Nautical Chart Measurement with Movable Points for Route Planning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Navigation display devices like ECDIS struggle with complex measurements such as calculating distances between multiple base points and intermediate points, requiring manual recalculations when base points involve moving objects, and conventional paper charts are cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A nautical chart processing device that allows for a movable measurement point between base points, enabling real-time adjustments and automatic distance calculations, providing a hassle-free user interface for planning navigation routes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional ECDIS is used for navigation route planning, then basic distance measurement between base points is provided, but complex measurements involving multiple base points and intermediate points cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoiduser interface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement function by introducing a distinct movable measurement point (MP) that can be independently positioned on the line connecting base points. This allows the system to handle complex measurements by breaking them down into manageable segments between base points and the MP, enabling versatile measurement capabilities while maintaining a simple touch-based interface for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If manual calculations are performed on paper charts for complex measurements, then accurate measurements can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidcalculation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual measurement process on paper charts with an electronic computation system. The processing circuitry automatically calculates distances and positions based on digital chart data and user inputs, eliminating the need for physical measurement tools and manual calculations while maintaining high precision through software-based computations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the chart and measurement functionality in the ECDIS system. Instead of working with physical paper charts and manual tools, users interact with a digital representation where measurements are computed automatically, preserving measurement accuracy while dramatically reducing the time and effort required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If base points are fixed on the chart, then route planning is simple, but the system cannot accommodate moving objects requiring dynamic measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic measurement capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a movable measurement point that can be dynamically repositioned along the line connecting base points. This dynamic element allows the system to adapt to moving objects and changing navigation scenarios without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire system. The processing circuitry automatically updates measurements as the MP moves, providing real-time dynamic measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple base points are used for detailed route planning, then accurate navigation paths can be defined, but calculating distances between multiple points becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroute planning precisionVSAvoidcalculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the movable measurement point as an intermediary element between base points. This MP serves as a reference point that simplifies distance calculations by breaking down complex multi-point measurements into simpler segments. Users can easily calculate distances from the MP to individual base points rather than directly between all pairs of base points, significantly reducing calculation complexity while maintaining route planning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12359920B2Nautical chart processing device and nautical chart processing method
Publication Date: 2025.07.15 FURUNO ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • US12359920B2 patent drawing
  • US12359920B2 patent drawing
  • US12359920B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A nautical chart processing device is provided. The nautical chart processing device includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to receive position information indicating position of a pair of base points on an electronic chart, set a movable measurement point on a straight line connecting the pair of base points in real time, calculate, on the electronic chart, a distance between the movable measurement point and at least one base point of the pair of base points, and output position information of the movable measurement point and the calculated distance.