Fnv IP B.v.

Aris Lubbes

Arnoud Marc Jongsma

Dennis Van Weeren

An observation unit () for underwater deployment on/in a submerged earth layer () or structure. The unit comprises a housing (), a light source (), an underwater imaging device (), a processor device (), and a communication device (). The housing supports the underwater observation unit relative to the submerged layer or structure. The light source is fixed to the housing, and configured to emit light into the unit's surroundings. The imaging device is attached to the housing, and configured to acquire image data of a second light source located within a FOV of the camera that covers the surroundings of the unit. The processor device is configured to determine positional data of the second light source relative to the imaging device, from the image data. The communication device is configured to transmit the positional data to another underwater observation unit, an underwater vehicle, or an underwater processing station.

Underwater observation unit and system

An underwater wireless optical communication, UWOC, unit () for underwater deployment on a submerged earth layer () or structure (). The UWOC unit is configured for wireless optical communication in an underwater environment, and comprises an optical transmitter (), an anidolic optical receiver (), and a processor (). The optical transmitter is configured to transmit data by emitting an optical signal () into the surroundings. The optical receiver includes an optical detector (), which is omnidirectionally sensitive and configured to receive further optical signals approaching substantially along an azimuthal plane orthogonal to a nominal axis (A) through the UWOC unit. The processor is coupled to the optical receiver, and configured to process received further optical signals. The unit may be configured to determine an inter-unit distance between this unit and a second unit, by sending an optical interrogation signal to the second unit, and receiving an optical response signal from the second unit.

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Leidschendam, Netherlands

Aris Lubbes