Marine Vessel Auto-Docking Control Using Vision-Based Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marine vessel docking systems require skilled operators and multiple assistants, especially in adverse weather conditions, and lack interactive systems for precise maneuvering, increasing the risk of damage to vessels and surrounding areas.
Innovation Solution
An automatic location placement system using a touch screen interactive monitor, vision ranging photography, infrared vision, laser scanners, inertial measurement units, and a central processing unit to guide the propulsion system for precise positioning and maintenance of a marine vessel relative to a dock or external object, operating independently without human operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional manual docking systems are used with skilled operators and assistants, then the vessel can be maneuvered to a desired location, but the risk of damage increases and the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system performs automatic maneuvering and positioning functions without requiring multiple human operators. The control system independently processes sensor data, calculates optimal paths, and executes docking maneuvers, enabling the vessel to service itself during the critical docking phase and thereby reducing human involvement while improving safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple human operators to manually handle ropes and communicate, replacing their functions with automated detection and control mechanisms that improve reliability
2Reliability
If manual maneuvering is performed in adverse weather conditions, then the vessel can be positioned, but the risk of damage to the vessel and surrounding areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors environmental conditions and vessel position using multiple sensors, comparing actual data with target parameters. This real-time feedback loop enables the control system to automatically adjust maneuvers in response to adverse weather conditions, maintaining safety by compensating for wind, current, and wave effects without human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and assessment of environmental conditions before initiating docking maneuvers. By预先 identifying adverse weather factors and calculating compensatory actions, the system prepares optimal paths that account for expected environmental impacts, thereby preventing damage before it occurs
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple securing devices are used to maintain vessel location, then the vessel position can be maintained, but the device complexity and time required for docking increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple mechanical securing devices with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors and actuators to maintain vessel position. The system continuously monitors position deviations and makes real-time adjustments through controlled propulsion, eliminating the need for multiple physical securing mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity
4Measurement precision
If skilled operators and local harbor pilots are used for large vessel maneuvering, then the vessel can be docked precisely, but the cost and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs autonomous detection, path planning, and execution of docking maneuvers without requiring skilled operators or harbor pilots. The automated control system processes sensor data and executes precise positioning tasks independently, eliminating the time loss associated with coordinating multiple human experts while maintaining high docking precision through advanced algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
A method of automatically moving, by an automatic location placement system, a marine vessel includes receiving, by a central processing unit, from a vision ranging photography system, at least one optical feed including data providing a mapping of an environment surrounding a marine vessel. The method includes displaying, by the central processing unit, on a touch screen monitor, the mapping of the environment. The method includes receiving, by the central processing unit, from the touch screen monitor, target location data. The method includes directing, by the central processing unit, at least one element of a propulsion system of the marine vessel, to move the marine vessel to the targeted location, using the mapping.