Blazed Array Sonar 3D Imaging via Doppler Beam Sharpening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blazed array sonar systems lack the capability for 3D imaging without mechanical scanning, and transitioning to 3D imaging with phased arrays is costly due to the need for an N×N receiver, which squares the number of elements and increases costs significantly.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Doppler Beam Sharpening (DBS) technology in blazed arrays, which allows for 3D imaging with a single ping by lengthening the signal pulse and using fuel cell powered vehicles, enabling Low Probability of Intercept signals and enhancing the performance of both blazed and phased array systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a true 3D imaging phased array is implemented, then 3D imaging capability is achieved, but the cost increases tremendously due to requiring an N×N receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D imaging function into two separate components: a blazed array for angle resolution and a Doppler processing system for range resolution. This segmentation avoids the need for a complete N×N receiver matrix, as each component handles a specific dimension of the imaging problem independently, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the frequency spectrum serve multiple functions: it is used by the blazed array for angle resolution and by Doppler processing for range resolution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate hardware systems for each imaging dimension, reducing receiver complexity while maintaining 3D imaging capability.
2Productivity
If Doppler beam sharpening is implemented in blazed arrays, then 3D imaging with a single ping is enabled, but the signal pulse length must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulse transmission with Doppler processing to achieve range resolution. By transmitting periodic signals and analyzing the Doppler shift across multiple pulses, the system obtains range information without requiring excessively long continuous pulses, thus maintaining imaging speed while achieving the necessary pulse length for Doppler sharpening.
3Reliability
If conventional blazed array pulse length is increased for Doppler sharpening, then Low Probability of Intercept signals are enabled, but the system requires fuel cell powered vehicles for necessary speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pulse length parameter to enable Doppler sharpening and Low Probability of Intercept signals. The longer pulse duration provides better Doppler resolution and allows for more sophisticated signal processing, improving detection reliability. The energy consumption issue is addressed by using fuel cell powered vehicles, which provide the necessary speed for Doppler beam sharpening while being more energy-efficient than conventional power sources.
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
Enables efficient 3D imaging with reduced costs by distinguishing between angle and frequency processes, providing robust underwater vehicle sonar systems and improving radar and sonar capabilities with Doppler sharpening, inverse DBS, look down/shoot down DBS, and velocity profiling.
Implementation Method 1
Doppler beam sharpening (DBS), opening up a path to 3D imaging with a single ping. Since blazed arrays use frequency to resolve angle, and DBS uses frequency to resolve angle
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for enhanced blazed array and/or phased array sonar systems are described herein. In one aspect, a sonar system includes a blazed sonar array and/or phased sonar array having: at least one transducer connected to a housing of a vehicle; a transmitter, in electrical communication with the at least one transducer, causing the transducer to emit at least one sonar signal, the sonar signal having a Doppler sharpening pulse length and the vehicle having a Doppler sharpening velocity; a receiver, in electrical communication with the at least one transducer, for receiving signals from at least one transducer, the received signals corresponding to acoustic signals captured by the at least one transducer; and a processor, in electrical communication with the transmitter and receiver, arranged to control the Doppler sharpening pulse length and generate a 3D image based on the received signals, Doppler sharpening pulse length, and Doppler sharpening velocity.