Marine Engine Running Hour Prediction Using AIS Data Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for collecting engine running hours data on marine vessels are prone to errors and inaccuracies, leading to unreliable predictions, which can result in inefficient maintenance and potential malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that combines data from multiple sources, including engine installation information, customer asset management, and vessel identification and movement data, to generate a dynamic engine running hour model, which cleans and enriches the data to improve accuracy and reliability of predictions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If sensor-based data collection methods are used for engine running hours, then data collection is simple and cost-effective, but the data accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to errors and inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection simplicityVSAvoidrunning hours data accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple data sources including sensor data, AIS vessel movement data, and customer asset management information to create a comprehensive running hours estimation model. This merging of diverse data sources compensates for the inaccuracies of individual sensor-based measurements while maintaining practical data collection methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary estimation model that processes and reconciles data from multiple sources. This model acts as a mediator between raw sensor data and final running hours predictions, filtering errors and combining information to produce accurate results without requiring direct reliance on potentially flawed sensor measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple data sources are combined to improve prediction accuracy, then running hours prediction reliability improves, but system complexity increases due to data integration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction reliabilityVSAvoiddata integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional system that handles multiple data types (sensor data, AIS data, maintenance records) through a single integrated estimation model. This universal approach allows the system to process diverse inputs without requiring separate complex subsystems for each data source, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms multiple different data parameters into a unified running hours estimation framework. By changing the parameters of various data sources into a common format and using weighted combinations, the system integrates diverse information without requiring complex custom processing for each data type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If manual data cleaning and verification processes are implemented, then data quality improves, but processing time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata qualityVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service data cleaning through automated algorithms that detect and correct inconsistencies in the integrated data. The system automatically identifies conflicting information from multiple sources and resolves discrepancies without requiring manual intervention, maintaining high data quality while minimizing processing time and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary data validation and cleaning during the data integration process itself, before final estimation calculations. By preprocessing and validating data as it is collected and combined, the system ensures high data quality without requiring separate time-consuming manual verification steps later in the workflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3953876B1Predicting running hours of a marine vessel
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 WARTSILA FINLAND OY
  • EP3953876B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3953876B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3953876B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method, a computing device and a computer program product for predicting running hour information of marine vessel engine. The method comprises receiving engine installation information, receiving engine running hour information from an engine running hours storage system, receiving vessel identification and movement data and generating a dynamic engine running hour model by combining the engine installation information, the engine running hour information and the vessel identification and movement data. Predicted running hour information is predicted based on the dynamic engine running hour model.