Automatic interface for AUV mission planning and supervision

This paper describes an integrated application that automates the procedure for sea outfall discharges data acquisition with an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). Since most applications for this type of technology are research related, the used software tends to be more technical, oriented for engineers. This fact, allied with the bad sea conditions usually encountered at the portuguese coast, cause the mission execution to be extremely difficult at times. Before starting operating the AUV, a wide range of operations must be completed: we need to get data to estimate plume position, calculate mission path, transfer the AUV and acoustic buoys to the water, test communications and configure a variety of systems. So clearly there is a need to develop an application that fully automates a monitoring mission, allowing the operator with little to no experience to conclude it efficiently. Ultimately, by automating the procedure, there is the possibility of expanding the use of AUV´s across several fields of study since no prior knowledge about the its systems is required. In summary this guides the user through a series of tasks and provides visual and audio information.