Fish Finder Automatic Interference Detection and Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fish finders require manual operation to turn the interference removal function on and off, leading to inconvenient and troublesome user interaction, as they struggle to distinguish between interference signals and useful echoes from fish shoals without continuous monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A fish finder equipped with a transducer, A/D converter, memory, interference detecting unit, and interference removing unit that automatically detects interference by comparing reception signals over time and adjusts the interference removal processing intensity, allowing the system to toggle the interference removal function without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the interference removal function is always on, then interference signals are removed, but useful echo signals including fish information are also controlled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference signalsVSAvoiduseful echo signals

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The interference removal function transitions from a static always-on state to a dynamic state that automatically activates only when interference is detected. The control unit monitors reception signals and toggles the interference removal function on or off based on real-time interference detection, making the system adaptive to changing environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors reception signals for interference characteristics. When interference is detected, the feedback loop triggers the interference removal function to activate. This closed-loop control ensures the function operates only when needed, preserving useful echoes while removing interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the interference removal function is manually controlled, then users can decide when to use it, but users must continuously monitor and perform troublesome operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual controlVSAvoiduser monitoring time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting interference and controlling the interference removal function without user intervention. The control unit monitors reception signals, detects interference patterns, and autonomously toggles the interference removal function on or off, freeing users from continuous manual operation and monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic control mechanism uses feedback from the reception signal analysis to autonomously manage the interference removal function. The control unit receives feedback about interference presence and automatically adjusts the function state, eliminating the need for manual user decisions and continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If interference detection is not implemented, then the system remains simple, but users cannot automatically distinguish interference from fish echoes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference detection capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it manages the overall fish finder operation, detects interference patterns in reception signals, and controls the interference removal function. By integrating these diverse functions into a single control unit, the system achieves advanced interference detection capability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary interference detection by analyzing reception signals for interference characteristics before the interference removal processing is applied. This preliminary detection action allows the control unit to prepare and toggle the interference removal function in advance, improving response time while maintaining efficient system operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Automatically detects and manages interference, ensuring that useful fish echo signals are preserved while minimizing interference, thereby reducing user burden and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a transducer that repeatedly transmits ultrasonic pulse signals downward into water and receives echo signals from the water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave transmission: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS7388809B2Fish finder that transmits ultrasonic waves, receives echo signals, and performs interference removal

Publication Date: 2008.06.17 FURUNO ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

A fish finder includes a transducer that repeatedly transmits ultrasonic pulse signals downward into the water and receives signals from the water, a first signal generating unit that generates a first signal on the basis of a reception signal at an identical depth caused by signals transmitted at least twice, and an interference detecting unit that detects an occurrence of interference on the basis of plural first signals at different depths.