Sonar Surface Reconstruction via Mathematical Fitting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sonar technologies face challenges in producing clear, interpretable images of underwater surfaces, especially in turbid water conditions, due to noise in data from multiple sonar pulses and the need for skilled operators to interpret topographic maps.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single sonar beam pulse to generate a mathematical representation of surfaces by fitting recorded data points to a plane via least squares or multiple linear regression, reducing noise and allowing for the creation of 3D images with information on surface texture and reflectivity, and deselection of data from the sea surface or bottom to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple sonar pulses are used to gather more data, then the quantity of information increases, but noise and data complexity increase making interpretation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential surface geometric information (position, slope, orientation) from the sonar data while discarding redundant noise and unnecessary details. This is achieved by fitting mathematical surfaces to the data points, which automatically filters out random noise while preserving the underlying surface structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the raw sonar data parameters (time of flight, signal intensity) into meaningful surface parameters (position, normal vector, curvature) through mathematical fitting. This parameter transformation converts noisy raw measurements into clean geometric representations that are easier to interpret.
2Loss of information
If topographic maps are produced from sonar data, then surface information is captured, but the images require skilled operators to interpret and are not intuitively understandable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified 2D projections and contour lines that copy the essential 3D surface information in a more interpretable format. These visual representations maintain the geometric accuracy of the original data while presenting it in a form that requires minimal expert knowledge to understand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts 3D surface data into 2D visual representations with added value encoding (such as color-coded slope indicators or contour intervals). This dimensionality reduction makes the data more accessible while preserving critical surface characteristics through intelligent visual encoding.
3Productivity
If a single sonar pulse is used, then data acquisition is faster and simpler, but noise reduction and surface representation accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mathematical surface fitting algorithms as a preliminary processing step immediately after data acquisition. This preliminary action of fitting surfaces to the raw data points effectively reduces noise and enhances the accuracy of surface representation, allowing single-pulse data to achieve precision comparable to multiple pulses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mathematical surface models (planes, quadratic surfaces) as intermediary representations between the raw sonar measurements and the final surface interpretation. These intermediary models act as filters that separate signal from noise, improving measurement precision without requiring multiple pulses.
4Loss of information
If all recorded data is processed, then complete surface information is obtained, but data from sea surface and bottom interfere with object detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different processing strategies to different regions of the data. Sea surface and bottom data are identified and treated differently from object data based on their characteristic patterns (such as slope consistency or spatial distribution). This local differentiation allows the system to exclude interfering data while preserving complete object information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful interference from sea surface and bottom into useful information by using their characteristic patterns as reference frames. The consistent geometric patterns of the sea bottom and surface can be used to establish coordinate systems and filter criteria that automatically exclude them from object detection, turning the interference problem into a solution.
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 the production of clear, noise-reduced 3D images of underwater surfaces, providing information on texture, reflectivity, and slope, facilitating interpretation even in turbid waters and improving operator efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic energy from a single sonar beam pulse which has been scattered from surfaces of objects
Implementation Method 2
reflected sonar signals with a large plurality of detectors
Data Source
AI summary
Data recorded by directing a single sonar beam pulse towards a surface, and recording the reflected sonar signals with a large plurality of detectors, is used to generate a mathematical representation of the surface. The mathematical representation of the surface is chosen to fit the recorded data according to a criterion such as a least squares fit of a plane to the recorded data points. A mathematical representation of on object is built up from a number of non-overlapping mathematical objects such as triangles, each triangle joined to adjoining triangles to form a continuous surface in three dimensions. Images of such mathematical representations are then presented to the observer.