Automated Navigational Chart Update System for Waterway Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigational charts for water vehicles often fail to include newly emerged or moving objects of interest, and users face inefficiencies in reporting such objects due to time-consuming manual processes and limited data collection.
Innovation Solution
A computing device with a user interface that automatically retrieves data from sources and generates reports to update navigational charts, allowing users to efficiently report objects of interest directly to a database for inclusion in chart updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually report objects by calling operators or sending emails, then object reporting can be completed, but the process is time-consuming and reduces user productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service reporting by automatically generating reports using data from onboard sensors and chart comparison algorithms. The device independently detects objects of interest, retrieves relevant data, and submits reports without requiring user interaction with operators or manual email composition, thus eliminating time loss while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously collecting data from onboard sensors and pre-processing chart information before user input is needed. When an object is detected, the report generation process has already been initiated with pre-retrieved data, significantly reducing the time required for the reporting process while keeping the interface simple for users
2Device complexity
If only coordinate location data is collected, then reporting simplicity is maintained, but object verification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple data sources including onboard sensor data, chart information, and automatic processing algorithms into a single integrated reporting system. This combination provides comprehensive object verification through multiple data points while maintaining interface simplicity, as the system automatically processes and integrates all information without requiring users to manually gather or verify data
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by automatically verifying detected objects through chart data comparison and sensor validation. The feedback loop confirms object existence and accuracy before final report submission, enhancing reliability while keeping the user interface simple. Users receive confirmation that their reports have been verified without needing to understand the complex verification process
3Measurement precision
If charts are updated frequently with new objects, then navigation accuracy is improved, but chart data complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential and verified object information from complex sensor and chart data, separating critical navigation-relevant objects from unnecessary details. This extraction process maintains high navigation accuracy by including only verified objects while simplifying chart data management by excluding redundant information
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by automatically filtering and categorizing detected objects based on verification criteria and navigation relevance. Objects that meet accuracy thresholds are included in chart updates, while others are excluded, thus maintaining navigation precision without increasing data management complexity. The automatic parameter adjustment ensures charts remain manageable while staying accurate
Data Source
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AI summary
A computing device is provided. The computing device includes a user interface configured to receive an input that indicates a user has detected an object of interest in a body of water, a processing device coupled to the user interface, the processing device configured to automatically retrieve, in response to the input, data from at least one data source, and generate a report including the retrieved data, and a means for transmitting data coupled to the processing device and configured to transmit the generated report to a database that includes a plurality of navigational charts, wherein the generated report is used to update at least one of the database and at least one of the plurality of navigational charts to include the object of interest.