Sonar Receiving Antenna Position Correction via Acoustic Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sonar systems face limitations in measurement accuracy, especially when detecting high-frequency waterborne sound signals, due to manufacturing inaccuracies and the need for extensive measurement efforts to determine time delay coefficients for various bearing angles.
Innovation Solution
A method that acoustically measures the receiving antenna to detect precise deviations in the positions of receiving elements, using reception phases to estimate new actual positions and correct signal processing, thereby improving measurement accuracy without increasing manufacturing precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manufacturing precision of receiving antenna is increased, then measurement accuracy of sonar system is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical manufacturing precision requirements with an acoustic measurement and correction system. Instead of relying on precise physical positioning of receiving elements during manufacturing, the system uses acoustic signals to measure actual positions and applies correction coefficients to compensate for deviations, substituting mechanical precision with acoustic-field-based correction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from fixed manufacturing parameters to dynamic correction parameters. By determining time delay coefficients and position correction values based on actual acoustic measurements, the system adapts to manufacturing variations rather than requiring strict adherence to predetermined manufacturing specifications
2Measurement precision
If manufacturing precision of receiving antenna is increased, then measurement accuracy of sonar system is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive high-precision manufacturing processes with a more economical acoustic measurement and software correction approach. The receiving antenna can be manufactured with standard precision, and the system compensates for errors through acoustic field measurements and computational correction, avoiding the need for costly precision manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual model of the actual receiving antenna positions through acoustic measurement, rather than requiring the physical positions to perfectly match the design model. This virtual copy allows for correction of manufacturing deviations without requiring expensive re-manufacturing
3Measurement precision
If time delay coefficients are determined for many bearing angles, then measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent determines a small set of time delay coefficients that serve multiple bearing angles simultaneously. Rather than optimizing coefficients for each individual angle, the system uses acoustic measurements to determine correction coefficients that provide accurate positioning across a range of angles, reducing the total number of measurements required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a limited number of acoustic measurements at specific angles to determine correction coefficients that then apply to a broader range of bearing angles. This partial measurement approach is sufficient to capture the dominant positioning errors and apply corrections widely, avoiding the need for exhaustive measurements at every possible angle
4Measurement precision
If high-frequency waterborne sound signals are used for close-range detection, then resolution of objects is improved, but measurement accuracy becomes more sensitive to position deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for high manufacturing precision with an acoustic measurement-based correction system. High-frequency signals are used for their superior resolution capability, while the system compensates for increased sensitivity to position errors through acoustic field measurements and time delay coefficient determination, allowing the use of high frequencies without requiring correspondingly high manufacturing precision
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 measurement accuracy for high-frequency signals and close-range detection, reducing the complexity and cost associated with manufacturing precise receiving antennas while maintaining high accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The receiving elements, which are or have electroacoustic converters, for example, generate electrical reception signals in response to received waterborne sound signals or waterborne sound waves
Implementation Method 2
The invention carries out an acoustic measurement of the receiving antenna using an acoustic measurement means. As a result, very precise deviations in the actual positions of the receiving elements from their target positions are detected
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
The method involves determining receiving phases (10) from receiving signals (6), and assigning position errors (16) to receiving elements i.e. waterborne sound converters, using the receiving phases and estimated actual positions (14, 14') of the receiving elements at receiving antennas (4). New actual positions of the receiving elements are estimated using the previous estimated actual positions and position errors. The determined receiving phases are delayed according to delay values, and phase differences between the delayed receiving phases and a reference phase. An independent claim is also included for a device for improving measurement accuracy of a sonar system.