Sonar User Interface Logic Device for Multi-Transducer Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sonar systems with multiple transducers are complex and non-intuitive, making them difficult to set up and operate, especially when used simultaneously, leading to downtime and reduced productivity and safety.
Innovation Solution
A sonar user interface system with a logic device communicating with sonar controllers and transducer assemblies, incorporating orientation and position sensors, gyroscope, accelerometer, and actuators, providing graphical and textual indicators for intuitive configuration and operation, allowing for instantaneous recall of settings and enhanced sonar data/imagery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sonar transducers are used to provide enhanced sonar imagery, then image detail and coverage are improved, but system complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sonar transducers into a single integrated system with a unified user interface. The controller receives signals from multiple transducers and processes them together, allowing enhanced sonar imagery through multiple channels while presenting a simplified single-interface control system to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface system is designed to handle multiple transducer types and configurations through a single universal interface. The system can operate with one or multiple transducers, adapting to different configurations without requiring separate control systems, thereby reducing overall complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple sonar transducers are operated simultaneously, then coverage breadth and image detail are enhanced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple transducer operations are merged into a single unified control interface. The system allows simultaneous operation of multiple transducers for enhanced coverage while presenting all controls and displays through one interface, eliminating the need for multiple separate control systems and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the user and multiple transducers. It manages the complex coordination of multiple simultaneous operations, handling signal processing, configuration, and control, thereby shielding the user from complexity while enabling enhanced coverage through multiple transducers.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional sonar interfaces are used, then system setup is possible, but time consumption and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pre-configured settings and automatic detection capabilities that perform preliminary setup actions. The controller can automatically detect transducer configurations and pre-set optimal parameters, significantly reducing the time and effort required for manual setup while maintaining full setup capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface system performs self-configuration and self-diagnosis functions. It automatically detects the presence and type of transducers, configures appropriate parameters, and validates system setup, thereby reducing manual intervention time while preserving comprehensive setup capabilities for user customization when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide intuitive user interfaces for sonar systems attached to mobile structures. A sonar user interface system includes a logic device configured to communicate with one or more sonar controllers and/or sonar transducer assemblies and associated processing and control electronics and optionally orientation and/or position sensors disposed substantially within the sonar transducer assemblies. Each sonar controller and/or transducer assembly includes channels that can be operated together or independently. Configurations for each channel, transducer assembly, controller, and/or for the entire sonar system are rendered and displayed using a combination of graphical and textual indicators to allow intuitive selection and/or arrangement of system, controller, assembly, and/or channel configurations and to store configurations for recall. Resulting sonar data and/or imagery may be displayed and/or used to adjust various operational systems of the mobile structure.