Marine Sensor Timestamp Synchronization for Vessel Data Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marine vessel systems face challenges in accurately measuring speed through water (STW) due to noise and calibration issues in Doppler Log data, and integrating new sensors is complex and time-consuming, requiring reliable timestamps for data analysis.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for synchronizing local and universal timestamps across multiple sensor devices, using a local clock and a universal clock to generate accurate time information for sensor data, enabling integration of standalone and integrated sensors, and facilitating real-time data processing and fleet optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple sensor devices are mounted on the marine vessel to collect various data, then the quantity and quality of collected data is improved, but the complexity of the vessel system increases and sensor maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantity of sensor devicesVSAvoidvessel system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensor management system into modular components: sensor devices mounted on the vessel, a mobile computing device, and a server. Each component has specific functions (sensing, data processing, storage), allowing independent maintenance and replacement without affecting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile computing device acts as an intermediary between sensor devices and the server. It collects data from sensors, processes information, and communicates with the server, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture and making maintenance easier by isolating complexity in a manageable intermediate layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If multiple sensor devices are mounted on the marine vessel to collect various data, then the quantity and quality of collected data is improved, but the cost of operating and maintaining the vessel increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantity of sensor devicesVSAvoidoperating and maintaining cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service through automated data collection, processing, and analysis. The mobile computing device automatically manages sensor data, and the server provides automated analysis and navigation recommendations, reducing the need for manual intervention and lowering operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system optimizes operational parameters by analyzing sensor data and providing recommendations for route optimization, fuel consumption reduction, and maintenance scheduling. This leads to reduced operating costs and extended device lifespan despite having multiple sensor devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of information

If sensor data is collected and stored on the vessel for later analysis, then data availability is improved, but the risk of data loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata availabilityVSAvoiddata loss risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements local data storage on the mobile computing device for immediate availability, while simultaneously maintaining cloud storage on the server for backup and long-term retention. This dual-storage approach ensures data availability locally while providing redundancy to prevent loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for data loss by implementing automatic data synchronization between the mobile device and server, creating backup copies of sensor data before any potential loss event. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even if local storage fails, data can be recovered from the server.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3718089B1Apparatus, device and computer implemented method for providing marine vessel data of marine vessel with plurality of sensor devices

Publication Date: 2026.05.06 WARTSILA FINLAND OY

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AI summary

A computer implemented method for providing marine vessel data of a marine vessel (121) with a plurality of sensor devices (260, 290), the method comprising: receiving a first sensor data item (731) comprising first sensor data (S1) of a first sensor device (290) of the plurality of sensor devices (260, 290), associated with a first local timestamp (ts1) generated based on a local clock (710); receiving a second sensor data item (734) comprising second sensor data (S4) of a second sensor device (260) of the plurality of sensor devices (260, 290), associated with a second local timestamp (ts4) generated based on the local clock (710) and a first universal timestamp (UTC4) generated based on a universal clock (720); determining time correction value (840) based on the second sensor data item's (734) second local timestamp (ts4) and the universal timestamp (UTC4); and generating time information (811) for the first sensor data (S1) of the first sensor device (290) using the first local timestamp (ts1) and the time correction value (840).