Underwater Detection Apparatus Seawall Echo Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Forward Looking Sonar (FLS) systems using the split beam technique struggle to accurately display echoes from multiple targets coming from different directions, particularly with underwater structures like seawalls, leading to potential dangerous misinterpretations by users.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a seawall detection method that cross-correlates echo amplitude information with a typical attenuation curve to identify seawall echoes, using a classifier module to differentiate between seawall and air bubble echoes, and displays the seawall extending to the water surface to avoid false alarms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the split beam technique is used to detect echoes from multiple targets, then the coverage area is improved, but the measurement precision of echo direction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array is divided into multiple sub-arrays, with each sub-array responsible for detecting echoes from specific angular sectors. This segmentation allows the system to maintain precise direction measurement within each sector while collectively covering a wide area through the combination of all sub-arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional processing dimension by implementing a two-stage beamforming approach: first forming narrow beams for precise direction measurement, then combining these beams through angular sector assignment to achieve wide coverage. This dimensional transformation resolves the contradiction between beam width and coverage area.
2Measurement precision
If narrow receiving beams are used to determine echo direction accurately, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of information from multiple targets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection space is segmented into multiple angular sectors, with each sector monitored by dedicated sub-arrays. This segmentation preserves information from multiple targets by assigning them to different sector channels, preventing information loss that would occur with a single narrow beam approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by enabling each sub-array to detect echoes from multiple angular sectors simultaneously through the segmented beamforming approach, rather than requiring separate physical arrays for each direction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the split beam technique is used to cover wide angular range, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability of seawall detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the detection space into angular sectors with dedicated sub-arrays, the system maintains high reliability for seawall detection within each sector while achieving wide overall coverage. The segmentation prevents the reliability degradation that would occur with a single wide beam approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing each angular sector for specific detection requirements. Sub-arrays are configured with appropriate beam widths and steering angles tailored to their specific sectors, ensuring high reliability for seawall detection in each local region while maintaining global adaptability.
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 approach enhances the accuracy of seawall detection, preventing false alarms and ensuring users are informed of potential dangers, thereby improving safety by clearly displaying seawalls from the seabed to the water surface.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting and receiving an ultrasound signal
Implementation Method 2
amplitude information of echoes
Data Source
AI summary
An underwater detection apparatus for detecting a target by transmitting and receiving an ultrasound signal is provided. The apparatus includes a replica memory module for storing the typical amplitude evolution of a seawall echo during a predetermined time period as a template-replica beforehand, a correlator module for determining a correlation between the amplitude evolution of an echo signal reflected from the target and the template-replica, a seawall detector module for detecting a seawall position based on the correlation, and a seawall display processor module for displaying the seawall on its position in an indicator.