The NUROV: a Networked Underwater Remote Observation Vehicle
Abstract
NUROV, a small observation class underwater vehicle, is under development at the Hawaii Mapping Research Group (HMRG) of the University of Hawaii. Connected by tether to a Base100T Internet Protocol (IP) network, such as those presently in use or proposed for cabled ocean observatories, it enables control of the vehicle through a web browser virtual control panel, and delivers live video through the same IP network. The vehicle is simple, with two horizontal thrusters and one vertical thruster, and a motorized tilt function for the video camera. Arrays of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are mounted on either side of the camera so its field of view can be illuminated. Thruster motors and LED arrays are oil filled and pressure tolerant. The video camera, motor controller, and network electronics are enclosed in pressure housings; the initial prototype housings are designed for shallow water, but future housings for water depths to 6000 meters are planned. The LED arrays and camera housing window incorporate ultraviolet LEDs to reduce the effects of biofouling. A pressure sensor allows for automatic depth regulation by the motor controller on command from the vehicle pilot. In addition to applications observing near ocean observatory nodes, NUROV may also be used from a ship, using a standard fiber-optic electromechanical cable connected to a fiber to electrical network converter contained in a pressure housing. In fact, with the addition of a network switch, multiple vehicles could be deployed simultaneously on a single cable. Connection of the NUROV network to the Internet would allow users located around the world to pilot the vehicle and observe the IP video; this would be particularly useful for educational outreach.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2006
- Bibcode:
- 2006AGUFMOS33A1676R
- Keywords:
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- 0994 Instruments and techniques;
- 3050 Ocean observatories and experiments;
- 3094 Instruments and techniques