Abstract:
The present invention provides a system and apparatus for transferring electronic data and/or power from one station to another by means of a transportable pod comprising a solid state memory device and further provided with an inductively linked, electrically insulated connector. The transportable pod comprises a battery which is used to power a remote host docking station, which may be used in an underwater environment for the collection of subsea data. The transportable pod can be transferred alternately from a home docking station, where it is charged up, and where it&#39;s stored data is uploaded and to a remote host docking station where is provides power, and where it collects and stores data collected by the remote host docking station.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of GB 0823436.1 filed Dec. 23, 2008, entitled Inductively Coupled Memory Transfer System, by Mark Rhodes and Brendan Hyland, which application is fully incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIELD OF USE 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a system for transferring electronic data and/or power from one station to another by means of a transportable unit provided with a solid state memory device a portable energy source and an inductively coupled, electrically insulated connector. 
       BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Universal Serial Bus (USB) “memory sticks” have become an extremely convenient and practical method of transferring electronic data between computer systems. Recently the capacity supported by these small transportable devices has increased to many tens of Gigabytes and no doubt will continue to expand further over time. These devices typically consist of a USB interface device which supports several NAND flash memory integrated circuits. Power is supplied over the USB standard connector which also supports the two wire high speed serial data interface. Several inventions have sort to devise mechanical protection mechanisms for the USB connector. For example U.S. Patent Application Publication 2008/108245A1 “Protection mechanism for terminal of memory stick adapter” Shu-Chin, describes a retracting cover for the terminals of a memory stick device. The mechanism taught by Shu-chin provides a means to minimize mechanical damage of the connector contacts. 
         [0004]    Contamination of the electrically conductive terminals is another failure mechanism of the USB memory stick connector. The connector relies on metal to metal conductive contact and this can fail due to contamination with insulating material, which prevents conductive contact, or contamination with conductive material, which can introduce a short circuit between adjacent pins. 
         [0005]    There is a need for a solid state portable memory device integrated with an electrically insulated connector system that overcomes these limitations. 
         [0006]    Electrical connections are a challenging aspect of underwater electrical system design; the standard implementation of an electrical connector includes terminals or pins which make conductive electrical contact with each other. Such terminals and pins are subject to corrosion and contamination; corrosion of the terminals produces poor or intermittent contact and failure of the connector. Furthermore, in under water applications, water must be excluded from the conductive contacts to prevent short circuits due to the partially conductive nature of water. Thus, wet mating connections present even greater challenges to overcome since water must be expelled from the conductive contacts during mating and since care must be taken to ensure an electrical signal is not applied to the connector while the contacts are exposed to the water and before the connection is made. A connector which does not rely upon direct conductive contact would avoid these problems. 
         [0007]    Additionally, any multi pin connector must be rotationally aligned to ensure registration of the intended cross connections. This requirement can be problematic in underwater applications, particularly where the connection point is not readily accessible by an operator such as when a connection is established by an autonomous system deep in the ocean. Slip ring connectors have been designed to avoid this issue but typically employ conductive contacts which are subject to corrosion and contamination as described herein. An electrically insulated data and power connection which mates independent of angular alignment would be beneficial in many underwater applications. 
         [0008]    In the field of oil and gas exploration, seismic imaging over a large area of the seabed is an important method for optimization of oil and gas production, and for the assessment of the capacity of a particular field. The article entitled “Breakthrough for repeated seismic” by Halfdan Carstens, Geo ExPro; September 2004; pp 26-29, http://www.geoexpro.com/sfiles/8/21/6/file/Valhall — 26-29.pdf outlines a system for the gathering of seismic imaging data over a large area of the seabed. 
         [0009]    The system for undersea seismic imaging taught by Carstens comprises a network or array of seismic monitoring stations which include sensors—such as geophones and hydrophones located at evenly spaced intervals (typically 50 metres) spanning a given area around a field of underwater exploration. The seismic monitoring stations taught be Carstens are linked together by a wired network of cable, and the data collected from the seismic sensors is gathered and stored by a main processing unit which is connected into the wired network; the wired network of cable also provides a means for the synchronization of the various sensors in the network. 
         [0010]    Typically the seismic sensors and seismic monitoring stations record data at regular time intervals. Over the duration of one ‘survey’ the data collected per station could be in the order of one Gigabyte. The transfer of one Gigabyte of data in a reasonable length of time produces a requirement of the wired network for a data rate which is in the order of hundreds of kilobits per second. 
         [0011]    The benefits of rolling out such a wired seismic motoring network are optimization of oil and gas production, the generation of information on the optimum drilling locations and the generation of information on field capacity and yield. The drawbacks of installing such a wired seismic motoring network are the cost of network deployment and the cost of maintenance thereof. It would be preferable to deploy a network of isolated, free-standing seismic monitoring stations, where power and data transfer are provided by some alternative means to a wired network. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for transferring electronic data from a first station to a second station by means of a transportable pod comprising a solid state memory device and an inductively coupled, electrically insulated connector. 
         [0013]    According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for transferring electrical power through the inductively coupled connector from a battery provided within the transportable pod between the first and second stations. 
         [0014]    According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transportable pod comprising a battery, a solid state memory device, each of which is electrically coupled to an inductively coupled connector of the transportable pod via control electronic circuitry. During use, electrical power is transferred between the battery of the pod and an external docking station via the inductively coupled connector of the pod. Furthermore, during use, data is transferred between the solid state memory device of the pod and an external docking station via the same inductively coupled connector. 
         [0015]    The solid state memory device of the transportable pod may be implemented using a flash memory device; hard disk device or alternative means of electronic storage. 
         [0016]    The transportable pod of the present invention is particularly suited to applications where the remote host docking station is located underwater. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments the control electronic circuitry coupling the battery to the inductively coupled connector of the transportable pod is a power transfer sub-system comprising an AC/DC converter or a DC/AC converter. 
         [0018]    In other embodiments the control electronic circuitry coupling the memory device of the transportable pod to the inductively coupled connector is a data interface comprising a high pass filter and a modem operable to decode a data stream received from the external docking station or to encode a data stream to be transferred to docking station. 
         [0019]    In one embodiment, there is provided a release mechanism that is activated remotely to initiate de-mating of the transportable pod from the remote host docking station. Remote activation may be via radio communications. For embodiments where the remote host docking station is located underwater, remote activation may be via acoustic subsea communications, or subsea radio communications. 
         [0020]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, the transportable pod comprising a solid state memory device and a battery is arranged to be positively buoyant when immersed in water. Thus, for example, when the remote release de-mates the transportable pod from an underwater remote host docking station the transportable pod will float to the surface of the water to allow recovery of the transportable pod from the surface of the water. 
         [0021]    In some applications, the transportable pod will remain tethered to the host system as it floats to the surface of the water to ensure it remains close to the expected recovery point. The transportable pod may be provided with a spooled line that is attached to the remote host system and which is deployed as the pod rises to the surface. 
         [0022]    In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a means for providing the transportable pod with positive buoyancy in response to a remote release signal. This may be implemented using a compressed gas canister which inflates a bladder contained in or attached to the outside of the transportable pod to create positive buoyancy. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the docking station forms part of a remote host system comprising an inductively coupled connector that can mate to the inductively coupled connector of the transportable pod thereby providing a means for transferring electrical power from the pod battery to the host docking station via the inductive connectors of the pod and the host station, and also providing means for transferring data from the host station to the transportable pod and/or data from the transportable pod to the host station. 
         [0024]    In other embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a docking station that forms part of a home station comprising an inductively coupled connector that can mate to the inductively coupled connector of the transportable pod thereby providing means for transferring charge to the pod battery, and for transferring data to and from the pod memory device. 
         [0025]    The system of the present invention typically has applications where an electrically conductive contact based connector system would be exposed to contaminants. 
         [0026]    Applications of the present invention include any harsh environment, and the inductively coupled data and power transfer systems and apparatus described herein are particularly suited to underwater applications. 
         [0027]    In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a mechanical retention mechanism and mechanical release mechanism for the transportable pod. 
         [0028]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a remote host docking station comprising multiple inductively coupled connectors each of which are pre-loaded with transportable pods, and system control circuitry which can detach a spent pod after its deployment period and which can switch to a fresh pod for data and power transfer to allow data collection without the need for a system to replace memory pods. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment the home docking station and host docking station may be further provided with Universal Serial Bus (USB) interfaces. 
         [0030]    Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  shows a functional block diagram of the electronic circuitry of a transportable pod according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  shows a block diagram of an inductively coupled data and power transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  shows the mechanical construction of a female inductive connector  30  and a male inductive connector  31  for use in the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  shows a three dimensional illustration of the female inductive connector and the male inductive connector of  FIG. 3 , further comprising a Universal Serial Bus (USB) pigtail for connection to any conventional item of computer hardware; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  shows a transportable pod comprising a male inductive connector, mated to a female inductive connector  54  of a docking station according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  shows a block diagram of an inductively coupled data and power transfer system comprising an array of sensors and a docking station which mates with a transportable pod according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]      FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of a transportable pod according to an embodiment of the present invention. Block  10  represents the inductively coupled connector which is shown in further detail in  FIG. 3 . Data interface  11  processes a modulated signal which is received from an external docking station (not shown) via inductively coupled connector  10  and formats the data for presentation at the input of memory device  12 . Similarly, data interface  11  can read stored data in memory device  13  and modulate the data for transfer to an external docking station (not shown) via inductively coupled connector  10  so as to provide bi directional data exchange between the external docking station (not shown) and memory device  12  of the transportable pod of the present invention. Data interface  11  might include such electronic circuitry as a modem to modulate data from memory device  12  for transfer over inductive connector  10  and to de-modulate data received via inductive connector  10  for interfacing with memory device  12 . Power transfer sub-system  13  couples battery  14  to inductive connector  10  of the transportable pod and comprises electronic circuitry for coupling AC electrical power received at inductive connector  10  to battery  1  such circuitry might include an AC/DC converter; power transfer sub-system  13  similarly comprises electronic circuitry for coupling DC power from battery  14  to AC electrical power at inductive connector  10 , such circuitry might include a DC/AC converter. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  shows a block diagram of an inductively coupled data and power transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The inductively coupled data and power transfer system comprises transportable pod  201  which is mated with docking station  200 . Docking station  200  may be a remote host docking station—for example located underwater and comprising one or more sensors for data collection; alternatively, docking station may be a home station—for example located on a base station. Transportable pod  201  comprises memory device  18 , battery  17  and inductively coupled connector  19 . During use, inductive connector  19  transfers power and data between docking station  200  and memory device  18  of transportable pod  201 . AC to DC converter  16  is used to provide DC power to battery  17  for charging. On the other hand DC to AC converter  15  is used to convert DC from battery  17  to AC for coupling to docking station  200  via inductive connector  19 . High pass filter  27  separates the power transfer signal from a modulated carrier signal that sends and received data via inductive connector  19 . Communications modem  28  modulates data received from memory device  18  for transfer over inductive connector  19  and de-modulates data received via inductive connector  19  for interfacing with memory device  18 . 
         [0039]    Docking station  200  comprises data interface  20  and communications modem  21  connected to inductive connector  26  via high pass filter  25  and further comprises home charging interface  22  and/or host power interface  23 . For systems in applications where docking station  200  is a remote host station, home charging interface is typically omitted. Similarly for systems where docking station  200  is a home station, host power interface  23  is typically omitted. High pass filter  25  separates the power transfer signal from a modulated carrier signal that sends and received data via inductive connector  26 . Home charging interface comprises a DC to AC converter to convert DC power which it receives at an input of home docking station  200  to AC power for coupling to transportable pod  201  via inductive connectors  26  and  19 . The power coupled to transportable pod  201  via inductive connectors  26  and  19  is used to charge battery  17  of transportable pod  201 . Host charging interface comprises an AC to DC converter to convert AC power received from transportable pod  201  via inductive connectors  19  and  26  and to provide DC power to remote host docking station  200 . DC power provided to remote host docking station  200  from transportable pod  201  via inductive connectors  19  and  26  can be used to power communications modem  21 , data interface  20  and any sensors or other data collection devices which are connected to docking station  200 . Data collected by remote host docking station  200  is transferred to memory device  18  of transportable pod  201  via communications modem  21 , high pass filter  25 , inductive connectors  26  and  19 , high pass filter  27 , and communications modem  28 . 
         [0040]    The transportable pod of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1  and the inductively coupled data and power transfer system of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 2  is particularly suitable for the transfer of data and electrical power between a home docking station and a remote host docking station via a transportable pod where the remote host docking station is located underwater. 
         [0041]    In an example usage case, a transportable pod is provided with a solid state memory device, a battery supply and an inductive connector system. An unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) transports the transportable pod to a remotely deployed sensor (RDS) unit on the seabed. The RDS has been deployed for a period of time, it draws its power from the battery within the transportable pod and stores recorded data within the solid state memory device of the transportable pod. The UUV detaches a previously deployed first transportable pod from the RDS by transmitting a short range underwater radio signal to initiate release of the pod. The UUV recovers the first transportable pod and replaces it with a second unit which it has brought from the surface of the sea. The first unit is recovered for analysis of recorded data. The second unit has a fully charged battery which provides power to the RDS for the next deployment period. The RDS continues to record data on the memory device of the second transportable pod. 
         [0042]    In another system application the transportable pod and host docking station form part of a system for recovering data and/or delivering power to a remotely deployed subsea seismic sensor or array of sensors. Sensors may be spaced at known intervals along a subsea cable that is arranged to carry data and power from each sensor to a host docking station. A transportable pod mated with the docking station provides power for the connected sensor array and stores recorded data from the sensors. The transportable pod can be exchanged periodically as described above. 
         [0043]      FIG. 3  shows the mechanical construction of the inductively coupled connectors  19  and  26  of  FIG. 2 . Inductively coupled connector  19  of  FIG. 2  is represented by male inductive connector  31  of  FIG. 3  and inductively coupled connector  26  of  FIG. 2  is represented by female inductive connector  30  of  FIG. 3 . The upper section of  FIG. 3  shows a cross section side view of both female connector  30  and male connector  31 . The lower section of  FIG. 3  shows a cross section bottom view of female connector  30 . Line A-A indicates the position of the cross section shown in the lower part of  FIG. 3 . Female inductive connector  30  comprises a coil of wire  32  wound on a core  33  formed of a material having a high magnetic permeability. A material having a relative permeability greater than  10  would be suitable for this application. The entire female connector  30  is encased in a housing  34  formed of an electrically insulating material. Male inductive connector  31  comprises a coil of wire  35  wound on a core  37  formed of a material having a high magnetic permeability. A relative permeability greater than  10  would be suitable for this application. The entire male connector  31  is encased in a housing  36  formed of an electrically insulating material. Male connector  31  and female connector  30  are designed so that the mechanical interface presented by one is the inverse of the other, so that the two connectors fit together snugly. When female connector  30  is mated with male connector  31 , magnetic cores  33  and  37  are aligned so that the coil  32  of female inductive connector  30  and the coil  35  of male inductive connector  31  are strongly inductively coupled. 
         [0044]      FIG. 4  shows a three dimensional illustration of the female inductive connector  40  and the male inductive connector  41  of  FIG. 3 , further comprising a Universal Serial Bus (USB) pigtail  43 , with USB type A connector  44  for connection to any conventional item of computer hardware. 
         [0045]      FIG. 5  shows a transportable pod  55  for underwater use comprising a male inductive connector  56 , mated to a female conductive connector  54  of a docking station (not shown) with a captive connection  51 ,  52 ,  53  which may be released by a radio signal. Flange  51  supports wire link  52  which connects to flange  53  thereby retaining transportable pod  55  in contact with connector  55 . At the moment when transportable pod  55  is to be release from connector  54  a current is passed through wire link  52  which is sufficient to fuse or break the wire resulting in release of the transportable pod from connector  54 . The release command may be transmitted wirelessly by an RF signal or by an acoustic signal. The transportable pod  55  comprises a float  50  attached to an upwardly facing side thereof, so that transportable pod  55  is positively buoyant and will float to the surface of the water when the release mechanism is activated. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  shows a block diagram of an inductively coupled data and power transfer system comprising an array of sensors wired to a docking station according to another embodiment of the present invention. The system of  FIG. 6  comprises an array of sensor nodes  62  wired to a docking station  63  comprising an inductively coupled connector (not shown) that mates with a an inductively coupled connector (not shown) of a transportable pod  61  for collection by a UUV. Sensor nodes  62  may be seismic survey sensors that are spaced along and connected to data and power cable  65 . Data and power cable  65  acts to control the spacing of sensors during deployment, supplies power from the transportable pod  61  via the inductively coupled connectors of the pod  61  and the docking station  63  to each sensor node  62  and similarly transfers data from each sensor node  62  to the transportable pod  61  via the inductively coupled connectors of the docking station  63  and pod  61 . Data can also be transferred from a memory storage device of transportable pod  61 , through host docking station  63  to each sensor  62  via the inductively coupled connectors of the docking station  63  and pod  61  and via data and power cable  65 . UUV  60  periodically exchanges memory pod  61  with a fresh unit. 
         [0047]    Those skilled in the art will understand that any form of data storage device or data storage medium other than those specified in the foregoing examples could be used to realize the present invention. 
         [0048]    Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand that the term battery is used so as to encompass any form of portable energy source. Such an energy source might be a rechargeable battery, a long life battery, a capacitive device or a fuel cell. 
         [0049]    The inductively coupled data and power transfer systems described herein are generally suited to systems and applications which are deployed in underwater environments. However, there is no reason why the system of the present invention would be limited to such underwater systems and applications. 
         [0050]    Moreover, the above descriptions of the specific embodiments are made by way of example only and are not for the purposes of limitation. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that in order to achieve some or most of the advantages of the present invention, practical implementations may not necessarily be exactly as exemplified and may include variations within the scope of the present invention.