Adaptive Spatial Sampler for Sonar Altitude and Velocity Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sonar systems struggle to accurately determine altitude and 3D velocity in marine environments without GPS, particularly in low-power applications and environments with high ambient noise, where they require flexible accuracy and power management, and are unable to effectively handle stochastic disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A learning SONAR system that incorporates an adaptive spatial sampler and a combined iterative learning and feedback controller, allowing for tunable acoustic receivers and mission parameter-based adjustments to optimize altitude and 3D velocity estimation using pulsed signals and ocean environment models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sonar systems are used to determine altitude and velocity in GPS-denied environments, then navigation capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates in low-power applications and high ambient noise environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of active receiver elements based on operational requirements. The adaptive spatial sampler selectively activates a subset of receiver elements from the full array, allowing the system to optimize between power consumption and measurement precision in real-time. This dynamic configuration enables low-power operation when high precision is not critical while maintaining full precision capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including the number of active receiver elements, spatial sampling density, and processing complexity based on mission requirements. By adjusting these parameters, the system can operate in low-power mode with reduced receiver elements while maintaining acceptable precision, or switch to high-precision mode by activating more elements and applying full processing algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If more receiver elements are activated to improve measurement precision, then altitude and velocity estimation accuracy improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver array is segmented into multiple groups or subsets of elements. Instead of activating all elements simultaneously, the system selectively activates specific segments based on the required measurement precision and power availability. This segmentation allows granular control over power consumption while maintaining the ability to achieve high precision when needed by activating appropriate segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by activating only the necessary number of receiver elements required to achieve the desired measurement precision threshold. Rather than always using the full array, the system determines the minimum subset of elements needed for acceptable performance, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining sufficient accuracy for the mission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed array configuration is used, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different mission requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fixed array configuration to a dynamic configuration where the number and arrangement of active receiver elements can change based on mission requirements. This dynamic capability provides adaptability for different mission profiles (e.g., high-precision navigation vs. low-power monitoring) while the underlying hardware remains the same, managing complexity through software control rather than multiple physical configurations.
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 achieves precise and flexible altitude and 3D velocity references while minimizing power consumption, effectively handling stochastic disturbances and improving tracking and disturbance rejection capabilities, enabling extended mission durations and covert operations.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter transmitting pulsed signals
Implementation Method 2
a tunable acoustic receiver having individually controllable receiver elements that receive return pulsed signals
Data Source
AI summary
A learning SONAR system and method including receiving, at an input, mission parameters including one or more of mission accuracy, mission covertness, learning rate, and training matrix dependency; transmitting pulsed signals; receiving return pulsed signals, for instance, using a tunable acoustic receiver having controllable receiver elements; and determining a number of the controllable receiver elements to generate estimates of altitude and 3D velocity based on a combination of transmit power, signal-to-noise ratio, and altitude range using an adaptive spatial sampler of a learning controller.