Humminbird SI patent

[Cane Pole]

I been reading some stuff. Looks to me like Huminbird side imaging patent is about the imaging unit (transducer) being mounted to the boat, not about side imaging technology itself. My o my.

Looks like Lowrance will have to put the transducer on a planer board.:D

[BamaMan]

now that was smart of them! I love my 997

Later
BamaMan

[CatFan]

There have been side imaging transducers mounted on boats for years. Think minehunters. I suspect the patent wouldn't stand up well.

[Cane Pole]

Here is the link to the patent.

Scroll down and read the brief summary of the invention paragraph.

Hmmmm. Form, fit, or function. Gets a patent.

http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-...2&s2=sonar&OS=

[crappielimits]

The detailed description pretty much covers everything! I don`t see Lowrance penetrating that patent. Their units are already more expensive and having to buy rights from Humminbird will make a Lowrance sidescan outragous!

[prchjerker]

From what Ive been told Lowrance isnt even trying to come up with a side imaging unit.Sounds like they're working more with interfacing with radar.They were sold to a company about a year ago that's big in offshore electronics.Humminbird is very confident with their patents and my hat off to them for making it available to all us anglers.Now if I can just decide on my new boat whether go back to a 997 or belly up and try the new 1197.:rolleyes: