The ultrasonic navigation system uses a root node and extended nodes to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals. The root node is attached to the object to be tracked, i.e., the collar of a pet, a robotic cleaning device, etc. The ultrasonic wave originates from the root node and may include a transmitter; it monitors when it initially sends each signal. The system sends several signal pulses simultaneously so that it can measure distances more effectively. The signals travel from the root node to each extended node (at least three) where they are received, respectively, and each extended node sends a timestamp of when it received the pulse, respectively. These extended nodes are placed around a boundary of a confined area. When the root node emits a signal, it bounces back from all of the extended nodes on the perimeter allowing for continuous and accurate measurement of any space.

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 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.

An acoustic lens to steer an acoustic beam includes a first structure, a second structure spaced from the first structure, an array of projections disposed between the first and second structures, each projection of the array of projections extending from the first structure toward the second structure to define a respective gap between the projection and the second structure, and an actuator configured to move the first structure, the second structure, or the array of projections for collective adjustment of the respective gaps of the array of projections. Each projection is configured to define one or more respective unit cells, each unit cell having a sub-wavelength size relative to the acoustic beam to establish an effective refractive index profile for the acoustic beam between the first and second structures. The actuator is configured such that the collective adjustment of the respective gaps varies across the array of projections to spatially modify the effective refractive index profile to steer the acoustic beam.

An autonomous vehicle includes a first ultrasonic sensor and a second ultrasonic sensor that is included in a daisy chain with the first ultrasonic sensor, wherein the first ultrasonic sensor is electrically connected to the second ultrasonic sensor in the daisy chain by way of a twisted pair wire. The autonomous vehicle further includes an electronic control unit (ECU) for the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor, the ECU is included in the daisy chain with the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor, wherein the ECU is electrically connected to the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor by way of the twisted pair wire, and further wherein the ECU is in bidirectional communication with the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor by way of differential signaling over the twisted pair wire.

An autonomous vehicle includes a first ultrasonic sensor and a second ultrasonic sensor that is included in a daisy chain with the first ultrasonic sensor, wherein the first ultrasonic sensor is electrically connected to the second ultrasonic sensor in the daisy chain by way of a twisted pair wire. The autonomous vehicle further includes an electronic control unit (ECU) for the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor, the ECU is included in the daisy chain with the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor, wherein the ECU is electrically connected to the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor by way of the twisted pair wire, and further wherein the ECU is in bidirectional communication with the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor by way of differential signaling over the twisted pair wire.

A cargo detection system for detecting overhanging cargo on a motor vehicle comprises a sensor system configured to provide cargo measurement data for cargo loaded onto the motor vehicle by measuring at least one of exterior dimensions of cargo protruding over an outer edge of the motor vehicle and an opening condition of a tailgate of the motor vehicle. The system further comprises a control device configured to assess, based on the cargo measurement data of the sensor system, whether cargo is overhanging from the motor vehicle and to calculate an updated vehicle length and/or vehicle width for the motor vehicle accounting for the overhanging cargo.

A cargo detection system for detecting overhanging cargo on a motor vehicle comprises a sensor system configured to provide cargo measurement data for cargo loaded onto the motor vehicle by measuring at least one of exterior dimensions of cargo protruding over an outer edge of the motor vehicle and an opening condition of a tailgate of the motor vehicle. The system further comprises a control device configured to assess, based on the cargo measurement data of the sensor system, whether cargo is overhanging from the motor vehicle and to calculate an updated vehicle length and/or vehicle width for the motor vehicle accounting for the overhanging cargo.