Reorientable Sonar Transducer Scanning for Full-Coverage Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sonar systems for fishing require complex and expensive equipment with multiple transducers to cover a full scan volume, which is difficult to install and maintain, and often necessitate difficult data interpretation due to movement of the watercraft.
Innovation Solution
A sonar transducer assembly that can be reoriented and swept through various orientations, including horizontal and vertical planes, to obtain sonar data without moving the watercraft, using a limited number of low-cost transducers and an orientation sensor, actuator, and processor to create understandable sonar images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transducers are used to cover full scan volume, then sonar coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single transducer that is dynamically repositioned and reoriented to different locations and angles to cover the full scan volume. The transducer is moved to multiple positions and orientations to map different underwater volumes, replacing the need for multiple fixed transducers with a single dynamically adjustable transducer system.
Solution Approach 2:
A single transducer assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by being repositioned and reoriented to different positions. This universal transducer serves the role of multiple specialized transducers would otherwise need to fulfill, covering the entire scan volume through systematic movement and reorientation rather than requiring dedicated transducers for each sector.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transducers and equipment are used, then sonar scan capability is improved, but installation and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single transducer that can be dynamically repositioned to various locations and reoriented to different angles through mechanical actuation. This dynamic repositioning capability allows one transducer to perform the work of multiple fixed transducers, significantly simplifying installation and maintenance while maintaining full scan capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transducer assembly includes integrated orientation sensors and positioning systems that automatically track and record the transducer's location and orientation during movement. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex external positioning equipment and simplifies data processing, as the system automatically manages its own spatial information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If watercraft moves to obtain sonar data, then scanning coverage is improved, but data interpretation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the watercraft, the system dynamically repositions a single transducer to various locations and orientations while the watercraft remains stationary. This approach simplifies data interpretation because the reference frame is stable and the system automatically tracks transducer position and orientation, eliminating the complexity of correlating sonar data with watercraft movement and past positioning.
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 cost-effective, robust sonar imagery with expanded coverage and simplified data interpretation by allowing sonar data collection in multiple directions while stationary, reducing equipment complexity and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
A sonar transducer assembly may be swept in various planes... receiving first sonar data from the sonar transducer assembly when the sonar transducer assembly is oriented in a first orientation, with the first sonar data providing data regarding a first underwater volume
Implementation Method 2
an orientation sensor configured to generate orientation data for the sonar transducer assembly... receiving first orientation data from the orientation sensor when the sonar transducer assembly is in the first orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for forming a sonar image is provided comprising receiving first sonar data from a sonar transducer assembly when it is oriented in a first orientation, receiving first orientation data, and causing an actuator to generate movement of the sonar transducer assembly so it moves from the first orientation to a second orientation. The method includes receiving second sonar data from the sonar transducer assembly when it is oriented in the second orientation, receiving second orientation data, and creating a sonar image using the first sonar data, the second sonar data, the first orientation data, and the second orientation data. The sonar image includes first and second image portions including image data representative of the first and second sonar data. The first image portion is positioned relative to the second image portion to portray a real-world differential position of the first sonar data relative to the second sonar data.