Marine Maneuvering Function Displays with State-Based Touch Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing maneuvering function displays in marine vessels face usability issues due to the display of inactive touch buttons that can be erroneously operated by vessel operators, leading to potential misoperation.

Innovation Solution

A display control method that dynamically changes the display and position of maneuvering function buttons based on the marine vessel's operational state, propulsion device status, and operator input, ensuring frequently used functions are easily accessible and inactive buttons are hidden or repositioned.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If touch buttons for all maneuvering functions are displayed on the MFD, then the vessel operator can access all functions, but inactive touch buttons may be erroneously operated reducing safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of maneuvering functionsVSAvoidoperational safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The display control method dynamically changes the set of displayed touch buttons based on the marine vessel's current operational state (e.g., propulsion device status, maneuvering mode). Only maneuvering functions that are currently executable are displayed as active touch buttons, while non-executable functions are either hidden or displayed in a non-operable state. This dynamic adaptation prevents erroneous operation of inactive functions while maintaining access to all necessary functions when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If multiple physical switches are arranged on the console panel for various maneuvering functions, then each function has a dedicated control, but it becomes difficult to secure space on the console panel as the number of functions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvededicated control for each functionVSAvoidconsole panel space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical mechanical switches with software-based touch buttons displayed on an MFD (Multi-Function Display) with touch panel capability. Each maneuvering function is assigned a corresponding touch button that can be activated by the vessel operator through touch input. This substitution eliminates the need for numerous physical switches on the console panel, freeing up space while maintaining dedicated control for each function through the software interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If touch buttons are displayed in a non-operation state when functions are not enabled, then all functions remain visible, but the vessel operator may erroneously operate disabled functions reducing usability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of all functionsVSAvoidusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display control method extracts and removes touch buttons corresponding to non-executable maneuvering functions from the active display set. When a maneuvering function cannot be executed (e.g., propulsion device not started, incompatible with current mode), its corresponding touch button is either removed from display or placed in a non-interactive state. This extraction prevents the vessel operator from accidentally selecting unavailable functions, improving usability by ensuring only currently valid options are presented.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20250289540A1Display control method for maneuvering function display in marine vessel capable of executing various maneuvering functions and maneuvering system of marine vessel

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A display control method controls a plurality of maneuvering function displays to display maneuvering functions of a marine vessel. The display control method includes changing a maneuvering function displayed on each of the plurality of maneuvering function displays based on at least one of a start state of a marine propulsion device of the marine vessel or an operation state of an operator of the marine vessel.