Integrated Fish Tracker Using Sonar and GPS Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fish finders provide real-time information only about objects directly beneath the watercraft, limiting the ability to track fish locations over distance and time, and do not allow for historical data retrieval to aid in returning to successful fishing sites.
Innovation Solution
An integrated fish location system combining a fish detection module with a navigation module, using sonar and GPS-like technologies to provide location information of underwater objects, which can be displayed on a map and stored for future reference, allowing users to revisit successful fishing areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fish finders are used to detect fish directly beneath the watercraft, then real-time fish detection is achieved, but the ability to track fish locations over distance and time is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a fish detection module with a navigation module into an integrated system. The navigation module includes GPS receiver and map display capabilities that merge with the sonar-based fish detection module, allowing fish locations to be tracked and displayed on a map with geographical context, thereby enabling historical data retrieval and location tracking over distance and time
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions: it detects fish using sonar, determines the watercraft's location using GPS, displays information on a map with geographical features, and stores historical data. This multi-functional approach allows the single system to provide both real-time fish detection and historical location tracking capabilities
2Loss of information
If fish detection information is integrated with navigation module output, then fish location tracking over time and distance is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation module is designed to handle multiple functions: receiving GPS location data, displaying maps with geographical features, overlaying fish detection information, and storing historical data. By making the navigation module multi-functional, the system avoids adding separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while providing comprehensive capabilities
3Ease of operation
If traditional fish finders provide real-time information only, then simple device operation is maintained, but the ability to return to successful fishing sites is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the watercraft's location and fish detection data by integrating GPS information with sonar data. This digital copy is displayed on a map and stored for later retrieval, allowing users to return to successful fishing sites without adding complex manual recording procedures, thereby maintaining ease of operation while preserving location information
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
Enables users to track fish locations over time and distance, increasing the chances of re-finding fish by providing historical data on fish locations, depths, and times, aiding both recreational and commercial anglers in their fishing efforts.
Implementation Method 1
A conventional fish finder uses sonic waves (sonar) to detect fish. The fish finder typically includes an underwater transducer that receives an electrical signal from a control box to produce a sound at one or more frequencies.
Implementation Method 2
The fish finder thereafter detects sound reflecting off fish, or other underwater objects, in the area.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated fish detection module/navigation module system that may provide the location of fish over a distance or time is provided herein. The location of fish can be presented on a navigation module display to provide information regarding the location of fish relative to navigational data known to the navigation module. The information may create a record of fish location over time and distance. In some configurations, the navigational data and fish detection module data of more than one watercraft may be combined and distributed. In some configurations, a marker may be automatically placed on a navigation module to indicate that fish have been detected at the location on the navigation module.