U.S. patent application number 16/749101 was filed with the patent office on 2020-05-21 for underwater detection device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Furuno Electric Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Takuto Hazama, Masaaki Matsubara, Takashi Matsumura, Masato Okuda, Yuriko Onishi.
Application Number | 20200158845 16/749101 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58446764 |
Filed Date | 2020-05-21 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200158845 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hazama; Takuto ; et
al. |
May 21, 2020 |
UNDERWATER DETECTION DEVICE
Abstract
An underwater detection device is provided, which includes an
echo signal processing module configured to acquire echo signals
and detect signal levels of the echo signals corresponding to water
depths, the echo signals being reflection waves caused by
ultrasonic waves transmitted underwater, a detection image display
controlling module configured to display on a display unit a
detection image indicating the signal levels of the echo signals
corresponding to the water depths and placed in a chronological
order, and a menu display controlling module configured to display
first superordinate menu buttons on the detection image displayed
on the display unit, one of the first superordinate menu buttons
displayed in one of end sections of the detection image where
oldest information is displayed, the rest of the first
superordinate menu buttons displayed to extend from the one of the
first superordinate menu buttons in one of depth directions and
time axis directions.
Inventors: |
Hazama; Takuto;
(Nishinomiya, JP) ; Matsumura; Takashi;
(Nishinomiya, JP) ; Okuda; Masato; (Nishinomiya,
JP) ; Onishi; Yuriko; (Nishinomiya, JP) ;
Matsubara; Masaaki; (Nishinomiya, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Furuno Electric Co., Ltd. |
Nishinomiya |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
58446764 |
Appl. No.: |
16/749101 |
Filed: |
January 22, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15281509 |
Sep 30, 2016 |
10578728 |
|
|
16749101 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01S 15/96 20130101;
G01S 7/6281 20130101; G01S 7/6272 20130101; G01S 7/629
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01S 7/62 20060101
G01S007/62; G01S 15/96 20060101 G01S015/96 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 2, 2015 |
JP |
2015-196440 |
Claims
1. An information display device, comprising: processing circuitry
configured to: display first superordinate menu buttons on a
display unit, display a switch button, in response to a selection
of the switch button, switch between displaying the first
superordinate menu buttons and displaying a shortcut button, in
response to receiving a command to display the shortcut button via
the switch button, remove the first superordinate menu buttons and
display a first menu button selected from one or more subordinate
menu buttons associated with the first superordinate menu buttons,
the first menu button being registered as the shortcut button, and
in response to receiving a selection of the shortcut button,
display subordinate menu buttons corresponding to the shortcut
button.
2. The information display device of claim 1, wherein the
processing circuitry is further configured to display the switch
button adjacent to the first superordinate menu buttons in an
extending direction of the first superordinate menu buttons.
3. The information display device of claim 1, wherein when one of
the first superordinate menu buttons is selected, the processing
circuitry is further configured to display subordinate menu buttons
corresponding to one or more subordinate menus, respectively.
4. The information display device of claim 3, wherein the
processing circuitry is further configured to display the
subordinate menu buttons to extend adjacent to the selected first
superordinate menu button, in a direction perpendicular to the
extending direction of the first superordinate menu buttons.
5. The information display device of claim 3, wherein when one of
the subordinate menu buttons is selected, the processing circuitry
is further configured to display the first superordinate menu
buttons to be translucent so that a detection image is seen through
the first superordinate menu buttons.
6. The information display device of claim 1, wherein when
displaying the shortcut button, the processing circuitry is further
configured to display a second menu button corresponding to the
shortcut button and an image indicating that the shortcut button is
a shortcut, the second menu button corresponding to the shortcut
button being one of the first superordinate menu buttons and the
subordinate menu buttons.
7. The information display device of claim 1, wherein shortcut
button is a first shortcut button, and the processing circuitry is
further configured to move a pointer based on an operation
performed on a user interface and, when one of the first
superordinate menu buttons or the subordinate menu buttons is
dragged and dropped via the pointer, register the one of the first
superordinate menu buttons or the subordinate menu buttons as a
second shortcut button.
8. The information display device of claim 1, wherein the
processing circuitry is further configured to display each of the
menu buttons as a rectangular icon.
9. The information display device of claim 1, wherein the
processing circuitry is further configured to display an image
generated by a radar apparatus.
10. The information display device of claim 1, wherein the
processing circuitry is further configured to display an image
generated by a navigation system.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser No. 15/281,509 filed Sep. 30, 2016, entitled
"Underwater Detection Device," which claims priority to Japanese
Patent Application No. 2015-196440, filed Oct. 2, 2015. Each of
these applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates to an underwater detection device,
which detects a school of fish underwater, specifically relates to
displaying menu buttons on an underwater detection device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventionally, underwater detection devices which detect
underwater by transmitting ultrasonic waves underwater and
analyzing echo signals which are reflections caused by the
ultrasonic waves are known. Such an underwater detection device
generates and displays a detection image indicating signal levels
of the echo signals corresponding to a water depth and placed in a
chronological order (an order of acquisition of the echo
signals).
[0004] JP2001-092576A discloses a depth sounding device provided
with a plurality of switches at a right side of a display screen. A
menu screen is displayed by controlling the switches. The menu
screen is displayed in a large size at a center of a detection
image. Further, JP1990-124492A discloses a fish finder which
displays a menu screen below a detection image.
[0005] However, with JP2001-092576A, since the large menu screen is
displayed at the center of the detection image, the detection image
is uneasy to confirm while the menu screen is displayed. With
JP1990-124492A, although the detection image is not blocked by the
menu screen, since the menu screen dominates a part of the screen
area, a situation arises that the detection image becomes
small.
SUMMARY
[0006] The purpose of this disclosure relates to providing an
underwater detection device, which has a configuration to secure a
large display area for a detection image while avoiding
interruption by a menu button, of the detection image.
[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an
underwater detection device with the following configuration is
provided. That is, the underwater detection device includes an echo
signal processing module, a detection image display controlling
module, and a menu display controlling module. The echo signal
processing module acquires echo signals and detects signal levels
of the echo signals corresponding to water depths, the echo signals
being reflection waves caused by ultrasonic waves transmitted
underwater. The detection image display controlling module displays
on a display unit a detection image indicating the signal levels of
the echo signals corresponding to the water depths and placed in a
chronological order. The menu display controlling module displays
first superordinate menu buttons on the detection image displayed
on the display unit, one of the first superordinate menu buttons
displayed in one of end sections of the detection image where
oldest information is displayed, the rest of the first
superordinate menu buttons displayed to extend from the one of the
first superordinate menu buttons in one of depth directions and
time axis directions.
[0008] Thus, since a user preferentially confirms latest
information than the old information on the detection image in
general, by displaying the first superordinate menu buttons to
extend in/from the end section where the oldest information is
displayed, a decrease of visual recognizability of the detection
image can be minimized. Further by displaying the first
superordinate menu buttons on the detection image, a screen size of
the display unit can be effectively utilized and the detection
image can be displayed in the large size.
[0009] With the underwater detection device described above, when
one of the first superordinate menu buttons is selected and
subordinate menus exist with respect to the selected first
superordinate menu button, the menu display controlling module may
display subordinate menu buttons corresponding to the subordinate
menus, respectively.
[0010] Thus, the subordinate menu buttons are displayed only when
necessary. Therefore, the decrease of the visual recognizability of
the detection image can further be suppressed.
[0011] With the underwater detection device described above, the
menu display controlling module may display the subordinate menu
buttons to extend adjacent to the selected first superordinate menu
button, in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of
the first superordinate menu buttons.
[0012] Thus, the subordinate menu buttons are displayed near the
selected first superordinate menu button. Therefore, an operation
for selecting a subordinate menu button can smoothly be performed.
Further, by displaying the subordinate menu buttons to extend in
the direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the first
superordinate menu buttons, it can be prevented that the first
superordinate menu buttons overlap with the subordinate menu
buttons.
[0013] With the underwater detection device described above, at
least while the subordinate menu buttons accept a selection
operation, the menu display controlling module may display the
first superordinate menu buttons to be translucent so that the
detection image is seen through the first superordinate menu
buttons.
[0014] Thus, the detection image is seen through the first
superordinate menu buttons. Therefore, the decrease of the visual
recognizability of the detection image can further be
suppressed.
[0015] With the underwater detection device described above, when
the menu display controlling module accepts a command to display a
shortcut button, the menu display controlling module may remove the
displayed menu buttons and display a menu button registered as the
shortcut button. In a case where the shortcut button is selected
and subordinate menus with respect to the shortcut button exist,
the menu display controlling module may display subordinate menu
buttons corresponding to the subordinate menus, respectively.
[0016] Thus, by registering a menu button which is used frequently
as the shortcut button, the user can select the menu button without
shifting for long time his/her focus from the detection image.
Further, by removing the displayed menu buttons and displaying the
shortcut button, the decrease of the visual recognizability of the
detection image can be minimized. Additionally, since the
subordinate menu buttons are displayed when the shortcut button is
selected, the decrease of the visual recognizability of the
detection image can further be suppressed.
[0017] With the underwater detection device described above, when
displaying the shortcut button, the menu display controlling module
may display, in addition to a corresponding menu button thereto, an
image indicating that the shortcut button is a shortcut, the
corresponding menu button being one of the menu buttons and the
subordinate menu buttons.
[0018] Thus, by adding "the image indicating that the shortcut
button is a shortcut," the user can instantly grasp whether the
displayed button is the menu button or the shortcut button.
[0019] With the underwater detection device described above, the
menu display controlling module may display a switch button
adjacent to the first superordinate menu buttons in the extending
direction of the first superordinate menu buttons. When the switch
button is selected, the menu display controlling module may switch
whether to display the menu buttons or the shortcut button.
[0020] Since only either one of the menu buttons and the shortcut
is displayed on the display screen, a movement of a pointer and a
shift of the line of sight of the user can be reduced when
displaying the shortcut button.
[0021] With the underwater detection device described above, the
menu display controlling module may move a pointer based on an
operation performed on a user interface. When one of the first
superordinate menu buttons and the subordinate menu buttons is
dragged and dropped through the pointer, the menu display
controlling module may register the one of the first superordinate
menu buttons and the subordinate menu buttons as the shortcut
button.
[0022] Thus, the shortcut button can be registered with an easy and
intuitive operation.
[0023] With the underwater detection device described above, the
menu display controlling module may display each of the menu
buttons as a rectangular icon.
[0024] Thus, the menu buttons can be displayed in a small
space.
[0025] With the underwater detection device described above, the
menu display controlling module may display the first superordinate
menu buttons to extend in the depth directions.
[0026] Thus, since the first superordinate menu buttons are
displayed on the detection image to extend in/from the end section
where the oldest information is displayed, the decrease of visual
recognizability of the detection image can further be
suppressed.
[0027] With the underwater detection device described above, the
underwater detection device may further include a transducer and a
display unit. The transducer transmits the ultrasonic waves
underwater and receives the echo signals that are the reflection
waves. The display unit displays the images generated by the
detection image display controlling module and the menu display
controlling module.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0028] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and
not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying
drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements
and in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
fish finder according to one embodiment of this disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an example of a display screen
displayed on a display unit;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the display screen while a
first subordinate menu button is displayed;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the display screen while a
second subordinate menu button is displayed;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the display screen while a
shortcut button is displayed;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an operation of registering a
shortcut (before dragged);
[0035] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an operation of registering
the shortcut (while dragged);
[0036] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the display screen after the
shortcut registration operation;
[0037] FIG. 9 is a view illustrating arrangement of menu buttons
when a time flow in time axis directions is changed; and
[0038] FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the display screen when two
detection images are displayed thereon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] One embodiment of this disclosure is described with
reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following
embodiments, an example is illustrated in which this disclosure is
applied to a ship. However, the present disclosure may be applied
to any other watercrafts including boats, vessels, and submarines.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a fish
finder (underwater detection device) 10.
[0040] The fish finder 10 transmits ultrasonic waves underwater and
receives echo signals which are reflection waves caused by the
ultrasonic waves. The fish finder 10 generates based on the echo
signals a detection image indicating water depths at which a school
of fish, a water bottom, etc. exist and displays it. Hereinafter, a
specific configuration of the fish finder 10 is described.
[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the fish finder 10 includes a
controller 11, a transmission circuit 12, a transmission/reception
switch 13, a transducer 14, a reception circuit 15, an A/D
converter 16, an echo signal memory 17, a display unit 18, and a
user interface 19.
[0042] The controller 11 includes a transmission command module 31
configured to generate a signal indicating a timing to produce an
ultrasonic wave, an amplitude of the ultrasonic wave, etc. and
output it to the transmission circuit 12.
[0043] The transmission circuit 12 includes a trap circuit,
generates a pulse signal based on the signal received from the
transmission command module 31 and outputs it to the transducer 14
via the transmission/reception switch 13.
[0044] The transducer 14 of this embodiment is an oscillator which
is attached to a bottom of a ship to which the fish finder 10 is
mounted, and transmits the ultrasonic wave underwater (e.g., right
below) based on the signal received from the transmission circuit
12. Further, the transducer 14 receives, as echo signal(s),
reflection wave(s) caused by the ultrasonic wave reflected on fish
and/or a water bottom. The transducer 14 outputs the received echo
signal to the reception circuit 15 via the transmission/reception
switch 13.
[0045] The transmission/reception switch 13 outputs the signal
outputted by the transmission circuit 12 to the transducer 14, as
well as outputting the echo signal acquired by the transducer
14.
[0046] The reception circuit 15, for example, amplifies the
received echo signal and outputs it to the A/D converter 16. The
A/D converter 16 converts the echo signal in an analog form into a
digital signal and outputs it to the controller 11.
[0047] The controller 11 includes an echo signal processing module
32 configured to process the echo signal inputted by the A/D
converter 16. Specifically, the echo signal processing module 32
grasps a water depth at which the ultrasonic wave reflected based
on a period of time from the transmission of the ultrasonic wave
until the reception of the echo signal thereof, and detects the
signal level of the echo signal corresponding to the depth. Note
that, the echo signal processing module 32 is achieved by executing
a given program with an FPGA, a CPU, etc. which are not
illustrated.
[0048] The echo signal memory 17 is a volatile/non-volatile memory
capable of storing data. The echo signal memory 17 stores "the
signal level of the echo signal corresponding to the depth"
detected by the echo signal processing module 32 in association
with the transmission/reception timing of the echo signal. Note
that, the echo signal memory 17 may store the data before processed
by the echo signal processing module 32.
[0049] The controller 11 includes a detection image display
controlling module 33 configured to generate the detection image
based on "the signal level of the echo signal corresponding to the
depth" detected by the echo signal processing module 32. The
detection image generated by the detection image display
controlling module 33 is displayed on the display unit 18
configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display. The detection
image indicates the signal levels of the echo signals corresponding
to the depths and placed in a chronological order (an order of
acquisition of the echo signals). As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the
detection image, a vertical axis indicates depth directions and a
horizontal axis indicates time axis directions. Each echo signal
received by the fish finder 10 is displayed with a color tone or
shade corresponding to the signal level. Further, the echo signals
obtained in a transmission and reception regarding a single
ultrasonic wave are illustrated at a given width (width in the time
axis directions) on the detection image. Every time the ultrasonic
wave is transmitted and the echo signal is received, the detection
image display controlling module 33 shifts the detection image to
one side (past side) in the time axis directions, and displays a
new part of detection image in one end section (current-side
section) of the displayed detection image in the time axis
directions (end section where latest information is displayed).
[0050] Moreover, the controller 11 includes a menu display
controlling module 34 configured to perform a control of displaying
menu buttons through which various settings are performed, a
control of displaying various information (current setting values,
information detected based on the echo signal, information received
from external device(s)), etc., and a control of moving a pointer,
a cursor or the like (in this embodiment, pointer) which is
displayed on the display screen. Images generated by the detection
image display controlling module 33 and the menu display
controlling module 34 are displayed on the display unit 18. Note
that, the detection image display controlling module 33 and the
menu display controlling module 34 are achieved by executing given
programs with an FPGA, a CPU, etc. which are not illustrated.
[0051] The user interface 19 of this embodiment is a device which
is a mouse or a trackball, and is capable of moving the pointer.
Note that, the user interface 19 may be other pointing device
(e.g., a keyboard with a touch pad). Moreover, the user interface
19 is not limited to a physical key and may be a touch panel.
[0052] Next, the display screen of the fish finder 10 is described
with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5. Note that in this disclosure,
"button" in "menu button" means "a kind of a graphical user
interface configured to perform a selection on the display screen
through the pointer." Further, the concept of "end section"
includes an end and therearound (e.g., substantially equivalent to
one icon).
[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the display screen of the display
unit 18 displays, as the detection image, school of fish echoes 41
and a water bottom echo 43. Each school of fish echo 41 indicates
the echo signals of the reflection waves caused by the ultrasonic
waves reflected on a school of fish. The water bottom echo 43
indicates the echo signals of the reflection waves caused by the
ultrasonic waves reflected on the water bottom.
[0054] Further as illustrated in FIG. 2, the display screen of the
display unit 18 displays, as display contents, a water depth
display section 61, a water depth scale 62, and a signal level
scale 63 by superimposing them on the detection image. The water
depth display section 61 illustrates a current water bottom depth.
The current water bottom depth is detected based on a latest echo
signal etc. The water depth scale 62 is configured with a plurality
of scale marks and indicates a depth indicated by the echo signal.
The water depth scale 62, once a depth range of the detection image
is changed, changes an interval and numeric value of the scale
marks accordingly. The signal level scale 63 indicates a
correspondence relationship between an intensity of the signal
level and the color tone or shade of the echo.
[0055] Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the display screen of
the display unit 18 displays main menu buttons (first superordinate
menu buttons) 51. Each main menu button 51 is configured by a
rectangular frame and an icon. The main menu buttons 51 are buttons
configured to change the setting of the fish finder 10 and command
executions of various functions. The main menu buttons 51 are
displayed on the detection image to extend in the depth directions
from a position which is in a left end section (past-side end
section in the time axis directions, where old information is
displayed) and an upper end section (end section on the shallow
side in the depth directions), in other words, extending downward
from the upper end, along the past-side end section of the
detection image. The menu display controlling module 34, upon
detecting that a user moved the pointer 91 and left-clicked one of
the main menu buttons 51, determines that this main menu button 51
is selected (meaning that the selection is made, same below).
[0056] If the main menu button 51 is selected and subordinate menus
with respect thereto do not exist, the menu display controlling
module 34 executes processing associated with the selected main
menu button 51. On the other hand, if the main menu button 51 is
selected and the subordinate menus exist, first subordinate menu
buttons 52 are additionally displayed as illustrated in FIG. 3.
Since the first subordinate menu buttons 52 are not displayed
before the main menu button 51 is selected, a prevention of a
decrease of visual recognizability of the detection image is
possible. Further in this embodiment, the main menu buttons 51 are
displayed extending in the depth directions alone, and not in the
time axis directions. Therefore, the prevention of the decrease of
visual recognizability of the detection image is more possible.
Note that, since the detection image keeps changing with time, the
above configuration is significantly effective in preventing the
decrease of visual recognizability of the detection image.
[0057] Each first subordinate menu button 52, similar to the main
menu buttons 51, is configured by a rectangular frame and an icon.
The first subordinate menu buttons 52 are located adjacent to the
main menu button 51 which is superordinate with respect thereto,
and extend in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction
of the main menu buttons 51 (specifically, the time axis
directions). The menu display controlling module 34, upon detecting
that the user moved the pointer 91 and left-clicked one of the
first subordinate menu buttons 52, determines that the first
subordinate menu button 52 is selected.
[0058] Here, when displaying menu buttons in a hierarchy structure
in this embodiment, superordinate menu buttons with respect to the
menu buttons standing by for the selection (while the selection is
accepted) are displayed to be translucent so that the detection
image is visible. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, since the
first subordinate menu buttons 52 are on standby for the selection,
the superordinate main menu buttons 51 with respect thereto are
displayed to be translucent, the school of fish echoes 41 are
visible through the main menu buttons 51. Note that, by clicking
the detection image with the pointer 91, the standby for the
selection is canceled and returns back the state of FIG. 2.
[0059] If one of the first subordinate menu buttons 52 is selected
and subordinate menus with respect thereto do not exist, the menu
display controlling module 34 executes processing associated with
the selected first subordinate menu button 52. On the other hand,
if the first subordinate menu button 52 is selected and the
subordinate menus exist, the menu display controlling module 34
additionally displays second subordinate menu buttons 53 as
illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0060] Each second subordinate menu buttons 53, similar to the main
menu buttons 51 etc., is configured by a rectangular frame and an
icon. The second subordinate menu buttons 53 are located adjacent
to the first subordinate menu button 52 which is superordinate with
respect thereto, and extend in a direction perpendicular to the
extending direction of the first subordinate menu buttons 52
(specifically, to the deeper side in the depth directions). The
menu display controlling module 34, upon detecting that the user
moved the pointer 91 and left-clicked one of the second subordinate
menu buttons 53, determines that the second subordinate menu button
53 is selected.
[0061] As described above, the superordinate menu buttons with
respect to the menu buttons which are on standby for the selection
are displayed to be translucent. Therefore, in the example of FIG.
4, the main menu buttons 51 and the first subordinate menu buttons
52 are displayed to be translucent.
[0062] Note that if subordinate menus (third subordinate menus)
with respect to the selected second subordinate menu button 53
exist, the menu display controlling module 34 similarly displays
third subordinate menu buttons extending in the time axis
directions.
[0063] Further, a switch button 55 (in the example of FIG. 2 etc.,
configured by a rectangular frame and a triangular icon) is
displayed adjacent to the main menu buttons 51, on one side in the
extending direction of the main menu buttons 51 (shallower side in
the depth directions). The menu display controlling module 34, upon
detecting that the user moved the pointer 91 and left-clicked the
switch button 55, removes the main menu buttons 51 and displays a
list of shortcut buttons 57 as illustrated in FIG. 5. Since the
number of displayed buttons is reduced by removing the main menu
buttons 51 as above, the decrease of visual recognizability of the
detection image is suppressed. Further, since the switch button 55
is disposed near the main menu buttons 51, the movement of the user
interface 19 and a shift of the line of sight of the user are
reduced. The menu display controlling module 34, upon detecting
that the user left-clicked the switch button 55 while the list of
the shortcut buttons 57 is displayed, removes the shortcut buttons
57 and displays the main menu buttons 51. Note that, similar
processing may be performed when a right-click operation is
performed on the display screen (e.g., on the detection image or a
menu button) alternatively/additionally to the left-click operation
on the switch button 55.
[0064] Specific examples of the configuration of the menus are
given next. The configurations of the main menu buttons 51 include
a detection image setting, a display screen setting, chart display,
a sound setting, and a video setting. Subordinate contents of the
detection image setting include a gain adjustment and a noise
removal. Subordinate contents of the display screen setting include
splitting the display (FIG. 10, described later), a luminance
adjustment, and a setting of the water depth display section 61.
Further subordinate contents of the luminance adjustment include a
day mode and a night mode. Subordinate contents of the chart
display include displaying a distribution of body lengths of single
fishes which exist within a given area, and a water temperature
chart.
[0065] The shortcut buttons 57 are displayed extending at the same
positions and direction as those of the main menu buttons 51. The
shortcut buttons 57 are menu buttons extracted by the user from the
main menu buttons 51, the first subordinate menu buttons 52 and the
second subordinate menu buttons 53. Thus, by registering menu
buttons which are used frequently (particularly subordinate menu
buttons) as the shortcut buttons, the selection of a menu button
can be performed swiftly without blocking the detection image. When
displaying the shortcut buttons 57, the display mode of the switch
button 55 is changed (specifically, the triangular icon is
inverted). Further, when displaying the shortcut buttons 57, in
addition to the corresponding icons of the main menu buttons 51
etc., images indicating that they are shortcuts (in the example of
FIG. 5, triangular marks at upper-left corners of the buttons) are
displayed. Thus, the user can instantly grasp whether the displayed
button is the main menu button 51 or the shortcut button 57.
Further, if one of the shortcut buttons 57 is selected and
subordinate menus with respect thereto exist, the menu display
controlling module 34 additionally displays the subordinate menu
buttons.
[0066] Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the display screen of
the display unit 18 displays alarm icons 59. The alarm icons 59,
for example, blink to inform the user that the ultrasonic wave is
not transmittable/receivable, a network is not connectable, the
user interface 19 does not function, etc.
[0067] Next, a method of registering each shortcut button 57 is
described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.
[0068] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a situation where the main
menu button 51 is selected and the first subordinate menu buttons
52 are displayed. From this state, by dragging (moving the pointer
91 while pressing a left button of the user interface 19) one of
the first subordinate menu buttons 52, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a
list of the shortcut buttons 57 and a shortcut vacant section 57a
are displayed.
[0069] The user can register the first subordinate menu button 52
as a shortcut, by moving it to the shortcut vacant section 57a
(also see FIG. 8). Note that, also for a case of registering the
main menu button 51 and the second subordinate menu button 53 as
shortcuts, they may be registered by a similar registration
operation. The registering method for shortcuts is arbitrary and
may vary depending on the button.
[0070] Next, a case where the time axis directions are reversed
(i.e., a case where the past side is on the right of the display
screen) is described with reference to FIG. 9.
[0071] In this case, the main menu buttons 51 are displayed in a
right end section of the detection image (the past-side end section
in the time axis directions) to extend in the depth directions.
Since the user preferentially confirms latest information on the
detection image in general, by displaying the menu buttons to
extend in/from the most-previous end section, the decrease of
visual recognizability of the detection image is minimized.
Therefore in this embodiment, when the main menu button 51 is
selected to change the time axis directions of the detection image,
the display position of the main menu buttons 51 is changed. Note
that, in the example of FIG. 9, due to the change of the display
position of the main menu buttons 51, the water depth scale 62 is
displayed in the left end section (the current-side end section in
the time axis directions).
[0072] Next, a case of displaying two detection images on the
display unit 18 is described with reference to FIG. 10.
[0073] In FIG. 10, a detection image detected by using ultrasonic
waves at high frequency and a detection image detected by using
ultrasonic waves at low frequency are displayed aligning in the
left-and-right directions (in the time axis directions). These two
detection images have the same orientation in the time axis
directions and the depth directions. However, these two detection
images may have different orientations in the time axis directions
and the depth directions. For example, the center of the display
screen in the left-and-right directions may be set as the current
side of the two detection images in the time axis directions, and
the end sides of the display screen in the left-and-right
directions may be set as the past side in the time axis
directions.
[0074] In the case of displaying the two detection images, the main
menu buttons 51 are displayed on the past side on one of the
detection images. In this embodiment, the main menu buttons 51 are
displayed on the left detection image; however, the main menu
buttons 51 may be displayed on the right detection image. Further,
the main menu buttons 51 may be displayed on both of the two
detection images.
[0075] As described above, the fish finder 10 of this embodiment
includes the echo signal processing module 32, the detection image
display controlling module 33, and the menu display controlling
module 34. The echo signal processing module 32 acquires the echo
signals which are the reflection waves caused by the ultrasonic
waves transmitted underwater, and detects the signal levels of the
echo signals corresponding to the depth. The detection image
display controlling module 33 displays on the display unit 18 the
detection image indicating the signal levels of the echo signals
corresponding to the depth and placed in the chronological order.
The menu display controlling module 34 displays the main menu
buttons 51 on the detection image displayed on the display unit,
one of the main menu buttons 51 displayed in one of the end
sections of the detection image where oldest information is
displayed (past-side end section), the rest of the main menu
buttons 51 displayed to extend from the one of the main menu
buttons 51 in one of the depth directions and the time axis
directions.
[0076] Since the user preferentially confirms the latest
information than the old information on the detection image in
general, by displaying the menu buttons to extend in/from the end
section where the oldest information is displayed, the decrease of
visual recognizability of the detection image is minimized. Further
by displaying the menu buttons on the detection image, the screen
size of the display unit is effectively utilized and the detection
image is displayed in the large size.
[0077] Although the embodiment of this disclosure is described
above, the above configuration may be modified as follows.
[0078] The setting manner of the time axis directions and the depth
directions described in the above embodiment is merely one example
and may suitably be changed. For example, the time axis directions
may be the up-and-down directions, and the depth directions may be
the left-and-right directions of the display screen. In this case,
the main menu buttons 51 extend in/from one end section in the
up-and-down directions. Further the number of the detection images
displayed on the display screen may be three or more.
[0079] In the above embodiment, the main menu buttons 51 extend in
the depth directions, in the past-side end section in the time axis
directions. Alternatively, the main menu buttons 51 may extend in
the time axis directions so that at least one of them is located in
the past-side end section in the time axis directions, or may
extend in both of the depth and time axis directions. The main menu
buttons 51 are rectangles (substantially square, to be exact);
however, they may be different shapes, such as circles. Further,
the main menu buttons 51 are not limited to be icons, and may be
display contents having a frame in which a name of a menu is
described.
[0080] In the above embodiment, the switch button 55 is displayed
above the main menu buttons 51 (shallow side in the depth
directions); however, it may be displayed at a different location,
such as below or right side of the main menu buttons 51. Further,
the shortcut buttons 57 are displayed by removing the main menu
buttons 51; however, the main menu buttons 51 and the shortcut
buttons 57 may be displayed simultaneously.
[0081] In the above embodiment, since the user interface 19 is
described as the mouse, the example in which the movement and
left-click operation of the pointer 91 are used as the selecting
method of the main menu buttons 51, etc. is described; however, in
a case of using a different device, a selecting method
corresponding to the device is used.
[0082] In the above embodiment, the end of the display screen and
the end of the detection image coincide with each other in the
left-and-right directions (time axis directions); however, they do
not necessarily coincide. For example, in a case of displaying the
detection image with a different image to align in the
left-and-right directions, the end of the display screen does not
coincide with the end of the detection image.
[0083] In the above embodiment, the display unit 18 only displays
the detection image(s) obtained by the fish finder 10; however,
other images generated by other navigational instrument(s) (radar
apparatus, navigation system, etc.) may further be displayed.
Further, although the user interface 19 mainly performs operations
regarding the fish finder 10, it may further perform operations
regarding the other navigational instrument(s).
[0084] In the above embodiment, the example in which this
disclosure is applied to the fish finder 10 which mainly detects
the school of fish is described; however, the detection target is
not limited to the school of fish and may be a sank ship, a fishery
resource, a shape of the water bottom, etc.
<Terminology>
[0085] It is to be understood that not necessarily all objects or
advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular
embodiment described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in
the art will recognize that certain embodiments may be configured
to operate in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or
group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving
other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested
herein.
[0086] All of the processes described herein may be embodied in,
and fully automated via, software code modules executed by a
computing system that includes one or more computers or processors.
The code modules may be stored in any type of non-transitory
computer-readable medium or other computer storage device. Some or
all the methods may be embodied in specialized computer
hardware.
[0087] Many other variations than those described herein will be
apparent from this disclosure. For example, depending on the
embodiment, certain acts, events, or functions of any of the
algorithms described herein can be performed in a different
sequence, can be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., not
all described acts or events are necessary for the practice of the
algorithms). Moreover, in certain embodiments, acts or events can
be performed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threaded processing,
interrupt processing, or multiple processors or processor cores or
on other parallel architectures, rather than sequentially. In
addition, different tasks or processes can be performed by
different machines and/or computing systems that can function
together.
[0088] The various illustrative logical blocks and modules
described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can
be implemented or performed by a machine, such as a processor. A
processor can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the
processor can be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine,
combinations of the same, or the like. A processor can include
electrical circuitry configured to process computer-executable
instructions. In another embodiment, a processor includes an
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field
programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable device that
performs logic operations without processing computer-executable
instructions. A processor can also be implemented as a combination
of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a digital signal
processor (DSP) and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration. Although described
herein primarily with respect to digital technology, a processor
may also include primarily analog components. For example, some or
all of the signal processing algorithms described herein may be
implemented in analog circuitry or mixed analog and digital
circuitry. A computing environment can include any type of computer
system, including, but not limited to, a computer system based on a
microprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, a
portable computing device, a device controller, or a computational
engine within an appliance, to name a few.
[0089] Conditional language such as, among others, "can," "could,"
"might" or "may," unless specifically stated otherwise, are
otherwise understood within the context as used in general to
convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do
not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such
conditional language is not generally intended to imply that
features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or
more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily
include logic for deciding, with or without user input or
prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are
included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
[0090] Disjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X,
Y, or Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise
understood with the context as used in general to present that an
item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination
thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is
not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain
embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at
least one of Z to each be present.
[0091] Any process descriptions, elements or blocks in the flow
diagrams described herein and/or depicted in the attached figures
should be understood as potentially representing modules, segments,
or portions of code which include one or more executable
instructions for implementing specific logical functions or
elements in the process. Alternate implementations are included
within the scope of the embodiments described herein in which
elements or functions may be deleted, executed out of order from
that shown, or discussed, including substantially concurrently or
in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved as would
be understood by those skilled in the art.
[0092] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, articles such as "a" or
"an" should generally be interpreted to include one or more
described items. Accordingly, phrases such as "a device configured
to" are intended to include one or more recited devices. Such one
or more recited devices can also be collectively configured to
carry out the stated recitations. For example, "a processor
configured to carry out recitations A, B and C" can include a first
processor configured to carry out recitation A working in
conjunction with a second processor configured to carry out
recitations B and C. The same holds true for the use of definite
articles used to introduce embodiment recitations. In addition,
even if a specific number of an introduced embodiment recitation is
explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that
such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least
the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations,"
without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations,
or two or more recitations).
[0093] It will be understood by those within the art that, in
general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms
(e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but
not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having
at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes
but is not limited to," etc.).
[0094] For expository purposes, the term "horizontal" as used
herein is defined as a plane parallel to the plane or surface of
the floor of the area in which the system being described is used
or the method being described is performed, regardless of its
orientation. The term "floor" can be interchanged with the term
"ground" or "water surface". The term "vertical" refers to a
direction perpendicular to the horizontal as just defined. Terms
such as "above," "below," "bottom," "top," "side," "higher,"
"lower," "upper," "over," and "under," are defined with respect to
the horizontal plane.
[0095] As used herein, the terms "attached," "connected," "mated,"
and other such relational terms should be construed, unless
otherwise noted, to include removable, moveable, fixed, adjustable,
and/or releasable connections or attachments. The
connections/attachments can include direct connections and/or
connections having intermediate structure between the two
components discussed.
[0096] Numbers preceded by a term such as "approximately", "about",
and "substantially" as used herein include the recited numbers, and
also represent an amount close to the stated amount that still
performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For
example, the terms "approximately", "about", and "substantially"
may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of the stated
amount. Features of embodiments disclosed herein preceded by a term
such as "approximately", "about", and "substantially" as used
herein represent the feature with some variability that still
performs a desired function or achieves a desired result for that
feature.
[0097] It should be emphasized that many variations and
modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, the
elements of which are to be understood as being among other
acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are
intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure
and protected by the following claims.
* * * * *