Communicating using sonar signals at multiple frequencies
US8102733B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 17, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04B11/00
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An embodiment of an apparatus includes a communication circuit and a transducer array coupled to the communication circuit. The communication circuit is operable to generate first and second information signals, and the transducer array is operable to generate in response to the first information signal a first sonar signal having a first frequency, and to generate in response to the second information signal a second sonar signal having a second frequency. The transducer array may generate the first and second sonar signals simultaneously to increase the transmission bandwidth. Where such an apparatus is a buoy, then the buoy may relay signals from an above-surface vessel to an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), and may relay signals from the UUV to the vessel. Therefore, the buoy allows the vessel to control the UUV without a cable linking the buoy and the vessel, and thus allows one to eliminate such a cable.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.