Autonomous biobuoy systems and methods
Inventors
Lapota, David • Anderson, Gregory W.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-9772288-B1
Publication Date
2017-09-26
Expiration Date
2036-12-21
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Abstract
An autonomous biobuoy system and methods for detecting characteristics of a marine environment, the system involving: a light source comprising a blue light emitting diode; a detector assembly for detecting the at least one characteristic of the marine environment, the detector assembly having a single photodiode configured to detect stimulated bioluminescence and transmissivity in response to the light source, the detector assembly configured to generate at least one detector assembly output signal responsive to at least one detected characteristic; and a transmitter coupled with the detector assembly for transmitting the at least one detector assembly output signal.
Core Innovation
The invention described is an autonomous biobuoy system and methods for detecting characteristics of marine environments, specifically configured to effectively sense bioluminescence and transmissivity to detect toxins. The system comprises a light source including a blue light emitting diode (LED), a detector assembly with a single photodiode configured to detect stimulated bioluminescence and transmissivity in response to the light source, and a transmitter coupled with the detector assembly for transmitting output signals corresponding to detected characteristics.
The problem addressed by the invention includes challenges in the related art such as effectively sensing bioluminescence to detect toxins in marine environments and conducting extended duration marine studies. Related art methods were limited by short study durations, the use of tethered devices requiring external power, larger and less robust equipment like photomultipliers, and a lack of suitable autonomous devices for comprehensive, long-term measurement of bioluminescence and other marine characteristics.
The disclosed systems overcome these challenges by integrating a compact sensor package utilizing a single photodiode and blue LED light source to measure both stimulated bioluminescence and fluid clarity or transmissivity autonomously, powered by onboard rechargeable batteries and solar panels. The system includes a housing with corrosion-resistant materials, an adjustable ballast to control buoyancy and depth, and radio frequency transmission capability for remote data access and control without tethering.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains one independent system claim and one independent method claim, both centered on an autonomous biobuoy system with a single photodiode detecting bioluminescence and transmissivity, and a transmitter for data transmission.
Single photodiode detector assembly configured for dual sensing
The detector assembly comprises a single photodiode configured to detect stimulated bioluminescence and transmissivity in response to a blue light emitting diode light source, generating output signals corresponding to detected marine environmental characteristics.
Integration of a blue light emitting diode as light source
The system includes a light source comprising a blue LED, optionally masked by a filter for attenuation to prevent saturation of the photodiode.
Autonomous data transmission via transmitter coupled with detector assembly
A transmitter coupled with the detector assembly transmits at least one detector assembly output signal, configured to communicate via wireless technologies such as 3G, 4G, 5G, and LTE, allowing remote downloading of data without satellite communication.
Housing with adjustable ballast for depth control
An adjustable ballast coupled with the housing allows controlling the vertical movement of the biobuoy in the marine environment, facilitating floating or submersible deployment conditions.
Rechargeable power supply coupled with system components
The system is powered by a rechargeable power supply capable of powering a bilge pump and detector assembly, comprising lithium phosphate iron batteries, optionally supplemented by solar panels and solar chargers, enclosed within a protective enclosure.
Method of fabricating the autonomous biobuoy system
Providing the system components including a blue LED light source, configuring a single photodiode for detecting stimulated bioluminescence and transmissivity, coupling a transmitter for wireless output signal transmission, and including features such as housing, adjustable ballast, power supplies, and protective enclosures.
Method for detecting and transmitting marine environmental characteristics
Operating the autonomous biobuoy system by measuring at least one characteristic of a marine environment via single photodiode detection, generating the detector assembly output signal, and wirelessly transmitting the data.
The claims collectively cover an autonomous marine environmental sensing system using a single photodiode with a blue LED light source to detect stimulated bioluminescence and transmissivity, incorporated in a buoy with adjustable ballast and autonomous power, and capable of wireless data transmission for remote monitoring.
Stated Advantages
Effectively senses bioluminescence and transmissivity for environmental monitoring and toxin detection in marine environments.
Enables autonomous, extended duration marine studies of bioluminescence overcoming limitations of prior short-term and tethered systems.
Uses a single photodiode detector and blue LED to reduce system size, complexity, and cost compared to photomultiplier tubes and separate transmissometers.
Supports remote data access and control through wireless communication technologies, eliminating the need for tethered cables or satellite communication.
Incorporates adjustable ballast for controllable buoyancy and depth, improving measurement reliability and deployment flexibility.
Powered by onboard rechargeable lithium phosphate iron batteries and solar panels, allowing autonomous operation without external power sources.
The system is robust and suitable for deployments in diverse marine environments, including inaccessible areas and extended periods without sunlight.
Documented Applications
Monitoring bioluminescence to assess environmental fluid quality and detect toxins in oceans, seas, lakes, ponds, sloughs, rivers, canals, streams, creeks, and dams.
Conducting research on marine bioluminescent organism populations over time and their variation with temperature, fluid clarity, and salinity.
Detecting concentrations of plankton, including red tide conditions indicating fluid quality degradation.
Detecting petroleum, oil, and lubricant contaminants near or on the surface of marine environments.
Providing real-time marine environmental data accessible via radio frequency transmission to boats, aerial vehicles, land-based facilities, or remote computers.
Deployable by boats, helicopters, airplanes, unmanned vehicles or air-drop deployment for inaccessible areas.
Attachment to boat hulls for autonomous marine environment sensing without tethered power or data cables.
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