Ship Tracking via Route Parameters and Pseudo-Measurements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tracking systems face challenges in accurately monitoring moving objects, especially in areas with incomplete sensor coverage and overlapping measurement zones, leading to errors and instability in tracking moving objects like ships in coastal surveillance.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize route parameters to determine the activity and status of tracks, generating pseudo-measurement data to maintain track accuracy along predefined routes, even in areas with no current measurement data, by using configurable criteria such as angular deviation, speed, and route lifetimes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If traditional tracking algorithms are used in areas with incomplete sensor coverage, then tracking continuity is maintained through prediction, but tracking accuracy deteriorates due to accumulation of errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking continuityVSAvoidtracking accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter representation by introducing route parameters (stationary curve, direction, width) that constrain the possible positions of tracked objects. Instead of relying solely on dynamic prediction models, the system uses predefined geometric route parameters to limit the search space and reduce error accumulation in areas with incomplete sensor coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces route parameters as an intermediary between sensor measurements and track estimation. These route parameters act as a mediator that provides prior information about expected object positions and movements, bridging the gap in areas where direct sensor coverage is incomplete or unavailable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple tracks are monitored simultaneously, then comprehensive surveillance is achieved, but computational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurveillance coverageVSAvoidcomputational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the surveillance problem by introducing route-specific parameters for each track. Each track is associated with its own route parameters (curve, direction, width), allowing independent optimization and evaluation. This segmentation enables efficient handling of multiple tracks by treating each with its own constrained parameter set rather than a single complex multi-object model.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different route parameters for different tracks and different segments of routes. Each track can have customized route constraints based on local conditions, enabling efficient computation by focusing resources on relevant parameters for each specific track rather than uniformly processing all tracks with the same complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If route parameters are used to constrain track positions, then tracking accuracy is improved in predefined areas, but adaptability to unexpected movements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidresponse to unexpected movements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics by making route parameters adjustable and re-evaluable. The system can adapt route parameters based on new measurements and changing conditions, allowing the constrained model to evolve. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to maintain accuracy within predefined routes while adapting to unexpected movements when routes need to be modified or expanded.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where tracking results and new measurements are used to continuously evaluate and potentially update route parameters. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain the benefits of constrained routing while adapting to new information, balancing accuracy improvement with adaptability to unexpected movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP1965222B1Method and device for tracking a minimum of one moving object
Publication Date: 2017.08.30 IN - INNOVATIVE NAVIGATION
  • EP1965222B1 patent drawingFigure 1
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  • EP1965222B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves producing and updating a track (45) as an image of a ship (14) depending on measuring data about the ship. A determination is made whether a route is active for the track based on a preset criterion depending on a condition of the track and route parameters. The condition of the track is affected depending on the route parameters when the route for the track is active, where one of the parameters for the route has a stationary curve that corresponds to an absolute, definite driving surface of the ship. An independent claim is also included for a device for tracking a moving object.