| 摘要 |
Improved apparatus and method are provided for locating and mapping sediment in a container, which is at least partially filled with liquid. A sonar transducer is mounted with the container for emitting acoustic energy into the liquid and for receiving reflected acoustic energy. The sonar transducer is rotatable about mutually perpendicular first and second axes to provide a dual-axis capability. The transducer is controlled to emit discrete acoustic signals and receive reflected acoustic signals along discrete scanning axes at each rotational position in a predetermined sequence of rotational positions. The distance between the transducer and a corresponding point of reflection along each scanning axis is compared to a predetermined reference distance along the corresponding scanning axis. The reference distance represents the distance between the transducer and an inner surface of the container along the corresponding scanning axis. The points of reflection whose distances to the transducer are less than the respective reference distances are identified as sediment. The identified points are combined to form a three-dimensional representation of the sediment in the container. The three-dimensional representation is superimposed on a three-dimensional representation of the container, whereby one can continually monitor the quantity and location of the sediment in the container.
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