Hyperspectral sonar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sonar systems, including broadband systems, are inadequate for comprehensive sea floor and water column classification due to limitations in frequency range and processing methods, lacking the flexibility to analyze data across a broad spectrum of frequencies without prior knowledge of frequencies of interest.
Innovation Solution
A hyperspectral sonar system utilizing a single system with broadband waveforms, beamforming, and post-processing methods to acquire data across a broad frequency range, enabling flexible analysis of data at any frequency of interest post-processing, without the need for multiple sonar systems or libraries of transmit waveforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-spectral sonar systems use multiple sonar systems to transmit multiple waveforms, then frequency coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single hyperspectral sonar system is designed to perform multiple functions by transmitting broadband waveforms that cover a wide frequency range, eliminating the need for multiple separate sonar systems. The system can analyze data at any frequency of interest post-processing, providing universal frequency coverage while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of waveform bandwidth, using broadband waveforms instead of narrowband signals. This allows a single system to cover multiple frequencies simultaneously, achieving the frequency coverage of multi-spectral systems without requiring multiple transmitters.
2Area of stationary object
If broadband sonar systems use wide beams to integrate backscatter over large volumes, then coverage area is improved, but measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The broadband acoustic signal is segmented into multiple frequency components through post-processing analysis. This allows the system to extract frequency-specific information from the wide beam data, achieving frequency resolution without requiring narrow physical beamwidths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from spatial dimension (narrow beams) to frequency dimension for achieving precision. By analyzing the broadband signal in the frequency domain, the system obtains frequency resolution equivalent to narrow beams while maintaining wide spatial coverage.
3Reliability
If sonar systems use matched filtering techniques, then signal detection is improved, but adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary broadband data acquisition without frequency-specific filtering, preserving all frequency information. Post-processing then applies frequency-specific analysis as needed, providing both detection reliability and frequency flexibility without requiring pre-configured matched filters for each frequency.
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
Provides higher frequency resolution and flexibility in choosing frequencies of interest, allowing for detailed characterization of sea floor and water column features without prior knowledge, using a single system capable of forming narrow beams for discrete target analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a transceiver for synthesizing a transmitter message including a frequency modulated (FM), noise-like, click, or click train message with a frequency between 20 and 1000 kHz
Implementation Method 2
a message echo from ensonified scattering centers is returned to the hydrophone array
Implementation Method 3
the projector array arranged with respect to the hydrophone array to form a Mills Cross; the system capable of forming beams with 1° x 1° or better resolution
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 2D
AI summary
A sonar survey system and method excites reflectors using a broadband message that excites all frequencies within the band providing for selection and evaluation of frequencies of interest after the survey is completed.