Overlaying Sonar Images on Nautical Charts for Positional Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine navigation systems face challenges in accurately presenting sonar data on nautical charts, making it difficult for users to understand the real-world coverage and location of underwater objects, as sonar images and charts are typically separate and not correlated, requiring users to infer information manually.
Innovation Solution
A system that overlays real-time sonar images on nautical charts, accounting for sonar beam orientation, size, and position relative to the watercraft, allowing for accurate representation of sonar coverage and object locations, with adjustable zoom levels and 360-degree views, and indicators for tracked objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sonar images and nautical charts are displayed separately, then each display can be optimized for its specific function, but users must consult multiple displays and manually infer the relationship between sonar coverage and real-world locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the nautical chart display and sonar image display into a single integrated display. The sonar image is overlaid on the nautical chart, allowing users to view both pieces of information simultaneously in one location. This eliminates the need to switch between multiple displays or manually correlate sonar data with chart positions, directly resolving the contradiction by merging two separate display functions into one unified interface.
2Loss of information
If sonar images are overlaid on nautical charts, then users can understand sonar coverage in real-world context, but the system must accurately calculate and apply sonar beam orientation, size, and position relative to the watercraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical correlation methods with automated electronic processing. The system automatically calculates sonar beam parameters (orientation, size, position) using electronic computations based on transducer data and watercraft position information. This substitution of electronic processing for manual methods enables accurate overlay positioning without requiring complex user intervention, resolving the contradiction by automating the parameter processing.
3Measurement precision
If the system provides detailed sonar coverage information with accurate beam orientation and positioning, then users can precisely locate underwater objects, but the display and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable zoom levels that allow users to view sonar coverage at different levels of detail. At lower zoom levels, the system displays a broader view with less processing intensity. When users zoom in, the system provides more detailed sonar coverage information and more precise object location data. This partial action approach allows the system to provide high-precision information only when needed, reducing overall processing and display resource requirements while maintaining the capability for precise measurement when required.
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
Enhances user understanding of underwater environments by providing a clear, correlated view of sonar data on charts, improving navigation and recreational activities by accurately depicting object positions and coverage areas.
Implementation Method 1
Sonar (SOund Navigation And Ranging) has long been used to detect waterborne or underwater objects. For example, sonar devices may be used to determine depth and bottom topography, detect fish, locate wreckage, etc.
Implementation Method 2
A sonar sound beam is transmitted into and through the water and is reflected from objects it encounters (e.g., fish, structure, bottom surface of the water, etc.). The transducer may receive the reflected sound (the 'sonar returns') and convert the sound energy into electrical energy.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for presenting marine information are provided herein. A system includes an array of a plurality of sonar transducer elements associated with a watercraft and a display. The system causes presentation of a chart of a body of water, including a representation of the watercraft at a current location. The system also operates the array to cause transmission of sonar beams into the underwater environment and receives sonar return data from the array. The system further generates, based on the sonar return data, a two-dimensional live sonar image, determines a facing direction of the array, and causes presentation of the sonar image in the facing direction on the chart and relative to the representation of the watercraft. Accordingly, live sonar imagery is presented on the chart to visually provide a relationship between objects within the live sonar imagery and the real-world position of those objects.