Docking Assist Control Using Perimeter Sensors in Crowded Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated directional control systems for vehicles, including planes and watercraft, are unreliable for docking or parking due to the need for expensive, purpose-built sensors and are not accurate enough, especially in crowded conditions or with external disturbances like wind or water currents.
Innovation Solution
A docking assist system that includes a logic device, sensors, actuators, and modules to interface with users, using perimeter ranging systems and navigation control systems to provide accurate docking assist control signals, adjusting steering and propulsion to ensure reliable docking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional automated directional control systems use purpose-built sensors, then automation capability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling conventional automotive sensors (ultrasonic, radar, camera, LIDAR) to perform dual functions: their primary functions for general vehicle operation and an additional docking-specific function. The system processes sensor data to generate docking control signals, allowing existing sensors to serve multiple purposes without requiring dedicated docking sensors, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by utilizing the vehicle's existing sensor suite and processing capabilities to perform docking operations. Rather than requiring external purpose-built docking sensors, the system leverages the vehicle's own conventional sensors and integrated processor to autonomously execute docking maneuvers, reducing dependency on additional specialized components.
2Measurement precision
If conventional automated directional control systems use purpose-built sensors, then docking accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables conventional automotive sensors to perform docking-specific measurements with high accuracy by processing their output data through docking control logic. The system fuses data from ultrasonic sensors, radar, cameras, and LIDAR to achieve precise docking measurements without requiring expensive purpose-built docking sensors, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual model of the docking environment by processing and integrating data from conventional sensors. This digital representation allows the system to achieve docking accuracy comparable to purpose-built sensors while using less expensive conventional automotive sensor technology.
3Extent of automation
If conventional automated directional control systems are used in crowded conditions or with external disturbances, then basic automation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring sensor data during docking maneuvers and dynamically adjusting control signals based on real-time conditions. The system processes ongoing input from ultrasonic sensors, radar, cameras, and LIDAR to detect changes in the environment (such as crowded conditions or external disturbances) and automatically compensates to maintain reliable docking operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by adapting its control strategy in real-time based on current operating conditions. Rather than using fixed automation rules, the system dynamically adjusts docking parameters and control actions based on processed sensor data, allowing it to maintain reliability in varying conditions such as crowded environments or when subjected to external disturbances like wind or water currents.
Data Source
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.