Small Boat Navigation Assist System Using AR Overlay and Fuel Learning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation assist systems for small boats complicate the visualization of target points en route and do not effectively minimize fuel consumption, particularly for commercial taxi-boat operations.
Innovation Solution
A navigation assist system for small boats equipped with an outboard motor, featuring an electronic control unit, a server providing map and weather data, an information communication terminal with display and imaging capabilities, and a telecommunication unit, which uses AR-display data generation and navigation data learning to assist operators in reducing fuel consumption and visually identifying target points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional navigation systems display electronic nautical charts and target points, then navigation information is provided, but the system configuration becomes complicated and target points are not easily visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overlays 2D navigation information (target points, routes) onto the 3D real-world view through AR technology. This allows navigation data to be displayed in the operator's field of view without requiring separate displays or complex chart interpretation, resolving the contradiction between information visibility and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The AR display acts as an intermediary between the navigation system and the operator. Instead of requiring the operator to interpret traditional electronic charts, the system projects virtual navigation markers onto the real-world view, creating an intuitive visual guide that simplifies the interaction while maintaining full navigation functionality
2Speed
If outboard motor operates at high power to reduce running time, then speed increases, but fuel consumption rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts motor power output based on real-time conditions including current, wind, wave height, and boat position. By continuously optimizing engine power rather than maintaining constant high power, the system achieves efficient speed management that reduces fuel consumption while maintaining adequate travel speed
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system incorporates feedback loops that monitor actual boat speed, position, and environmental conditions, then adjust motor power accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the motor operates at optimal power levels for current conditions, preventing unnecessary fuel consumption while maintaining schedule adherence
3Use of energy by moving object
If outboard motor operates at low power to reduce fuel consumption, then fuel efficiency improves, but running time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of optimal routes and power settings based on predicted environmental conditions and required arrival times. By pre-planning the most fuel-efficient path that still meets timing requirements, the system avoids both excessive fuel consumption and unnecessarily long travel times
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (motor power, route, speed) dynamically based on real-time conditions. When conditions favor faster travel (favorable current, light wind), the system increases power to reduce time loss. When conditions are unfavorable, it optimizes for fuel efficiency, thereby balancing the contradiction between fuel consumption and running time
Data Source
AI summary
A server provides necessary data including at least map data and weather data for an ocean area to be navigated by a boat, and its AR-display data generating unit AR-displays a destination of the boat on captured forward-looking images displayed on a display of an information communication terminal at every via-target-point en route. And a server navigation data learning unit sequentially receives navigation data of the outboard motor from the terminal and learns navigation data that enables to reduce fuel consumption rate of an engine mounted on the outboard motor, and a server operation assist unit transmits the learned navigation data to the terminal so as to assist the operator's operation of the outboard motor accordingly.