Harbor approach-defense embedded system
First Claim
1. A system for detecting the presence of intrusive objects in a harbor, comprising:
- a plurality of sonar pulse generator and transmitter units submerged in fixed positions in the harbor;
a plurality of sonar pulse sensors submerged in fixed positions in the harbor;
first means, coupled to the pulse sensors, for integrating over a time period of at least about one minute, pulses which originate from the pulse generator and transmitter units, and are sensed by the pulse sensors; and
second means, coupled to the first means, for continually generating an acoustical image map of the harbor from the integrated pulses, whereby the presence of a newly introduced stationary object is manifested as a change on the image map.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Acoustically mapping (fingerprinting) the main channel, or `Q` routes, of aarbor, over relatively long time periods by using transducers anchored near the harbor or Q route floor. Sonar pulse returns are processed so that echoes from acoustic targets are constantly monitored and integrated over long periods of time. The integrated sonar data are used to establish a characteristic bottom-image map for the presence and location of permanent objects such as debris, underwater formations and the like. The long term, integrated record is obtained to establish a reliable acoustic fingerprint or reference mapping of the bottom. This acoustical record or map, which is quite stable over long periods of time, is used to compare newly detected acoustic variances from the established map. A combination of active and passive acoustic sensors that are installed at fixed positions submerged in the channel permit the determination of both range and bearing when an intruding object has been detected.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A system for detecting the presence of intrusive objects in a harbor, comprising:
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a plurality of sonar pulse generator and transmitter units submerged in fixed positions in the harbor; a plurality of sonar pulse sensors submerged in fixed positions in the harbor; first means, coupled to the pulse sensors, for integrating over a time period of at least about one minute, pulses which originate from the pulse generator and transmitter units, and are sensed by the pulse sensors; and second means, coupled to the first means, for continually generating an acoustical image map of the harbor from the integrated pulses, whereby the presence of a newly introduced stationary object is manifested as a change on the image map. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for detecting intrusive objects in a harbor, comprising:
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projecting a plurality of sonar pulses from fixed locations beneath the surface of the water in the harbor; at a plurality of first locations, detecting the projected pulses and pulse echoes from objects in the harbor; continually integrating the detected pulses and echoes over a time period of at least about one minute; storing the integrations as a signature characteristic of the harbor over a relatively long period of time greater than one minute; and comparing changes in the detected pulses and echoes with the signature, to detect intrusive objects that have been stationary in the harbor for a relatively short period of time greater than one minute. - View Dependent Claims (11)
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12. A system for detecting the presence of a new, intrusive object in a harbor, comprising:
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a plurality of sonar pulse generator and transmitter units submerged in fixed positions in the harbor; a plurality of sonar pulse sensors submerged in fixed positions in the harbor and responsive to echo pulses which originate from the pulse generator and transmitter units; first means, coupled to the pulse sensors, for integrating the echo pulses over a time period of at least about one minute; and second means, coupled to the first means, for continually generating an acoustical image map of the harbor from the integrated pulses, whereby the presence of a newly introduced object is manifested as a change on the image map resulting from the integration of new echo pulses from said object which persist longer than normal ocean transitory echoes. - View Dependent Claims (13)
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Specification