Patent ID: 7330399
Filing Date: 2008-02-12
Classification: G01S

Abstract:
1. An active sonar system for detecting object(s) in water comprising: a transmitter capable of continuously transmitting an acoustic signal, comprising a transmit spatial null steering beamforming array, said transmit spatial null steering array forming a transmit spatial null in the direction of said receiver; a receiver comprising an array of hydrophones having beam forming capability to suppress signals in the direction of the said transmitter, and capable of receiving a reflected acoustic echo of said acoustic signal from said object(s), and a direct acoustic signal from said transmitter; wherein said receiver is capable of discriminating between said direct acoustic signal and said acoustic echo signal it receives from said object while said transmitter is transmitting; and whereby said direct acoustic path signal from said transmitter to said receiver is attenuated by both said transmit spatial null and said receive array.