Patent ID: 7862394
Filing Date: 2011-01-04
Classification: B63B,H01Q

Abstract:
1. Apparatus comprising: a buoyant structure having a central vertical axis when floating in water and having at least one feature to reduce a rotation of the buoyant structure about the central vertical axis when floating in the water; an electronic camera assembly coupled to the buoyant structure, wherein the electronic camera assembly is configured to generate an electronic image signal; a tubular structure coupled to the buoyant structure and configured to remain under the surface of the water, wherein the tubular structure comprises: a fiber optic cable coupled to the electronic circuit assembly and configured to carry the optical image signal, wherein the at least one feature to reduce a rotation of the buoyant structure comprises a virtual mass of water disposed proximate to an outer sidewall of the buoyant structure, wherein the electronic camera assembly includes a plurality of cameras, each camera pointing toward a different azimuth angle, and wherein the electronic image signal includes signals from each one of the plurality of electronic cameras, wherein the apparatus further comprises: an image processor configured to provide image stabilization to the signals from each one of the plurality of electronic cameras as the buoyant structure moves in at least one degree of motion.