US 12,110,086 B2
Methods and systems for surveying using deep-water vessels
Robert Alan Eustace, Menlo Park, CA (US)
Assigned to Aqua Satellite, Inc., Menlo Park, CA (US)
Filed by Aqua Satellite, Inc., Menlo Park, CA (US)
Filed on Oct. 22, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/508,575.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/116,702, filed on Nov. 20, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0161912 A1, May 26, 2022
Int. Cl. B63G 8/39 (2006.01); B60L 8/00 (2006.01); B60L 50/60 (2019.01); B63G 8/00 (2006.01); B63G 8/04 (2006.01); B63G 8/08 (2006.01); B63G 8/14 (2006.01); B64D 1/02 (2006.01); G01C 21/00 (2006.01); G01S 7/00 (2006.01); G01S 15/89 (2006.01); G05D 1/00 (2024.01); H02J 7/35 (2006.01)
CPC B63G 8/39 (2013.01) [B60L 8/003 (2013.01); B60L 50/60 (2019.02); B63G 8/001 (2013.01); B63G 8/04 (2013.01); B63G 8/08 (2013.01); B63G 8/14 (2013.01); B64D 1/02 (2013.01); G01C 21/3807 (2020.08); G01C 21/3841 (2020.08); G01S 7/003 (2013.01); G01S 15/89 (2013.01); G05D 1/0875 (2013.01); H02J 7/35 (2013.01); B63G 2008/004 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for surveying a body of water, the method comprising:
providing a plurality of vehicles to a body of water, each of the plurality of vehicles comprising:
a vehicle body;
an electric-propulsion motor system mounted on the vehicle body;
a rechargeable battery configured to provide electrical power to the electric-propulsion motor system;
at least one sonar device attached to the vehicle body; and
a first communication device;
submerging each of the plurality of vehicles below a surface of the body of water;
surveying an area, using the at least one sonar device, to map the body of water and to determine a location of each of the plurality of vehicles;
determining, based on the surveying, that a target object is detected within the area;
resurfacing each of the plurality of vehicles to the surface;
transferring sonar data, using the first communication device, between at least two of the plurality of vehicles at the surface of the body of water; and
processing the sonar data transferred between the at least two of the plurality of vehicles to:
generate point data based on the sonar data; and
generate a map based on the point data.