Multimission Multispectral Sonar with Mills Cross Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater survey systems face challenges in improving data quality and diversity while reducing the time required for surveys, despite advancements like multibeam echo sounders, due to the high cost and complexity of building and testing new equipment.
Innovation Solution
A survey system utilizing a multibeam echo sounder with a single projector and hydrophone array arranged in a Mills Cross configuration, employing multiple non-overlapping frequency bands to perform multiple survey missions simultaneously, enabling the recognition of frequency-dependent characteristics of scattering centers in water bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple survey missions are performed using traditional separate equipment, then data quality and diversity are improved, but the time required for surveys and equipment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single sonar system capable of performing multiple survey missions (bathymetry, water column characterization, seafloor characterization) by dynamically configuring transducer arrays and signal processing parameters. The system uses reusable transducer arrays with adjustable beamforming and signal transmission characteristics to adapt to different survey requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment for each mission type while maintaining high data quality across all survey modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic signal configuration where transmission signals and reception processing are adjusted in real-time based on the current survey mission requirements. The transducer arrays can dynamically change their operational characteristics including frequency, beam direction, and signal processing parameters to optimize performance for different survey types, enabling rapid mission switching without physical reconfiguration.
2Measurement precision
If new survey equipment is built to improve data quality, then measurement precision is improved, but the cost and complexity of building and testing equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single sonar system capable of performing multiple survey missions (bathymetry, water column characterization, seafloor characterization) by dynamically configuring transducer arrays and signal processing parameters. The system uses reusable transducer arrays with adjustable beamforming and signal transmission characteristics to adapt to different survey requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment for each mission type while maintaining high data quality across all survey modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves different survey capabilities by changing operational parameters such as transmission frequency, beamforming weights, and signal processing algorithms rather than through physical hardware changes. This allows the same physical equipment to deliver high measurement precision for multiple survey types by optimizing parameters for each specific mission.
3Device complexity
If a single array is used for multiple missions, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to recognize frequency-dependent characteristics may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic signal configuration where transmission signals and reception processing are adjusted in real-time based on the current survey mission requirements. The transducer arrays can dynamically change their operational characteristics including frequency, beam direction, and signal processing parameters to optimize performance for different survey types, enabling rapid mission switching without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves different survey capabilities by changing operational parameters such as transmission frequency, beamforming weights, and signal processing algorithms rather than through physical hardware changes. This allows the same physical equipment to deliver high measurement precision for multiple survey types by optimizing parameters for each specific mission.
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 system allows for simultaneous collection of diverse and high-quality survey data from various water environments, reducing the time and cost associated with traditional survey methods by utilizing a single array to perform multiple missions efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
the projector array arranged with respect to the hydrophone array to form a Mills Cross; the message for exciting the projector array such that a swath of a waterbody bottom is ensonified
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; a swath of a waterbody bottom is ensonified
Data Source
AI summary
A survey system including a transmitter, receiver, projector array and hydrophone array transmits and receives sound waves to perform one or more survey missions.