Floating platform assemblies with articulating wings for data collection and related methods of use

Abstract

Floating platform assemblies include self-stabilizing features and a housing with at least two articulating wings extending outwardly therefrom. Each wing includes a pivot assembly at a proximal end, a spring assembly operatively connected to the pivot assembly, solar panels disposed thereon, and a float at a distal end. The pivot assemblies permit independent articulation of each wing to compensate for wind and wave forces while maintaining the wings in a substantially horizontal orientation. A payload may be coupled to the housing and may be in electrical communication with a controller for data collection. A wireless communication module transmits collected data to remote systems. Methods for deploying distributed data collection networks include transitioning the assemblies from a collapsed state to a deployed state in a body of water, collecting and processing data, and communicating among multiple assemblies to aggregate composite data sets.

Description

FLOATING PLATFORM ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATING WINGS FOR DATA COLLECTION AND RELATED METHODS OF USESTATEMENT REGARDING RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This utility patent application claims benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 63 / 710,235 filed October 22, 2024, in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and is incorporated herein by reference thereto.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The ocean covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and remains a critical environment for scientific research, environmental monitoring, maritime security, and resource management. Despite advances in satellite and remote sensing technologies, persistent ocean monitoring requires deployable platforms capable of long-term, autonomous operation in challenging maritime environments. Ocean-based data collection platforms must contend with dynamic wave action, variable weather conditions, limited access to power, and a need for reliable communication systems. Traditional ocean monitoring approaches have relied on fixed installations, manned vessels, or basic buoy systems, each with inherent limitations in deployment flexibility, operational endurance, and data collection capabilities.

[0003] Conventional ocean monitoring platforms, such as stationary buoys, moored sensor arrays, and floating data collection systems, often suffer from several shortcomings. Traditional buoys are typically rigid structures with limited stability in rough seas, resulting in excessive pitch and roll that can compromise sensor accuracy and damage equipment. Many conventional systems rely on batteries with finite lifespans, requiring frequent and costly maintenance operations or vessel visits for battery replacement. Fixed solar panels on traditional buoys are often suboptimal, lacking the ability to adjust to changing sun angles or compensate for tilting caused by wave action, which reduces power generation efficiency. Additionally, these systems frequently operate in isolation, lacking an ability to communicate with neighboring platforms to aggregate data into comprehensive datasets. The result is an ocean monitoring infrastructure that is costly to maintain, limited in operational duration, and unable to provide the persistent, wide-area coverage needed for modern maritime applications.

[0004] Accordingly, a need exists for self-stabilizing floating platform assemblies that can maintain optimal solar panel orientation despite wave and wind forces, ensuring continuous powergeneration for extended autonomous operation. Such platforms may include independently articulating wings with integrated solar panels and floats that compensate for environmental forces while keeping the platform’s center of gravity below the waterline to prevent capsizing and increase overall stability. The platform may support at least one sensor module for data collection and wireless communication capabilities to transmit data to remote systems. Additionally, the platform may be configurable between collapsed and deployed states for ease of transport and deployment, and capable of operating in distributed networks where multiple platforms communicate with each other to aggregate composite datasets and deliver real-time information to operational and / or remote centers, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional ocean monitoring systems.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] The present disclosure relates generally to floating platform assemblies for maritime and aquatic environments. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to self-stabilizing floating platforms comprising independently articulable wings with integrated solar panels, floats, and sensor modules for autonomous data collection and wireless communications. Further still, the present disclosure relates to methods of deploying distributed data networks comprising one or more floating platform assemblies for continuous environmental monitoring and data aggregation.

[0006] In one embodiment, a floating platform assembly may include a housing having a chamber disposed therein. The housing may define a center of gravity below a waterline when deployed in a body of water The assembly may further include a controller disposed within the chamber and configured for data acquisition and transmission, and at least two wings extending outwardly from the housing. Each of the wings may have a proximal end connectable to the housing and an opposing distal end spaced apart from the housing. Further still, the assembly may include at least two pivot assemblies. Each pivot assembly may be disposed proximate a respective proximal end of each of the wings, and each pivot assembly may be configured to permit independent articulation of each wing relative to the housing and the other wing The assembly may also include a spring assembly operatively connected to the pivot assembly. The spring assembly may have a spring constant configured to bias each wing toward a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the waterline, and the assembly may further include a plurality of solar panels disposed on the wings. The plurality of solar panels may be in electricalcommunication with a power converter and a battery, and the power converter and battery may also be disposed within the chamber. The assembly may further include at least two floats, and each float may be disposed at respective distal ends of each wing and may be configured to maintain the respective wings in the substantially horizontal orientation. Further, each float may be configured to maintain the center of gravity of the housing below the waterline, and the assembly may further include at least one sensor module coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the controller, and the sensor module may be configured for data collection.

[0007] In another embodiment, a floating platform assembly may include a housing having a chamber disposed therein, and the housing may have a center of gravity below' a waterline when the floating platform assembly is deployed in a body of water. The assembly may also include a controller disposed within the chamber and configured for data acquisition and transmission, and a wireless communication module disposed within the chamber of the housing and in electrical communication with the controller. The wireless communication module may be configured to transmit data to a remote computer system, and at least four wings extending outwardly from and equidistantly spaced about the housing may also be provided. The at least four wings of the presently disclosed assembly may further include a proximal end connectable to the housing and an opposing distal end, and a pivot assembly disposed proximate the proximal end of each wing. The pivot assembly may be configured to (i) permit independent articulation of each wing relative to the housing and relative to other wings, and (ii) permit the floating platform assembly to transition between a first collapsed state for storage and transport, and a second deployed state for operation in the body of water. The at least four wings of the presently disclosed apparatus may also include a spring assembly operatively connected to the pivot assembly. The spring assembly may have a spring constant configured to bias each wing tow'ard a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the waterline in the second deployed state. The at least four wings may also include a plurality of solar panels disposed on the wings, and the plurality of solar panels may be in electrical communication with a power converter and a battery. The power converter and battery may also be disposed within the chamber. The assembly may further include a flotation assemblyhaving at least four floats, and each float may be disposed at the distal end of each wing, and the flotation assembly may further be configured to maintain the at least four wings in the substantially horizontal orientation and to maintain the center of gravity of the housing below' the waterline to provide stability and self-stabilization of the floating platform assembly. Lastly, the assembly mayfurther include at least one sensor module coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the controller, and the sensor module may be configured for data collection

[0008] Methods of deploying distributed data collection networks are also provided herein. In one embodiment, a method of deploying a distributed data collection network first includes providing a floating platform assembly in a first collapsed state. The floating platform assemblymay include a housing having a chamber disposed therein, a controller disposed within the chamber and configured for data acquisition and transmission, a wireless communication module disposed within the chamber and in electrical communication with the controller, and at least four wings extending outwardly from and spaced about the housing. Further, each of the at least four wings may have a proximal end connectable to the housing and an opposing distal end, a pivot assembly disposed proximate the proximal end, a spring assembly operatively connected to the pivot assembly, and a plurality of solar panels disposed on the wings and in electrical communication with a power converter and a battery disposed within the chamber. The assemblymay further include a flotation assembly having at least four floats, and each float may be disposed at the distal end of each wing, and at least one sensor module coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the controller. The method may next include transitioning the floating platform assembly from the first collapsed state to a second deployed state by (i) deploying the floating platform assembly in a body of water, and (ii) permitting the pivot assembly and spring assembly to extend the at least four wings outward from the housing into a substantially horizontal orientation relative to a waterline. The method may further include maintaining the housing with a center of gravity below the waterline via the flotation assembly to provide stability and self-stabilization of the floating platform assembly, converting sunlight received by the plurality of solar panels into electrical power via the power converter, storing the electrical power in the battery, collecting data via the at least one sensor module, processing the collected data with the controller, and transmitting the processed data to a remote computer system via the wireless communication module.

[0009] Additional objects and advantages of the present subject matter are set forth in, or will be apparent to, those of ordinary skill in the art from the description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed features, processes, and elements hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of the disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter. Variationsmay include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means, features, or steps for those illustrated, referenced, or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various parts, features, steps, or the like. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of the various embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which refers to the appended figures, wherein:

[0011] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary floating platform assembly in a first collapsed state according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0012] FIGURE 2A is a partially exploded perspective view of the floating platform assembly as in FIGURE 1;

[0013] FIGURE 2B is a partial sectional, elevational view of a portion of the floating platform assembly taken at area 2B in FIGURE 2A;

[0014] FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the floating platform assembly as in FIGURE 1 shown in a second deployed state in an intended use environment;

[0015] FIGURE 4 is an elevational, schematic view of the floating platform assembly as in FIGURE 3 shown in exemplary operation;

[0016] FIGURE 5 is an elevational, schematic view of a plurality of floating platform assemblies as in FIGURE 1 shown in exemplary operation;

[0017] FIGURE 6 is an elevational, schematic view of the floating platform assembly as in FIGURE 1 shown in another exemplary surface target operation proximate land;

[0018] FIGURE 7 is an elevational, schematic view of a plurality of floating platform assemblies as in FIGURE 1 shown in an exemplary subsurface target operation proximate land;

[0019] FIGURE 8 is a plan view of a distributed data collection network displaying data from the plurality of floating platform assemblies in the exemplary target operation proximate land as in FIGURES 6 or 7;

[0020] FIGURE 9 is a plan view of changing data being displayed by the distributed data collection network as in FIGURE 8;

[0021] FIGURE 10 is another plan view of additional data being displayed by the distributed data collection network relative to FIGURES 8 and 9;

[0022] FIGURE 11 is a side-by-side view of a selectable control menu of the distributed data collection network displayed with data from the plurality of floating platform assemblies as in FIGURE 8;

[0023] FIGURE 12 is another side-by-side view of the control menu and data from the plurality of floating platform assemblies as in FIGURE 11;

[0024] FIGURE 13 is another view of a selectable display of the distributed data collection network as in FIGURE 8 showing representative acoustic data from one of the floating platform assemblies as in FIGURE 11; and

[0025] FIGURE 14 is another display of the distributed data collection network as in FIGURE 8 showing a selected bandwidth based on the representative acoustic data as in FIGURE 13DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as their equivalents.

[0027] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. In the event that there is a plurality of definitions for a term or acronym herein, those in this section prevail unless stated otherwise.

[0028] Wherever the phrase “for example,” “such as,” “including,” and the like are used herein, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly, “an example,” “exemplary,” and the like are understood to be non-limiting.

[0029] The term “substantially” allows for deviations from the descriptor that do not negatively impact the intended purpose. Descriptive terms are understood to be modified by the term “substantially” even if the word “substantially” is not explicitly recited.

[0030] The term “about,” when used in connection with a numerical value, refers to the actual given value, and to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred byone of ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and / or measurement conditions for such given value.

[0031] The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “involving” (and similarly “comprises,” “includes,” “has,” and “involves”), and the like are used interchangeably and have the same meaning. Specifically, each of the terms is defined consistent with the common United States patent law definition of “comprising” and is therefore interpreted to be an open term meaning “at least the following,” and is also interpreted not to exclude additional features, limitations, aspects, et cetera. Thus, for example, “a device having components a, b, and c” means that the device includes at least components a, b, and c Similarly, the phrase “a method involving steps a, b, and c” means that the method includes at least steps a, b, and c.

[0032] Where a list of alternative component terms is used, for example, “a structure such as ‘a,’ ‘b,’‘c,’,’ or the like,” or ‘a’ or b,’” such lists and alternative terms provide meaning and context unless indicated otherwise.

[0033] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, in the sense of “including but not limited to.”

[0034] The term “C2” as used herein means Command and Control.

[0035] The term “center of gravity” as used herein means a point or location at which the mass of an object is considered to be concentrated. A “low center of gravity” refers to a configuration wherein the center of gravity of a component, such as a housing, is positioned below a water surface (or “waterline”) when an assembly, such as a floating platform assembly, is deployed in a body of water. Such a configuration may be achieved, for example, by positioning dense components (e.g., controller, battery, payload, et cetera) within the housing, and works cooperatively with other components, such as spring assemblies and floats, to provide self-stabilization, reduce capsizing risk, minimize bobbing and swaying in changing sea states, and maintain a low-profile configuration.

[0036] The term “hyperextending” as used herein refers to an extension or articulation of a first component that extends beyond a predetermined working angle relative to a second component, wherein the predetermined working angle may define a permissible angular range of motion, and wherein exceeding the predetermined working angle may result in structural damage,operational impairment, or both. For example, a wing operatively connected to a housing via a pivot assembly may hyperextend if the wing articulates beyond a predetermined working angle defined by, for example, limiting devices, such as stops, that may be configured to maintain the wing within a substantially horizontal orientation relative to a waterline and prevent the wing from exceeding the working angle.

[0037] The term “IMO” as used herein means the International Maritime Organization, a United Nations agency responsible for safety and security of international shipping.

[0038] The term “integrally formed” as used herein means a component that is manufactured as a permanent or substantially-permanent, non-detachable part of a structure, wherein the component and the structure are joined during fabrication to form a unified assembly that is not designed for field separation or replacement.

[0039] The term “line of sight communication” as used herein refers to wireless data transmission between a first device, such as a communication module or a payload, and a second device, such as a remote system or satellite, wherein an unobstructed direct path exists between the first and second devices.

[0040] The term “low-profile” as used herein means a configuration of a component wherein a vertical height of the component above or with respect to another component is minimized, for example, a configuration of a floating platform assembly wherein a vertical height of the floating platform assembly above a waterline is minimized.

[0041] The term “maximum sunlight aspect” as used herein refers to an orientation of one or more solar panels wherein the solar panels are positioned to optimize solar energy capture and collection by maintaining a substantially horizontal orientation relative to a waterline.

[0042] The term “MMSI” as used herein means Maritime Mobile Service Identity, which is a unique nine-digit number assigned to a vessel, coast radio station, or other maritime object to identify the vessel or object in digital communications.

[0043] The term “payload” as used herein refers to one or more functional components disposed on, within, and / or carried by, for example, a floating platform assembly, and configured to interact with an environment within which the floating platform assembly is deployed. The payload may include, without limitation, equipment configured for environmental sensing, data collection, signal detection, communication relay, actuation, and any combinations thereof. The payload may be in communication with a controller to enable data acquisition, processing, andtransmission to remote systems. A specific number, configuration, type, capability, and / or orientation of the payload may vary depending on an intended operational application of the floating platform assembly.

[0044] The term “self-stabilization” as used herein means a capability of a component to maintain equilibrium and return to a stable orientation in response to external forces without requiring, for example, active operator intervention.

[0045] The term “spring constant” as used herein means a characteristic property of a spring that quantifies a relationship between force applied and resulting displacement. Stated differently, “spring constant” is a measure of stiffness of a spring that defines a magnitude of restoring force extended per unit of displacement.

[0046] The term “vessel” as used herein may refer to a surface or a subsurface aquatic or amphibious watercraft, including but not limited to boats, ships, personal watercraft, submarines, and / or submersibles.

[0047] The term “working angle” as used herein refers to a predetermined angular range of motion of a first component relative to a second component within which the first component can articulate without structural damage or operational impairment, and wherein the working angle defines permissible limits of articulation that are maintained, for example, by limiting devices, such as stops. For example, a working angle of a wing relative to a housing defines an angular range within which the wing can articulate via a pivot assembly while maintaining a substantially horizontal orientation relative to a waterline, and wherein limiting devices may be configured to prevent the wing from exceeding the working angle and thus hyperextending.

[0048] The various embodiments of the disclosure and / or equivalents falling within the scope of present disclosure overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art or provide a useful alternative.

[0049] The drawings show examples embodying the present subject matter. Any detailed description using numerical and letter designations refer to features of the drawings. The drawings and detailed description provide a full and written description of the present subject matter, and of the manner and process of making and using various exemplary embodiments, so as to enable one skilled in the pertinent art to make and use them, as well as the best mode of carrying out the exemplary embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Thus, the examples set forth in the drawingsand detailed descriptions are provided by way of explanation only and are not meant as limitations of the disclosure. The present subject matter thus includes any modifications and variations of the following examples as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0050] Turning now to FIGURES 1, 2 A, 2B, and 3, an exemplary floating platform assembly or system is designated in general by element number 10. FIGURES 1 and 2A specifically show the floating platform assembly 10 in a first folded, stored, or compact state, and FIGURE 3 shows the floating platform assembly 10 in a second open or deployed state in a maritime environment 1. The floating platform assembly 10 may include a fiberglass or durable plastic housing, enclosure, or chamber 14 (shown exploded in FIGURE 2A). The assembly 10 may also include a controller, processor, or microprocessor 16 disposed within the housing 14 that may, in certain embodiments, include a Field-Programmable Gate Array (“FPGA”) for data acquisition and transmission along with a stored vessel characterization model 123. The assembly 10 may also include a sensor module 18 (or “payload”). In certain embodiments, the sensor module 18 may be coupled to the housing 14 and in electrical communication with the controller 16. The sensor module 18 may also be configured for data collection. Further still, the payload 18 may additionally or alternatively include an acoustic sensor, sensor unit, or array having at least one but as many as eight (8) or more tunable hydrophones 20 with retractable cables or tether lines 22 (most clearly shown in FIGURE 3). The assembly 10 may also include one or more cameras 24 for additional surface and / or subsurface target confirmation; a wireless communication module 26 having cellular, radiofrequency (RF), and / or Starlink® or equivalent satellite connectivity; panes, panels, outriggers, or wings 28 equipped with or having integral solar panels 28A for power generation, floatation and array stability with a power converter 28B; a power storage mechanism such as a battery 30; floatation devices or floats 32; an anchor line or tether 34; and an anchor 36.In the present and alternate embodiments of the floating platform assembly 10, the sensor module 18 may also be referred to as the “payload,” wherein the payload may further include a radar device, a sonar device, a deployable hydrophone system, an environmental sensor, a weather sensor, and / or a communication device, a repeater, an actuation device, and / or other sensor(s) or equipment.

[0051] As shown in FIGURE 1, the floating platform system 10 is collapsable and lends itself to convenient storage in its first folded state. Although the wings 28 and their solar panels 28A beneficially maximize sun-exposed surface areas as discussed below when in the unfolded secondstate, the system 10 would require a large amount of storage space if transported or stored in the second state. Therefore, to save space, the wings 28 are collapsible and also act as a stand 42 during transport or storage. Still further, when in the folded first state, the wings 28 protect and stabilize the chamber 14, the sensor module 18 and the like.

[0052] With further reference to FIGURES 1 and 2A, in another aspect of the disclosure, the solar panels 28A can be decoupled from the wings 28, which permits the panels 28A to be manufactured from lighter weight material for better system buoyancy and a smaller system volume and weight that in turn permits lighter materials to be used for the frame or wings 28. For example, the wings 28 and the chamber 14 may be manufactured from light-weight, waterproof aluminum, plastics, or composites.

[0053] FIGURE 2B most clearly shows one of the wings 28 and its separate or integral solar panel 28A connected to the power converter 28B that in turn is connected to the battery 30 as introduced in FIGURE 2A. As shown in this example, the solar panels 28A may be fifty-watt (50W) panels, and the battery 30 may be stored within the chamber 14 and is electrically connected to the power converters 28B of the solar panels 28A to recharge the battery 30 and supply power to the controller 16, to the sensor module 18, and to the wireless communication module 26.

[0054] Further, FIGURE 2B shows a spring element or leaf spring 74 having a spring constant to maintain the wing 28 in an extended, relatively flat position as shown. Having the solar panels 28A lay relatively flat (approaching 180°) - as opposed to steeper angles or tending toward vertical - optimizes the greatest amount of time that sun rays are normal to the panels 28A at the brightest times of the day. Here, the leaf spring 74 is attached to the wing 28 with limiting devices or stops 76, 78 arranged around the leaf spring 74 to prevent the wing 28 from exceeding a working angle 80. This arrangement promotes system 10 stability while, as noted above, directing maximum solar surface area of the solar panels 28A towards the sun to power the system 10 while being sufficiently durable and flexible to survive increased or rough sea states. Further, the spring 74 and limiting devices or stops 76, 78 permit independent articulation of each wing 28 relative to the housing 14 and other wings 28. Stated differently, the wing 28 may include a proximal end 28C connectable to the housing 14 and an opposing distal end 28D spaced apart from the housing 14.The leaf spring 74 (or simply “spring”) may be attached to the proximal end 28C of the wing 28 with limiting devices or stops 76, 78 arranged around the spring 74 to prevent the wing 28 from exceeding the working angle 80. The spring 74 and limiting devices or stops 76, 78 permitindependent movement, articulation, and / or rotation of each wing 28 relative to both the housing 14 and other wings 28. Also shown illustratively in FIGURE 2B is the sensor module (or payload) 18 which may be disposed on, within, or proximate to the housing 14 of the assembly 10.

[0055] FIGURES 2A and 3 most clearly show the floats 32 formed with or connected to the solar panels 28A to maintain the wings 28 and other portions of the floating platform assembly 10 (e g., the surface camera 24) on or above a water surface 3 in the open state while other portions such as the sensor module 18 and the anchor 36 are below the surface 3. In this example, the floating platform assembly 10 may include four (4) separate floats 32 arranged about and outwardly offset from the chamber 14. Further and as shown in FIGURE 3, the floating platform assembly 10 maintains a low-profile configuration wherein a vertical height (not shown) of the assembly 10 above the water surface 3 (or “waterline”) is minimized. This low-profile configuration may result from either or a combination of (i) a center of gravity (not shown) of the housing 14 being positioned below the water surface 3, drawing the chamber 14 downward into the water 1, and (ii) opposing forces between and / or among the springs 74 biasing the wings 28 toward the substantially horizontal orientation and the floats 32 providing upward buoyancy at the distal ends 28D of the wings 28, which together maintain the wings 28 close to the water surface 3 while preventing the housing 14 from rising excessively above the waterline 3. Here, the anchor 36 is attached by the tether 34 to a submerged lift point, clip, or ring 70 connected to the chamber 14 and deployed below the water surface 3 to fix or maintain the floating platform assembly 10 in an assigned location.

[0056] As FIGURE 2A further shows, a footprint of each wing 28 extends outwards from the chamber 14, substantially horizontally rather than vertically to reduce system height and avoid a top heavy, imbalanced structure. Stated another way, a center of gravity of the floating platform system 10 is maintained at or below the water line 3 as shown in FIGURE 3 to reduce risk of capsizing and to minimize bobbing and swaying in elevated sea states. In addition to dampening or preventing abrupt and considerable changes in pitch and yaw, a low-profile configuration of the floating platform system 10 serves to maintain system stealth while simultaneously maintaining an unobstructed view of the sky. This profile promotes better uplinks and line-of-sight communications with Starlink® and other phased array satellite communication terminals to avoid communication degradation. In one aspect, the floating platform system 10 floats less than three feet (3’) above the water surface 3 and is not detectable visually from more than approximatelyfifty yards (50 yds) in sea state 2 and above. However, a flag or radar reflector can be placed on or attached to the system 10 if higher visibility is needed.

[0057] FIGURES 2A and 3 also show that eight (8) hydrophones 20 may be equally spaced around the sensor module 18, which is made rigid in this example, at a specified or desired distance under a surface 3 of the water 1. Preferably, the tether 22 connecting the sensor module 18 to the floating platform assembly 10 is releasable from the chamber 14 or a spool (not shown) spaced apart from the anchor tether 34 to avoid entanglement. Further, the tether 22 preferably is not rigid to assist in decoupling mechanical noise and vibrations of the floating platform assembly 10 from the hydrophones 20 floating in the water column. Additionally, the hydrophones 20 can be provided with dynamic tuning elements that can be tuned to capture acoustic signals across a range of frequencies. Still further, another anchor 36 (shown in phantom) or added weight can be loosely attached to the sensor module 18 to further stabilize the module 18. Lastly, in the present and alternative embodiments of the floating platform assembly 10, the sensor module 18 may not include hydrophones 20. The sensor module 18, alternatively, may include a communication device, e.g., a repeater, an actuation device, and / or a sensor payload.

[0058] In another aspect shown in FIGURES 1 and 2A, the first camera 24 of the floating platform assembly 10 is arranged atop the chamber 14 with an adjustable field of view that can be directed toward a horizon to capture images of a surface environment within a line of sight of the floating platform assembly 10. Also shown, a second camera 24 can be arranged below the chamber 14 to capture images of a subsurface environment near the floating platform assembly 10. Thus, the surface and subsurface cameras 24 can be used for visual confirmation of objects in both or either the surface environment and the subsurface environment, which may include vessels of interest that are initially detected by the hydrophones 20 or sensor module 18.

[0059] Returning to FIGURE 3 the hydrophones 20 of the sensor module 18 are tethered at a specified distance under the surface 3 of the water 1 in communication with the controller 16, which in turn is electronically connected to the wireless communication module 26. The module 26 in this example is shown as a separate unit atop the chamber 14, but it may be contained within the chamber 14 as in FIGURE 2. The wireless communication module 26 is programmed to upload target vehicle presence, target characteristics, acoustic data, or other collected data to the remote computer system 12 via a computer network 38 (preferably via cellular or satellite) and a remote server 40 with the controller 16 being programmed to access data 15, to load an instanceof the vessel characterization model 123 stored in local memory, and to pass the data 15 into the vessel characterization model 123 to locally generate target vessel presence and characteristic data.

[0060] For example, the controller 16 in FIGURE 3 receives signals or data 15 emanating from a target of interest (not shown) from the sensor module 18 and processes the signals 15 on site or “on edge,” such as by executing vessel detection and characterization techniques described below and transmits signals to the remote computer system 12 via the wireless communication module 26. For example, during a first time period, the controller 16 can detect signals 15 via the sensor module 18 and / or the hydrophones 20, which may be characteristic of sounds generated by motorized watercraft within a target frequency range (e.g., 5Hz to 40kHz) over a nominal sampling duration (e.g., two seconds, ten seconds, and the like) during a nominal sampling interval (e.g., once per minute). The computer system 12 then remotely correlates the received data 15 with records in a maritime vessel traffic database to distinguish known and unknown (also referred to herein as “dark” or “ghost”) vessels near the floating platform system 10. Additionally, or alternatively, the floating platform system 10 can store a local copy of the maritime vessel traffic database; download maritime vessel traffic database updates from a remote (“master”) maritime vessel traffic database via an antenna 72, locally correlate target vessel characteristics with records in the locally stored copy of the maritime vessel traffic database to distinguish known and ghost vessels near the floating platform system 10; and then broadcast wireless communications to the computer system 12 upon classifying a ghost ship.

[0061] Still further, the floating platform system 10 in FIGURE 3 can continuously stream data 15 to the remote computer system 12 or only in response to an increase in the signal 15 above a set noise floor or other data threshold. The remote computer system 12 can then execute the foregoing processes remotely to derive target vessel presence and characteristics and to correlate this collected data with records in the maritime vessel traffic database to distinguish known and ghost vessels near the floating platform system 10.

[0062] In another implementation and by way of a non-limiting example, after recording a series of signals 15, the controller 16 can interpret presence of a vessel proximal the floating platform system 10 based on the initial signals 15. In response to failure to confirm a vessel near the floating platform system 10 based on the signals 15, the controller 16 can set a flag or time to capture another series of signals 15 over the nominal sampling duration at the nominal sampling interval in order to limit power consumption from data capture and processing. However, inresponse to detecting possible presence of a vessel near the floating platform system 10 based on the signals 15, the controller 16 can increase the sampling duration and / or shorten the sampling interval in order to capture more data 15 representing the vessel of interest. The controller 16 can then similarly process the subsequent data 15 to verify presence of the vessel; verify characteristics of the vessel; aggregate more comprehensive characteristics of the vessel based on the vessel characterization model 123; and / or capture data 15 representing a path, heading, and / or speed of the vessel. Thus, the controller 16 can dynamically adjust sampling duration and / or sampling interval for data 15 capture based on detected presence of a vessel within range of the floating platform system 10.

[0063] Additionally, or alternatively, in order to manage electrical energy available at the floating platform system 10, the controller 16 can dynamically adjust the sampling duration and / or sampling interval for data 15 capture inversely proportional to a state of charge of the battery 30 and / or an electrical energy harvest rate of the solar panels 28.

[0064] With reference now to FIGURES 4, 5, and 6, exemplary surface and subsurface operations are shown in which floating platform assemblies 110 are tethered or anchored to a seabed 17. In FIGURE 4, for instance, acoustic signals 15 (e.g., in the frequency range of 5Hz to 40kHz) from a surface target 5 and / or a subsurface target 7 are captured by the hydrophones 120 of their respective sensor modules 118 during a first time period or nominal sampling duration of, e.g., ten seconds during a nominal sampling interval, e.g., once per minute. The embedded microprocessor 116 then interprets a presence of one or both of the target vessels 5, 7 and a set of target characteristics of each based on features represented in the acoustic signals 15 relative to a vessel characterization model 123 (see, e.g., FIGURE 1) programmed in the microprocessor 116.Additionally, in FIGURES 4 and 5 a maritime vessel traffic database 121 (such as an Automatic Identification System (‘‘AIS”) database containing records of current surface and / or underwater vessels) maintained at a command-and-control (“C2”) center 112 may be queried via satellite relay 138 such as Starlink® / Starshield® for a record of a known vessel exhibiting a set of known characteristics analogous to the set of target characteristics of one of the target vessels 5, 7 during the first time period. In response to the presence of the record of the known vessel exhibiting the set of known characteristics analogous to the set of target characteristics of one of the target vessels 5, 7, acoustic signals 15 can be positively associated to identify the target vessels 5, 7 and, if necessary, deploy intercept vessels 9, 11 as in FIGURE 4 More specifically, if the target vessels5, 7 cannot be positively identified, the command-and-control center 112 can generate and send a notification to the intercept vessels 9, 11 to investigate the unidentified vessels 5, 7 and / or notify a sovereign maritime monitor of the dark vessels 5, 7.

[0065] In a further aspect, in response to presence of the record of the target vessels 5, 7 exhibiting characteristics analogous to the set of target characteristics of known vessels, the microprocessor 116 and / or the command-and-control center 112 can label the collected acoustic signals 15 with the set of known characteristics of the known vessel and retrain the vessel characterization model 123 based on the newly collected acoustic signals 15.

[0066] With more particular reference to FIGURE 5, an exemplary littoral operation is shown in which the floating platform system 110 is deployed in the maritime environment 1 to capture underwater acoustic signals 15 at the floating platform system 110 to execute a vessel characterization model 123 (either remotely or on board the floating platform system 110) that interprets a presence and a set of target characteristics over time 125 - such as vessel type, vessel class, vessel size, and / or vessel propulsion type - of a target vessel 9 near the floating platform system 110 based on features of the collected acoustic signals 15, i.e., a sampled signature 127; and to upload the presence and target characteristics 127 of the target vessel 5 to the remote computer system 112 (e.g., a computer network, a server), such as via cellular or satellite communication network 140, The remote computer system 112 can then query a maritime vessel traffic database 121 - such as the AIS database - for records of a vessel matching or approximating the target characteristics of the target vessel 5 derived from the acoustic signals 15 near the floating platform system 110; i.e., to associate target characteristics analogous to known vessel acoustic signals referred to herein as an analogous target match 129.

[0067] If the maritime vessel traffic database 121 returns a positive match for such a known vessel, the remote computer system 112 can identify the target vessel 5 as the known vessel. The remote computer system 112 can also request the raw acoustic signals 15 from the floating platform assembly 110; annotate the acoustic signals 15 with known characteristics of the known vessel; update or retrain the vessel characterization model 123 (e.g., a convolutional neural network) based on the acoustic signals 15; and disseminate the updated vessel characterization model 123 and / or target match information 129 to a network of deployed floating platform systems 110

[0068] Conversely, if the maritime vessel traffic database 121 fails to return a positive match for such a known vessel matching the target characteristics near the floating platform s stem 110, the remote computer system 112 can flag the target vessel 5 as a possible ghost ship or dark vessel; generate a notification to investigate the target vessel 5, such as including the location of the floating platform system 110 and target characteristics of the ghost ship 5; and serve a notification to a maritime monitor, such as a port security office (not shown). For example, the maritime monitor may then deploy a manned ship or an unmanned aerial vehicle or drone or other intercept vessel 9, 11 (see, e.g., FIGURE 4) to investigate the ghost ship 5.

[0069] Thus, FIGURES 4 - 6 show that the floating platform assembly 110 and the remote computer system 112 can cooperate to detect presence of surface or subsurface vessels 5, 7 in the maritime zone 1 within range of the floating platform assembly 110 based on acoustic data 15 captured by the hydrophones 20 of the floating platform assembly 110; to identify the vessels 5, 7 as either a known vessel or a ghost ship based on correspondence between characteristics of these vessels - derived from acoustic data 15 - and known vessels near the floating platform assembly 110, and to selectively trigger deployment of resources - such as intercept vessels 9, 11 - to investigate the unknown ghost ships or submersibles 5, 7. Accordingly, the floating platform assembly 110 and the remote computer system 112 can operate to detect and support prosecution of illegal fishing, smuggling or drug trafficking, human trafficking, and / or piracy by rapidly informing the maritime monitor of both presence and approximate location of a possible ghost vessel.

[0070] With reference now to FIGURE 8, and with further brief reference to FIGURES 5 -6, a remote computer system operations screen 212 monitors multiple neighboring floating platform systems 210 with each floating platform system 210 capturing a series of signals 15 (see, e.g., FIGURE 5) iconically marked with the element number 231 as suspect target signals on the screen 212; passing the signals 231 into a local instance of the vessel characterization model 123 (see id.) to detect presence of a target vessel 5, 7 (iconically represented by element number 205) in a buoy zone and target characteristics of the target vessel 205; and returning the target vessel presence and characteristics data to the remote computer system 212. The remote computer system 212 can then aggregate like target vessel characteristics received from multiple neighboring floating platform systems 210 into a composite set of target characteristics of one target vessel 205; implement triangulation or trilateration techniques to estimate a geospatial position of thetarget vessel 205 based on known geospatial positions of the floating platform systems 210 and strongest signals 233 of the corresponding acoustic signals 231 captured by the floating platform system 210; and identify the target vessel 205 as either known or dark based on the maritime vessel traffic database 121 (see id.) and both the composite set of target characteristics and the estimated geospatial position of the target vessel 205.

[0071] More particularly, in another aspect of the disclosure as shown in FIGURES 8 - 10, the remote computer system 212 executes time difference of arrival techniques to refine a geospatial position of a target vessel 205 based on series of signals 231 received from multiple neighboring floating platform systems 210 For example, the remote computer system 212 can extract raw signals 15 / 231 from vessel detection event files received at similar times from two neighboring floating platform systems 210, extract a first time of arrival of an signal component, particularly the strongest signal 233 - recorded by a first floating platform system 210 - from a first vessel detection event file (see, e.g., FIGURE 8); extract a second or subsequent time of arrival of a similar or corresponding acoustic signal component, preferably the strongest signal 233 - recorded by a second, nearby floating platform system 210 - from a second vessel detection event file (see, e.g., FIGURES 9 and 10); calculate a time difference of arrival of the acoustic signal components 233 between the first and second floating platform systems 210 based on the first and second and / or subsequent times of arrival; and estimate a geospatial position of the target vessel 205 based on the time difference of arrival and known geospatial positions of the floating platform systems 210 The remote computer system 212 can thus refine an estimated geospatial position of the target vessel 205 based on signals 231, 233 recorded by multiple neighboring floating platform systems 210.

[0072] Also shown in FIGURES 8 - 10, and with further brief reference to FIGURES 4 and 6, the AIS antenna 72 of the floating platform system 110 / 210 automatically receives signals from the maritime traffic database 123 (see FIGURE 6) to identify known vessel traffic 235 on the remote computer system screen 212, which is similar to an air traffic control screen receiving an identification code from an airplane. The remote computer system screen 212 can further retrain the vessel characterization model 123 based on acoustic signals 231 recorded by the floating platform systems 210 and annotate the model 123 with characteristics of matched, known vessels or with ghost ship characteristics, such as provided manually by a maritime monitor or derivedfrom images captured by floating platform system cameras 24 (see, e.g., FIGURE 3) or unmanned aerial vehicles (not shown).

[0073] By way of further example, the remote computer system 212 can retrain the vessel characterization model 123 over a predefined interval (e.g., once per day, once per week) or responsive to collection of a target count of (e.g., 100) labeled acoustic signals 231 captured by deployed floating platform systems 110 / 210. The remote computer system 212 can then automatically deploy the retrained vessel characterization model 123 to the deployed floating platform systems 110 via their wireless communication modules 26 and / or antennas 72 (see, e.g., FIGURE 4).

[0074] FIGURE 11, although similar to FIGURES 8 - 10, more particularly shows a “fly out” screen or menu 237 that appears when an operator (not shown) passes or hovers a control cursor 251 over a floating platform assembly icon 210. In this example, the operator can see information on the left side of the screen 212 associated with the selected floating platform assembly 210, such as date and time of last update, active beamforming tracks, GPS status, position in latitude and longitude, sea level, environmental sensor data, and inertial measurement unit (IMU) orientation data including pitch, roll, and heading of the associated floating platform assembly 210.

[0075] In another aspect of the disclosure as shown in FIGURES 10 - 13, the remote computer system 212 aggregates labeled series of acoustic signals 231 collected by floating platform systems 210 deployed in a specific site or deployed to sites exhibiting specific characteristics (e g., a specific body of water 201, nearby land mass 219, ocean floor depth range, a specific ocean floor topography); generates - and later updates - a site-specific vessel characterization model based on these labeled series of acoustic signals 231; and distributes this site-specific vessel characterization model to floating platform systems 210 deployed to the site of interest.

[0076] In a further aspect of the disclosure depicted by FIGURES 10 - 13, and with brief reference to the preceding figures, the floating platform system 210 is further loaded within a sensitive-vessel detect filter (or model). In this variation, the controller 26 in the floating platform system 10 / 110 captures a series of signals 15, as described above; and passes the signals 15 through the sensitive-vessel detect filter to remove acoustic signals representing or corresponding to sensitive (e.g., defense-related) vessels near the floating platform system 10 / 110 before uploading the non-sensitive acoustic signals to the remote computer system 212. Additionally, oralternatively, the controller 26 can pass target characteristics - derived from a series of signals 15 via the vessel characterization model 123 - through the sensitive-vessel detect filter to remove target characteristics that correspond to sensitive (e.g., defense-related) vessels near the buoy before uploading these target characteristics to the remote computer system 212.

[0077] With more particular reference to FIGURES 11, 12, and 13, a tonal selector menu 239 is shown in the top right of the screen 212 in FIGURE 11 to display a frequency to which the floating platform assembly 210 is attuned based on the cursor selection 251. FIGURE 12 most clearly shows a buoy selector menu 241 on the right side and a waterfall display of acoustic frequency data 241 emanating from the selected floating platform assembly 210. This display combination may be selected on the screen 212 when, for example, a sonar technician wishes to see different and more detailed frequency band results. And FIGURE 14 is a different screen selection 212 which provides a beam forming results view or relative probability screen 245. As introduced in FIGURE 8, beams 231 in FIGURE 14 emanate from the icon-depicted floating platform assembly 210, which, in this example, is tracking in the frequency band 239 of 500-875 Hz. Also shown, the strongest beam 233 indicates a relative intensity 249 of approximately 0.5, which suggests that a target of interest in this example is most likely in the direction of 310° to 325° as indicated along overlaid compass bearings 247.

[0078] Further, each floating platform assembly 10 processes and accounts for roll, pitch and yaw of respective sensor modules 18. Since the floating platform assembly 10 is decoupled from its sensor module 18, orientation of the assembly 10 is unknown without an IMU on board. In other words, the IMU sensor provides the roll, pitch, yaw, and heading of the sensor module 18 with respect to true north N, which enables digital compensation for orientation of the module 18 in beamforming and detection algorithms and to spatially quantify target detections.

[0079] By way of further example, a planar array 18 of hydrophones 20 as in FIGURE 3 can be indexed and / or biased to enable dynamic tuning and selective beamforming. This arrangement, in combination with a higher sampling rate, allows the system 10 to (1) cover a broader frequency range, (2) improve beamforming performance, and (3) enhance multi-target tracking.

[0080] The systems and methods described herein can be embodied and / or implemented at least in part, as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions can be executed by computer-executable components integrated with the application, applet, host, server, network, website, communication service,communication interface, hardware / firmware / software elements of a user computer or mobile device, wristband, smartphone, or any suitable combination thereof. Other systems and methods of the embodiment can be embodied and / or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions can be executed by computer-executable components integrated by computer-executable components integrated with apparatuses and networks of the type described above. The computer-readable medium can be stored on any suitable computer readable media such as RAMs, ROMs, flash memory, EEPROMs, optical devices (CD or DVD), hard drives, floppy drives, or any suitable device The computer-executable component can be a processor but any suitable dedicated hardware device can (alternatively or additionally) execute the instructions.EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0081] Exemplary embodiments as disclosed herein may include but are not limited to:

[0082] Embodiment 1: A floating platform assembly having a housing having a chamber disposed therein, a controller disposed within the chamber and configured for data acquisition and transmission, at least two wings extending outwardly from the housing, wherein each of the wings has a proximal end connectable to the housing and an opposing distal end spaced apart from the housing, at least two pivot assemblies, wherein each pivot assembly is disposed proximate a respective proximal end of each of the wings, and wherein each pivot assembly is configured to permit independent articulation of each wing relative to the housing and the other wing, a spring assembly operatively connected to the pivot assembly, wherein the spring assembly has a spring constant configured to bias each wing toward a substantially horizontal orientation relative to a waterline, a plurality of solar panels disposed on the wings, wherein the plurality of solar panels are in electrical communication with a power converter and a battery, and wherein the power converter and battery' are disposed within the chamber, at least two floats, wherein each float is disposed at respective distal ends of each wing and are configured to maintain the respective wings in the substantially horizontal orientation, and at least one payload coupled to the housing in electrical communication with the controller, wherein the payload is configured for data collection

[0083] Embodiment 2: The floating platform assembly as in Embodiment 1, wherein the floating platform assembly is configurable between a first collapsed state for storage and transport, and a second deployed state for operation in a body of water, wherein, in the first collapsed state, the pivot assembly permits each of the wings to fold in a first direction toward the housing, and inthe second deployed state, the pivot assembly permits each wing to extend in a second direction away from the housing.

[0084] Embodiment 3: The floating platform assembly as in Embodiments 1 and 2, further comprising limiting devices disposed on each of the wings, wherein the limiting devices are configured to prevent each wing from hyperextending.

[0085] Embodiment 4: The floating platform assembly as in any of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the plurality of solar panels is integrally formed within each of the wings.

[0086] Embodiment 5: The floating platform assembly as in any of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the plurality of solar panels is detachably connected to each of the wings.

[0087] Embodiment 6: The floating platform assembly as in any of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the power converter is configured to convert sunlight received by the plurality of solar panels into electrical power, and the battery is configured to store the electrical power for operating the controller and the payload.

[0088] Embodiment 7: The floating platform assembly as in any of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the at least two wings are movably independent of each other via their respective pivot assemblies to (i) maintain the plurality of solar panels with a maximum sunlight aspect, and (ii) compensate for ambient atmospheric forces in and around the body of water.

[0089] Embodiment 8: The floating platform assembly as in any of the preceding Embodiments, further comprising an anchor and a tether, wherein the tether is connectable to the housing and to the anchor, and wherein the anchor is configured to maintain the floating platform assembly at a designated location in the body of water.

[0090] Embodiment 9: The floating platform assembly as in any of the preceding Embodiments, further comprising a wireless communication module disposed within the chamber of the housing and in electrical communication with the controller, wherein the wireless communication module is configured to transmit data collected by the payload to a remote computer system.

[0091] Embodiment 10: The floating platform assembly as in any of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the housing defines a center of gravity disposed below the waterline, creating a low profile and reducing a capsizing risk.

[0092] Embodiment 11: The floating platform assembly as in any of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the housing and the wings define a low-profile configuration that dampenschanges in pitch and yaw while maintaining an unobstructed view for communication with satellite systems.

[0093] Embodiment 12: The floating platform assembly as in any of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the floating platform assembly comprises a plurality of floating platform assemblies, and wherein the plurality of floating platform assemblies are deployable in the body of water to form a distributed network, and wherein the plurality of floating platform assemblies are configured to (i)communicate with each other and with the remote computer system, (ii) aggregate data collected by the payload into a composite data set, and (iii) process the composite data set to deliver real-time information to the remote computer system.

[0094] Embodiment 13: The floating platform assembly as in any of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the payload is selected from the group consisting of an acoustic sensor, an optical sensor, an environmental sensor, a signal detector, a communication relay, a positioning device, an actuator, a data processor, and combinations thereof.

[0095] Embodiment 14: A floating platform assembly including a housing having a chamber disposed therein, wherein the housing has a low center of gravity when the floating platform assembly is deployed in a body of water. The floating platform assembly further comprises a controller disposed within the chamber and configured for data acquisition and transmission, a wireless communication module disposed within the chamber of the housing and in electrical communication with the controller, wherein the wireless communication module is configured to transmit data to a remote computer system, and at least four wings extending outwardly from and equidistantly spaced about the housing, wherein each of the at least four wings further comprise a proximal end connectable to the housing, and an opposing distal end, a pivot assembly disposed proximate the proximal end of each wing, wherein the pivot assembly is configured to (i) permit independent articulation of each wing relative to the housing and relative to other wings, and (ii) permit the floating platform assembly to transition between a first collapsed state for storage and transport, and a second deployed state for operation in the body of water, and a spring assembly operatively connected to the pivot assembly, wherein the spring assembly has a spring constant configured to bias each wing toward a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the waterline in the second deployed state. The floating platform assembly further comprising a plurality of solar panels disposed on the wings, wherein the plural ity of solar panels are in electrical communication with a power converter and a battery, and wherein the power converter and battery are disposedwithin the chamber, a flotation assembly having at least four floats, wherein each float is disposed at the distal end of each wing, and wherein the flotation assembly is configured to maintain the at least four wings in the substantially horizontal orientation and to maintain the center of gravity of the housing below the waterline to provide stability and self-stabilization of the floating platform assembly, and a sensor module coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the controller, wherein the sensor module is configured for data collection.

[0096] Embodiment 15: The floating platform assembly as in any of the preceding Embodiments, further comprising limiting devices disposed on each of the wings, wherein the limiting devices are configured to prevent each wing from exceeding a working angle relative to the housing in the second deployed state.

[0097] Embodiment 16: The floating platform assembly as in any of the preceding Embodiments, further comprising an anchor, and a tether, wherein the tether has a first end connectable to the housing, and an opposing second end connectable to the anchor, and wherein the anchor is configured to maintain the floating platform assembly at a designated location in the body of water.

[0098] Embodiment 17: The floating platform assembly as in any of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the housing and wings define a low-profile configuration that dampens changes in pitch and yaw while maintaining an unobstructed view for communication with satellite systems.

[0099] Embodiment 18: The floating platform assembly as in any of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the floating platform assembly comprises a plurality of floating platform assemblies, and wherein the plurality of floating platform assemblies are deployable in the body of water to form a distributed network, and wherein the plurality of floating platform assemblies are configured to (i) communicate with each other and with the remote computer system, (ii) aggregate data collected by the one or more sensor modules into a composite data set, and (iii) process the composite data set to deliver real-time information to the remote computer system.

[0100] Embodiment 19: A method of deploying a distributed data collection network may include providing a floating platform assembly in a first collapsed state, wherein the floating platform assembly includes a housing having a chamber disposed therein, a controller disposed within the chamber and configured for data acquisition and transmission, a wireless communication module disposed within the chamber and in electrical communication with thecontroller, at least four wings extending outwardly from and spaced about the housing, wherein each of the at least four wings have a proximal end connectable to the housing and an opposing distal end, a pivot assembly disposed proximate the proximal end, and a spring assembly operatively connected to the pivot assembly, a plurality of solar panels disposed on the wings and in electrical communication with a power converter and a battery disposed within the chamber, a flotation assembly having at least four floats, wherein each float is disposed at the distal end of each wing, and a payload coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the controller; transitioning the floating platform assembly from the first collapsed state to a second deployed state by (i) deploying the floating platform assembly in a body of water, and (ii) permitting the pivot assembly and spring assembly to extend the at least four wings outward from the housing into a substantially horizontal orientation relative to a waterline; maintaining the housing having a center of gravity below the waterline via the flotation assembly to provide stability and self-stabilization of the floating platform assembly, converting sunlight received by the plurality of solar panels into electrical power via the power converter, storing the electrical power in the battery', collecting data via the payload, processing the collected data with the controller, and transmitting the processed data to a remote computer system via the wireless communication module.

[0101] Embodiment 20: The method as in any of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the four wings are spaced equidistantly about the housing.

[0102] Embodiment 21: The method as in any of the preceding Embodiments, further comprising providing an anchor and a tether, wherein the tether has a first end connectable to the housing and a second end connectable to the anchor, deploying the anchor on a seabed of the body of water, and maintaining the floating platform assembly at a designated location in the body of water via the anchor and tether while permitting the at least four wings to articulate independently relative to the housing and each other in response to wind and wave action.

[0103] Embodiment 22: The method as in any of the preceding Embodiments, wherein the payload is selected from the group consisting of an acoustic sensor, an optical sensor, an environmental sensor, a signal detector, a communication relay, a positioning device, an actuator, a data processor, and combinations thereof.

[0104] While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining anunderstanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and / or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A floating platform assembly, comprising:a housing having a chamber disposed therein;a controller disposed within the chamber and configured for data acquisition and transmission;at least two wings extending outwardly from the housing, each of the wings having a proximal end connectable to the housing and an opposing distal end spaced apart from the housing;at least two pivot assemblies, each pivot assembly disposed proximate a respective proximal end of each of the wings, each pivot assembly being configured to permit independent articulation of each wing relative to the housing and the other wing;a spring assembly operatively connected to the pivot assembly, the spring assembly having a spring constant configured to bias each wing toward a substantially horizontal orientation relative to a waterline;a plurality of solar panels disposed on the wings, the plurality of solar panels being in electrical communication with a power converter and a battery, the power converter and battery being disposed within the chamber;at least two floats, each float being disposed at respective distal ends of each wing and being configured to maintain the respective wings in the substantially horizontal orientation; and a payload coupled to the housing in electrical communication with the controller, the payload being configured for data collection.

2. The floating platform assembly as in Claim 1, wherein the floating platform assembly is configurable between a first collapsed state for storage and transport, and a second deployed state for operation in a body of water, wherein, in the first collapsed state, the pivot assembly permits each of the wings to fold in a first direction toward the housing, and in the second deployed state, the pivot assembly permits each wing to extend in a second direction away from the housing.

3. The floating platform assembly as in Claim 1, further comprising limiting devices disposed on each of the wings, the limiting devices being configured to prevent each wing from hyperextending.

4. The floating platform assembly as in Claim 1, wherein the plurality of solar panels is integrally formed within each of the wings.

5. The floating platform assembly as in Claim 1, wherein the plurality of solar panels is detachably connected to each of the wings.

6. The floating platform assembly as in Claim 1, wherein the power converter is configured to convert sunlight received by the plurality of solar panels into electrical power; and the battery is configured to store the electrical power for operating the controller and the payload.

7. The floating platform assembly as in Claim 1, wherein the at least two wings are movably independent of each other via their respective pivot assemblies to: (i) maintain the plurality of solar panels with a maximum sunlight aspect, and (ii) compensate for ambient atmospheric forces in and around the body of water.

8. The floating platform assembly as in Claim 1, further comprising an anchor and a tether, the tether being connectable to the housing and to the anchor, the anchor being configured to maintain the floating platform assembly at a designated location in the body of water.

9. The floating platform assembly as in Claim 1, further comprising a wireless communication module disposed on or within the chamber of the housing and in electrical communication with the controller, the wireless communication module being configured to transmit data collected by the payload to a remote computer system.

10. The floating platform assembly as in Claim 1, wherein the housing defines a center of gravity disposed below the waterline creating a low profile and reducing a capsizing risk.

11. The floating platform assembly as in Claim 1, wherein the housing and the wings define a low-profile configuration that dampens changes in pitch and yaw to maximize line of sight communication with satellite systems.

12. The floating platform assembly as in Claim 1, wherein the floating platform assembly further comprises a plurality of floating platform assemblies, the plurality of floating platform assemblies being deployable in the body of water to form a distributed network, the plurality of floating platform assemblies being configured to:communicate with each other and with the remote computer system;aggregate data collected by the respective payloads into a composite data set; and process the composite data set to deliver real-time information to the remote computer system.

13. The floating platform assembly as in Claim 1, wherein the payload is selected from the group consisting of an acoustic sensor, an optical sensor, an environmental sensor, a signal detector, a communication relay, a positioning device, an actuator, a data processor, and combinations thereof.

14. A floating platform assembly, comprising:a housing having a chamber disposed therein, the housing having a low center of gravity when the floating platform assembly is deployed in a body of water;a controller disposed proximate the chamber and configured for data acquisition and transmission;a wireless communication module disposed within the chamber of the housing and in electrical communication with the controller, the wireless communication module being configured to transmit data to a remote computer system;at least four wings extending outwardly from and equidistantly spaced about the housing, each of the at least four wings comprising:a proximal end connectable to the housing, and an opposing distal end;a pivot assembly disposed proximate the proximal end of each wing, the pivot assembly being configured to (i) permit independent articulation of each wing relative to the housing and relative to other wings, and (ii) permit the floating platform assembly to transition between a first collapsed state for storage and transport, and a second deployed state for operation in the body of water; anda spring assembly operatively connected to the pivot assembly, the spring assemblyhaving a spring constant configured to bias each wing toward a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the waterline in the second deployed state;a plurality of solar panels disposed on the wings, the plurality of solar panels being in electrical communication with a power converter and a battery, the power converter and battery being disposed within the chamber;a flotation assembly having at least four floats, each float being disposed at the distal end of each wing, the flotation assembly being configured to maintain the at least four wings in the substantially horizontal orientation and to maintain the center of gravity of the housing below the waterline to provide stability and self-stabilization of the floating platform assembly; andat least one sensor module coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the controller, the sensor module being configured for data collection.

15. The floating platform assembly as in Claim 14, further comprising limiting devices disposed on each of the at least four wings, the limiting devices being configured to prevent each wing from exceeding a working angle relative to the housing in the second deployed state.

16. The floating platform assembly as in Claim 14, further comprising:an anchor; anda tether having a first end connectable to the housing, and an opposing second end connectable to the anchor, the anchor being configured to maintain the floating platform assembly at a designated location in the body of water.

17. The floating platform assembly as in Claim 14, wherein the housing and wings define a low-profile configuration that dampens changes in pitch and yaw while maintaining an unobstructed view for communication with satellite systems.

18. The floating platform assembly as in Claim 14, wherein the floating platform assembly further comprises a plurality of floating platform assemblies, the plurality of floating platform assemblies being deployable in the body of water to form a distributed network, the plurality of floating platform assemblies being configured to:communicate with each other and with the remote computer system;aggregate data collected by the one or more sensor modules into a composite data set; and process the composite data set to deliver real-time information to the remote computer system.

19. A method of deploying a distributed data collection network, comprising:providing a floating platform assembly in a first collapsed state, the floating platform assembly including:a housing having a chamber disposed therein;a controller disposed within the chamber and configured for data acquisition and transmission;a wireless communication module disposed within the chamber and in electrical communication with the controller;at least four wings extending outwardly from and spaced about the housing, each of the at least four wings having:a proximal end connectable to the housing and an opposing distal end; a pivot assembly disposed proximate the proximal end; anda spring assembly operatively connected to the pivot assembly;a plurality of solar panels disposed on the wings and in electrical communication with a power converter and a battery disposed within the chamber;a flotation assembly having at least four floats, each float being disposed at the distal end of each wing; anda payload coupled to the housing and in electrical communication with the controller;transitioning the floating platform assembly from the first collapsed state to a second deployed state by (i) deploying the floating platform assembly in a body of water, and (ii) permitting the pivot assembly and spring assembly to extend the at least four wings outward from the housing into a substantially horizontal orientation relative to a waterline;maintaining the housing with a center of gravity below the waterline via the flotation assembly to provide stability and self-stabilization of the floating platform assembly;converting sunlight received by the plurality of solar panels into electrical power via the power converter;storing the electrical power in the battery;collecting data via the payload;processing the collected data with the controller; andtransmitting the processed data to a remote computer system via the wireless communication module.

20. The method of deploying the distributed data collection network as in Claim 19, wherein the four wings are spaced equidistantly about the housing.

21. The method of deploying the distributed data collection network as in Claim 19, further comprising:providing an anchor and a tether, the tether having a first end connectable to the housing and a second end connectable to the anchor;deploying the anchor on a seabed of the body of water; andmaintaining the floating platform assembly at a designated location in the body of water via the anchor and tether while permitting the at least four wings to articulate independently relative to the housing and each other in response to wind and wave action.

22. The method of deploying the distributed data collection network as in Claim 19, wherein the payload is selected from the group consisting of an acoustic sensor, an optical sensor, an environmental sensor, a signal detector, a communication relay, a positioning device, an actuator, a data processor, and combinations thereof.

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