Ship Docking Position Recognition from Provisional Input and Ranging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ship navigation systems inaccurately specify docking candidate positions due to user input errors, affecting the initial information of anchoring objects.
Innovation Solution
A ship navigation assistance system that includes a provisional initial information specifier, a measurement sensor, and processing circuitry to set initial information of anchoring objects with high accuracy using provisional and measurement information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If user specifies docking candidate position using touch panel, then operation is simple and fast, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to user input errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step between user input and final position determination. The system accepts rough user input via touch panel, then uses image processing and pattern recognition to refine this input into accurate docking candidate positions by comparing with pre-stored reference images of quay lines and structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical input method (touch panel) with an automated optical recognition system. By substituting the mechanical specifying method with image-based automatic recognition, the system maintains ease of operation while dramatically improving positioning accuracy through automated feature extraction and matching.
2Device complexity
If user specifies initial information of anchoring objects, then system remains simple, but accuracy of target object information deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-storing reference images and characteristic information of various anchoring objects (quay lines, piers, buoys) before actual docking operations. This pre-prepared database enables the system to automatically match and identify objects during operation, improving accuracy without adding complexity to the operational workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates and stores copies of reference images and characteristic information of anchoring objects in advance. These copied reference data are then used for automatic recognition and identification during docking operations, enabling accurate target object information extraction while keeping the system simple during actual use.
3Measurement precision
If automatic recognition is implemented, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the automatic recognition process into distinct functional modules: image capture, preprocessing, feature extraction, pattern matching, and position calculation. By dividing the complex recognition system into separate processing stages, each with specific functions, the system achieves high accuracy while managing complexity through modular design and clear separation of concerns.
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
The system accurately sets initial information of anchoring objects, such as quay lines, by combining user input with precise measurement data, reducing errors and enhancing navigation accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement sensor 30 that acquires measurement information on an object using a ranging result of an area including the object
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present disclosure is to set the initial information of the anchoring object (target) of a ship with high accuracy. A ship navigation assistance system according to the present disclosure includes a provisional initial information specifier, a measurement sensor and processing circuitry. The provisional initial information specifier may accept a specification of provisional initial information for characteristic information on an object to which a ship anchors or docks (docks to a pier). The measurement sensor may acquire measurement information on an object using a ranging result of an area including the object.