In the interests of public discourse, here are my future plans for the open source Mercator series of Sat Nav consoles: (this prevents patents from being raised by other parties because this blog demonstrates prior art for future patent applications.)

Mercator Origins:

Development status for (1): hardware built for (a) and (b), enclosure ready, software needs writing through integration of a number of existing sets of sample code. haptics may be possible with no-cone speakers used for (a) and (b), the bone conductor transducer is sat in the lab but the questions concerning waterproofing, power and radio are still all on the table.

1. Underwater audio testing for (a) verbal instructions - turn left, turn right, go ahead. (b) tone diections, (c) haptic/vibration directed guidance, (d) bone conductance transducer for personal audio communication requiring wireless comms between the diver's console and the diver. The intention is to prepare the ground for providing water-borne navigation/guidance assistance to individuals who are partially sighted or blind.

Development status for (2) : lasers and sensors are in the lab and waiting for breadboard testing. Laser driver circuits and components are also ready for testing. Should be a case of 'just' mounting the lasers and the photo sensors opposite each other in the two enclosures, on either side of the cable spool.

2. Addition of second GoPro enclosure to the spool (on the opposite to the guidance console) held by the diver which houses the audio/vibration transducers for enabling audio/haptic guidance features. The two gopro enclosures then need to communicate with each other, namely the guidance console needs to direct the audio module to 'speak' left, right or straight ahead using whatever audio comms method is preferred by the diver. The audio console also needs volume up/down buttons enabling, together with stop/start audio directions. Thus a bi-directional comms link is needed between the two enclosures. I do not want to drill holes for a cable between the two enclosures as this will increase risk of leakage and also require an awkward sub 10cm cable joining the two enclosures. My proposal is to use two lasers to communicate across the 10cm or so of water between the two modules, one laser for each 'direction' of communication.

Mercator Elements

* Development Status: Complete (capability was required to function in the pressure pot test for Mercator Origins)

* Standalone console/enclosure using the same code as Mercator Origins, no cable or float required, that can be used for water surface activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing and kayaking. All functionality of Mercator Origins except (1) no depth sensor and (2) only one M5 Stick C Plus in console enclosure because the remaining space needs to be occupied by an onboard battery. Still connects to the internet via wifi and sends telemetry including location - will require user to have their phone in hotspot mode in a waterproof pouch on their person which Mercator Elements will connect to.

Mercator Discoveries

* Development Status: Conceptual plans in motion, hardware sourcing in progress.

* A brand new enclosure/float capable of navigation and live video streaming of the dive to the internet, as well as telemetry upload to the internet.

Other Areas for Research - Long Term Vision

* navigation via underwater triangulation using an array of underwater radio or sonar beacons. Avoids need for float and cable, allows for wreck penetration.

* navigation within underwater caves using short wave radio beacons placed on the surface above the cave system to triangulate location.