SORAPS (SOnar RAnge Prediction Software) is a very powerful software for the performance prediction of underwater systems based on acoustic waves propagation, such as SONAR (SOund NAvigation & Ranging) or Digital Communication systems.
This software is interfaced to 3D GHOM (Geography, Hydrography, Oceanography & Meteorology) databases to enable finer estimations of the characteristics of the acoustic channels between a reference point of the water column and a big number of surrounding others.
It may fully exploit the 3D GHOM databases by tracing the millions of acoustic rays using a full 3D propagation algorithm running on a GP/GPU server to acheive quasi real time (unique on the market).
The SORAPS software is designed to predict the performance of sonar or underwater communication systems using 3D GHOM databases and detailed system specifications of the equipment in operation. These predictions can be obtained according to the real current environmental data through actual measurements of the water column parameters or in a predictive manner using statistical environmental data from specialized databases and predictive models.
This versatile software can be used to design and dimension sonar or communication systems while considering the desired performance metrics. It is also invaluable at various stages of the operational process:
Upstream of the mission for:
Comprehensive mission preparation
Statistical performance prediction of the system
Before the mission for:
Updating performance estimations using parameter prediction models instead of statistical data
During the mission for:
Enhancing predictions by incorporating real-time measurements of critical parameters, such as sound velocity or actual noise characteristics
Downstream of the mission for:
Mission debriefing
System results analysis
System performance qualification
By leveraging SORAPS, users can ensure precise and reliable planning, execution, and evaluation of underwater missions, making it an essential tool for achieving operational excellence.
SORAPS is capable of predicting the performances of a SONAR system, being active or passive, mono or bi-static, and address the ability of detecting a given target as well as the vulnerability of being detected, by exploiting the « SONAR Equation » in many different ways.
For so doing, the various characteristics of the given SONAR system are entered into an input file and some parameters are let free to vary, so that differents ways to evaluate performances may be computed to yield 3D field matrices of :
Pd: Probability of Detection (for given Pfa, TS and SL)
TSmin: Target Strength minimum values for active detection (for given Pd, Pfa, SL)
SLmin: Source Level minimum values for passive detection (for given Pd, Pfa)
FOM: Figure of Merit values for a given SONAR (for given Pd, Pfa, SL, TS)
Those 3D fields of detection performances are then displayed in 2D plots, in the same manner as for the 3D fields of Propagation Loss values : horizontal polar plot at a selected immersion and vertical range-immersion plot at a selected bearing. The plots are immediately updated when immersion or bearing values are changed.
SORAPS estimates the transmission quality of an underwater communication system in its capacity to deliver a given message from a transmitter point to a big number of reception points of a surrounding 3D grid, or to receive a given message at a reception point from numerous transmitting points of this grid.
For so doing, the characteristics of the elements of the given communication system (transmitter, receiver, antennas) are entered into an input file, as well as the details of the used modulation, such as the type (PSK, BPSK, FSK, OFDM) and the parameters (Min and Max frequencies, number of output bits, modulation speed, duration of the message).
The algorithm is then capable of predicting the Bit Error Rates (BER) of the digital acoustic links as well as the Transfer Error Rates (TER) of those links when Error Correction Coding is used at the above level.
The resulting BER or TER 3D fields may then be displayed in 2D plots in the same manner as for the 3D fields of Propagation Loss values : horizontal polar plot at a selected immersion and vertical range-immersion plot at a selected bearing. The plots are immediately updated when immersion or bearing values are changed.
A fast & powerful processor, based on GP/GPU technology, estimates the characteristics (propagation loss, delay & phase shift) of the acoustic channels linking a particular Reference Point of the water column (acoustic antenna location) to very numerous points of a surrounding 3D grid.
A full 3D propagation algorithm computes the trajectories of a very large number of rays radiating from the Reference Point in numerous directions of the underwater space (site angle step doxn to 0.1°, and bearing angle step down to 1°) in order to aggregate, for a given acoustic channel between two points, all possible eigen rays. SORAPS can thus cope with ray reflections on tilted sea bottoms when constructing the acoustic channels.
The models used in the algorithm cover the following phenomena :
Propagation of acoustic waves in full 3D (see above)
Reflection on sea surface and bottom, taking its nature (sediment) into account
Absorption in the water column
Reverberation of sea surface and bottom
Ambiant and electronic noises
GHOM relevant data for running the propagation algorithm are, versus the position :
Depth (bathymetry)
Sea bottom nature
Sound Speed Profile (bathycelerimetry, also depending on season)
Sea water pH and temperature (also depending on season)
Wind speed or sea state (depending on current weather)
In order to benefit from the full power of SORAPS, the software is interfaced with some GHOM databases in order to access the relevant acquired or statistical parameters around the Point of Reference :
Sound Speed Profile (bathycelerimetry) : World Ocean Atlas (WOA)
Sea Bottom Depths (bathymetry) : General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) or Europe Marine Observation & Data Network (EMODNET)
Sea Bottom Natures (sediments) : HOM_GEOL_SEDIM_MONDIAL (Monde)
SORAPS may, on demand of customers, be interfaced with other GHOM data bases of greater interest to the users.
SORAPS can also utilize on-the-spot measured values of some parameters, including real-time noise levels captured by your sonar and bathycelerimetry measurements, instead of relying solely on the acquired or statistical data from the GHOM databases. This capability allows for more accurate and context-specific acoustic propagation analysis, enhancing the precision of your mission planning and execution. By incorporating live noise data from your sonar, SORAPS ensures that your acoustic assessments are finely tuned to the current environmental conditions, providing you with the most reliable and actionable insights.
From a precise Point of Reference of the water column (where the acoustic antenna is) SORAPS can compute the Propagation Loss values of the acoustic channels reaching the points of a dense 3D grid (sampling the surrounding volume) establishing thus a 3D field of Propagation Loss values. This 3D field of data may then be visualized in 2D plots, such as horizontal polar plots at a selected immersion and vertical range-immersion plots at a selected bearing. The change of immersion and bearing values immediately updates the 2D views, allowing many such views of the 3D field for a better understanding of it.
3D Loss Field, a specialized feature in SORAPS designed for users focused solely on acoustic propagation. This mode provides a clear and concise visualization of field loss, allowing you to concentrate on the essential aspects of acoustic transmission without delving into sensor performance details.
Key Benefits:
Simplified Interface: With an intuitive and user-friendly interface, this mode ensures that you can quickly access and understand the critical information related to acoustic propagation.
Enhanced Clarity: By filtering out sensor-specific data, Propagation Insight Mode provides a clearer picture of how acoustic waves travel and attenuate in various environments, helping you make informed decisions.
Mission Readiness: Assess the suitability of underwater acoustic propagation for your specific mission requirements. Propagation Insight Mode provides critical insights to ensure your operations are viable and effective.
Real-Time and Statistical Analysis: Utilize current bathymetric measurements during missions or rely on comprehensive statistical data for pre-mission planning. This dual approach ensures you have the necessary information at every stage of your operation.
Experience seamless operational efficiency with Actors Mode, a cutting-edge feature designed to simplify sensor configuration in SORAPS. Tailored for users who require quick and effective setup without deep expertise in sensor design, Actors Mode transforms complex configurations into straightforward processes.
Key Benefits:
Effortless Setup: Easily configure sensor parameters such as antenna directivity and emission levels.
Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Save time and reduce complexity with pre-configured settings that adapt to your operational environment. Focus on your mission while Actors Mode ensures your sensors are perfectly tuned.
With Actors Mode, SORAPS empowers users to achieve superior acoustic sensing with minimal effort, making it an indispensable tool for efficient and effective operations. Step into the future of acoustic sensing with Actors Mode!
Price : 19 990 € HT
Dedicated HW on your site,
Accessible via local network
Features:
3D Performances Computation
3D Loss of Field
Actors Mode
Free shipping in EU.
Include 2 years warranty on the HW.
Annual Update subscription: 4990 € HT
Price : 490 € HT / month *
Dedicated Instance
in the cloud
Features:
3D Performances Computation
3D Loss of Field
Actors Mode
include 4h of runtime per day. Then 1 € HT / hour
based on annual subscription.
Price : 90 € / month *
Shared Instance
in the cloud
Features:
3D Loss of field
limit of 20 simulations per day.
based on annual subscription.
Our 3D performance prediction simulator for marine environments is designed to be highly extensible, allowing users to develop custom plugins to interface directly with various geographic, meteorological, hydrographic, and oceanographic databases. This feature enables the enrichment of simulations with precise and up-to-date environmental data, thereby enhancing the accuracy and relevance of the results.
Plugin Capabilities
Geographic Data Integration: Access and integrate geospatial data to accurately model the seafloor, coastlines, and other geographic features that influence acoustic propagation.
Meteorological Data: Incorporate real-time or historical meteorological data to study the impact of atmospheric conditions on acoustic simulations.
Hydrographic Data: Utilize detailed hydrographic data to model water properties such as salinity, temperature, sound speed and pH, which affect acoustic wave propagation.
Oceanographic Data: Integrate oceanographic data to simulate various environmental scenarios, including seasonal variations and specific oceanic events.
Benefits of Plugins
Flexibility and Extensibility: Plugins allow users to extend the simulator's functionality according to their specific needs, adding additional data sources and features.
Enhanced Accuracy: By using real and up-to-date data, plugins improve the accuracy of simulations, providing more reliable and realistic results.
Workflow Automation: Plugins can automate the import and processing of data, reducing the time and effort required to set up and run complex simulations.
Plugin Development
Our platform provides a comprehensive Software Development Kit (SDK) to facilitate the creation of plugins. The SDK includes:
Comprehensive Documentation: Detailed guides and examples to help you get started with plugin development.
Robust API: A well-documented API that allows easy access to the simulator's features and external data.
Technical Support: A dedicated support team to help troubleshoot issues and answer questions during the development process.
Download
TODO : Github link
Scripting Interface
Our 3D performance prediction simulator for marine environments offers a powerful scripting interface that allows users to control and automate simulations directly from popular scientific environments such as MATLAB, Python, and Octave. This feature is designed for researchers and engineers who wish to integrate our advanced simulation capabilities into their own workflows and analyses.
Key Features
Seamless Integration: The scripting interface is designed to integrate seamlessly with MATLAB, Python, and Octave, allowing users to leverage the existing libraries and tools of these environments.
Simulation Automation: Automate the execution of multiple simulations, dynamically modify simulation parameters, and collect results without manual intervention, which is ideal for parametric studies and optimization.
Full Control: Access all the features of the simulator, including setting up simulation scenarios, defining marine environment properties, and specifying acoustic sources and receivers.
Analysis and Visualization: Use the data processing and visualization capabilities of MATLAB, Python, and Octave to analyze and visualize simulation results, facilitating data interpretation and presentation.
Use Cases
Acoustic Research: Integrate the simulator into your research scripts to study the effects of various environmental parameters on acoustic wave propagation.
Algorithm Development: Use the scripting interface to develop and test new acoustic signal processing algorithms using realistic simulation data.
Education and Training: Create educational scripts to demonstrate the principles of acoustic propagation in marine environments, aiding teaching and training in this specialized field.
Documentation and Support
Comprehensive documentation is provided to help users get started with the scripting interface, including sample scripts, tutorials, and a detailed API reference. Our support team is also available to help troubleshoot issues and answer questions.
Download
TODO : Github link
Q: What is the 3D acoustic wave propagation simulator for marine environments? A: Our simulator is an advanced tool designed to model the propagation of acoustic waves in marine environments. It helps researchers, engineers, and industry professionals visualize and analyze how sound travels underwater, taking into account various environmental factors to estimate the performance of sonar and acoustic communication systems.
Q: Who can benefit from using this simulator? A: The simulator is ideal for acoustic researchers, oceanographers, engineers involved in sonar system design, professionals in the oil and gas industry, and organizations engaged in marine environmental monitoring and protection.
Features and Capabilities
Q: What types of environmental data can the simulator integrate? A: The simulator can integrate a variety of data, including geographic, meteorological, hydrographic, and oceanographic data, to provide accurate and realistic simulations of acoustic wave propagation.
Q: Can the simulator model different environmental scenarios? A: Yes, the simulator allows you to configure and simulate various environmental scenarios, including seasonal variations, specific weather conditions, and unique geographic features, to assess their impact on sonar and acoustic communication performance.
Q: How does the simulator estimate the performance of sonar and acoustic communication systems? A: The simulator uses advanced algorithms to model sound propagation and assess how different environmental factors affect the range, clarity, and reliability of sonar and acoustic communication systems.
Usage and Integration
Q: Can the simulator be integrated with other software tools? A: Yes, our simulator offers a scripting interface that allows seamless integration with tools such as MATLAB, Python, and Octave, facilitating automation and advanced analysis of simulations.
Q: How can I develop custom plugins/interface for the simulator? A: We provide a comprehensive Software Development Kit (SDK) that includes detailed documentation, code examples, and a robust API to help you develop custom plugins for interfacing with various databases and enhancing simulation capabilities.
Support and Training
Q: Are there training resources available for new users? A: Yes, we offer a variety of training resources, including tutorials, webinars, and comprehensive documentation to help new users become familiar with the simulator and its advanced features.
Q: What kind of technical support is available for users? A: Our technical support team is available to answer your questions, help troubleshoot issues, and provide guidance on advanced use of the simulator. You can reach us via email, phone, or our online support platform.
Licensing and Costs
Q: What are the different types of licenses available for the simulator? A: We offer several types of licenses to meet the varied needs of our users, including academic, commercial, and government licenses. For more details, please visit our pricing page or contact our sales team.
Q: Is there a trial version available for the simulator? A: Yes, we offer a free trial version that allows you to explore the basic features of the simulator. You can sign up for a trial with our sales team.
Updates and Improvements
Q: How often is the simulator updated with new features or improvements? A: We regularly update our simulator to include new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes. Users are informed of updates via our newsletters.
Q: How can I suggest improvements or new features for the simulator? A: We welcome suggestions from our users. You can submit your ideas through our feedback portal or by contacting our development team directly.