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Last Words
France Telecom invents first submarine telephone booth,
with new underwater communications system
November 21, 2001
France Telecom R&D, in partnership with Amphicom, has invented a system that allows telephone communications with a diver working underwater - a world first! Easy to use, this system ensures a clear connection from a fixed or wireless phone to a person working underwater at any depth.
The system comprises a buoy fitted with a GSM phone relay that handles two-way communications with an underwater terminal - almost like a personal underwater phone booth! The terminal is connected to the buoy by a wire, and is equipped with a dial pad (like a telephone keyboard), a special mouthpiece, a light and a buzzer.
The buzzer and a flashing light alert the diver of an incoming call. The parties are able to talk because of the ability of bones to conduct sound underwater. The sound wave from the surface transits through the system to the mouthpiece. The diver merely has to bite down on the mouthpiece and push a button to "unhook the handset". Sound vibrations propagate to his ear via his skull, which acts as a resonance chamber. He can then clearly hear the incoming call and also talk back, in half duplex mode.
With the dialing pad, the diver can also call anybody on a fixed or wireless phone.
This innovative system is primarily designed for professionals working underwater, and significantly improves safety. Since the end of last year, it has been tested by archeologists at the Alexandrine Research Center, in charge of underwater excavations at the presumed site of the Alexandria Lighthouse, in Egypt. By providing direct, instantaneous communications between the divers and excavation managers, this system supports interactive research, eliminates the need for frequent returns to the service (and risks of decompression), and the loss of information inherent in diving (directional problems on the sea floor, forgetfulness, etc.)
Other possible areas of application, all requiring underwater work, include oil platforms, shipyards, scientific research, salvaging ships and civil security. Divers can quickly signal any sign of discomfort or danger, or report to the surface on their work.
The new underwater communications system should be commercialized by the end of 2002. France Telecom's research teams are already looking at ways to eliminate the wire link between the buoy and the submerged terminal, so that divers are totally independent. This also means that members of a team diving in the same area can call each other whenever they want. Two possible solutions to transmit voices under water are now under study: ultrasound waves, or weak electrical currents.
The full article was at France Telecom site
Links:
Amphicom
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