US 12,265,391 B1
Systems and methods for controlling drive units of a marine vessel to enhance imaging of a marine environment
Trevor George, Savoy, IL (US); Jason S. Arbuckle, Horicon, WI (US); and Brennan J. Kelly, Champaign, IL (US)
Assigned to Brunswick Corporation, Mettawa, IL (US)
Filed by Brunswick Corporation, Mettawa, IL (US)
Filed on Sep. 29, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/936,541.
Int. Cl. G05D 1/00 (2024.01); B63B 79/15 (2020.01); B63B 79/40 (2020.01); B63H 20/12 (2006.01); G06V 20/58 (2022.01)
CPC G05D 1/0206 (2013.01) [B63B 79/15 (2020.01); B63B 79/40 (2020.01); B63H 20/12 (2013.01); G06V 20/58 (2022.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A propulsion control system for a marine vessel comprising:
at least one image sensor positioned on the marine vessel and configured to image an area behind the marine vessel;
a plurality of drive units configured to propel the marine vessel, wherein each of the plurality of drive units is steerable about a vertical steering axis;
a controller configured to:
receive a prompt to perform an obstacle clearance procedure; and
in response to the prompt, steer at least one of the plurality of drive units about its vertical steering axis to increase visibility to the at least one image sensor of the area behind the marine vessel obscured by the at least one of the plurality of drive units.