Rotating Sonar Transducer Array for 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sonar systems are limited in their ability to create accurate images of underwater environments, often requiring a watercraft to actively travel along the surface to acquire necessary data, which restricts their imaging capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A sonar system configured with a transducer array that includes at least two transducer elements, capable of rotation, utilizing interferometry to determine angle information and generate 2D and 3D images of the underwater environment, allowing for flexible and enhanced imaging without the need for continuous surface travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sonar systems are used to create images of underwater environments, then basic depth detection is achieved, but the system requires active watercraft travel to acquire necessary data, limiting imaging flexibility and capability
Solution Approach 1:
The sonar system divides the imaging task into multiple transducer elements (first transducer element for transmitting sonar pulses, second transducer element for receiving sonar returns) that work in parallel to collect data from different spatial positions, enabling image construction without requiring watercraft movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotational dimension by mounting the transducer array on a rotatable housing, allowing the sonar system to scan the underwater environment in multiple directions (azimuth angles) while stationary, transforming a single-point measurement system into a multi-dimensional imaging system
2Measurement precision
If a single transducer element is used, then device complexity is reduced, but angle information determination and interferometry capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
Each transducer element in the array has a specific localized function: the first transducer element is optimized for transmitting sonar pulses, while the second transducer element is optimized for receiving sonar returns. This functional differentiation at the local element level enables the overall system to achieve interferometry capabilities and precise angle determination without requiring excessive complexity in each individual element
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sonar signal processor as an intermediary component that receives data from multiple transducer elements and performs interferometry processing to determine angle information. This intermediary processing stage bridges the gap between the simple transducer elements and the complex measurement requirements, enabling precise angle determination through signal processing rather than through complex hardware
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 the creation of robust and flexible sonar images, including 2D forward-looking, 2D radar-like, and 3D images, providing detailed depth contours and object representation, improving underwater environment visualization and navigation.
Implementation Method 1
The first transducer element is further configured to receive first sonar returns from the sonar pulses and convert sound energy from the first sonar returns into first sonar return data. The second transducer element is configured to receive second sonar returns from the sonar pulses and convert sound energy from the second sonar returns into second sonar return data.
Implementation Method 2
The sonar signal processor is further configured to generate a set of 2D sonar return data based on the first sonar return data and the second sonar return data by using interferometry to process the first sonar return data and the second sonar return data to determine an angle associated with each sonar return in the set of 2D sonar return data.
Data Source
AI summary
Sonar systems and associated methods are provided herein for sonar image generation. The sonar system is configured to enable rotation of a transducer array that includes at least two transducer elements. The transducer array may be mounted to a trolling motor capable of being rotated. The transducer elements can be positioned to enable use of interferometry to obtain angle information regarding sonar returns. The angle and range of each sonar return can be used to form images, such as a 2D forward looking image of the underwater environment. A heading detector can be used to obtain a heading of the transducer elements to enable creation of a 2D radar-like image of the underwater environment. Additionally, the heading, angle, and range of the sonar returns can be used to form a 3D image of the underwater environment.