Flasher Sonar Interleaved Zoom Depth Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flasher sonar devices lack intuitive and dynamic depth range representation, making it difficult for users to interpret sonar returns effectively, especially in varying water depths and conditions.
Innovation Solution
A flasher sonar device with a user interface that allows selection between normal and zoom modes, where the controller compresses and enlarges specific ranges, displaying them interleaved to provide a dynamic and annotated depth scale, enhancing the resolution and usability of sonar data on a circular ring display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional flasher displays the full normal range on the circular ring, then the complete depth information is available, but the resolution and detail of depth measurement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The normal range is divided into a first range and a second range, which are then compressed and enlarged respectively. This segmentation allows the display to show both compressed and enlarged portions of the depth range simultaneously, improving measurement precision without requiring additional display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed first range and enlarged second range are interleaved and displayed together on the same circular ring. The enlarged range is effectively nested within the display space by compressing the first range, allowing detailed depth information to be shown without expanding the physical display area.
2Measurement precision
If the flasher displays a compressed single range, then the detail resolution is improved, but the overall depth context is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed first range and the enlarged second range are merged into a single interleaved display on the circular ring. This merging allows users to see both the detailed enlarged portion and the compressed context portion simultaneously, preventing loss of overall depth context while maintaining high detail resolution in the enlarged section.
Solution Approach 2:
The display transitions from showing a single linear range to showing multiple ranges (compressed and enlarged) interleaved in a circular pattern. This dimensional reorganization allows simultaneous presentation of different depth scales, preserving both context and detail in a space-efficient manner.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flasher provides multiple display modes, then the adaptability to different water conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the display by compressing the first range and enlarging the second range based on user selection. This dynamic range adjustment provides adaptability to different water conditions without requiring multiple physical devices or complex mechanical components, maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 solution provides a more intuitive and effective display of sonar data, allowing users to better interpret depth information and sonar returns, improving the usability and accuracy of the device in different water conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Sonar systems use a transducer to generate a sonar pulse that is directed down through the water
Implementation Method 2
The transducer receives a sonar echo return from the bottom, as well as sonar returns from fish or other objects in the water column
Implementation Method 3
a flasher that produces light output pulses along a flasher ring display based upon sonar returns
Data Source
AI summary
A flasher sonar device includes a flasher that produces light output pulses along a flasher ring display based upon sonar returns. A user interface selects between a normal mode and a zoom mode. When the normal mode is selected, a controller drives the flasher to display a normal range. When the zoom mode is selected, the controller divides the normal range into a first range and a second range, compresses the first range into a compressed range, enlarges the second range into an enlarged range, and drives the flasher to display the enlarged range interleaved with the compressed range.