Marine Vessel Remote Control Using Proximity-Based Startup Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control systems for marine vessels require active user instruction and are not customizable to the specific configuration of each vessel, leading to potential errors in startup and shutdown procedures, battery drain, and vulnerability due to improperly operated systems.
Innovation Solution
A configurable remote control system that detects operator proximity and direction using fob signals, allowing automatic execution of customized startup and shutdown procedures for marine vessel systems, accommodating multiple operators with unique preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic startup and shutdown procedures are implemented, then operational errors are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects operator proximity via fob signals and executes predetermined startup/shutdown procedures without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously monitors fob presence and initiates system sequences, making the system self-servicing and reducing operational errors while maintaining manageable complexity through automation of routine tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system stores multiple predetermined startup and shutdown procedures in advance. When the operator approaches (detected via fob), the appropriate pre-configured sequence is automatically executed. This preliminary preparation of action sequences allows the system to respond reliably to operator presence without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote control systems are made customizable for different operators and vessel configurations, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows different operators to have customized fobs with unique identifiers, each associated with specific vessel configurations and operator preferences. Each fob can be programmed with local quality settings tailored to the operator's role and the vessel's setup. This per-operator customization improves adaptability while the modular fob-based architecture prevents overall system complexity from becoming unmanageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different operators and vessel configurations through programmable fobs that can be reconfigured as needed. The controller adjusts system behavior based on which fob is detected and the associated preferences stored in memory. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to handle multiple configurations without requiring a completely different system for each scenario, maintaining reasonable complexity while achieving high versatility.
3Ease of operation
If the system automatically detects operator proximity and direction, then ease of operation improves, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic detection of fob signals at predetermined intervals to monitor operator proximity and direction. Rather than continuous monitoring, the controller checks for fob presence and movement at scheduled intervals, which reduces energy consumption while still providing automatic control functionality. This periodic operation maintains ease of use by automatically responding to operator approach and departure while conserving battery power during idle periods.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates toa remote control system (10) for a marine vessel (14) includes a helm transceiver (18) positioned on the marine vessel (14) and configured to communicate with one or more fobs (20, 22), and at least one operator fob configured to wirelessly transmit a fob signal to the helm transceiver (18) on the marine vessel (14). A controller (45) is configured to receive the fob signal transmitted by the operator fob and to determine an operator distance based on the fob signal. The operator distance is compared with one or more threshold distances, and then a system command is generated based on the comparison of the operator distance to the one or more threshold distances so as to control operation of one or more devices on the marine vessel (14).