Communications – electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices – Echo systems – Distance or direction finding
Patent
1985-02-13
1987-06-09
Tarcza, Thomas H.
Communications, electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices
Echo systems
Distance or direction finding
367109, G01S 756
Patent
active
046725903
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. In an additional embodiment the change in depth is assessed and the annunciation is responsive to the predetermined depth change, with rapid annunciation responsive to rapid change in depth, or to permit sensing of anchor drag when at anchor, or to give an alarm indication of rapid slope change with rapid annunciation. In this mode of operation the unit is silent when anchored at a predetermined depth, the annunciation of any depth indicating the presence of fish or other submerged bodies passing under the anchored boat or vessel.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3588795 (1971-06-01), Linardos et al.
patent: 4013991 (1977-03-01), Balcom
patent: 4097836 (1978-06-01), Riddle et al.
patent: 4234941 (1980-11-01), Welland, Jr.
patent: 4489405 (1984-12-01), Tendler
Pihulic Daniel T.
Tarcza Thomas H.
Tendler Robert K.
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