Systems and methods for indicating a navigable area that is reachable by a watercraft with a current amount of energy is provided. The system comprises a display, a processor and a memory, including a computer code configured to, when executed by the processor, cause the system to receive position data indicating a current geographic location of a watercraft; receive tidal data for the current geographic location of the watercraft; determine, based on energy remaining data, an estimated available travel distance for operating a motor of the watercraft before the watercraft runs out of energy; and generate an overlay for a chart. The overlay comprises a boundary area corresponding to the estimated available travel distance and the effect of the tide on the watercraft. The computer code further presents the overlay on the chart to visually indicate travel options from the current geographic location.
2.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOADING A WATERCRAFT ON A TRAILER
Methods and systems described herein can assist a user when loading a watercraft onto a trailer (e.g., at a boat ramp). For example, position data generated by sensor(s) coupled to the watercraft and/or trailer can cause one or more propulsion devices associated with the watercraft to automatically (e.g., without user intervention) position the watercraft onto the trailer, for example, by controlling the power and/or thrust direction of the propulsion device(s).
B63C 13/00 - Matériel faisant partie intégrante des navires ou pouvant leur être adjoint pour leur transport à terre
B63B 79/10 - Surveillance des caractéristiques ou des paramètres de fonctionnement des navires en opération utilisant des capteurs, p.ex. des capteurs de pression, des jauges de contrainte ou des accéléromètres
B63B 79/40 - Surveillance des caractéristiques ou des paramètres de fonctionnement des navires en opération pour le suivi des operations des navires, p.ex. le suivi de leur vitesse, de leur itinéraire ou de leur calendrier d’entretien
B60P 3/10 - Véhicules adaptés pour transporter, porter ou comporter des charges ou des objets spéciaux pour le transport de véhicules pour le transport de bateaux
Example steering control systems for multiple devices are provided herein. A system includes a trolling motor assembly having a propulsion motor and a steering actuator and a sonar assembly comprising a transducer assembly and a directional actuator. The system further includes a user input assembly that is configured to detect user activity related to controlling operation of the trolling motor assembly and operation of the sonar assembly. The system further includes a processor that is configured to determine a direction of turn based on user activity, generate an electrical turning input signal indicating the direction of turn, and direct one of the steering actuator and the directional actuator, via the turning input signal, to rotate one of the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly, respectively, in a direction of turn based on the turning input signal.
A system for controlling sonar beam shapes is provided. The system comprises at least one sonar transducer element having an emitting face. The at least one sonar transducer element is configured to generate a sonar beam having a path. The system also comprises a horn that is configured to rest within the path of the sonar beam. The horn is configured to reform a beam shape of the sonar beam.
Sonar steering systems offering improved functionality and ease of use for an operator (e.g., an angler) are provided. A sonar steering system is configured to automatically adjust the directional coverage volume of the sonar system in a hands-free manner to allow the operator to focus on other tasks. Some such sonar steering systems are configured to adjust the directional coverage volume of the sonar transducers to maintain a target such as an area of interest (A0I) within the sonar display despite movement of the watercraft relative to the target. Accordingly, the coverage volume may be automatically adjusted to maintain the aim of the sonar transducers at a target that is moving through the water, such as a school of fish.
A sonar system is provided including a sonar assembly configured to attach to a motor assembly of a watercraft or a watercraft. The sonar assembly includes sonar transducer element(s) that transmit sonar beam(s). The sonar system includes a display, processor(s), and a steering assembly configured to cause rotation of the sonar assembly or the motor assembly. The sonar system includes a memory including computer program code that causes the processor(s) to cause the sonar transducer element(s) to emit sonar beam(s), receive sonar return data from a coverage volume of the sonar transducer element(s), generate a sonar image of the coverage volume based on the sonar return data, receive an input from a user, determine a target in the underwater environment based on the input, and cause the steering assembly to adjust the coverage volume to maintain the target within the coverage volume as the watercraft moves relative to the target.
A sonar assembly for a watercraft, including an elongated shaft having a top end and a bottom end, and defining a bore that extends from the top end to the bottom end of the elongated shaft, a transducer assembly secured to the bottom end of the elongated shaft, an elongated member having a top end and a bottom end, the elongated member being disposed within the bore of the elongated shaft, the bottom end of the elongated member being operatively connected to the transducer assembly such that movement of the elongated member with respect to the elongated shaft rotates the transducer assembly within a vertical plane with respect to the watercraft.
Systems and methods for automatic navigation of a marine environment area are detailed herein. A system for navigating a marine area includes a display, a processor, and a memory including a computer program code. The computer program code, when executed, causes, on the display, presentation of a chart including at least a portion of a body of water; receives an input of at least one condition parameter associated with the desired marine environment; determines a portion of the body of water defined by the at least one condition; and displays the detennined portion on the chart. The computer program code further, when executed, detennines a traversal coverage corresponding to a watercraft; and determines a route to traverse the determined portion based on the traversal coverage of the watercraft such that an entirety of the determined portion is covered by the determined traversal coverage of the watercraft during the route.
G01C 23/00 - Instruments combinés indiquant plus d’une valeur de navigation, p.ex. pour l’aviation; Dispositifs de mesure combinés pour mesurer plusieurs variables du mouvement, p.ex. la distance, la vitesse ou l’accélération
B63B 49/00 - Aménagements relatifs aux instruments nautiques ou d'aide à la navigation
B63H 25/04 - Moyens amorçant la gouverne à fonctionnement automatique, p.ex. asservis au compas
Systems and methods for detennining a location of an object within a sonar beam zone are detailed herein. A system for presenting marine data includes at least one sonar transducer associated with a watercraft, a display, processor(s), and a memory including a computer program code. The sonar transducer emits sonar beams into an underwater environment defining a beam shape. The program code, when executed, causes, on the display, presentation of a chart and a representation of the watercraft; and determines, based on the beam shape corresponding to the sonar transducer, a sonar beam zone corresponding to a sonar coverage of the underwater environment of the body of water. The program code further receives sonar return data and determines a position of an object within the sonar beam zone, and causes, on the display, presentation of the sonar beam zone and an indication of the object within the sonar beam zone.
Systems and methods for providing a sonar beam footprint are detailed herein. A system for presenting marine data includes at least one sonar transducer associated with a watercraft, a display, processor(s), and memory including computer program code. The sonar transducer emits sonar beams into an underwater environment that define a beam shape. The program code, when executed, causes, on the display, presentation of a chart and a representation of the watercraft; determines a depth corresponding to a bottom surface of a body of water at a current location of the watercraft; and determines, based on the depth and the beam shape, a sonar beam footprint corresponding to a projection of the beam shape at the depth. The program code further causes, on the display, presentation of the sonar beam footprint on the chart so as to visually indicate sonar beam coverage.
Systems and methods for presenting marine information are provided herein. A system includes an array of a plurality of sonar transducer elements associated with a watercraft and a display. The system causes presentation of a chart of a body of water, including a representation of the watercraft at a current location. The system also operates the array to cause transmission of sonar beams into the underwater environment and receives sonar return data from the array. The system further generates, based on the sonar return data, a two- dimensional live sonar image, determines a facing direction of the array, and causes presentation of the sonar image in the facing direction on the chart and relative to the representation of the watercraft. Accordingly, live sonar imagery is presented on the chart to visually provide a relationship between objects within the live sonar imagery and the real-world position of those objects.
A system for analysis of sonar data is provided comprising sonar transducer assembl(ies), processor(s), and a memory. The memory includes computer program code that is configured to, when executed, cause processor(s) to receive sonar data, where an object is represented within sonar data, and additional data from a data source other than the sonar transducer assembl(ies). The processor(s) further determine object characteristic(s) of the object using sonar data and additional data, and determine an estimated object-type for the object represented within sonar data using the object characteristic(s). The processor(s) further generate a sonar image based on sonar data, cause display of the sonar image, and cause provision of an indication of the estimated object-type so that the indication of the estimated object-type is correlated to the object representation in the sonar image.
G01S 15/86 - Combinaisons de systèmes sonar avec des systèmes lidar; Combinaisons de systèmes sonar avec des systèmes n'utilisant pas la réflexion des ondes
G01S 7/539 - DÉTERMINATION DE LA DIRECTION PAR RADIO; RADIO-NAVIGATION; DÉTERMINATION DE LA DISTANCE OU DE LA VITESSE EN UTILISANT DES ONDES RADIO; LOCALISATION OU DÉTECTION DE LA PRÉSENCE EN UTILISANT LA RÉFLEXION OU LA RERADIATION D'ONDES RADIO; DISPOSITIONS ANALOGUES UTILISANT D'AUTRES ONDES - Détails des systèmes correspondant aux groupes , , de systèmes selon le groupe utilisant l'analyse du signal d'écho pour la caractérisation de la cible; Signature de cible; Surface équivalente de cible
G01S 15/96 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques pour repérer du poisson
13.
WATERCRAFT ALIGNMENT SYSTEMS, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
Artificial intelligence can be used to provide accurate realignment functionality for various different marine devices on a watercraft. A system is provided for aligning one or more marine devices, where one or more controllers are configured to receive marine data from the marine device and receive secondary data from one or more second devices. An expected alignment characteristic is determined based on the secondary data and a corresponding deviation therefrom is determined based on marine data. In response to determining the deviation, the controllers are configured to cause at least one of a notification indicating a misalignment of the marine device to be provided to a user, a data adjustment to marine data so as to produce recalibrated marine data, or a physical adjustment to be applied to the marine device so as to subsequently receive realigned marine data from the marine device.
A system for the display of radar returns is provided. The system comprises a radar configured to provide radar data, a processor, and a display configured to present the radar data. The system comprises memory including computer program code configured to, when executed, cause the processor to receive the radar data, wherein an object is represented within the radar data; receive additional data from a data source other than the radar; and determine object characteristic(s) of the object using the radar data and additional data, wherein the object characteristic(s) comprises a position, a velocity, an intensity, or an object classification of one or more objects. The computer program code is also configured to cause the processor to cause presentation of the radar data including a representation of the object and an indication of the corresponding object characteristic(s). A marine electronic device and a non- transitory computer readable medium are also provided.
A system is provided for imaging an underwater environment. The system includes one or more arrays of transducer elements. Each array is operated at a fixed phase shift and varies in frequency so as to beamfonn multiple sonar return beams of a first range of angles and a second range of angles. The arrays can be oriented to cover the gap in sonar coverage for other arrays to create a continuous arc of sonar coverage. Accordingly, a 2D live sonar image can be formed. One or more of the multiple sonar return beams facing downwardly can be selected and used to form downward sonar images that anglers are used to, without requiring separate transducer elements. Fish arches formed using multiple sonar return beams can be positioned appropriately within a high resolution downward sonar image to fonn a desirable combined sonar image.
Systems, assemblies, and methods for conveniently operating marine devices associated with a watercraft are provided herein. An example system includes a controller, a sensor module, and a marine device. The controller is configured to receive a user input indicating a desired action via the sensor module and transmit a signal to the marine device to cause the marine device to operate in a particular manner. The sensor module may include one or more motion sensors, and the controller may be configured to filter unintentional movement from the raw motion data sensed by the sensor module, such as due to movement of the watercraft floating on the surface of the water. Thus, the system may enable convenient and intuitive control over various marine devices associated with the watercraft.
G01S 15/89 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou la représentation
G01S 15/96 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques pour repérer du poisson
G09G 5/12 - Synchronisation entre l'unité d'affichage et d'autres unités, p.ex. d'autres unités d'affichage, des lecteurs de disques vidéo
G09G 5/38 - Dispositions ou circuits de commande de l'affichage communs à l'affichage utilisant des tubes à rayons cathodiques et à l'affichage utilisant d'autres moyens de visualisation caractérisés par l'affichage de dessins graphiques individuels en utilisant une mémoire à mappage binaire avec des moyens pour commander la position de l'affichage
17.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING OPERATIONS OF MARINE VESSELS
Systems, assemblies, and methods for conveniently operating marine devices associated with a watercraft are provided herein. An example system includes a controller, a sensor module, and a marine device. The controller is configured to receive a user input indicating a desired action via the sensor module and transmit a signal to the marine device to cause the marine device to operate in a particular manner. The sensor module may include one or more motion sensors, and the controller may be configured to filter unintentional movement from the raw motion data sensed by the sensor module, such as due to movement of the watercraft floating on the surface of the water. Thus, the system may enable convenient and intuitive control over various marine devices associated with the watercraft.
G01S 15/89 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques pour la cartographie ou la représentation
G09G 5/12 - Synchronisation entre l'unité d'affichage et d'autres unités, p.ex. d'autres unités d'affichage, des lecteurs de disques vidéo
G09G 5/38 - Dispositions ou circuits de commande de l'affichage communs à l'affichage utilisant des tubes à rayons cathodiques et à l'affichage utilisant d'autres moyens de visualisation caractérisés par l'affichage de dessins graphiques individuels en utilisant une mémoire à mappage binaire avec des moyens pour commander la position de l'affichage
G01S 15/96 - Systèmes sonar, spécialement adaptés à des applications spécifiques pour repérer du poisson
A system is provided for imaging an underwater environment. The system includes a transducer assembly with at least one transmit transducer element and an array of receive transducer elements. Each receive transducer element is configured to receive sonar returns and form sonar return data. A sonar signal processor is configured to receive the sonar return data from each receive transducer element and generate sonar image data. The sonar return data from all of the receive transducer elements may be summed and used to form a high- definition 1D (e.g., time-based) sonar image. The sonar return data from only a subgroup may be summed and used to form a lower-definition 1D sonar image. In some systems, an array of series-connected transmit transducer elements can be used. The orientation of the emitting faces of the array may vary slightly to mimic a curved surface for increased beam coverage.
A trolling motor system is provided including a wired or wireless controller and a trolling motor assembly configured for attachment to a watercraft. The trolling motor assembly includes a steering assembly configured to steer a trolling motor housing based on a steering command received from the wired or wireless controller in a remote mode, a handle configured to enable a user to steer the trolling motor housing in a local mode, a processor, and a memory including computer program code. The computer program code is configured to, when executed, cause the processor to receive one or more steering commands from the wired or wireless controller, cause the steering assembly to steer the trolling motor housing based on the one or more steering commands, receive an indication to enter the local mode, and disable the steering assembly in response to receiving the indication to enter the local mode.
B63H 21/21 - Moyens de commande du moteur ou de la transmission spécialement adaptés à l'utilisation à bord d'un navire
B63H 20/00 - Unités de propulsion hors-bord, p.ex. moteurs hors-bord ou transmissions en Z; Leur agencement sur les navires
B63H 21/17 - Aménagements de l'appareil moteur de propulsion ou de certains de ses éléments pour utilisation à bord des navires le navire étant actionné par moteurs par moteur électrique
20.
EVENT TRIGGERING AND AUTOMATIC WAYPOINT GENERATION
Various implementations described herein are directed to a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a computer, may cause the computer to receive sonar data from a transducer assembly. The computer may process the sonar data to detect occurrence of an event and, in response, may automatically generate a waypoint corresponding to the event. In some cases, the waypoint may be stored with a corresponding sonar image or other information.
A user input assembly for controlling operation of a trolling motor assembly including a propulsion motor is provided herein. The user input assembly includes a support plate and a foot pedal defining a top surface that is configured to receive a user's foot thereon. The foot pedal is pivotably mounted to the support plate. A deflection sensor is in communication with the foot pedal and is configured to detect an angle of orientation of the foot pedal and output a signal corresponding with the angle of orientation of the foot pedal. The signal is receivable by a controller that is configured to control a direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly. A feedback device is coupled with the foot pedal and configured to, in response to pivotal movement of the foot pedal about the first axis, provide a resistance force to the pivotal movement.
A user input assembly for controlling operation of a trolling motor assembly, comprising a propulsion motor, is disclosed. The user input assembly comprises a support plate, a foot pedal, a switch, and a controller. The foot pedal is pivotably mounted to the support plate about a first axis. The foot pedal includes a top surface defining left, right, toe, and heel edges. The top surface comprises an engagement surface sized to receive a user's foot. The switch is disposed on the foot pedal adjacent to and outside of the engagement surface such that the switch pivots with the foot pedal. The switch is associated with at least one function corresponding to the trolling motor assembly or a watercraft on which the trolling motor assembly is mounted. The controller is configured to determine an instance in which the switch is activated; and cause in response an indication that the switch has been activated to be provided to a remote computing device for causing execution of the switch function.
A method of generating a chart for navigation through an open environment is provided. The method includes retrieving a navigation chart from a navigation database, determining barriers in the navigation chart, generating first navigation nodes at a predetermined distance from the barriers, and generating second navigation nodes disposed within a first threshold distance range. The first threshold distance range includes a minimum distance from the barriers that is greater than the first predetermined distance. The method also includes generating first potential route segments (PRSs) that each extend between two first navigation nodes or between a first navigation node and a second navigation node that are within a first proximity distance of each other. The method further includes generating second PRSs that each extend between two second navigation nodes that are within a second proximity distance of each other.
A marine electronic device is provided including a user interface, a processor, and a memory having computer program code stored thereon. The memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the processor, cause the marine electronic device to receive a first user input defining a minimum water depth value for a route on a body of water, receive a second user input defining a maximum water depth value for the route, cause a chart to be displayed on the user interface, receive a third user input directed to the chart defining an ending point, and generate a continuous route from a starting location to an ending location corresponding to the ending point based on the maximum water depth value and the minimum water depth value.
An apparatus for providing marine information is provided including a user interface, a processor, and a memory including computer program code. The memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to generate a sonar image based on sonar return data received from an underwater environment, determine a location associated with the sonar return data based on location data received from one or more position sensors, and render a nautical chart on a display. The computer program code is further configured to cause the apparatus to receive a user input on the user interface directed to a portion of the display in which the nautical chart is presented, and modify presentation of the nautical chart such that the portion of the display presents the sonar image in response to receiving the user input.
G01C 23/00 - Instruments combinés indiquant plus d’une valeur de navigation, p.ex. pour l’aviation; Dispositifs de mesure combinés pour mesurer plusieurs variables du mouvement, p.ex. la distance, la vitesse ou l’accélération
G01C 21/20 - Instruments pour effectuer des calculs de navigation
An example sonar transducer assembly is provided including at least one transducer element and a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) including at least one set of electrical connections for the at least one transducer element. The electrical connections include flex tabs configured to flex out of a PCB plane. The sonar transducer assembly also includes a support structure including an aperture for the at least one transducer element. The support structure is configured to support the body of the PCB, allow flexion of the flex tabs into the aperture, and retain the at least one transducer element in the at least one aperture. The transducer element is installed in a direction that is perpendicular to the PCB plane causing the flex tabs to flex outwardly from the PCB plane, thereby creating an elastic force of the flex tabs applied against opposing ends of the at least one transducer element.
H01R 4/26 - Connexions dans lesquelles l'une au moins des parties assurant la connexion présente des saillies qui mordent ou sont en prise avec l'autre partie en vue d'améliorer le contact
27.
CONNECTION AND FEATURES FOR INTERCHANGEABLE NOSECONE FOR A TROLLING MOTOR
Various implementations described herein are directed to a trolling motor including an electric motor having a propeller coupled thereto, a shaft configured for coupling the electric motor to a watercraft. The shaft is configured to rotate relative to the watercraft and the shaft defines an internal passage. The trolling motor also includes a housing that encapsulates the motor, a removable nosecone operably coupled to the housing opposite the propeller and configured to encapsulate at least one marine device. One or more mechanical connection features are provided to enable removable connection of the nosecone to the remainder of the trolling motor housing. One or more electrical connection features are provided to enable electrical connection of the at least one marine device through the trolling motor housing.
B63H 20/00 - Unités de propulsion hors-bord, p.ex. moteurs hors-bord ou transmissions en Z; Leur agencement sur les navires
B63B 49/00 - Aménagements relatifs aux instruments nautiques ou d'aide à la navigation
B63H 21/17 - Aménagements de l'appareil moteur de propulsion ou de certains de ses éléments pour utilisation à bord des navires le navire étant actionné par moteurs par moteur électrique
B63H 21/36 - Capots ou enceintes aménagés pour protéger l'appareil ou l'un de ses éléments contre l'environnement marin
ABS TRACT Various implementations described herein are directed to a trolling motor including an electric motor having a propeller coupled thereto, a shaft configured for coupling the electric motor to a watercraft. The shaft is configured to rotate relative to the watercraft and the shaft defines an internal passage. The trolling motor also includes a housing that encapsulates the motor, a removable nosecone operably coupled to the housing opposite the propeller and configured to encapsulate at least one marine device. One or more mechanical connection features are provided to enable removable connection of the nosecone to the remainder of the trolling motor housing. The mechanical connection feature comprises a bolt receiver. The nosecone comprises a retention bolt including a bolt head or retention nut. The retention bolt is configured to engage the bolt receiver and apply retention force to the removable nosecone in response to tightening of the retention bolt. Date Recue/Date Received 2021-02-05
B63H 20/00 - Unités de propulsion hors-bord, p.ex. moteurs hors-bord ou transmissions en Z; Leur agencement sur les navires
B63B 49/00 - Aménagements relatifs aux instruments nautiques ou d'aide à la navigation
B63H 21/17 - Aménagements de l'appareil moteur de propulsion ou de certains de ses éléments pour utilisation à bord des navires le navire étant actionné par moteurs par moteur électrique
B63H 21/36 - Capots ou enceintes aménagés pour protéger l'appareil ou l'un de ses éléments contre l'environnement marin
Provided are method, system, and computer program product for imaging an underwater environment. The method may include receiving sonar returns and converting the sound energy of the sonar returns into sonar return data, and generating first beam data associated with a first beam having at least one first main lobe oriented in a first direction. Generating the first beam data may include: forming the sonar return data in the first direction; applying a first predetermined window to the sonar return data to define a first weighted return data; applying a second predetermined window to the sonar return data to define a second weighted return data; comparing a first power of the first weighted return data to a second power of the second weighted return data; and defining, when the first power is less than the second power, the first beam data based upon the first weighted return data.
Provided are a sonar system, transducer assembly, and method for imaging an underwater environment. The sonar system may include a housing having a transducer array defining first and second rows of transducer elements positioned at a predetermined distance. The first row of transducer elements may include at least first and second transducer elements configured to convert sound energy into first and second sonar return data. The second row of transducer elements may include at least third and fourth transducer elements configured to convert sound energy into third and fourth sonar return data. A sonar signal processor may be configured to process the first and second sonar return data and third and fourth sonar return data to generate respective first and second array sonar return data corresponding to a plurality of first and second receive beams and generate 3D sonar return data by correlating the angles associated with the receive beams.
Provided are a sonar system and transducer assembly for producing a 3D image of an underwater environment. The sonar system may include a housing mountable to a watercraft having a transmit transducer that may transmit sonar pulses into the water. The system may include at least one sidescan transducer array in the housing that receives first and second sonar returns with first and second transducer elements and converts the first and second returns into first and second sonar return data. A sonar signal processor may then generate a 3D mesh data using the first and second sonar return data and at least a predetermined distance between the transducer elements. An associated method of using the sonar system is also provided.
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for producing a 3D image of an underwater environment. 2D sonar return data that defines an angle and distance value may be taken from a theoretical 2D slice of the underwater environment. Multiple sets of 2D sonar return data are taken from corresponding 2D slices of the underwater environment during travel. The multiple sets of 2D sonar return data can be inputted into a 3D point cloud/matrix based on the distance value and angle and the corresponding 2D slice associated with each sonar return. The 3D point cloud/matrix can then be processed to determine a cluster of sonar returns that correspond to the bottom surface. Additional filtering may be performed and the bottom surface can be reconstructed to form a 3D image for display to a user.
Various implementations described herein are directed to a wearable device (100) used to record fishing data. The wearable device may include a housing (120). The housing may include a sensor (140) or sensors to detect motion. The housing may include a computer system (130) with a processor and memory. The memory may have a plurality of executable instructions. When the executable instructions are executed by the processor, the processor may receive motion data from the sensor or sensors and determine whether a cast has been made.
brevets
