Software Defined Sonar System with Reconfigurable Phased Array

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional subsea acoustic systems require separate fixed software and hardware for each function, making them costly and space-intensive, especially for smaller vessels.

Innovation Solution

A software-defined platform with a broadband phased array transducer enables multiple subsea acoustic applications in a single configurable unit, using a programmable transceiver and sensor module to dynamically route signals and adapt to different functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate fixed software and hardware components are used for each acoustic system, then each system can perform its specific function reliably, but the cost and space required on the vessel increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem function reliabilityVSAvoidvessel space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single acoustic system with reconfigurable hardware and software that can perform multiple acoustic functions (echosounding, Doppler profiling, sub-bottom profiling) by dynamically reconfiguring the same physical components, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each function and thereby reducing vessel space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate fixed software and hardware components are used for each acoustic system, then each system can perform its specific function reliably, but the cost increases to tens of thousands of dollars per system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem function reliabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single acoustic system with reconfigurable hardware and software that can perform multiple acoustic functions (echosounding, Doppler profiling, sub-bottom profiling) by dynamically reconfiguring the same physical components, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each function and thereby reducing vessel space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple acoustic systems are installed on a vessel, then various subsea acoustic functions can be performed, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic function versatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic reconfiguration of hardware components and software settings to transform a single static system into a multi-functional platform, allowing the same physical components to adapt their configuration based on the required acoustic function, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a single acoustic system with reconfigurable hardware and software that can perform multiple acoustic functions (echosounding, Doppler profiling, sub-bottom profiling) by dynamically reconfiguring the same physical components, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each function and thereby reducing vessel space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10451758B2Multi-function broadband phased-array software defined sonar system and method

Publication Date: 2019.10.22 MARPORT CANADA

AI summary

A software defined platform is provided for subsea acoustic applications that utilizes a broadband phased array transducer and a configurable, multi-function software defined transducer that is configurable on the fly to enable various subsea acoustic systems to be achieved in a single unit thus reducing the space required on the vessel and the cost of having such multiple functions.