Docking Assist Control Using Perimeter Sensing for Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated directional control systems for vehicles, including watercraft, are costly, difficult to retrofit, and lack accuracy for reliable docking or parking assist, especially in crowded conditions with external disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A docking assist system with a logic device that receives navigation control parameters and perimeter sensor data to determine collision avoidance control signals, which are then provided to a navigation control system to adjust steering and propulsion systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional automated directional control systems are used for watercraft docking, then docking automation is achieved, but the system cost increases and retrofitting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single integrated controller that performs multiple functions: it processes data from various sensors (GPS, compass, accelerometer, gyroscope), generates docking control signals, and provides user interface management. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate purpose-built actuators and sensors for each docking function, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining full automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service through autonomous operation where the controller automatically processes sensor data, determines optimal docking trajectories, and executes control commands without continuous human intervention. The system serves itself by using its own sensor suite and processing capabilities to complete the entire docking sequence, reducing the need for complex external control infrastructure and making retrofitting simpler
2Extent of automation
If conventional automated directional control systems are used for docking, then automation is provided, but accuracy for reliable docking in crowded conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent sensor systems (GPS for position, compass for heading, accelerometer for motion detection, gyroscope for orientation) into a single integrated sensing and control architecture. This combination allows the system to cross-validate data from multiple sources, compensate for individual sensor limitations, and achieve higher overall measurement precision and docking accuracy in crowded conditions than any single sensor system could provide
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by constantly monitoring data from the sensor suite, comparing actual position and orientation against the planned docking trajectory, and dynamically adjusting control commands to correct deviations. This real-time feedback loop enables the system to maintain high accuracy even in crowded conditions with external disturbances by continuously adapting to changing environmental conditions
3Reliability
If conventional directional control systems are used, then basic navigation control is provided, but reliability under external disturbances such as wind or water currents deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies anti-weight by using the accelerometer and gyroscope data to detect external disturbances such as wind or water currents acting on the watercraft, and then generating compensatory control commands that counteract these harmful forces. The controller calculates the disturbance effects and applies opposing control actions to maintain the intended docking trajectory, effectively neutralizing the impact of external disturbances and maintaining navigation reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide navigation control and/or docking assist for mobile structures. A navigation control system includes a logic device, one or more sensors, one or more actuators/controllers, and modules to interface with users, sensors, actuators, and/or other modules of a mobile structure. The logic device is configured to receive navigation control parameters from a user interface for the mobile structure and perimeter sensor data from a perimeter ranging system mounted to the mobile structure. The logic device determines navigation control signals based on the navigation control parameters and perimeter sensor data and provides the navigation control signals to a navigation control system for the mobile structure. Control signals may be displayed to a user and/or used to adjust a steering actuator, a propulsion system thrust, and/or other operational systems of the mobile structure.