Composite Sonar Image Generation Using Side-Scan Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine electronic devices display incomplete sonar images due to changes in depth scale, resulting in blank areas that detract from user experience and may suggest system malfunctions, especially when down-facing sonar data is clipped beyond a certain depth.
Innovation Solution
The device generates a fill image using side-facing sonar data to complete the sonar image display, blending it with the original image to prevent seams and maintain aesthetic quality, even when down-facing sonar data is unavailable or clipped, thereby ensuring a continuous and accurate representation of the underwater environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the depth scale of the sonar image is increased to accommodate deeper water, then the sonar image can display greater depths, but blank areas appear in the image where no sonar data is available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses side-facing sonar data (from a different spatial dimension/direction) to fill the blank areas in the down-facing sonar image. By projecting side-facing sonar returns onto the down-facing image plane, the system effectively uses data from another dimension to complete the missing information in the original view.
2Loss of information
If side-facing sonar data is used to fill blank areas, then the sonar image becomes more complete and aesthetically pleasing, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sonar image into multiple depth zones or regions. The down-facing sonar data is used for the primary image, while side-facing sonar data is selectively applied only to the blank areas or specific depth zones where it is needed. This segmentation approach processes only the necessary portions rather than the entire image, reducing overall processing complexity.
3Productivity
If the sonar image is clipped at a predetermined depth, then processing power is conserved by rendering only necessary data, but the image becomes incomplete when bottom depth increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-processes and stores side-facing sonar data in advance, organizing it by depth zones and time periods. When generating the down-facing sonar image, the system can quickly retrieve and apply the appropriate side-facing data to fill blank areas without performing complex real-time processing. This preliminary organization of data enables efficient completion of the sonar image.
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
This solution provides a visually appealing and complete sonar image by filling blank areas with relevant data, enhancing user experience and preventing misinterpretation of system malfunctions, while also conserving processing power by rendering only necessary sonar data.
Implementation Method 1
receive sonar return data from a sonar transducer received from an underwater environment relative to a vessel
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus configured to generate a first sonar image from first sonar returns corresponding to a first depth range and generate a second sonar image from the first sonar returns and second sonar returns, the second sonar returns corresponding to a second depth range greater than the first depth range of the first sonar returns such that a portion of the second sonar image does not include sonar return data. The portion without sonar return data corresponds to a period of the first sonar returns and depths greater than the maximum depth of the first depth range. The apparatus is configured to generate and display a fill image for the portion of the second sonar image based on at least one set of side facing sonar return data corresponding to the time period associated with the first sonar returns.