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 high collision risks.
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
1Reliability
If conventional automated directional control systems are used, then directional control is provided, but the systems are costly, difficult to retrofit, and lack accuracy for reliable docking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single control system that can perform both automated directional control and docking assist operations. The system uses a unified controller that processes sensor data from various sources (cameras, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors) and generates control signals for both steering and propulsion, eliminating the need for separate purpose-built actuators and sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a docking control system as an intermediary layer between the sensor array and the vehicle's existing actuators. This intermediary controller processes raw sensor data, determines docking parameters, and generates appropriate control signals, thereby simplifying the integration with existing vehicle systems while improving docking accuracy and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional automated directional control systems are used, then directional control is provided, but they are difficult to retrofit into existing vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the docking system into modular components: a sensor array module, a control processing module, and an actuator interface module. This segmentation allows each module to be independently installed and configured on existing vehicles, simplifying the retrofit process. The sensor array can be mounted on the vehicle perimeter, the controller integrated into the existing electrical system, and the actuator interfaces connected to existing steering and propulsion systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to be universally applicable to different vehicle types by using standardized communication protocols and interface adapters. The system can work with various sensor types (cameras, LIDAR, ultrasonic) and actuator types (electric motors, hydraulic systems), making it adaptable to retrofitting existing vehicles with different architectures without requiring vehicle-specific customizations.
3Measurement precision
If conventional automated directional control systems are used, then directional control is provided, but accuracy is insufficient for reliable docking in crowded conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (cameras, LIDAR, ultrasonic sensors) into a unified sensor array that operates simultaneously. The controller merges data from all sensors to create a comprehensive environmental model, allowing the system to detect obstacles and calculate docking parameters with high precision. This multi-sensor fusion approach significantly improves measurement accuracy compared to single-sensor systems, enabling reliable docking in crowded conditions by detecting both stationary and mobile obstacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by constantly monitoring sensor data during the docking maneuver and adjusting control signals in real-time. The controller compares the actual vehicle position and orientation with the desired docking parameters and makes corrective adjustments to steering and propulsion commands. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains high docking accuracy even in dynamic crowded environments with moving obstacles, preventing collisions by detecting and responding to changing conditions.
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.