Abstract: Devices and methods for aiding a large area search for objects. A searcher transmits interrogation signals of long range relative to the return range to be received by a device at the target object. The target device responds with a ping signal modified to be more easily found by means of information contained in the interrogation signal. The information may be in the nature of the received signal or data encoded and embedded. The target device may use a microprocessor to do complex operations using the information from the interrogation signal and other information. Detection of a weak ping is facilitated by such means as being beamed in the direction of the interrogation, arriving at a predictable time, or having parameters adapted to values requested by the searcher. The object is then intercepted with help of the ping or other signals from the device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for authenticating a user are described. In some embodiments, a one-time token and a recording of the one-time token is read aloud by the user. The voice characteristics derived from the recording of the one-time token are compared with voice characteristics derived from samples of the user's voice. The user may be authenticated when the one-time token is verified and when a match of the voice characteristics derived from the recording of the one-time token and the voice characteristics derived from the samples of the user's voice meet or exceed a threshold.

Abstract: A marine lighting apparatus includes a decking material, a frame supporting the decking material, and a substantially sealed light device attached to a source of electrical power. At least a portion of the frame is located above water. The substantially sealed light device is attached to at least one of the frame and the decking material at a position below the decking material. A method for locating a mooring position in a marina includes sending a code, or a waypoint for locating the rented mooring position to a device of a mooring position user. The code is sent from the device of the mooring position user when the user is in the proximity of the mooring position. A waypoint may be entered into a gps to locate the slip. A unique vessel identifier broadcast from a vessel can also be used to enable a mooring position locator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which ensures that static data entered into a communications device or apparatus is accurate, or at least consistent with data provided to an authentication service. In some embodiments of the invention, the authentication service may maintain a database of static data associated with each communications apparatus and/or verify the validity of at least a portion of the static data.

Abstract: A position reference sensor for a marine vessel comprises an optical assembly including a pulsed laser device for emitting laser light, a lens arrangement comprising a lenticular lens for producing a vertically fanned beam (18) of the laser light emitted by the pulsed laser device and a photodiode (32) comprising a plurality of photodetectors Rx, Ry, Rz for detecting laser light (28) that has been emitted by the pulsed laser device and reflected by a retro-reflective target (22) towards the photodiode (32). The level of reflected laser light incident upon each photodetector is individually detectable and the position reference sensor further comprises an actuator for varying the inclination of the optical assembly. The actuator is automatically controllable based on the level of reflected laser light incident upon each photodetector Rx, Ry, Rz.

Abstract: A subsea electronic information system for managing data related to a characteristic of subsea equipment locatable subsea. The system includes sensors locatable subsea and in communication with and capable of measuring a characteristic of the subsea equipment. A sensor interface box (SIB) separate from the sensors and locatable subsea includes a processor and a memory device capable of receiving and storing sensor measurement data. Additionally, the SIB is in data and power communication with the sensors. The system further includes a subsea retrievable data capsule capable of recording all system data over a long period. The capsule may be recovered from subsea (independently of the other elements of the information system) for forensic analysis of the recorded data.

Abstract: An underwater inspection system comprising an underwater mobile inspection station (52) having an electromagnetic antenna (53), the mobile station (52) being adapted to capture inspection data and use the electromagnetic antenna (53) to send information relating to the inspection data to a underwater electromagnetic receiver that has a fixed electromagnetic antenna (55).

Abstract: A wind gauge display apparatus comprising a control device and a reconfigurable display for displaying a first visual representation of a wind gauge if a wind angle is within a first range and displaying a second visual representation of the wind gauge if the wind angle is within a second range. The angles displayed on the reconfigurable display may be determined by input from a user. On the reconfigurable display, a location of a visual indicator of wind speed may be different in the first visual representation of the wind gauge than in the second visual representation of the wind gauge. The wind gauge display apparatus may also comprise a sensor for determining wind angle and wind speed.

Abstract: A remotely operated vehicle system includes a vehicle having a propulsor and a steering means. A remote operating console is provided that is capable of providing power, receiving sensor signals and controlling the vehicle. The vehicle is connected to the console by a tether. The tether having elements supporting power, sensor and control transmission. The vehicle has video sensors and sonar sensors. An underwater gun is positioned on the vehicle and joined to the console to fire in response to control signals. In further embodiments the vehicle can be provided with a turret for aiming the gun and the video sensor.

Abstract: The present invention describes a wireless system and method for distributing sensors in large numbers that makes possible the application of a number of algorithms for the extraction of important physical quantities. More specifically, the method involves (a) formation of an electromagnetic waveguide by the application of a polymer, or other dielectric material, on the exterior of the hull of a vessel; (b) insertion of sensors/radio units within the waveguide, the sensors being arranged to sample the fields of interest; and (c) insertion of radio transceiver base stations in the waveguide to communicate and extract data from the sensor/radio units. The wireless system of the present invention is implemented with a very high sensor count whose outputs are processed to recover exterior field quantities without the requirement of direct measurements off of the vessel's structure.

Abstract: An above-the-water system for and method of finding targets, both animate and inanimate, in a marine environment, especially by determining the distance and depth of targets at, above or below the surface of, the water. An optical transmitter transmits infrared and ultraviolet light beams toward different zones of coverage on the water. An optical receiver equipped with a segmented detector separately detects return target reflections. An indicator, including range and depth indicators, provides information as to the distance to the target and, if it is below the water, its depth. A rotating deviation prism increases the target search area.

Abstract: An anti-terrorist ship control system includes satellites that automatically take control of a waterborne vessel when the vessel's position or speed deviate from planned tracks or when the vessel transmits a distress signal or when the vessel stops reporting its status to the satellites.

Abstract: An above-the-water system for and method of finding targets, both animate and inanimate, in a marine environment, especially by determining the distance and depth of targets at, above or below the surface of, the water. An optical transmitter transmits infrared and ultraviolet light beams toward different zones of coverage on the water. An optical receiver equipped with a segmented detector separately detects return target reflections. An indicator, including range and depth indicators, provides information as to the distance to the target and, if it is below the water, its depth. A rotating deviation prism increases the target search area.

Abstract: An above-the-water system for and method of finding targets, both animate and inanimate, in a marine environment, especially by determining the distance and depth of targets at, above or below the surface of, the water. An optical transmitter transmits infrared and ultraviolet light beams toward different zones of coverage on the water. An optical receiver equipped with a segmented detector separately detects return target reflections. An indicator, including range and depth indicators, provides information as to the distance to the target and, if it is below the water, its depth.

Abstract: A speedometer unit that uses a standard output of a position determining navigation unit such as a LORAN, GPS, SAT/NAV, OMEGA, or other type navigation unit. The speedometer includes a processor, such as a conventional microprocessor, that has an input for receiving speed information from the navigation unit, which speed information preferably is outputted according to the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) 0183 interface standard. The speed information, which according to such standard is outputted in knots per hour, may be converted to miles per hour for display on an analog or digital display disposed in a housing containing the processor. A push button switch or other input device may be provided for controlling an operational mode of the speedometer, for selecting the information displayed on the display and/or for resetting the speedometer.

Abstract: A bowthruster is operated by a control unit with wind direction based on a detection signal from vane-anemometer. A bow in a hull attitude is slightly adjusted so as to direct a bow of the hull to windward. At the same time, a propulsion unit is operated by control unit in accordance with wind strength based on a detection signal from vane-anemometer. A hull position is slightly adjusted such that the hull is moved based on a distance carried away by wind. Rocking of the hull is reduced by always directing the bow to windward and also the hull is stayed at a constant point located directly over shoal of fish or gathering place for fish so as to enable the pleasant fishing. Accordingly, because of good control response and fine ship position adjustment, the hull is positioned quickly in a fishery and then maintained at a predetermined point in the fishery.

Abstract: A ship steering system for automatically maintaining a steering course including a manual steering device and a memory that retains the course setting when the manual steering operation is discontinued for maintaining that set course and thus minimizing abrupt course deviations during automatic control.