According to one embodiment, a vehicle guidance device is to be installed in a vehicle for providing path guidance to the vehicle. The device includes a plurality of receivers that receives a ranging information signal via a ultrasonic-wave ranging sensor, the ranging information signal including an ultrasonic-wave ranging signal on which path guidance information is superimposed, the ultrasonic-wave ranging signal being for measuring a distance to an object; an information extractor that extracts, for each of the receivers, the path guidance information from the ranging information signal; and a path guide that provides the path guidance on the basis of a distance corresponding to the ultrasonic-wave ranging signal and the path guidance information.

Sonar steering systems offering improved functionality and ease of use for an operator (e.g., an angler) are provided. A sonar steering system is configured to automatically adjust the directional coverage volume of the sonar system in a hands-free manner to allow the operator to focus on other tasks. Some such sonar steering systems are configured to adjust the directional coverage volume of the sonar transducers to maintain a target such as an area of interest (AOI) within the sonar display despite movement of the watercraft relative to the target. Accordingly, the coverage volume may be automatically adjusted to maintain the aim of the sonar transducers at a target that is moving through the water, such as a school of fish.

Sonar steering systems offering improved functionality and ease of use for an operator (e.g., an angler) are provided. A sonar steering system is configured to automatically adjust the directional coverage volume of the sonar system in a hands-free manner to allow the operator to focus on other tasks. Some such sonar steering systems are configured to adjust the directional coverage volume of the sonar transducers to maintain a target such as an area of interest (AOI) within the sonar display despite movement of the watercraft relative to the target. Accordingly, the coverage volume may be automatically adjusted to maintain the aim of the sonar transducers at a target that is moving through the water, such as a school of fish.

A sonar system is provided including a sonar assembly configured to attach to a motor assembly of a watercraft or a watercraft. The sonar assembly includes sonar transducer element(s) that transmit sonar beam(s). The sonar system includes a display, processor(s), and a steering assembly configured to cause rotation of the sonar assembly or the motor assembly. The sonar system includes a memory including computer program code that causes the processor(s) to cause the sonar transducer element(s) to emit sonar beam(s), receive sonar return data from a coverage volume of the sonar transducer element(s), generate a sonar image of the coverage volume based on the sonar return data, receive an input from a user, determine a target in the underwater environment based on the input, and cause the steering assembly to adjust the coverage volume to maintain the target within the coverage volume as the watercraft moves relative to the target.

A sonar system is provided including a sonar assembly configured to attach to a motor assembly of a watercraft or a watercraft. The sonar assembly includes sonar transducer element(s) that transmit sonar beam(s). The sonar system includes a display, processor(s), and a steering assembly configured to cause rotation of the sonar assembly or the motor assembly. The sonar system includes a memory including computer program code that causes the processor(s) to cause the sonar transducer element(s) to emit sonar beam(s), receive sonar return data from a coverage volume of the sonar transducer element(s), generate a sonar image of the coverage volume based on the sonar return data, receive an input from a user, determine a target in the underwater environment based on the input, and cause the steering assembly to adjust the coverage volume to maintain the target within the coverage volume as the watercraft moves relative to the target.

A sonar assembly for a watercraft, including an elongated shaft having a top end and a bottom end, and defining a bore that extends from the top end to the bottom end of the elongated shaft, a transducer assembly secured to the bottom end of the elongated shaft, an elongated member having a top end and a bottom end, the elongated member being disposed within the bore of the elongated shaft, the bottom end of the elongated member being operatively connected to the transducer assembly such that movement of the elongated member with respect to the elongated shaft rotates the transducer assembly within a vertical plane with respect to the watercraft.

A sonar assembly for a watercraft, including an elongated shaft having a top end and a bottom end, and defining a bore that extends from the top end to the bottom end of the elongated shaft, a transducer assembly secured to the bottom end of the elongated shaft, an elongated member having a top end and a bottom end, the elongated member being disposed within the bore of the elongated shaft, the bottom end of the elongated member being operatively connected to the transducer assembly such that movement of the elongated member with respect to the elongated shaft rotates the transducer assembly within a vertical plane with respect to the watercraft.

A sonar system for a watercraft, including a shaft defining a top and a bottom end. The system includes a first attachment operatively connected to the top end of the shaft, and a second attachment operatively connected to the bottom end of the shaft including a transducer assembly. The first attachment defines a first member pivotably connected to the top end of the shaft, and a handle member rotatably attached about the first member. The second attachment defines a second member pivotably connected to the bottom end of the shaft, and a bracket member rotatably attached about the second member. The system comprises a first connector extending between the first and second members and configured to cause reciprocal movement between the first and second members. The system comprises a second connector extending between the first and second members and configured to cause reciprocal rotation between the first and second members.

A sonar system for a watercraft, including a shaft defining a top and a bottom end. The system includes a first attachment operatively connected to the top end of the shaft, and a second attachment operatively connected to the bottom end of the shaft including a transducer assembly. The first attachment defines a first member pivotably connected to the top end of the shaft, and a handle member rotatably attached about the first member. The second attachment defines a second member pivotably connected to the bottom end of the shaft, and a bracket member rotatably attached about the second member. The system comprises a first connector extending between the first and second members and configured to cause reciprocal movement between the first and second members. The system comprises a second connector extending between the first and second members and configured to cause reciprocal rotation between the first and second members.

An ultrasonic device includes: a substrate provided with a first opening and a second opening; a support film that is provided on the substrate and blocks the first opening and the second opening; a transmitting piezoelectric film that is provided at a position of the support film which overlaps the first opening when viewed in a thickness direction of the substrate, and that is interposed between a pair of electrodes in the thickness direction of the substrate; and a receiving piezoelectric film that is provided at a position of the support film which overlaps the second opening when viewed in the thickness direction of the substrate, and that is interposed between a pair of electrodes in the thickness direction of the substrate. In the thickness direction of the substrate, a thickness dimension of the transmitting piezoelectric film is larger than a thickness dimension of the receiving piezoelectric film.