Sonar imaging techniques for objects in an underwater environment
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for imaging an underwater environment, the method comprising:
- receiving first sonar data based on first sonar returns from one or more first sonar beams produced by a first transducer element directed toward the underwater environment, wherein the first transducer element defines a first shape and the one or more first sonar beams each define a first beam shape;
receiving second sonar data based on second sonar returns from one or more second sonar beams produced by a second transducer element directed toward the underwater environment, wherein the second transducer element defines a second shape and the one or more second sonar beams each define a second beam shape, wherein the second shape is different than the first shape and the second beam shape is different than the first beam shape;
determining, by a sonar signal processor, an association between at least one of the second sonar returns from the second sonar data and at least one object positioned in the underwater environment;
processing the first sonar data and the second sonar data to form sonar image data, wherein the sonar image data is based on at least one or more of the first sonar returns from the first sonar data and one or more of the second sonar returns associated with the at least one object; and
rendering the sonar image data on a display to form an image of the underwater environment that includes a representation of the at least one object that is formed based on the one or more second sonar returns and a representation of at least a portion of the remainder of the underwater environment that is formed based on the one or more first sonar returns.
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Abstract
Methods, systems, and computer program product are provided herein for generating an image that includes sonar data indicative of an object from a first transducer element, such as a circular transducer element, with sonar data indicative of an underwater environment from a second transducer element, such as a linear transducer element. Example sonar data indicative of a fish includes a fish arch.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method for imaging an underwater environment, the method comprising:
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receiving first sonar data based on first sonar returns from one or more first sonar beams produced by a first transducer element directed toward the underwater environment, wherein the first transducer element defines a first shape and the one or more first sonar beams each define a first beam shape; receiving second sonar data based on second sonar returns from one or more second sonar beams produced by a second transducer element directed toward the underwater environment, wherein the second transducer element defines a second shape and the one or more second sonar beams each define a second beam shape, wherein the second shape is different than the first shape and the second beam shape is different than the first beam shape; determining, by a sonar signal processor, an association between at least one of the second sonar returns from the second sonar data and at least one object positioned in the underwater environment; processing the first sonar data and the second sonar data to form sonar image data, wherein the sonar image data is based on at least one or more of the first sonar returns from the first sonar data and one or more of the second sonar returns associated with the at least one object; and rendering the sonar image data on a display to form an image of the underwater environment that includes a representation of the at least one object that is formed based on the one or more second sonar returns and a representation of at least a portion of the remainder of the underwater environment that is formed based on the one or more first sonar returns. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A sonar system for imaging an underwater environment, the sonar system comprising:
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a first transducer element directed toward the underwater environment and configured to produce one or more first sonar beams and receive first sonar data based on sonar returns from the one or more first sonar beams, wherein the first transducer element defines a first shape and the one or more first sonar beams each define a first beam shape; a second transducer element directed toward the underwater environment and configured to produce one or more second sonar beams and receive second sonar data based on sonar returns from the one or more second sonar beams, wherein the second transducer element defines a second shape and the one or more second sonar beams each define a second beam shape, wherein the second shape is different than the first shape and the second beam shape is different than the first beam shape; a sonar signal processor configured to; determine an association between at least one of the second sonar returns from the second sonar data and at least one object positioned in the underwater environment; process the first sonar data and the second sonar data to farm sonar image data, wherein the sonar image data is based on at least one or more of the first sonar returns from the first sonar data and one or more of the second sonar returns associated with the at least one object; and render the sonar image data on a display to form an image of the underwater environment that includes a representation of the at least one object that is formed based on the one or more second sonar returns and a representation of at least a portion of the remainder of the underwater environment that is formed based on the one or more first sonar returns. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method for imaging an underwater environment, the method comprising:
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receiving first sonar return data from a first transducer element directed toward the underwater environment, wherein the first transducer element defines a first shape; receiving second sonar return data from a second transducer element directed toward the underwater environment, wherein the second transducer element defines a second shape, wherein the second shape is different than the first shape; generating sonar image data based on the first sonar return data and the second sonar return data, wherein the sonar image data forms an image representing the underwater environment, wherein the image includes; a representation of at least one object within the underwater environment that is formed based on the second sonar return data; and a representation of at least a portion of the remainder of the underwater environment that is fowled based on the first sonar return data; and
causing presentation of the sonar image on a display. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23)
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24. A sonar system for imaging an underwater environment, the sonar system comprising:
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a first transducer element directed toward the underwater environment and configured to receive first sonar return data from the underwater environment, wherein the first transducer element defines a first shape; a second transducer element directed toward the underwater environment and configured to receive second sonar return data from the underwater environment, wherein the second transducer element defines a second shape, wherein the second shape is different than the first shape; a processor configured to; receive the first sonar return data; receive the second sonar return data; and generate sonar image data based on the first sonar return data and the second sonar return data, wherein the sonar image data forms an image representing the underwater environment, wherein the image includes; a representation of at least one object within the underwater environment that is formed based on the second sonar return data; and a representation of at least a portion of the remainder of the underwater environment that is formed based on the first sonar return data. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27)
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Specification