuracy that is available using acoustic range
information alone. Moreover, by combining light based and sound
based locating methodologies, the ability to obtain a relative
range information between nodes of the system or field under
different environmental or failure conditions can be improved as
compared to scenarios utilizing a single methodology for obtaining
such information. In accordance with further embodiments of the
present disclosure, the indicia 512 can include information
uniquely identifying an associated acoustic transponder 228. This
can include a bar code type system that the optical system, such as
the lidar device 308, automatically reads. The system 200 can then
use a database or other method to identify the unique transponder
228 and acquire the DC offsets or other metadata from a database.
This reduces the need for ROV video identification.
[0080] In additional embodiments, the location data of acoustic
transponders 228 as determined by a metrology system 202, and the
acoustic range data collected by acoustic transponders 228, can
both be sent to a local processing center or a topside processing
center 804 to process and compare the location data using the two
methods.
[0081] FIG. 15 depicts an undersea scenario encompassing a field
that includes multiple undersea structures or other objects 102,
multiple acoustic transponders 228 and multiple geo-located
monuments 226 in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure. As depicted in FIG. 16, in this scenario indicia 512 is
applied to the acoustic transponders 228, and DC data is collected
from the relationship of the indicia 512 to the acoustic element or
transducer 516 of each transponder 228 (step 1604). Each acoustic
transponder 228 is also uniquely marked so the unique data for each
acoustic transponder 228 is captured. This can include a bar code
type system that the optical system or lidar device 308
automatically reads. The system 200 can then use a database to
identify the unique transponder and acquire the DC offsets or other
metadata from a database. This reduces the need for ROV video
identification. The acoustic transponders 228 are then lowered and
placed in the field 100 at approximately known locations (step
1608). A metrology system 202 is also lowered and placed in the
field 100 at an approximately known location (step 1612). The
metrology system 202 can be placed on a support structure 224
placed on the seabed, carried by an ROV or AUV 216 that is
stationary on the seabed, carried by an ROV or AUV 216 that is
floating in a station-keeping mode, carried by an ROV or AUV 216
that is floating but latched on (through manipulators or other
device) to a structure on the seabed for stability, or otherwise
carried or placed in the vicinity of the acoustic transponders
228.
[0082] The next step is to locate metrology system 202 in relation
to the field 100 (step 1616). Information regarding the location of
the monitoring system 202 can be provided by the INU 403.
Alternatively, or in addition, the monitoring system 202 can obtain
information regarding its location by referencing one or more
geo-located monuments 226 or other stationary structures on the
seabed, or even by the seabed features themselves. Location
information obtained relative to the geo-location monuments 226 can
replace or be supplemented by the known location of the metrology
system 202, obtained, for example, from an INU 403, or other
stationary structures on the seabed such as target stands 222,
manifolds 128, wells 130, or suction piles 136, or even by the
seabed features themselves. Note the location can be geo-referenced
or can be a location that is relative to locations of the
structures on the seabed.
[0083] A 3-D point cloud that includes acoustic transponders 228 is
then created using the lidar device 308 included in the metrology
system 202 (step 1620). With a known location of metrology system
202, this point cloud can be put in global or georeferenced
coordinates so the location of indicia 512 is known in
georeferenced X, Y, Z space. Alternately, the location can be
relative to a specific structure or feature, or relative to the
monitoring system itself In an additional embodiment, the point
cloud includes both the transponders 228 and monuments 226. The
relative locations of the acoustic transponders 228 are then
determined in 3D space (X, Y, Z, roll, pitch, yaw coordinates) with
respect to one or more of the monuments 226 (step 1624). The DC
offsets for each of the acoustic transponders 228 can then be
applied to identify the location of the acoustic element 516 of
each acoustic transponder 228 in 3D space (step 1628). The process
can then end.
[0084] FIG. 17 depicts an undersea scenario including multiple
monitoring systems 202 exchanging location information with one
another via a communication link 1704 established in accordance
with embodiments of the present disclosure. The use of multiple
monitoring systems 202 can be advantageous, for example where the
desired field of coverage is relatively large. In such a scenario,
the monitoring systems 202 can advantageously exchange location
information with one another. In accordance with embodiments of the
present disclosure, the different monitoring systems 202 can
identify and locate one another using indicia 512, such as targets
240 and/or 244, placed on exterior surfaces of the monitoring
systems 202.
[0085] With reference now to FIG. 18, aspects of the operation of a
combined system 200 in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure, where multiple metrology systems 202 are included, as
depicted in FIG. 17, are illustrated. In this example, at step
1804, a metrology system is placed in an underwater field in which
a monument 226 and acoustic transducers 228 have already placed. At
step 1808, a determination is made as whether any additional
metrology systems 202 are to be placed in the field. In this
example, at least two metrology systems 202 will be placed in the
scene. After all of the desired metrology systems 202 are in place,
the metrology systems are operated to generate point cloud data
(step 1812). Individual acoustic transponders 228 and/or monuments
226 within the different sets of point cloud data generated by the
different metrology systems 202 can then be identified, and their
locations can be determined (step 1816). Note the unique
identifying marks on transponders 228, monuments 226, or other
objects 102 can include a bar code type system that the optical
system automatically reads. The system can then use a database to
identify the unique transponder, monument, or structure and acquire
the DC offsets or other metadata from a database, such as exact hub
number, installation date, etc. This not only provides additional
information, but also reduces the need for ROV video
identification.
[0086] The location information regarding the identified acoustic
transponders 228 and monuments 226 can then be exchanged between
the metrology systems 202 (step 1820). The information can be
exchanged through a direct acoustic link between the different
metrology systems, for example established by the included acoustic
transceivers 310. As another example, the information can be
exchanged through a relay, such as through a monitoring and control
station. As a further example the information can be exchanged by
optical communications. In addition, the point cloud data and/or
location information determined by the metrology system 202 can be
communicated to a monitoring and control station 804 or other
combined system 200 node. The monitoring and control station 804 or
other node can then stitch together the data to provide a wide area
set of 3-D location information. The process can then end.
[0087] Subsea structures 102 can have acoustic transponders 228
located on them, along with DC information that locates the
acoustic transponder 228 onto the structure. The subsea structure
is then located within the acoustic array comprising the set of
multiple, for example as depicted in FIG. 15, four, acoustic
transponders 228, by the acoustic transponders 228 pinging range
and possibly azimuth and elevation angular information to each
other. Many more acoustic transponders 228 are normally used to
increase the accuracy of the array and to provide redundancy when
power goes low (batteries die) on the acoustic transponders. The
solution for the location of the subsea structure acoustic
transponder can be calculated on the surface.
[0088] By including a metrology system 202 having an active optical
system, the lidar device 308, in the field 100, several advantages
are obtained. First, a lesser number of acoustic transponders 228
can be used as compared to a classic arrangement in which only
acoustic location information is utilized, because the lidar device
308 of the metrology system 202 can be used to locate (geo or
relative) the acoustic transponders 228 with respect to on another
more accurately than can be done using acoustic transponder 228
alone. Also, the metrology system 202 can be used to locate the
subsea structures 102 using optical targets 240 on the structures
102. The locations of the acoustic transponders 228 and the
locations of the structures 102 obtained by the acoustic system and
obtained by the optical system can then be sent to a central
processing center either underwater or topside. The acoustic and
optical results can be compared for accuracy and redundancy.
[0089] For instance, if an acoustic transponder 228 ran out of
batteries or went bad, the metrology system 202 can still give that
transponder's 228 location to the array or remaining, active
acoustic transponders 228. In reverse, if water visibility turned
poor due to a storm or currents or subsea operations that stirred
the seabed, and the range of the optical monitoring system 308 was
decreased, the acoustic system can then be used or weighed higher
in the combined data.
[0090] The inclusion of a metrology system 202 within a field of
multiple acoustic transponders 228 can provide for more accurate
angular and distance measurements between the included objects,
including the acoustic transponders 228, as compared to scenarios
in which acoustic transponders 228 are used without a light based
measuring system. Alternatively or in addition, fewer acoustic
transponders 228 may be used across the field, as compared to
scenarios in which a light based measurement system 308 is not
included. The range and angle measurements can further be improved
by including one or more geo-located monuments 226.
[0091] FIG. 19 depicts a 3-D target 240 in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure, and FIG. 20 depicts a 2-D
target 244 in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure. The targets 240 and 244 can include shapes that assist
a metrology system 202 in determining a relative orientation of the
target 240 and 244, and the associated object 102, monument 226,
target stand 222, or acoustic transponder 228. The target 240 or
244 can additionally include identifying markings 1904 that allow
the target 240 or 244 and/or the associated object 102, monument
226, target stand 222, or acoustic transponder 228 to be uniquely
identified. Moreover, the identifying markings 1904 can allow a
surface, component, or other feature of an object 102 to which the
target 240 or 244 is mounted or applied to be identified. Note the
unique identifying marks on transponders 228, monuments 226, target
stand 222 or other objects 102 can include a bar code type system
that the optical system automatically reads. The system can then
use a database to identify the unique transponder, monument, target
stand or structure and acquire the DC offsets or other metadata
from a database, such as exact hub number, installation date, etc.
This not only provides additional information, but also reduces the
need for ROV video identification. In accordance with further
embodiments of the present disclosure, the target 244 may comprise
a three-dimensional target that provides the shapes 1904 in the
form of the physical shape of the target 244. A target 244 in the
form of a three-dimensional object may additionally include
two-dimensional shapes or identifying markings 1904. A target 240
can also be provided in the form of an entirely two-dimensional
shape and/or identifying markings 1904. In accordance with still
other embodiments of the present disclosure, a target 240 or 244
can modify a polarization, amplitude, phase, and wavelength, or
other attribute of incident light that is received from and
reflected back to a metrology system 202. In another example, a
target 240 or 244 may comprise one or more prisms. In accordance
with further embodiments of the present disclosure, the target 240
or 244 can include a hologram that modifies light received from a
metrology system 202 to produce a particular pattern.
[0092] In an additional embodiment, an acoustic transponder 228 can
be uniquely identified by a laser metrology system 202 by using the
optical metrology system 308 of the metrology system 202 to measure
the vibration signature of the acoustic transducer 516. In
particular, if each acoustic transponder 228 has a unique acoustic
code it transmits, a laser monitoring system can detect this unique
code by operating the lidar device 308 to dwell along a line of
sight to the acoustic transponder 228, and in particular the
acoustic transducer 516 of the acoustic transponder 228, to
optically measure the vibration and thus signal of the transducer
516.
[0093] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a
combined system 200 utilizes both acoustic and optical information
to locate objects 102 in an underwater environment. A metrology
system 202 provided as part of the combined system 200 can thus
include a lidar device 308 to obtain precise, optically derived
location and range information for targets 240 or 244. From
relative location information obtained by optically detecting
targets 240 or 244 associated with a georeferenced monument 226 or
other georeferenced structure or object 102, the metrology system
202 can determine the geolocation of other objects 102, including
by not limited to acoustic transponders 228. The combined system
200 can also use acoustic methodologies for determining location.
For instance, an initial, relatively coarse location may be
determined using the acoustic transceiver 310 of a metrology system
202. That initial location can be used to assist the metrology
system 202 in pointing the lidar device 308 toward optical targets
240 or 244 associated with a georeferenced monument 226 or
structure 102. In addition, precise, optically derived location
information for an acoustic transponder 228, and in particular of
the acoustic transducer 516 of the acoustic transponder 228 can be
determined using the lidar device 308 of the metrology system 202.
Location information derived from an acoustic output of the
acoustic transponder can then be more accurate, since the location
of the emitting acoustic transponder 228 is itself more accurately
determined than if acoustic signals alone were used to locate that
acoustic transponder 228. In accordance with still other
embodiments of the present disclosure, acoustic and optical signal
methodologies are combined simultaneously. For instance, a lidar
device 308 can dwell for a period of time along a line of sight
that intersects the surface of an acoustic transducer 516 included
as part of an acoustic transponder 228. A frequency or modulated
frequency output by the acoustic transducer 516 as an
identification signal can then be detected using the lidar device
308. Moreover, by pointing the lidar device 308 at a particular
acoustic transponder 228 emitting an identification signal, the
identity and location of that acoustic transponder 228 can be
determined with certainty. This can be useful in various scenarios,
for example where noise in the underwater environment makes
identifying a particular acoustic transducer 228 using the acoustic
signal alone difficult.
[0094] Embodiment of the present disclosure further support the
reliable locating of objects 102 in an underwater environment in
various conditions and over large areas. Moreover, the combined
system 200 described herein provides for the integration of
acoustic and optical locating methodologies. For instance, a first
metrology system 202 within sight of a georeferenced monument 226
can determine a geolocation of an acoustic transponder 228 also
within sight of the metrology system 202 with great accuracy. This
provides location information derived at least in part from an
acoustic signal output from the optically geolocated acoustical
transponder 228 to be more accurate than if it were only
acoustically geolocated. In addition, the use of optical locating
methodologies enables the use of accurate, three point resection
traverses, which in turn allows the location of underwater
structures 102 to be determined accurately.
[0095] In addition, by also including acoustic technologies, some
level of location information can be provided even when the water
within the environment is turbid. For instance, where turbidity
and/or the distances between underwater objects 102 preclude the
use of optical metrology techniques over the entire underwater area
or scene, a metrology device 202 at one or both ends can utilize
optical techniques for precisely locating other underwater objects
102 within the range of the lidar device 308, while acoustic
devices can provide location information for other segments of a
chain of located objects 102.
[0096] As a specific example, consider a classic underwater spool
piece metrology where a pipe section is needed to connect a well
head to a manifold. The hubs on each end are the connection points
for the connecting pipe. Key pieces of information required for
building this custom pipe are the slope distance between hubs as
well as relative inclinations from one hub to another in both pitch
and roll. Other requirements are, relative heading, and height
above seabed for each hub. Sometimes the seabed profile is also
required.
[0097] In several instances the optical system alone can perform
this measurement. However, if the pipe distance is extremely long,
for instance 100 meters, or water clarity is poor, then the optical
system alone is not optimal. In this scenario, acoustic
transponders are placed near the hubs at each end. The metrology
device 202 is then used at each hub to measure pitch, roll,
heading, height above seabed, surrounding seabed profile, and
acoustic transponder 228 locations near each hub. The distance
between hubs is then calculated using the acoustic transponder 228
information from each end. The point clouds from each end are
basically tied together into a common reference frame by the
acoustic transponder data.
[0098] In a further embodiment, the above processes can be
performed with an optical system alone using two different
reflectivity levels for targets 240 or 244, on the objects 102, or
in conjunction with the acoustic system as a back-up or validation.
In this scenario, highly optically reflective targets and standard
targets 240 or 244 are placed on the objects 102 at the surface and
dimensional control data is acquired between all the targets. The
objects and metrology system are then placed subsea. The subsea
metrology device 202 is placed near one of the structures and a
full scan of the object is taken at a normal gain setting, which
will produce saturated data for the highly reflective target. This
point cloud dataset will include the standard reflectivity targets
along with the structure itself and potentially surrounding
seafloor, so it is a complete point cloud dataset with information
on targets and structures. Before moving the metrology system, a
very low gain scan is also performed which allows for the highly
reflective targets to not be saturated. This dataset will capture
limited or no returns from the standard reflectivity targets, the
structure, or seafloor. Therefore it is not a complete point cloud
but rather a dataset with only the highly reflective target
returns, Since the two scans were acquired from the same metrology
system location, they can be merged into a common point cloud. In
another embodiment, the highly reflective targets are placed after
the object is underwater or is placed on target stands 222 near the
object 102.
[0099] The metrology system 202 then pans over in the direction of
the other hub and performs a high-level scan. The only object that
will be visible to the metrology device are the highly reflective
targets. Therefore the resulting point cloud contain no information
on the standard targets or objects or seabed. However, since DC
data was taken topside the entire structure can be located using
the highly reflective targets. The same operation can be performed
at the other hub for redundancy and to obtain pitch, roll, heading,
height above seabed, and seabed profile information for the second
hub from the standard scan. As an additional embodiment, the
metrology system 202 is placed approximately mid-distance between
the two hubs and only the highly reflective targets 240 or 244 are
captured from each hub, but both are captured from the same scan
location. This can be performed as another redundancy step and data
check.
[0100] A highly reflective target is any target 240 or 244 that
gives an almost mirror like return, such as a survey prism, other
prism, retro-reflectors, mirror, reflective tape, reflective paint,
micro-spheres, and other micro objects or shapes that can be
embedded in paints, tapes, and materials in order to produce
retro-reflections or very high signal returns.
[0101] In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present
disclosure, the technology encompasses:
[0102] (1) A method for locating objects underwater,
comprising:
[0103] placing a first metrology device at a first approximate
location;
[0104] operating an optical metrology system provided as part of
the first metrology device to determine a location of the first
metrology device relative to an object having a known location;
[0105] placing a first acoustic transponder at a second approximate
location;
[0106] operating the optical metrology system of the first
metrology device to determine a location of the first acoustic
transponder relative to the known location.
[0107] (2) The method of (1), further comprising:
[0108] prior to placing the first acoustic transponder at the
second approximate location, applying a target to the first
acoustic transponder, and determining dimensional control data
concerning a relationship between the applied target and an
acoustic transducer of the first acoustic transponder.
[0109] (3) The method of claim (1) or (2), further comprising:
[0110] operating the first acoustic transducer to output at least
one of an identification and a ranging signal.
[0111] (4) The method of any of (1) to (3), further comprising:
[0112] operating the optical metrology system of the first
metrology system to point at the acoustic transducer of the first
acoustic transponder over time and to measure a vibration of the
acoustic transducer and thus acquire the acoustic signal output
from the acoustic transponder while the optical metrology system is
pointed at the acoustic transducer.
[0113] (5) The method of any of (1) to (4) wherein an optically
reflective target is placed on a center point of the acoustic
transducer.
[0114] (6) The method of any of (1) to (5), wherein the object has
targets and indicia, and wherein the indicia allows for unique
identification to access metadata on the object such as offsets,
hub number, and date of installation.
[0115] (7) The method of any of (1) to (6), wherein the object is
geolocated, and therefore the first metrology system and the first
acoustic transponder can be geolocated.
[0116] (8) The method of any of (1) to (7), wherein an acoustic
array and inertial navigation unit (INU) system are used to
geolocate the first metrology system and the first acoustic
array.
[0117] (9) The method of any of (1) to (8), further comprising:
[0118] determining a range between the acoustic transducer placed
at the second approximate location and another acoustic
transducer.
[0119] (10) The method of any of (1) to (9), further
comprising:
[0120] communicating the determined location of the first acoustic
transponder from the first metrology system to the first acoustic
transponder; and
[0121] storing the determined location of the first acoustic
transponder on the first acoustic transponder.
[0122] (11) The method of (10), further comprising:
[0123] placing a second acoustic transponder;
[0124] communicating the determined location of the first acoustic
transponder to the second acoustic transponder.
[0125] In accordance with still further aspects of the present
disclosure, the technology encompasses:
[0126] (12) A system for locating objects underwater,
comprising:
[0127] a plurality of acoustic transponders, the acoustic
transponders each including: [0128] an acoustic transducer; [0129]
indicia, wherein dimensional control information concerning a
relationship between the acoustic transducer and the indicia is
known;
[0130] a metrology system, the metrology system including: [0131] a
light source; [0132] a receiver; and [0133] a processor, wherein
the processor operates the light source to generate light that is
directed towards a first acoustic transponder included in the
plurality of acoustic transducers, reflected from the first
acoustic transponder, and received at the receiver to determine a
location of the first acoustic transponder relative to the
metrology system.
[0134] (13) The system of (12), wherein an acoustic transducer of
the first acoustic transponder, in a first operating mode,
generates an identification signal.
[0135] (14) The system of (12) or (13), wherein the metrology
system is operable to detect the identification signal of the first
acoustic transponder using the light source and the receiver.
[0136] (15) The system of any of (12) to (14), wherein the
metrology system further includes an acoustic transceiver.
[0137] (16) The system of any of (12) to (15), wherein the indicia
includes targets placed on the acoustic transponders.
[0138] (17) The system of any of (12) to (16), wherein the indicia
allows for unique identification to access metadata on the object
such as offsets, hub number, and date of installation.
[0139] (18) The system of any of (12) to (17), wherein the indicia
are similar to a bar code system that is read by the optical
system.
[0140] (19) The system of any of (12) to (18), wherein the
locations of the plurality of transponders and the plurality of
metrology systems are all shared and stored at a central processing
center.
[0141] In accordance with still further aspects of the present
disclosure, the technology encompasses:
[0142] (20) A method for locating objects underwater,
comprising:
[0143] determining a location of a plurality of acoustic
transponders;
[0144] for at least a first acoustic transponder included in the
plurality of acoustic transponders, storing the determined location
in memory included in the first acoustic transponder;
[0145] communicating a location of the first acoustic transponder
from the first acoustic transponder to a second acoustic
transponder included in the plurality of acoustic transponders.
[0146] (21) The method of (20), wherein determining a location of a
plurality of acoustic transponders includes determining a location
using an optical metrology system.
[0147] (22) The method of (20) or (21), wherein the first acoustic
transponder includes a first target and a first acoustic
transducer, the method further comprising:
[0148] determining dimension control information regarding a
location of the first target relative to a center of the first
acoustic transducer.
[0149] In accordance with still further aspects of the present
disclosure, the technology encompasses:
[0150] (23) A method for performing a long-distance metrology,
comprising,
[0151] placing both low and high reflectivity targets on a
structure;
[0152] taking dimension control (DC) data of the targets and the
structure;
[0153] placing a first metrology system at a first location close
to at least a first portion of the structure and performing first
and second scans of the structure, wherein the first scan is at a
standard gain level to capture a first point cloud that includes
returns from the structure, low reflectivity targets, and seabed,
wherein the second scan is at a low gain level to capture a second
point cloud that includes returns from the high reflectivity
targets.
[0154] (24) The method of (23), further comprising:
[0155] placing one of the first metrology system and a second
metrology system at a second location close to at least a second
portion of the structure and performing third and fourth scans of
the structure, wherein the third scan is at a standard gain level
to capture a third point cloud that includes returns from the
structure, low reflectivity targets, and seabed, wherein the fourth
scan is at a low gain level to capture a fourth point cloud that
includes returns from the high reflectivity targets.
[0156] (25) The method of (24), further comprising:
[0157] locating at least some of the high reflectivity targets in
the returns in both the second and fourth point clouds;
[0158] combining the first and third point clouds using the at
least some of the high reflectivity targets in the returns in both
the second and fourth point clouds as control points.
[0159] (26) The method of any of (23) to (25), wherein the long
range data collected from the high reflectivity targets are
cross-checked with acoustic transponder data across the same
distance.
[0160] The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of
illustration and description. Further, the description is not
intended to limit the disclosed systems and methods to the forms
disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications
commensurate with the above teachings, within the skill or
knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present
disclosure. The embodiments described hereinabove are further
intended to explain the best mode presently known of practicing the
disclosed systems and methods, and to enable others skilled in the
art to utilize the disclosed systems and methods in such or in
other embodiments and with various modifications required by the
particular application or use. It is intended that the appended
claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the
extent permitted by the prior art.
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