Dive profile data acquisition system

Abstract

This study deals with the problems associated with sub-aqua diving and outlines the current methods of monitoring the safety of particular dive schedules. The dissertation discusses a unique means of obtaining a complete dive profile record. It outlines the design and construction of a computer controlled measuring system, which will record analytical data relating the depth of the diver to the duration of time spent underwater. Information gathered can be later retrieved, processed, and the dive profile, (Depth against Time), can be obtained either in: (i) graphical terms; (ii) tabular form. Critical analysis of the stored data can be used to investigate gas adsorption in a diver's body. The results of which may prove useful in the field of underwater medicine, particularly in the study of decompression sickness, nitrogen narcosis, bone necrosis etc. The dissertation essentially, consists of six parts. Chapter one outlines the physiological problems associated with the diving environment. It then details various types of mobile instrumentation, that are currently available, which track the progress of the dive and provide data which is used to manage decompression routines. From this information the lack of any 'black box' recorder, that captured real time histories of particular dives, was identified. The identification of the critical features of a microcomputer based black box system and the selection of an appropriate microcomputer system is discused in chapter two. Chapter three details the examination of the outside world parameters, and their interface to the electronic world, together with the design and development of the hardware for the microcomputer system. The construction of water tight chamber are detailed in Chapter housing and environmental four.