Sonar transducer having geometric elements

US11105922B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Navico Holding AS · NO

Inventors

• Barry M. Antao · Owasso, US
• Alan Lee Proctor · Owasso, US
• Jayme Caspall · Tulsa, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 12, 2019
• Grant date: Aug 31, 2021
• Expiry date: Apr 12, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G10K11/008
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A system is provided for imaging an underwater environment. The system includes a transducer assembly with at least one transmit transducer element and an array of receive transducer elements. Each receive transducer element is configured to receive sonar returns and form sonar return data. A sonar signal processor is configured to receive the sonar return data from each receive transducer element and generate sonar image data. The sonar return data from all of the receive transducer elements may be summed and used to form a high-definition 1D (e.g., time-based) sonar image. The sonar return data from only a subgroup may be summed and used to form a lower-definition 1D sonar image. In some systems, an array of series-connected transmit transducer elements can be used. The orientation of the emitting faces of the array may vary slightly to mimic a curved surface for increased beam coverage.