Marine Joystick with Adjustable Display for Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine vessel propulsion and steering control systems lack an intuitive and adaptable interface that allows operators to easily switch between different control modes and receive real-time feedback, limiting the vessel's maneuverability and navigation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A joystick device with a moveable handle and adjustable display that associates handle movements with control commands based on selected control modes, providing operators with intuitive control over propulsion and steering, and displaying mode indicators and control options dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed display interface is used on the joystick device, then the device structure is simple, but the operator cannot switch between different control modes and receive real-time feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The display interface dynamically changes its content and configuration based on the selected control mode (e.g., station keeping mode, heading control mode, route planning mode). The display adjusts to provide mode-specific information and control options, making the system adaptable without requiring multiple physical displays.
Solution Approach 2:
A single adjustable display unit serves multiple functions across different control modes, replacing the need for separate dedicated displays for each mode. The display can show various types of information (mode indicators, control options, real-time feedback) depending on the operational context.
2Loss of information
If multiple control modes are provided with different interfaces, then the operator can receive comprehensive feedback, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display interface dynamically reconfigures itself based on the active control mode, showing only the relevant information and control options for that mode. This reduces information overload while maintaining completeness of feedback for the current operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions or aspects of the display provide different types of information tailored to the specific control mode being used. The display adapts its local content quality to match the operational requirements of each mode.
3Loss of information
If the display shows all control options simultaneously, then the operator has complete information, but the display becomes cluttered and hard to read
Solution Approach 1:
The display dynamically filters and prioritizes information based on the current control mode, showing only the most relevant control options and parameters. This maintains information completeness for the active mode while improving readability by eliminating irrelevant clutter.
Solution Approach 2:
The display shows partial information (only what is currently relevant) rather than all possible information simultaneously. This partial display approach improves readability while still providing complete information for the specific operational context through dynamic adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A joystick device for controlling propulsion and steering of a marine vessel has a handle configured to be moveable by an operator to provide propulsion and steering control commands for a marine vessel, and a housing at the base of the handle such that the handle extends out of the housing. The joystick device also has an adjustable display thereon that adjusts based on at least one of a control mode and a movement of the handle.