3D Sonar Bottom Reacquisition Using Overlapping Multichannel Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sonar systems face challenges in reliably and quickly reacquiring the bottom depth due to mixed media in the ensonified water column and abrupt changes, leading to significant data and imagery loss.
Innovation Solution
A 3D capable sonar system with a multichannel transducer and integrated sensors, including orientation and position sensors, is used to detect bottom lock loss, determine expected depth, and generate updated sonar data, enabling quick and reliable bottom reacquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional sonar systems use independently operating transducers with non-overlapping beams, then device complexity is reduced, but bottom reacquisition reliability and speed deteriorate due to inability to quickly reacquire bottom depth after lock loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sonar transducer beams into a unified system with overlapping coverage areas. Instead of independently operating transducers, the system integrates multiple beams that overlap in space and time, allowing the sonar to maintain continuous bottom contact and quickly reacquire bottom depth after lock loss without requiring complex mechanical repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts beam formation and timing based on real-time bottom contact detection. When bottom lock is lost, the system dynamically reconfigures the overlapping beams to rapidly search and reacquire the bottom, transforming from a static beam arrangement to an adaptive dynamic system that responds to bottom conditions.
2Device complexity
If conventional sonar systems use fixed beam arrangements, then device complexity is reduced, but bottom reacquisition speed deteriorates due to inability to quickly adapt to abrupt bottom depth changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures overlapping beams in advance, creating a network of potential bottom contact paths before bottom lock loss occurs. This preliminary arrangement of multiple overlapping beams ensures that when bottom contact is lost, the system can immediately switch to an adjacent overlapping beam without requiring time-consuming mechanical repositioning or complex real-time beam formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlapping beam arrangement ensures continuous bottom ensonification across all beams. When one beam loses bottom contact, another overlapping beam maintains continuous sonar action on the bottom, eliminating gaps in bottom detection and ensuring uninterrupted bottom reacquisition capability.
3Measurement precision
If sonar systems attempt to reacquire bottom depth after lock loss, then bottom depth detection is restored, but significant sonar data and imagery loss occurs during the reacquisition process
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between multiple overlapping beams during bottom reacquisition, maintaining continuous bottom detection capability. When one beam experiences lock loss, the system dynamically transitions to another overlapping beam that maintains bottom contact, thereby preserving sonar data continuity and preventing information loss during the reacquisition process.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlapping beams act as intermediaries during bottom reacquisition. When primary bottom contact is lost, secondary overlapping beams serve as intermediary detection paths that maintain continuous bottom monitoring, preventing complete loss of sonar data and imagery during the transition back to stable bottom lock.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides high-quality sonar imagery and accurate bathymetric data by adjusting transducer orientation and position, reducing data loss and improving navigation assistance.
Implementation Method 1
Sonar may be used to perform bathymetry, detect underwater hazards, find fish, and/or otherwise assist in navigation by producing data and/or imagery of a water column beneath a watercraft
Implementation Method 2
A 3D capable sonar system may include a housing, a multichannel transducer, an actuator, an echo sensor, and a controller
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide reliable and relatively quick bottom reacquisition in sonar systems for mobile structures, including three dimensional (3D) capable and/or multichannel sonar systems. A sonar system includes a sonar transducer and associated processing and control electronics and optionally orientation and/or position sensors disposed substantially within the housing of a sonar transducer assembly. A logic device of the sonar system is configured to detect bottom lock loss based, at least in part, on sonar data provided by the sonar transducer, determine an expected bottom depth associated with the detected bottom lock loss, and generate updated sonar data based, at least in part, on the expected bottom depth. Resulting sonar data and/or imagery may be displayed to a user and/or used to adjust a steering actuator, a propulsion system thrust, and/or other operational systems of the mobile structure.