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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
now that was smart of them! I love my 997
Later
BamaMan
There have been side imaging transducers mounted on boats for years. Think minehunters. I suspect the patent wouldn't stand up well.
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=
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!
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: