Sonar Target Locking for Boat Motion Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing consumer fish finder sonar technologies require manual steering of the sonar beam to maintain the target in frame, especially when the boat moves due to wind, current, or other factors.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an electro-mechanical assembly, a positioning system, and a controller that automatically steers the sonar array to maintain the target in frame, using GPS and IMU data to adjust the sonar array's position relative to the target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual steering of the sonar beam is used to maintain the target in frame, then the angler can control the sonar imaging, but the operation becomes complex and requires continuous manual adjustment when the boat moves
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically steers the sonar beam to track the target without requiring manual intervention. The controller continuously adjusts the sonar array position based on GPS and IMU data, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for continuous manual steering adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering with an automated electro-mechanical system. The controller uses electronic signals to adjust the sonar array position based on positioning system data, substituting human manual control with an automated electronic control mechanism
2Productivity
If the sonar array is manually adjusted to compensate for boat movement, then the target can remain in frame, but this requires continuous manual attention and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system autonomously maintains target tracking without requiring the angler's continuous attention. The controller automatically compensates for boat movement by adjusting the sonar array position, freeing the angler to focus on fishing activities rather than manual steering
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses GPS and IMU data to continuously monitor boat position and orientation, providing feedback to the controller which then adjusts the sonar array position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures automatic compensation for boat movement, maintaining target visibility without manual intervention
3Measurement precision
If a small sonar beam (roughly 25 degrees) is used to provide detailed imaging, then the imaging precision is improved, but the sonar array must be constantly steered to keep the target in frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering with an automated electro-mechanical control system that uses GPS and IMU data to adjust the sonar array position, enabling precise target tracking with a narrow beam without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically maintains the narrow sonar beam on the target by continuously adjusting the array position based on positioning data, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for manual steering adjustments that would be required with a wider beam
Data Source
AI summary
A sonar target locking system to position a sonar assembly to maintain the sonar array of the sonar assembly pointing at a position of a user-set (desired) target even when the watercraft is rotating or moving in various motions. The sonar target locking system includes electro-mechanical assembly that can be steered electrically to maintain the sonar array pointing at the position of the desired target. The system may be activated using at least one of a foot pedal, handheld remote control, or a display of a fish finder head unit. The system may use GPS and IMU inputs to generate control signals to steer the electro-mechanical assembly to maintain the sonar array pointing at the position of the desired target.