For an ultrasound image acquired by an ultrasound detection system, background data with small noises are first filtered. Next, a binary image is generated by performing image binarization on the noise-reduced ultrasound image based on a first threshold value, wherein the binary image contains information associated with the body of high-echo foreground images in the ultrasound image. An output image is generated by performing foreground expansion on the binary image based on the pixel value of the ultrasound image and a second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, wherein the output image contains information associated with not only the body but also the outline of high-echo foreground images in the ultrasound image. An improved ultrasound image is generated by performing a post-processing on the ultrasound image according to information of foreground and non-foreground region in the output image.

A data processing apparatus is provided, which includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire a data set from target detected by a detection apparatus, perform rendering of the data set, and generate a plurality of views arranged on a screen. Each view of the plurality of views includes a plurality of pixels. Each pixel included in the plurality of views is associated with a plurality of pieces of information including a first information displayed on the screen and a second information that indicates a view among the plurality of views to which the pixel belongs.

A real time fish movement and location guide system and method provides an output to an angler of a real time adjusted active fish depth range based upon a set of environmental conditions. Input data relating to the environmental conditions is received from the angler through a user interface and from Internet sources. In some embodiments, the input data is also used to provide outputs indicating weather fronts that will affect movement and location, and to provide lure recommendations and notifications that a change in lure is appropriate in view of changing conditions.

A real time fish movement and location guide system and method provides an output to an angler of a real time adjusted active fish depth range based upon a set of environmental conditions. Input data relating to the environmental conditions is received from the angler through a user interface and from Internet sources. In some embodiments, the input data is also used to provide outputs indicating weather fronts that will affect movement and location, and to provide lure recommendations and notifications that a change in lure is appropriate in view of changing conditions.

Many different types of systems are utilized and tasks are performed in a marine environment. The present invention provides various configurations of castable devices that can be operated and/or controlled for such systems or tasks. One or more castable devices can be integrated with a transducer assembly, such as a phased array, that emits sonar beams and receives sonar returns from the underwater environment. Processing circuitry may receive the sonar returns, process the sonar returns, generate an image, and transmit the image to a display.

Many different types of systems are utilized and tasks are performed in a marine environment. The present invention provides various configurations of castable devices that can be operated and/or controlled for such systems or tasks. One or more castable devices can be integrated with a transducer assembly, such as a phased array, that emits sonar beams and receives sonar returns from the underwater environment. Processing circuitry may receive the sonar returns, process the sonar returns, generate an image, and transmit the image to a display.

Methods of situationally controlling marine devices connected via a one boat network on a watercraft are presented. The marine devices are selected from fishfinders or other OBN devices, trolling motors, heading sensors, main propulsion engine, i-Pilot Link, shallow water anchors, AIS/MARPA, smart chargers or power monitors, downriggers, trim tabs, drift paddles, lighting, sonar and imaging transducers, chart plotters, foot pedals, handheld remote controls, and mobile marine apps. The method includes the steps of identifying at least one situational condition of at least one first marine device, identifying at least one second marine device, and triggering a situational control action for the at least one second marine device when the at least one situational condition for the at least one first marine device is met. The methods include situationally controlling a speed of a trolling motor and anchoring of the watercraft, as well as providing advanced power management thereon.

Methods of situationally controlling marine devices connected via a one boat network on a watercraft are presented. The marine devices are selected from fishfinders or other OBN devices, trolling motors, heading sensors, main propulsion engine, i-Pilot Link, shallow water anchors, AIS/MARPA, smart chargers or power monitors, downriggers, trim tabs, drift paddles, lighting, sonar and imaging transducers, chart plotters, foot pedals, handheld remote controls, and mobile marine apps. The method includes the steps of identifying at least one situational condition of at least one first marine device, identifying at least one second marine device, and triggering a situational control action for the at least one second marine device when the at least one situational condition for the at least one first marine device is met. The methods include situationally controlling a speed of a trolling motor and anchoring of the watercraft, as well as providing advanced power management thereon.

A sonar system for a watercraft is provided. The sonar system includes a sonar assembly configured to attach to the watercraft. The sonar assembly includes one or more sonar transducers elements configured to transmit one or more sonar beams into an underwater environment relative to a facing direction dictating a coverage volume of the one or more sonar beams. The sonar assembly includes a display, one or more processors and a memory including computer program code. The computer program code causes the one or more sonar transducer elements to emit one or more sonar beams defining the coverage volume, receive sonar return data, determine a position of the lure, adjust the facing direction of the sonar assembly to position the lure within the coverage volume, and cause presentation of a sonar image corresponding to the coverage volume of the underwater environment and including a representation of the lure.

A sonar system for a watercraft is provided. The sonar system includes a sonar assembly configured to attach to the watercraft. The sonar assembly includes one or more sonar transducers elements configured to transmit one or more sonar beams into an underwater environment relative to a facing direction dictating a coverage volume of the one or more sonar beams. The sonar assembly includes a display, one or more processors and a memory including computer program code. The computer program code causes the one or more sonar transducer elements to emit one or more sonar beams defining the coverage volume, receive sonar return data, determine a position of the lure, adjust the facing direction of the sonar assembly to position the lure within the coverage volume, and cause presentation of a sonar image corresponding to the coverage volume of the underwater environment and including a representation of the lure.