AtoN Simulator for Virtual Sea Area Disposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation and management of aids-to-navigation (AtoN) facilities in real sea areas are costly and labor-intensive, requiring frequent modifications due to changing shipping risks, and lack an efficient method for optimizing their disposition before actual installation.

Innovation Solution

A simulator system utilizing simulation technology to allow AtoN facilities to be freely disposed and managed in a virtual space replicating real sea conditions, comprising modules for simulation control, ship/sea reproduction, database management, 3D visualization, sound reproduction, AtoN management, and analysis, enabling quantitative and qualitative evaluation of AtoN arrangements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If AtoN facilities are installed and modified in real sea areas based on experiential data and repeated installments, then the disposition can be adjusted according to actual shipping risks, but the operational cost and service burden increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisposition optimizationVSAvoidservice efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary disposition planning and evaluation in a virtual environment before actual installation. Multiple disposition schemes can be simulated and compared in advance, allowing the optimal arrangement to be determined prior to real-world deployment, thus avoiding repeated installations and modifications in actual sea areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a virtual copy of the real sea area including geographical features, shipping routes, and traffic patterns. This virtual model allows for realistic simulation and evaluation of AtoN facility dispositions without the costs and complexities of actual installation and modification operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of manufacture

If AtoN facilities are arranged using conventional methods (equal intervals for straight courses, 3-4 facilities at apex for curved courses), then the installation process is simplified, but the effectiveness for maximizing installment effects is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoiddisposition effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system evaluates multiple disposition parameters including facility position, type, quantity, and arrangement patterns. By simulating different parameter combinations and their effects on shipping safety and traffic flow, the system identifies optimal dispositions that go beyond conventional fixed patterns, achieving both effectiveness and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides dynamic evaluation and optimization of AtoN dispositions based on varying shipping risks, seasonal patterns, and changing traffic conditions. Rather than static conventional arrangements, the system can adapt disposition recommendations to match actual operational requirements and risk profiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If frequent modifications are made to AtoN facilities due to changing shipping risks, then the disposition can adapt to new risks, but the time and cost burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverisk adaptationVSAvoidmodification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables preliminary evaluation of multiple disposition schemes for different risk scenarios before actual installation. By planning for various potential risks in advance through simulation, the system reduces the need for frequent post-installation modifications, saving time and resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback mechanisms that evaluate the effectiveness of AtoN dispositions and identify areas for improvement. This continuous evaluation allows for targeted, data-driven modifications rather than frequent arbitrary changes, reducing overall modification frequency while maintaining adaptability to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2821930B1Aids-to-navigation simulator system
Publication Date: 2017.08.30 KOREA ASSOC OF AIDS TO NAVIGATION
  • EP2821930B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2821930B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed is an AtoN simulator system, allowing an AtoN facility to be freely disposed in advance in a virtual space reproduced in the same condition with a real sea area, before installing an AtoN at the real sea area, by utilizing a simulation technology. For disposition and management of an AtoN, it is practicable to dispose and design in advance the AtoN through a simulator before installing and modifying the AtoN with high difficulty and costs in a real sea area, reducing a term and costs for service. Moreover, preliminarily confirming the pertinence to disposition and design of AtoN to be installed in a real sea area, by way of the simulation, contributes to prevent marine casualties from being caused due to incongruence of the AtoN.