Marine Vessel Auto-Docking With Sensor Mapping and Position Hold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional docking systems for marine vessels require skilled operators and multiple assistants, especially in adverse weather conditions, and lack interactive systems for precise maneuvering, increasing the risk of damage to vessels and surrounding areas.
Innovation Solution
An automatic location placement system that uses a combination of vision ranging photography, infrared vision, laser scanners, inertial measurement units, and a touch screen monitor to enable precise control of a marine vessel's propulsion system, allowing it to automatically maneuver and maintain position relative to a dock or external object without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional manual docking systems are used with skilled operators and assistants, then the vessel can be maneuvered to a desired location, but the operation becomes complex and requires multiple human operators especially in adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system performs docking operations autonomously without human intervention. The processor receives sensor data, determines the vessel's location, compares it to the desired location, and controls the propulsion system automatically, eliminating the need for multiple operators and assistants
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical human-operated docking system with an automated electronic control system. Sensors, processors, and automated propulsion control substitute for manual operations by skilled operators and assistants, simplifying the docking process
2Measurement precision
If manual judgment by operators is used for vessel maneuvering, then the vessel can be positioned at a desired location, but the precision and safety are reduced especially in adverse weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously receives sensor data about the vessel's actual location, compares it to the desired location, and automatically adjusts the propulsion system accordingly. This closed-loop feedback control ensures precise positioning and maintains safety by constantly monitoring and correcting the vessel's position
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated control system as an intermediary between the vessel and the docking environment. This intermediary process objectively processes sensor data and controls propulsion without human judgment errors, improving both precision and reliability in adverse weather conditions
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple securing devices and assistants are used to maintain vessel location, then the vessel position can be maintained, but the system becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system continuously monitors the vessel's position using sensors and automatically adjusts the propulsion system to maintain the desired location. This self-correcting mechanism maintains position stability without requiring multiple securing devices or assistants, reducing both complexity and operation time
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 enables safe and precise automatic docking and maneuvering in adverse weather conditions, reducing the need for skilled operators and assistants, and maintaining the vessel's position regardless of wind and water currents.
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.