An underwater detection apparatus is provided which includes a transmission transducer, a reception transducer, and a motor. The transmission transducer transmits a transmission wave within a given fan-shaped transmission space, the fan-shaped transmission space having a first transmission width in a given first plane and a second transmission width in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. The reception transducer receives, as a reception wave, a reflection wave of the transmission wave within a given fan-shaped reception space, the fan-shaped reception space having a first reception width in the first plane and a second reception width in the second plane, the second reception width being wider than the second transmission width, and in the second plane, the fan-shaped transmission space being within the fan-shaped reception space. The motor rotates the fan-shaped transmission space and the fan-shaped reception space.

An underwater detection apparatus is provided which includes a transmission transducer, a reception transducer, and a motor. The transmission transducer transmits a transmission wave within a given fan-shaped transmission space, the fan-shaped transmission space having a first transmission width in a given first plane and a second transmission width in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. The reception transducer receives, as a reception wave, a reflection wave of the transmission wave within a given fan-shaped reception space, the fan-shaped reception space having a first reception width in the first plane and a second reception width in the second plane, the second reception width being wider than the second transmission width, and in the second plane, the fan-shaped transmission space being within the fan-shaped reception space. The motor rotates the fan-shaped transmission space and the fan-shaped reception space.

A Continuous Transmission Frequency Modulated (CTFM) detection apparatus includes a projector, a sensor, and a hardware processor. The projector is configured to transmit underwater a frequency modulated transmission wave based on a transmission signal. The sensor is configured to form a reception beam directed downward and laterally outward to a side of the boat or the ship and receive a reflected wave, the reflected wave comprising a reflection of the transmission wave on a target object. The hardware processor is programmed to at least generate a beat signal based at least in part on the transmission signal and the reflected wave, extract a processing signal from the beat signal, and generate an image information related to the target object based on the extracted processing signal.

A Continuous Transmission Frequency Modulated (CTFM) detection apparatus includes a projector, a sensor, and a hardware processor. The projector is configured to transmit underwater a frequency modulated transmission wave based on a transmission signal. The sensor is configured to form a reception beam directed downward and laterally outward to a side of the boat or the ship and receive a reflected wave, the reflected wave comprising a reflection of the transmission wave on a target object. The hardware processor is programmed to at least generate a beat signal based at least in part on the transmission signal and the reflected wave, extract a processing signal from the beat signal, and generate an image information related to the target object based on the extracted processing signal.

Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide sonar systems for mobile structures. A sonar system includes a sonar transducer assembly including a sonar transducer, a sonar receiver configured to receive acoustic returns from the sonar transducer and convert the acoustic returns into arrays of time differentiated sonar data samples, and a logic device adapted to communicate with the sonar receiver. The logic device is configured to receive the arrays of the time differentiated sonar data samples from the sonar receiver and process the received arrays to enhance the time differentiated sonar data samples substantially without enhancing sonar artifacts in the time differentiated sonar data samples Processed sonar data and/or resulting imagery may be displayed to a user and/or used to adjust a steering actuator, a propulsion system thrust, and/or other operational systems of the sonar transducer assembly and/or a mobile structure.

Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide sonar systems for mobile structures. A sonar system includes a sonar transducer assembly including a sonar transducer, a sonar receiver configured to receive acoustic returns from the sonar transducer and convert the acoustic returns into arrays of time differentiated sonar data samples, and a logic device adapted to communicate with the sonar receiver. The logic device is configured to receive the arrays of the time differentiated sonar data samples from the sonar receiver and process the received arrays to enhance the time differentiated sonar data samples substantially without enhancing sonar artifacts in the time differentiated sonar data samples Processed sonar data and/or resulting imagery may be displayed to a user and/or used to adjust a steering actuator, a propulsion system thrust, and/or other operational systems of the sonar transducer assembly and/or a mobile structure.

Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide networkable sonar systems for mobile structures. A networkable sonar system includes a transducer module and associated sonar electronics and optionally orientation and/or position sensors and/or other sensors disposed substantially within the housing of a sonar transducer assembly, which is coupled to one or more user interfaces and/or other sonar systems over an Ethernet connection. The sonar transducer assembly may be configured to support and protect the transducer module and the sonar electronics and sensors, to physically and/or adjustably couple to a mobile structure, and/or to provide a simplified interface to other systems coupled to the mobile structure. Resulting sonar data and/or imagery may be transmitted over the Ethernet connection and displayed to a user and/or used to adjust various operational systems of the mobile structure.

Overlaying a sonar image over a chart at a corresponding location can provide a beneficial and easy to understand view of the underwater environment for a user. However, in some cases, the watercraft may be close to a boundary of the body of water when the sonar data is gathered. In such a scenario, inaccurate sonar returns or preset display distances of the sonar image can cause the resulting sonar image to be displayed over the boundary and covering land. This can be confusing and can be difficult to decipher. Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for cropping the sonar image for presentation over the chart such that no portion of the image extends beyond the boundary line of the body of water. This creates a smooth and easy to read sonar image/chart display.

Overlaying a sonar image over a chart at a corresponding location can provide a beneficial and easy to understand view of the underwater environment for a user. However, in some cases, the watercraft may be close to a boundary of the body of water when the sonar data is gathered. In such a scenario, inaccurate sonar returns or preset display distances of the sonar image can cause the resulting sonar image to be displayed over the boundary and covering land. This can be confusing and can be difficult to decipher. Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for cropping the sonar image for presentation over the chart such that no portion of the image extends beyond the boundary line of the body of water. This creates a smooth and easy to read sonar image/chart display.

A system is provided for imaging an underwater environment. The system includes one or more arrays of transducer elements. Each array is operated at a fixed phase shift and varies in frequency so as to beamform multiple sonar return beams of a first range of angles and a second range of angles. The arrays can be oriented to cover the gap in sonar coverage for other arrays to create a continuous arc of sonar coverage. Accordingly, a 2D live sonar image can be formed. One or more of the multiple sonar return beams facing downwardly can be selected and used to form downward sonar images that anglers are used to, without requiring separate transducer elements. Fish arches formed using multiple sonar return beams can be positioned appropriately within a high resolution downward sonar image to form a desirable combined sonar image.