Marine Radar Object Classification via Tidal Velocity Vector Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current object detection systems in marine environments are inefficient and laborious, particularly in determining whether objects are stationary or moving, especially when objects lack identification hardware, and they struggle to accurately classify objects based on their velocity relative to tidal currents.

Innovation Solution

An object detection apparatus that uses processing circuitry to detect objects in a water body via radar, calculate velocity vectors for both objects and tidal currents, and classify objects as stationary, moving with the tidal current, or moving independently, by comparing these vectors and generating similarity values to notify users through visual displays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual origin mark insertion method is used to determine positional relationship, then object classification capability is provided, but operational efficiency deteriorates and time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject classification capabilityVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs object classification by comparing detected object positions with pre-stored origin mark positions, eliminating the need for manual origin mark insertion. The processor autonomously determines whether objects are stationary or moving based on positional relationship changes, making the system self-sufficient in classification tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of inserting origin marks with an automated electronic system. The processor electronically compares object positions with stored reference positions, substituting manual labor with automated computational processes that significantly improve operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of time

If no origin mark is inserted, then operational time is reduced, but object classification accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational timeVSAvoidobject classification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing origin mark positions in memory before actual object detection begins. This allows the processor to immediately compare detected object positions with the pre-prepared reference data, enabling rapid and accurate classification without manual intervention during the detection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If radar detection is performed without automated velocity analysis, then detection simplicity is maintained, but object classification precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection simplicityVSAvoidobject classification precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by analyzing the velocity parameter of detected objects. The processor calculates velocity vectors by comparing positional changes over time and classifies objects based on velocity thresholds, transforming a simple detection system into one with enhanced classification precision through quantitative parameter analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient and accurate classification of objects in marine environments, allowing users to distinguish between stationary and moving objects, and those moving with or against tidal currents, thereby improving object detection efficiency and reducing operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

detect at least one object in or adjacent a water body by a radar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Data Source

PatentUS11740348B2Apparatus and method for detecting objects
Publication Date: 2023.08.29 FURUNO ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • US11740348B2 patent drawing
  • US11740348B2 patent drawing
  • US11740348B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus for nautical tracking, where the apparatus detects at least one object. The apparatus further determines radar information associated with the at least one object, and calculates a first velocity vector associated with the at least one object. The apparatus further determines information associated with a tidal current of the water body, and calculates a second velocity vector based on the information associated with the tidal current. The apparatus further compares the first velocity vector and the second velocity vector in order to classify an object of the at least one object as a target, and further notifies a user of the target.