First Results of A Novel and Low Power Forward Looking Sonar Technology for Small AUV's

Increasing usage of the Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) in ocean applications has generated some new opportunities as well challenges for acoustic sensor system design. Particularly for small AUVs, the integrated sonar systems must be low power, compact size, and in some applications, expendable. In this paper, we first discuss a novel design concept which applies the Computed Angle-of-Arrival Transient Imaging (CAATI) technology for forward looking imaging. We then introduce an example CAATI-based system and present first results of field testing for the developed prototype. As a result of this effort, a 3D obstacle avoidance sonar is now available with ~10 watts of power consumption fitting into a payload of 7.5" in diameter by 6" in length