Resonance frequency detection for bird control systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for a resonance detection system (100) for determining the resonance of a biological organism (116) within a body of water (114). A controller (402) causes a transducer (104) to emit ultrasound (108) at a plurality of frequencies. In one embodiment, a sensor (106) measures the amplitude of the reflected ultrasound (108). In another embodiment, the sensor (106) is positioned apart from the transducer (104-1) and measures the amplitude (306) of such ultrasound (108). The controller (402) performs a trend analysis (1112) of the measured data (310) to determine the resonance frequency (302-5). After determining the resonance frequency (302-5), the controller (402) causes the transducer (104) to emit ultrasound (108) at the resonance frequency (302-5). In one embodiment, the position navigation system (408) provides geographical location and direction information for determining the location of any detected mass breeding of birds (116).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Cross-reference regarding related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 548,564 filed February 1, 2024, and is incorporated by reference.

[0003] 1. Field of Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a system for determining the resonance frequency of underwater algae and other bio-organisms. More specifically, the present invention relates to detecting the resonance frequency of algae and bio-organisms to control the proliferation of algae and bio-organisms within a body of water. Background Technology

[0005] 2. Description of Related Technology

[0006] Algae control systems emit ultrasonic sound pressure frequency waves at frequencies that are lethal to organisms and inhibit the colonization of certain microorganisms, such as biofilms. The ultrasonic frequencies are emitted at frequencies that match or nearly match the structural resonance of major components within algae, such as vacuoles, internal cellular structures, and mobile components like flagella, thereby killing or incapacitating the organisms. To achieve critical structural resonance, precise frequencies must be applied to various species of algae; thus, for example, a frequency spectrum of 20 kHz to 120 kHz is generated at discrete frequencies, such as every 100 Hz between 20 kHz and 120 kHz, which gives rise to 1,000 discrete frequencies. If each discrete frequency is generated once per second, 1,000 seconds are required for the frequency generation pattern to repeat. Only one of the 1,000 frequencies may be effective in achieving critical structural resonance. Generally, a harmful algal bloom (HAB) or all organisms within a colony will not be rendered incapacitated during a single sweep. If the sweep is too far away, the HAB or colony will survive and grow enough to sufficiently recover the losses incurred during a single sweep. Increasing the frequency generated per second will expose the HAB or colony to sufficient death or incapacitation events, thereby preventing the HAB or colony from surviving.

[0007] It is advantageous to emit ultrasound at a frequency that matches the natural critical structural frequency of organisms targeted in water, their internal structures, and mobility mechanisms such as flagella and vacuoles. Therefore, a resonant frequency detection system determines the natural critical structural frequency of aquatic organisms. Once the resonant frequency is detected, the algae control system is adjusted to emit ultrasound at the frequency determined to match the natural critical structural frequency.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a current control system comprising a system for detecting the resonance frequency of underwater algae is provided. In one such embodiment, the system comprises an ultrasonic transducer assembly and a remote sensor. In another such embodiment, the system comprises an ultrasonic transducer assembly and a local sensor placed near the transducer. The transducer emits ultrasound that is received by the sensor, either directly or by reflection. When the frequency of the emitted ultrasound matches the natural critical structural frequency of an organism in the water, the energy within the ultrasound is absorbed by the organism. Energy absorption at resonance causes a dip in the amplitude of the ultrasound received by the sensor compared to the amplitude at other frequencies.

[0009] In one embodiment, the resonance detection system comprises at least one local controller, a transducer assembly, and a sensor assembly. The transducer assembly comprises one or more ultrasonic transducers configured to emit ultrasound of various frequencies into a body of water. The sensor assembly comprises one or more sensors that respond to ultrasound. In one embodiment, a plurality of sensors are arranged to provide 360-degree coverage in a plane parallel to the surface of the body of water. In this way, the sensors provide directional information in addition to detecting the resonance frequency of organisms within the body of water. In another embodiment, a single sensor having a cylindrical configuration provides 60-degree coverage underwater. In such an embodiment, directional information is determined by identifying the transducer emitting the ultrasound detected by the sensor. The local controller comprises a processor that executes steps for a method of determining the natural resonance frequency of organisms in the water.

[0010] In one embodiment, the resonance detection system includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver aligned with a sonic head. The GPS provides position and orientation information that allows the location of the detected algal bloom to be mapped. An algal bloom is detected when the resonance is detected underwater. The sonic head includes a plurality of transducers and / or sensors that provide orientation information for the sonic head. The GPS uses such orientation information to provide geographic location information of data corresponding to the information from the transducers and / or sensors. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0011] The features mentioned above will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description read together with the drawings, where: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a bird control system including a resonance detection system having a remote sensor. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a bird control system including a resonance detection system having a local sensor. Figure 3 is a frequency response graph illustrating an example of current resonance. Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a bird control system including a resonance detection system. Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of another embodiment of a bird control system including a resonance detection system. FIG. 6 is a side view of the sensor of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an acoustic head including an embodiment of an ultrasonic transducer assembly and an embodiment of a sensor assembly. FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of an acoustic head including a second embodiment of an ultrasonic transducer assembly and a second embodiment of a sensor assembly. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of an acoustic head including a third embodiment of an ultrasonic transducer assembly and a second embodiment of a sensor assembly. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the steps for detecting current resonance. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating one example of steps for detecting and using resonance to control microorganisms. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0012] An apparatus for a bird control system (10) comprising a resonance detection system (100) is disclosed. The bird control system is generally denoted as 10, and specific embodiments and variations illustrated in the drawings and described below have alphabetical suffixes, e.g., 10-A, 10-B, 10-1, 10-2. The resonance detection system is generally denoted as 100, and specific embodiments and variations illustrated in the drawings and described below have alphabetical suffixes, e.g., 100-A, 100-B. Various components are generally and specifically illustrated in the drawings and the following description. For example, acoustic heads (102-1, 102-2, 102-A) are discussed individually and separately to ensure clarity when describing the configuration and function of each acoustic head (102-1, 102-2, 102-A, 102-B, 102-C). The acoustic head (102) is referred to without an alphanumeric suffix when referred to collectively.

[0013] Position references such as top and bottom and horizontal and vertical refer to the configuration of the resonance detection system (100) as the resonance detection system is placed for use. For example, when the resonance detection system (100) is placed in water (114), the vertical is considered to be perpendicular to the surface (112) of the water body (114) and the horizontal is considered to be parallel to the surface (112).

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an algae control system (10-A) comprising a resonance detection system (100-A) having a remote sensor (106-2). The algae control system (10-A) comprising the resonance detection system (100-A) is depicted as being placed in a body of water (114) containing a biological organism (116). The resonance detection system (100-A) comprises a pair of acoustic heads (102-1, 102-2) immersed in a body of water (114) below a surface (112). The acoustic heads (102-1, 102-2) are each suspended from the surface (112) by a raft (110-1, 110-2). The raft (110) is a device that floats on the surface (112) of the body of water (114) and supports the acoustic heads (102) below the surface (112). In the illustrated embodiment, each acoustic head (102-1, 102-2) includes a transmitting converter (104-1, 104-2) and a receiving sensor (106-1, 106-2). In one embodiment, the raft (110) also supports other equipment, such as a solar array and a power supply (406) and / or a GPS receiver (408).

[0015] The first acoustic head (102-1) has a first transmitting transducer (104-1) that emits ultrasonic waves (108) into water (114). The ultrasonic waves (108) pass through the water (114) and the organism (116) in the water. The second acoustic head (102-2) has a second receiving sensor (106-2) that responds to the ultrasonic waves (108-i) that have passed through the water (114) and the organism (116). The ultrasonic waves (108-i) received by the sensor (106-2) are attenuated by traveling through the water.

[0016] In one embodiment, the ultrasound (108) emitted by the transducer (104-1) comprises multiple frequencies, each frequency being emitted one at a time. For example, the transducer (104-1) emits individual frequencies in a bandwidth of 20 kHz to 200 kHz, each frequency being emitted for 5 milliseconds. As the ultrasound (108) passes through the water (114), the intensity of the emitted waves (108) is attenuated. The attenuation of the waves (108) is due to several factors, including the distance between the transducer (104-1) and the sensor (106-2), debris and matter in the water (114), and any absorption by a living organism (116).

[0017] When the emitted frequency matches the natural critical structural frequency of the organism (116) in the water (114), the energy of the wave (108-i) is absorbed by the organism (116), causing a drop in the amplitude of the ultrasound (108-i) received by the sensor (106-2) compared to the amplitude detected by the sensor (106-2) at a different frequency.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an algae control system (10-B) comprising a resonance detection system (100-B) having a local sensor (106-1). The algae control system (10-B) comprising the resonance detection system (100-B) is depicted in a state where it is placed in a body of water (114) containing a biological organism (116). The resonance detection system (100-B) comprises a single acoustic head (102-1) immersed in the body of water (114) below the surface (112). The acoustic head (102-1) comprises a transmitting transducer (104-1) and a receiving sensor (106-1). The sensor (106-1) is positioned close to the transducer (104-1). The sensor (106-1) is not excessively affected by direct emissions from the transducer (104-1) because the sensor (106-1) is separated and isolated from the transducer (104-1).

[0019] The transducer (104-1) emits ultrasound (108) into the water (114). The ultrasound (108) passes through the water (114). A portion of the ultrasound (108-i) is reflected by the organism (116) in the water (114) at frequencies other than the resonance frequency. That is, the organism (116) reflects the ultrasound (108-i) except for the frequencies at which the ultrasound (108) is absorbed by the organism (116). The ultrasound frequency at which absorption occurs defines the resonance frequency. The reflected waves (108-i) are received by the sensor (106-1). Similar to the system (100-A) illustrated in FIG. 1, the system (100-B) detects the natural critical structure frequency of the organism (116) in the water (114).

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a frequency response graph (300) illustrating an example of bird resonance at a resonance frequency (302-5). The graph (300) shows an x-axis (302) representing the frequency (f) of the emitted ultrasound (108). The graph (300) shows a y-axis (304) representing the amplitude (306) of the ultrasound (108-i) received by the sensor (106).

[0021] The graph (300) illustrates a plot of data (310) in which the data (310) is amplitude (304) versus frequency (302). That is, the graph (300) illustrates the amplitude (304) of the sensor signal (306) corresponding to the ultrasound (108-i) received by the sensor (106) which is plotted for each frequency. For the first ultrasound (108), the sensor signal (306-1) exhibits an amplitude (304) at the first frequency (302-1). At various other frequencies (302-3, 302-4, 302-6, 302-7), the sensor signals (306-3, 306-4, 306-6, 306-7) have an amplitude (304) similar to that of the first sensor signal (306-1). There is a slight difference in the amplitude (304) of the sensor signals (306-1, 306-3, 306-6, 306-7), which may be caused by debris or other substances in the water (116).

[0022] The sensor signal (306) at each frequency (302) has a representative amplitude (304). The sensor signal (306-1) represents the amplitude (304) at frequency (302-1). The sensor signal (306-5) has a significantly smaller amplitude (304) than the amplitude of the sensor signals (306-1, 306-3, 306-6, 306-7) at other frequencies (302). A significant drop in the amplitude (304) of the sensor signal (306-5) at frequency (302-5) indicates that the energy of the ultrasound (108) has been significantly absorbed by the organism (116) in the water (114). The drop in amplitude (304) indicates that the resonance frequency of the organism (116) in the water (114) is at frequency (302-5).

[0023] The sensor signal (306-2) has an amplitude (304) that is slightly lower than the average amplitude (306-avg) of the sensor signal (306) at frequency (302). If the drop in amplitude (304) is less than a critical amount, then the frequency (302-2) corresponding to the second sensor signal (306-2) does not represent a resonant frequency for the organism (116) in the water (114). If the drop in amplitude (304) is greater than a critical amount, then the frequency (302-2) corresponding to the second sensor signal (306-2) represents a resonant frequency (resonant frequency data (310-rf)) for the organism (116) in the water (114). In the illustrated example, the second sensor signal (306-2) is only slightly lower than the average amplitude (306-avg) and does not represent a resonant frequency.

[0024] In one embodiment, the threshold is defined as a percentage of the average amplitude (306-avg) of the amplitude (306) at the emitted frequency (302). In another embodiment, the threshold is defined as a percentage of the average amplitude (306-avg) of the amplitude (306) of the frequency (302) surrounding the low amplitude (306-2, 306-5) data (310).

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a bird control system (10-1) comprising a system (100-1). The resonance detection system (100-1) includes an acoustic head (102'), a power supply (406), a GPS (408), and a remote controller (404). The illustrated acoustic head (102) includes a local controller (402), a transducer (104), and a sensor (106). In one embodiment, any equipment enabling transmission to the power supply (406), the GPS (408), and the remote controller (404) is located on a raft (110) supporting the acoustic head (102').

[0026] A power supply unit (PS) (406) provides power to the acoustic head (102). In various embodiments, the power supply unit (406) is a solar and / or battery unit located on the raft (110) on the surface (112) or on land near the acoustic head (102). For example, the power supply unit (406) includes a solar panel that supplies power to a battery charger connected to the battery, all of which are located on or inside the raft (110).

[0027] The remote controller (404) is connected to the acoustic head (102') by a wired connection or wirelessly. In one embodiment, the remote controller (404) is connected via the Internet. In various embodiments, the remote controller (404) includes a user interface along with a processor or controller that provides remote control of the acoustic head (102).

[0028] The acoustic head (102') includes a local controller (402) operatively connected to a transducer (104) and a sensor (106). In one embodiment of a system (100-A) having a remote sensor (102-2), the first acoustic head (102-1) includes a transducer (104-1) and the second acoustic head (102-2) includes a sensor (106-2). In such an embodiment, each acoustic head (102-1, 102-2) performs a single function, for example, emitting ultrasound (108) and receiving ultrasound (108-i).

[0029] The local controller (402) includes a computing device comprising a processing unit, a memory / storage unit, and an input / output unit for executing a program and communicating with external devices, such as a remote controller (404), a converter (104), and a sensor (106). For example, the local controller (402) includes a system-on-a-chip (SOC) that includes various components that perform the main functions of the processor. In another embodiment, the local controller (402) includes a specialized device, such as a microcontroller or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), that implements the functions of the system (100-1) together with other components.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the GPS (408) is a position navigation system receiver. The GPS (408) is attached to the raft (110). The acoustic head (102) is attached to the raft (110) so that the acoustic head (102) is maintained in a fixed position relative to the raft (110). For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, two support cables attached to opposite holes of the upper bracket (522), respectively, secure the acoustic head (100) to the raft (110). In this way, the GPS (408) determines the position and orientation of both the raft (110) and the acoustic head (102).

[0031] In one embodiment, a pair of acoustic heads (102-1, 102-2) operate in cooperation. The first acoustic head (102-1) emits ultrasound (108) that is received by the second acoustic head (102-2). In such an embodiment, the local controllers (402) of each acoustic head (102-1, 102-2) communicate. The first local controller (402) controls the frequency and power level of the emitted ultrasound (108). The second local controller (402) monitors the amplitude of each received frequency of the ultrasound (108-i). The received amplitudes and frequencies are stored, and a trend analysis is performed to determine whether microorganisms (116) in the water (114) are absorbing the energy of the ultrasound (108), thereby indicating the resonance frequency of the microorganisms (116) in the water (114). An example of trend analysis is exemplified by a significant drop in the amplitude of the signal (306-5) relative to a trend line defined by the amplitude of the signal (306) at adjacent frequencies (302).

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a functional block diagram of another embodiment of a bird control system (10-2) comprising a system (100-2). The resonance detection system (100-2) includes an acoustic head (102''), a power supply (406), a GPS (408), and a remote controller (404). The illustrated acoustic head (102'') includes an ultrasonic transducer assembly (504) and a sensor assembly (506). The ultrasonic transducer assembly (504) and the sensor assembly (506) are connected via a cable (502). In one embodiment, any equipment enabling transmission to the power supply (406), the GPS (408), and the remote controller (404) is located on a raft (110) supporting the acoustic head (102'').

[0033] The ultrasonic transducer assembly (504) includes a first local controller (402-1) operatively connected to the transducer (104). The first local controller (402-1) communicates with devices outside the acoustic head (102''), such as a remote controller (404), a power supply (406), and a GPS (408).

[0034] The sensor assembly (506) includes a second local controller (402-2) operatively connected to the sensor (106). The second local controller (402-2) communicates with the first local controller (402-1), thereby sharing data (310) from the sensor (106) with the second local controller (402-1). In one embodiment, the two controllers (402-1, 402-2) each execute a software program independently of the converter local controller (402-1) which receives data (310) from the sensor controller (402-2) for the execution of the software program.

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a sensor (106-A), such as the sensor (106-A, 106-B) exemplified in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 10. The sensor (106-A) includes a piezoelectric element (608) electrically connected to a cable or conductor (602). The sensor (106-A) is sensitive to ultrasonic waves (108-i) directed toward the front surface (610) of the sensor (106-A). The piezoelectric element (608) is configured to be placed in water (114). In one embodiment, the piezoelectric element (608) is encapsulated in a protective covering so that the piezoelectric element (608) is isolated from the water (114).

[0036] The sensor (106-A) includes a sealing washer (606) and a plug (604). The sealing washer (606) and the plug (604) provide a seal between the sensor (106-A) and the housing (516-A, 526-C) through which the sensor (106-A) protrudes. In one embodiment, the sealing washer (606) and the plug (604) are formed of an elastic elastomer material that provides a watertight seal between the piezoelectric element (608) and the disk (516) or the housing (516-A, 526-C).

[0037] The sensor (106-A) is isolated from mechanical vibrations occurring in the acoustic head (102). In one embodiment, the washer (606) and plug (604) are made of an elastomer material that dampens mechanical vibrations from the acoustic head (102). In this way, the sensor (106-A) responds to ultrasonic waves (108-i) directed mainly toward the front surface of the sensor (106-A).

[0038] In one embodiment, a sealing washer (606) is attached to the outer surface of the housing (516-A, 526-C) so that the sensor (106-A) is secured to the housing (516-A, 526-C) and the opening to the housing (516-A, 526-C) is sealed from water penetration. In another embodiment, the plug (604) has an outer thread configured to receive a nut, which, when tightened, compresses the sealing washer (606) between the piezoelectric element (608) and the housing (516-A, 526-C).

[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of an acoustic head (102-A) comprising one embodiment of an ultrasonic transducer assembly (504-A) and one embodiment of a sensor assembly (506-A). In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor assembly (506-A) is fixed on top of the transducer assembly (504-A). The two assemblies (506-A, 504-A) are electrically connected by a cable (502) and mechanically connected together.

[0040] The transducer assembly (506-A) includes a first transducer (104-A) and a second transducer (104-B). The first transducer (104-A) emits ultrasound (108-A1, 108-A2) in two opposing directions. The second transducer (104-B) emits ultrasound (108-B1, 108-B2) in two opposing directions. In this way, the transducer assembly (504-A) emits ultrasound (108) in 360 degrees around the vertical axis of the transducer assembly (504-A).

[0041] In one embodiment, the transducers (104-A, 104-B) each comprise a single, bifacial piezoelectric crystal that emits ultrasound in opposite directions. In another embodiment, the transducers (104-A, 104-B) each comprise a pair of piezoelectric crystals that emit ultrasound in opposite directions to each other crystals.

[0042] The sensor assembly (506-A) comprises a housing (516-A) having four sensors (106) that protrude from the housing (516) and are aligned parallel to the axis of the ultrasonic waves (108) emitted from the transducer (104-A, 104-B). The housing (516-A) has a short, cylindrical shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing (516-A) is positioned above the transducer assembly (504-A). In one embodiment, the housing (516-A) comprises an overmolded enclosure that seals the sensors (106-A, 106-B) from the water environment. The sensors (106) and associated electronic devices encapsulated in the overmolded enclosure are electrically connected to electronic devices within the transducer housing (526-A) of the transducer assembly (504-A). The converter housing (526-A) includes a connector (528) configured to be attached to a cable having an opposite end connected to a local controller (402).

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing (516-A) has an upper mounting bracket (522) extending upward from the housing (516-A). The lower mounting bracket (524) extends downward from the lower transducer (104-A). The upper mounting bracket (522) is configured to be attached to a line suspended from the raft (110), and the lower mounting bracket (524) is configured to be attached to a line leading to an anchor or other object that maintains the acoustic head (102-A) in vertical alignment.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, two of the four sensors (106-A, 106-B) are illustrated. The first sensor (106-A) receives an ultrasonic wave (108-A1i) that is aligned parallel to the axis of an ultrasonic wave (108-A1) emitted from one side of the first transducer (104-A). Another sensor (not illustrated) is located on the opposite side of the housing (516-A) and receives an ultrasonic wave (108-A2i) that is aligned parallel to an ultrasonic wave (108-A2) emitted from the opposite side of the first transducer (104-A).

[0045] A second sensor (106-B) receives an ultrasonic wave (108-B1i) that is aligned parallel to the axis of an ultrasonic wave (108-B1) emitted from one side of the second transducer (104-B). Another sensor (not exemplified) is located on the opposite side of the housing (516-A) and receives an ultrasonic wave (108-B2i) that is aligned parallel to the axis of an ultrasonic wave (108-B2) emitted from the opposite side of the second transducer (104-B). In the exemplified embodiment, each sensor (106) is aligned with the corresponding transducer (104) that emits the ultrasonic wave (108). Those skilled in the art will recognize that having a sensor (106) for each transducer (104) can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, an acoustic head having a single transducer (104) that emits ultrasound in one direction may have a single sensor (106) aligned with the single transducer (104) so ​​that the single sensor (106) responds to reflected ultrasound (108-i) generated from such a single transducer (104). In another example, an acoustic head having four or eight transducers (104) may have the same number of sensors (106), each sensor (106) responds to reflected ultrasound (108-i) generated from the associated transducer (104).

[0046] The four sensors (106) within the sensor assembly (506-A) allow for 360-degree coverage around the sensor assembly (506-A) at 90-degree intervals. In this way, when the sensors (106) within the sensor assembly (506-A) are operated as remote sensors (106-2) of the second acoustic head (102-2), at least one sensor (106) will respond to ultrasonic waves (108-i) emitted from a transducer (104-1) associated with the first acoustic head (102-1).

[0047] The sensor (106) is isolated from the sensor assembly (506-A) so that the sensor (106) does not respond to mechanical vibrations of the transducer (104). In one embodiment, the sensor (106) is mounted and supported in the sensor assembly (506-A) by a vibration dampener, such as an isomer washer or gasket.

[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of a second embodiment of an acoustic head (102-B) comprising one embodiment of an ultrasonic transducer assembly (504-B) and a second embodiment of a sensor assembly (506-B). In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor assembly (506-B) is positioned on top of the transducer assembly (504-B). The two assemblies (506-B, 504-B) are electrically connected by a cable (502) and mechanically connected by securing two brackets (522, 532) together. The two brackets (522, 532) maintain alignment between the transducer assembly (504-B) and the sensor assembly (506-B).

[0049] The sensor assembly (506-B) includes a sensor housing (516-B) that supports the sensor (106') and the sensor bracket (526). The sensor housing (516-B) includes components associated with the sensor (106'), such as a connector for the cable (502) to the sensor processor (402-2) and the transducer assembly (504-B). Extending upward from the sensor housing (516-B) is the sensor upper bracket (526). The sensor upper bracket (526) includes a plurality of openings that receive one or more lines from the raft (110). In one embodiment, such as when the system (100) includes a GPS (408), at least two lines extend to the raft (110) from different openings of the upper bracket (526). In this way, the acoustic head (102-B) is maintained spatially aligned with the raft (110) so that the directional information obtained by the GPS (408) corresponds to the defined direction of the acoustic head (102-B).

[0050] The sensor (106') of the illustrated embodiment has a ring shape. The sensor (106') responds to ultrasonic waves (108) colliding on the sensor (106') from any angle in a plane perpendicular to the central axis (912) of the sensor (106'), which is coaxial with the central axis of the acoustic head (102-B). In particular, the sensor (106') responds to ultrasonic waves (108-A1i, 108-A2i, 108-B1i, 108-B2i) parallel to the emitted ultrasonic waves (108-A1, 108-A2, 108-B1, 108-B2), respectively.

[0051] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sensor (106') of a second embodiment of the acoustic head (102-B) illustrated in FIG. 8. The sensor (106') comprises a sensor housing (516-B) that includes an enclosure (916) having a piezoelectric element (902) inside. The sensor (106') is vertical and has a central axis (912) that defines the center of the ring-shape of the sensor (106').

[0052] The piezoelectric element (902) has a ring structure with a rectangular cross-section. The sensor housing (916) has a hollow, cylindrical configuration having a hollow portion defining a cavity (906). The cavity (906) is defined by an upper wall, a cylindrical inner wall, and a concentric outer wall. The piezoelectric element (902) is fixed inside the cavity (906). The piezoelectric element (902) is supported by an upper support (904-1) and a lower support (904-2). The support (904) is configured to accommodate the upper and lower ends of the piezoelectric element (902). In this way, the piezoelectric element (902) is held in place without allowing vertical or horizontal displacement in the cavity (906).

[0053] The piezoelectric element (902) is isolated from mechanical vibrations occurring in the acoustic head (102-B). In the illustrated embodiment, the upper support (904-1) and the lower support (904-2) dampen mechanical vibrations from the acoustic head (102-B). In one such embodiment, the support (904-1) and the lower support (904-2) are made of an elastomer material.

[0054] FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of an acoustic head (102-C) comprising an embodiment of an ultrasonic transducer assembly (504-C) and an embodiment of a sensor assembly (506-C). In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor assembly (506-C) is contained within the housing (526-C) of the transducer assembly (504-C). The housing (526-C) is sandwiched between the upper transducer (104-A) and the lower transducer (104-B).

[0055] The transducer assembly (506-C) includes a first transducer (104-A) and a second transducer (104-B), and a housing (526-C). The first transducer (104-A) emits ultrasound (108-A1, 108-A2) in two opposing directions. The second transducer (104-B) emits ultrasound (108-B1, 108-B2) in two opposing directions. In this way, the transducer assembly (504-C) emits ultrasound (108) in 360 degrees around the vertical axis of the transducer assembly (504-C).

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor assembly (506-C) is integrated with the housing (526-C). The housing (526-C) includes a connector (528) configured to be attached to a cable having an opposing end connected to other equipment, such as a power supply (406), communication equipment for a GPS (408) or a remote controller (404), or a second acoustic head (102) supported by the same raft (110). The sensor assembly (506-C) includes four sensors (906) aligned parallel to each axis of the ultrasound (108) emitted from the transducers (104-A, 104-B). The sensors (106) and associated electronic devices, along with the electronic devices and wiring for the transducers (104-A, 104-B), are located within the housing (526-C).

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the acoustic head (102-C) includes an upper mounting bracket (522) extending upward from the second transducer (104-B). A lower mounting bracket (524) extends downward from the lower transducer (104-A). The upper mounting bracket (522) is configured to be attached to a line suspended from the raft (110), and the lower mounting bracket (524) is configured to be attached to a line leading to an anchor or other object that maintains the acoustic head (102-C) in vertical alignment. In one embodiment, such as when the system (100) includes a GPS (408), at least two lines extend from different openings of the upper bracket (522) to the raft (110). In this way, the acoustic head (102) is maintained spatially aligned with the raft (110) so that directional information obtained by the GPS (408) corresponds to the defined direction of the acoustic head (102).

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, two of the four sensors (106) (106-A, 106-B) are illustrated. The first sensor (106-A) receives an ultrasonic wave (108-A1i) that is aligned parallel to the axis of an ultrasonic wave (108-A1) emitted from one side of the first transducer (104-A). Another sensor (not illustrated) is located on the opposite side of the sensor assembly (506-C) and receives an ultrasonic wave (108-A2i) that is aligned parallel to the axis of an ultrasonic wave (108-A2) emitted from the opposite side of the first transducer (104-A).

[0059] The second sensor (106-B) receives an ultrasonic wave (108-B1i) that is aligned parallel to the axis of the ultrasonic wave (108-B1) emitted from one side of the second transducer (104-B). Another sensor (not exemplified) is located on the opposite side of the sensor assembly (506-C) and receives an ultrasonic wave (108-B2i) that is aligned parallel to the ultrasonic wave (108-B2) emitted from the opposite side of the second transducer (104-B).

[0060] The four sensors (106) of the sensor assembly (506-C) allow for 360-degree coverage around the sensor assembly (506-C) at 90-degree intervals. In this way, when the sensors (106) within the sensor assembly (506-C) are operated as remote sensors (106-2), at least one sensor (106) will respond to ultrasonic waves (108-i) emitted from a transducer (104-1) associated with another acoustic head (102-1).

[0061] The sensor (106) is isolated from the sensor assembly (506-C) so that the sensor (106) does not respond to mechanical vibrations of the transducer (104). In one embodiment, the sensor (106) is mounted and supported in the housing (526-C) by a vibration damper such as an isomer washer or gasket (606, 604).

[0062] FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method (1100) for detecting biological resonance. Biological resonance is a resonance frequency (302-5) for a specific biological organism. In the case of an embodiment in which a single acoustic head (102) includes both a transducer (104) and a receiving sensor (106), the step is performed by a local controller (402) within such acoustic head (102). In the case of an embodiment in which multiple acoustic heads (102) are used, such as one acoustic head (102-1) emitting ultrasound (108) and at least one other acoustic head (102-2) receiving ultrasound (108-i), the acoustic heads (102-1, 102-2) communicate and the step is performed by an appropriate local controller (402).

[0063] The first step (1102) is to start the process (1100). The next step (1104) is to initialize the process (1100). The step of initializing the process (1100) (1104) is performed by a controller (402) associated with a converter (104) in relation to preparing to emit various frequencies. The step of initializing the process (1100) (1104) is performed by a controller (402) associated with a sensor (106) in relation to preparing to receive ultrasound (108-i) from the converter (104).

[0064] In one embodiment, the initialization step (1102) includes the step of clearing all resonant signature markers and the step of initializing the bandwidth indexer to a first bandwidth table entry. The bandwidth indexer is a programmed function within the local controller (402). The bandwidth indexer maintains a bandwidth table. The bandwidth table contains data regarding at least the following fields: bandwidth index, frequency, gated output or duty cycle, and power level. In one embodiment, the bandwidth index is a parameter, such as a number, that sequentially identifies information associated with each pulse or gated output. Associated with each bandwidth index is one or more frequencies to be emitted during the pulse or gated output. For example, one bandwidth index includes frequencies of 20,000 Hz, 20,005 Hz, 20,010 Hz, 20,015 Hz, and 20,020 Hz. The following bandwidth indices include frequencies of 33,000 Hz, 33,301 Hz, 33,302 Hz, and 33,303 Hz. Also associated with each bandwidth index is a gated output or duty cycle. For example, the duty cycle is 75%, where a 2-second cycle is divided into a 1.5-second on-time and a 0.5-second off-time. In one embodiment, a power level field is also associated with each bandwidth index. For example, the power level for a specific bandwidth index is specified as 10% of the maximum power.

[0065] In another embodiment, the initialization step (1102) includes the step of writing current resonant frequency data to a history table before including the step of clearing all resonant signature markers and the step of initializing the bandwidth indexer to a first bandwidth table entry. As illustrated in FIG. 12, after the completion of the main step (1204) of sweeping frequencies to determine the resonant frequency, the step of initializing the resonant sweep (1212) further includes the step of analyzing data in the history table and the bandwidth table to identify any trend over time with respect to the detected resonant frequency. For example, the history data regarding a specific resonant frequency may indicate the presence of algal mass breeding or indicate that algal mass breeding is decreasing in size and / or density. Such trend information over time may be used to adjust the parameters of the main step (1206) for sweeping the resonant frequency. For example, if the trend information over time indicates the continuous presence of the organism (116), the step of emitting the frequency (1214) includes the step of emitting the frequency for a longer period and / or a higher power. That is, the period during which the frequency is emitted is extended beyond the previously used time and / or the power is increased beyond the previously used power level.

[0066] After the initialization step (1104), the next step (1106) is to emit a frequency corresponding to the current entry of the bandwidth table. The emission step is 706, which is performed by the converter (104) and its associated controller (402). The emission step (1106) includes the step of reading data from the bandwidth table and the step of causing the converter (104) to emit a specific frequency at a specific power level.

[0067] The next step (1108) of measuring and recording data (310) is performed while step (1106) is being performed. The measurement and recording step (1108) is performed by the sensor (106) and its associated controller (402). Step (1108) measures the amplitude (306) from the sensor (106) and records data (310) including the detected amplitude for the detected frequency.

[0068] After completing the step (1108) of measuring and recording data (310), the next step (1110) is to determine whether additional frequencies need to be measured. The frequency completion step (1110) is performed by a controller (402) associated with the converter (104). In one embodiment, if the bandwidth table has additional entries, the bandwidth indexer increments the table to the next entry, and the method (1100) returns to step (1106) to emit the next frequency. If the bandwidth table reaches the end, then all frequencies have been measured, and the method (1100) moves to the next step (1112).

[0069] The next step (1112) is to perform a trend analysis of the recorded data (310). In one embodiment, the analysis step (1112) is performed by a local controller (402). In another embodiment, the analysis step (1112) is performed by a remote controller (404), which communicates with the local controller (402). In one embodiment, the trend analysis step (11120) is performed by averaging amplitude data points (306-1, 306-2, ...) to determine the average amplitude (306-avg). In one such embodiment, any outlier is not included when calculating the average amplitude. An outlier is an amplitude data point (306) that is lower than the average measured amplitude (306-avg) by a predetermined amount. For example, if the amplitude (306-5) shown in FIG. 3 is lower than the average (30-avg) by a threshold amount, then the data point at frequency (302-5) is an outlier. If such a data point is not an outlier, then frequency (302-5) represents the resonant frequency (302-5).

[0070] The next step (1114) is to identify whether a resonant frequency exists in the data (310). In one embodiment, the identification step (1114) is performed by a local controller (402). In another embodiment, the identification step (1114) is performed by a remote controller (404), which communicates with the local controller (402). In one embodiment, the step of identifying the resonant frequency (302-5) is performed by identifying an amplitude data point (306-5) that is below an amplitude value determined in step (1112) by a predetermined amount, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0071] If a resonant frequency (302-5) is detected in step (1114), then, step (1116) of recording resonant frequency data (310-rf) is performed. The resonant frequency data (310-rf) includes the resonant frequency (302-5) as determined in step (1114). The recording step (1116) is performed by the controller (402). In one embodiment, a bandwidth table for the frequency (302-5) identified as resonant is annotated with the orientation of the sensor (104) and the date and time of the measurement. In an embodiment having GPS (408), the orientation associated with the detection of the resonant frequency is also recorded in the bandwidth table. In one embodiment, the orientation is determined by the position of the sensor (106) on the sensor assembly (506-A, 506-C). In another embodiment, the direction is determined by the position of the converter (104) on the converter assembly (504-A, 504-B, 504-C).

[0072] The step (1116) of recording resonant frequency data (310-rf) is performed for each time when the resonant frequency is determined during the frequency sweep by the method (1100). That is, the method (1100) includes steps (1106, 1108, 1110) of emitting multiple frequencies and measuring and recording data (310) for such multiple frequencies. If a body of water (114) containing multiple types of organisms contains multiple types of organisms (116) and each of such types of organisms (116) has its own resonant frequency, then the step (1116) of recording resonant frequency data (310-rf) is performed for each resonant frequency (302-5) that is determined. When multiple resonant frequencies are determined, an entry in the bandwidth table for the multiple resonant frequencies is annotated with data associated with the determination of the resonant frequency.

[0073] In one embodiment, the step (1116) of recording resonant frequency data (310-rf) includes the step of recording the resonant frequency (302-5) of a beneficial organism. A beneficial organism is a water-borne organism that provides a purpose beneficial to the environment or other living organisms. For example, diatoms are a food source for shrimp, which are then harvested for consumption. If a beneficial organism has a resonant frequency and such resonant frequency is determined during step (1114), the step (1116) of recording resonant frequency data includes, in one embodiment, the step of recording data indicating that the resonant frequency is for the beneficial organism. In another embodiment, once the resonant frequency (302-5) is determined to be associated with a beneficial organism during step (114) or step (1116), the resonant frequency is not recorded during the step (1116) of recording resonant frequency data (310-rf). In this way, when the algae control system (10) emits ultrasound to eradicate or control the growth of organisms, the transducer (104) does not emit such a resonant frequency corresponding to beneficial organisms.

[0074] The next step (1118) is to wait for a certain period of time before returning to the system initialization step (1104). The waiting step (1118) is performed by the local controller (402). The waiting step (1118) is performed after the recording step (1116) and when the identification step (1114) does not determine that a resonant frequency is present in the data. In one embodiment, the waiting time is pre-selected. For example, if the method (1100) is to be executed once every three hours, the waiting time is equal to three hours minus the time for performing the loop of steps (1106) through (1110). In another example, if the method (1100) is to be executed continuously or without delay, the waiting time is set to zero.

[0075] FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method (1200) for detecting and using resonance to control microorganisms. The method (1200) has two main steps, the first step (1204) is to perform a frequency sweep, and the second step (12060) is to perform targeted emission at a frequency associated with a determined resonance frequency.

[0076] In one embodiment, the bandwidth indexer is a programmed function within the processor (402). The bandwidth indexer maintains a bandwidth table. The bandwidth table stores information regarding a number of frequencies emitted by the converter (104). The bandwidth table includes data regarding various fields, such as the bandwidth index, frequency, gated output or duty cycle, power level, and cavitation. The bandwidth table also stores data indicating whether the frequency is a resonant frequency, and in one embodiment, data indicating whether there is a direction associated with the determination of the resonant frequency.

[0077] The first step (1202) is to start the process (1200). The next step (1204) is to perform a frequency sweep. The main step (1204) includes the method (1100) described above in relation to FIG. 11 to determine the resonant frequency (302-5) of any organism (116) in water (114). In one embodiment, the step of performing the frequency sweep (1204) includes the step of the controller (402) executing a software program that performs the function of a bandwidth indexer to identify the frequency to be emitted by the converter (104). As the frequency in the bandwidth table is swept, the method (1100) determines and stores the determined resonant frequency. In one embodiment, the step (1104) of initializing the resonance detection method (1100) includes the step of resetting the bandwidth table to remove data representing the previously determined resonant frequency. In this way, the bandwidth table is started anew and stores only the current state of the resonant frequency (302-5).

[0078] The next major step (1206) is to sweep the resonant frequency (302-5) determined during the step (1204) of performing the frequency sweep. The major step (1206) includes various steps (1212, 1214, 1216, 1218) for sweeping the resonant frequency identified in the bandwidth table.

[0079] The first step (1212) of the main step (1206) is to initialize the resonant sweep. This step (1212) includes the step of identifying a first resonant frequency (302-5) to be emitted by the transducer (104). The initialization step (1212) is performed by the controller (402). The initialization step (1212) includes the step of preparing the transducer (104) to emit various frequencies determined to be the resonant frequency. In one embodiment, the frequency to be emitted includes a range or bandwidth of frequencies including the resonant frequency.

[0080] The next step (1214) is to emit a frequency associated with the resonant frequency (302-5). Step (1214) is performed by the converter (104) as directed by the controller (402). In an embodiment where a range or bandwidth of frequencies including the resonant frequency is to be emitted, the emission step (1214) includes the step of sequentially emitting each of the frequencies within the range or bandwidth. In one embodiment, these frequencies are emitted for a predetermined time. That is, the time is determined before step (1206) is executed. In another embodiment, these frequencies are emitted for a calculated time. In one such embodiment, historical trend data is used to calculate the time during which these frequencies are emitted. For example, if multiple executions of the main step (1204), which performs a frequency sweep to determine the resonant frequency, indicate the presence of a large algal bloom, then the time for emitting these frequencies is set to have a duration sufficient to affect such a bloom. Such multiple executions of the main step (1204) are recorded in a history table as described above in relation to FIG. 11. In another example, if multiple executions of the main step (1204) indicate that a large-scale mass breeding of birds once decreased, then the time for generating this frequency is reduced.

[0081] The next step (1216) is to determine whether there is an additional frequency or bandwidth to emit. If step (1216) determines that there is an additional resonant frequency to emit, then step (1218) of incrementing to the next frequency is performed. In one embodiment, step (1218) is performed by the controller (402) so that the bandwidth indexer selects the next bandwidth table entry having the resonant frequency associated with it. Then, the process returns to step (1214) to emit the frequency or bandwidth.

[0082] If step (1216) determines that there are no more frequencies or bandwidths to emit, then the process (1200) returns to step (1204) to perform a frequency sweep. In this way, the process (1200) will determine whether the resonant frequency has changed and, by this, indicate that the concentration of various organisms (116) in the water (114) has changed.

[0083] The resonance detection system (100) includes various functions. The function of determining the resonance frequency of the type of microorganism (116) in the water body (114) is implemented, in one embodiment, by a sensor that determines the amplitude of ultrasound (108-i) at various frequencies emitted by a transducer (104) and determines which frequency (302) indicates absorption by the microorganism at resonance.

[0084] The function of controlling a living organism (116) within a body of water (114) is implemented, in one embodiment, by a resonance detection system (100) that first performs the step (1204) of detecting the resonance of the living organism (116) by sweeping a plurality of frequencies, and then performs the step (1206) of emitting ultrasound from a transducer (104) at the detected resonance frequency or at a narrow frequency bandwidth above and below the resonance frequency.

[0085] From the foregoing description, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a system (100) for determining the resonance of microorganisms (116) in water (114) is provided. Each type of microorganism (116) in the water body (114) has a resonance frequency (306-5) at which the energy of the ultrasound (108) is absorbed by the microorganism (116). The sensor (106) monitors the amplitude of the ultrasound (108-i) over a range of emitted frequencies.

[0086] Although the present invention has been illustrated by the description of several embodiments and exemplary embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the applicant's intention to limit the scope of the appended claims to such details or to limit them in any way. Additional advantages and variations will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatuses and methods, and exemplary examples that are illustrated and described in a broader manner. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.

Claims

Claim 1 A device for determining the resonance of a biological organism (116) within a body of water (114), the device comprises: a transducer (104) configured to emit a plurality of ultrasonic waves (108) through the body of water (114) - the plurality of ultrasonic waves (108) include a plurality of frequencies (302) -; a sensor (106) that responds to the plurality of ultrasonic waves (108-i); and a controller (402) operably connected to the transducer (104), wherein the sensor (106) provides data to the controller (402); and wherein the controller (402) performs a first set of steps (1100) for detecting biological resonance, and the controller (402) also performs a second set of steps (1206) for performing targeted emission at a frequency associated with the detected biological resonance. Claim 2 In claim 1, the first set of steps (1100) for detecting biological resonance comprises the step of the controller (402) causing the transducer (104) to emit the plurality of ultrasounds (108), the step of the sensor (106) measuring data (310) corresponding to the amplitude of the plurality of ultrasounds (108), and the step of the controller (402) determining the resonance frequency (302-5) from the data (310). Claim 3 In claim 1, the first set of steps (1100) for detecting biological resonance includes a step (1106) in which the transducer (104) emits the plurality of ultrasounds (108) such that each of the plurality of ultrasounds has a unique frequency (302); and the first set of steps (1100) includes a step (1108) of measuring and recording data (310) from the sensor (106). Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the first set of steps (1100) for detecting biological resonance includes a step (1112) of performing a trend analysis of the data (310) collected during the step (1108) of measuring and recording data (310) from the sensor (106); and the first set of steps (1100) further includes a step (1114) of identifying whether a resonance frequency (302-5) is present in the data (310). Claim 5 In claim 4, the first set of steps (1100) for detecting biological resonance comprises the step of determining the resonance frequency (302-5) by identifying the frequency (302-5) corresponding to the amplitude (306-5) of the data (310) which is smaller than the average amplitude by a predetermined amount. Claim 6 In claim 4, the first set of steps (1100) for detecting biological resonance comprises a step (1116) of recording resonance frequency data (310-rf) when the resonance frequency (302-5) is present in the data (310), as determined by the step (1114) of identifying whether the resonance frequency (302-5) is present in the data (310). Claim 7 In claim 1, the second set of steps (1206) for performing targeted emission at a frequency associated with the detected biological resonance comprises the step of the controller (402) causing the transducer (104) to emit at least one ultrasound (108) associated with the resonance frequency (302-5), wherein the first set of steps (1204, 1100) for detecting the biological resonance is a device for identifying the resonance frequency (302-5). Claim 8 The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second set of steps (1206) for performing targeted emission at a frequency associated with the detected biological resonance comprises a step (1214) of emitting at least one frequency associated with the resonance frequency (302-5) determined by the first set of steps (1204, 1100) for detecting the biological resonance. Claim 9 A device according to claim 1, wherein the transducer (104-1) is integrated into a first acoustic head (102-1); the sensor (106-2) is integrated into a second acoustic head (102-2); and the sensor (106-2) responds to the plurality of ultrasonic waves (108-i) emitted from the transducer (104-1) within the first acoustic head (102-1). Claim 10 In claim 1, the transducer (104-1) is in close proximity to the sensor (106-1); the sensor (106-1) is isolated from the transducer (104-1) so that the sensor (106-1) responds to the plurality of ultrasonic waves (108-i) received by the sensor (106-1) without interference from mechanical vibrations of the transducer (104-1); and the sensor (106-1) responds to the plurality of ultrasonic waves (108-i) reflected by the organism (116) in the water body (114), the device. Claim 11 In claim 1, the transducer (104-1) is one of a plurality of transducers (104) configured to emit the plurality of ultrasonic waves (108), and the sensor (106) is one of a plurality of sensors (106) positioned in close proximity to the plurality of transducers (104), and the plurality of transducers (104) and the plurality of sensors (106) are integrated into an acoustic head (102). Claim 12 In claim 1, the device further comprises a position navigation system receiver (408), wherein the position navigation system receiver (408) determines the position of the sensor (106) within the water body (114). Claim 13 A device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor (106') has a cylindrical shape and the sensor (106') responds to the plurality of ultrasonic waves (108-A1i, 108-A2i, 108-B1i, 108-B2i) emitted by the transducer (104). Claim 14 A device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor (106') has a piezoelectric element (902) having a ring configuration and a rectangular cross-section, and the sensor (106') responds to the plurality of ultrasonic waves (108-A1i, 108-A2i, 108-B1i, 108-B2i) from any angle in a plane perpendicular to the central axis (912) of the sensor (106'). Claim 15 A device for determining the resonance of a living organism (116) within a body of water (114), the device comprising: a transducer (104) configured to emit a plurality of ultrasonic waves (108) through the body of water (114) - said plurality of ultrasonic waves (108) have a plurality of frequencies (302) -; a sensor (106) responding to said plurality of ultrasonic waves (108-i) - said sensor (106) detects the amplitude of each of said plurality of frequencies (302) emitted from said transducer (104) -; and a controller (402) operably connected to said transducer (104), said controller (402) communicating with said sensor (106). Claim 16 In claim 15, the transducer (104-1) is integrated into a first acoustic head (102-1); the sensor (106-2) is integrated into a second acoustic head (102-2); and the sensor (106-2) responds to the plurality of ultrasonic waves (108-i) emitted from the transducer (104-1) within the first acoustic head (102-1). Claim 17 In claim 15, the transducer (104-1) is one of a plurality of transducers (104) configured to emit the plurality of ultrasonic waves (108), and the sensor (106) is one of a plurality of sensors (106) positioned in close proximity to the plurality of transducers (104), and the plurality of transducers (104) and the plurality of sensors (106) are integrated into an acoustic head (102). Claim 18 In claim 15, the transducer (104-1) is in close proximity to the sensor (106-1); the sensor (106-1) is isolated from the transducer (104-1) so that the sensor (106-1) responds to the plurality of ultrasonic waves (108-i) received by the sensor (106-1) without interference from mechanical vibrations of the transducer (104-1); and the sensor (106-1) responds to the plurality of ultrasonic waves (108-i) reflected by the organism (116) in the water, the device. Claim 19 In claim 15, the controller (402) causes the plurality of ultrasounds (108) to emit each of the series of ultrasounds (108) while each ultrasound has a specific frequency (302), and the controller (402) stores data related to a measurement made by the sensor (106) when the plurality of ultrasounds (108) are received. Claim 20 A device according to claim 19, further comprising the step of the controller (402) performing a trend analysis of the stored data related to the measurement made by the sensor (106). Claim 21 In claim 19, the device further comprises the step of the controller (402) performing a trend analysis of the stored data related to the measurement made by the sensor (106), wherein the controller (402) identifies the resonance frequency from the trend analysis. Claim 22 In claim 21, the device further comprises the step of the controller (402) and the converter (104) performing a sweep of the resonant frequency (1206), thereby causing the resonant frequency to be emitted from the converter (104). Claim 23 In paragraph 15, the device further comprises a position navigation system receiver (408), wherein the position navigation system receiver (408) detects the position of the sensor (106) within the water body (114). Claim 24 In claim 15, the sensor (106') has a cylindrical shape, and the sensor (106') responds to the plurality of ultrasonic waves (108-A1i, 108-A2i, 108-B1i, 108-B2i) emitted by the transducer (104), the device. Claim 25 A device for determining the resonance of a living organism (116) within a body of water (114), the device comprises: a raft (110) configured to float on the body of water (114); an acoustic head (102) suspended below the raft; the acoustic head (102) is immersed in the body of water, and the acoustic head (102) comprises a transducer (104), a controller (402), and a sensor (106). The above transducer (104) is configured to emit a series of ultrasonic waves (108) through the water body (114) - the series of ultrasonic waves (108) have a plurality of frequencies (302) -; The controller (402) is operably connected to the converter (104) - the controller (402) causes the converter (104) to emit the series of ultrasounds (108) in a state where each of the series of ultrasounds (108) is at a specific frequency (302) -; A device in which the sensor (106) responds to the series of ultrasonic waves (108-i) and the sensor (106) provides data to the controller (402). Claim 26 In paragraph 25, the device further comprises a position navigation system receiver (408), wherein the position navigation system receiver (408) detects a direction corresponding to the direction of the sensor (106) within the acoustic head (102). Claim 27 In paragraph 25, the sensor (106') is a device having a cylindrical shape having a sensing surface perpendicular to the surface of the water body when the acoustic head (102-B) is placed in the water body (114).

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