Learn about FarSounder's technology and marine sonars in general with the following white papers:
A 3D, Forward-Looking, Phased Array, Obstacle Avoidance Sonar for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
Matthew J. Zimmerman
Vice President Engineering, FarSounder, Inc.
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
Chairman and Chief Scientist, FarSounder, Inc. /
Department of Ocean Engineering, University of Rhode IslandDavid C. Potter
Northeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries
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.
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.
home » technology » white papers
43 Jefferson Blvd. - Warwick, RI 02888 - USA t: 401.784.6700 f: 401.784.6708 info@farsounder.com
FarSounder, Inc.