Broadband Hyperspectral Sonar for Flexible Frequency Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sonar systems, particularly broadband systems, are limited in their ability to perform sea floor and water column classification due to their operation at fixed frequencies, lack of flexibility in frequency selection, and requirement of multiple sonar systems for transmitting different waveforms.
Innovation Solution
A hyperspectral sonar system that utilizes a single sonar system to transmit a broadband waveform across a broad spectrum of frequencies, enabling post-processing flexibility in selecting frequencies of interest and eliminating the need for multiple sonar systems or waveform libraries, with advanced beamforming techniques and data processing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sonar systems are used to transmit different waveforms at specific frequencies, then frequency coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single sonar system is designed to perform multiple functions by transmitting broadband waveforms that cover a wide frequency range. The system can operate at any frequency within the broadband range, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated sonar systems while maintaining frequency coverage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the frequency parameter dynamically by transmitting waveforms with varying center frequencies and bandwidths. This allows a single system to cover multiple frequency ranges that would otherwise require multiple fixed-frequency systems, reducing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If fixed frequency operation is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but flexibility in frequency selection is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sonar system transitions from static fixed-frequency operation to dynamic broadband operation. The system can adaptively select and transmit waveforms at different frequencies within the broadband range, providing flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture through software-controlled waveform selection.
3Measurement precision
If broadband waveforms are transmitted across a broad frequency range, then frequency resolution and post-processing flexibility are improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data acquisition across the entire broadband frequency range in a single pass, capturing all frequency information upfront. This allows flexible post-processing at any frequency of interest without requiring re-survey, and the preprocessing steps organize the broadband data for efficient subsequent analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadband acoustic data is digitally recorded and stored, creating a permanent copy that can be processed multiple times at different frequencies. This digital copy allows repeated analysis without additional field work, reducing overall processing burden despite the initial complexity of handling broadband data.
4Device complexity
If a single sonar system is used instead of multiple systems, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to transmit multiple waveforms simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single sonar system transmits multiple waveforms with different center frequencies and bandwidths in a sequential periodic manner. By systematically cycling through different waveform configurations, the system achieves comprehensive frequency coverage equivalent to multiple simultaneous systems, while maintaining simpler hardware architecture.
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 enhanced frequency resolution and flexibility in analyzing acoustic data, allowing for detailed classification of sea floor and water column features without the need for prior frequency knowledge.
Implementation Method 1
a broadband multibeam echo sounder system for installation on a water going vehicle... the transceiver for synthesizing a broadband transmitter message... the message for exciting the projector array such that a 180 degree or smaller swath of a waterbody bottom is ensonified by the message, and a message echo from ensonified scattering centers is returned to the hydrophone array
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 2D
AI summary
A sonar survey system and method excites reflectors using a broadband message that excites all frequencies within the band providing for selection and evaluation of frequencies of interest after the survey is completed.