NO348232B1 - System and method for remote delivery of data acquired subsea - Google Patents

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTE DELIVERY OF DATA ACQUIRED

SUBSEA

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a submersible sensor with a device to store and deliver data to the surface remotely.

BACKGROUND

Some existing systems are described below.

US 2013/0187787 A1 describes subsea data inspection and data collection by an underwater vehicle which comprises a releasable capsule. The capsule is configured to return to the surface where the capsule can be retrieved, and the data offloaded; alternatively, the capsule may communicate data with a land station via a satellite link.

US 2002/0110048 A1 and US 2008/0144442 A1 describe other examples of subsea data transmission.

INVENTION SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a system for remote delivery of data acquired subsea, comprising:

- a device for storing sensor data and having means for remote delivery of the sensor data, comprising a waterproof body with a buoyant chamber; communication means for receiving sensor data via at least one docking station; a fastener mechanism for holding the device to the docking station, where the fastener mechanism is one or more first magnets; electronics for receiving and storing sensor data; antenna and means for establishing wireless communication; power supply for powering the electronics and communication means; controller for controlling functions enabling receiving, storing and transmitting of sensor data;

- docking station with mounts for holding the device, the docking station comprises one or more second magnets that are configured to engage with the one or more first magnets of the fastener mechanism to hold the device, a magnetic release mechanism comprising a motor for releasing the device from the docking station, and connection means for transferring of data from at least one sensor to said device;

- at least one sensor connected to the docking station.

In an embodiment of the invention, the motor is configured to release the device from the docking station by rotating the one or more second magnets to alter an alignment between the one or more first and second magnets.

In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one sensor is connected to the docking station via a connector.

In an embodiment of the invention, sensors are connected to the docking station via an RS-485 bus providing IrDA communication.

In an embodiment of the invention, dust protector is provided between the device for storing sensor data and the docking station.

In an embodiment of the invention, the docking station is provided with a power source.

The invention is also related to a method for remote delivery of data acquired subsea, comprising the following steps:

- applying a device for storing sensor data and having means for remote delivery of the sensor data, comprising a waterproof body with a buoyant chamber; communication means for receiving sensor data via at least one docking station; a fastener mechanism for holding the device to the docking station, where the fastener mechanism is one or more first magnets; electronics for receiving and storing sensor data; antenna and means for establishing wireless communication; power supply for powering the electronics and communication means; controller for controlling functions enabling receiving, storing and transmitting of sensor data;

- docking the device to docking station with mounts for holding the device, the docking station comprises one or more second magnets that interact with the one or more first magnets of the fastener mechanism to hold the device, a magnetic release mechanism comprising a motor for releasing the device from the docking station, and connection means for transferring of data from at least one sensor to said device;

- connecting at least one sensor to the docking station for transferring sensor data via the docking station to the device for storing sensor data;

- releasing the device storing sensor data, letting it rise to the surface;

- transmitting stored sensor data from the device when it has reached the surface.

In an embodiment of the invention, the release of the device storing data is controlled by event conditions of sensor data.

In an embodiment of the invention, a unique ID, identifying the device and the at least one sensor to which it is attached, is transmitted together with sensor data.

In an embodiment of the invention, the docking station receives power from an external source.

In an embodiment of the invention, the motor releases the device from the docking station by rotating the one or more second magnets to alter an alignment between the one or more first and second magnets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a view of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a view of a sensor with a single "pop-up" device attached.

Figure 3 shows a view of a sensor with multiple "pop-up" devices attached.

Figure 4 shows a sectional view of a docking station with "pop-up" device with an electrolytic release mechanism.

Figure 5 shows a sectional view of a docking station with "pop-up" device with a magnetic release mechanism.

Figure 6 shows a sectional view of a docking station with "pop-up" device with a rotating magnetic release mechanism.

Figure 7 shows a sectional view of a docking station with "pop-up" device with a mechanical release mechanism.

Figure 8 shows a sectional view of a docking station with "pop-up" device with a rubber cuff mount and flexible anchor release mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In various exemplary embodiments, the present system comprises a subsea or submersible sensor with one or more devices that store data from the sensor, and subsequently detach from the sensor to deliver the data remotely and independently.

In one embodiment, the sensor comprises an autonomous sensor and data logger with one or more accelerometers or gyroscope. In one embodiment, the sensor contains a 3-axis MEMS accelerometer and a 3-axis MEMS gyroscope and is selfpowered. Such a sensor can be deployed underwater at significant depths (e.g., up to 3000 meters), on oil or gas pipelines or other structures, and can log or record up to six degrees of freedom IMU data continuously for a significant period of time. In one exemplary embodiment with low power consumption, a sensor can log this data continuously (with a 10Hz sampling rate) for more than 360 days.

Data can be retrieved if the sensor is in a location where the sensor can be wired to a modem or computing device or is in proximity to a wireless communication receiver. Sensors also can be in communications together as a network. However, in many applications, the sensor is used at a depth and in a location such that data cannot be retrieved in such a timely or easy manner. Accordingly, as shown in Figures 1-4, the sensor is connected to detachable "pop-up" device that receives data from the sensor, and then is released to rise to the surface of the water at set intervals or upon the detection of certain events (e.g., an alarm condition). Upon reaching the surface, the "pop-up" device attempts to establish wireless communications with a designated computing device (through satellite communications or the like), and upon doing so, downloads the data to the designated computing device. Because of the range of the satellite communications, the exact location of the "pop-up" device on the surface is not required (thus avoiding the problems associated with trying to physically retrieve a communications device floating on the surface, since its location will vary greatly depending on currents, wind and weather conditions at the time).

Each "pop-up" device may have a unique ID number that would identify the device and the sensor to which it was attached. Alternatively, that information may also be included in other forms of data stored and transmitted by the device. The receiving computing device can be on an offshore platform or structure, boat, plane, helicopter, or onshore location. In one embodiment, the time between the release command being sent by the sensor and receipt of data by the receiving computing device is 2 hours or less.

Release of the "pop-up" device can occur at established time intervals, so that the device delivers data covering a period of time at pre-set times. Release can also be triggered when other events or conditions are detected. For example, if the sensor detects excessive movement in particular directions, possibly indicating an emergency situation (such as a pipeline rupturing or leaking due to underwater movement or impact), a "pop-5 up" device can be immediately released, with an alert message being transmitted when the device reaches the surface. While data can be communicated from the sensor to the "pop-up" device in the latter scenario, it should be appreciated that this system also works even if there is no data communicated to the "pop-up" device. In this configuration, the device simply remains attached to the sensor until the sensor detects the event or condition, and releases the "pop-up" device. The "pop-up" device then rises to the surface and transmits an alert message, including pre-loaded identification and location information, thereby providing a simple alarm function. This simple alarm configuration can be used simultaneously with other devices with data transfer configurations attached to the same sensor.

Figure 2 shows a “pop-up” buoy with built-in satellite modem, antenna, battery, IrDA communication unit and release mechanism; a docking station with <<Sensor-In-Network>> RS485-bus and IrDA communication; and a sensor (SMS3000WAG or SMS3000VIB). This first generation SMS “pop-up” device comprises an autonomous battery-operated satellite modem with data storage capabilities and wired- or wireless communication unit to the (SMS3000WAG) sensor. Data can be transferred from the sensor to the “pop-up” device during normal operation, and when released, the “pop-up” device can transfer data and alarm messages to an onshore or offshore PC via satellite.

Multiple "pop-up" devices can be attached to the same sensor, or sensor network, as seen in Figure 3. This figure shows “pop-up” buoys with built-in satellite modem, antenna, battery, IrDA communication unit and release mechanism; a docking station with <<Sensor-In-Network>> RS485-bus and IrDA communication and multiple slots; and a sensor (SMS3000WAG or SMS3000VIB). This second generation SMS “pop-up” device comprises several autonomous battery-operated satellite modems with data storage capabilities and wired- or wireless communication unit to the (SMS3000WAG) sensor. Data can be transferred from the sensor to the “pop-up” device during normal operation via an RS485 bus and a communication and release cartridge device. Data is transferred to each device in turn (or multiple devices, for back-up capability), and the devices are released sequentially at appropriate times or under appropriate circumstances, as described above. This configuration allows periodic reporting of data from the sensor or sensor network over a substantial period of time.

In several embodiments, a "pop-up" device is self-contained and waterproof, and comprises a buoy or buoyant chamber that causes the device to rise to the surface of a body of water and float there for a sustained time, a modem or other wireless communications means adapted to establish wireless communications via satellite or other means, at least internal power supply sufficient to power the device for a sustained period of time (in one embodiment, there are two power supplies: one for the electronic communications and related operations, and one for the release mechanism), and a controller board or chip with a processor or microprocessor to control the device and various functions thereof. In several embodiments, the device further comprises one or more communications ports for communications with the sensor through appropriate cords, wireless technologies, or other connection means. The device further comprises an anchor, plug, or fastener, that holds the device in place until release. As seen in Figure 4 to 8, the release mechanism may comprise a mechanical release (e.g., removal of a locking pin or ring), an electrolytic or electrochemical-based release (e.g., galvanic corrosion of a metal wire), a magnetic release, combinations thereof, or other similar release mechanisms.

In several embodiments, a secondary means of release (corroding wire, compressed air charge, or the like) is in place to ensure that a "pop-up" device can be released if the primary means of release malfunctions. Ideally, the release command is sent from the sensor, whereupon the "pop-up" device is released. The "pop-up" device may release itself, however, under certain circumstances, such as an extended period of cut-off communications from the sensor after a period of established communications.

In further embodiments, a docking station or similar apparatus may be used to hold one or more "pop-up" devices in place, as seen in Figures 4-8. The docking station may also have a controller with a processor or microprocessor, along with multiple release mechanisms, so that control and operation of the release function can be handled by the docking station. The "pop-up" devices would fit within mounts on the docking station. In one embodiment, the mounts comprise a hole or space in top of the docking station, adapted to receive the bottom of a corresponding "pop-up" device. The docking station may obtain power from an external source (e.g., the sensor), or may have one or more internal power sources of its own (e.g., batteries).

The docking station may be remote (e.g., several meters) from the sensor. This helps ensure that "pop-up" devices can be released if something happens to the sensor, or if the sensor is in a location where a "pop-up" device would be obstructed, trapped or prevented from reaching the surface due to some structure or other obstacle.

In operation, the sensor or sensor network communicates to one or more of the "pop-up" devices through the docking station, thereby sending data and as well as a release command. The release mechanism itself may be executed from either the "pop-up" device(s) or the docking station.

Figure 5 shows a “pop-up” device and docking station having a magnetic release mechanism where one or more magnets in the “pop-up” device are pulled down towards one or more magnets (or a steel plate) in the docking station. To effect release, the matter magnet(s) are pulled down by a motor, gearbox and threaded bolt, if electromagnetics are used, power to the magnet is cut off, or the polarity of the lower magnet is reversed.

Figure 6 shows a “pop-up” device and docking station having a magnetic release mechanism where two (or more) magnets in the “pop-up” device are pulled down towards two (or more) magnets on the rotating disk in the docking station. To effect release, the disk is rotated 90 degrees (or sufficiently to cause the magnets to go out of alignment) and the “pop-up” device is pushed up. Rotation of the disk can cause the magnets in the “pop-up” device to move into alignment of magnets with the same polarity, with mutual repulsion pushing the “pop-up” device up and away from the docking station.

Figure 7 shows a “pop-up” device and docking station having a mechanical release mechanism where a threaded bolt holds the “pop-up” device in the docking station. Upon release, the bolt is rotated, and the “pop-up” device comes loose from the threaded bolt. The bolt and the motor may optionally slide upwards and push the “pop-up” device out of the docking station.

In one particular embodiment, a "pop-up" device is cylindrical, from 8-10 cm in diameter and 25-35 cm in length. The center of gravity is low (i.e., at or near the "bottom" of the device), so as to cause the device to float in an upright position with as much of the upper part (which contains a wireless or satellite antenna) in the free air as possible. The housing can be plastic, metal, glass, composite, or combinations thereof. Communications to the "pop-up" device may be handled through wired or wireless technologies (e.g., radio, light, magnetic, electrical fields, sound, or the like). The device may have a pressure sensor or accelerometer to detect the ascent or arrival to the surface location (i.e., wave-motion detection), thus causing wake-up of the Iridium modem. Alternatively, the device comprises a clock or timer mechanism, and the wake-up can be time based (i.e., at a pre-determined time from the time the release command is received). The electronic components of the device are in a low-power or power-save mode as a default, except when receiving data from the sensor, receiving a "wake-up" signal, or a release command.

In order to provide a context for the various computer-implemented aspects of the invention, the following discussion provides a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which the various aspects of the present invention may be implemented. A computing system environment is one example of a suitable computing environment, but is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the invention. A computing environment may contain any one or combination of components discussed below, and may contain additional components, or some of the illustrated components may be absent. Various embodiments of the invention are operational with numerous general purpose or special purpose computing systems, environments or configurations. Examples of computing systems, environments, or configurations that may be suitable for use with various embodiments of the invention include, but are not limited to, personal computers, laptop computers, computer servers, computer notebooks, hand-held devices, microprocessor-based systems, multiprocessor systems, TV set-top boxes and devices, programmable consumer electronics, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, smart phones, touch screen devices, smart TV, internet enabled appliances, internet enabled security systems, internet enabled gaming systems, internet enabled watches; internet enabled cars (or transportation), network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, embedded systems, virtual systems, distributed computing environments, streaming environments, volatile environments, and the like.

Embodiments of the invention may be implemented in the form of computerexecutable instructions, such as program code or program modules, being executed by a computer, virtual computer, or computing device. Program code or modules may include programs, objects, components, data elements and structures, routines, subroutines, functions and the like. These are used to perform or implement particular tasks or functions. Embodiments of the invention also may be implemented in distributed computing environments. In such environments, tasks are performed by remote processing devices linked via a communications network or other data transmission medium, and data and program code or modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices such as, but not limited to, hard drives, solid state drives (SSD), flash drives, USB drives, optical drives, and internet-based storage (e.g., "cloud" storage).

In one embodiment, a computer system comprises multiple client devices in communication with one or more server devices through or over a network, although in some cases no server device is used. In various embodiments, the network may comprise the Internet, an intranet, Wide Area Network (WAN), or Local Area Network (LAN). It should be noted that many of the methods of the present invention are operable within a single computing device.

A client device may be any type of processor-based platform that is connected to a network and that interacts with one or more application programs. The client devices each comprise a computer-readable medium in the form of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM) in communication with a processor. The processor executes computerexecutable program instructions stored in memory. Examples of such processors include, but are not limited to, microprocessors, ASICs, and the like.

Client devices may further comprise computer-readable media in communication with the processor, said media storing program code, modules and instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to execute the program and perform the steps described herein. Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by computer or computing device and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, and removable and non-removable media.

Computer-readable media may further comprise computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media comprises media for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data, data structures, or program code or modules. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, any electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage or transmission device, a floppy disk, hard disk drive, CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic disk, memory chip, ROM, RAM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, an ASIC, a configured processor, CDROM, DVD or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium from which a computer processor can read instructions or that can store desired information. Communication media comprises media that may transmit or carry instructions to a computer, including, but not limited to, a router, private or public network, wired network, direct wired connection, wireless network, other wireless media (such as acoustic, RF, infrared, or the like) or other transmission device or channel. This may include computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism. Said transmission may be wired, wireless, or both. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer readable media. The instructions may comprise code from any computer-programming language, including, for example, C, C++, C#, Visual Basic, Java, and the like.

Components of a general purpose client or computing device may further include a system bus that connects various system components, including the memory and processor. A system bus may be any of several types of bus structures, including, but not limited to, a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. Such architectures include, but are not limited to, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

Computing and client devices also may include a basic input/output system (BIOS), which contains the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within a computer, such as during start-up. BIOS typically is stored in ROM. In contrast, RAM typically contains data or program code or modules that are accessible to or presently being operated on by processor, such as, but not limited to, the operating system, application program, and data.

Client devices also may comprise a variety of other internal or external components, such as a monitor or display, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a pointing device, touch pad, microphone, joystick, satellite dish, scanner, a disk drive, a CD-ROM or DVD drive, or other input or output devices. These and other devices are typically connected to the processor through a user input interface coupled to the system bus, but may be connected by other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, serial port, game port or a universal serial bus (USB). A monitor or other type of display device is typically connected to the system bus via a video interface. In addition to the monitor, client devices may also include other peripheral output devices such as speakers and printer, which may be connected through an output peripheral interface.

Client devices may operate on any operating system capable of supporting an application of the type disclosed herein. Client devices also may support a browser or browser-enabled application. Examples of client devices include, but are not limited to, personal computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants, computer notebooks, hand-held devices, cellular phones, mobile phones, smart phones, pagers, digital tablets, Internet appliances, and other processor-based devices. Users may communicate with each other, and with other systems, networks, and devices, over the network through the respective client devices.

Thus, it should be understood that the embodiments and examples described herein have been chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical applications to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited for particular uses contemplated. Even though specific embodiments of this invention have been described, they are not to be taken as exhaustive. There are several variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (11)

1. System for remote delivery of data acquired subsea, comprising:

- a device for storing sensor data and having means for remote delivery of the sensor data, comprising a waterproof body with a buoyant chamber; communication means for receiving sensor data via at least one docking station; a fastener mechanism for holding the device to the docking station; electronics for receiving and storing sensor data; antenna and means for establishing wireless communication; power supply for powering the electronics and communication means; controller for controlling functions enabling receiving, storing and transmitting of sensor data;

- docking station with mounts for holding the device, the docking station comprises connection means for transferring of data from at least one sensor to said device;

- at least one sensor connected to the docking station;

c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n that:

the fastener mechanism is one or more first magnets, and

the docking station comprises one or more second magnets that are configured to engage with the one or more first magnets of the fastener mechanism to hold the device, and a magnetic release mechanism comprising a motor for releasing the device from the docking station.

2. The system according to claim 1, where the motor is configured to release the device from the docking station by rotating the one or more second magnets to alter an alignment between the one or more first and second magnets.

3. The system according to claim 1, where the at least one sensor is connected to the docking station via a connector.

4. The system according to claim 1, where sensors are connected to the docking station via an RS-485 bus providing IrDA communication.

5. The system according to claim 1, where dust protector is provided between the device for storing sensor data and the docking station.

6. The system according to claim 1, where the docking station is provided with a power source.

7. A method for remote delivery of data acquired subsea, comprising the following steps:

- applying a device for storing sensor data and having means for remote delivery of the sensor data, comprising a waterproof body with a buoyant chamber; communication means for receiving sensor data via at least one docking station; a fastener mechanism for holding the device to the docking station; electronics for receiving and storing sensor data; antenna and means for establishing wireless communication; power supply for powering the electronics and communication means; controller for controlling functions enabling receiving, storing and transmitting of sensor data;

- docking the device to docking station with mounts for holding the device, the docking station comprises connection means for transferring of data from at least one sensor to said device;

- connecting at least one sensor to the docking station for transferring sensordata via the docking station to the device for storing sensor data;

- releasing the device storing sensor data, letting it rise to the surface;

- transmitting stored sensor data from the device when it has reached the surface;

c h a r a c t e r i s e d i n that:

the fastener mechanism is one or more first magnets, and

the docking station comprises one or more second magnets that interact with the one or more first magnets of the fastener mechanism to hold the device, and a magnetic release mechanism comprising a motor for releasing the device from the docking station.

8. The method according to claim 7, where the release of the device storing data is controlled by event conditions of sensor data.

9. The method according to claim 7, where a unique ID, identifying the device and the at least one sensor to which it is attached, is transmitted together with sensor data.

10. The method according to claim 7, where the docking station receives power from an external source.

11. The method according to claim 7, wherein the motor releases the device from the docking station by rotating the one or more second magnets to alter an alignment between the one or more first and second magnets.