Marine Joystick Control with Adaptive Self-Centering Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joystick devices for marine vessels are cluttered with buttons and knobs, making operation complicated, especially for inexperienced helmspeople, and there is a need for a simplified interface that adapts to different operational modes such as docking and high-speed maneuvers.
Innovation Solution
A joystick device with a movable steering member that can be tilted in multiple directions and modes, featuring self-centering and haptic feedback, allowing seamless transitions between docking and high-speed operations, and optionally rotating for yaw control, with mode transitions managed by an electronic control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a joystick device combines steering wheel, thrust regulator and docking joystick functionality into a single device, then the number of control devices is reduced, but the device becomes cluttered with buttons and knobs making operation complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The joystick device is designed to perform multiple functions (steering control, thrust regulation, and docking maneuvers) through a single unified interface. The movable steering member can be tilted in various directions to provide different control commands depending on the operational mode, eliminating the need for separate control devices while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The joystick device dynamically adapts its behavior based on operational mode. In high-speed mode, the steering member self-centers only in lateral directions allowing forward/backward tilt for thrust control. In docking mode, full 3-axis self-centering is enabled for precise maneuvering. This dynamic adaptation simplifies operation by automatically adjusting control characteristics to match the current operational context
2Measurement precision
If the movable steering member self-centers from all directions, then precise docking control is achieved, but hands-free control during high-speed maneuvers becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The self-centering mechanism is made dynamic by selectively enabling or disabling centering in different directions based on operational mode. In high-speed mode, vertical self-centering is disabled allowing the steering member to maintain forward/backward tilt positions for sustained thrust control. In docking mode, all-direction self-centering is enabled for precise positioning. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between precision and hands-free operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the joystick device provides full 3-axis control, then comprehensive maneuvering capability is achieved, but operational complexity increases for inexperienced helmspeople
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the degrees of freedom available to the operator based on the selected operational mode. High-speed mode restricts self-centering to lateral directions only, presenting a simplified 2-degree-of-freedom interface for inexperienced operators. Docking mode enables full 3-axis control when advanced maneuvering capability is actually needed. This dynamic adaptation provides comprehensive capability while maintaining operational simplicity
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a joystick device (100) operable to provide speed, direction and steering commands for controlling a marine vessel (300). The present disclosure also relates to a marine propulsion control system controlling a set of propulsion units (308, 310, 312 and 314) carried by a hull of a marine vessel (300), wherein the marine propulsion control system is adapted to receive an input command from such a joystick device (100).