Detection device and echo image generation method for generating echo trails of moving objects according to pulse width

Abstract

The present invention provides a detection device and an echo image generation method for generating echo trails for multiple pulse widths. [Solution] An antenna (316) receives echo information (317) of a transmitted wave (252) from a ship (202) to a target (204). An echo image generation unit (406) is configured to generate multiple processed echo information sets from the received echo information (317). The received echo information (317) corresponds to a first pulse width of the echo trail. Multiple processed echo information sets, including multiple echo trails ET(1) to ET(N) of the target 204, are stored in at least one storage unit (602, 408). One of the multiple echo trails ET(1) to ET(N) is selected by a selection unit (410) based on a second pulse width set by the user. A synthesis unit (412) synthesizes a display output (334) based on the selected echo trail.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to moving object detection technology, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for generating echo trails of a moving object in accordance with a plurality of predefined selectable pulse widths. Background

[0002] Moving bodies in marine environments such as ships, vessels, barges and boats are generally used for various applications around the world, including the transportation of people and cargo. Devices used for detection, distance measurement and monitoring, such as radar (RADAR) and sonar (SONAR) systems, mounted on moving bodies or fixed (land / marine) monitoring stations are used to identify moving and stationary objects in the marine environment. Such devices transmit electromagnetic waves (in the case of radar) or ultrasonic waves (in the case of sonar), and scan the marine environment to detect surrounding and nearby objects and moving bodies. Electromagnetic waves or ultrasonic waves are reflected from a target object (e.g., a target ship), and the received reflected electromagnetic waves or ultrasonic waves are called "echoes". An echo is generally regarded as a signal containing information such as the distance, speed, direction, position and traveling direction of the target object. Detection devices such as radar and sonar can identify the position, direction, moving speed, etc. of the target object from echo information.

[0003] The position of an object can be displayed on the screen superimposed on the echo trail. An echo trail is a motion trajectory created by superimposing multiple echoes received from multiple radar or sonar scans, and is a technology that visually represents the movement of surrounding objects (e.g., path and speed). Information such as the direction and speed of a moving object can be acquired and displayed in virtually real time. Echo trails are extremely useful for real-time evaluation of maritime traffic in a pre-set vicinity, whether the user is on a ship or barge, or at a fixed monitoring station. Echo trails can be either relative or true (absolute) trajectories. A relative echo trail shows the relative motion between the user and the object. This allows for the early detection of collision risk. Furthermore, by combining a relative echo trail with a true vector, the relative motion of other objects such as other ships can be visualized. A true echo trail presents the true (absolute) motion trajectory based on the speed and course of the object. The display duration of the echo trail can be adjusted according to the user's requirements. For example, the user can set the duration of the target being monitored, i.e., the duration of the displayed echo trail. The user can also set the pulse width depending on the target that needs to be monitored. Pulse width refers to the time interval between the rising and falling edges of a single-energy pulse. The electromagnetic waves or ultrasound reflected from the target are a function of the pulse's peak energy, pulse width, and pulse repetition frequency. Based on the newly set pulse width, the echo trail and echoes of the target are displayed on the display.

[0004] However, conventional systems and methods for generating and displaying echo trails have several drawbacks. For example, if the user changes the pulse width, the echo trail partially disappears or deteriorates for a certain period, making it difficult to determine the echo trail within the newly set display range. In this regard, several solutions have been proposed to at least partially address the above drawbacks. Some of the proposed solutions are shown below.

[0005] For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,768,447B2 discloses a method and apparatus for processing detection signals. This method includes recording a detection image detected within a first detection range and outputting the detection image to a display unit. It also includes recording additional information displayed on the screen and outputting the additional information to the display unit. When the first detection range is changed to a second detection range, a new image is generated from the recorded detection image using an image manipulation calculation function. The resulting image is adapted to the new scale (display range) of the second detection range. The generated image is recorded. The recorded additional information is adjusted to the new scale of the changed range, and the generated additional information is recorded. In this method, even if additional information is added to the new scale, the time required to process the additional information can cause degradation or loss of the echo trail. Furthermore, in this method, the motion trajectory degrades each time the display area is repeatedly changed. In some cases, the motion trajectory may become discontinuous due to the use of different settings (e.g., pulse width) in different display areas.

[0006] Patent Document 1: United States Patent Publication No. US 7,768,447B2

[0007] Figure 1A shows a block diagram of a signal processing unit 100 that processes echo information 102 in a conventional radar system based on prior art. Echoes received from an object (not shown in Figure 1) include echo information 102 indicating the distance, speed, direction, and position of the object, and are received by the antenna 104. A storage unit 106 stores the received echo information 102, and a synthesizer unit 108 synthesizes the echo and the echo trail into a display output 110. The display output 110 is displayed on the display unit 112. If the user changes display parameters such as the display range, echo trail width, and echo trail time interval, inconsistencies (or discontinuities) in the echo trail width may occur on the display unit 112. The radar system is configured to enlarge / reduce or erase the stored echo trail when the user changes the pulse width. Therefore, immediately after changing the pulse width, image quality degradation or partial disappearance (loss) of the echo trail may occur, making it difficult for the user to objectively verify the information contained in the echo trail.

[0008] Figure 1B shows a schematic diagram of the display output (e.g., 120, 130, 140) including the echo trail and echoes in a conventional radar system, according to prior art. By changing the pulse width of the transmitted electromagnetic wave, the width of the received echo changes. In conventional radar, previously saved echo trails are not rescaled to the new pulse width, so trails of different widths temporarily coexist, hindering immediate decision-making. In this method, the echo trail 122 of the previously set pulse width is displayed together with the echo trail of the newly set pulse width. The echo trail 122 of the previously set pulse width disappears after a certain period of time. Therefore, because two echo trails are displayed simultaneously, it is difficult to determine the status of the target until the echo trail 122 of the previous pulse width disappears. Pulse width refers to the distance between the rising and falling edges of a single energy pulse. The electromagnetic wave reflected from the target depends on the peak energy of the pulse, the pulse width, and the pulse repetition frequency. Increasing the pulse width increases the amount of reflected energy from the target object, thereby extending the distance at which the object can be detected.

[0009] As shown in Figure 1B, display output 120 represents an echo trail image having an echo trail 122 and an echo 124 of the target object. Display output 120 corresponds to the current pulse width (within a preset display range) in the display unit. When the user changes the pulse width to a new pulse width, degradation and loss of the echo trail image occur in display output 120. For example, if the pulse width is increased, the echo trail image shows a new echo 134 and echo trails 122 and 132, as shown in display output 130. Echo trails 122 and 132 represent the echo trails of the previous and new pulse widths, respectively. If the pulse width is decreased, the echo trail image newly displays an echo 144 and echo trails 122 and 142, as shown in display output 140. Echo trails 122 and 142 represent the echo trails of the previous and new pulse widths, respectively. Figure 1B also shows the antenna positions in display outputs 120, 130, and 140. Therefore, instead of displaying only the echoes and echo trails for the selected pulse width, the echoes and echo trails for previously set pulse widths are also displayed. This makes tracking and locating the target difficult.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for technologies that reduce the occurrence of degradation or loss of echo trail images, allow users to easily determine the situation immediately after pulse width changes, and provide other technical advantages. Overview

[0011] To solve the above problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides a method that includes receiving echo information of multiple transmitted waves from a target on a ship using an antenna. The method further includes generating multiple processed echo information sets from the received echo information, the received echo information corresponding to multiple predefined selectable pulse widths and a user-defined display range. The method further includes storing the multiple processed echo information sets. The multiple processed echo information sets include multiple echo trails corresponding to multiple predefined selectable pulse widths (in a predefined display range) of the target. Furthermore, it includes selecting an echo trail from the storage unit from multiple echo trails based on a second pulse width set by the user (e.g., the observer of the display unit). The second pulse width is set from multiple predefined selectable pulse widths. Furthermore, it includes synthesizing a display output based on the selected echo trail.

[0012] In one embodiment, the method further includes displaying a display output that includes a selected echo trail.

[0013] In one embodiment, the method further includes accepting a second pulse width set by the user.

[0014] In one embodiment, the method further includes the user setting a second pulse width, which changes the first pulse width to the second pulse width.

[0015] In one embodiment, the method further includes processing the echo information to generate a set of processed echo information corresponding to a set of predefined selectable pulse widths based on the received echo information.

[0016] In one embodiment, this method further includes generating a set of processed echo information from received echo information for a pulse width arbitrarily selected from a set of predefined selectable pulse widths.

[0017] In one embodiment, the method further includes generating a validation dataset containing a plurality of processed echo information sets and received echo information.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method further includes generating a set of echo information that has been processed by scaling, filtering, matching, linear interpolation, or linear extrapolation.

[0019] In one embodiment, a system (detection device) for generating echo images is disclosed. The system includes an antenna that receives echo information of multiple transmitted waves from a target vessel. The system also includes an echo image generation unit configured to generate multiple processed echo information sets from the received echo information. The multiple processed echo information sets correspond to a pulse width and display range selected by the user from a plurality of predefined selectable pulse widths. Furthermore, the system includes a storage unit that stores the multiple processed echo information sets, where the multiple processed echo information sets include multiple echo trails of the target. The system also includes a selection unit that selects one echo trail from the storage unit based on a second pulse width set by the user. The second pulse width is set from a plurality of predefined selectable pulse widths. Furthermore, the system includes a synthesis unit that synthesizes display outputs based on the selected echo trail.

[0020] In one embodiment, the system further includes a display unit that displays a display output including a selected echo trail.

[0021] In one embodiment, this system The system further includes a user interface that accepts a second pulse width set by the user.

[0022] In one embodiment, the user changes the first pulse width to a second pulse width.

[0023] In one embodiment, the echo image generation unit is further configured to process the echo information in order to generate a plurality of processed echo information sets for a plurality of predefined selectable pulse widths based on the received echo information.

[0024] In one embodiment, the echo image generation unit is further configured to generate a processed echo information set from received echo information for a pulse width arbitrarily selected from a plurality of predefined selectable pulse widths.

[0025] In one embodiment, the echo image generation unit is configured to generate multiple processed echo information sets by performing one or more of the following steps: scaling, filtering, matching, linear interpolation, and linear extrapolation of echo information.

[0026] In one embodiment, the synthesis unit is further configured to generate a validation dataset that includes a plurality of processed echo information sets and received echo information.

[0027] The advantage of the various embodiments is that they provide a display output without degradation or loss of echo trail images, even when the pulse width is changed by the user.

[0028] The above summary is illustrative and not limiting in any way. Further examples, embodiments, and features will become apparent by referring to the drawings and the following detailed description, in addition to the above examples, embodiments, and features.

[0029] The present invention provides a detection device that generates echo trails and an echo image generation method. Using a plurality of pieces of echo information received from a plurality of radar or sonar scans, echo trails of target objects such as surrounding ships are generated for a plurality of different pulse widths. The generated echo trails are stored in a storage unit. When the pulse width is changed to a different value, a stored echo trail corresponding to the newly set pulse width is selected and displayed on a display unit. This reduces the occurrence of degradation or disappearance of echo trail images, and allows a user to easily monitor the surrounding environment without significant delay or waiting time after changing the display range. In this regard, the user may be located on a mobile barge or a mobile ship, or the user may be stationed at a fixed (land-based / ocean-based) monitoring station or the like. The above summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the above examples and embodiments and features, further examples, embodiments and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0030] The accompanying drawings are included to promote a further understanding of the present invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings show exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and explain the principles of the present invention in conjunction with the description. In the accompanying drawings, identical or similar reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, further illustrate the disclosed embodiments, and explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments in conjunction with the detailed description of the disclosure.

[0031] The following detailed description of embodiments is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Exemplary configurations of the disclosure are shown in the drawings to illustrate the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular apparatus or tools or means disclosed herein. Furthermore, the drawings are not to scale. Figure 1A shows a simplified block diagram of a signal processing unit for echo processing in a conventional radar system. Figure 1B shows a schematic diagram of an echo and echo trail in a conventional radar system. Figure 2A shows an example of an environment related to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2B shows another example of the environment of Figure 2A related to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 shows a simplified block diagram of a detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of various inputs to the signal processing unit in a detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of echoes received for a number of predefined selectable pulse widths in a detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a simplified block diagram of a signal processing unit for echo processing in a detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of exemplary processing included in the signal processing unit for echo processing in a detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 8A and 8B show examples of echo display output in a detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8C shows an example of echo display output in a conventional detection device. Figure 9 shows a flowchart of a method for generating an echo image according to an embodiment of the present invention. Description of Embodiments

[0032] The embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings are described in detail below. The embodiments are described with sufficient detail to clearly communicate the present invention. However, the degree of detail provided is not intended to limit the expected variations of the embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

[0033] The following description includes many specific details to help you fully understand the invention for illustrative purposes. However, the invention is implementable without these specific details. It should be understood that the specific values ​​and configurations discussed in the following non-limiting examples are modifiable and are cited only to illustrate at least one embodiment, and are not intended to limit the scope.

[0034] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to a detection device and an echo image generation method for generating echo trails of moving objects for a plurality of predefined selectable pulse widths. A detection device, such as a radar or sonar device, installed on a ship or at a fixed monitoring station in the ocean or coast, receives echo information containing multiple echoes from a target object and performs processing of the echo information (e.g., scaling, enlargement, reduction, linear interpolation). The echo information of the received echoes is processed, and a plurality of processed echo information sets corresponding to a plurality of predefined selectable pulse widths are generated. The generated processed echo information sets are stored in a memory unit. When the user changes the pulse width from one value to another, the echo trail corresponding to the newly set pulse width is retrieved from the memory unit and displayed on the display unit. This reduces the occurrence of degradation or loss of the echo trail image due to the change in pulse width, and allows the user to easily evaluate the environment around the ship without significant delay or waiting time after the pulse width change. The pulse width is changed from the current pulse width of the echo trail to one of a plurality of predefined selectable pulse widths.

[0035] Multiple predefined selectable pulse widths correspond to a display range pre-set by the user. Therefore, a set of echo trails corresponding to multiple predefined selectable pulse widths is stored in the memory for the currently set display range. When the user changes the pulse width from one selectable value to another, the echo trail of the newly set pulse width can be easily retrieved from the memory, and the display output of the newly set pulse width, including the echo and echo trail, is displayed on the display. The multiple predefined selectable pulse widths are not limited to small, medium, or large width sizes of the transmitted wave (e.g., electromagnetic wave) (e.g., S1, S2, M1, M2, M3, L1), nor are the display ranges limited to, for example, 1.5 NM, 3 NM, 12 NM, etc. (NM represents nautical miles). Various embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to Figures 2A, 2B to 9.

[0036] In this invention, the memory unit can store one or more pulse widths corresponding to a display range set by the user. Based on the received echo information, a set of echo trails corresponding to one or more pulse widths and a preset display range is generated by the signal processing unit of the detection device and stored in the memory unit. If the pulse width is changed from a selectable value to another value, the echo trail of the newly set pulse width can be retrieved from the memory unit and displayed to the user.

[0037] The term "echo trail" is used interchangeably with terms such as "multiple echo trails," "multiple hypothetical echo trails," and "multiple processed echo information sets." Similarly, the term "pulse width" is used interchangeably with terms such as "set of pulse widths" and "multiple pulse widths."

[0038] Figure 2A shows an example of an environment 200 relating to several embodiments of the present invention. The environment 200 is a marine environment 200 including, for example, one or more vessels (e.g., ships) navigating a body of water (e.g., the sea). The marine environment 200 includes one or more mobile bodies 202, 204, 206, 208, and 210. The marine environment 200 also includes a communication base station 212 and a communication network station 214. The communication base station 212 and the communication network station 214 are connected to each of the one or more mobile bodies 202, 204, 206, 208, and 210 at least by radio communication. In this regard, in order to generate an echo trail, any of the communication base station 212, the communication network station 214, and one or more vessels 202, 204, 206, 208, and 210 can function as observation stations, and the remaining one or more vessels 202, 204, 206, 208, and 210 can function as targets. For example, if either the communication base station 212 or the communication network station 214 functions as an observation station, then all of the multiple vessels 204, 206, 208, and 210 function as target objects. Alternatively, if one or more mobile bodies (e.g., vessel 202) functions as an observation station, then the remaining one or more mobile bodies 202, 204, 206, 208, and 210, i.e., mobile bodies 204, 206, 208, and 210, function as target objects for generating echo trails. However, the communication base station 212 and the communication network station 214 may not be considered target objects because they are assumed to be stationary relative to the inertial reference frame.

[0039] In this regard, observation stations (e.g., vessel 202) may be equipped with a detection device 250. The detection device 250 may be selected from a group consisting of radar and sonar systems. The detection device 250 is used to identify moving objects (e.g., vessels 204, 206, aircraft 210) and stationary targets (e.g., vessel 208), and other systems (not shown) in the marine environment.

[0040] The vessel 202 is associated with a communication base station 212 and a communication network station 214. The communication base station 212 and the communication network station 214 are communicated with the vessel 202 via either wired or wireless communication.

[0041] The communication base station 212 functions as a central connection point for wireless devices to communicate. Equipped with a fixed transceiver, the communication base station 212 serves as a primary communication hub for mobile entities (e.g., ships 204, 206, and aircraft 210), stationary targets (e.g., ship 208), and other systems (not shown) within the marine environment 200. The communication base station 212 may include one or more receiving / transmitting antennas, microwave antennas, electronic circuits, etc., used to handle traffic such as cellular communication traffic, data communication traffic, and signaling communication traffic. It functions as a bridge between communication devices and systems within the marine environment 200, including one or more mobile entities (e.g., ships 204, 206, and aircraft 210), stationary targets (e.g., ship 208), and other systems (not shown).

[0042] Communication network station 214 connects communication equipment and systems within the marine environment 200. In the marine environment 200, communication equipment and systems include one or more moving objects (e.g., ships 204, 206, aircraft 210), stationary targets (e.g., ship 208), and other systems (Figure They are installed in, but are not limited to, locations (not shown). In one embodiment, communication devices and systems within the marine environment 200 include devices used for detection, ranging, and monitoring, such as radar and sonar systems mounted on mobile or fixed monitoring stations. Communication is usually carried out via radio means, such as radio channels in telecommunications or computer networks. Communication network stations 214 are used to transfer information, such as digital bitstreams, from one or more senders to one or more receivers. Communication network stations 214 have a certain capacity for transmitting information, which is often measured by bandwidth in Hz or data rate in bits per second.

[0043] The detection devices 250 and other communication devices and systems within the marine environment 200 communicate with each other and with the communication base station 212 via the communication network station 214. In some embodiments, the communication network station 214 functions as a dual-function radar communication base station (DFBS). In a DFBS system, the communication base station 212 functions as a central connection point for radio communication devices and receives echo signals reflected from targets as a detection device such as radar.

[0044] The detection device 250 includes components that detect objects (whether static or dynamic) within a predetermined display range of the vessel 202 (functioning as an observation station) and determine one or more parameters related to the detected object 204. The one or more parameters related to the detected object 204 are not limited to position information, movement information, direction, or speed.

[0045] Figure 2B shows another embodiment of the marine environment 200 of Figure 2A relating to at least some embodiments of the present invention. The detection device 250 transmits multiple transmission waves 252 through multiple 360-degree scans. The multiple transmission waves 252 reach one or more target objects 204, 206, 208, and 210 and are reflected from one or more target objects 204, 206, 208, and 210. The reflected waves from the vessel 204 correspond to the multiple transmission waves 252, for example, called echo 254, and are received by the vessel 202.

[0046] Figure 3 shows a simplified block diagram of a detection device 250 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The detection device 250 comprises a transmitter 300, a receiver 302, a display unit 304, and a user interface (UI) 306. The transmitter 300 may be, but is not limited to, a solid-state (semiconductor), magnetron, traveling wave tube, or transistor amplifier.

[0047] The transmitting unit 300 includes a waveform generator 308 for generating a low-power transmission signal (e.g., radio waves) (e.g., transmission wave 252). The transmission wave 252 is transmitted from an observation station (e.g., ship 202) to detect a target (e.g., target ship 204). The signal generated by the waveform generator 308 is supplied to the pulse amplifier 310. In the case of pulse radar, a magnetron is widely used as the transmitting unit, but when high average power is required, the pulse amplifier 310 is used.

[0048] The transmitting unit 300 further includes a pulse modulation unit 312. The pulse modulation unit 312 switches the pulse amplification unit 310 ON / OFF according to the input pulse generated by the waveform generation unit 308. The transmit / receive switching unit (duplexer) 314 is used to create isolation between the transmitting unit 300 and the receiving unit 302. The transmission of the transmission wave 252 by the transmitting unit 300 and the reception of the echo 254 by the receiving unit 302 can be performed using a single antenna 316, as shown in Figure 3. The transmit / receive switching unit 314 makes it possible to use the single antenna 316 for both transmission and reception purposes. Since the transmitting unit 300 and the receiving unit 302 operate at different power levels, the transmit / receive switching unit 314 separates them. Therefore, the signal from the pulse amplification unit 310 is supplied to the antenna 316 via the transmit / receive switching unit 314.

[0049] Antenna 316 also receives echoes 254 from one or more vessels 204, 206, 208, and 210. Information that can be extracted from the echoes 254 (referred to as echo information 317) may include the position, direction, and speed of one or more vessels 204, 206, and 208. Using the echo information 317, the detection device 250 can calculate the position, direction, and speed of the target 204.

[0050] An example of the receiver 302 is a superheterodyne receiver. A superheterodyne receiver is a type of radio receiver that uses frequency mixing to convert the echo 254 into a fixed intermediate frequency (IF) signal, which is easier to process than the original carrier frequency. The receiver 302 includes a radio frequency (RF) amplifier 318 (e.g., a low-noise RF amplifier). The RF amplifier 318 functions as the input stage of the receiver 302. The RF amplifier 318 generates RF pulses proportional to the echo 254 of the transmitted wave 252. In one embodiment, the RF amplifier 318 functions as the input stage of the receiver 302. In another embodiment, a mixer 320 functions as the input stage by excluding the RF amplifier 318. The mixer 320 mixes the output of the RF amplifier 318 with the output of the local oscillator 322, and the output of the mixer 320 is supplied to the intermediate frequency (IF) amplifier 324. In the IF amplifier 324, the RF pulses received from the mixer 320 are converted into an IF signal. The IF signal generated by the mixing unit 320 is amplified by the IF amplifier unit 324. The IF amplifier unit 324 functions as a matching filter, improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the echo 254. It also enhances the echo detection capability of the receiver unit 302 by reducing the influence of unwanted signals. The bandwidth of the receiver unit 302 is associated with the bandwidth of the IF amplifier unit 324.

[0051] The receiving unit 302 further includes a detection unit 326 (e.g., a crystal diode) which demodulates the echo 254 and separates the transmitted wave 252 from the carrier wave. The video amplification unit 328 amplifies the echo 254 to a level that can be displayed on the display unit 304. In one embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit 326 and the video amplification unit 328 are replaced by an analog-to-digital (AD) converter. The AD converter performs digital signal processing of the intermediate frequency signal. The threshold determination unit 330 determines the presence of the target object 204 in the marine environment 200. The threshold determination unit 330 sets a threshold that is compared with the amplitude of the transmitted wave 252. If the threshold determination unit 330 exceeds the threshold, this indicates the presence of the target object 204. Otherwise, it is presumed that the wave received by the antenna 316 contains only noise components.

[0052] The display unit 304 shows the display output 334 of the receiving unit 302. The range and position of the target object 204 are displayed on the display unit 304 by mapping them in a polar coordinate system. In one embodiment, the display unit 304 is implemented as a Planar Position Indicator (PPI) implemented with a cathode ray tube (CRT). The display output 334 modulates the electron beam of the CRT, enabling the electron beam to scan outward from the center of the CRT. This scanning represents a rotation synchronized with the orientation of the antenna 316.

[0053] Antenna 316 functions as a transceiver for transmitting a wave 252 around the vessel 202. Antenna 316 also receives echoes 254 from the target 204. Signal processing unit 332 processes the received echoes 254 and transmits echo information 317 (e.g., target position, direction, speed) to display unit 304 in the form of an echo image. The detection device 250 also includes a user interface (UI) 306 that allows the user to input display parameters. In one embodiment, the UI 306 allows the user to change the pulse width of the current echo trail in display 304 to any value selected from a plurality of predefined selectable pulse widths.

[0054] The detection device 250 processes the received echo 254 of the currently set pulse width and generates multiple hypothetical echo trails for each selectable pulse width (multiple pulse widths). The multiple hypothetical echo trails for each selectable pulse width are stored in a memory unit (not shown in Figure 2B).

[0055] A user can select a pulse width from a plurality of pulse widths using the UI 306. Based on display parameters set by the user (that is, the pulse width), the display output of the ship 204 on the display unit 304 is adjusted. The plurality of predefined selectable pulse widths are a set of pulse widths that can be selected using the detection device 250. Examples of the plurality of pulse widths are not limited to a plurality of pulse widths such as S1, S2, M1, M2, M3, and L1 (for example, S1 and S2 represent short pulse width ranges, M1, M2, and M3 represent medium pulse width ranges, L1 represents a long pulse width range, and S1<S2<M1<M2<M3<L1). Based on the selected pulse width, the display output of the target object (for example, echoes and echo trails) is displayed on the display unit 304.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the signal processing unit 332 generates a plurality of processed echo information sets from the received echo information 317. The received echo information 317 corresponds to the first pulse width of the current echo trail on the display unit 304. The first pulse width represents the current pulse width of the echo trail on the display unit 304. The user can change the pulse width by selecting a new pulse width from the plurality of pulse widths using the UI 306. The new pulse width selected by the user represents the second pulse width. That is, the user changes the pulse width from the first pulse width to the second pulse width using the UI 306. The detailed steps of echo processing performed by the signal processing unit 332 are shown in FIG. 6.

[0057] The detection device 250 is configured so that reflected transmitted waves (e.g., echoes 254) identify vessels (e.g., vessels 204, 206, 208, 210). Furthermore, the detection device 250 is configured to determine the coordinates of each target vessel (e.g., target vessels 204, 206, 208, 210) and the distance between vessel 202 and each target vessel (e.g., target vessels 204, 206, 208, 210). The distance between vessel 202 and each target vessel (e.g., target vessels 204, 206, 208, and 210) is calculated based on the time measured between the transmission of the transmitted waves 252 and the reception of the echoes 254. From the received echoes 254, the detection device 250 can extract echo information 317 such as the position, direction, and speed of one or more target objects (e.g., target vessels 204, 206, 208, 210). More specifically, the signal processing unit 332 can process the echo 254 and extract the position, direction, and velocity of one or more target objects (e.g., target vessels 204, 206, 208, 210) from the echo 254.

[0058] The signal processing unit 332 is further configured to generate multiple processed echo information sets from the received echo 254. The received echo 254 corresponds to the first pulse width of the current echo trail in the display unit 304. Multiple processed echo information sets, including multiple echo trails of an object (e.g., a ship 204), are stored in at least one storage unit (not shown in Figure 3). One of the multiple echo trails is selected by a selection unit (not shown in Figure 3) based on a second pulse width set by the user. A synthesis unit (not shown in Figure 3) synthesizes the display output 334 based on the selected echo trail. When the pulse width changes from one distinct value to another distinct value, the stored echo trail corresponding to the newly set pulse width value is selected from the stored echo trail group and displayed in the display unit 304. This reduces the occurrence of degradation or loss of the echo trail image displayed in the display unit 304.

[0059] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of various inputs 402 (e.g., position information, movement information, direction, speed) to the signal processing unit 332 of the detection device 250 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Echo information 317 is received by the detection device 250 on the vessel 202 from multiple targets 404 (e.g., moving vessels 204, 206, stationary vessel 208, aircraft 210). The detection device 250 also receives data from and transmits data to the communication base station 212. Echo information 317 is received from one or more targets (204, 206, 208, or 210) The signal processing unit 332 includes, but is not limited to, force 402. The signal processing unit 332 comprises an echo image generation unit 406, a storage unit 408, a selection unit 410, and a synthesis unit 412.

[0060] The echo image generation unit 406 is configured to generate multiple processed echo information sets from the received echo 254. The multiple processed echo information sets correspond to multiple pulse widths (also called multiple predefined selectable pulse widths) and a user-defined display range. The received echo information (317) corresponds to the first pulse width of the current echo trail in the display unit 304. Multiple processed echo information sets, including multiple echo trails of an object target (e.g., 204), are stored in at least one storage unit 408. One of the multiple echo trails is selected by the selection unit 410 based on a second pulse width set by the user. The synthesis unit 412 synthesizes the display output 334 based on the selected echo trail. The synthesis unit 412 generates a validation dataset including the multiple processed echo information sets and the received echo information 317.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing echoes (502, 504, 506, 508) received for a plurality of predefined selectable pulse widths (M1, M2, M3, M4) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The display unit 304 can be configured with two or more display ranges such as a range R1, a range R2, and a range R3, for example. A user can set a display range such as the range R1 and a pulse width such as M1, for example. In the display range R1, the user can change from the current pulse width (also referred to as a "first pulse width") to a new pulse width (also referred to as a "second pulse width", for example, S2, M2, M3). For example, when the first pulse width is M1 (S2<M1<M2<M3), the user can change the pulse width from M1 to S2. A change from M1 to S2, or from M1 to M3 is also possible. Since the display range is constant for the plurality of predetermined predefined selectable pulse widths, only the widths of echoes and echo trails are changed in accordance with the new pulse width set by the user at the display output (334). As shown in FIG. 5, the echo 502 represents an echo received for the pulse width M1 set by the user (that is, the initial pulse width). Echoes 504, 506, and 508 represent echoes (e.g., processed echo information) generated for pulse widths S1, M2, and M3, respectively. The user can change from the pulse width M1 (that is, the initial pulse width) to one or more of the pulse widths S1, M2, and M3 (that is, the second pulse width).

[0062] Figure 6 shows a simplified block diagram of a signal processing unit 332 for processing echo information 317 in a detection device 250 according to an embodiment of the present invention. For simplification, the processing of echo information 317 in the receiving unit 302 is omitted, and Figure 6 mainly describes the processing of echo information 317 in the signal processing unit 332. The signal processing unit 332 includes an echo image generation unit 406 that processes the echo information 317 received by the antenna 316. The echo image generation unit generates a plurality of processed echo information sets from the received echo information 317. The processed echo information sets represent a plurality of echo trails ET(1), ET(2) ... ET(N) (where N is an integer), each corresponding to a plurality of pulse widths. The plurality of echo trails ET(1) to ET(N) are generated based on the received echo information (317). Therefore, depending on the configuration of the detection device 250 and the settings of the display unit 304 (e.g., pulse width and display range), multiple echo trails ET(1) to ET(N) of the target object 204 are generated by the echo image generation unit 406.

[0063] The signal processing unit 332 has one or more storage units, for example, storage unit 602 and a plurality of storage units 408 (also called "storage unit 408"). Storage unit 602 stores the echo trail ET'(1) corresponding to the current pulse width, i.e., the first pulse width. The plurality of storage units 408 can be, for example, storage units 408(1), 408(2)...408(N) (where N is an integer). The echo image generation unit generates ET(N) from the plurality of echo trails ET(1) based on the received echo information 317. Each of the generated echo trails ET(1) to ET(N) of the target object 204 corresponds to a pulse width selectable in the signal processing unit 332. The generated echo trails ET(1) to ET(N) of the target object 204 are stored in the corresponding storage units (602, 408)(1) to 408(N), respectively. Multiple echo trails ET(1) to ET(N), corresponding to multiple predefined selectable pulse widths, can correspond to a user-defined display range.

[0064] When a user changes the pulse width using UI306, that is, when changing from the first pulse width to the second pulse width, the selector 410 selects the corresponding echo trail (one of the echo trails ET(1) to ET(N)) stored in the corresponding memory unit (for example, one of the memory units (602, 408)(1) to 408(N)). The echo trail (one of ET(1), ET(2) ... ET(N)) selected based on the second pulse width (i.e., the newly set pulse width) is displayed on the display unit 304 as display output 334.

[0065] The multiple display ranges are pre-set based on the specifications of either or both of the detection device 250 and the display unit 304. The device specifications are not limited to the operating range of the detection device 250, the processing speed of the signal processing unit 332 and the echo image generation unit 406, or the frequency of the transmitted wave from the waveform generation unit 308.

[0066] The synthesis unit 412 displays a display output 334 based on the selected echo trail. The display output 334 includes echo information 317 and the echo trail selected based on the new pulse width. Thus, delay, degradation, and loss of the echo trail can be avoided when changing the pulse width (for example, when changing from a first pulse width to a second pulse width). This is because the echo trails of the selected pulse widths are already stored in the memory units 408(1), 408(2)...408(N), and can be easily retrieved and displayed on the display unit 304. In one embodiment of the present invention, the memory units (602, 408)(1)~408(N) store a plurality of widths for each echo trail ET(1)~ET(N). The echo trails ET(1)~ET(N) correspond to a plurality of predefined selectable pulse widths of the transmitted wave of the detection device 250 (e.g., radar device).

[0067] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of processing 700 in which a signal processing unit 332 is involved in processing echoes 254 in a detection device 250, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The signal processing unit 332 processes a plurality of echo information 702 corresponding to each pulse width from echo information 317 (obtained from echo 254) received from an object target (e.g., 204). The processing unit 332 generates a plurality of echo information 702 corresponding to the entire pulse width from the received echo information 317. Since the echo trails ET(1), ET(2) ... ET(N) corresponding to the entire pulse width of the received echo trail are readily available from each storage unit 408(1), 408(2) ... 408(N), the echo trail of the pulse width selected by the user is immediately displayed on the display unit 304 without delay. This reduces the occurrence of degradation or loss of the echo trail image and makes it easier to judge the situation immediately after changing the pulse width.

[0068] An example of the processing performed by the echo image generation unit 406 for each selectable pulse width is as follows, but is not limited to: Echo scaling: including enlarging or shrinking the echo for each selectable pulse width; Image filtering: to smooth the echo after echo scaling; and Echo size processing: processing to match the corresponding pulse width set for each display range.

[0069] Echo sizing processing includes, but is not limited to, linear interpolation and linear extrapolation. Linear interpolation is a useful technique for constructing new data points within a range of known discrete data points. Therefore, new pulse widths between known pulse widths can be found using linear interpolation. Linear extrapolation forms tangents to the ends of known data and extends beyond those ends. Therefore, new pulse widths beyond the known pulse widths can be calculated using linear extrapolation. This allows the detection device 250 to operate with a wider range of predefined pulse widths.

[0070] Figures 8A and 8B show embodiments of the echo trail display outputs 800 and 810 in the detection device 250 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figures 8A and 8B, the pulse width is changed from M1 to M3. Display output 800 represents the echo trail at pulse width M1. Display output 810 represents the echo trail at pulse width M3 (after the change from M1). It is clear that there is no degradation or loss of the echo trail image, and the user can easily determine the status of the target immediately after the pulse width change.

[0071] Figure 8C shows an example of the display output 820 of the echo trail in a conventional detection device. In a conventional detection device, display output 820 represents the echo trail with pulse width M3 (changed from M1) in the conventional method (see Figure 1B). It is clear that the pulse width of M1 appears together with the pulse width of M3 in the echo trail image, making it difficult for the user to judge the status of the target object. Figures 8A to 8C also show the position of the antenna (e.g., antenna 316) in display outputs 800, 810, and 820.

[0072] Figure 9 shows a flowchart of a method 900 for generating an echo image according to an embodiment of the present invention. The operations in the flowchart of method 900, and combinations of operations within the flowchart of method 900, may be implemented by other devices related to the execution of software, such as hardware, firmware, processing circuits, and / or one or more computer program instructions. The order of operations in method 900 is not necessarily the order in which they are performed. Furthermore, one or more operations may be grouped together and performed as a single step, or one operation may have multiple substeps that are performed in parallel or sequentially. Method 900 begins with operation 902.

[0073] In operation 902, method 900 includes the antenna 316 receiving echo information 317 of multiple transmitted waves 252 on the vessel 202 from the vessel 204.

[0074] In operation 904, method 900 includes the echo image generation unit generating a plurality of processed echo information sets from received echo information. The received echo information (317) corresponds to a first pulse width of the echo trail. The echo image generation unit (406) processes the received echo information (317) and generates a plurality of processed echo information sets corresponding to a plurality of predefined selectable pulse widths based on the received echo information. In one embodiment, the echo image generation unit 406 processes a plurality of processed echo information sets from received echo information corresponding to a pulse width arbitrarily selected from a plurality of predefined selectable pulse widths. The arbitrarily selected pulse width is selected by the user from a plurality of predefined selectable pulse widths. In another embodiment, generating a plurality of processed echo information sets includes one or more of the following: scaling, filtering, matching, linear interpolation, and linear extrapolation of the echo information 317.

[0075] In operation 906, method 900 includes storing a plurality of processed echo information sets in storage units 602, 408, wherein the plurality of processed echo information sets include a plurality of echo trails ET(1), ET(2)...ET(N) of the target object 204.

[0076] In operation 908, method 900 selects a plurality of echo trails ET(1), ET(1), based on a second pulse width set by the user from memory units 602, 408. 2) ...Includes selecting one of ET(N). The second pulse width is set from a predefined set of selectable pulse widths. The user can change from the first pulse width to the second pulse width via the user interface 306. The selection unit (410) selects an echo trail corresponding to the newly set pulse width from a set of echo trails ET(1), ET(2)...ET(N).

[0077] In operation 910, method 900 includes the synthesis of a display output 334 based on the selected echo trail by the synthesis unit 412. The echo and echo trail of the newly set pulse width are synthesized and displayed to the user on the display unit 304. In one embodiment, a signal processing unit or an echo image generation unit generates a verification dataset including a plurality of processed echo information sets and received echo information 317.

[0078] The disclosed method with reference to Figure 9, or one or more operations of the detection device 250, are stored in one or more computer-readable media (e.g., one or more optical media disks, volatile memory components (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or static random access memory (SRAM)), or non-volatile memory or storage components (e.g., solid-state non-volatile memory components such as hard drives or flash memory components)) and executed on a computer (e.g., a multifunction device (MFD), a multifunction device black box (MFD-BB), a navigation device, a chartplotter, an electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS), a laptop computer, a netbook, a webbook, a tablet computing device, a smartphone, or other mobile computing device). Such software is executed, for example, on a single local computer or using one or more network computers in a network environment (e.g., via the Internet, a wide area network, a local area network, a remote web-based server, a client-server network (such as a cloud computing network), or other similar networks). Furthermore, any intermediate or final data created and used during the implementation of the disclosed method or system is stored on one or more computer-readable media (e.g., non-temporary computer-readable media) and is considered to be within the scope of the disclosed technology. In addition, any software-based embodiment can be uploaded, downloaded, or remotely accessed through appropriate means of communication. Such appropriate means of communication include, for example, the Internet, the World Wide Web (WWW), intranets, software applications, cables (including fiber optic cables), magnetic communications, source communications (including radio frequency (RF), microwave, and infrared communications), electronic communications, or other similar means of communication.

[0079] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention. For example, various operations, blocks, etc. described herein can be activated and operated using hardware circuits (e.g., complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) based logic circuits), firmware, software, and / or any combination of hardware, firmware, and / or software (e.g., embodied in a machine-readable medium). For example, apparatus and methods can be embodied using transistors, logic gates, and electrical circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) circuits and / or digital signal processing (DSP) circuits).

[0080] In particular, among the other components of the detection device 250, the echo image generation unit can be implemented using software and / or transistors, logic gates, and electrical circuits (e.g., integrated circuit circuits such as ASIC circuits). Various embodiments of the present invention may include one or more computer programs, which are stored on a computer-readable medium or otherwise embodied and configured to cause a processor or computer to perform one or more operations. A computer-readable medium storing, embodied, or encoded computer programs or similar languages ​​may be embodied as a tangible data storage unit that stores one or more software programs causing a processor or computer to perform one or more operations. Such operations are, for example, any of the steps or operations described herein. In some embodiments, computer programs may be stored and provided to a computer using any kind of non-temporary computer-readable medium. Non-temporary computer-readable mediums include any kind of tangible storage medium. Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include magnetic storage media (floppy disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives, etc.), magneto-optical storage media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), CD-Rs (Compact Disc Recordable), CD-RWs (Compact Disc Rewritable), Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), Blu-ray Discs (BDs), and semiconductor memories (mask ROMs, programmable ROMs (PROMs), erasable PROMs (EPROMs), flash memory, random access memory (RAMs), etc.). Furthermore, tangible data storage units may be embodied as one or more volatile memory devices, one or more non-volatile memory devices, and / or a combination of one or more volatile and non-volatile memory devices. In some embodiments, computer programs may be provided to a computer using any kind of temporary computer-readable medium. Examples of temporary computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and wave sources.Temporary computer-readable media can provide programs to a computer via wired communication lines (e.g., power lines, fiber optics) or wireless communication lines.

[0081] Therefore, the echo image generation device 406 does not allow degradation or loss of the echo trail image even if the user changes the pulse width. Furthermore, the present invention makes it possible for the user to easily determine the status of the target object immediately after the display range.

[0082] Not all objectives or effects / benefits can necessarily be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment described herein. Therefore, a person skilled in the art, for example, will realize that a particular embodiment may be configured to achieve or optimize one or more effects / benefits taught herein, without necessarily achieving other objectives or effects / benefits taught or suggested herein.

[0083] All signal processing units described herein can be fully automated and implemented by software code modules executed by a computing system including one or more computers or processors. The code modules can be stored in any type of non-temporary computer-readable medium or other computer storage. Some or all of these methods can be implemented in dedicated computer hardware.

[0084] It will be apparent from this disclosure that there are many other variations not described herein. For example, depending on the embodiment, any particular operation, event, or function of any of the algorithms described herein may be performed in different sequences, and may be added, merged, or excluded entirely (e.g., not all described actions or events are necessary for the execution of the algorithm). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the operations or events may be executed in parallel rather than sequentially, for example, through multithreading, interrupt handling, or via multiple processors or processor cores, or on other parallel architectures. In addition, different tasks or processes may also be executed by different machines and / or computing systems that can work together.

[0085] Various exemplary logic blocks and modules described in relation to the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or executed by a machine such as a processor. The processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be a controller, a microcontroller, or a state machine, or a combination thereof. The processor may include electrical circuits that process computer-executable instructions. In another embodiment, the processor may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable device that performs logic operations without processing computer-executable instructions. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a digital signal processor (digital signal processing device) and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Although the description herein mainly concerns digital technology, the processor may also include mainly analog elements. For example, some or all of the signal processing algorithms described herein may be implemented by analog circuits or mixed analog and digital circuits. The computing environment may include, but is not limited to, any type of computer system based on a microprocessor, mainframe computer, digital signal processor, portable computing device, device controller, or in-device computing engine.

[0086] Unless otherwise specified, conditional language such as “can,” “could,” “will,” or “may” is understood to mean in the context of commonly used expressions to convey that a particular embodiment includes certain features, elements, and / or steps, but other embodiments do not. Thus, such conditional language does not generally mean that features, elements, and / or steps are any way required in one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining whether these features, elements, and / or steps are included in or performed in any particular embodiment.

[0087] Any process description, element, or block in the flowcharts described herein and / or shown in the accompanying drawings should be understood as representing a module, segment, or part of code that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing a particular logical function or element in the process. Alternative embodiments are included within the scope of the embodiments described herein, where elements or functions may be removed or performed in no particular order from those illustrated or described, substantially simultaneously or in reverse order, depending on the relevant functionality, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0088] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, numerals such as "one" should generally be interpreted as including one or more described items. Therefore, phrases like "one device configured to do..." are intended to include one or more listed devices. Such one or more listed devices may also be collectively configured to perform the stated citation. For example, "processors performing A, B, and C below" means the first processor performing A... This may include a second processor that performs B and C. In addition, even if an enumeration of specific numbers of the introduced embodiments is explicitly enumerated, a person skilled in the art should interpret such an enumeration as typically meaning at least the number enumerated (for example, a mere enumeration of "two enumerations" without other modifiers usually means at least two enumerations, or two or more enumerations).

[0089] In general, a person skilled in the art will find that the terms used herein are generally intended to be "non-restrictive" terms (for example, the term "including" should be interpreted as "including, but at least," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," and the term "including" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to, the following").

[0090] As used herein, the terms “adhere,” “connect,” “pair,” and other related terms should be interpreted, unless otherwise noted, as including removable, movable, fixed, adjustable, and / or removable connections or linkages. Connections / linkages include direct connections and / or connections having an intermediate structure between the two components described.

[0091] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the numbers preceded by terms such as “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially,” as used herein, include the enumerated numbers and represent quantities close to the stated quantities that further perform the desired function or achieve the desired result. For example, “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially,” unless otherwise explicitly stated, mean values ​​less than 10% of the stated numbers. Features of embodiments disclosed preceded by terms such as “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially,” as used herein, represent features with some variability that further perform the desired function or achieve the desired result with respect to that feature.

[0092] Many variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments described above, and these elements should be understood as being within the realm of other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure and are protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. An echo image generation method (900) that receives (1002) echo information (317) of multiple transmitted waves (252) from a ship (202) from a target object (204), generates (904) multiple processed echo information sets from the received echo information (317), stores (906) the processed echo information sets, selects (908) one echo trail from a plurality of echo trails (ET(1), ET(2), ... ET(N)) from a storage unit (602, 408) based on a second pulse width set by the user, and synthesizes (910) a display output (334) based on the selected echo trail.

2. The echo image generation method according to claim 1 is characterized by displaying a display output (334) that includes the selected echo trail.

3. The echo image generation method according to claim 1, characterized in that it accepts a second pulse width set by the user.

4. The echo image generation method according to claim 3, wherein the setting of the second pulse width by the user includes changing the first pulse width to the second pulse width.

5. The echo image generation method according to claim 1 is characterized in that echo information processing (317) is performed to generate a plurality of processed echo information sets corresponding to a plurality of preset selectable pulse widths based on received echo information (317).

6. The echo image generation method according to claim 5 is characterized in that a plurality of processed echo information sets are generated from echo information (317) for a pulse width arbitrarily selected from the received echo information (317).

7. The echo image generation method according to claim 1 is characterized by generating a verification dataset that includes the plurality of processed echo information sets and the received echo information (317).

8. A detection device (250) comprising: an antenna (316) that receives echo information (317) of multiple transmitted waves (252) from a ship (202) from a target object (204); an echo image generation unit (406) that generates multiple processed echo information sets from the received echo information (317); storage units (602, 408) that store the multiple processed echo information sets; a selection unit (410) that selects one echo trail from among multiple echo trails (ET(1), ET(2), ... ET(N)) from the storage units (602, 408) based on a second pulse width set by the user; and a synthesis unit (412) that synthesizes a display output (334) based on the selected echo trail.

9. The detection device (250) according to claim 8 is further characterized by comprising a display unit (304) that displays a display output (334) including the selected echo trail.

10. The detection device (250) according to claim 8 is further characterized by comprising a user interface (306) that receives the second pulse width set by the user.

11. The detection device (250) according to claim 10 is characterized in that the setting of the second pulse width by the user includes changing the first pulse width to the second pulse width.

12. The detection device (250) according to claim 8 is characterized in that the echo image generation unit (406) is configured to process the echo information (317) in order to generate a plurality of processed echo information sets corresponding to a plurality of preset selectable pulse widths based on the received echo information (317).

13. The detection device (250) according to claim 12 is characterized in that the echo image generation unit (406) is configured to generate a processed echo information set from received echo information (317) for a plurality of selectable pulse widths.

14. In the detection device (250) according to claim 8, the echo image generation unit (406) is further configured to generate a plurality of processed echo information sets by performing one or more of the following steps on the echo information (317): scaling, filtering, matching, linear interpolation, and linear extrapolation.

15. An echo image generation program that receives (1002) echo information (317) of multiple transmitted waves (252) from a ship (202) from a target object (204), generates (904) multiple processed echo information sets from the received echo information (317), stores (906) the processed echo information sets, selects (908) one echo trail from a storage unit (602, 408) of multiple echo trails (ET(1), ET(2), ... ET(N)) based on a second pulse width set by the user, and synthesizes (910) a display output (334) based on the selected echo trail.

Images