Surface Tidal Current Estimation via Wave-Crest Velocity Vectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating surface tidal current velocity vectors are computationally intensive and time-consuming, and ultrasonic current meters can only measure currents near a specific location, limiting their spatial distribution analysis.
Innovation Solution
A surface tidal current estimator and radar apparatus that calculates wave-crest and absolute tidal current velocity vectors by processing echo signals from a radar antenna, allowing for the estimation of tidal current velocity distributions in a short time through a combination of wave-crest flow calculating, relative tidal current distribution estimating, and absolute tidal current distribution estimating modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Fourier transform is applied on reception signals to obtain surface current speed, then surface tidal current can be estimated, but calculation load is high and calculation time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary components for tidal current estimation from the full Fourier transform process. By focusing specifically on wave crest velocity vector calculations and relative tidal current distributions, the system avoids unnecessary computational steps while maintaining estimation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The calculation process is segmented into distinct modules: wave crest velocity vector calculation, relative tidal current distribution estimation, and absolute tidal current distribution estimation. This segmentation allows for optimized computation of each component separately, reducing overall calculation time while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic current meter is used to obtain tidal current, then measurement is achieved, but only near measurement position can be obtained limiting spatial distribution analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The radar system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it detects wave crests, calculates velocity vectors, and estimates tidal current distributions across wide areas. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain measurement precision while dramatically expanding spatial coverage beyond what single-point instruments can achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-based measurement (ultrasonic current meter) to area-based measurement (radar imaging). By capturing two-dimensional spatial distributions of wave crests and calculating velocity vectors across the imaged area, the system achieves spatial distribution analysis that encompasses large ocean surfaces rather than single locations.
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
Enables the rapid estimation of surface tidal current velocity vector distributions, reducing computational load and providing accurate spatial coverage of tidal currents, allowing for efficient navigation and fuel savings.
Implementation Method 1
a radar antenna configured to transmit a radar wave and to receive an echo signal
Implementation Method 2
receive an echo signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A distribution of surface tidal current velocity vectors is estimated within a short period of time. A surface tidal current estimator 10 is configured including a deriving module 11 configured to derive wave-crest velocity vectors at a plurality of positions within a predetermined range of a water surface, each of the wave-crest velocity vectors being a velocity vector of a wave crest on the water surface, and correcting modules 16 and 23 configured to correct each of the wave-crest velocity vectors derived at the plurality of positions by the deriving module 11, based on one of the wave-crest velocity vector derived inside a predetermined area within the predetermined range by the deriving module 11 and an ocean-wave velocity vector in the predetermined area within the predetermined range, the ocean-wave velocity vector being a velocity vector of an ocean wave.