Marine Vessel Engine Control Without GNSS Using Destination Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine vessel maneuvering systems rely on global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) to set engine controls for destinations, which is not feasible when GNSS signals are unavailable, leading to unified but unsuitable engine controller specifications at the time of shipment from the factory.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a controller that sets engine controls for each destination using information acquired from setting operations by distributors or ground-based/sea-based base stations, including map and position information, allowing for unified specifications without relying on GNSS, and enabling control of maximum speed and air-fuel ratios based on destination-specific requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If GNSS is used to set engine control for each destination, then engine control can be adjusted for different destinations, but the system becomes unreliable when GNSS signals are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces map information and base station information as intermediary data sources to replace GNSS for destination identification. The controller uses these alternative information sources to determine the destination and set appropriate engine controls, ensuring the system remains reliable even when GNSS is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-stores map information and base station information in the storage unit before the marine vessel departs. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the vessel reaches a destination, the controller can immediately identify the location and set the appropriate engine control without relying on real-time GNSS signals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If engine control is set for each destination using GNSS, then destination-specific controls are achieved, but the controller specifications cannot be unified at the time of shipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the engine control dynamic by enabling the controller to automatically adjust control parameters based on the identified destination. The controller reads destination information from map or base station data, determines the current destination, and dynamically sets appropriate engine controls, eliminating the need for pre-configured destination-specific controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal controller that can serve multiple destinations by incorporating a storage unit that holds map information and base station information. This single controller design can identify any destination within the stored data range and automatically adjust engine controls accordingly, allowing unified specifications at the time of shipment.
3Measurement precision
If GNSS is required for destination identification, then accurate location-based control is achieved, but the system fails in environments where GNSS signals are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares alternative information sources (map information and base station information) in advance and stores them in the storage unit. This cushioning measure ensures that if GNSS signals are blocked, the controller can seamlessly switch to these pre-prepared data sources to continue identifying the destination and maintaining operational capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A marine vessel maneuvering system includes an engine and a controller configured or programmed to control a marine vessel. The controller is configured or programmed to set a control of the engine for each destination based on at least one of information indicating the destination acquired incident to a setting operation of the destination by a distributor or information indicating the destination acquired from a ground-based or sea-based base station at the destination.