Underwater positioning for recreational divers

Important results from the project

The target of the project has been to develop a buoy, that with the help of Aqwarys water adopted computer network can communicate the divers geographical position with an accuracy of approximately +/- 1m. The project has verified that under/over water communication is functional. The application where the divers´ position under water is related to a GPS position has been implemented both in hard- and software and tested in a lab environment. The final field tests have been slightly delayed and are planned to Q1 2015.

Expected long term effects

The project resulted in a demonstrator that in tests fulfil the demands on floatation with correct centre of gravity and buoyancy. Existing electric design to the Aqwary SC has been updated, manufactured, tested and approved. The calculation algorithm for positioning has been trimmed and the accuracy has been verified to +/- 1m in field tests. The general system software has been adapted to the general buoy application and separate software for GPS positioning and underwater tracking has been developed and implemented. Its functionality has been tested in a lab environment.

Approach and implementation

The design and construction of the bouy has been according to plan, but instead of out sourcing production, a 3d printer was purchased, saving both time and money. Electric design has been added to existing design within budget and schedule. Software development was the part of the project affected with delays. This was identified as a risk before project start and was amended by external resources. Field tests and input from external contacts has been according to plan. As a whole, the project has proceeded according to project plan.