Remote Vessel Control Interface With Command Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The marine industry faces challenges with non-standardized vessel operator environments leading to increased human error, technical failures, and high installation and integration costs due to unique user interfaces and configurations across different vessels.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for remote control of vessels that utilize a data transformation translation to standardize control input devices and commands, allowing operators to switch between vessels using a standardized remote operation center with configurable control input devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If each vessel has a unique operator environment configuration, then the vessel can be customized to specific operational needs, but the complexity of installation and integration increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevessel customizationVSAvoidinstallation and integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal remote operation center that can control multiple vessels with different configurations. The system uses a standardized control interface that can be adapted to various vessel types through configurable parameters, allowing one control center to manage diverse vessels without requiring custom hardware for each vessel type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters rather than physical configuration. By using configurable control parameters and software-based adaptations, the system achieves vessel-specific customization through parameter adjustment rather than physical reconfiguration, significantly reducing installation and integration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If standardized control interfaces are used across vessels, then installation and integration become faster and less costly, but the ability to accommodate unique vessel operations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation and integration easeVSAvoidvessel operation adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The remote operation center is designed as a universal platform that can control multiple vessel types. The standardized interface maintains ease of installation while accommodating unique vessel operations through software configuration and parameter adjustment, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control interface is made dynamic and reconfigurable. The system can adjust its parameters and configurations based on the specific vessel being controlled, allowing a static standardized interface to dynamically adapt to different operational needs without requiring physical changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If different crew members operate different vessels with unique configurations, then each operator can be trained for specific vessel needs, but the risk of human error increases due to interface variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidoperator consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized remote operation center provides a consistent interface for operators controlling different vessels. This universality ensures that operators experience the same control paradigm regardless of which vessel they are controlling, improving operational consistency and reducing errors while maintaining the ability to handle vessel-specific operations through configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If multiple remote operation centers are created for different vessels, then each vessel can have optimized control, but the cost and complexity of maintaining multiple centers increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevessel-specific control optimizationVSAvoidnumber of operation centers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple vessel control capabilities into a single remote operation center. By combining the control functions for multiple vessels into one standardized platform, the system eliminates the need for separate operation centers while maintaining vessel-specific control optimization through configurable parameters and software adaptations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4621515A1Method and device for remote control of a vessel
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP4621515A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4621515A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4621515A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for remote control of a vessel from a remote operation center comprising control input devices, the method comprising: connecting (S202) the remote operation center to a device of the vessel, the device having access to a data transformation translation between a vessel operation configuration and control input commands of the remote operation center, configuring (S203) the control input devices of the remote operation center according to the vessel operation configuration of the vessel, (S206) transmitting a command from the remote operation center to the device of the vessel, the command being transformable by the device using the data transformation translation, to a steering and/or maneuvering command for the vessel.