System for monitoring marine vessels and determining rendezvouses therebetween and related methods

US10399650B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• HARRIS CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• John L. Delay · Kyles, US
• Mark A. Ingersoll · Thonotosassa, US
• Mark Rahmes · Melbourne, US
• David A. Mottarella · Palm Bay, US
• Eric Spellman · Viera, US
• Kevin Fox · Palm Bay, US
• John T. Farrell · High Bridge, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 17, 2017
• Grant date: Sep 3, 2019
• Expiry date: Jul 28, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63B2213/02
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A system for monitoring marine vessels using a satellite network may include a plurality of satellite payloads to be carried by respective satellites. Each satellite payload may include a communications interface configured to communicate via the satellite network, a radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured to communicate with the plurality of marine vessels, and a controller cooperating with the communications interface and the RF transceiver. The controller may obtain automatic identification system (AIS) data including vessel position and call sign information via the transceiver, and communicate the AIS system data via the communications interface. The system may further include a terrestrial station configured to receive the AIS system data and determine therefrom a rendezvous between marine vessels which pass within a threshold distance for greater than a threshold time.