Independent Device for Determining Absolute Geographic Coordinates of an Immersed Moving Body

Abstract

This invention relates to immersed moving bodies for which the activity requires knowledge of their absolute geographic coordinates. This is the case particularly for moving bodies performing site survey operations, excavations and more generally exploration operations. A moving body can equally well refer to an independent diver, a manned vehicle or an unmanned machine. The device is used by an immersed moving body for independent determination of its absolute geographic coordinates. The device, according to the invention comprises on board calculation means (31) associated with “surface” position means (32) consisting of a GPS or GALILEO type receiver, submarine positioning means (33) operating on the principle of homing in association with immersed fixed accoustic beacon (41) and a set of sensors (36) that the moving body (42) uses to determine its working depth, its horizontality, and the difference between the direction followed and a fixed direction, for example magnetic north. All acquired data are used by the calculation means to determine the absolute geographic position and the operating depth of the moving body (42) at any time, particularly when the body is immersed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.