Dynamic Sonar Beam Pattern for Echo Masking Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Sonar systems face challenges in accurately detecting objects in water bodies due to echo masking from the water bottom, particularly in deep water environments where the characteristics of the water bottom vary, making it difficult to detect objects vertically downward.
Innovation Solution
A sonar apparatus with a transducer array and processing circuitry that dynamically adjusts the transmit beam pattern based on the bottom characteristics of the water body, such as depth and surface hardness, to reduce echo masking by applying different attenuation values in various directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a transmit beam pattern with attenuated intensity level in direction perpendicular to water bottom is used, then echo masking from water bottom is reduced, but detection of objects in deep water bodies becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transmit beam pattern adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically changes the beam pattern characteristics based on water depth conditions, transitioning between different intensity distributions to adapt to varying operational environments and resolve the contradiction between reducing bottom echo masking and maintaining object detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the transmit beam pattern, specifically the intensity distribution across different directions. By adjusting the intensity levels in vertically downward direction versus other directions based on water depth, the system optimizes both the reduction of bottom echo masking and the detection of objects at different ranges.
2Measurement precision
If transmit intensity in vertically downward direction is increased for deep water detection, then detection capability improves, but echo masking from water bottom increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different intensity characteristics in different spatial directions. The transmit beam pattern is designed with higher intensity in vertically downward direction for deep water penetration while maintaining lower intensity in other directions to minimize bottom echo masking, giving each direction its optimal quality for the specific detection need.
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 improves the precision of detecting objects underwater by minimizing echo masking from the water bottom, enhancing the detection of objects in both shallow and deep water environments.
Implementation Method 1
The transducer array is configured to transmit one or more ultrasonic waves into the water body
Implementation Method 2
The sonar transmits one or more ultrasonic waves in the water body and receives echoes reflected from the one or more objects in the water body
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method are provided for detecting one or more objects under a surface of a water body. The method includes transmitting one or more ultrasonic waves into the water body according to a transmit beam pattern. The method further includes determining a bottom characteristic of a bottom of the water body and dynamically adjusting the transmit beam pattern, based on the bottom characteristic of the water body.