Marine Vessel Placement Control for Precise Dockside Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marine vessel docking systems require skilled operators and multiple assistants, especially in adverse weather conditions, and lack interactive systems for precise maneuvering and collision avoidance, increasing the risk of damage to vessels and surrounding areas.
Innovation Solution
An automatic location placement system incorporating a touch screen monitor, vision ranging photography, infrared vision, laser scanners, inertial measurement units, and a central processing unit to guide the propulsion system for precise movement and positioning of the marine vessel relative to a dock or external object, operating independently without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional manual maneuvering methods are used, then human judgment and control are applied, but the risk of damage increases and precision decreases in adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the marine vessel to automatically maneuver and dock itself using onboard sensors (vision systems, laser scanners, inertial measurement units) that detect the environment and calculate positioning, eliminating dependence on human operators and external assistants while improving safety and precision in adverse conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated electronic control system that uses optical feeds, laser ranging, and inertial data to calculate and execute precise docking maneuvers, substituting human judgment with algorithm-based decision making for improved reliability
2Ease of operation
If multiple assistants and tug boats are used, then maneuvering capability is enhanced, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The marine vessel performs its own maneuvering tasks using integrated sensors and propulsion control systems, eliminating the need for external assistants and tug boats, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining full maneuvering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system integrates multiple functions (environmental sensing, navigation calculation, propulsion control, and positioning) into a single multi-functional system that can handle all maneuvering operations independently, replacing the need for multiple separate resources
3Measurement precision
If skilled operators and local harbor pilots are required, then maneuvering precision is improved, but operational time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces skilled human operators with an automated control system that processes sensor data in real-time to achieve precise positioning, eliminating the time required for human assessment and decision-making while maintaining or improving positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system continuously processes environmental data from vision systems and laser scanners without interruption, enabling uninterrupted real-time adjustment of the vessel's position, whereas manual operations require periodic human assessment and control adjustments
4Loss of information
If conventional visual aids are used, then operator judgment is assisted, but automation level remains low and human assistance is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces passive visual aids with an active automated control system that not only detects the environment using multiple sensors but also automatically calculates and executes docking maneuvers, achieving full automation from environmental awareness to action execution
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensor data from the environment is constantly monitored, processed, and used to adjust propulsion commands in real-time, enabling closed-loop automated control rather than open-loop visual assistance
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and safe automatic docking and collision avoidance in adverse weather conditions, reducing the need for skilled operators and maintaining the vessel's position without additional securing devices, even in congested areas.
Implementation Method 1
a vision ranging photograph system generating at least one optical feed; (i) receiving, from the vision ranging photography system, the at least one optical feed, the feed including data providing a mapping of an environment surrounding the marine vessel
Implementation Method 2
at least one infrared vision system
Implementation Method 3
at least one ranger laser scanner
Implementation Method 4
at least one inertial measurement unit
Implementation Method 5
at least one global positioning system unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of automatically moving, by an automatic location placement system, a marine vessel includes receiving, by a central processing unit, from a vision ranging photography system, at least one optical feed including data providing a mapping of an environment surrounding a marine vessel. The method includes displaying, by the central processing unit, on a touch screen monitor, the mapping of the environment. The method includes receiving, by the central processing unit, from the touch screen monitor, target location data. The method includes directing, by the central processing unit, at least one element of a propulsion system of the marine vessel, to move the marine vessel to the targeted location, using the mapping.