Autopilot Route Extension Interface for Mobile Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for autopiloted vehicles require complex and error-prone processes for modifying multi-leg routes, especially in unsafe or congested areas, which can compromise safety due to the need for detailed human interaction and the blocking of critical safety information.
Innovation Solution
A navigation display system with a logic device, user interface, sensors, and actuators that allows for simplified route extension by receiving user inputs to adjust the route and display graphical and textual indicators, enabling intuitive navigation and instantaneous selective recall of routes, using sensors like orientation, position, and propulsion systems for accurate directional control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional route modification processes are used, then route accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to multiple detailed steps and route build mode requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The route extension process is segmented into distinct functional components: automatic waypoint generation, hazard detection, and route validation. The system divides the complex route modification task into manageable segments that can be processed independently, reducing operational complexity while maintaining accuracy through systematic verification at each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating candidate route extensions and pre-validating them against known hazards before presenting options to the operator. This preliminary processing reduces the complexity of the final decision-making step while ensuring accuracy through pre-computed validation.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional route modification processes are used, then route accuracy can be maintained, but loss of time increases due to detailed human interaction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating route extensions, detecting hazards, and validating routes without requiring detailed human interaction. The autopilot system serves itself by computing alternative routes and selecting optimal paths based on pre-programmed criteria, dramatically reducing the time operators need to spend on route modification while maintaining accuracy through automated validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical route-planning processes with automated computational methods. Instead of operators manually entering waypoints and checking routes, the system uses algorithms to generate and validate route extensions automatically, substituting computational processing for manual operations to reduce time loss.
3Manufacturing precision
If route build mode is activated for route modification, then route accuracy can be maintained, but loss of information occurs as navigation alerts are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the user interface state based on the modification context. Instead of permanently blocking safety information during route modifications, the system dynamically manages display priorities, allowing critical navigation alerts to remain visible while route modification data is presented. This dynamic interface management prevents information loss while maintaining route accuracy.
4Manufacturing precision
If detailed human interaction is required for route extension, then route accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity increases due to multiple operational steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating route extensions, detecting hazards, and validating routes without requiring detailed human interaction. The autopilot system serves itself by computing alternative routes and selecting optimal paths based on pre-programmed criteria, dramatically reducing the time operators need to spend on route modification while maintaining accuracy through automated validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical route-planning processes with automated computational methods. Instead of operators manually entering waypoints and checking routes, the system uses algorithms to generate and validate route extensions automatically, substituting computational processing for manual operations to reduce time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide simplified route extension and/or display for autopiloting mobile structures. A route extension system includes a user interface for a mobile structure and a logic device configured to communicate with the user interface. The user interface includes a display configured to display at least a portion of an established route for the mobile structure. The logic device is configured to receive a first user input indicating a position on a navigational chart, receive a second user input indicating the received position corresponds to an extended route for the mobile structure, determine at least one extension routeleg from an endpoint of the established route to the received position, and render at least a portion of the extended route on the display.