White Papers
Learn about FarSounder's technology and marine sonars in general with the following white papers:
SPS for the Ship Operator: Diver Detection Sonar Explained
Dr. Alexander Yakubovskiy
Signal Processing Manager
FarSounder, Inc.
June, 2011
Abstract: With the growing number of threats today, Ship Protection Systems including active diver detection sonar are becoming of greater interest to more and more vessel owners. As with any technology, it is important to understand its capabilities and limitations when evaluating various products. When comparing these products, one question that users often face, is what metrics should they be considering? This paper is intended to provide a brief background on such capabilities, limitations, and metrics.
Navigation Sonar for the Ship Operator: Forward Looking Sonars and Multibeam Echosounders Explained
Dr. Alexander Yakubovskiy
Signal Processing Manager
FarSounder, Inc.
November, 2010
Abstract: A number of sonar technologies are offered in the marine market, each of which has a different capability and price point. To the ship operator, understanding the differences between these sonar technologies is an important aspect in understanding what type of sonar they need. This paper helps to explain the various sonar system characteristics, allowing captains, owners, and operators to better understand what is important when specifying their sonar requirements. This paper addresses the customers' perspective rather than the sonar engineers' perspective.
Dr. Alexander Yakubovskiy
Signal Processing Manager
FarSounder, Inc.
February, 2009
Abstract: Monostatic sonar is one for which the transmitter (projector) and receiver are at the same location. Bistatic sonar has the transmitter (projector) and receiver at separate locations. This paper outlines the differences between monostatic and bistatic sonar and the challenges to be considered.
A 3D, Forward Looking, Phased Array, Obstacle Avoidance Sonar for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Matthew J. Zimmerman
Vice President Engineering, FarSounder, Inc.
July, 2003
Abstract: Autonomous underwater vehicle platforms currently lack a robust sonar system for forward-looking obstacle avoidance, detection, and navigation. Existing sonar systems (even forward looking systems) generally do not provide depth information ahead of the vessel in a navigationally effective manner. Additionally, these sonar systems generally do not provide navigation commands/suggestions to control systems for use in avoiding obstacles ahead of the vessel autonomously.
FarSounder's technology is capable of providing 3D depth information ahead of a vessel for a large field of view with a fast update rate. Currently, this technology is being commercialized as a human user interactive forward-looking navigation tool for surface ships. FarSounder believes that is technology can be effectively adapted to become an innovative AUV navigation aid providing autonomous decision making aimed at enabling the AUV to effectively detect, classify, localize, and navigate.
The objective of our effort is to develop a 3D forward-looking, collision avoidance sonar for undersea guidance and control in shallow water. Results from FarSounder's 3D forward-looking surface ship sonar will be presented along with FarSounder's proposed "black box" solution for AUV navigation and control.
Dr. James H. Miller
FarSounder, Inc. / Department of Ocean Engineering, University of Rhode IslandDavid C. Potter
Northeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries
August, 2001
Abstract: Ship-strike is a major cause of death for large whales. For the northern right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) ship-strike is the leading cause of documented deaths. Forward-looking sonar provides one possible solution to this problem. A forward-looking sonar could provide information to the ship operator about the presence and location of large whales ahead of a vessel. This paper documents two sea tests in which target strength data was collected for humpbacks (Megaptera novaeangliae) and for northern right whales. Results are compared to previously published whale target strengths. Blubber thickness and frequency are used in a reflection coefficient model to explain the differences between the previous results and those presented in this paper.
The Forgotten Threat of Attack by Sea: Using 3D Sonar to Detect Terrorist Swimmers and Mines
Cheryl M. Zimmerman
Chief Executive Officer, FarSounder, Inc.Matthew A. Coolidge
Electrical Engineer, FarSounder, Inc.
November, 2002
Abstract: One of America's biggest threats is asymmetric attack by sea. Currently, there exists little if no defense from attacks on America's assets afloat by swimmers or by mines. The Navy fears a single suicidal swimmer or a single mine could deliver enough explosives to cripple a vessel, block a port and cause massive environmental damage. FarSounder's new 3D sonar technology could be adapted to organically detect both mines and swimmers. This technology could be installed aboard vessels or on stationary port structures. This presentation will examine the threat, explore possible solutions, and discuss FarSounder's technology in relation to the threat.