Volumetric and terrain imaging sonar
US5200931A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 1991 |
| Grant date | Apr 6, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S7/6245
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for the generation of a three-dimensional image representing structures detected within a volume. Two dimensional differential phase measurements are made on backscatter signals. Azimuth, elevation and range are calculated over a statistically large number of spatially diverse backscatter returns and used to construct a histogram of backscatter data. The histogram of backscatter data can be processed with standard image processing techniques to produce terrain maps or volumetric models of the volume of water. A system constructed according to the methods of this invention is capable of producing a three-dimensional map of the volume insonified without mechanical array scanning or electronic beam scanning. A combination of two or more volumetric scanning systems can be used to increase the resolution achievable in modelling the volumetric area.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.