Marine Helm Occupancy Detection via Electric Field Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine vessel occupant sensing systems are often dependent on multiple sensors above and below the monitored position, are sensitive to environmental changes like moisture, and fail to accurately detect occupants in both seated and standing positions without requiring direct contact or wearable components.
Innovation Solution
A method using a transmitting and receiving antenna system to emit and detect an electric field, with a reference antenna system for self-calibration, allowing detection of a marine vessel operator's presence or absence at the helm, regardless of their position, by comparing signal magnitudes to thresholds and accounting for environmental changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors above and below the monitored position are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single e-field sensor that detects occupancy without requiring separate sensors above and below the monitored position. The e-field sensor integrates the detection capabilities that would otherwise require multiple discrete sensing elements, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The e-field sensor performs multiple detection functions simultaneously - detecting presence, determining position (seated or standing), and monitoring occupancy status - all through a single sensor element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized sensors, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If traditional e-field sensors are used, then presence detection is achieved, but sensitivity to environmental changes like moisture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the e-field characteristics and uses feedback mechanisms to distinguish between changes caused by environmental factors (like moisture) and changes caused by actual occupancy. The controller analyzes the reflected e-field signals to differentiate between environmental interference and true occupancy signals, maintaining detection precision while reducing sensitivity to environmental changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the e-field sensor to operate in a frequency range or with signal characteristics that are less susceptible to moisture interference. By adjusting the e-field frequency or signal properties, the system maintains accurate presence detection while reducing the harmful effect of environmental moisture on sensor performance.
3Reliability
If direct contact or wearable components are required, then detection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The e-field sensor system is self-service in that it automatically detects occupancy without requiring the user to do anything special. The sensor passively monitors the e-field in the space and automatically determines occupancy status, eliminating the need for users to make contact with sensors or wear detection devices, thereby maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The e-field acts as an intermediary between the sensor and the occupant. Instead of requiring direct contact between the sensor and the user, the e-field mediates the detection process by interacting with the occupant's body capacitance and reflectivity, enabling reliable detection without physical contact or wearable components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate detection of a marine vessel operator's presence or absence in both seated and standing positions, without requiring direct contact or wearable components, and is self-calibrating to minimize sensitivity to environmental factors, facilitating efficient and reliable operation of marine vessels.
Implementation Method 1
causing an electric field to be emitted by the transmitting antenna system and received by the receiving antenna system
Implementation Method 2
A person to be sensed intercepts a part of the electric field extending between the AC-coupled sending electrode and the other receiving electrodes, the amount of the field intercepted depending on the size and orientation of the sensed person
Implementation Method 3
A roof-mounted passenger position sensor array of capacitive coupling passenger position sensors is provided to determine position and motion of a passenger by analysis of distances of the passenger to the various sensors of the array
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring system detects the presence or absence of a marine vessel operator within a defined zone near the helm of a marine vessel. The detection is accomplished through the use of a provision of an e-field and the detection of e-field strength by a receiving antenna system. When the operator is in the proper helm position, the e-field strength is diminished by the presence of a portion of the operator's body within the e-field zone.