Multi-frequency Acoustic Doppler Controller Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-frequency acoustic Doppler systems are bulky and expensive due to their independent design, which causes cross-talk and interference when operating at the same frequency, limiting their ability to effectively collect data in aquatic environments.

Innovation Solution

A modular acoustic subsystem controller that connects multiple acoustic transceivers and transducers operating at different frequencies, allowing for centralized control and sampling of analog signals with a digital circuit that samples pairs of signals separated by an integer number of periods, reducing interference and enabling efficient data collection across various aquatic environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple acoustic transceivers operate independently at the same frequency, then each transceiver can function autonomously, but cross-talk and interference occur between transducers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operationVSAvoidcross-talk and interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple acoustic transceivers operating at the same frequency into a single integrated system with a shared controller and common coordinate system. This merging eliminates cross-talk and interference that occur when transducers operate independently, while maintaining the reliability of autonomous operation through centralized control management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple acoustic transceivers operate at different frequencies, then interference is reduced, but the system becomes bulky and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterferenceVSAvoidsystem size and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating parameter from frequency differentiation to temporal-spatial coordination. Multiple transceivers operate at the same frequency but are controlled to transmit and receive signals in coordinated time slots and spatial patterns, eliminating interference without requiring different frequencies. This reduces system complexity and cost while maintaining effective interference reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single controller manages multiple acoustic transceivers, then system integration is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal controller that manages multiple acoustic transceivers through a unified control architecture. The controller performs multiple functions including signal generation, timing coordination, data processing, and adaptive control for different transducer configurations. This multi-functional approach improves system integration while managing control complexity through standardized interfaces and procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution allows for efficient operation of multiple acoustic systems at different frequencies, reducing interference and enabling real-time data collection with improved accuracy and cost-effectiveness, suitable for various aquatic applications such as velocity profiling and navigational mapping.

Implementation Method 1

Multi-frequency, multi-beam acoustic doppler system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2411836B1Multi-frequency, multi-beam acoustic doppler system
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 YSI INC
  • EP2411836B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2411836B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2411836B1 patent drawingFigure 1B-A

AI summary

An acoustic Doppler system including an acoustic subsystem controller operatively connected to a plurality of acoustic transceivers, with a first of the plurality of acoustic transceivers, operating at a first acoustic frequency, operatively connected to a first group of at least one transducer, and a second of the plurality of acoustic transceivers, operating at a second acoustic frequency, operatively connected to a second group of at least one transducer, where the acoustic subsystem controller includes a digital circuit configured to sample analog signals received from the first and second groups of transducer in pairs having a pair-wise sampling frequency that is four times the operating frequency of associated acoustic transceiver. Also presented is a method of sampling acoustic Doppler signals received from such devices, with samples comprising a pair of values taken with a pair- wise sampling frequency that is four times the operating frequency of associated acoustic transceivers, and the resulting pairs of values being further processed as representative values of the cosine and sine components of a Doppler-shift signal.