Acoustic navigation--New microprocessor generation

In the past decade need for acoustic navigation systems has increased significantly. A need for flexible field programmable systems exist in oil well head exploration, side scan sonar navigation, array locating system for geomapping, dredging and deep sea mining. This paper describes a new generation of microprocessor-based acoustic signal processing equipment developed to satisfy the above applications. Low jitter techniques in the system are described. Advantages of multipath signal processing in difficult terrains is explained. The concept of modular programming used to enhance software flexibility and reliability is outlined. A simple, low cost navigation system, based on HP 85 is presented. Typical navigation plots are illustrated.