Systems and methods for loading a watercraft on a trailer
AssigneeNavico Holding AS
InventorsRyan R. Rezac, Kristopher C. Snyder, Jeremiah D. Clark
Life of this patent
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Abstract
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).
Claims20
A system associated with a watercraft having at least one propulsion device for propelling the watercraft along a body of water, the system comprising:
- at least one sensor configured to generate position data indicative of a location and orientation of the watercraft relative to a trailer upon which the watercraft is to be loaded;
- one or more processors;
- and
- a memory including computer program code configured to, when executed, cause the one or more processors to:
- receive the position data from the at least one sensor;
- and
- in response to receiving said position data, cause the at least one propulsion device to position the watercraft onto the trailer.
A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon a plurality of computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause a computer to:
- receive an indication from a user to position a watercraft on a trailer, wherein the watercraft comprises at least one propulsion device for propelling the watercraft along a body of water;
- receive, from at least one sensor, position data indicative of a location and orientation of the watercraft relative to the trailer;
- and
- in response to receiving said position data, cause the at least one propulsion device to position the watercraft onto the trailer.
A method for operating a propulsion device of a watercraft, the method comprising:
- receiving an indication from a user to position the watercraft on a trailer;
- generating, via one or more sensors, position data indicative of a location and orientation of the watercraft relative to the trailer;
- and
- in response to receiving said position data, causing, by one or more processors in operable communication with the propulsion device, an adjustment to at least one of a direction or power of propulsion by the propulsion device to position the watercraft onto the trailer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.