Frequency Steered Sonar for Stationary Vessel Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional recreational scanning sonar systems are unable to generate real-time sonar imagery when the vessel is stationary and lack the capability to display historical sequences of images, which is problematic for fishermen who often fish from stationary boats.
Innovation Solution
A marine sonar display device configured with a frequency steered sonar element that transmits and receives sonar beams with varying angular directions, allowing for the generation and display of near real-time sonar imagery and historical sequences of sonar images by processing and displaying sonar data slices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional scanning sonar systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but real-time sonar imagery cannot be generated when the vessel is stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies frequency steering to dynamically control the angular direction of sonar beams without mechanical movement. By varying the frequency of the transmitted signal, the beam direction changes dynamically, enabling real-time imagery generation even when the vessel is stationary. This dynamic control replaces traditional mechanical scanning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the frequency parameter of the transmitted sonar signal to control beam direction. Different frequency components correspond to different angular directions, allowing the system to sweep through multiple directions by modulating the frequency content of the transmit signal, thereby generating real-time imagery without mechanical motion.
2Loss of information
If traditional sonar systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but historical sequence of sonar images cannot be displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously capturing and storing sonar image data in memory as it is acquired. This historical data is preserved and can be retrieved for display, allowing fishermen to review past sonar images and identify patterns or locations of interest that may not be visible in real-time viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a temporal dimension to the sonar display by showing both real-time imagery and historical sequences simultaneously. This multi-dimensional display approach provides comprehensive information about the underwater environment across different time periods, enhancing the fishing experience.
3Productivity
If frequency steered sonar element is used, then near real-time sonar imagery can be generated, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with an electronic frequency-steering mechanism. Instead of physically moving the sonar transducer array, the system electronically controls the phase and frequency of signals across multiple elements to steer beams in different directions, significantly improving reliability while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic frequency modulation to sweep through different angular directions in a systematic manner. By transmitting sonar signals with periodically varying frequency content, the system efficiently covers the required scanning range and generates complete sonar images at high rates.
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 simultaneous display of near real-time and historical sonar imagery, providing fishermen with the necessary information for effective fishing even when the vessel is stationary.
Implementation Method 1
The frequency steered sonar element is operable to transmit an array of sonar beams into a body of water, with each sonar beam being transmitted in an angular direction that varies according to one of the frequency components of the transmit electronic signal
Implementation Method 2
The processing element is configured to receive a receive electronic signal from the frequency steered sonar element, with the receive electronic signal being generated from reflections of one of the sonar beams
Data Source
AI summary
A marine sonar display device comprises a display, a memory element, and a processing element. The processing element is configured to transmit a transmit electronic signal to a frequency steered sonar element that transmits an array of sonar beams into a body of water in a first direction towards the front of the marine vessel forming a first sonar wedge and a second array of sonar beams into a body of water in a second direction directly below the marine vessel forming a second sonar wedge, receive a receive electronic signal from the frequency steered sonar element, generate an array of sonar image slices, identify a gap in an underwater area between the first sonar wedge and the second sonar wedge, and control the display to visually present the array of sonar image slices in near real time and a sonar image slice in the gap.