ONLINE BANDWIDTH ADAPTATION AND DATA TRACKING OF UNDERWATER ACOUSTIC TRANSMISSIONS TO OPTIMIZE COLLABORATIVE AUV MISSIONS

Abstract

A method for on-line characterization of in-water acoustic transmission conditions and intelligent adaptation of transmission rates to these conditions is implemented on autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV). The objective is to optimize use of the communications channel during collaborative shallow water missions with other AUVs. A software database cheaply (in terms of bandwidth) tracks the success of transmitted packets, providing operator data tracking in addition to communications layer visibility into current channel conditions. A rate selector chooses optimal transmission rates using an adaptive distance bin approach. Outcomes are improvements in bandwidth, reduction in modem power draw, and increased visibility into data success compared to traditional, constant-rate acoustic communication patterns.