Marine Drift Path Estimation Using Bidirectional Leeway Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the drift path of marine floating bodies, such as missing persons or disabled ships, are limited by their inability to accurately simulate both left and right drift paths relative to wind direction, leading to inaccurate search results and increased risk of casualties and property damage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that numerically simulates drift paths in both left and right directions using Monte Carlo techniques, considering both Downwind and Crosswind Components of Leeway, with the application of uniform random numbers to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing methods simulate drift path in only one direction (left or right), then the method configuration is simple, but the drift path estimation accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The drift path simulation is segmented into multiple independent directional components: downwind drift simulation and crosswind drift simulation (left and right directions). Each component is simulated separately using Monte Carlo methods, then combined to produce the complete drift path. This segmentation allows accurate multi-directional estimation while maintaining manageable computational complexity through modular processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional drift simulation (single direction) to two-dimensional simulation by incorporating both crosswind left and right directions alongside downwind simulation. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive drift path estimation in all possible directions, significantly improving accuracy without requiring overly complex integrated models.
2Measurement precision
If Monte Carlo technique is used to simulate both left and right drift paths, then drift path estimation accuracy is improved, but computational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computational workload is segmented into separate Monte Carlo simulations for downwind drift and crosswind drift components. By calculating these independently rather than through a single complex simulation, the system reduces overall computational burden while maintaining the accuracy benefits of Monte Carlo methods for each directional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies Monte Carlo simulation to each directional component (downwind, crosswind left, crosswind right) as partial actions. This approach uses computational resources efficiently by applying the rigorous Monte Carlo method only where needed for each component rather than attempting a single comprehensive simulation, balancing accuracy with computational cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for estimating a drift path of a marine floating body may achieve a quick and accurate search and contribute to minimizing damage because the system and method can consider both left drift and right drift with respect to a wind direction. The system and method may simulate drift (Leeway) of a marine floating body with respect wind in consideration of both of a Downwind Component of Leeway (DWL) and a Crosswind Component of Leeway (CWL) using Monte Carlo technique, and by creating signs (+/â) by applying a uniform random number to the CWL. The system and method may more accurately estimate a path with a relatively simple configuration and at a relatively low cost.