Detection of objects on the sea bottom using backscattering characteristics dependent on the observation point

Sector-scanning sonar systems image the sea bottom to detect objects that can be distinguished from the background structure of the sea bottom. In current systems, images are displayed and discarded as new image data become available, In this paper, a method for improving sonar detection by utilizing all images in a sequence is investigated. The proposed method requires that sonar data are acquired with a sector-scanning sonar in a side-looking configuration. It is demonstrated that these data can be used to detect observation-point-dependent changes in sea-bottom backscattering characteristics. These changes provide additional cues for discrimination that can improve the detection of objects on the sea bottom. Results of applying the method to experimental data are presented.