Compression and Segmentation Methods on Argos-Based Image Transmission for Environmental Seafloor Monitoring

Real-time seafloor monitoring through a network of stand-alone benthic platforms is challenging due to the limitations of underwater communications. In this context, an image transmission methodology has been developed for the Pop-Up buoy technology, which has proven effective in ensuring the transfer of environmental information from the seafloor to the land. Images taken by a stand-alone seafloor observatory camera are segmented and compressed, and sent to the surface in a Pop-Up buoy periodically, which will then transmit the compressed image's hexadecimal data through an ARGOS-CLS satellite link. The methods have proven useful, as in the best of cases, given a satellite transmission rate of 4.6 kB/day, a compressed image was sent through this satellite link in approximately 96 hours for its nearly complete image reconstruction. A simulation tool has been developed to ensure that optimal parameters are used during the process. This novel approach would ensure periodic monitoring of underwater areas of interest without the cost of having to recover benthic platforms and with the least possible invasiveness.