Enhanced bottom sonar system
First Claim
1. A system for identifying objects, comprising:
- means for transmitting toward a target a first signal comprising a succession of bursts of selected different frequencies;
means for receiving the target backscatter energy created by each successive individual frequency burst of said first signal;
means for collecting as data points over the range of frequencies used, each backscatter signal amplitude value and the associated burst frequency;
a reference library of data point sets, each set predetermined to be representative of the backscatter energy of a particular object when impinged by said first signal; and
means for determining which set of predetermined reference data points is most closely matched to said collected data points.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Buried ocean cable is irradiated with a suitable sonar signal, and in response emits distinct characteristic "signature" backscatter signals. The "signature" signals are distinct for specific individual constructions of cable, and therefore assist in determining the identity of a buried object without having to dig it up. Search apparatus launches the unique sonar signal toward the buried cable, with a predetermined beamwidth, attack angle, cross-section, and signal character. The signal consists of a succession of bursts of different frequencies, separated by a step function, for example, and separated by silent periods. The signal is repeated as the search vehicle travels a predetermined direction with respect to the estimated cable orientation. The backscatter signals are received by the sonar apparatus for analysis by digital comparison to a data library of known signal patterns, or for display on an operator'"'"'s monitor.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A system for identifying objects, comprising:
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means for transmitting toward a target a first signal comprising a succession of bursts of selected different frequencies; means for receiving the target backscatter energy created by each successive individual frequency burst of said first signal; means for collecting as data points over the range of frequencies used, each backscatter signal amplitude value and the associated burst frequency; a reference library of data point sets, each set predetermined to be representative of the backscatter energy of a particular object when impinged by said first signal; and means for determining which set of predetermined reference data points is most closely matched to said collected data points. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A system for identifying objects disposed on or within the floor of a body of water, comprising:
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means for transmitting toward a target a first sonar signal comprising a succession of bursts of selected different frequencies; means for receiving the target backscatter energy created by each successive individual frequency burst of said first sonar signal; means for collecting as data points over the range of frequencies used, each backscatter signal amplitude value and the associated burst frequency; a reference library of data point sets, each set predetermined to be representative of the backscatter energy of a particular object on or within said floor when impinged by said first signal; and means for determining which set of predetermined reference data points is most closely matched to said collected data points. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for identifying a cable disposed on or within the floor of a body of water, comprising:
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means for transmitting toward said cable a first sonar signal comprising a succession of bursts of selected different frequencies; means for receiving the target backscatter energy from said cable created by each successive individual frequency burst of said first sonar signal; means for collecting as data points over the range of frequencies used, each backscatter signal amplitude value and the associated burst frequency; a reference library of data point sets, each set predetermined to be representative of the backscatter energy of a particular structure of cable on or within said floor when impinged by said first signal; and means for determining which set of predetermined reference data points is most closely matched to said collected data points. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A method for identifying a cable disposed on or within the floor of a body of water, comprising:
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transmitting toward said cable a first sonar signal comprising a succession of bursts of selected different frequencies; receiving the target backscatter energy from said cable created by each successive individual frequency burst of said first sonar signal; collecting as data points over the range of frequencies used, each backscatter signal amplitude value and the associated burst frequency; providing a reference library of data point sets, each set predetermined to be representative of the backscatter energy of a particular structure of cable on or within said floor when impinged by said first signal; and determining which set of predetermined reference data points is most closely matched to said collected data points. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
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Specification