Live Sonar Systems Using Multiple Transducer Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sonar systems provide limited coverage volumes for live sonar imagery, which restricts the ability to effectively image and understand the underwater environment in real-time.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multiple sonar transducer assemblies with adjustable facing directions, combined with advanced beamforming techniques, allows for increased coverage volumes by forming a continuous sonar beam coverage across a wider angle, such as 135 degrees or more.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a single sonar transducer assembly is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the coverage volume for live sonar imagery is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sonar transducer assemblies into a single integrated system with a common controller and processing unit. The multiple transducer assemblies work together to provide expanded coverage volume while sharing common control electronics and data processing resources, thereby reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The sonar system is segmented into multiple transducer assemblies that can be independently positioned and oriented. Each assembly covers a specific angular sector, and the segments are combined to provide comprehensive coverage. This segmentation allows the system to achieve large coverage volume without requiring a single overly complex transducer design
2Area of stationary object
If multiple sonar transducer assemblies are used to increase coverage volume, then the coverage angle is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller and signal processing system serve multiple functions: they control multiple transducer assemblies, process sonar returns from all assemblies, perform beamforming across all channels, and generate the live sonar image. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each transducer assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single transducer providing limited angular coverage to multiple transducers arranged in a spatial configuration that provides three-dimensional coverage volume. By adding the spatial dimension with multiple assemblies at different positions and orientations, the system achieves expanded coverage angle and volume
3Measurement precision
If sonar beam slices are filtered by frequency to improve image quality, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of information increases due to selective frequency filtering
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies frequency filtering selectively to specific sonar beam slices based on their angular position and the imaging requirements. Not all frequency bands are filtered equally across all beams - only the portions necessary to achieve the desired image quality are filtered, preserving useful information while improving measurement precision where needed
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
This solution enables the generation of improved live sonar imagery with increased coverage volumes, providing users with a more comprehensive and real-time representation of the underwater environment, which is essential for navigation and object detection.
Implementation Method 1
Sonar transducer elements, or simply transducers, may convert electrical energy into sound or vibrations at a particular frequency
Implementation Method 2
The transducer may receive the reflected sound (the 'sonar returns') and convert the sound energy into electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
A sonar sound beam is transmitted into and through the water and is reflected from objects it encounters (e.g., fish, structure, bottom surface of the water, etc.)
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating live sonar images is provided having a first and second sonar transducer assembly. The sonar transducer assemblies each have sonar transducer elements configured to transmit sonar beam(s) into an underwater environment to form respective coverage volumes. The sonar transducer assemblies each define a respective facing direction. The system includes bracket(s) having alignment feature(s). The bracket(s) are configured to mount the sonar transducer assemblies to a watercraft, and the alignment feature(s) are configured to position the sonar transducer assemblies so that the facing directions are different and relative to each other so as to create continuous coverage of the underwater environment. Continuous coverage has an overall coverage volume that is greater than either of the coverage volumes individually. Sonar return data from the sonar transducer elements is used to form a live sonar image representative of sonar returns received from the overall coverage volume.