Marine Vessel Propulsion Control Using Map-Based Obstacle Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine vessels face challenges in obstacle detection due to their larger size and movement caused by waves and wind, necessitating multiple sensors which are costly and inefficient, and require significant distance to decelerate, leading to sudden speed changes near obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A marine vessel propulsion control system adjusts thrust based on position and map information, including avoidance targets, without relying on radar or cameras, to prevent sudden speed changes and improve navigation safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar or camera sensors are installed on the marine vessel to detect obstacles, then obstacle detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to the need for multiple sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses map information as a copy or representation of the actual environment, storing pre-acquired spatial data about avoidance targets. Instead of directly sensing obstacles with multiple physical sensors, the system copies environmental information from maps and uses this data for navigation decisions, thereby reducing the need for multiple detection sensors on the vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by acquiring and storing map information about avoidance targets before the marine vessel reaches those areas. The map data is prepared in advance and stored in the storage unit, allowing the control unit to make navigation decisions based on pre-acquired information rather than relying solely on real-time sensor detection.
2Reliability
If the marine vessel decelerates significantly in the vicinity of detected obstacles to avoid collision, then safety is improved, but propulsion control smoothness deteriorates due to sudden speed changes
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit adjusts thrust in advance based on map information about avoidance targets before the marine vessel reaches the vicinity of obstacles. By performing preliminary thrust adjustment using pre-stored map data, the system avoids sudden speed changes that would occur with reactive deceleration, thereby maintaining propulsion smoothness while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors the marine vessel's position relative to avoidance targets using map information and adjusts thrust accordingly. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain appropriate speed and thrust levels proactively, preventing the need for sudden deceleration and maintaining smooth propulsion control throughout the navigation process.
3Loss of time
If the marine vessel approaches obstacles from a long distance to detect them early, then detection time is improved, but the vessel requires more distance to stop due to its large size and inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pre-acquired map information to identify avoidance targets and their locations before the marine vessel reaches them. By having obstacle information available in advance through the stored map data, the system can begin thrust adjustment early without needing to detect obstacles at extremely long distances, thereby managing the stopping distance requirement effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously compares the marine vessel's current position with avoidance target locations from map information and adjusts thrust based on the relative position and speed. This continuous feedback allows the system to optimize the detection and response distance, balancing early detection needs with the vessel's physical stopping distance requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A marine vessel propulsion control system that smoothly performs propulsion control of a marine vessel includes a controller configured or programmed to control a propulsion device that applies a thrust to a marine vessel. The controller is configured or programmed to adjust the thrust based on position information of the marine vessel and map information that includes an avoidance target.