Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of ship maintenance systems and methods, especially, cleaning and inspection equipments for condition assessment of a ship hull. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system for performing an underwater survey of a ship hull.

BACKGROUND
[0002] The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] As conventionally known in the art, cleaning and inspection of a ship hull is necessary for ship operators to avoid any kind the water leakage from hull side, as this can cause the ship to sink while sailing. Although, there are techniques available for complete inspection and cleaning of ship hull in dry dock condition. There are very limited technologies for inspection of ship hull in water or wet dock condition.
[0004] Traditionally, hull inspections were conducted by divers who would physically examine the hull surface underwater. However, technological advancements have introduced various methods to perform hull inspections more efficiently and safely.
[0005] Also, most robotic underwater vehicles designed for underwater inspections are primarily for mid-water use without having the capability to remain attached to the surface of the ship hull while transiting along it or closely following its curvature for inspection purposes. This inherent lack of capability prevents or limits such machines results in damage of the ship hull. As these inspection or viewing machines may be required to hold station for long periods of time while task accomplishment or inspections are underway, this is a serious limitation causing the cost to increase unnecessarily.
[0006] One such ship hull cleaning and inspection system is remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). ROVs are unmanned underwater vehicles equipped with cameras and sensors that can be remotely operated to inspect the hull. They can reach greater depths and provide visual data and spot thickness measurements. Another such methods include 100% inspection of ship hull after dry docking of the ship. In this, a magnetic crawler with ultrasonic testing (UT) uses high-frequency sound waves to detect flaws and measure thickness in metal structures. It can be employed on magnetic crawlers for inspection of hull.
[0007] However, even if there have been developments in the field of ship hull cleaning and inspection equipments, there is still a need to develop a system or a product for performing an enhanced underwater survey of a ship hull.
[0008] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[00010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that obviates the above-mentioned limitations of the existing systems/equipments for performing an underwater survey of a ship hull.
[00011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system for performing an underwater survey of a ship hull facilitating 100% cleaning and inspection of underwater hull area of a ship with high level of accuracy with respect to defect identification in water/wet dock condition.
[00012] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to utilize the system for performing an underwater survey of a ship hull for enhancing the inspection capabilities of ship hull when the ship is in water/wet dock condition.
[00013] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY
[00014] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of ship maintenance systems and methods, especially, cleaning and inspection equipments for condition assessment of a ship hull. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a system for performing an underwater survey of a ship hull.
[00015] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a system for performing an underwater survey of a ship hull. The system may comprise one or more frames which may further include a plurality of sensor systems, one or more jetting systems, and one or more camera system. The plurality of sensor systems and the one or more camera systems are adapted to survey the ship hull for a plurality of inspection parameters. The one or more jetting systems may be configured to clean the surface of the ship hull for an accurate inspection.
[00016] In an aspect, the one or more frames may be configured to move along a set of wire ropes attached to a ship deck or a flat platform on the ship deck.
[00017] In another aspect, the one or more frames may further comprise a plurality of magnetic wheels that may facilitate the movement of the one or more frames along the set of wire ropes. The set of wire ropes may be attached to a set of winches mounted on the ship deck or the flat platform.
[00018] In an aspect, the plurality of sensor systems may further comprise one or more ultrasonic sensors and one or more electromagnetic sensors for surveying the ship hull for the plurality of inspection parameters.
[00019] In an aspect, the one or more jetting systems may also comprise a plurality of jetting nozzles for spraying water or a solvent with a predefined pressure for cleaning the surface of the ship hull.
[00020] In another aspect, the one or more frames may be of variable length, wherein the variable lengths of the one or more frames can be achieved using a drive setup. The drive setup may be selected from a group comprising a hydraulic drive, a mechanical drive, an electrical drive, a pneumatic drive, or the like depending on the types of the plurality of inspection parameters and the quality of cleaning required.
[00021] In an aspect, the plurality of sensor systems, the one or more jetting systems and the one or more camera system may be arranged in an array on the one or more frames. The one or more jetting systems may be arranged first, and then the plurality of sensor systems may be arranged second and the one or more camera system may be arranged at the last, such that the surface of the ship hull is completely cleaned and inspected for the plurality of inspection parameters.
[00022] In an aspect, the plurality of sensor systems, the one or more jetting systems and the one or more camera system may be mounted all on one frame among the one or more frames or separately or in a combination on different frames among the one or more frames.
[00023] In another aspect, the one or more frames may move to and fro horizontally and/or vertically on the surface of the ship hull via the plurality of magnetic wheels using the set of wire ropes attached to the set of winches.
[00024] In an aspect, the one or more camera systems may also comprise one or more image sensors configured to capture a plurality of images and/or videos before and/or after cleaning the surface of the ship hull for the accurate inspection and one or more image processing units configured to process the plurality of images and/or videos for the plurality of inspection parameters.
[00025] In an aspect, the system may further comprise a controller and a control pendant. The controller may be used for operating the set of winches, the plurality of sensor systems, the one or more jetting systems, and one or more camera system. The control pendant may be utilized for a manual operation or initiating an automatic operation of the system by an operator.
[00026] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00027] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same or different reference labels. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label. The present disclosure may be described with the help of the below exemplary figures, however, the described exemplary figures do not restrict the scope of the present disclosure.
[00028] FIGs. 1A and 1B illustrate a proposed system 100 for performing an underwater survey of a ship hull, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00029] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[00030] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[00031] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[00032] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this invention will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure).
[00033] While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as described in the claim.
[00034] Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain generally to the field of ship maintenance systems and methods, especially, cleaning and inspection equipments for condition assessment of a ship hull. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a system for performing an underwater survey of a ship hull.
[00035] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a robotic motorized scanner attached to a ship hull consisting of frames with multiple water jetting nozzles and multiple electromagnetic/ultrasonic/camera sensors for cleaning and inspection of the sip hull. The scanner consisting of frame with multiple water jetting nozzles and multiple electromagnetic/ultrasonic/camera sensors for cleaning and inspection of the ship hull is attached to the ship hull using magnetic wheels/rare earth magnets/wire rope attached to the scanner through a winch on ship deck for longitudinal (vertical) traversing on ship hull from above water to in water and for cleaning and inspection – horizontal movement of the sensors inside frame from one end of the frame to the other end of the frame.
[00036] The present invention provides a multiple sensor scanner for examining the interior and exterior of every plate on ship hull for determining the material imperfections using electromagnetic techniques or ultrasonic sound wave techniques and camera systems
[00037] The scanner system includes one, two or three frames connected to each other or independently used - mounted on ship hull with magnetic wheels/ rare earth magnets with the help of wire rope attached to one or two winch from the ship deck. The frame includes multiple water jetting nozzles, multiple ultrasonic sensors, multiple electromagnetic sensors and multiple camera systems for cleaning and inspection of the ship hull. The multiple water jetting nozzles, multiple ultrasonic sensors, multiple electromagnetic sensors and multiple camera systems are arranged in such a way to form an array of jetting nozzles/ultrasonic/ electromagnetic/camera sensors for 100% cleaning and inspection of area covered by the movement of frame on the ship hull.
[00038] The multiple water jetting nozzles, multiple ultrasonic sensors, multiple electromagnetic sensors and multiple camera systems can be moved inside the frame of different lengths from one end of the frame to another end of the frame by means of any hydraulically/mechanically/electrically/pneumatically drive setups.
[00039] The present process invention is done for 100% cleaning and inspection of underwater hull area of a ship with high level of accuracy with respect to defect identification in water/wet dock condition of any ship.
[00040] Referring to FIGs. 1A and 1B, a proposed system 100 (interchangeably referred to as system 100, herein) for performing an underwater survey of a ship hull is depicted, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00041] The system 100 can comprise one or more frames 9 which can further include a plurality of sensor systems 5 and 6, one or more jetting systems 7, and one or more camera system 8. The plurality of sensor systems 5 and 6 and the one or more camera systems 8 are adapted to survey the ship hull for a plurality of inspection parameters. The one or more jetting systems 7 can clean the surface of the ship hull for an accurate inspection.
[00042] In an aspect, the one or more frames 9 can move along a set of wire ropes 11 attached to a ship deck or a flat platform on the ship deck.
[00043] In another aspect, the one or more frames 9 can further comprise a plurality of magnetic wheels 10 that can facilitate the movement of the one or more frames 9 along the set of wire ropes 11. The set of wire ropes 11 can be attached to a set of winches 1 and 2 mounted on the ship deck or the flat platform.
[00044] In an aspect, the plurality of sensor systems 5 and 6 can further comprise one or more ultrasonic sensors 5, 5a and one or more electromagnetic sensors 6, 6a for surveying the ship hull for the plurality of inspection parameters.
[00045] In an aspect, the one or more jetting systems 7 can also comprise a plurality of jetting nozzles 7a for spraying water or a solvent with a predefined pressure for cleaning the surface of the ship hull.
[00046] In another aspect, the one or more frames 9 can be of variable length, wherein the variable lengths of the one or more frames 9 can be achieved using a drive setup 12. The drive setup 12 can be selected from a group comprising a hydraulic drive, a mechanical drive, an electrical drive, a pneumatic drive, or the like depending on the types of the plurality of inspection parameters and the quality of cleaning required.
[00047] In an aspect, the plurality of sensor systems 5 and 6, the one or more jetting systems 7 and the one or more camera system 8 can be arranged in an array on the one or more frames 9. The one or more jetting systems 7 can be arranged first, and then the plurality of sensor systems 5 and 6 can be arranged second and the one or more camera system 8 can be arranged at the last, such that the surface of the ship hull is completely cleaned and inspected for the plurality of inspection parameters.
[00048] In an aspect, the plurality of sensor systems 5 and 6, the one or more jetting systems 7 and the one or more camera system 8 can be mounted all on one frame among the one or more frames 9 or separately or in a combination on different frames among the one or more frames 9.
[00049] In another aspect, the one or more frames 9 moves to and fro horizontally and/or vertically on the surface of the ship hull via the plurality of magnetic wheels 10 using the set of wire ropes 11 attached to the set of winches 1 and 2.
[00050] In an aspect, the one or more camera systems 8 can also comprise one or more image sensors configured to capture a plurality of images and/or videos before and/or after cleaning the surface of the ship hull for the accurate inspection and one or more image processing units configured to process the plurality of images and/or videos for the plurality of inspection parameters.
[00051] In an aspect, the system 100 can further comprise a controller 3 and a control pendant 4. The controller 3 can be used for operating the set of winches 1 and 2, the plurality of sensor systems 5 and 6, the one or more jetting systems 7, and one or more camera system 8. The control pendant 4 can be utilized for a manual operation or initiating an automatic operation of the system 100 by an operator.
[00052] Thus, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, or the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named.
[00053] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.
[00054] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other or further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person with ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information or knowledge available to the person with ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES
[00055] The present disclosure provides a system that obviates the above-mentioned limitations of the existing systems/equipments for performing an underwater survey of a ship hull.
[00056] The present disclosure provides a system for performing an underwater survey of a ship hull facilitating 100% cleaning and inspection of underwater hull area of a ship with high level of accuracy with respect to defect identification in water/wet dock condition.
[00057] The present disclosure provides the system for performing an underwater survey of a ship hull for enhancing the inspection capabilities of ship hull when the ship is in water/wet dock condition.
[00058] The present disclosure provides the system for performing an underwater survey of a ship hull as a less time consuming and cost-effective cleaning and inspection solution.
 
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[00059] 100: system; 1, 2: winches; 3: controller; 4: control pendant; 5, 5a: ultrasonic sensors; 6, 6a: electromagnetic sensors; 7, 7a: jetting nozzles; 8, 8a: camera systems; 9: frame; 10: magnetic wheels; 11: wire rope; 12: drive setup.

, Claims:1. A system (100) for performing an underwater survey of a ship hull, the system (100) comprising:
one or more frames (9) comprising a plurality of sensor systems (5, 6), one or more jetting systems (7), and one or more camera system (8), wherein:
the plurality of sensor systems (5, 6) and the one or more camera systems (8) are adapted to survey the ship hull for a plurality of inspection parameters,
the one or more jetting systems (7) are configured to clean the surface of the ship hull for an accurate inspection, and
wherein the one or more frames (9) are configured to move along a set of wire ropes (11) attached to a ship deck or a flat platform on the ship deck.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more frames (9) comprises a plurality of magnetic wheels (10) facilitating the movement of the one or more frames (9) along the set of wire ropes (11), and wherein the set of wire ropes (11) are attached to a set of winches (1, 2) mounted on the ship deck or the flat platform.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensor systems (5, 6) comprises one or more ultrasonic sensors (5, 5a) and one or more electromagnetic sensors (6, 6a) for surveying the ship hull for the plurality of inspection parameters.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more jetting systems (7) comprise a plurality of jetting nozzles (7a) for spraying water or a solvent with a predefined pressure for cleaning the surface of the ship hull.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more frames (9) are configured to be of variable length, wherein the variable length of the one or more frames (9) is achieved using a drive setup (12), wherein the drive setup (12) is selected from a group comprising a hydraulic drive, a mechanical drive, an electrical drive, a pneumatic drive, or the like depending on the types of the plurality of inspection parameters and the quality of cleaning required.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensor systems (5, 6), the one or more jetting systems (7) and the one or more camera system (8) are arranged in an array on the one or more frames (9), wherein the one or more jetting systems (7) are arranged first, then the plurality of sensor systems (5, 6) are arranged second and the one or more camera system (8) are arranged at the last, such that the surface of the ship hull is completely cleaned and inspected for the plurality of inspection parameters.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensor systems (5, 6), the one or more jetting systems (7) and the one or more camera system (8) are mounted all on one frame among the one or more frames (9) or separately or in a combination on different frames among the one or more frames (9).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the one or more frames (9) move to and fro horizontally and/or vertically on the surface of the ship hull via the plurality of magnetic wheels (10) using the set of wire ropes (11) attached to the set of winches (1, 2).

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more camera systems (8) comprise one or more image sensors configured to capture a plurality of images and/or videos before and/or after cleaning the surface of the ship hull for the accurate inspection and one or more image processing units configured to process the plurality of images and/or videos for the plurality of inspection parameters.

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a controller (3) for operating the set of winches (1, 2), the plurality of sensor systems (5, 6), the one or more jetting systems (7), and one or more camera system (8); and
a control pendant (4) for a manual operation or initiating an automatic operation of the system (100) by an operator.