Portable Optical Positioning System for Maritime Navigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current maritime navigation systems, particularly pelorus instruments, are prone to manual errors, lack portability, and cannot be integrated with other onboard systems, relying on paper charts and satellite-based systems which are vulnerable to disruptions and failures.

Innovation Solution

A ground-based positioning system comprising a reference unit and a portable optical device that measures bearings relative to the vehicle heading, allowing for automatic calculation and display of position on an electronic navigation chart without satellite dependency, enhancing portability and integration with onboard systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a pelorus is fixedly positioned on a vessel to provide stable bearing measurements, then measurement stability is improved, but portability deteriorates requiring multiple units for large vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement stabilityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the navigation function into two independent parts: a stationary reference unit that provides the heading reference, and a portable optical device that can be moved to different positions on the vehicle. This segmentation allows the reference unit to remain fixed for stability while the optical device provides portability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The portable optical device is designed to work with any vehicle type (ships, aircraft, land vehicles) by establishing wireless communication with the reference unit. This universal design eliminates the need for vehicle-specific installations while maintaining measurement stability through the fixed reference unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If manual operations are used for bearing measurement and chart plotting, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and productivity deteriorate due to human errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidbearing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically captures bearing data from the optical device, processes it through the reference unit, and plots it on the electronic chart without manual intervention. This automated feedback loop eliminates human errors in reading, recording, and plotting while maintaining system simplicity through intuitive operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-measurement and self-ploting functions by automatically calculating positions from bearing data and updating the electronic navigation chart without requiring manual chart plotting or complex user operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If paper navigation charts are used for position determination, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity and accuracy deteriorate due to manual drawing and error-prone processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechart system simplicityVSAvoidposition determination efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical process of manually drawing bearings on paper charts with an electronic automated system that digitally plots positions on an electronic navigation chart. This substitution maintains simplicity in operation while dramatically improving productivity and accuracy through automated calculations and digital display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If satellite-based systems are used for navigation, then positioning accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to disruptions, interference and failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsystem resilience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes a ground-based reference unit that provides an independent positioning capability before satellite system failures occur. This pre-prepared alternative system ensures continuous navigation capability during GNSS disruptions, effectively cushioning against potential failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The ground-based reference unit acts as an intermediary between the portable optical device and the final position determination. This intermediary provides a reliable local reference that is independent of satellite systems, ensuring continuous operation during GNSS disruptions while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11768074B2Positioning system and method

Publication Date: 2023.09.26 CORP OF TRINITY HOUSE OF DEPTFORD

AI summary

This invention relates to a positioning system and a method for navigation, in particular but not exclusively to a positioning system and a method for maritime navigation. A positioning system and method for navigation comprising a reference unit positioned on a vehicle, and a portable optical device, in communication with the reference unit, comprising sensing means to measure bearings to observed target points relative to the vehicle heading to thereby determine a position of the vehicle.