Modularized large marine mammal acoustic signal classification device
Through modular design and comprehensive protection measures, the problems of maintenance difficulties, environmental tolerance, and rigid functional configuration of large marine mammal acoustic monitoring devices have been solved, achieving convenient maintenance, stability, and flexibility, reducing operation and maintenance costs, and improving equipment applicability and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QINGDAO YUYANTANG BIOLOGICAL TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing large-scale acoustic monitoring devices for marine mammals suffer from problems such as difficulty in maintenance and upgrading, insufficient environmental adaptability, rigid functional configuration, and inconvenient operation. In particular, the devices are easily damaged in marine environments, have high maintenance costs, and are unsafe to deploy.
It adopts a modular design, including underwater acoustic signal acquisition, preprocessing, core analysis and classification result output modules. These modules are connected through standardized interfaces and integrated into a waterproof housing. Combined with anti-corrosion coating, electromagnetic shielding and efficient heat dissipation design, it provides multi-level protection and flexible configuration capabilities.
It enables convenient maintenance and upgrades, improves the stability and flexibility of equipment in harsh environments, reduces operation and maintenance costs, ensures signal transmission continuity and operational safety, and enhances the applicability and cost-effectiveness of the equipment.
Smart Images

Figure CN224136715U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of acoustic signal classification devices, specifically to a modular acoustic signal classification device for large marine mammals. Background Technology
[0002] Existing acoustic monitoring and classification devices for large marine mammals (such as whales and dolphins) have significant drawbacks: First, maintenance and upgrades are difficult. If a partial malfunction occurs (such as sensor damage or an outdated core processor), the entire chassis often needs to be disassembled or the entire device replaced, resulting in long monitoring interruptions and high maintenance costs. Second, environmental adaptability is insufficient. The marine environment is complex and harsh, and the equipment faces multiple challenges such as high pressure, high humidity, salt spray corrosion, biofouling, and ship vibration and impact. Existing devices have limited heat dissipation capabilities, and high-intensity computing can easily lead to overheating and frequency reduction of core components. Furthermore, corrosion protection and electromagnetic shielding measures are often concentrated on the outer shell, providing insufficient protection for sensitive internal circuits. Third, functional configurations are rigid. Different application scenarios (such as nearshore, open ocean, and target species at different depths) have different requirements for sensor sensitivity, processing algorithms, and output interfaces, but the integrated structure makes it difficult to flexibly adjust the specifications of functional modules. Fourth, on-site operation is inconvenient. When large monitoring equipment is deployed on the deck of a research vessel or on a buoy platform, the lack of dedicated rapid hoisting interfaces poses safety risks; at the same time, human-machine interfaces are mostly integrated into the main unit, making operation and maintenance inconvenient. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an acoustic signal classification device with high maintainability, strong environmental tolerance, and flexible configuration capabilities.
[0003] Therefore, the existing technology still needs further development. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and provide a modular processing device for classifying the acoustic signals of large marine mammals, so as to solve the problems existing in the prior art.
[0005] To achieve the above technical objectives, this utility model provides a modular processing device for classifying the acoustic signals of large marine mammals, comprising:
[0006] The system comprises four physically independent and detachably connected functional modules: an underwater acoustic signal acquisition module, a preprocessing module, a core analysis module, and a classification result output module. These four functional modules are connected for electrical signal and data transmission through a unified standardized physical interface component. The four functional modules are housed together in an integrated waterproof housing, which has module mounting slots inside for fixing each functional module.
[0007] Specifically, the underwater acoustic signal acquisition module includes a hydrophone array for receiving underwater acoustic signals, and the underwater acoustic signal acquisition module has an independent watertight housing.
[0008] Specifically, the preprocessing module has a built-in signal processing unit for filtering, amplifying, and digitizing the acquired signals, and the module has an independent electromagnetic shielding shell.
[0009] Specifically, the core analysis module has a built-in signal processing unit for filtering, amplifying, and digitizing the acquired signals.
[0010] Specifically, the classification result output module has an independent operation panel housing.
[0011] Specifically, the integrated waterproof housing is an integral structure, which is divided into four independent modular compartments, which are used to house the underwater acoustic signal acquisition module, the preprocessing module, the core analysis module, and the classification result output module, respectively; each modular compartment is provided with a corresponding module installation slot.
[0012] Specifically, the integrated waterproof housing is provided with a common heat dissipation duct that runs through each module compartment, which is used to exhaust the heat generated by the core analysis module to the outside of the housing.
[0013] Specifically, the device further includes an environmental adaptation structure, comprising:
[0014] A corrosion-resistant coating covers the outer surface of the integrated waterproof housing.
[0015] Specifically, it also includes:
[0016] A quick-locking mechanism that physically locks adjacent functional modules together.
[0017] Specifically, the integrated waterproof housing is provided with corresponding lifting rings on its exterior.
[0018] Beneficial effects:
[0019] The modular processing and classification device for acoustic signals of large marine mammals provided by this utility model, compared with the prior art, brings many significant benefits through its unique modular structure and comprehensive protection design:
[0020] 1. Extremely convenient maintenance and upgrades:
[0021] The four physically independent and detachable functional modules (acquisition, preprocessing, core analysis, and output) are connected through standardized interfaces. If any module (such as the core analysis module requiring AI computing power upgrades or the hydrophone requiring maintenance) malfunctions or ages, it can be quickly replaced on-site, avoiding complete disassembly and repair, greatly reducing downtime and lowering maintenance costs.
[0022] 2. Excellent environmental adaptability and reliability:
[0023] ① Multiple protection measures: The combination of independent module protection (watertight outer shell, electromagnetic shielding outer shell) and integrated waterproof shell, supplemented by full shell anti-corrosion coating, constructs a multi-layer protection system to resist seawater penetration, salt spray corrosion and electromagnetic interference, which significantly improves the long-term stability and service life of the equipment in harsh marine environments.
[0024] ② High-efficiency heat dissipation design: The common heat dissipation air duct runs through the module compartment, effectively dissipating heat to the outside of the casing to prevent the core processor from overheating and throttling or crashing, thus ensuring continuous and stable operation.
[0025] ③ Physically stable and impact-resistant: The module mounting slots ensure precise module positioning, and the quick-locking mechanism provides additional physical locking force to jointly resist water flow impact and ship turbulence, preventing module loosening or interface detachment and ensuring continuous signal transmission.
[0026] ④ Flexible functional configuration capability: The modular architecture allows users to select functional modules of different performance levels or interface types for personalized combinations based on specific monitoring needs (such as different sea areas, target species, budget), thereby improving the applicability and cost-effectiveness of the device.
[0027] 3. Convenient deployment and user experience:
[0028] ①Safety Deployment: The special lifting rings set on the outside of the shell provide a reliable fulcrum for standard lifting equipment, ensuring safe and controllable operation of large equipment on the ship deck or during deployment and recovery, and reducing equipment damage and personnel risks.
[0029] ② Human-computer interaction optimization: The independent operation panel shell of the classification result output module integrates display, control and data interfaces, making it easy for personnel to intuitively read results, set parameters and export data on site. The operation interface is independent and centralized, reducing internal interference.
[0030] In summary, this utility model successfully solves the core pain points of existing technologies, such as difficult equipment maintenance, poor environmental tolerance, inflexible configuration, and inconvenient operation, and provides a highly reliable, easy-to-maintain, highly adaptable, and user-friendly innovative equipment for marine biological acoustic monitoring. Attached Figure Description
[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the modular processing large marine mammal acoustic signal classification device provided in a specific embodiment of this utility model;
[0032] The above figures contain the following reference numerals:
[0033] 1. Underwater acoustic signal acquisition module; 2. Preprocessing module; 3. Core analysis module; 4. Classification result output module; 5. Standardized physical interface; 6. Integrated waterproof housing; 7. Module mounting slot; 8. Hydrophone array; 9. Watertight housing; 10. Electromagnetic shielding housing; 11. Operation panel housing; 12. Common heat dissipation duct; 13. Quick-locking mechanism; 14. Lifting ring. Detailed Implementation
[0034] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this utility model, the technical solution of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Based on the embodiments in this application, other similar embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, the directional terms mentioned in the following embodiments, such as "up," "down," "left," and "right," are only for reference to the directions in the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the creation of this utility model.
[0035] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.
[0036] Please see Figure 1 This utility model provides a modular processing device for classifying the acoustic signals of large marine mammals, comprising:
[0037] The system comprises four physically independent and detachably connected functional modules: an underwater acoustic signal acquisition module 1, a preprocessing module 2, a core analysis module 3, and a classification result output module 4. These four functional modules are connected for electrical signal and data transmission through a unified standardized physical interface component 5. The four functional modules are housed together in an integrated waterproof housing 6, which has module mounting slots 7 for fixing each functional module.
[0038] It should be noted that the underwater acoustic signal acquisition module 1, preprocessing module 2, core analysis module 3, and classification result output module 4 are all existing technologies. The principles of these modules will not be described in detail here. The specific principles of the underwater acoustic signal acquisition module 1, preprocessing module 2, core analysis module 3, and classification result output module 4 are not the inventive point of this utility model. The inventive point of this utility model lies in the modular installation method of the underwater acoustic signal acquisition module 1, preprocessing module 2, core analysis module 3, and classification result output module 4.
[0039] Understandably, the underwater acoustic signal acquisition module 1, preprocessing module 2, core analysis module 3, and classification result output module 4 are all detachably connected. They achieve efficient and reliable transmission of electrical signals and data through a carefully designed, standardized physical interface component 5, such as a high-reliability waterproof connector, and a data bus. This modular design brings unprecedented advantages:
[0040] Extremely convenient maintenance and upgrades: When a module, such as the core analysis module, needs to upgrade its computing power, or when the underwater acoustic signal acquisition module needs to be repaired or replaced due to long-term immersion, or when the hydrophone malfunctions or needs performance improvement, there is no need to replace the entire machine. You can simply disconnect the interface on-site and disassemble and replace the module separately, which significantly shortens downtime and reduces maintenance costs.
[0041] Flexible functional configuration: Users can select modules with different performance specifications to combine according to different monitoring needs, such as shallow and deep sea, different target species or budget, to achieve customized configuration of the device.
[0042] Strong resilience: Unexpected failures of a single module, such as short circuits or physical damage, are effectively isolated and will not immediately affect other functional modules. The core analysis module continues to operate, improving the overall reliability of the system. All modules are not randomly scattered but are housed together within a robust, integrated, waterproof housing.
[0043] Understandably, the housing contains precisely designed module mounting slots 7 for securing each functional module. These slots precisely match the module's shape to ensure:
[0044] Physical stability: The module is firmly fixed inside the housing to resist mechanical stresses common in marine environments such as water flow impact and ship turbulence, preventing loosening or vibration damage to internal electronic components.
[0045] Precise interface alignment: The slot ensures that when the module is inserted, its physical interface 5 can automatically and accurately align and connect with the corresponding interface inside the housing, eliminating human installation errors.
[0046] Specifically, the underwater acoustic signal acquisition module 1 includes a hydrophone array 8 for receiving underwater acoustic signals, and the underwater acoustic signal acquisition module 1 has an independent watertight housing 9.
[0047] It is understandable that the above settings have the following beneficial effects:
[0048] Double waterproof protection: The independent watertight housing 9 forms the first line of waterproof protection. Even if the seal of the external integrated housing 6 is slightly compromised due to extreme environments, it can protect the delicate internal hydrophone array and front-end circuitry from seawater corrosion in the first instance.
[0049] Array advantages: The design of the hydrophone array 8 gives it excellent spatial filtering capabilities and sound source localization potential, enabling it to more effectively separate the sound signals of target marine mammals from background noise, and improve the signal-to-noise ratio and the ability to distinguish the direction of the signal source.
[0050] Pressure Resistance and Protection: The housing is optimized for water pressure, enhancing the module's adaptability and durability in deep-sea environments.
[0051] Specifically, the preprocessing module 2 has a built-in signal processing unit for filtering, amplifying and digitizing the acquired signal, and the module has an independent electromagnetic shielding shell 10.
[0052] It is understandable that the above settings may have the following beneficial effects:
[0053] Signal purity assurance: Filtering and amplification functions are fundamental to ensuring the accuracy of subsequent core analysis, effectively improving the signal quality input to the core analysis module. Digitization completes the crucial conversion from the analog domain to the digital domain.
[0054] Critical Electromagnetic Protection: The independent electromagnetic shielding shell 10 constitutes a crucial electromagnetic barrier. Marine monitoring equipment is often exposed to strong electromagnetic interference environments generated by ship radar, communication equipment, lightning, or other underwater electrical equipment. This shielding layer can significantly isolate external electromagnetic noise, preventing it from interfering with weak analog signal processing circuits and digital signal conversion processes, ensuring low distortion and high signal-to-noise ratio in the signal processing link, and fundamentally improving the accuracy of raw data.
[0055] Specifically, the core analysis module 3 has a built-in signal processing unit for filtering, amplifying, and digitizing the acquired signals.
[0056] Specifically, the classification result output module 4 has an independent operation panel housing 11.
[0057] It is understandable that the above settings have the following beneficial effects:
[0058] Intuitive human-machine interface: The independent casing 11 typically integrates interactive components such as displays, buttons, and indicator lights, as well as communication interfaces such as RS232, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and satellite modules. Its physical independence ensures:
[0059] Convenient and focused operation: Users such as scientific research crew members and environmental monitoring personnel can directly read real-time or historical classification results, species, confidence level, time, etc., control equipment status, set parameters, and export data on the panel of this module. The operation is simple and intuitive.
[0060] Reliable interface layout: Communication interfaces such as USB ports and network ports are concentrated on this panel, which facilitates the connection of external storage devices or host computers / networks, while reducing the risk of disturbance to internal circuits caused by repeated plugging and unplugging.
[0061] Specifically, the integrated waterproof housing 6 is an integral structure, and its interior is divided into four independent modular compartments, which are respectively used to accommodate the underwater acoustic signal acquisition module 1, the preprocessing module 2, the core analysis module 3, and the classification result output module 4; each modular compartment is provided with a corresponding module installation slot 7.
[0062] It is understandable that the above settings have the following beneficial effects:
[0063] Integrated protective fortress: The integral structure has extremely high mechanical strength and integrated sealing performance, making it the core fortress against harsh marine environments such as seawater, salt spray, and impact.
[0064] Effective spatial isolation: The design of four independent compartments achieves physical isolation between modules, bringing multiple advantages:
[0065] Mutual non-interference: To prevent mutual interference between modules due to heat generation, vibration, electromagnetic leakage, etc. (although shielding has been implemented in preprocessing, this is a redundant design). In particular, it isolates relatively sensitive acquisition and preprocessing modules that require low noise from high-power, potentially heat-generating core analysis modules.
[0066] Safety redundancy: If a leakage or short circuit occurs inside a single module, its impact can be effectively limited to its own compartment, protecting the safety of other modules and the entire hull.
[0067] Specifically, the integrated waterproof housing 6 is provided with a common heat dissipation duct 12 that runs through each module compartment, which is used to exhaust the heat generated by the core analysis module to the outside of the housing.
[0068] It should be noted that the air duct is designed with heat dissipation fins, and the air duct inlet and outlet are equipped with low-noise waterproof fans. The heat source of the core analysis module 3 is located adjacent to or integrated into this air duct.
[0069] It is understandable that the above settings have the following beneficial effects:
[0070] Efficient heat removal: This air duct is the core system for thermal management inside the casing. The heat generated by the high-intensity calculations performed by the core analysis module 3 is efficiently guided by forced airflow or natural convection, enhanced by heat dissipation fins, and finally discharged to the external environment of the casing through the inlet and outlet.
[0071] Ensuring stable operation: Effective heat dissipation is crucial for ensuring the core processor operates stably and continuously, preventing performance throttling or even system crashes. In deployment environments such as potentially high-temperature decks or confined spaces, this design significantly extends the equipment's continuous operating time and improves reliability.
[0072] Specifically, the device further includes an environmental adaptation structure, comprising:
[0073] A corrosion-resistant coating covers the outer surface of the integrated waterproof housing 6.
[0074] It should be noted that the anti-corrosion coating is a high-performance marine epoxy primer or a special coating of ceramic or fluorocarbon.
[0075] It is understandable that the above settings have the following beneficial effects:
[0076] Resisting Salt Spray Corrosion: This anti-corrosion coating is the first line of chemical defense against the high salt, high humidity, and strong ultraviolet radiation of the marine environment. It forms a dense physical barrier, effectively preventing corrosive media such as seawater salt, microorganisms, and oxygen from directly contacting the metal or plastic substrate of the shell.
[0077] Extending equipment lifespan: By significantly reducing the rate of shell corrosion, aging, and powdering, this coating directly ensures the overall structural integrity and service life of the equipment, reducing maintenance needs and premature obsolescence losses caused by shell corrosion.
[0078] Specifically, it also includes:
[0079] A quick-locking mechanism 13 that physically locks and fixes adjacent functional modules.
[0080] It should be noted that the quick-locking mechanism 13 is preferably a snap-fit or quick-release pin, used to physically lock and fix adjacent functional modules together after they are correctly inserted into their respective slots.
[0081] It is understandable that the above settings have the following beneficial effects:
[0082] Enhanced connection stability: In situations such as ship rolling, water flow impact, and equipment movement, the slot alone may not be sufficient to completely withstand strong physical impacts. The quick-locking mechanism 13 provides additional, reliable physical locking, ensuring a tight connection between modules and between modules and the housing.
[0083] Preventing interface loosening: The locking device effectively prevents serious problems such as poor contact between modules, loose interfaces, or even circuit disconnection caused by vibration, ensuring the long-term reliability and continuity of electrical signals and data transmission.
[0084] Easy installation: The "quick" design means that maintenance personnel can perform locking and unlocking operations by hand or with simple tools, greatly improving operational efficiency.
[0085] Specifically, the integrated waterproof housing 6 is provided with a corresponding lifting ring 14 on its exterior.
[0086] It is understandable that the above settings have the following beneficial effects:
[0087] Safe lifting anchor point: Lifting ring 14 provides a standard and safe anchor point for the deployment, retrieval, and transfer of large offshore equipment. Shipboard cranes or shore-based lifting equipment can be connected to this ring via cables or hooks.
[0088] Reduce deployment risks: It ensures the balance, stability and controllability of the equipment during the hoisting process, effectively prevents accidents such as slippage and collision, protects the safety of the equipment and personnel, and is an indispensable functional structure in the actual deployment stage of the equipment.
[0089] The technical features described above can be combined arbitrarily. Although not all possible combinations of these technical features are described, any combination of these technical features should be considered to be covered by this specification, provided that such combination does not contain contradictions.
[0090] The specific embodiments of this utility model described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made based on the technical concept of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A modular, processed, large marine mammal acoustic signal classification device, characterized by, The device includes: The four functional modules are physically independent and detachably connected: underwater acoustic signal acquisition module (1), preprocessing module (2), core analysis module (3) and classification result output module (4); the four functional modules are connected for electrical signal and data transmission through a unified standardized physical interface (5) component; the four functional modules are housed in an integrated waterproof housing (6), which has module mounting slots (7) for fixing each functional module inside.
2. The modular processing large marine mammal acoustic signal classification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The underwater acoustic signal acquisition module (1) includes a hydrophone array (8) for receiving underwater acoustic signals, and the underwater acoustic signal acquisition module (1) has an independent watertight housing (9).
3. The modular processing large marine mammal acoustic signal classification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preprocessing module (2) has a built-in signal processing unit for filtering, amplifying and digitizing the acquired signal. The module has an independent electromagnetic shielding shell (10).
4. The modular, processed, large marine mammal acoustic signal classification apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The core analysis module (3) has a built-in signal processing unit for filtering, amplifying and digitizing the acquired signals.
5. The modular, processed, large marine mammal acoustic signal classification apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The classification result output module (4) has an independent operation panel shell (11).
6. The modular processing large marine mammal acoustic signal classification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated waterproof housing (6) is an integral structure, and its interior is divided into four independent modular compartments, which are used to accommodate the underwater acoustic signal acquisition module (1), the preprocessing module (2), the core analysis module (3) and the classification result output module (4), respectively; each modular compartment is provided with a corresponding module installation slot (7).
7. The modular processing large marine mammal acoustic signal classification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated waterproof housing (6) is provided with a common heat dissipation duct (12) that runs through each module compartment, which is used to exhaust the heat generated by the core analysis module to the outside of the housing.
8. The modular, processed, large marine mammal acoustic signal classification apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The device also includes an environmentally adaptable structure, comprising: A corrosion-resistant coating covering the outer surface of the integrated waterproof housing (6).
9. The modular, processed, large marine mammal acoustic signal classification apparatus of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: A quick-locking mechanism (13) that physically locks adjacent functional modules.
10. The modular, processed, large marine mammal acoustic signal classification apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The integrated waterproof housing (6) is provided with corresponding lifting rings (14) on its exterior.