Beamforming Sonar Arrays for Multi-Angle Live Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sonar systems lack improved sonar image functionality while maintaining reasonable cost and minimizing the transducer assembly footprint.
Innovation Solution
The use of one or more arrays of transducer elements that beamform multiple sonar return beams at varying frequencies and angles to create precise, near-real-time sonar images, including left and right live sonar imagery, sidescan sonar imagery, and forward or down sonar imagery, using a minimum number of arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sonar arrays are used to provide comprehensive sonar imagery coverage, then sonar functionality and image quality are improved, but device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single sonar array to perform multiple imaging functions through frequency-division beamforming. The array generates multiple simultaneous beams at different frequencies, each providing different sonar imagery (sidescan, downscan, forward, and live images), allowing one array to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate arrays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frequency dimension to the traditional spatial sonar imaging approach. By varying the frequency of sonar beams while maintaining fixed phase shifts, the system creates multiple independent image types from a single array, effectively adding a frequency-based dimension to the imaging capability that reduces the need for additional physical arrays
2Measurement precision
If traditional single-frequency sonar imaging is used, then device complexity is minimized, but sonar image functionality and precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the sonar beams to achieve different imaging functions. By varying the frequency while maintaining fixed phase shifts across the array elements, the system generates multiple distinct sonar images with different characteristics, improving measurement precision without requiring complex dynamic phase adjustment mechanisms
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
Provides high-definition sonar images with enhanced functionality at a reduced cost by optimizing array orientation and beamforming techniques, allowing for simultaneous display of multiple sonar images, including live and traditional sonar imagery.
Implementation Method 1
Sonar transducer elements convert electrical energy into sound or vibrations
Implementation Method 2
The transducer elements receive the reflected sound as sonar returns and convert the sound energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
The array(s) are operated at a fixed phase shift but vary in frequency so as to beamform multiple sonar return beams
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for imaging an underwater environment. The system includes two or more arrays of transducer elements. Each array is operated at a fixed phase shift and varies in frequency so as to beamform multiple sonar return beams of a first range of angles and a second range of angles. The arrays can be oriented to create arcs of sonar coverage extending forward from a watercraft, from each side of the watercraft, and downward of the watercraft. Accordingly, multiple 2D live sonar images can be formed. One or more of the multiple sonar return beams can be selected and used to form sonar images that anglers are used to, without requiring separate transducer elements.