SONAR NAVIGATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

A method for pre-determining an underwater objects GPS position using a rotatable scan sonar unit linked to a boat, magnetic compass and GPS receiver. This system determines the underwater objects GPS position using the objects distance, compass heading and a GPS receiver/sonar on a boat. This system will provide real time longitude and latitude positions of underwater objects seen with sonar at a distance from a boat, and will allow for precise autopilot navigation or fixed position fishing. The system can also be used to correct for GPS errors when using previously stored waypoints positions of an object. The computer determines an objects underwater GPS position using a sonar transducer and mounted on a 360 degree movable mechanism such as a trolling motor unit, or phased array of transducers and a compass to provide heading information and formulates the objects position based on the distance and heading of the object in relation to the boats current GPS position.

主权项

1. A sonar navigation system comprising:
a processor configured to draw a sonar image in response to sonar information received from a sonar transducer mounted on a rotatable member for scanning an underwater area, the sonar image comprising a plurality of underwater objects identified by the sonar information, wherein the sonar transducer generates the sonar information as the rotatable member sweeps the sonar transducer over an angular distance; and a display screen communicatively coupled to the processor and configured to display the sonar image in response to the processor drawing the sonar image.