Talking depth sounder

Communications – electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices – Echo systems – Distance or direction finding

Patent

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Details

367108, 367109, G01S 756

Patent

active

046213481

ABSTRACT:
Apparatus is provided for adapting an analog depth sounder for the calling out of the depth at regular time intervals. In one embodiment, a self-contained adapter module is mounted to the face of the depth sounder so as to cover the depth sounder display, with the module including a transparent plate carrying a detector array and with electronics and speaker carried at the center of the array. In this embodiment, the detectors are arranged in thin radially extending lines to permit accommodation to displays of different diameter. Alternatively, small detectors are arranged along a circle having a diameter which overlies at least a portion of the orbiting radiating element which radiates along a considerable length. This alternative array configuration also accommodates a range of display diameters. As a further alternative, to accommodate different diameter displays, the thin line detectors may be replaced with radially extending light pipes with detectors at their ends. The transparent plate with almost invisible detection apparatus permits viewing of the depth sounder display through the plate so that visual as well as audible readout may be achieved. Electronics is provided to decode the angular position of the orbiting element of the depth sounder at the time the element is actuated to provide a digital number representing depth. This number is then used in generating its speech equivalent through a standard speech synthesizer and loudspeaker. The electronics may include a number of different ROMS or different sections of a single ROM to provide for scale adjustment. Alternatively, a variable rate clock may be used to adjust for scale. Alternative embodiments include sensing the time difference between pulses of electromagnetic radiation from the depth sounder to establish depth, with the signals being available outside the depth sounder case. In each embodiment, signals which activate the speech synthesizer may be used to drive a digital display for improved filtering against spurious signals.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4013991 (1977-03-01), Balcom
patent: 4234941 (1980-11-01), Welland, Jr. et al.
patent: 4489405 (1984-12-01), Tendler

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