METHOD FOR DETERMINING A WATER PROFILE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for determining a water profile with at least one measuring unit for recording measurement data, wherein the measuring unit is brought to a specific position of the water by means of a positioning device and the water profile is created with the measurement data, wherein at least the depth of the water is determined with the measuring unit and a depth profile of the water is created from the measurement data.

[0002] The profile of a body of water is a crucial factor in angling, as it can reveal where fish are likely to be found. Knowing the profile can therefore lead to greater success. To fish in the right spot, an important value in the profile is the water's depth. Depth sounders, often integrated into boats or ships, are typically used to determine depth. Alternatively, there are buoys that are deployed or cast out, drifting on the surface to measure the depth below the buoy. However, since these buoys float, their exact position on the water cannot be determined. Furthermore, other relevant parameters can only be recorded to a limited extent.

[0003] CN 109099854 B describes a system for determining the depth of a body of water, in which a floating body and a submersible body are to be positioned one above the other using infrared sensors and corresponding drives, and the submersible body is to sink to the deepest point of the body of water via a rope deflected by the floating body. The depth is then to be calculated using markings on the rope.

[0004] An alternative approach is described in US Patent 5,990,809 A. This patent discloses a remotely controlled underwater vehicle designed to travel along the bottom of a body of water. This vehicle is further described as having a mast structure that extends above the water surface of the body of water being surveyed. A position indicator is mounted at the top of the mast, which, based on either GPS data or environmental data, is intended to enable the calculation of a hydrographic model of the body of water, with particular emphasis on the optical measurement of depth.

[0005] The object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of buoys and, in particular, to provide anglers with a simple and cost-effective way to determine the water profile in a specific area of ​​a body of water.

[0006] This problem is solved procedurally using the features of claim 1. Further developments and advantageous embodiments are specified in the subordinate claims.

[0007] The method for determining a watercourse profile with at least one measuring unit for acquiring measurement data, wherein the measuring unit is brought to a specific position in the watercourse by means of a positioning device and the watercourse profile is created with the measurement data, wherein at least the depth of the watercourse is determined with the measuring unit and a depth profile of the watercourse is created from the measurement data, is characterized according to the invention in that the measuring unit sinks to the bottom of the watercourse at the position, that the measuring unit is dragged across the bottom of the watercourse after reaching the bottom of the watercourse, and that the measurement data are acquired while moving the measuring unit across the bottom of the watercourse.

[0008] The measuring unit, which moves along the bottom of the water body, enables the collection of measurement data at different locations along a predetermined path. The resulting water profile thus maps the values ​​determined along this path based on the collected measurement data. This path is defined by a starting position where the measuring unit sinks to the bottom and an end position, which, extending from the starting position, represents the location where the last measurement is taken. Advantageously, both the starting and end positions can be freely selected, and the resulting water profile essentially corresponds to a straight line on the water surface between the starting and end positions.

[0009] Essential to the procedure is that the determination of the water profile is carried out from a location that cannot be changed in relation to the bottom of the water body, in particular from a person located on or near the bank of the respective water body.

[0010] The measuring unit is simply pulled along the bottom of the watercourse in the direction of the positioning device. Specifically, the distance between the measuring unit and the positioning device decreases as the distance traveled along the bottom increases. No additional equipment is required for data acquisition, resulting in relatively inexpensive handling. In a further configuration, the positioning device can be designed to deploy the measuring unit to a predetermined position, which represents the starting point for recording the watercourse profile. A person performing the measurement to record the watercourse profile can then handle the positioning device and measuring unit in such a way that they, especially an angler or similar individual, do not need to change their position to carry out the measurement.The measuring unit is thus brought to or near the positioning device and the distance between the ejection point or starting point and the positioning device is recorded or stored.

[0011] Following further training, the measurement data is recorded at predetermined intervals. This ensures that the exact time of each measurement is known. For accurate data acquisition, the measuring unit only needs to cover a specific distance within the time interval between two measurements. This specific distance ensures an even distribution of individual measurements along the route and simplifies the assignment of each measurement to a specific position along that route.

[0012] As an alternative to recording measurement data at predetermined intervals, a modified version of the procedure allows for recording at individually defined intervals. "Individual" in this context means that each measurement or recording of measurement data must be individually triggered or confirmed by a person performing the measurement. "Triggered" or "confirmed" refers to the point in time to which a relevant measurement data point or measurement is to be assigned. Each measurement is thus recorded individually, and the person performing the measurement is not bound by any time constraints. To ensure that a measurement value can be assigned to each individually defined interval, it can be further stipulated that more than one measurement per second is taken during the data recording period, in particular 4-5 measurements per second. It is also possible to perform fewer measurements than one per second or exactly one measurement per second.The measurement times of the measuring unit are then advantageously displayed, particularly visually or audibly. When a measurement is displayed, a user can then set a corresponding timestamp to define a relevant measurement. The recorded data is then combined with the individually defined time intervals during evaluation.

[0013] To accurately determine the position of a measurement, it is therefore necessary to assign a defined distance to each time interval. This establishes not only the measurement time but also its position. A simple way to do this is to determine the distance by counting the number of turns of a cord on the positioning device, to which the measuring unit is attached during the determination of the watercourse profile. The number of turns is directly dependent on the circumference of the coil onto which the cord is wound. One turn of the coil thus has a length equal to the circumference of the coil, with this length corresponding to the distance the measuring unit was moved across the watercourse bed. The circumference of the coil must then be taken into account when determining and evaluating the measurement data.

[0014] The evaluation and display of the measurement data or the watercourse profile is advantageously carried out using an evaluation and display program that can process the measurement data acquired by the measuring unit. This evaluation and display program is synchronized with the measuring unit after further training prior to determining the watercourse profile. Synchronization ensures that the measuring unit and the evaluation and display program are in sync and that the acquired measurement data is displayed correctly by the evaluation and display program.

[0015] The synchronization of the measuring unit with the evaluation and display program advantageously includes all parameters relevant to the measurement. Relevant parameters include, in particular, the starting position of the path, the end position of the path, the time intervals at which measurement data is to be recorded, and the distance to be covered between two measurements. An important parameter for determining the path is, for example, the circumference of the coil. After further training, the settings required for acquiring measurement data can be entered, specifically inputted, output, and processed, via the evaluation and display program. Synchronization then occurs after the parameters have been entered.

[0016] Furthermore, it is provided that the time of a measurement is indicated by the evaluation and display program, or by a functional unit on which the evaluation and display program is executed, particularly by an audible signal. This allows the person performing the measurement to easily move the measuring unit along the path across the riverbed at the specified time intervals. In a further refinement, the time of a measurement is defined as the point in time at which the respective measurement is completed.

[0017] In the case of alternative data acquisition, a corresponding display option for the time of the specified measurement can be omitted, since the time or time interval is determined by the direct input of the time to be measured in the evaluation and display programs and cannot be specified otherwise.

[0018] The measurement data collected by moving the measuring unit across the riverbed is read, processed, and prepared for the user by the evaluation and display program after further training, particularly via an NFC interface. This also applies to the storage of previously created river profiles, which can be accessed later, so that a measurement at a location only needs to be carried out once. Repeat measurements are only necessary if significant changes to the riverbed or other relevant parameters are expected. The NFC interface provides a technically simple way to transmit the measurement data contactlessly from the measuring unit to the evaluation and display program, thus facilitating a waterproof design for the measuring unit.

[0019] As an alternative to the NFC interface, other transmission methods are also suitable. In particular, transmission methods can be used for the measurement data in which the data is sent to the evaluation and display program immediately after acquisition. The processing and acquisition of the measurement data by the measuring unit then advantageously occur simultaneously. The water profile can then be calculated directly and displayed to a user. The person using the method can then, if necessary, make changes to the parameters even during the measurement process.

[0020] Of particular interest when creating a watercourse profile is usually the depth of the water body. Therefore, after further training, the depth of the water is determined using a measuring unit, and a depth profile is created from the measurement data. This depth profile can, for example, reveal where along the watercourse fish are likely to be found. An angler using this method can then cast their fishing line to the corresponding location and has a greater chance of a successful catch.

[0021] In addition to the depth of the body of water, other factors may be of interest. Therefore, as an alternative or further development, it is envisaged that the measuring unit will record at least one of the following parameters—temperature, oxygen content, or nitrate concentration—as measurement data and incorporate it into the water profile. It is possible to record each parameter individually or to use a measuring unit that records several or all of the parameters simultaneously.

[0022] The invention further relates to a device for determining a water profile, particularly according to the aforementioned method, comprising at least one measuring unit for acquiring measurement data, wherein the measuring unit is connected to a positioning device. This device is characterized in that the measuring unit has at least one communication interface and at least one power supply, which together with at least one sensor of the measuring unit are housed in a waterproof casing, that the measuring unit has at least one pressure sensor, and that the measuring unit has a minimum weight that allows it to sink to the bottom of a body of water. The combination of measuring unit and positioning device ensures that the measuring unit can be handled with the positioning device after sinking to the bottom of the body of water and can be pulled along the bottom.By dragging the measuring unit across the bottom of the body of water, the measuring unit can be moved along a specific route, so that the water profile can be determined for a specific section of the body of water.

[0023] The minimum weight of the measuring unit can be achieved either through the necessary components of the measuring unit or through a weight integrated into it, particularly a cast-in weight. Alternatively, the measuring unit can also be weighted using commercially available weights, especially those from fishing supply stores. If these commercially available weights are used, an eyelet or similar feature must be provided on the measuring unit to which the corresponding weights can be attached.

[0024] Following further training, the measuring unit is assigned an evaluation and display program for the device, which preferably exchanges data wirelessly with the measuring unit via its communication interface. This wireless data exchange simplifies the construction of the waterproof housing for the measuring unit, as no data exchange connections are required. Furthermore, connecting the measuring unit to an evaluation and display program eliminates the need for a display unit on the measuring unit itself, resulting in a more compact and cost-effective design.

[0025] A suitable standard for the communication interface could, in a further development, be an NFC interface. However, it should be noted that other data transmission standards, in particular those yet to be developed, are also encompassed by the invention, enabling wireless or wired transmission of the measurement data.

[0026] After further training, the evaluation and display program can be installed and executed on a functional unit that has a suitable communication interface for communicating with the measuring unit and means for processing and displaying the measurement data. Preferably, the functional unit is a portable, processor-controlled device and / or a device with a screen, such as a smartphone, tablet, notebook, or the like, on which the evaluation and display program is installed as software or an app.

[0027] Furthermore, the measuring unit and the evaluation and display program are advantageously characterized by the fact that they can be synchronized with each other for the acquisition of measurement data, in particular time-synchronized. This effectively counteracts measurement inaccuracies, especially those based on a time offset between the measuring unit and the evaluation and display program.

[0028] To organize the processes occurring within the measuring unit, it is further stipulated that it must include at least one microcontroller. The microcontroller then establishes the connection between the NFC interface and one or more sensors of the measuring unit, which acquire the measurement data. Furthermore, the microcontroller can temporarily store the acquired measurement data and controls the previously synchronized measurement times.

[0029] Following further development, the measuring unit has its own power supply for its processes. This can be achieved by integrating a rechargeable battery or a standard battery into the housing. If a rechargeable battery is used, the measuring unit can also be equipped with charging ports. Additionally, a compartment for the rechargeable battery or standard battery can be accessible for replacement. However, for the sake of a simple and cost-effective waterproof housing, the power supply can also be permanently installed. This is particularly feasible because the components of the measuring unit have low energy consumption and are typically only used for short periods. To further reduce energy consumption, a push button or on / off switch can also be provided on the measuring unit.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the positioning device has at least one coil for a line, wherein the number of turns of the coil corresponds to a specific distance traveled by the line, and the measuring unit is attached to the line at the end opposite the coil. In particular, the positioning device can be a fishing rod or the like. Using the known circumference of the coil, the distance traveled by the measuring unit along the bottom of the body of water while acquiring the measurement data can then be calculated without further aids.

[0031] Following further training, the positioning device remains at a specific, fixed position relative to the body of water being surveyed for the duration of the water profile recording. Specifically, this position is a person on or near the bank with the positioning device, with the person's position serving as the reference point to which the measurement data is referenced. The measuring unit can thus be moved along the path, thereby reducing the distance to the positioning device.

[0032] By giving the measuring unit a streamlined shape, it is ensured that it can be easily dragged across the bottom of the water body. This effectively prevents it from snagging on plants growing on the bottom. Preferably, the streamlined shape is teardrop-shaped, with its center of gravity advantageously located at the end opposite the positioning device or the connection to the positioning device.

[0033] Furthermore, the measuring unit can be characterized by the fact that, due to its shape, weight and / or dimensions, it can be cast more than 100 m, especially more than 150 m, with the positioning device, in particular a fishing rod.

[0034] After further development, the measuring unit will have at least one pressure sensor with which the water depth can be determined. The water profile will then be at least a depth profile of the water body, whereby the water depth can provide information about where fish prefer to stay. In a further embodiment, the pressure sensor can be integrated into the measuring unit in such a way that the casing is formed, at least in part, by a membrane, in particular a gel-based membrane, of the pressure sensor.

[0035] Other parameters, particularly relevant for fishing, can be determined using, for example, a temperature sensor, an oxygen sensor, or a nitrate sensor. The device can therefore have a single sensor or a combination of these sensors, depending on which data is to be recorded. All sensors and data to be recorded have in common that they are measured directly at the location where the data is needed.

[0036] An embodiment of the invention, from which further essential features of the invention may emerge, is shown in the drawing. Identical parts are designated with the same reference numerals in all figures. The figures show: Figure 1: a perspective view of a measuring unit without its enclosure; and Figure 2: a schematic representation of a sequence of the method based on an evaluation and display program according to the invention, divided into the individual representations 2a to 2e of a user interface.

[0037] The perspective view, which shows a measuring unit 1 without its enclosure, reveals the individual components to be arranged within the enclosure. These components are a communication interface 2 formed by an antenna 2' with NFC standard, a pressure sensor 3, a microcontroller 4, an on / off switch 5, and a power supply 6. All these components are arranged on a circuit board 7 and interconnected accordingly, so that the measurement data acquired by the pressure sensor 3 can be transmitted via the communication interface 2 and the antenna 2' to an evaluation and display program. The necessary processes are controlled by the microcontroller 4.

[0038] This evaluation and display program is shown in the following illustrations of the Figure 2 demonstrated. The Figure 2This is divided into individual representations 2a to 2e of a user interface for the evaluation and display program. The evaluation and display program is executed on a corresponding functional unit with a display area, communication interface 2 for communication with the measuring unit 1, and a means of entering commands. Not in Figure 2 The image shows a user interface that appears after opening the evaluation and display program, prompting the user to register or log in to the evaluation and display program.

[0039] The evaluation and display program can then show various examples in the Figure 2aThe settings shown can be configured. In field 8, you can select or enter the body of water for which the water profile is to be created, and in field 9, you can enter a coil to be used for the measurement. Alternatively, instead of specifying a particular coil, one coil rotation can also be defined as a specific path length. The starting position of a path length in the water profile is entered in field 10, and the planned end position in field 11. Furthermore, the step size, i.e., the distance between two measurements along the path length, is defined in field 12. The path length is defined in fields 10 to 12 by coil rotations, with the path length associated with one coil rotation being determined by field 8.Finally, the times for the measurements are determined, that is, the time of the first measurement after the start of a series of measurements in field 13 and the time interval between the following measurements in field 14, each in seconds.

[0040] Further settings can be configured in submenus accessible via the main menu, which are not shown here. For example, you can save different sized coils, optionally upload photos or maps of a particular body of water, or specify whether measurements are being taken in fresh or salt water.

[0041] The determination of the water profile itself then takes place in a subsequent menu, whereby after clicking on this, the user interface displays the relevant information. Figure 2bA message will appear indicating that you need to prepare, and a countdown of 15 minutes will begin, corresponding to the entered time until the first measurement. Subsequent measurements will then be displayed in a later user interface according to... Figure 2c displayed, again showing a countdown of 16 until the next measurement. The user interface according to Figure 2c Figure 17 also shows an overview of the measurements taken, Figure 18, the next measurement, Figure 19 and the measurements to follow. Figure 20

[0042] Finally, after the measurement series has been carried out according to Figure 2, an overview 21 of all measurements is provided, and in field 22, the user is prompted to read out the measuring unit 1. This is done by transferring the measurement data from measuring unit 1 to the evaluation and display program via the communication interface 2. Alternatively, if a faulty measurement series is suspected or if the measurement is prematurely terminated, the creation of the watercourse profile can be aborted in field 23. After the transfer, a created watercourse profile 24 is then displayed accordingly. Figure 2e This is represented in a diagram. In the example shown, this is a depth profile of the water body. The diagram of the water body profile 24 contains, in this example, a graphical representation of the riverbed 25 as a line. Position data 26 of the path length, in the form of a distance in meters and the corresponding winding revolutions, are assigned to this line below the diagram.

[0043] This water profile 24 can be saved and recalled for further fishing trips using the evaluation and display program.

[0044] All features mentioned in the foregoing description and in the claims can be combined in any selection with the features of the independent claims. The disclosure of the invention is therefore not limited to the described combinations of features; rather, all combinations of features meaningful within the scope of the invention are to be considered disclosed.

Claims

1. A method for determining a watercourse profile (24) with at least one measuring unit (1) for acquiring measurement data, wherein the measuring unit (1) is moved to a certain position of the watercourse by means of a positioning device and the watercourse profile (24) is generated with the measurement data, wherein at least the depth of the watercourse is determined with the measuring unit (1) and a depth profile of the watercourse is generated from the measurement data, characterized in that the measuring unit (1) sinks at the position until it reaches a watercourse bed (25), that the measuring unit (1) is dragged over the watercourse bed (25) after reaching the watercourse bed, and that the measurement data is acquired during the movement of the measuring unit (1) over the watercourse bed (25).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring unit (1) is pulled over the watercourse bed (25) in the direction of the positioning device with the positioning device, particularly such that the distance of the measuring unit (1) from the positioning device is reduced with increasing distance while the measuring unit is pulled over the watercourse bed (25).

3. The method according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the measurement data is recorded in predetermined time intervals or that the measurement data is acquired in time intervals to be defined individually.

4. The method according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that a distance to be defined is assigned to the time intervals.

5. The method according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the distance is determined based on coil turns of a cord of the positioning device, to which the measuring unit (1) is attached during the determination of the watercourse profile (24).

6. The method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the measuring unit (1) is synchronized with an evaluation and display program prior to the determination of the watercourse profile (24) .

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that adjustments required for the acquisition of measurement data are input, particularly input and output, especially input and output and processed, by means of the evaluation and display program.

8. The method according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the point in time of a measurement (18, 19, 20) is indicated, particularly indicated acoustically, by the evaluation and display program or by a functional unit, on which the evaluation and display program is executed, during the acquisition of the measurement data.

9. The method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one of the parameters temperature, oxygen content or nitrate value is acquired as measurement data with the measuring unit (1) and incorporated into the watercourse profile (24).