CPC B63G 8/001 (2013.01) [B63G 8/39 (2013.01); G01S 15/89 (2013.01); G05D 1/0022 (2013.01); G05D 1/0027 (2013.01); G05D 1/0692 (2013.01); B63B 2035/007 (2013.01); B63G 2008/004 (2013.01)] | 33 Claims |
1. A system for exploration of an underwater region, the system comprising:
a host platform; multiple intermediate nodes; and multiple autonomous underwater vehicles, AUVs, wherein
the host platform and the intermediate nodes communicate via a first communications protocol, and wherein
the intermediate nodes and the AUVs communicate via a second communications protocol, distinct from said first communications protocol, and wherein said host platform communicates with said AUVs via said intermediate nodes, and wherein
aspects of said exploration comprise at least some of the AUVs using sonar to actively scan portions of said underwater region independent of the intermediate nodes and the host platform,
wherein a sonar for a particular AUV detects reflected sound waves originating at or emitted from the particular AUV.
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