Sonar Target Detection Module Adjusting Search Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional SONAR systems inaccurately detect fish schools by extending their range to include adjacent targets like ship wakes due to echo signal connections, leading to inefficient and incorrect range calculations.
Innovation Solution
The SONAR device includes an echo signal acquisition module and a target detection module that adjust the search range based on predicted fish school positions and exclude other underwater targets, such as ship wakes, by calculating displacement vectors and using adjustable search ranges to accurately identify fish school ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the search range is extended to include all connected echo signals, then the detection coverage is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inclusion of other targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection space into multiple reception spaces and processes echo signals from each space separately. By dividing the search range into discrete reception spaces and evaluating echo connections individually, the system can identify and exclude echoes from other targets while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage across all areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different processing criteria to different local regions (reception spaces) based on their specific characteristics. By evaluating echo connections locally in each reception space and applying position-based filtering, the system maintains high measurement precision for fish school range while preserving overall detection coverage through localized quality assessment.
2Measurement precision
If the search range is reduced to exclude other targets, then the measurement precision is improved, but the detection coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the search range by evaluating echo connections in multiple reception spaces and determining which connections represent actual fish school boundaries versus other targets. The system adaptively expands or contracts the search range based on real-time echo signal characteristics, maintaining both high measurement precision and comprehensive detection coverage through dynamic range adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from echo signal analysis to refine the search range. By continuously evaluating echo connections, identifying patterns characteristic of other targets, and adjusting the search range accordingly, the system achieves both precise fish school range measurement and complete detection coverage through iterative feedback-based optimization.
3Reliability
If echo connections are searched in all adjacent reception spaces, then the detection completeness is improved, but the loss of time increases due to extensive searching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs partial searching by evaluating echo connections in adjacent reception spaces selectively rather than exhaustively. By applying position-based filtering and excluding obviously unrelated echoes, the system achieves sufficient detection completeness without the time cost of searching every possible reception space, implementing partial action that balances reliability and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of echo signal characteristics before conducting full connection searches. By pre-identifying echo patterns that likely represent other targets and excluding them beforehand, the system reduces the scope of subsequent searching while maintaining detection completeness, thereby reducing processing time through preliminary filtering actions.
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 efficient and accurate detection of fish schools by excluding other underwater targets from the search range, improving the precision of fish school range calculations and preventing improper range extensions.
Implementation Method 1
transmits ultrasonic waves into water, receives the reflected waves
Implementation Method 2
transmits ultrasonic waves into water
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(d)
Figure 3
AI summary
A SONAR device (10) including an echo signal acquisition module (15a) and a target detection module (11a) is provided. The echo signal acquisition module (15a) is configured to acquire echo signals from a ping, from a plurality of reception spaces (RS1) adjacent to each other. The echo signals are of a target including a fish school. The target detection module (11a) is configured to calculate a range of the fish school by searching, in a search range associated with the fish school, echo connections in the echo signals of the fish school in the plurality of adjacent reception spaces (RS1). The search range associated with the fish school is adjustable.