Innovative MA-X sonar technology receives US patent
MIND Technology recently announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted a patent for its MA-X technology, which was designed and engineered by MIND’s Klein Marine Systems unit. This technology represents the industry’s first integrated single-beam sidescan and gap-filler sonar.
MA-X provides imaging of the nadir zone, or ‘gap’, with the same interpretive characteristics of sidescan sonar, thereby improving survey times by up to 40%. The superior image quality combined with an increase in efficiency provides an unmatched value proposition to the industry and creates a clear differentiation from other sidescan sonar systems.
Mission-critical objects
The MA-X VIEW 600, Klein’s first product to incorporate this technology, delivers focused 600kHz imagery (comparable to 900kHz resolution) with 100% bottom coverage. The superior image quality and long-range performance, combined with the nadir gap filler, increases survey efficiency for complex survey operations, such as renewable energy products and unexploded ordinance. These sonars have been used for USV mine countermeasure operations.
Designed for portability, submergence and optimal stability at all depths up to 300 metres, the MA-X VIEW 600 incorporates Klein Blue Technology, which represents innovations in transducer, signal conditioning and processing design.
“We are pleased that the USPTO has recognized our MA-X technology as both novel and complex,” said Michael Williams, Klein’s general manager. “The Company’s investment in this innovative technology provides our customers with significant competitive advantages in survey area coverage rate by helping ensure that mission-critical objects are not missed in the sonar nadir.”
MIND Technology provides technology to the oceanographic, hydrographic, defence, seismic and security industries. Its Seamap and Klein units design, manufacture and sell specialized, high-performance marine sonar and seismic equipment.
