Underwater tracking systems, such as Easytrak, use specific acoustic signals generated from a transducer and sent through water to a beacon attached to the target object. The beacon receives this signal and replies back with a different transmission. The measured two-way travel time allows computation of range, and the bearing is calculated from phase measurements of the signal returning to the transducer.
The target beacon can be supplied with a choice of directional or omni-directional (hemispherical) beam pattern transducers. Directional beam patterns focus the energy in a narrow beam, allowing more range.
The choice of beam pattern is determined by the application; deep water ROV operations or tow-fish, for example, are best tracked using a directional beam pattern while divers should be tracked using a beacon with an omni-directional beam pattern.
The particular use and the degree of accuracy required will determine the type of beacon to be deployed subsea so AAE offers a range of acoustic positioning beacons for use at a variety of ocean depths, hostile environments or in unusual applications with new models to meet new challenges constantly being introduced.
Easytrak Tracking System