Abstract: A system is provided for imaging an underwater environment. The system includes a transducer assembly with at least one transmit transducer element and an array of receive transducer elements. Each receive transducer element is configured to receive sonar returns and form sonar return data. A sonar signal processor is configured to receive the sonar return data from each receive transducer element and generate sonar image data. The sonar return data from all of the receive transducer elements may be summed and used to form a high-definition 1D (e.g., time-based) sonar image. The sonar return data from only a subgroup may be summed and used to form a lower-definition 1D sonar image. In some systems, an array of series-connected transmit transducer elements can be used. The orientation of the emitting faces of the array may vary slightly to mimic a curved surface for increased beam coverage.

Abstract: A system is provided for imaging an underwater environment. The system includes a transducer assembly with at least one transmit transducer element and an array of receive transducer elements. Each receive transducer element is configured to receive sonar returns and form sonar return data. A sonar signal processor is configured to receive the sonar return data from each receive transducer element and generate sonar image data. The sonar return data from all of the receive transducer elements may be summed and used to form a high-definition 1D (e.g., time-based) sonar image. The sonar return data from only a subgroup may be summed and used to form a lower-definition 1D sonar image. In some systems, an array of series-connected transmit transducer elements can be used. The orientation of the emitting faces of the array may vary slightly to mimic a curved surface for increased beam coverage.

Abstract: A system is provided for imaging an underwater environment. The system includes a transducer assembly with at least one transmit transducer element and an array of receive transducer elements. Each receive transducer element is configured to receive sonar returns and form sonar return data. A sonar signal processor is configured to receive the sonar return data from each receive transducer element and generate sonar image data. The sonar return data from all of the receive transducer elements may be summed and used to form a high-definition 1D (e.g., time-based) sonar image. The sonar return data from only a subgroup may be summed and used to form a lower-definition 1D sonar image. In some systems, an array of series-connected transmit transducer elements can be used. The orientation of the emitting faces of the array may vary slightly to mimic a curved surface for increased beam coverage.

Abstract: Various implementations directed to alert zones for a marine environment. In one implementation, a marine electronics device may include a memory having a plurality of program instructions which, when executed by the sonar signal processor, cause the processor to determine one or more alert zones for a marine environment proximate to a vessel, and to receive sonar data from a transducer array disposed on the vessel, where the sonar data corresponds to the marine environment. The memory may further have program instructions which, when executed by the sonar signal processor, cause the processor to analyze the received sonar data to determine a depth line, where the depth line is a representation of one or more depths of an underwater floor of the marine environment, and to provide one or more alerts if at least a portion of the depth line is positioned within the one or more alert zones.

Abstract: A system is provided for imaging an underwater environment. The system includes a transducer assembly with at least one transmit transducer element and an array of receive transducer elements. Each receive transducer element is configured to receive sonar returns and form sonar return data. A sonar signal processor is configured to receive the sonar return data from each receive transducer element and generate sonar image data. The sonar return data from all of the receive transducer elements may be summed and used to form a high-definition 1D (e.g., time-based) sonar image. The sonar return data from only a subgroup may be summed and used to form a lower-definition 1D sonar image. In some systems, an array of series-connected transmit transducer elements can be used. The orientation of the emitting faces of the array may vary slightly to mimic a curved surface for increased beam coverage.

Abstract: Various implementations directed to alert zones for a marine environment. In one implementation, a marine electronics device may include a memory having a plurality of program instructions which, when executed by the sonar signal processor, cause the processor to determine one or more alert zones for a marine environment proximate to a vessel, and to receive sonar data from a transducer array disposed on the vessel, where the sonar data corresponds to the marine environment. The memory may further have program instructions which, when executed by the sonar signal processor, cause the processor to analyze the received sonar data to determine a depth line, where the depth line is a representation of one or more depths of an underwater floor of the marine environment, and to provide one or more alerts if at least a portion of the depth line is positioned within the one or more alert zones.

Abstract: Various implementations directed to alert zones for a marine environment. In one implementation, a marine electronics device may include a memory having a plurality of program instructions which, when executed by the sonar signal processor, cause the processor to determine one or more alert zones for a marine environment proximate to a vessel, and to receive sonar data from a transducer array disposed on the vessel, where the sonar data corresponds to the marine environment. The memory may further have program instructions which, when executed by the sonar signal processor, cause the processor to analyze the received sonar data to determine a depth line, where the depth line is a representation of one or more depths of an underwater floor of the marine environment, and to provide one or more alerts if at least a portion of the depth line is positioned within the one or more alert zones.

Abstract: Various implementations directed to a depth display using sonar data are provided. In one implementation, a marine electronics device may include a sonar signal processor and a memory having a plurality of program instructions which, when executed by the sonar signal processor, cause the processor to receive sonar data from a transducer array disposed on a vessel, where the sonar data corresponds to a marine environment proximate to the vessel. The memory may also have program instructions which, when executed by the sonar signal processor, cause the processor to generate point cloud data based on the received sonar data. The memory may further have program instructions which, when executed by the sonar signal processor, cause the processor to generate a depth display based on the point cloud data, where the depth display includes a depth line representing an underwater floor of the marine environment.

Abstract: Various transducer assemblies, sonar systems, and associated methods are provided herein. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a transducer assembly is provided. The method may comprise placing one or more transducer elements onto a circuit board using a surface mount pick-and-place machine, and affixing the one or more transducer elements to the circuit board. Each transducer element is operatively connected to traces on the circuit board and each transducer element is configured to receive sonar returns from an underwater environment.

Abstract: A sonar system using frequency bursts. A sonar system for use with a vessel may include a sonar module having a transmitting element configured to generate a transmit signal, where the transmit signal comprises one or more bursts, and where at least one burst comprises a first portion having a first frequency and a second portion having a second frequency different than the first frequency. The sonar system may also include a transducer array in communication with the sonar module, where the transducer array is configured to (i) receive the transmit signal from the transmitting element, (ii) produce one or more sonar beams based on the first frequency and the second frequency, and (iii) receive one or more sonar return signals from an underwater environment.

Abstract: A sonar module using multiple receiving elements. A sonar module for use with a vessel may include a housing positioned on the vessel. The sonar module may also include one or more transmitting elements positioned inside the housing and configured to send at least one transmit signal to a transducer array. The sonar module may further include a first receiving element, a second receiving element, a third receiving element, and a fourth receiving element positioned inside the housing, where the first receiving element is configured to receive a first sonar data from the transducer array, the second receiving element is configured to receive a second sonar data from the transducer array, the third receiving element is configured to receive a third sonar data from the transducer array, and the fourth receiving element is configured to receive a fourth sonar data from the transducer array.

Abstract: A sonar transducer assembly configured for imaging of an underwater environment is provided herein. The sonar transducer assembly includes at least one transmit-only transducer element positioned within a housing and aimed outwardly and downwardly. The at least one transmit-only transducer element is configured to transmit sonar pulses to insonify a first volume. The sonar transducer assembly further includes at least one receive-only transducer element positioned within the housing and aimed outwardly and downwardly. The at least one receive-only transducer element is configured to receive sonar returns from the sonar pulses within a second volume. The second volume is smaller than the first volume and aimed so as to be wholly contained within the first volume. The housing is mountable to the water craft so as to enable rotation of the transducer elements with respect to the water craft. Corresponding systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Various implementations directed to alert zones for a marine environment. In one implementation, a marine electronics device may include a memory having a plurality of program instructions which, when executed by the sonar signal processor, cause the processor to determine one or more alert zones for a marine environment proximate to a vessel, and to receive sonar data from a transducer array disposed on the vessel, where the sonar data corresponds to the marine environment. The memory may further have program instructions which, when executed by the sonar signal processor, cause the processor to analyze the received sonar data to determine a depth line, where the depth line is a representation of one or more depths of an underwater floor of the marine environment, and to provide one or more alerts if at least a portion of the depth line is positioned within the one or more alert zones.

Abstract: A sonar system using frequency bursts. A sonar system for use with a vessel may include a sonar module having a transmitting element configured to generate a transmit signal, where the transmit signal comprises one or more bursts, and where at least one burst comprises a first portion having a first frequency and a second portion having a second frequency different than the first frequency. The sonar system may also include a transducer array in communication with the sonar module, where the transducer array is configured to (i) receive the transmit signal from the transmitting element, (ii) produce one or more sonar beams based on the first frequency and the second frequency, and (iii) receive one or more sonar return signals from an underwater environment.

Abstract: Various implementations directed to a depth display using sonar data are provided. In one implementation, a marine electronics device may include a sonar signal processor and a memory having a plurality of program instructions which, when executed by the sonar signal processor, cause the processor to receive sonar data from a transducer array disposed on a vessel, where the sonar data corresponds to a marine environment proximate to the vessel. The memory may also have program instructions which, when executed by the sonar signal processor, cause the processor to generate point cloud data based on the received sonar data. The memory may further have program instructions which, when executed by the sonar signal processor, cause the processor to generate a depth display based on the point cloud data, where the depth display includes a depth line representing an underwater floor of the marine environment.

Abstract: A sonar system using frequency bursts. A sonar system for use with a vessel may include a sonar module having a transmitting element configured to generate a transmit signal, where the transmit signal comprises one or more bursts, and where at least one burst comprises a first portion having a first frequency and a second portion having a second frequency different than the first frequency. The sonar system may also include a transducer array in communication with the sonar module, where the transducer array is configured to (i) receive the transmit signal from the transmitting element, (ii) produce one or more sonar beams based on the first frequency and the second frequency, and (iii) receive one or more sonar return signals from an underwater environment.

Abstract: A sonar transducer assembly configured for imaging of an underwater environment is provided herein. The sonar transducer assembly includes at least one transmit-only transducer element positioned within a housing and aimed outwardly and downwardly. The at least one transmit-only transducer element is configured to transmit sonar pulses to insonify a first volume. The sonar transducer assembly further includes at least one receive-only transducer element positioned within the housing and aimed outwardly and downwardly. The at least one receive-only transducer element is configured to receive sonar returns from the sonar pulses within a second volume. The second volume is smaller than the first volume and aimed so as to be wholly contained within the first volume. The housing is mountable to the water craft so as to enable rotation of the transducer elements with respect to the water craft. Corresponding systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A sonar transducer assembly configured for imaging of an underwater environment is provided herein. The sonar transducer assembly includes at least one transmit-only transducer element positioned within a housing and aimed outwardly and downwardly. The at least one transmit-only transducer element is configured to transmit sonar pulses to insonify a first volume. The sonar transducer assembly further includes at least one receive-only transducer element positioned within the housing and aimed outwardly and downwardly. The at least one receive-only transducer element is configured to receive sonar returns from the sonar pulses within a second volume. The second volume is smaller than the first volume and aimed so as to be wholly contained within the first volume. The housing is mountable to the water craft so as to enable rotation of the transducer elements with respect to the water craft. Corresponding systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A sonar module using multiple receiving elements. A sonar module for use with a vessel may include a housing positioned on the vessel. The sonar module may also include one or more transmitting elements positioned inside the housing and configured to send at least one transmit signal to a transducer array. The sonar module may further include a first receiving element, a second receiving element, a third receiving element, and a fourth receiving element positioned inside the housing, where the first receiving element is configured to receive a first sonar data from the transducer array, the second receiving element is configured to receive a second sonar data from the transducer array, the third receiving element is configured to receive a third sonar data from the transducer array, and the fourth receiving element is configured to receive a fourth sonar data from the transducer array.

Abstract: A sonar system using frequency bursts. A sonar system for use with a vessel may include a sonar module having a transmitting element configured to generate a transmit signal, where the transmit signal comprises one or more bursts, and where at least one burst comprises a first portion having a first frequency and a second portion having a second frequency different than the first frequency. The sonar system may also include a transducer array in communication with the sonar module, where the transducer array is configured to (i) receive the transmit signal from the transmitting element, (ii) produce one or more sonar beams based on the first frequency and the second frequency, and (iii) receive one or more sonar return signals from an underwater environment.