Casting Guidance System Sonar-Visual Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sonar systems fail to provide intuitive and accurate guidance for casting in water bodies, as they lack reference to visible features above the waterline, making it difficult for users to identify and reach underwater targets like fish schools or features.

Innovation Solution

A casting guidance system that integrates sonar transducer assemblies with logic devices and sensors, such as orientation, position, and imaging devices, to communicate and generate casting guidance identifiers, allowing users to accurately target underwater features by adjusting the steering and propulsion systems based on sonar data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If conventional sonar systems are used to detect underwater targets, then sonar data can be obtained, but the system fails to provide intuitive guidance referencing visible features above waterline

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloss of reference to visible featuresVSAvoiddifficulty in identifying and reaching targets

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges sonar imagery with visible feature data by integrating a camera or imaging device with the sonar system. The processor combines sonar return data with images of visible features (trees, buildings, shoreline objects) to create composite imagery where underwater targets are displayed in spatial relationship with above-water features, providing intuitive reference for anglers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary processing layer that correlates sonar data with geographic position and visible feature data. The processor acts as an intermediary that matches sonar target locations with corresponding visible features in the imagery, creating a unified display that bridges the gap between underwater sonar data and above-water visual references

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If detailed sonar imagery is provided without visible feature reference, then underwater target detection capability is maintained, but user interpretation of relative depths and distances becomes extremely difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of depth and distance measurementVSAvoiddifficulty in interpreting relative depths and distances

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies color coding to different depth zones in the sonar imagery, with colors corresponding to specific depth ranges. This visual encoding makes it easier for users to interpret relative depths at a glance, while the integration with visible features provides spatial context for understanding distance and location relationships

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If consumer market pressures require easier to use systems with user-helpful features, then system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser-friendliness of the systemVSAvoidcomplexity of system components and features

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves multi-functionality by using a single integrated platform that performs both sonar detection and visible feature imaging through a common processor and display system. The same hardware components serve multiple purposes: the imaging device captures both visible features and can be used for surface imaging, while the processor handles both sonar data processing and image correlation, reducing overall system complexity despite enhanced capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 provides enhanced, intuitive sonar imagery referenced to visible objects, improving the accuracy and ease of identifying and reaching underwater targets, thereby simplifying the fishing process.

Implementation Method 1

Sonar may be used to perform bathymetry, detect underwater hazards, find fish, and/or otherwise assist in navigation by producing data and/or imagery of a water column and/or a floor of a body of water beneath a watercraft.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSonar: Sonar

Data Source

PatentUS10677921B2Casting guidance systems and methods

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 RAYMARINE UK

AI summary

Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide casting guidance for users of mobile structures, including watercraft. A casting guidance system includes a sonar transducer assembly and a logic device configured to communicate with the sonar transducer assembly. The sonar transducer assembly is adapted to be mounted to a mobile structure and placed in a body of water. The logic device is configured to identify one or more underwater targets in sonar data received from the sonar transducer assembly, determine casting guidance parameters corresponding to the one or more identified underwater targets, and generate at least one casting guidance identifier based, at least in part, on the determined casting guidance parameters. Subsequent user input, the sonar data, and/or the casting guidance parameters may be used to adjust a steering actuator, a propulsion system thrust, and/or other operational systems of the mobile structure.