Closed-loop randomized kinodynamic path planning for an autonomous underwater vehicle

A randomized kinodynamic path planning algorithm based on the incremental sampling-based method is proposed here as the state-of-the-art in this field applicable in an autonomous underwater vehicle. Designing a feasible path for this vehicle from an initial position and velocity to a target position and velocity in three-dimensional spaces by considering the kinematic constraints such as obstacles avoidance and dynamic constraints such as hard bounds and non-holonomic characteristic of AUV are the main motivation of this research. For this purpose, a closed-loop rapidly-exploring random tree (CL-RRT) algorithm is presented. This CL-RRT consists of three tightly coupled components: a RRT algorithm, three fuzzy proportional-derivative controllers for heading and diving control and a six degree-of-freedom nonlinear AUV model. The branches of CL-RRT are expanded in the configuration space by considering the kinodynamic constraints of AUV. The feasibility of each branch and random offspring vertex in the CL-RRT is checked against the mentioned constraints of AUV. Next, if the planned branch is feasible by the AUV, then the control signals and related vertex are recorded through the path planner to design the final path. This proposed algorithm is implemented on a single board computer (SBC) through the xPC Target and then four test-cases are designed in 3D space. The results of the processor-in-the-loop tests are compared by the conventional RRT and indicate that the proposed CL-RRT not only in a rapid manner plans an initial path, but also the planned path is feasible by the AUV.     

Experiments on vision guided docking of an autonomous underwater vehicle using one camera

This paper introduces an underwater docking procedure for the test-bed autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) platform called ISiMI using one charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The AUV is optically guided by lights mounted around the entrance of a docking station and a vision system consisting of a CCD camera and a frame grabber in the AUV. This paper presents an image processing procedure to identify the dock by discriminating between light images, and proposes a final approach algorithm based on the vision guidance. A signal processing technique to remove noise on the defused grabbed light images is introduced, and a two-stage final approach for stable docking at the terminal instant is suggested. A vision-guidance controller was designed with conventional PID controllers for the vertical plane and the horizontal plane. Experiments were conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the vision-guided docking system of the AUV.     

A behavior-based approach to adaptive feature detection andfollowing with autonomous underwater vehicles

This paper presents a technique for adaptively tracking bathymetric contours using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) equipped with a single altimeter sonar. An adaptive feature mapping behavior is developed to address the problem of how to locate and track features of unknown extent in an environment where a priori information is unavailable. This behavior is implemented as part of the layered control architecture used by the AUV Odyssey II. The new adaptive feature mapping behavior builds on previous work in layered control by incorporating planning and mapping capabilities that allow the vehicle to alter its trajectory online in response to sensor data in order to track contour features. New waypoints are selected by evaluating the expected utility of visiting a given location balanced against the expected cost of traveling to a particular cell. The technique is developed assuming sensor input in the form of a single, narrow-beam altimeter sensor attached to a non-holonomic, dynamically controlled survey-class AUV such as the Odyssey II. Simulations of the Charles River basin which have been constructed from real bathymetry data are used as test missions. The 7-m contour line of a prominent trench in the river serves as the target feature. The adaptive contour following behavior tracks the contour despite navigation error and environmental disturbances, supplying the capability of autonomously detecting and following distinctive bathymetric features using a point sensor. This behavior provides a foundation for future research in tracking of dynamic features in the water-column and for concurrent mapping and localization over natural terrain using a point sensor     

Docking for an autonomous ocean sampling network

In this paper, we examine the issues associated with docking autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) operating within an Autonomous Ocean Sampling Network (AOSN). We present a system based upon an acoustic ultrashort baseline system that allows the AUV to approach the dock from any direction. A passive latch on the AUV and a pole on the dock accomplish the task of mechanically docking the vehicle. We show that our technique for homing is extremely robust in the face of the two dominant sources of error-namely the presence of currents and the presence of magnetic anomalies. Our strategy for homing is independent of the initial bearing of the dock to the AUV, includes a method for detecting when the vehicle has missed the dock, and automatically ensures that the AUV is in a position to retry homing with a greater chance of success. Our approach is seen to be extremely successful in homing the vehicle to the dock, mechanically attaching itself to the dock, aligning inductive cores for data and power transfer, and undocking at the start of a fresh mission. Once the AUV is on the dock, we present a methodology that allows us to achieve the complex tasks with ensuring that the AUV is securely docked, periodically checking vehicle status, reacting to a vehicle that requires charging, tracking it when it is out on a mission, archiving and transmitting via satellite the data that the AUV collects during its missions, as well as providing a mechanism for researchers removed from the site to learn about vehicle status and command high-level missions. The dock is capable of long-term deployments at a remote site while respecting the constraints - low power, small size, low computational energy, low bandwidth, and little or no user input - imposed by the amalgamation of acoustic, electronic and mechanical components that comprise the entire system     

Nonlinear path-following control of an AUV

A new type of control law is developed to steer an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) along a desired path. The methodology adopted for path-following deals explicitly with vehicle dynamics. Furthermore, it overcomes stringent initial condition constraints that are present in a number of path-following control strategies described in the literature. Controller design builds on Lyapunov theory and backstepping techniques. The resulting nonlinear feedback control law yields convergence of the path-following error trajectory to zero. Simulation results illustrate the performance of the control system proposed.     

Three-dimensional visualization of mission planning and control forthe NPS autonomous underwater vehicle

The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) is constructing a small autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with an onboard mission control computer. The mission controller software for this vehicle is a knowledge-based artificial intelligence (AI) system requiring thorough analysis and testing before the AUV is operational. The manner in which rapid prototyping of this software has been demonstrated by developing a controller code on a LISP machine and using an Ethernet link with a graphics workstation to simulate the controller's environment is discussed. The development of a testing simulator using a knowledge engineering environment (KEE) expert system shell that examines AUV controller subsystems and vehicle models before integrating them with the full AUV for its test environment missions is discussed. This AUV simulator utilizes an interactive mission planning control console and is fully autonomous once initial parameters are selected     

Drift angle compensation-based adaptive line-of-sight path following for autonomous underwater vehicle

The aim of this study is to solve the problem of poor tracking in autonomous underwater vehicle (AUVs) that are operating based on traditional line-of-sight (LOS) method when tracking different paths in a complex marine environment. An adaptive-LOS (ALOS) guidance law with drift angle compensation is proposed, and is employed to calculate the AUV’s desired course (direction of velocity) and heading. First, an appropriate look-ahead distance is derived by the ALOS guidance law in consideration of the predefined path curvature, real-time tracking error and speed of the AUV. Subsequently, proper compensation is provided with respect to the actual drift angle. Compared with traditional LOS operation, this method flexibly adjusts to a suitable look-ahead distance while considering many related factors, providing a better path following performance. Both simulation and experimental results are presented to validate the effectiveness of this method.     

Multivariable sliding mode control for autonomous diving andsteering of unmanned underwater vehicles

A six-degree-of-freedom model for the maneuvering of an underwater vehicle is used and a sliding-mode autopilot is designed for the combined steering, diving, and speed control functions. In flight control applications of this kind, difficulties arise because the system to be controlled is highly nonlinear and coupled, and there is a good deal of parameter uncertainty and variation with operational conditions. The development of variable-structure control in the form of sliding modes has been shown to provide robustness that is expected to be quite remarkable for AUV autopilot design. It is shown that a multivariable sliding-mode autopilot based on state feedback, designed assuming decoupled modeling, is quite satisfactory for the combined speed, steering, and diving response of a slow AUV. The influence of speed, modeling nonlinearity, uncertainty, and disturbances, can be effectively compensated, even for complex maneuvering. Waypoint acquisition based on line-of-sight guidance is used to achieve path tracking     

Transformed equations of motion for underwater vehicles

A method for dynamics investigation and coupling detection between velocities of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) is presented in this paper. The method is based on transformation of equations of motion, which are usually used for an underwater vehicle, into equations with a diagonal mass matrix. The obtained equations contain quasi-velocities and allow one to give a further insight into the AUV dynamics especially for an underactuated system. Some advantages of the proposed approach are discussed, too. An analytical example for a 3-DOF AUV shows possible application of the transformed equations. Moreover, the given approach is validated via simulation on a 6-DOF vehicle.     

Numerical study on the cavity characteristics and impact loads of AUV water entry

The high-speed water entry process of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) has a strong impact nonlinearity, and a cavity formed by air and water will often be generated as part of the entry process. The shape of the water-entry cavity plays an important role in the load characteristics and stability of the water-entry trajectory. In this paper, a numerical model for describing the cavity and impact load characteristics of a high-speed water-entry AUV is established. The simulation results such as cavity shape and impact load are compared with experimental data. The good agreement between the numerical results and those of the experiments reveals the accuracy and capability of the numerical algorithm. Subsequently, the arbitrary Lagrange-Euler (ALE) numerical algorithm is used to simulate and analyse the variation laws of the cavity characteristics and impact loads with different head shapes, water-entry velocities, water-entry angles and angles of attack. The results obtained in this study can provide a good reference for the trajectory control and structural design of the AUV.     

AUV总体概念设计中的多学科和多目标优化研究

针对水下自主式航行器(AUV)在总体概念设计阶段的多学科和多目标优化问题进行了研究。基于MDO的概念将AUV的设计要求分解为系统控制层和5个子系统,考虑了有效负载长度和总质量两个目标函数。采用多学科可行解方法(MDF)和多目标遗传算法(MOGA)给出了多学科的Pareto最优解,并且和经典的多目标方法进了比较。     

基于模糊神经网络理论对水下拖曳体进行深度轨迹控制

以华南理工大学开发的自主稳定可控制水下拖曳体为研究对象,首先通过水下拖曳体在拖曳水池样机中的试验取得试验数据后作为训练样本,采用LM BP算法,建立基于神经网络理论构建的可控制水下拖曳体轨迹与姿态水动力的数值模型。在此基础上设计了一个控制系统,它主要由两部分组成:基于遗传算法的神经网络辨识器和基于模拟退火改进的遗传算法的模糊神经网络控制器。以满足预先设定的拖曳体水下监测轨迹要求为控制依据,由控制系统确定为达到所要求的运动轨迹而应采用的迫沉水翼转角,以此作为输入参数,通过LM BP神经网络模型的模拟计算预报在这一操纵动作控制下的拖曳体所表现的轨迹与姿态特征。数值模拟计算结果表明:该系统的设计达到了所要求的目的;借助这一系统,可以有效地实现对拖曳体的深度轨迹控制。     

Discrete-time quasi-sliding mode control of an autonomousunderwater vehicle

This paper presents a discrete-time quasi-sliding mode controller for an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) in the presence of parameter uncertainties and a long sampling interval. The AUV, named VORAM, is used as a model for the verification of the proposed control algorithm. Simulations of depth control and contouring control are performed for a numerical model of the AUV with full nonlinear equations of motion to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control schemes when the vehicle has a long sampling interval. By using the discrete-time quasi-sliding mode control law, experiments on depth control of the AUV are performed in a towing tank. The controller makes the system stable in the presence of system uncertainties and even external disturbances without any observer nor any predictor producing high rate estimates of vehicle states. As the sampling interval becomes large, the effectiveness of the proposed control law is more prominent when compared with the conventional sliding mode controller     

一种基于超短基线定位的便携式AUV回坞导航方法

自主水下机器人(AUV)对接技术是目前水下机器人的研究热点,精确可靠的AUV的回坞导航是实现对接的关键技术。对于追求轻便的便携式AUV的对接系统,考虑到便携式AUV的搭载能力有限又需要足够的定位精度用于对接,提出了一种基于超短基线(USBL)定位的回坞导航方法,该方法让AUV只需装载电子罗盘和水声应答器就能完成精确的回坞定位。根据导航方法的特点,设计了一种改进的扩展卡尔曼滤波算法,其优点是能在处理滞后的USBL数据的同时动态估算海流、更新状态方程以消除海流造成的定位误差。通过湖试和大量仿真实验,验证了定位算法在海流影响下的定位性能。     

Application of particle filter combined with extended Kalman filter in model identification of an autonomous underwater vehicle based on experimental data

This study proposes a method for identification of the nonlinear dynamic model of an AUV while some states are unmeasured; hence, it concentrates on a nonlinear “state and parameter estimation” issue. In this method, a local linearization is used for solving the nonlinear dynamics based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF), and a particle filter (PF) is used to minimize errors and variances of the nonlinear system. In other words, the PF is combined with the EKF in the form of the extended Kalman particle filter (EKPF). The EKPF method is independent of the initial values and satisfies the limits of the parameters and also the assumption that the hydrodynamic coefficients are constant. Hence, it is shown when the ranges or signs of some parameters are known, the EKPF is a more accurate estimator than the EKF. Moreover, a new simulation is done using the model estimated by the EKPF and the results are compared and validated with the measured data of a new experimental test. It is shown that the obtained model can predict the trajectory path with the total normalized root-mean-square error (NRMSE) of 14% and the surge mean speed with the NRMSE of 5%; and it describes the 6DOF motion of the AUV more accurate than the EKF model.     

基于DIDSON的未知海域覆盖规划算法

针对自主水下机器人的路径规划问题,提出一种基于双频识别侧扫声呐(DIDSON)的全局路径规划算法。根据双频识别侧扫声呐的物理特性对AUV进行数学建模,根据声呐的工作频率不同,将AUV分为高频、低频两种工作模式。高频模式下成像精度高,低频模式下成像范围大。文中提出了一种D2-CPP算法,根据声呐返回的识别结果,算法会自主切换AUV的工作模式,并动态规划出对应的路径点,直到覆盖所有区域。通过与割草机算法的仿真对比,证明了算法的有效性,近海实验证明了算法的可靠性。     

A techno-economic comparison of power systems for autonomousunderwater vehicles

This paper compares lead-acid batteries, sodium-sulfur batteries, solid polymer fuel cells and closed-cycle diesel engines for autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) applications. The service is described in terms of a parametric mission and life cycle. A generic AUV is used as a basis for comparison. Power systems are evaluated by two criteria: (1) submerged endurance capability and (2) life cycle cost. This study determines categories of service for which each power system is preferred. The solid polymer fuel cell can provide greater submerged endurance than other power systems examined. For extremely long duration AUV missions, the fuel cell is the required system, indicating a possible market niche for today's fuel cell technology. Considering cost projections for each power system, the results also show that the SPFC can become cost-competitive with conventional technologies, particularly for services characterized by high levels of utilization     

Development of the AUV ‘ISiMI’ and a free running test in an Ocean Engineering Basin

The Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute (KORDI) has developed a small AUV named ISiMI. The mission of ISiMI is to work as a test-bed AUV for the development and validation of various algorithms and instruments required to enhance the AUV's functions. The design concept of ISiMI is that of a vehicle small enough to cruise the Ocean Engineering Basin (OEB) of KORDI and to be handled by one or two people. The downsized design and the cruising ability in its tank enable fast experimental feedback on AUV technologies and a shorter development period for new technologies. This paper presents a review of our research work on the development of ISiMI, with a performance evaluation by simulation and an experimental test. After the design and implementation of ISiMI, including its positioning system in the OEB, are presented, a series of test results in the OEB and discussions of the results are presented, with comparisons of the simulation and experimental outputs.     

Biorobotic AUV maneuvering by pectoral fins: inverse control design based on CFD parameterization

Biologically inspired maneuvering of autonomous undersea vehicles (AUVs) in the dive plane using pectoral-like oscillating fins is considered. Computational fluid dynamics are used to parameterize the forces generated by a mechanical flapping foil, which attempts to mimic the pectoral fin of a fish. Since the oscillating fins produce periodic force and moment of a variety of wave shapes, the essential characteristics of these signals are captured in their Fourier expansions. Maneuvering of the biorobotic AUV in the dive plane is accomplished by periodically altering the bias angle of the oscillating fin. Based on a discrete-time AUV model, an inverse control system for the dive-plane control is derived. It is shown that, in the closed-loop system, the inverse control system accomplishes accurate tracking of the prescribed time-varying depth trajectories and the segments of the intersample depth trajectory remain close to the discrete-time reference trajectory. The results show that the fins located away from the center of mass toward the nose of the vehicle provide better maneuverability.     

The Morpheus ultramodular autonomous underwater vehicle

The Advanced Marine Systems Lab at Florida Atlantic University has developed a new ultramodular plastic mini autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), called the Morpheus, for littoral military and coastal oceanographic sampling, survey, and mapping. The name Morpheus was chosen because the Greek god Morpheus could change shape or "morph." The higher degree of modularity of the Morpheus AUV allows it to "morph" or change its size and components for different applications. This vehicle is composed of modular injection-molded plastic pressure vessels and a cabling system that allow the modules to be rearranged without rewiring bulkheads. The plastic pressure vessels are inexpensive, inherently mass-producible, extremely corrosion-resistant, and have low magnetic signatures. The pressure vessels are small but are sized to fit most standard electronic board standards. The mini AUV can be anywhere from 4 to 10 ft in length, depending on its mission. The vehicle architecture is an adaptation of the Ocean Explorer AUV system and uses an ANSI 709.1 (LonTalk) distributed control network for connecting all sensors and actuator subsystems as smart nodes. The modularity in containers, control, and power makes this vehicle rapidly reconfigurable and easy to repair or upgrade. This paper will present details of the motivation, design, and construction of the new mini AUV. The Morpheus was deployed during the summer of 2000 in field exercises for very shallow and shallow water mine counter measures. Some results from these tests will be presented