Super Short Baseline Underwater Acoustic Positioning Supported by Inertial Navigation Data Using Spread Spectrum Communication for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle and Error Analysis in Deep Water

A tracking and positioning method achieved by integration of the super short baseline (SSBL) and inertial navigation system (INS) data for an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is introduced. The proposed method uses a continuous acoustic signal as the response signal from the target AUV. The INS data obtained in the AUV is transmitted with the acoustic signal by the direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) technique and the SSBL estimation is achieved using the same signal. The error of the SSBL, particularly the influence of a multipath, was analyzed. The use of a continuous signal showed that the multipath is influential even if its level is small relative to the direct wave. This influence was observed under actual conditions in an ocean experiment in a deep-water area. The proposed method was confirmed to be available and useful by simulations and experimental results. (C) 2009 The Japan Society of Applied Physics