3D Sonar Depth Color Mapping for Underwater Target Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underwater detection systems using 3D sonar find it difficult for users to visually distinguish the water depth of underwater targets, such as schools of fish, within 3D echo images, as the existing grid lines only indicate water depths, making it cumbersome to identify depths without frequent image rotation.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a processing circuitry that generates 3D image data by performing isosurface processing and sets depth markings on the data, changing echo intensity colors to depth colors, allowing users to easily differentiate water depths by displaying equi-depth contours and planes within the 3D echo images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the system displays only echo intensity colors in the 3D echo image, then the echo information is clearly displayed, but the water depth of underwater targets cannot be visually distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges echo intensity color information with depth color information into a single integrated color coding system. The processing circuitry combines the echo intensity value and depth value to generate a composite color representation, allowing both echo information and depth information to be displayed simultaneously in the 3D echo image without requiring separate displays or user operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The color coding system in the patent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it indicates echo intensity, indicates water depth, and provides visual differentiation of underwater targets at different depths. This multi-functional color system eliminates the need for separate depth indication mechanisms or user operations to rotate the image for depth assessment.
2Loss of information
If the user rotates the 3D echo image to visually recognize water depth, then the water depth of underwater targets becomes easier to recognize, but the user operation becomes troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-displaying depth information in the form of depth colors within the 3D echo image itself. The processing circuitry automatically determines the depth values and encodes them into the color representation before the user views the image, eliminating the need for the user to perform rotation operations to assess depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces depth color as an intermediary visual element that mediates between the raw depth data and the user's depth perception. Instead of requiring the user to mentally process 3D spatial relationships through rotation, the depth color acts as a direct visual cue that immediately communicates water depth information.
3Loss of information
If the system displays depth markings on all echo intensity parts, then complete depth information is provided, but the image becomes cluttered and harder to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of different echo intensity parts. Instead of uniformly applying depth markings across all regions, the system selectively applies depth color coding based on the echo intensity characteristics of each region. This allows depth information to be prominently displayed in relevant areas while maintaining clarity in areas where echo intensity differentiation is sufficient.
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 enables users to more easily grasp the water depth of underwater targets without the need for frequent image rotation, enhancing visual recognition and reducing user burden, while maintaining clear echo information display.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission transducer 2 that transmits a transmission wave
Implementation Method 2
a reception transducer 3 that generates a reception signal based on a reflection wave including a reflection of the transmission wave on an underwater target
Implementation Method 3
by changing an echo intensity color that represents an echo intensity of the 3 dimensional image data into a depth color that represents a depth of the 3 dimensional image data
Data Source
AI summary
An underwater detection apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include a transmission transducer, a reception transducer, and processing circuitry. The transmission transducer may transmit a transmission wave. The reception transducer may include a plurality of reception elements that generate a reception signal based on a reflection wave including a reflection of the transmission wave on an underwater target. The processing circuitry may generate a 3D image data that represents an echo intensity of the underwater target based at least in part on the reception signal generated by each reception element, and may set a depth marking on the 3D image data for which a depth is equal to a given depth, by changing an echo intensity color that represents the echo intensity of the 3D image data into a depth color that represents a depth of the 3D image data, the depth color being different from the echo intensity color.