Marina Ferry Access Control Using User ID and Berth Position

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face challenges in accessing their watercraft stored in a marina when the marina is closed, and there is a risk of unauthorized use of ferries.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for controlling a ferry that includes a controller and storage portion to manage user identification and position information, allowing automated navigation to and from the user's watercraft, ensuring secure and efficient access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the marina is closed on holiday, then the ferry cannot be manually operated, but users still need to access their watercraft

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveferry accessibilityVSAvoiduser waiting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ferry system enables self-service operation by automatically identifying users through their watercraft and navigating to their destinations without requiring manual operation or marina staff intervention. The watercraft itself triggers the ferry's automated response, allowing users to access their vehicles even when the marina is closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing position information for each watercraft and preparing the ferry for automated operation. When a watercraft approaches, the ferry already has the necessary destination data ready, enabling immediate automated navigation without delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the ferry is made accessible to all users, then usability is improved, but security against unauthorized use deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveferry availabilityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ferry system applies local quality by providing differentiated access control - each watercraft receives personalized attention through unique identification. The ferry recognizes and serves only the specific watercraft that triggered its operation, ensuring that while the system is universally available, each interaction is locally secured to the authorized user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If manual ferry operation is required, then security is maintained, but operational efficiency and user convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity controlVSAvoidferry operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical manual operation system with an automated electronic identification and control system. Instead of requiring manual verification and operation, the ferry uses automated watercraft identification, position information retrieval, and self-navigation, thereby maintaining security through electronic control while dramatically improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4524021B1System for controlling ferry, method of controlling ferry, and ferry
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4524021B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4524021B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4524021B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A ferry controlling system (1) is a system for controlling a ferry set afloat in a marina (20) where a watercraft (10) of a user is moored and stored. The ferry controlling system (1) includes a controller (12) and a storage portion (13). The storage portion (13) stores identification information identifying the user, first position information regarding a first position where a ferry (30) is docked/undocked, and second position information regarding a second position on water corresponding to a position in which the watercraft (10) of the user is moored and stored. When receiving the identification information, the controller (12) allows driving of the ferry (30) and sets the second position as a destination of the ferry (30) based on the second position information.