Ship Reachable Range Calculation Using Dynamic Veering Angles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for predicting a ship's location after a certain time interval are inaccurate when the ship's speed or direction changes, as they assume constant speed and direction, making it difficult to determine the actual reachable range.

Innovation Solution

A signal processing device that calculates a ship's reachable range within a prescribed time interval using static information such as size and type, and estimates this information from reflected waves, while also considering dynamic information like speed and direction, to determine the maximum veering angle and potential collision risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If constant speed and direction are assumed for prediction, then calculation is simple, but prediction accuracy deteriorates when speed or direction changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprediction calculation complexityVSAvoidlocation prediction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static constant-speed prediction to dynamic prediction that accounts for changing speed and direction. The system calculates reachable ranges by considering maximum veering angles and multiple possible paths, allowing the prediction model to adapt to changing ship behavior while maintaining computational feasibility through structured calculation methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters from fixed values to variable ranges. Instead of using a single predicted location based on constant speed and direction, the system calculates a reachable range by varying speed and direction parameters within plausible limits, incorporating maximum veering angles and multiple scenario considerations to generate comprehensive location possibilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If only dynamic information (speed, direction) is used for prediction, then real-time tracking is possible, but static characteristics (size, type) that affect maneuverability are ignored

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time tracking speedVSAvoidship maneuverability information

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges static ship characteristics (size, type) with dynamic information (speed, direction) to create a comprehensive prediction model. By combining AIS data containing static properties with radar tracking data containing dynamic properties, the system achieves both real-time tracking capability and accurate maneuverability assessment, resolving the information loss problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the relationship between ship characteristics and maneuverability parameters. The system stores maximum veering angles and other maneuverability characteristics in advance based on ship type and size, so that when prediction is needed, these pre-calculated parameters can be quickly applied without real-time computation delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If reachable range calculation incorporates multiple factors (static info, dynamic info, maximum veering angle), then prediction accuracy improves, but calculation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereachable range prediction accuracyVSAvoidcalculation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the complex prediction problem into distinct computational modules: obtaining static information, obtaining dynamic information, calculating maximum veering angles, and computing reachable ranges. This modular approach allows each component to be processed independently with optimized algorithms, reducing overall computational complexity while maintaining comprehensive accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Accurately calculates the location range a ship can reach within a given time interval, improving prediction accuracy and enabling the identification of potential collision risks by integrating static and dynamic ship characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

a radar device equipped with the signal processing device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

reflected waves, which are transmitted waves reflected by and returned from the ship

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11262449B2Signal processing device and radar device

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 FURUNO ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

To accurately calculate a location range which a ship is capable of reaching within a prescribed time interval. A signal processing device is configured so as to be equipped with reachable range calculation units 17, 18 which calculate a reachable range, which is the location range a ship is capable of reaching within a prescribed time interval, on the basis of the static information of the ship.