Four-dimensional (4-D) Oceanographic Instrumentation

The dissemination of data collected from undersea systems historically has been accomplished via cable and/or by RF telemetry. In many cases the available (limited) signal processing capability has required the transmission of raw or only slightly processed data to the end user. Because of limited telemetry bandwidths, only a few sensors could therefore be active at any one time. Due to recent major advances in DSP technology, it is now possible to develop systems of sensors with substantial organic computing power which permits in situ data processing and data fusion. Because of recent major advances in undersea wireless acoustic communications, it is possible to deploy networks of such sensor systems covering large ocean areas, from very shallow water to the deepest oceans. Benthos is a major participant in the Seaweb wide area network Program, and intend to leverage both from and to that program in developing local area networks (LANs). However, the development of protocols, hardware, and firmware for LANs is not part of any of our programs. This LAN technology is a critical part of our proposed autonomous 4-D observatory. In this proposed effort we will work with the Seaweb community to develop the LAN-to-Seaweb protocols required to integrate the LAN into the larger network A valuable addition to an otherwise fixed observatory is the incorporation of a mobile “node,” (i.e., a UUV) which can explore the ocean space beyond the observation limits of the fixed LAN. We propose to define the requirements for an arbitrary UUV to participate with our observatory. However, because a key component in two of our related programs is the development of telesonar-based capabilities in the EMATT vehicle, we propose to concentrate on this vehicle for the observatory. Our goal is to upgrade this very small and inexpensive vehicle to one capable of reacting to externally-received (via acomms) commands and to transmitting data to the observatory. In summary, the Navy requires autonomous underwater systems which can collect environmental data, provide surveillance functions, and provide C2 and data connectivity with the outside world.