Castable Phased-Array Sonar for Autonomous Marine Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing castable sonar devices lack features that enhance user experience in marine environments, such as efficient data transmission, advanced sonar imaging, and autonomous operation, limiting their functionality and usability.
Innovation Solution
A castable sonar device with a housing that floats on water, equipped with a phased array transducer, wireless communication, and processing circuitry, allowing for phased array sonar data processing, transmission, and display on a remote computing device, along with features like propulsion, motion sensing, and aroma dispensing, enabling advanced sonar imaging and autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a castable sonar device uses traditional sonar transducers, then the device structure is simple, but the sonar imaging quality and data processing efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sonar system is divided into multiple independent transducer elements arranged in an array, where each element can be individually controlled and processed. This segmentation enables advanced beamforming and imaging techniques while maintaining modular device architecture that doesn't excessively increase overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-element or simple array sonar to a phased array configuration that adds spatial dimensionality to signal processing. By controlling phase and amplitude across multiple elements, the system achieves superior imaging quality through dimensional expansion in the signal processing domain
2Adaptability or versatility
If the castable sonar device includes advanced features like phased array, wireless communication, and processing circuitry, then the sonar imaging and autonomous operation are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The castable sonar device integrates multiple functions including phased array sonar imaging, wireless data transmission, autonomous operation, and various dispensing capabilities into a single platform. This multi-functionality approach enhances versatility while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices by sharing common subsystems
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates autonomous operation capabilities with onboard processing circuitry that can independently process sonar data, make decisions, and control device functions without continuous external intervention. This self-service capability enhances functionality while reducing the need for complex external control systems
3Loss of information
If the device transmits sonar data in real-time to a remote computing device, then the user experience is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless data transmission is implemented as a periodic or event-driven process rather than continuous transmission. The device transmits sonar data at intervals or when significant changes occur, which maintains real-time information flow to the remote computing device while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission
4Extent of automation
If the castable sonar device is equipped with propulsion and motion sensing features, then the autonomous operation capability is enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion system, motion sensors, and sonar processing circuitry are integrated into a unified autonomous control architecture. By merging these subsystems and sharing common components such as the microcontroller, power management, and data processing units, the patent enhances autonomous operation capability while mitigating manufacturing complexity through component sharing and integrated design
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 device provides enhanced sonar imaging and autonomous operation, improving user experience by offering real-time underwater environmental data and efficient task management in marine environments.
Implementation Method 1
A transducer assembly is provided within the housing. The transducer assembly includes a transducer array positioned within the housing and aimed downwardly therefrom. The transducer array includes a phased array. Each of the plurality of transducer elements is configured to receive phased array sonar returns from the underwater environment.
Implementation Method 2
An angle, with respect to a water line of the body of water, of a sonar return associated with an object in the underwater environment is determined based on a phase difference between sonar returns associated with the object that are received at two or more transducer elements of the phased array.
Data Source
AI summary
Many different types of systems are utilized and tasks are performed in a marine environment. The present invention provides various configurations of castable devices that can be operated and/or controlled for such systems or tasks. One or more castable devices can be integrated with a transducer assembly, such as a phased array, that emits sonar beams and receives sonar returns from the underwater environment. Processing circuitry may receive the sonar returns, process the sonar returns, generate an image, and transmit the image to a display.