Marine Vessel Control Interface With Tactile Feedback Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ship manoeuvring is a complex task due to the need for mariners to monitor and control multiple separate control apparatuses spread across the bridge of a marine vessel, which can lead to increased workload and decreased situational awareness.
Innovation Solution
A user interface apparatus that integrates mechanical elements such as a mechanical stick, block, and ring, along with processors and electric motors, to provide tactile and visual feedback for controlling a marine vessel, allowing for the adjustment of various control parameters through a unified interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate control apparatuses are used for ship manoeuvring, then control functions are comprehensive, but the complexity of the control system increases and situational awareness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple separate control apparatuses (joystick, throttle, rudder controls) into a single unified control panel. The mechanical stick, block, and ring are combined in one location, allowing the mariner to control propulsion, steering, and navigation functions from a single interface rather than scattered controls throughout the bridge.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified control panel serves multiple functions simultaneously - the mechanical stick controls thrust and speed, the block adjusts rudder angle, and the ring controls navigation parameters. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated controls for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate control apparatuses are distributed across the bridge, then specific control functions are available, but the workload on the mariner increases
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating all control functions into one unified panel, the mariner no longer needs to move between or monitor multiple separate controls distributed across the bridge. All adjustments can be made from a single location, significantly reducing physical workload and cognitive burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The control apparatus incorporates tactile feedback through mechanical resistance and visual feedback through indicators that show the current state of control parameters. This immediate feedback allows the mariner to understand system status without needing to interpret multiple separate displays or physical positions, reducing mental workload.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate control apparatuses are used, then control precision is maintained, but situational awareness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The unified control panel consolidates all control functions and their status indicators in one location, allowing the mariner to maintain situational awareness of all system parameters simultaneously rather than scanning multiple separate controls throughout the bridge.
Solution Approach 2:
Visual indicators on the unified panel provide immediate feedback on the status of all control parameters (thrust level, rudder angle, navigation mode) in one location. This centralized feedback system ensures the mariner maintains complete situational awareness without needing to distribute attention across multiple separate control stations.
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface apparatus for controlling a marine vessel. The apparatus includes concentric positioned mechanical stick, block and ring for setting a control parameter, electric motors, and electric visual elements. The apparatus also includes one or more processors configured to operate the user interface apparatus in a plurality of operation modes, each operation mode with a distinct configuration, retrieve distinct settings for the tactile feedback and/or the visual feedback, and control the tactile feedback given by the one or more electric motors and/or the visual feedback given by the one or more electric visual elements based on the retrieved distinct settings during setting a selected control parameter mapped to the mechanical stick, block or ring.