Ship Berthing Position Display Using Lidar and Sensor Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies struggle to accurately grasp the positional relationship between a ship and its berthing area during docking, which is crucial for safe and smooth berthing operations.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device that acquires measurement data from on-board sensors, particularly lidars, to display the relative positional relationship between the ship and the berthing area, including distances, angles, and movement speeds, using a display device for precise guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional berthing support systems are used, then basic navigation is possible, but accurate grasping of the positional relationship between the ship and berthing area cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositional relationship measurement accuracyVSAvoidspatial information completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement devices (lidar, GPS, compass, speed sensor) into an integrated measurement system that collects various spatial parameters simultaneously. This merging of multiple sensing capabilities enables comprehensive acquisition of positional relationship information between the ship and berthing area, resolving the limitation of conventional single-sensor systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms spatial relationship information into a two-dimensional display representation showing the ship's position relative to the berthing area. By converting three-dimensional spatial data into a comprehensible visual format with directional indicators and distance measurements, the system enables accurate grasping of positional relationships that were previously difficult to perceive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If real-time positional data is displayed, then berthing accuracy improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveberthing operation safetyVSAvoidinformation processing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display device serves multiple functions: it shows positional information, directional orientation, distance to berthing area, and real-time movement status. By making the display system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized devices while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an information processing device as an intermediary that receives data from multiple sensors, processes and integrates this information, and presents it in a unified display format. This intermediary component simplifies the system architecture by centralizing data processing rather than requiring direct integration of multiple specialized subsystems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple measurement devices are integrated, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial position measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary processing of measurement data by calculating the bearing angle and distance to the berthing area before display. By pre-computing these critical parameters from raw sensor data, the system reduces the complexity of real-time processing requirements and enables accurate measurement presentation without requiring complex on-the-fly calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables accurate and safe berthing by providing real-time visual feedback on the ship's position and movement relative to the berthing area, enhancing the safety and efficiency of docking processes.

Implementation Method 1

measurement data generated by a measurement device provided on a ship

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLIDAR: LIDAR

Implementation Method 2

the light irradiated from the lidar and then reflected by the object around the berthing position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20250231029A1Information processing device, control method, program and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.07.17 PIONEER SMART SENSING INNOVATIONS CORP
  • US20250231029A1 patent drawing
  • US20250231029A1 patent drawing
  • US20250231029A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The information processing device includes an acquisition means and a display processing means. The acquisition means acquires measurement data generated by a measurement device provided on a ship. The display processing means performs a process for displaying information relating to a relative positional relationship between the ship and a berthing area on a display device based on the measurement data, the berthing area being an area where the ship should be positioned when the ship is berthed to a berthing place.