Marine Vessel Auto-Docking Using Vision-Guided Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marine vessel docking systems require skilled operators and multiple assistants, and are prone to errors and risks, especially in adverse weather conditions, due to the complexity of maneuvering large vessels in congested areas without interactive systems for real-time navigation and collision avoidance.
Innovation Solution
An automatic location placement system that integrates a vision ranging photography system, infrared vision system, laser scanner, inertial measurement unit, GPS, and a touch screen monitor with a propulsion system, allowing for autonomous navigation and precise positioning of a marine vessel relative to a dock or external object, using data from these sensors to control thrusters and maintain position despite wind and water currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional manual docking systems are used with skilled operators and multiple assistants, then the marine vessel can be maneuvered to a desired location, but the operation is complex, time-consuming, and prone to errors especially in adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the marine vessel to dock autonomously without requiring skilled operators or multiple assistants. The automatic docking system performs the maneuvering function itself by integrating sensor data from vision systems, laser scanners, and inertial measurement units to control the vessel's propulsion and positioning, thereby eliminating human operational complexity while maintaining high docking accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system that uses optical sensors, laser ranging, and inertial measurement to guide the vessel. The system substitutes human judgment and manual manipulation with electronic sensing and automated actuation of propulsion systems, reducing operational complexity while improving reliability in adverse weather conditions
2Reliability
If multiple assistants and tug boats are used to maneuver large marine vessels in congested areas, then the vessel can be safely positioned, but the time required for docking increases and operational costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously receives real-time feedback from vision systems, laser scanners, and inertial measurement units during the docking maneuver. This feedback loop allows the automated system to detect obstacles, adjust the vessel's position and orientation, and make real-time corrections without requiring multiple assistants or tug boats, thereby reducing docking time while maintaining collision avoidance capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary sensing and planning before the actual docking maneuver. The vision systems and laser scanners map the environment in advance, identifying safe paths and potential obstacles. This preliminary action allows the vessel to proceed directly to docking without requiring time-consuming manual coordination of multiple assistants or tug boats, reducing overall docking time while ensuring collision avoidance
3Ease of operation
If conventional docking systems rely on operator judgment without interactive systems, then the operation can be performed with simple equipment, but the precision and safety of docking are compromised especially in adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple sensing functions into a single automated docking platform. The vision systems, laser scanners, and inertial measurement units work together to provide comprehensive environmental awareness and precise positioning. This multi-functional integration maintains operational simplicity by automating complex measurements while achieving high positioning precision that would be difficult to obtain with simple manual equipment alone
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 safe and precise autonomous docking and undocking of marine vessels in various weather conditions without human operators, reducing the risk of damage to vessels and surrounding structures by maintaining a pre-selected position with high accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a vision ranging photograph system generating at least one optical feed
Implementation Method 2
at least one infrared vision system
Implementation Method 3
at least one ranger laser scanner
Implementation Method 4
at least one inertial measurement unit
Implementation Method 5
at least one global positioning system unit
Data Source
AI summary
A method of automatically moving, by an automatic location placement system, a marine vessel includes receiving, by a central processing unit, from a vision ranging photography system, at least one optical feed including data providing a mapping of an environment surrounding a marine vessel. The method includes displaying, by the central processing unit, on a touch screen monitor, the mapping of the environment. The method includes receiving, by the central processing unit, from the touch screen monitor, target location data. The method includes directing, by the central processing unit, at least one element of a propulsion system of the marine vessel, to move the marine vessel to the targeted location, using the mapping.