Shore-Based Berthing Aid with LiDAR and Environmental Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size of container vessels complicates berthing maneuvers in dense traffic and limited port areas, posing challenges for safe vessel navigation and infrastructure protection due to the complexity of coordinating tugboat actions and the reliability of existing Berthing Aid Systems, particularly in situations where non-deterministic approaches or black-box methods are used.
Innovation Solution
A shore-based Berthing Aid System utilizing a sensor data processing unit, distance sensors, environmental measurement sensors, and a portable data processing unit with radio communication, which establishes reference points to determine the actual distance and position of vessels relative to the berth, providing real-time data for safe maneuvering and berthing support independent of the vessel's equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ship-based systems with sensor technology are used to enhance situational awareness, then pilots receive support during berthing assistance, but vessels need to be equipped with additional systems increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of equipping vessels with sensor systems, the patent inverts the approach by installing sensor systems on the shore-based infrastructure. The distance sensors, environmental measurement sensors, and data processing units are located on the berth, eliminating the need for additional vessel equipment while providing the same berthing assistance functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a shore-based communication infrastructure as an intermediary between the berthing infrastructure and the vessel. Data is transmitted via radio communication between the shore-based processing unit and the portable data processing unit on the vessel, enabling information exchange without direct vessel equipment integration.
2Measurement precision
If multiple distance sensors are installed along the berth to improve measurement accuracy, then vessel position determination is enhanced, but system complexity and infrastructure cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the berthing area into multiple measurement zones, each monitored by individual distance sensors spaced at specific intervals along the berth. Each sensor measures distance to specific reflection points on the vessel, and the data processing unit integrates these segmented measurements to determine overall vessel position and orientation with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the berth are equipped with sensors optimized for their specific measurement requirements. The system adapts the measurement approach locally by identifying reflection points on the vessel that are visible to each specific sensor, allowing each sensor to contribute optimally to the overall position determination.
3Reliability
If environmental measurement sensors are integrated to monitor wind, tide and water current, then situational awareness is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple types of sensors (distance sensors, environmental measurement sensors for wind, tide, and water current) into a single integrated shore-based system. All sensors are connected to a common data processing unit that correlates environmental data with vessel position data, providing comprehensive situational awareness without requiring separate systems.
4Measurement precision
If reference points are established to filter measurement points and determine actual distance, then measurement reliability is improved, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes reference points at known locations in the berthing area before measurements begin. These reference points serve as predetermined criteria for filtering and evaluating measurement data. The data processing unit uses these pre-defined reference points to automatically identify and select relevant measurement points, simplifying the determination of actual vessel distance and position.
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 ensures safe and reliable berthing by accurately determining vessel position and environmental conditions, reducing the risk of accidents and infrastructure damage through precise distance and speed measurements, and providing real-time support to pilots, enhancing situational awareness and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a group of reflection points at which a distance measurement signal emitted from the distance sensor is reflected by the vessel to be supported
Implementation Method 2
LiDAR (LiDAR='light detection and ranging' or 'laser imaging, detection, and ranging') technology typically offers centimeter precise distance accuracy by emitting light pulses, which are reflected by the targeted objects
Implementation Method 3
The distance is determined according to the Time of Flight (TOF) and the speed of light by measuring the time between sending and receiving the reflected pulse
Data Source
AI summary
Vessels that are maneuvering at berthings in a water area adjacent to the berth are aided by an assistance installation unit which includes a sensor data processing unit, a plurality of distance sensors spaced apart along the berth and connected to the sensor data processing unit, a stationary radio data communication unit connected to the sensor data processing unit, environmental measurement sensors connected to the sensor data processing unit and adapted to measure environmental conditions selected from the group of at least wind, tide and water current, and a portable data processing unit having a display and a mobile radio data communication unit adapted for radio data communication with the stationary radio data communication unit. The distance sensors are adapted to detect a group of reflection points at which a distance measurement signal emitted from the distance sensor is reflected by the vessel to be supported in measurement cycles, and to detect the reflection points as measurement points for the actual distance of the reflection point from the respective distance sensor.