Patent Publication Number: US-2023143089-A1

Title: Trolling motor and sonar device directional control

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/371,192, entitled “Trolling Motor Foot Pedal Controlled Sonar Device”, filed Jul. 9, 2021, the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to marine technology and, more particularly, to marine sonar and propulsion systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Both trolling motors and sonar (SOund Navigation and Ranging) systems are often used during fishing or other marine activities. Trolling motors attach to the watercraft and propel the watercraft along a body of water. Often, trolling motors may provide secondary propulsion for precision maneuvering that can be ideal for fishing activities. Trolling motors offer benefits in the areas of ease of use and watercraft maneuverability, among others. Sonar systems are used to detect waterborne or underwater objects. For example, sonar devices may be used to determine depth and bottom topography, detect fish, locate wreckage, etc. In this regard, due to the extreme limits to visibility underwater, sonar is typically the most accurate way to locate objects underwater and provide an understanding of the underwater environment. That said, further innovation with respect to the operation of both trolling motors and sonar systems, particularly in the area of simplifying the ease of use, is desirable. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to various example embodiments, a system including a trolling motor assembly, a sonar system, and a navigation control device is provided for simplified operations. 
     Conventional trolling motor systems employ a navigation control device that, in response to user activity (e.g., through interaction with the navigation control device such as by depressing a foot pedal and/or pressing one or more buttons on a remote control), electronically controls both the direction and speed of the propulsion system (e.g., the propeller and motor assembly). Similarly, conventional directionally-enabled sonar systems may include a separate control device that, in response to user activity, electronically controls the direction in which a transducer assembly of the sonar system is directed with respect to the watercraft. In this manner, a user is able to direct the “picture” (or image) of the underwater environment to the desired location relative to the watercraft. Various embodiments described herein are directed to electronically controlled trolling motor assemblies and sonar systems that utilize a single control device, thereby reducing the amount of equipment required on the deck of a watercraft. Further, the known nature of use of the foot pedal can be leveraged for directional control of the sonar system. Additionally or alternatively, such a single user input assembly may be used to control other operations on the watercraft. 
     When engaged in watercraft navigation and/or other activities, such as fishing, a user may have limited attention and/or hand accessibility. In this regard, having to control multiple systems (e.g., one or more propulsion systems and/or one or more sonar systems) can be difficult. Thus, it would be beneficial to limit any processes and/or activities that may cause a user to lose focus or have to disengage in the activity. Accordingly, various embodiments described herein are configured to provide for easy independent and/or synchronized directional control of various propulsion systems (e.g., a trolling motor, main propulsion motor, etc.) and sonar systems. Such control may, in some embodiments, occur with a single control device and/or with a single button press. In some embodiments, the directional control may be synchronized such that the direction of the propulsion system and the sonar system adjust (e.g., turn) together and such that they are pointing in the same direction. Such control may, for example, be accomplished with a single user input control device. In some embodiments, one or more correction instructions may be sent to one of the systems to ultimately cause the systems to turn together. This may include causing the systems to turn toward, for example, a point of interest. In this regard, in some embodiments, the directional control of the propulsion system may be independently controllable from that of the sonar system (e.g., whether the two systems are physically separate or even if the two systems are attached to each other). 
     In an example embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a trolling motor assembly including a propulsion motor and a steering actuator, and the steering actuator is configured to adjust a direction of the propulsion motor. The system also includes a sonar assembly including a transducer assembly and a directional actuator. The directional actuator is configured to adjust a direction of the transducer assembly, and the directional actuator is configured to independently reorient with respect to the steering actuator of the trolling motor assembly. The system also includes a user input assembly, and the user input assembly is configured to detect user activity related to at least one of controlling the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly or controlling the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly. The system also includes a processor, and the processor is configured to receive user input via the user input assembly and determine whether the received user input corresponds to either (a) a desired directional turning of both the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly and the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly or (b) a desired independent directional turning of either the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly or the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly. In an instance in which the user input corresponds to (a) the desired directional turning of both the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly and the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly, the processor is configured to generate at least one first turning input signal to cause the steering actuator of the trolling motor assembly to cause the direction of the propulsion motor to adjust in a direction indicated by the user input and to cause the directional actuator of the sonar assembly to cause the direction of the transducer assembly to adjust in the direction indicated by the user input such that both the direction of the propulsion motor and the direction of the transducer assembly adjust in a same direction and cause the at least one first turning input signal to be provided to the steering actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the propulsion motor and to be provided to the directional actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the transducer assembly. In an instance in which the user input corresponds to (b) the desired independent directional turning of either the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly or the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly, the processor is configured to determine whether the received user input corresponds to the desired independent directional turning of either (i) the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly or (ii) the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly. In an instance in which the user input corresponds to (i) the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly, the processor is configured to generate at least one second turning input signal to cause the steering actuator of the trolling motor assembly to cause the direction of the propulsion motor to adjust in a direction indicated by the user input such that the direction of the propulsion motor changes independent of the direction of the transducer assembly and cause the at least one second turning input signal to be provided to the steering actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the propulsion motor. In an instance in which the user input corresponds to (ii) the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly, the processor is configured to generate at least one third turning input signal to cause the directional actuator of the sonar assembly to cause the direction of the transducer assembly to adjust in the direction indicated by the user input such that the direction of the transducer assembly changes independent of the direction of the propulsion motor and cause the at least one third turning input signal to be provided to the directional actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the transducer assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to generate at least one correction signal to cause either the steering actuator of the trolling motor assembly to cause the direction of the propulsion motor to adjust or the directional actuator of the sonar assembly to cause the direction of the transducer assembly to adjust, such that the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly each faces in a same final direction after application of a corrective rotation caused by the at least one correction signal and cause the at least one correction signal to be provided to the steering actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the propulsion motor or to be provided to the directional actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the transducer assembly. 
     In some embodiments, in the instance in which the user input corresponds to (a) the desired directional turning of both the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly and the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly, the processor may be further configured to cause the at least one correction signal to be provided to the steering actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the propulsion motor or to be provided to the directional actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the transducer assembly before it causes the at least one first turning input signal to be provided to the steering actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the propulsion motor and to be provided to the directional actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the transducer assembly. 
     In some embodiments the processor may be further configured to determine which of the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly faces in a direction that is farther from a neutral direction. In an instance in which the propulsion motor faces in a direction that is farther from the neutral direction, the processor may be configured to generate the at least one correction signal to cause the steering actuator of the trolling motor assembly to cause the direction of the propulsion motor to adjust, such that the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly each faces in a same direction after adjustment, and cause the at least one correction signal to be provided to the steering actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the propulsion motor. In an instance in which the transducer assembly faces in a direction that is farther from the neutral direction, the processor may be configured to generate the at least one correction signal to cause the directional actuator of the sonar assembly to cause the direction of the transducer assembly to adjust, such that the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly each faces in a same direction after adjustment, and cause the at least one correction signal to be provided to the directional actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the transducer assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to generate at least one first correction signal to cause the steering actuator of the trolling motor assembly to cause the direction of the propulsion motor to adjust and at least one second correction signal to cause the directional actuator of the sonar assembly to cause the direction of the transducer assembly to adjust, such that the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly each faces in a same final direction after adjustment, and cause the at least one first correction signal to be provided to the steering actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the propulsion motor and the at least one second correction signal to be provided to the directional actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the transducer assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the first correction signal may include a first rate of turn, and the second correction signal may include a second rate of turn. The first rate of turn and second rate of turn may be configured such that the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly each faces in the same final direction at a same time. 
     In some embodiments, the user input assembly may include a mode select button. The mode select button may include at least a first mode indicating that the trolling motor assembly and the sonar assembly should be controlled at a same time, and the first mode may correspond to the instance in which the user input corresponds to (a) the desired directional turning of both the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly and the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the mode select button may include a second mode indicating that either the trolling motor assembly or the sonar assembly should be controlled independently, and the second mode may correspond to the instance in which the user input corresponds to (b) the desired independent directional turning of either the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly or the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the sonar assembly may be attached to the trolling motor assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the sonar assembly may be separate from the trolling motor assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the user input assembly may include a foot pedal. 
     In some embodiments, the user input assembly may include a wireless remote. 
     In some embodiments, the user input assembly may include a multi-function display. 
     In some embodiments, the desired directional turning of both the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly and the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly may be a desired synchronized directional turning of both the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly and the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the at least one first turning input signal may cause the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly and the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly to move simultaneously while pointing in the same direction. 
     In some embodiments, in the instance in which the user input corresponds to (a) the desired directional turning of both the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly and the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly, the processor may be further configured to generate the at least one first turning input signal to cause the steering actuator of the trolling motor assembly to cause the direction of the propulsion motor to rotate in a direction indicated by the user input and the directional actuator of the sonar assembly to cause the direction of the transducer assembly to rotate in the direction indicated by the user input such that both the direction of the propulsion motor and the direction of the transducer assembly rotate at a same speed of rotation. 
     In another example embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a user input assembly, and the user input assembly is configured to receive a mode selection. The user input assembly is also configured to detect user activity related to at least one of either controlling a direction of a propulsion motor of a trolling motor assembly with a steering actuator or a direction of a transducer assembly of a sonar assembly with a directional actuator, and the directional actuator is configured to independently reorient with respect to the steering actuator of the trolling motor assembly. The system also includes a processor, and the processor is configured to receive user input via the user input assembly and determine whether the received user input corresponds to either (a) a desired directional turning of both the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly and the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly or (b) a desired independent directional turning of either the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly or the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly. In an instance in which the user input corresponds to (a) the desired directional turning of both the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly and the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly, the processor is configured to generate at least one first turning input signal to cause the steering actuator of the trolling motor assembly to cause the direction of the propulsion motor to adjust in a direction indicated by the user input and the directional actuator of the sonar assembly to cause the direction of the transducer assembly to adjust in the direction indicated by the user input such that both the direction of the propulsion motor and the direction of the transducer assembly adjust in the same direction and cause the at least one first turning input signal to be provided to the steering actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the propulsion motor and to be provided to the directional actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the transducer assembly. In an instance in which the user input corresponds to (b) the desired independent directional turning of either the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly or the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly, the processor is configured to determine whether the received user input corresponds to the desired independent directional turning of either (i) the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly or (ii) the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly. In an instance in which the user input corresponds to (i) the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly, the processor is configured to generate at least one second turning input signal to cause the steering actuator of the trolling motor assembly to cause the direction of the propulsion motor to adjust in a direction indicated by the user input such that the direction of the propulsion motor changes independent of the direction of the transducer assembly and cause the at least one second turning input signal to be provided to the steering actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the propulsion motor. In an instance in which the user input corresponds to (ii) the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly, the processor is configured to generate at least one third turning input signal to cause the directional actuator of the sonar assembly to cause the direction of the transducer assembly to adjust in the direction indicated by the user input such that the direction of the transducer assembly changes independent of the direction of the propulsion motor and cause the at least one third turning input signal to be provided to the directional actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the transducer assembly. 
     In another example embodiment, a system is provided. The system includes a trolling motor assembly including a propulsion motor and a steering actuator, and the steering actuator is configured to adjust a direction of the propulsion motor. The system also includes a sonar assembly including a transducer assembly and a directional actuator. The directional actuator is configured to adjust a direction of the transducer assembly, and the directional actuator is configured to independently reorient with respect to the steering actuator of the trolling motor assembly. The system also includes a user input assembly, and the user input assembly is configured to detect user activity related to at least one of either controlling the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly or the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly. The system also includes a processor. The processor is configured to receive user input via the user input assembly and determine an instance in which the user input corresponds to a desired directional turning of both the direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly and the direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly. In response thereto, the processor is configured to generate a first turning input signal to cause the steering actuator of the trolling motor assembly to cause the direction of the propulsion motor to adjust in a direction indicated by the user input such that the direction of the propulsion motor adjusts according to a first adjustment protocol that causes the propulsion motor to reorient toward a desired point of interest, generate a second turning input signal to cause the directional actuator of the sonar assembly to cause the direction of the transducer assembly to adjust in the direction indicated by the user input such that the direction of the transducer assembly adjusts according to a second adjustment protocol that causes the transducer assembly to point toward the desired point of interest, cause the first turning input signal to be provided to the steering actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the propulsion motor, and cause the second turning input signal to be provided to the directional actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the transducer assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to generate at least one correction signal to cause either the steering actuator of the trolling motor assembly to cause the direction of the propulsion motor to adjust or the directional actuator of the sonar assembly to cause the direction of the transducer assembly to adjust, such that the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly each faces in a same final direction after adjustment and cause the at least one correction signal to be provided to the steering actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the propulsion motor or to be provided to the directional actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the transducer assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to determine which of the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly faces in a direction that is farther from a neutral direction. In an instance in which the propulsion motor faces in a direction that is farther from the neutral direction, the processor may be configured to generate the at least one correction signal to cause the steering actuator of the trolling motor assembly to cause the direction of the propulsion motor to adjust, such that the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly each faces in the same direction after adjustment and cause the at least one correction signal to be provided to the steering actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the propulsion motor. In an instance in which the transducer assembly faces in a direction that is farther from the neutral direction, the processor may be configured to generate the at least one correction signal to cause the directional actuator of the sonar assembly to cause the direction of the transducer assembly to adjust, such that the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly each faces in the same direction after adjustment, and cause the at least one correction signal to be provided to the directional actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the transducer assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the processor may be further configured to generate at least one first correction signal to cause the steering actuator of the trolling motor assembly to cause the direction of the propulsion motor to adjust and at least one second correction signal to cause the directional actuator of the sonar assembly to cause the direction of the transducer assembly to adjust, such that the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly each faces in the same final direction after adjustment, and cause the at least one first correction signal to be provided to the steering actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the propulsion motor and the at least one second correction signal to be provided to the directional actuator to cause the adjustment of the direction of the transducer assembly. 
     In some embodiments, the first correction signal may include a first rate of turn, and the second correction signal may include a second rate of turn. The first rate of turn and second rate of turn may be configured such that the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly each faces in the same final direction at a same time. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Having thus described some example embodiments in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
         FIG.  1    shows an example watercraft with both a trolling motor assembly and a sonar assembly attached to the bow of the watercraft in accordance with some example embodiments; 
         FIG.  2    shows an example trolling motor assembly and sonar assembly in accordance with some example embodiments; 
         FIG.  3    shows an example navigation control device in the form of a foot pedal assembly in accordance with some example embodiments; 
         FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  show an example navigation control device in the form of a foot pedal assembly in accordance with some example embodiments; 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  show example navigation control devices in the form of a remote control (e.g., fob) in accordance with some example embodiments; 
         FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  show an example navigation control device in the form of a foot pedal providing control signals to an example trolling motor assembly attached to the bow of a watercraft in accordance with some example embodiments; 
         FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  show an example navigation control device in the form of a foot pedal providing control signals to an example sonar assembly attached to the bow of a watercraft in accordance with some example embodiments; 
         FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  show an example navigation control device in the form of a foot pedal providing control signals to an example sonar assembly and an example trolling motor assembly, which are attached to the bow of a watercraft, in accordance with some example embodiments; 
         FIG.  9    shows a block diagram of an example marine network architecture for various systems, apparatuses, and methods in accordance with some example embodiments; 
         FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  show schematic top views of an example watercraft, illustrating control of both a trolling motor assembly and a sonar assembly in accordance with some example embodiments; 
         FIGS.  11 A and  11 B  show schematic top views of another example watercraft, illustrating control of both a trolling motor assembly and a sonar assembly in accordance with some example embodiments; 
         FIGS.  12 A and  12 B  show schematic top views of the example watercraft shown in  FIGS.  10 A-B , illustrating example correction control of a sonar assembly in accordance with some example embodiments; 
         FIGS.  13 A and  13 B  show schematic top views of the example watercraft shown in  FIGS.  12 A- 12 B , illustrating control of both a trolling motor assembly and a sonar assembly in accordance with some example embodiments; 
         FIGS.  14 A and  14 B  show schematic top views of the example watercraft shown in  FIGS.  10 A-B , illustrating example correction control of a trolling motor assembly and a sonar assembly in accordance with some example embodiments; 
         FIGS.  15 A,  15 B, and  15 C  show schematic top views of the example watercraft shown in  FIGS.  11 A-B , illustrating control of both a trolling motor assembly and a sonar assembly in accordance with some example embodiments; 
         FIG.  16    shows a flowchart of an example method for controlling operation of a trolling motor and a sonar assembly in accordance with some example embodiments; and 
         FIG.  17    shows a flowchart of another example method for controlling operation of a trolling motor and a sonar assembly in accordance with some example embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Exemplary embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the embodiments take many different forms and should not be construed as being limiting. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates an example watercraft  100  on a body of water. The watercraft  100  includes a main engine  110 , a trolling motor system  120 , and a sonar system  130 . According to some example embodiments, the trolling motor system  120  may be comprised of a trolling motor assembly including a propulsion motor and a propeller, and a navigation control device (e.g., foot pedal, remote control, etc.) used to control the speed and the course or direction of propulsion. The trolling motor assembly may be attached to the bow of the watercraft  100  and the motor and propeller may be submerged in the body of water. However, positioning of the trolling motor system  120  need not be limited to the bow, and may be placed elsewhere on a watercraft. The trolling motor system  120  can be used to propel the watercraft  100  under certain circumstances, such as, when fishing and/or when wanting to remain in a particular location despite the effects of wind and currents on the watercraft  100 . Depending on the design, the propeller of a trolling motor assembly may be driven by a gas-powered motor, an electric motor, or a hybrid motor. Moreover, steering the trolling motor system  120  may be accomplished manually via hand control, via foot control, or even through use of a remote-control (e.g., a fob). Additionally, in some cases, an autopilot may operate the trolling motor autonomously, such as when anchor mode is selected. 
     According to some sample embodiments, the sonar system  130  may be comprised of a sonar assembly including a directional actuator, a transducer assembly, and a navigational control device, such as the navigational control device that may be used to control the trolling motor system  120 . The sonar system  130  may be attached to the trolling motor system  120  such that the transducer assembly is submerged in the body of water when the propeller is submerged. However, positioning of the sonar system  130  need not be limited to the trolling motor system  120 , and may be placed elsewhere on the watercraft, such as directly to the bow, stern, or side, as shown in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B . The sonar system  130  can be used to detect waterborne or underwater objects. For example, the sonar system  130  may be used to determine depth and bottom topography, detect fish, etc. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates an example trolling motor assembly  200 , as well as an example sonar assembly  140 , according to some example embodiments. The trolling motor assembly  200  may include a shaft  210 , a motor  220 , a propeller  230 , and an attachment device  240 . The trolling motor assembly  200  may be affixed to a side of a watercraft via attachment device  240 , which may be, for example, an adjustable clamp, mount, etc. According to some example embodiments, the trolling motor assembly  200  may also include other components such as, for example, lights, temperature sensors, etc. 
     Further, the trolling motor assembly may include a steering actuator  250  that is configured to actuate to cause rotation of the shaft  210 , and accordingly rotation of the propeller  230 , about axis  260  to change the facing direction (e.g., the direction of propulsion). To cause rotation and control of the direction of propulsion (or the direction the trolling motor is oriented, which may correspond to the direction of propulsion when the motor of the trolling motor is operating), the steering actuator  250  may directly rotate the shaft  210  or a series of cam shafts or gears may be employed to cause the rotation. The steering actuator  250  may be controlled via signals transmitted to the steering actuator, such as from a navigation control device via a wireless connection  280 . In other example embodiments, a wired connection  419  ( FIG.  4 A ) may be utilized to convey signals to the steering actuator  250 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  2   , the sonar assembly  140  may include a shaft  150 , a transducer assembly  160  (e.g., one or more transducer elements or arrays), and an attachment device  170 . The sonar assembly  140  may be affixed to either the shaft  210  of the trolling motor assembly  200  or directly to a side, bow, or stern of a watercraft via an attachment device  170 , which may be, for example, an adjustable clamp, mount, etc. Further, the sonar assembly  140  may include a directional actuator  180  that is configured to actuate to cause rotation of the shaft  150 , and accordingly rotation of the transducer array  160 , about axis  290  to change the direction in which the transducer array  160  is directed with respect to the watercraft. To cause rotation and control of the orientation of the transducer array  160 , the directional actuator  180  may directly rotate the shaft  160  on a series of cam shafts or gears may be employed to cause the rotation. The directional actuator  180  may be controlled via signals transmitted to the directional actuator  180  from a navigation control device, the same navigation control device that may be used to send signals to the steering actuator of the trolling motor assembly, such as via a wireless connection  280 . In other example embodiments, a wired connection  419  ( FIG.  4 A ) may be utilized to convey signals to the directional actuator  180 . Notably, while rotation ability is shown for the sonar assembly  140  and the trolling motor assembly  200 , other adjustment control is contemplated. For example, the sonar assembly  140  may be adjusted in angle (e.g., tilted up or down), in orientation (e.g., between viewing modes and/or according to a polar direction), or otherwise. 
       FIG.  3    shows an example implementation of a user input assembly of a navigation control device according to various example embodiments in the form of a foot pedal assembly  400 . The foot pedal assembly  400  may be one example of a user input assembly that includes a deflection sensor and a lever. The foot pedal assembly  400  may be in operable communication with at least one of the trolling motor assembly  200  and the sonar assembly  140 , via, for example, the processor as described with respect to  FIG.  9   . Foot pedal assembly  400  includes a lever  410  in the form of a foot pedal  431  that can pivot about an axis (as indicated by the arrows) in response to movement of, for example, a user&#39;s foot. The foot pedal assembly  400  further includes a support base  480  and a deflection sensor  440 . The deflection sensor  440  may measure the deflection of the foot pedal  410  and provide an indication of the deflection to, for example, processor. A corresponding steering/directional input signal having an indication of a direction of turn (and, in some embodiments, a rate of turn) may be ultimately provided to one or more actuators (e.g., steering actuator  315   a  and/or directional actuator  315   b  of  FIG.  9   ) via a wireless connection. 
     Additionally, the foot pedal assembly  400  preferably includes one or more control buttons, such as a button  415 . In some embodiments, one or more buttons may be related to switching the foot pedal assembly  400  between at least a first mode in which the foot pedal assembly  400  provides control signals to the trolling motor assembly  200 , a second mode in which control signals are provided to the sonar assembly  140 , and a third mode in which the foot pedal assembly  400  provides control signals to both the trolling motor assembly  200  and the sonar assembly  140 . As such, a user may switch between control of the trolling motor assembly  200 , the sonar assembly  140 , or both, with the foot pedal assembly  400  by simply operating the button  415  (e.g., turning it, depressing it or a portion of it, etc.). According to some example embodiments, additional modes of operation for the foot pedal assembly  400  may be selected (such as via one or more buttons) in which the foot pedal assembly  400  is used to provide control signals to auxiliary assemblies  600  ( FIG.  9   ) of the corresponding watercraft such as, but not limited to, accent lighting  610 , entertainment systems  620 , dive platforms  630 , etc. For example, such control signals may be used to dim/brighten accent lighting, raise/lower the volume of radios and televisions, extend/retract a dive platform, etc. In some embodiments, rather than the button  415 , an alternate user input that could be toggled, moved, rotated, etc., could be used to select the mode of operation of the foot pedal assembly  400 . 
     According to some example embodiments, the measured deflection of the foot pedal  410  may be an indication of the desired direction (and, in some embodiments, a desired rate of turn) for either the propulsion direction of the trolling motor assembly  200 , the transmission direction of the sonar assembly  140 , or both, depending upon the mode in which the user has placed the foot pedal assembly  400  of the navigation control device. In this regard, a user may cause the foot pedal  410  to rotate or deflect by an angle (according to example coordinate system  432 ) and the angle may be measured (e.g., in degrees) by the deflection sensor  440 . 
     According to some example embodiments, when the above mentioned first mode is selected for the foot pedal assembly  400 , rotation of the foot pedal  410  in the counterclockwise direction (such that the left side of the foot pedal  410  is tilted down), as shown in  FIG.  6 A , may cause the propulsion direction to turn to the left and, in some embodiments, at a desired rate of turn, while rotation of the foot pedal  410  in the clockwise direction (such that the right side of the foot pedal is tilted down), as shown in  FIG.  6 B , may cause the propulsion direction to turn to the right and, in some embodiments, at the desired rate of turn. 
     According to some example embodiments, when the above mentioned second mode is selected for the foot pedal assembly  400 , rotation of the foot pedal  410  in the counterclockwise direction (such that the left side of the foot pedal is tilted down), as shown in  FIG.  7 A , may cause the orientation of the transducer assembly  160  of the sonar assembly  140 , to turn to the left and, in some embodiments, at a desired rate of turn, while rotation of the foot pedal  410  in the clockwise direction (such that the right side of the foot pedal is tilted down), as shown in  FIG.  7 B , may cause the orientation of the transducer assembly  160 , to turn to the right and, in some embodiments, at the desired rate of turn. 
     According to some example embodiments, when the above mentioned third mode is selected for the foot pedal assembly  400 , rotation of the foot pedal  410  in the counterclockwise direction (such that the left side of the foot pedal is tilted down), as shown in  FIG.  8 A , may cause both the propulsion direction and the orientation of the transducer assembly  160  of the sonar assembly  140 , to turn to the left and, in some embodiments, at a desired rate of turn, while rotation of the foot pedal  410  in the clockwise direction (such that the right side of the foot pedal is tilted down), as shown in  FIG.  8 B , may cause both the propulsion direction and the orientation of the transducer assembly  160 , to turn to the right and, in some embodiments, at the desired rate of turn. 
     In some embodiments, the rate of turn may be a function of the magnitude of the angle measured by the deflection sensor  440 . In this regard, for example, with each increase of an angle of deflection, the rate of turn may also increase proportionally based on a linear or exponential function. For example, if the foot pedal  410  is deflected by 5 degrees from a given origin, then the rate of turn may be 1 degree of rotation per second for the propulsion direction change. However, if the deflection angle is 10 degrees, the rate of turn may be 5 degrees of rotation per second for the propulsion direction change. 
     While the foot pedal assembly  400  is shown as including the foot pedal  410  to control the direction of rotation of the propulsion direction and the sonar assembly orientation, the foot pedal assembly  400  may also include other controls, such as related to determining the rate of turn for the trolling motor assembly  200  and the sonar assembly  140 . For example, as shown in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , propulsion speed controls, such as a speed wheel  417 , may also be included on the foot pedal assembly  400 . In such example embodiments, the speed wheel  417  may be utilized by a user to select a rate of turn rather than a rate of deflection or amount of deflection of the foot pedal, as previously discussed above. As shown, in some example embodiments, mode selector button  415  may be positioned on an upper surface of the foot pedal  410  to allow a user to switch modes of operation of the foot pedal assembly  400  with their foot. 
       FIG.  5 A  provides another example user input assembly that includes a deflection sensor and a lever. A fob  500  may be an embodiment of a user input assembly that includes, for example, the processor  335  described with respect to  FIG.  9   . The fob may include rocker button  510  that pivots about axis. The rocker button  510  may form the lever of some example embodiments and a deflection of the rocker button  510  may be measured by a deflection sensor (not shown). With respect to operation, a user may depress one side of the rocker button  510  to cause the rocker button  510  to deflect from its origin position. The angle of deflection may be measured by the deflection sensor and communicated to the processor as a direction and rate of turn. As described above, increases in the angle of deflection can result in increased rates of turn. Notably, while a rocker button is described above, other user input buttons may be utilized for providing instruction of desired directional control, such as a joystick, dial, other type buttons, display screen, etc. 
     The fob  500  also includes a mode select button  535  that, similarly to the above described button  415  of the foot pedal assembly  400 , is used to control whether fob  500  provides control signals to either the trolling motor assembly  200 , the sonar assembly  140 , or both. Fob  500  may also include other controls, such as, a propulsion increase button  530  and propulsion decrease button  540 . Propulsion increase button  530  and propulsion decrease button  540  may be operated to control the propulsion speed of a propulsion motor when providing control signals to the trolling motor assembly  200 . Alternately, when providing control signals to the sonar assembly  140 , increase button  530  and decrease button  540  may be used, for example, to adjust the angle of the transducer assembly  160  within a vertical plane. 
     According to some example embodiments, a change with respect to time in the angle of deflection may alternatively be used to indicate a desired rate of turn. In this regard, if a lever rapidly moves from, for example, an origin position to a given angle of deflection, then the rate of turn would be higher. For example, with respect to the foot pedal assembly  400 , if a user was to stomp on the foot pedal  410  to generate a rapid change in the angle of deflection as measured by the deflection sensor  440  with respect to time, then a high rate of turn may be determined by the processor  335 . Likewise, if a user slowly changes the angle of deflection, then the processor  335  may determine a lower rate of turn. In a similar fashion, the rate of change of the angle of the deflection of the rocker button  510  may be monitored to determine a rate of turn for provision to a steering actuator. As such, the processor  335  may be configured to determine a rate of turn based on the rate at which and angle of deflection changes with respect to time. 
     Referring again to  FIG.  3   , in some embodiments, the foot pedal  410  may include pressure sensors  450  and  451  (e.g., in combination with or as an alternative to deflection sensor  440 ). Accordingly, as a user depresses the foot pedal  410  onto one of the pressure sensors, a pressure (or force) may be applied to the sensor and the sensor may measure the pressure. If pressure is applied to sensor  450 , then a rate of turn in a first direction may be determined, and if pressure is applied to sensor  451 , then a rate of turn in the opposite direction may be determined. 
     In a similar manner, in some embodiments, rather than utilizing a rocker button  510 , as shown in  FIG.  5 A , pressure sensors may be used in conjunction with a fob  550  to measure pressure in order to determine a rate of turn. Along these lines, the fob  550  shown in  FIG.  5 B  may use pressure sensors to determine a direction and a rate of turn. In this regard, fob  550  may be similar to fob  500 , with the exception that rather than a rocker button, two separate push buttons  560  and  570  may be included. One or more pressure sensors may be operably coupled to push buttons  560  and  570  to detect an amount of pressure being applied to the buttons. Again, a pressure value may be measured and used to determine both a direction and a rate of turn by the processor  335  ( FIG.  9   ). Similar to fob  500 , fob  550  may also include a mode select button  585 , a propulsion/sonar/tilt increase button  580 , and propulsion/sonar/tilt decrease button  590  to control the propulsion speed of the trolling motor assembly  200  or angle of transmission of the sonar assembly  140 . 
     Referring again to  FIG.  3   , in some embodiments, instead of pressure sensors, sensors  450  and  451  may be switches. In such an example embodiment, as a user depresses the foot pedal  410  onto the switch, the switch may transition to an active state. Further, a user may hold the foot pedal  410  in that position for a duration of time. The duration of time may be measured and as it increases, the rate of turn may increase. In other words, holding the foot pedal  410  down longer can cause the rate of turn to increase. In a similar manner, switches may be used in conjunction with the fob  500  and a duration of time in an active state may be measured on either end of the rocker switch  510  to determine a rate of turn. Switches may also be used with fob  550 , such as through buttons  560  and  570  in a similar manner. 
     While the above example embodiments utilize sensors that measure angle of deflection, pressure, and duration of time of pressing, some embodiments of the present invention contemplate other types of sensors for correlating to a desired rate of turn (e.g., capacitive, among others). Further, while the above example embodiments utilize a foot pedal or fob, some embodiments of the present invention contemplate use with other systems/structures, such as a touch screen, a user input assembly on the trolling motor or a remote marine electronics device. 
       FIG.  9    shows a block diagram of a trolling motor assembly  300  (similar to the trolling motor assembly  200 ), a sonar assembly  380  (similar to the sonar assembly  140 ) in communication with a navigation control device  330 , and an auxiliary assembly  600 . As described herein, it is contemplated that while certain components and functionalities of components may be shown and described as being part of the trolling motor assembly  300 , the sonar assembly  380 , or the navigation control device  330 , according to some example embodiments, some components (e.g., the autopilot navigation assembly, functionalities of the processors  305   a ,  305   b , and  335 , or the like) may be included in the others of the trolling motor assembly  300 , the sonar assembly  380 , or the navigation control device  330 . 
     As depicted in  FIG.  9   , the trolling motor assembly  300  may include a processor  305   a , a memory  310   a , a steering actuator  315   a , a propulsion motor  320 , and a communication interface  325   a . According to some example embodiments, the trolling motor assembly  300  may also preferably include an autopilot navigation assembly  326 . Also as depicted in  FIG.  9   , the sonar assembly  380  may include a processor  305   b , a memory  310   b , a directional actuator  315   b , a communications interference  325   b , and a transducer array  327 . As well, the auxiliary assembly  600  may include a processor  305   c , communications interference  325   c , lighting  610 , a communications system  620 , a dive platform  630 , etc. 
     The processors  305   a ,  305   b , and  350   c  may be any means configured to execute various programmed operations or instructions stored in a memory device such as a device or circuitry operating in accordance with software or otherwise embodied in hardware or a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a processor operating under software control or the processor embodied as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field programmable gate array (FPGA) specifically configured to perform the operations described herein, or a combination thereof) thereby configuring the device or circuitry to perform the corresponding functions of the processors  305   a ,  305   b , and  305   c  as described herein. In this regard, the processor  305   a  may be configured to analyze electrical signals communicated thereto, for example in the form of a steering input signal received via the corresponding communication interface  325   a , and instruct the steering actuator  315   a  to adjust the direction of the propulsion motor  320  in accordance with a received direction and rate of turn. Alternatively, subsequently, or simultaneously, the processor  305   b  may be configured to analyze electrical signals communicated thereto in the form of a directional input signal and instruct the directional actuator  315   b  to adjust the direction of the transducer array  327  in accordance with a received rotational signal. Processor  305   c  may be configured to analyze electrical signals communicated thereto in the form of control signals for the various associated systems, i.e., lights  610 , entertainment system  620 , etc., and operate the associated systems in accordance with the received control signals. 
     The memories  310   a  and  310   b  may be configured to store instructions, computer program code, trolling motor and/or sonar steering codes and instructions, marine data, such as sonar data, chart data, location/position data, and other data in a non-transitory computer readable medium for use, such as by the processors  305   a  and  305   b.    
     The communication interfaces  325   a  and  325   b  may be configured to enable connection to external systems (e.g., trolling motor assembly  300  and sonar assembly  380 ). In this manner, the processors  305   a  and  305   b  may retrieve stored data from remote, external servers via their communication interfaces  325   a  and  325   b  in addition to or as an alternative to their memories  310   a  and  310   b , respectively. 
     The processor  305   a  of trolling motor assembly  300  may be in communication with and control the steering actuator  315   a . Steering actuator  315   a  may be an electronically controlled mechanical actuator (i.e., an electro-mechanical actuator) configured to actuate at various rates (or speeds) in response to respective signals or instructions. As described above with respect to steering actuator  250  ( FIG.  2   ), steering actuator  315   a  may be configured to adjust the direction of the propulsion motor  320 , a rudder, and/or propulsion, regardless of the means for doing so, in response to electrical signals. To do so, steering actuator  315   a  may employ a solenoid, a motor, or the like configured to convert an electrical signal into a mechanical movement. The range of motion to turn the propulsion motor  320  may be more than 360 degrees, 360 degrees, 180 degrees, 90 degrees, 37 degrees, or the like. Further, with respect to being variable speed, the steering actuator  315   a  may be configured to receive a signal that indicates a rate of turn for the propulsion motor  320  (e.g., 10 degrees/second, 5 degrees/second, or the like) and actuate at a respective rate to support the desired rate of turn for the propulsion direction. 
     The propulsion motor  320  may be any type of propulsion device configured to urge a watercraft through the water (e.g., trolling motor, main propulsion motor, thruster, etc.). The propulsion motor  320  may be variable speed to enable the propulsion motor  320  to move the watercraft at different speeds or with different power or thrust. 
     Similarly, the processor  305   b  of the sonar assembly  380  may be in communication with and control the directional actuator  315   b . Directional actuator  315   b  may be an electronically controlled mechanical actuator (i.e., an electro-mechanical actuator) configured to actuate at various rates (or speeds) in response to respective signals or instructions. As described above with respect to directional actuator  180  ( FIG.  2   ), directional actuator  315   b  may be configured to adjust the rotation direction or height of the shaft and/or the orientation and/or height of the transducer array  327  (which could be multiple transducer arrays, as well as a single transducer element), regardless of the means for doing so, in response to electrical signals. To do so, directional actuator  315   b  may employ a solenoid, a motor, or the like configured to convert an electrical signal into a mechanical movement. The range of motion to turn the transducer array  327  may be more than 360 degrees, 360 degrees, 180 degrees, 90 degrees, 37 degrees, or the like. Further, with respect to being variable speed, the directional actuator  315   b  may be configured to receive a signal that indicates a rate of turn for the transducer assembly  327  (e.g., 10 degrees/second, 5 degrees/second, or the like) and actuate at a respective rate to support the desired rate of turn for the transmission direction. 
     The sonar assembly  380  may include a sonar transducer array  327  (which could be multiple transducer arrays, as well as a single transducer element) that may be affixed to a component of the trolling motor assembly  300 , such as the shaft  210  ( FIG.  2   ), such that is disposed underwater when the trolling motor assembly  300  is operating. In this regard, the transducer array  327  may be in a housing and configured to gather sonar data from the underwater environment surrounding the watercraft. Accordingly, the processor  305   b  (such as through execution of computer program code) may be configured to receive sonar data from the transducer array  327 , and process the sonar data to generate an image based on the gathered sonar data. In some example embodiments, the sonar assembly  380  may be used to determine depth and bottom topography, detect fish, locate wreckage, etc. Sonar beams, from the sonar transducer  327 , can be transmitted into the underwater environment and echoes can be detected to obtain information about the environment. In this regard, the sonar signals can reflect off objects in the underwater environment (e.g., fish, structures, sea floor bottom, etc.) and return to the transducer, which converts the sonar returns into sonar data that can be used to produce an image of the underwater environment. According to some example embodiments, the sonar assembly  380  may include or be in communication with a display to render the image for display to a user. 
     Based on the input received by the user input assembly  350 , the system may be configured to selectively control the trolling motor assembly  300 , the sonar assembly  380 , or both the trolling motor assembly  300  and the sonar assembly  380 . When only one of the trolling motor assembly  300  or the sonar assembly  380  is selected, the system may not have control over the unselected assembly while the selected assembly is controlled. When both the trolling motor assembly  300  and the sonar assembly  380  are selected, however, the system may be configured to allow control over both the trolling motor assembly  300  and the sonar assembly  380  in various different ways. 
     For example,  FIGS.  10 A- 10 B  show an example scenario in which a trolling motor assembly  800  and a sonar assembly  802  are attached together, and in which a user has indicated a desire for control over both the trolling motor assembly  800  and the sonar assembly  802  (e.g., through user input assembly  350 ). When the user indicates a desired direction of turn using, e.g., a foot pedal and/or a fob, etc., the processor  335  may generate and send signals to both the trolling motor assembly  800  and the sonar assembly  802 , causing the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly to move in the same direction. In some embodiments, both the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly may move at the same time (e.g., such that they move simultaneously). Further, in some embodiments, both the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly may move at the same rate and in the same direction (e.g., such that they move synchronously). For example, in the illustration of  FIG.  10 A , the beam  806   a  represents an initial facing direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly  802 , and the arrow  804   a  represents an initial facing direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly  800 . In the illustration of  FIG.  10 B , the beam  806   b  represents a subsequent facing direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly  802 , and the arrow  804   b  represents a subsequent facing direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly  800 . Notably, the angle A 1 , which is the angle between the beam  806   a  and the arrow  804   a , is equal to the angle A 2 , which is the angle between the beam  806   b  and the arrow  804   b . In some embodiments in which synchronous movement is desired, the angle A 1  may be equal to the angle A 2 , as depicted in  FIGS.  10 A- 10 B . In other embodiments, the processor  335  may be configured to cause the propulsion motor and the transducer array to move in the same direction but at different rates, and the angles A 1  and A 2  may not be the same. 
       FIGS.  11 A- 11 B  show another example scenario in which a user has indicated a desire for control over both a trolling motor assembly  808  and a sonar assembly  810  (e.g., through user input assembly  350 ). In this example embodiment, however, the trolling motor assembly  808  and the sonar assembly  810  are not attached. Instead, the trolling motor assembly  808  is near the stern of the watercraft  100 , and the sonar assembly  810  is near the bow of the watercraft  100 . In this embodiment, when the user indicates a desired direction of turn using, e.g., a foot pedal and/or a fob, etc., the processor  335  may generate and send signals to both the trolling motor assembly  808  and the sonar assembly  810 , causing the propulsion motor and the transducer array to move in the same direction. For example, in the illustration of  FIG.  11 A , the beam  814   a  represents an initial facing direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly  810 , and the arrow  812   a  represents an initial facing direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly  808 . In the illustration of  FIG.  10 B , the beam  814   b  represents a subsequent facing direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly  810 , and the arrow  812   b  represents a subsequent facing direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly  808 . In some embodiments, both the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly may move at the same time (e.g., such that they move simultaneously). Further, in some embodiments, both the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly may move at the same rate (e.g., such that they move synchronously). In other embodiments, the propulsion motor and the transducer array may not move at the same rate. 
     In some embodiments, the processor  335  may be configured to generate a correction signal before or in conjunction with causing movement of both a propulsion motor and a transducer assembly. For example,  FIG.  12 A  shows a trolling motor assembly  820  and a sonar assembly  822  which are facing in different directions, as illustrated by beam  818   a  and arrow  816   a . The processor  335  may be configured to determine which of the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly faces in a direction that is farther from, e.g., a neutral position N (e.g., the watercraft north, although any direction may be used). For example, the processor  335  may determine whether the beam  818   a  or the arrow  816   a  is closer to the neutral position N. The processor  335  may then be configured to generate a correction signal for the assembly that is farther from the neutral position N. For example, in  FIG.  12 A , the beam  818   a  is farther from the neutral position N than is the arrow  816   a . Thus, the processor  335  may be configured to generate a correction signal to be provided to the sonar assembly  822  to cause the rotation of the direction of the transducer assembly such that, after rotation, the transducer assembly faces in the same direction as the propulsion motor, as shown in  FIG.  12 B  (e.g., such that the beam  818   b  and the arrow  816   b  face in the same direction). The reverse may also be true. For example, if the arrow  816   a  were farther from the neutral position N than the beam  818   a , the processor  335  may be configured to generate a correction signal to be provided to the trolling motor assembly  820  to cause the rotation of the direction of the propulsion motor such that, after rotation, the transducer assembly faces in the same direction as the propulsion motor (e.g., such that the beam  818   b  and the arrow  816   b  face in the same direction). In some embodiments, the neutral position N may be as depicted in  FIGS.  12 A- 12 B , which is in a fore-to-aft direction of the watercraft  100 . In other embodiments, the neutral position N may be any other position with respect to the watercraft  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the processor  335  may be configured to generate two correction signals. For example, the processor  335  may be configured to generate a first correction signal to be sent to the trolling motor assembly  820 , and a second correction signal to be sent to the sonar assembly  822 , such that propulsion motor and the transducer assembly both move such that they face in the same way as the neutral position N (e.g., such that both the beam  818   a  and the arrow  816   a  move to be in line with the neutral position N). In some embodiments, the neutral position N may be as depicted in  FIGS.  12 A- 12 B , which is in a fore-to-aft direction of the watercraft  100 , or in other embodiments, the neutral position N may be any other position with respect to the watercraft  100 . Further, in other embodiments, the processor  335  may be configured to generate multiple correction signals to achieve any other position before or during controlled movement of both a propulsion motor and a transducer assembly begins. 
     In embodiments in which multiple correction signals are generated, the first correction signal may include a first rate of turn, and the second correction signal may include a second rate of turn. In some embodiments, the first rate of turn and the second rate of turn may be configured such that the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly each face in the same final direction at a same time. In other embodiments, the first rate of turn and the second rate of turn may be the same, such that the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly each face in the same final direction, but such that each of the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly reach their final position at different times. 
     Once one or more correction signals have been executed, and still while the user has indicated a desire for control over both the trolling motor assembly  820  and the sonar assembly  822 , the trolling motor assembly  820  and the sonar assembly  822  may operate according to the configuration shown in  FIGS.  13 A- 13 B . That is, the illustration in  FIG.  13 A  may depict the trolling motor assembly  820  and the sonar assembly  822  after one or more correction signals have been generated, such that the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly face in the same direction (e.g., such that the beam  818   b  and the arrow  816   b  are parallel). When the user indicates a desired direction of turn using, e.g., a foot pedal and/or a fob, etc., the processor  335  may generate and send signals to both the trolling motor assembly  820  and the sonar assembly  822 , causing the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly to move in the same direction. For example, in the illustration of  FIG.  13 A , the beam  818   b  represents an initial facing direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly  822 , and the arrow  816   b  represents an initial facing direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly  820 . In the illustration of  FIG.  13 B , the beam  818   c  represents a subsequent facing direction of the transducer assembly of the sonar assembly  822 , and the arrow  816   c  represents a subsequent facing direction of the propulsion motor of the trolling motor assembly  820 . In some embodiments, both the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly may move at the same time (e.g., such that they move simultaneously). Further, in some embodiments, such as shown in  FIGS.  13 A- 13 B , both the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly may move at the same rate (e.g., such that they move synchronously). In other embodiments, the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly may not move at the same rate. Further, in some embodiments, the trolling motor assembly  820  and the sonar assembly  822  may be attached, such as shown in  FIGS.  13 A- 13 B . In some embodiments, however, the trolling motor assembly  820  and the sonar assembly  822  may not be attached and may be located at different locations with respect to the watercraft  100 . 
     As another example, the processor  335  may be configured to generate one or more correction signals according to a selected point of interest  832 . For example, as shown in  FIGS.  14 A- 14 B , the processor  335  may generate a first correction signal to be sent to the trolling motor assembly  824  and a second correction signal to be sent to the sonar assembly  826 , such that both the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly adjust to aim to, e.g., the position P. For example, the neutral position P may be determined based on a point of interest  832 , which may be selected by the user. The correction signals may be generated based on the point of interest  832  such that the beam  830   a  and the arrow  828   a , which represent the initial directions of the transducer assembly and the propulsion motor, respectively, move to be in line with the position P, as depicted in  FIG.  14 B  (e.g., the beam  830   b  and the arrow  828   b  are in line with position P). 
     In embodiments in which multiple correction signals are generated according to a selected point of interest (e.g., point of interest  832 ), the first correction signal may include a first rate of turn, and the second correction signal may include a second rate of turn. In some embodiments, the first rate of turn and the second rate of turn may be configured such that the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly each face in the same final direction (e.g., towards the point of interest  832 ) at a same time. In other embodiments, the first rate of turn and the second rate of turn may be the same, such that the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly each face in the same final direction, but such that each of the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly reach their final direction at different times. 
     According to some example embodiments, the autopilot navigation assembly  326  (depicted in  FIG.  9   ) may be configured to determine a destination (e.g., via input by a user) and route for a watercraft and control the steering actuator  315   a , via the processor  305   a , to steer the propulsion motor  320  in accordance with the route and destination independent of any input from a user, such as by way of the navigation control device  330 . In this regard, the processor  305   a  and memory  310   a  may be considered components of the autopilot navigation assembly  326  to perform its functionality, but the autopilot navigation assembly  326  may also include position sensors. The memory  310   a  may store digitized charts and maps to assist with autopilot navigation. To determine a destination and route for a watercraft, the autopilot navigation assembly  326  may employ a position sensor, such as, for example, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor. Based on the route, the autopilot navigation assembly  326  may determine that different rates of turn for propulsion may be needed to efficiently move along the route to the destination. As such, the autopilot navigation assembly  326  may instruct the steering actuator  315   a , via the processor  305   a , to turn in accordance with different rates of turn as defined in a planned route. According to some example embodiments, a rate of turn during a route may be a function of, for example, the prevailing winds, ocean currents, weather considerations, or the like at the location of the turn. As well, the autopilot navigation assembly  326  may be configured to maintain a watercraft in a desired location (e.g., when a user selects an “anchor mode”) by controlling the steering actuator  315   a , via the processor  305   a , to steer the propulsion motor  320  based on inputs from the aforementioned GPS sensor. 
     In some embodiments, utilization of the autopilot navigation assembly  326  to autonomously steer the propulsion motor  320  of the watercraft allows a user to selectively provide control signals to an alternate system, such as the sonar assembly  380 , by selecting the corresponding mode of operation of the navigation control device  330 . Further, in some embodiments, utilization of the autopilot navigation assembly  326  to autonomously steer the propulsion motor  320  of the watercraft allows a user to select a mode indicating a desire for control over both the trolling motor assembly  300  and the sonar assembly  380 , in which the transducer array  327  moves autonomously with the propulsion motor  320  according to the instructions from the autopilot navigation assembly  326 . 
     In some embodiments, with reference to  FIGS.  15 A- 15 C , the processor  335  may be configured to facilitate movement of both the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly in a different way, such as according to a point of interest  842 . For example, the processor  335  may be configured to generate and send a turning input signal to the trolling motor assembly  834  to cause the direction of the propulsion motor to rotate in a pattern that causes the propulsion motor to move toward the point of interest  842  for a desired period of time (e.g., the propulsion motor moves to aim toward the point of interest  842 , as shown by the arrows  840   a  and  840   b  in  FIGS.  15 A- 15 B ). Further, as the watercraft  100  moves with respect to the point of interest  842 , the processor  335  may be configured to generate and send more turning input signals to the trolling motor assembly  834  to cause the direction of the propulsion motor to rotate in a pattern that causes the direction of the propulsion motor to continue to adjust toward the point of interest  842  for the desired period of time (e.g., the propulsion motor continues to move to aim toward the point of interest  842 , as shown by the arrows  840   b  and  840   c  in  FIGS.  15 B- 15 C ). Similarly, the processor  335  may be configured to generate and send a turning input signal to the sonar assembly  836  to cause the direction of the transducer assembly to rotate in a pattern that causes the transducer assembly to aim toward the point of interest  842  for a desired period of time (e.g., the transducer assembly moves to aim toward the point of interest  842 , as shown by the beams  838   a  and  838   b  in  FIGS.  15 A- 15 B ). Further, as the watercraft  100  moves with respect to the point of interest  842 , the processor  335  may be configured to generate and send more turning input signals to the sonar assembly  836  to cause the direction of the transducer assembly to adjust in a pattern that causes the transducer assembly to continue to aim toward the point of interest  842  for the desired period of time (e.g., the transducer array continues to move to aim toward the point of interest  842 , as shown by the beams  838   b  and  838   c  in  FIGS.  15 B- 15 C ). 
     In embodiments in which the processor  335  is configured to generate and send turning input signals to the trolling motor assembly  834  and to the sonar assembly  836  to cause the directions of the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly to adjust direction in patterns that cause the propulsion motor and the transducer assembly to move toward the point of interest  842  for a desired period of time, the processor  335  may also be configured to generate one or more correction signals, as described herein, e.g., with respect to  FIGS.  12 A- 12 B and  14 A- 14 B . 
     As mentioned above, the trolling motor assembly  300  and sonar assembly  380  may be in communication with a navigation control device  330  that is configured to selectively control the operation of either the trolling motor assembly  300 , the sonar assembly  380 , or both. In this regard, the navigation control device  330  may include a processor  335 , a memory  340 , a communication interface  345 , and a user input assembly  350 . 
     The processor  335  may be any means configured to execute various programmed operations or instructions stored in a memory device, such as a device or circuitry operating in accordance with software or otherwise embodied in hardware, or a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a processor operating under software control or the processor embodied as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field programmable gate array (FPGA) specifically configured to perform the operations described herein, or a combination thereof) thereby configuring the device or circuitry to perform the corresponding functions of the processor  335  as described herein. In this regard, the processor  335  may be configured to analyze signals from the user input assembly  350  and convey the signals or variants of the signals, such as via the communication interface  345 , to either the trolling motor assembly  300  or the sonar assembly  380 . 
     The memory  340  may be configured to store instructions, computer program code, trolling motor or sonar steering codes and instructions, marine data, such as sonar data, chart data, location/position data, and other data in a non-transitory computer readable medium for use, such as by the processor  335 . 
     The communication interface  345  may be configured to enable connection to external systems (e.g., communication interfaces  325   a  and  325   b ). In this manner, the processor  335  may retrieve stored data from a remote, external server via the communication interface  345  in addition to, or as an alternative to, the memory  340 . 
     Communication interfaces  325   a ,  325   b , and  345  may be configured to communicate via a number of different communication protocols and layers. For example, the link between the communication interfaces  325   a  and  325   b , and communication interface  345  may be any type of wireless communication link. For example, communications between the interfaces may be conducted via Bluetooth, Ethernet, the NMEA 2000 framework, cellular, WiFi, or other suitable networks. 
     According to various example embodiments, the processor  335  may operate on behalf of the trolling motor assembly  300 , the sonar assembly  380 , and the navigation control device  330 . In this regard, the processor  335  may be configured to perform some or all of the functions described with respect to processors  305   a  and  305   b , and processor  335  may communicate directly to the autopilot navigation assembly  326 , the steering actuator  315   a , or the directional actuator  315   b  directly via a wireless communication. 
     The processor  335  may also interface with the user input assembly  350  to obtain information including a direction and/or a rate of turn for either the trolling motor assembly  300 , the sonar assembly  380 , or both, based on user activity that are one or more inputs to the user input assembly  350 . In this regard, the processor  335  may be configured to determine the direction and rate of turn based on user activity detected by the user input assembly  350  and generate one or more steering/directional input signals. The steering/directional input signal may be an electrical signal indicating the direction of turn. Further, the processor  335  may be configured to direct the steering actuator  315   a  and/or the directional actuator  315   b , directly or indirectly, to rotate the propulsion motor  320  and/or the transducer array  327 , respectively, at a desired rate of turn based on the rate of turn indicated in the input signal. According to some example embodiments, the processor  335  may be further configured to modify the rate of turn indicated in the steering and/or directional input signal to different values based on variations in the user activity detected by the user input assembly  350 . 
     Various example embodiments of a user input assembly  350  may be utilized to detect the user activity and facilitate generation of one or more steering input signals indicating a rate of turn. To do so, various sensors including feedback sensors, and mechanical devices that interface with the sensors, may be utilized. For example, a deflection sensor  355 , a pressure sensor  365 , or a switch  366  may be utilized as sensors to detect user activity with respect to a rate of turn or mode of operation (e.g., whether control signals are to be received by the trolling motor assembly  300 , the sonar assembly  380 , or both). Further, lever  360  and push button  370  may be mechanical devices that are operably coupled to a sensor and may interface directly with a user to facilitate inputting either a rate of turn or a mode selection by the user via the user input assembly  350 . For example, a user may manipulate one of lever  360  and push button  370  to determine whether navigation control device provides control signals to either trolling motor assembly  300 , sonar assembly  380 , or both. 
     According to some example embodiments, a deflection sensor  355  and a lever  360  may be utilized as the user input assembly  350 . The deflection sensor  355  may be any type of sensor that can measure an angle of deflection of an object, for example, a lever  360 , such as from a center or zero position. In this regard, the processor  335  may be configured to determine a desired rate of turn of the propulsion/transmission direction based on an angle of deflection (e.g., from a set point or origin) of the lever  360  measured by the deflection sensor  355 . For example, as a user increases the angle of deflection, for example, from an origin, a rate of turn for the direction of propulsion/transmission may also increase thereby implementing a variable rate of turn for the propulsion/transmission direction. In other words, for example, as the angle of deflection increases, rotation of the propulsion/transmission direction accelerates. 
     According to some embodiments, rather than using techniques that measure an angle of deflection, a pressure sensor  365  may be used in conjunction with, for example, either the lever  360  or a push button  370  to determine a rate of turn. In this regard, the pressure sensor  365  may be configured to detect an amount of pressure applied on the pressure sensor by a user and provide a pressure value to the processor  335  based on the detected amount of pressure. In turn, the processor  335  may be configured to determine a rate of turn based on the pressure value. According to some example embodiments, higher detected amounts of pressure may indicate a higher rate of turn. The rate of turn may have a linear or exponential relationship to the pressure value. 
     According to some example embodiments, a rate of turn may be determined based on a duration of time that a switch, such as switch  366 , is in an active position. In this regard, switch  366  may have two states an active state (e.g., “on”) and an inactive state (e.g., “off”). According to some example embodiments, switch  366  may normally be in the inactive state and user activity, such as actuation of the lever  360  or the push button  370 , may be required to place the switch  366  in the active state. When in the active state, a duration of time in the active state may be detected and the rate of turn may be a function of the duration of time that the switch  366  is in the active state. 
     Example embodiments include methods of controlling operation of a trolling motor assembly and/or sonar assembly, such as shown in  FIG.  16    and in the associated description. In this regard,  FIG.  16    illustrates a flowchart of various operations that may, for example, be performed by, with the assistance of, or under the control of one or more of the processors  305   a  and  305   b , and  335 , or with other associated components described with respect to  FIG.  9    or otherwise herein, and these components may therefore constitute means for performing the respective operations. 
     In this regard, the example method may include determining a mode at  600 . According to some example embodiments, determining the mode may include detecting a mode of operation of the user input assembly for controlling either a trolling motor assembly, a sonar assembly, or both. At  610 , the example method may include detecting user activity at the user input assembly. According to some example embodiments, detecting the user activity may include detecting an angle of deflection of a lever (e.g., a foot pedal or a rocker button), detecting a rate at which an angle of deflection of a lever changes with respect to time, detecting a switch being in an active state, detecting an amount of pressure on a pressure sensor, or the like. At  620 , the example method may include determining a direction of turn based on the user activity. In this regard, determining the direction of turn may include determining the direction of turn based on an angle of deflection of a lever, a duration of time that a switch is in an active state, an amount of pressure on a pressure sensor, a point of interest, or the like. Further, at  630 , the example method may include generating, by a processor in operable communication with the user input assembly, one or more turning input signals. In this regard, the one or more turning input signals may be electrical signals indicating a direction of turn. The example method may include, at  640 , transmitting the turning input signals to at least one of a steering actuator and a directional actuator based on the detected mode and, at  650 , adjusting at least one of a direction of a propulsion motor and a direction of a sonar assembly, via the actuators, respectively, in the desired direction based on the turning input signals. 
     Example embodiments also include methods of controlling operation of a trolling motor assembly and/or sonar assembly, such as shown in  FIG.  17    and in the associated description. In this regard,  FIG.  17    illustrates a flowchart of various operations that may, for example, be performed by, with the assistance of, or under the control of one or more of the processors  305   a  and  305   b , and  335 , or with other associated components described with respect to  FIG.  9    or otherwise herein, and these components may therefore constitute means for performing the respective operations. 
     In this regard, the example method may, at  700 , include detecting user input corresponding to a desired direction that the user wishes the propulsion motor and the sonar assembly to point, such as a point of interest, navigation direction, etc. At  710 , the example method may include detecting an initial direction of a propulsion motor and an initial direction of a sonar assembly. Further, at  720 , the example method may include determining patterns of adjustment for the motor and the sonar assembly based on the desired direction and the detected initial directions. At  730 , the method may include generating by way of a processor in operable communication with the user input assembly, turning input signals. The turning input signals may be generated in accordance with the patterns determined at  720 . At  740 , the method may include transmitting the turning input signals to a steering actuator of the propulsion motor and to a directional actuator of the sonar assembly. Finally, at  750 , the method may include adjusting at least one of a direction of the propulsion motor and a direction of the sonar assembly, via the actuators, respectively, in the patterns of adjustment based on the turning input signals, such that the direction of the propulsion motor and the direction of the sonar assembly point toward the desired direction. 
     Each of  FIGS.  16 - 17    and the associated description illustrates a collection of operations of a system, method, and computer program product according to an example embodiment. It will be understood that each block of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, may be implemented by various means, such as hardware and/or a computer program product comprising one or more computer-readable mediums having computer readable program instructions stored thereon. For example, one or more of the procedures described herein may be embodied by computer program instructions of a computer program product. In this regard, the computer program product(s) which embody the procedures described herein may be stored by, for example, the memory  310   a ,  310   b , or  340  and executed by, for example, the processor  305   a ,  305   b , or  335 . As will be appreciated, any such computer program product may be loaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a machine, such that the computer program product including the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus creates means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s). Further, the computer program product may comprise one or more non-transitory computer-readable mediums on which the computer program instructions may be stored such that the one or more computer-readable memories can direct a computer or other programmable device to cause a series of operations to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus implement the functions specified in the flowchart block(s). 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated within the scope of the invention. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.