Abstract
" It is challenging for scientists to collect oceanographic data in nearshore environments because the large amount of wave energy present in these areas makes it difficult to deploy autonomous sensors. To address this issue, scientists at Scripps Institute of Oceanography have developed the Smartfin--a surfboard fin with wireless embedded sensors--since the surf zone encompasses the same coastal regions that scientists are interested in studying. However, collecting oceanic data with the Smartfin poses new problems, as surfer movement may now potentially bias the information being collected. Our research proposes the creation of a robust processing framework to generate accurate wave statistic information from data collected by the Smartfin. Specifically, we perform spectral analysis on the Smartfin’s IMU data to determine significant wave height, wave period and frequency, and wave direction from frequency-domain based displacement signals. Our framework will be tested by first validating our algorithms in controlled experiments by simulating waves and will then be tested on real-world data collected by actual surfers in nearshore ocean environments. A successful framework will enable scientists to more robustly process noisy ocean wave data collected by the Smartfin for meaningful scientific analysis, which will drastically increase the spatial density of oceanographic measurements. "
" It is incredibly important that coastal engineers and oceanographers understand the behavior of waves in nearshore environments because of the harmful effects that ocean waves have on coastal erosion and offshore structures. Due to the high amount of wave energy, it is challenging for scientists to collect data such as ocean temperature and wave information in these areas. This research uses a community-based approach to collect data in nearshore environments by distributing Smartfins, wireless embedded sensors in surfboard fins, to surfers. We are creating a data processing framework for the IMU data collected by these Smartfins in order to generate wave statistic information, including: significant wave height, wave period, and wave direction, for local and global scientific use. Specifically, we perform spectral analysis through the use of FFTs to convert time-based acceleration signals into frequency-domain based displacement signals to determine wave period and significant wave height. Our algorithms will be tested in two ways, the first involves validating our algorithms in controlled environments, such as by doing pool simulations and testing on a buoy calibrator; the second experimental setup involves testing in real-world ocean conditions. Our approach will enable scientists to more robustly process noisy ocean wave data collected by the Smartfin for meaningful analysis. "
- Coastal environments are rich in biodiversity
- It is incredibly important that coastal engineers and oceanographers understand the behaviour of waves in nearshore environments because of the harmful effects that ocean waves have on coastal erosion and offshore structures.
- Due to the high amount of wave energy in coastal zones, it is challenging to measure the effects of climate change, such as ocean temperature and wave information, in these areas. Methodology
- This research uses a community-based approach to collect data in nearshore environments by distributing wireless embedded sensors in surfboard fins to surfers, called the Smartfin.
- We create a data processing framework for the IMU data collected by the Smartfin in order to generate wave statistic information, including: significant wave height, wave period, and wave direction, for global scientific use.
- Specifically, we perform spectral analysis through the use of FFTs to convert time-based acceleration signals into frequency-domain based displacement signals to determine wave period and significant wave height.
Our algorithms will be tested in two ways, the first involves validating our algorithms in controlled environments, such as by doing pool simulations and testing on a buoy calibrator; the second experimental setup involves testing in real-world ocean conditions.
We know that our approach will be useful because it will make nearshore oceanographic data more accessible to scientists and oceanographers.
Created by: Howard Wang, 05/08/19