Docking Assist Control Using Perimeter Sensing in Crowded Berths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated directional control systems for vehicles, including watercraft, are not accurate enough for reliable docking or parking, especially in crowded conditions and when navigational control is complicated by external disturbances like wind or water currents, due to the need for expensive and difficult-to-retrofit sensors.
Innovation Solution
A docking assist system that includes a controller with sensors such as orientation, gyroscope, accelerometer, and position sensors, which execute control loops to model and control navigation, providing accurate and reliable directional control by coordinating steering and propulsion systems to compensate for hazards and environmental disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional automated directional control systems use expensive purpose-built sensors, then measurement precision may be improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a camera system primarily designed for imaging purposes to perform both its original imaging function and the additional function of measuring distance and position for docking control. The camera serves multiple roles: capturing visual data for navigation and simultaneously providing measurement data for automated directional control, thereby eliminating the need for separate expensive measurement sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs copying by using the camera to create a visual representation (image) of the docking environment, which is then processed to extract measurement information. Instead of directly measuring physical quantities with specialized sensors, the system captures an optical copy of the scene and derives positional and distance data from this visual copy through image processing techniques.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional systems use specialized sensors for automated control, then directional control accuracy is improved, but ease of retrofitting into existing vehicles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by utilizing a camera system that can serve both as a standard imaging device and as a measurement sensor for docking control. This multi-functional approach allows the system to be retrofitted into existing watercraft without requiring specialized purpose-built sensors, as the camera can perform both imaging and measurement functions that were previously required from separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an optical-based camera system. Instead of using specialized sensors that require complex mechanical integration, the system uses a camera to capture visual data and derives measurement information through software processing, significantly simplifying the retrofitting process into existing watercraft.
3Productivity
If automated control systems operate in crowded conditions with external disturbances, then productivity is maintained, but reliability of docking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously capturing images of the docking environment, processing these images to determine current position and orientation, comparing this information with the target docking position, and adjusting the control signals accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables the watercraft to maintain docking accuracy despite external disturbances such as wind and water currents, while operating efficiently in crowded conditions.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide docking assist for mobile structures. A docking assist 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 adapted to receive docking assist 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 docking assist control signals based, at least in part, on the docking assist parameters and perimeter sensor data, and it then provides the docking assist 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.