Sonar Rendering With Positioning Data Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sonar data rendering is challenging due to the lack of context, particularly for novice users, as it is relative to the sonar beam origin, making it difficult to interpret the physical movement of a watercraft, such as determining if it is traveling in a straight line or circling, without accounting for the watercraft's movement.
Innovation Solution
A sonar system comprising a transducer assembly, position sensing circuitry, and processing circuitry that converts raw sonar data into range cell data, associates it with positioning data, and rotates the data based on the watercraft's movement direction to generate adjusted range cell data, which is then rendered with a geographic map for improved interpretability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If sonar data is rendered relative to the sonar beam origin (transducer), then the data can be continuously updated in real-time, but the physical movement context of the watercraft is lost making interpretation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces GPS positioning data as an intermediary element that mediates between the sonar beam origin and the rendered image. This positioning data provides the watercraft's movement context (location, heading, speed) that bridges the gap between real-time sonar updates and interpretable movement information, allowing users to understand both the current sonar view and the watercraft's physical motion simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimensional layer of information by overlaying GPS-derived contextual data (watercraft position, heading, speed) onto the traditional sonar rendering. This transforms the 2D sonar image into a multi-dimensional representation that includes spatial context, temporal context, and movement context, enabling users to interpret watercraft motion while maintaining real-time update capability
2Device complexity
If traditional sonar rendering is used without positioning data integration, then the system complexity remains low, but the ease of operation and data interpretability deteriorates particularly for novice users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing GPS positioning data to extract relevant contextual information (watercraft location, heading, speed) before it is needed for rendering. This pre-computed contextual data is then automatically integrated with sonar data during rendering, reducing the operational burden on users while significantly improving data interpretability without adding complex real-time processing requirements
3Device complexity
If sonar data is rendered without rotation based on watercraft movement, then the rendering process is simpler, but the accuracy of representing underwater surroundings relative to watercraft orientation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic rendering by making the sonar image rotation angle a variable that changes with watercraft heading. Instead of a fixed rendering orientation, the system dynamically adjusts the rotation of the sonar data based on the watercraft's current orientation from GPS data, ensuring that the rendered image always accurately represents the underwater surroundings relative to the watercraft's present direction while maintaining straightforward rendering logic
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
The solution enhances the interpretability of sonar data by providing context-based rendering, allowing users to clearly understand the watercraft's movement and underwater surroundings, even during turns, by integrating positioning data with sonar data and rotating it to align with the watercraft's direction, thus improving data interpretation.
Implementation Method 1
Echo returns from the transmitted sound reflected off an object are received, either by the same transducers or by separate receiver elements and are converted into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
Devices such as transducer elements, or simply transducers, have been developed to produce sound or vibrations at a particular frequency that is transmitted into and through the water
Data Source
AI summary
Sonar rendering systems and methods are described herein. One example is an apparatus that includes a transducer element, position sensing circuitry, processing circuitry, and a display device. The processing circuitry may be configured to receive raw sonar data and positioning data, convert the raw sonar data into range cell data based at least on amplitudes of the return echoes, make a location-based association between the raw sonar data and the positioning data, plot the range cell data based on respective positions derived from the positioning data and rotate the range cell data based on a direction of movement of the watercraft to generate adjusted range cell data. The processing circuitry may be further configured to convert the adjusted range cell data into sonar image data, and cause the display device to render the sonar image data with a presentation of a geographic map.