Sailing User Interface With Graphical Sail Chart
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sailing user interfaces are complex and difficult to interpret, primarily relying on rows of numbers and text, which limits tactical decision-making to seasoned professionals, and fails to provide intuitive information for all crew members during sailing operations.
Innovation Solution
A sailing user interface system that utilizes sensors such as a compass, wind sensor, and speed sensor to render a sail chart indicating the heading relative to wind direction and performance contours, enabling intuitive decision-making and autopilot capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional text-based displays with rows of numbers are used, then detailed sailing data is provided, but the interface becomes complex and difficult to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified graphical copy of sailing data that mirrors the essential information from complex sensor arrays. The sail chart reproduces key performance metrics (speed, wind angle, heading) in an intuitive visual format that maintains data fidelity while eliminating interpretive complexity for crew members
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms one-dimensional numerical data rows into two-dimensional graphical representations on a sail chart. This dimensional transformation allows multiple sailing parameters to be displayed simultaneously in spatial relationships that are intuitively understood by sailors, converting abstract numbers into visual positions and angles
2Loss of information
If multiple large digital displays are placed in a bulky grid, then sailing information is displayed, but the system becomes bulky and difficult to interpret quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate digital displays showing different sailing parameters into a single integrated sail chart graphic. By combining speed, wind angle, heading, and performance contour information into one cohesive visual display, the system eliminates the need for crew members to scan and mentally integrate data from multiple separate displays, dramatically reducing interpretation time
3Measurement precision
If complex arrays of numbers are presented, then detailed performance data is available, but only seasoned professionals can digest the information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded performance contours and graphical elements on the sail chart to encode different levels of performance and operational states. Colors provide immediate visual cues about optimal sailing zones, performance thresholds, and tactical recommendations, making precise performance data accessible to crew members regardless of their experience level by translating numerical thresholds into intuitive visual signals
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide sailing information to users of a mobile structure. A sailing user interface system includes a logic device in communication with a compass or orientation sensor, a wind sensor, and/or a speed sensor. Sensor signals provided by the various sensors are used to determine a heading and a wind direction for the mobile structure, which can be referenced to Magnet North. The wind direction and heading may be used to orient a sail chart rendered by the logic device. The sail chart graphically indicates the heading of the mobile structure relative to the wind direction and a performance contour for the mobile structure. The sail chart may be displayed to a user to refine manual operation of the mobile structure, and the information rendered in the sail chart may be used to autopilot the mobile structure.