Marine Input Saturation Using Obstacle-Aware Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine vessel input devices face challenges in adaptability, performance consistency, maintenance complexity, and latency due to centralized control systems, which hinder efficient and safe navigation, especially in proximity to obstacles.
Innovation Solution
Integrate processing circuitry within the input device to control saturation independently, utilizing distance sensors and force feedback to manage input limits and responsiveness, allowing for localized control and adaptive behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If saturation control is implemented in the centralized marine vessel control system, then the control system can manage overall vessel operations, but the input device loses adaptability and portability across different vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the saturation control functionality into separate modules: the input device contains its own saturation control unit that operates independently from the centralized marine vessel control system. This segmentation allows the input device to maintain adaptability across different vessels while the centralized system handles overall coordination, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity.
2Ease of repair
If saturation control is handled by the general control system, then centralized coordination is achieved, but maintenance and diagnostics become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the saturation control functionality from the centralized control system and places it directly within the input device. This extraction simplifies maintenance and diagnostics because the saturation control unit can be tested and repaired independently without requiring extensive knowledge of the overall control architecture, while the centralized system maintains coordination capabilities.
3Loss of time
If the input device lacks integrated saturation control, then the device structure remains simple, but control latency increases due to centralized processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements saturation control directly within the input device, allowing the saturation control unit to process and limit input signals before they are transmitted to the centralized control system. This preliminary action eliminates the need for round-trip signal processing through the centralized system, significantly reducing control latency while maintaining acceptable device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If saturation limits are adjusted in the centralized system, then system-wide control is maintained, but adaptability to different vessel configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the saturation control unit within the input device to autonomously adjust saturation limits based on vessel-specific parameters and operational conditions. This self-service capability allows the input device to adapt to different vessel configurations without requiring manual reconfiguration of the centralized system, maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An input device (10) for navigational control of a marine vessel (100), the input device (10) comprising processing circuitry (12; 402) configured to obtain a requested input device input in response to a maneuvering of the input device (10); obtain a distance between the marine vessel (100) and a closest obstacle (20) located in a direction indicated by the requested input device input; and control saturation of the input device (10) at least based on the distance, wherein the processing circuitry (12; 402) is integrated in the input device (10) and configured to control the saturation independently of control circuitry of the marine vessel (100) external to the input device (10).