Vessel Data Integration System for Protocol Translation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of vessel data from various sensors and devices is hindered by the lack of a common standard, as different equipment uses different protocols, making data collection, management, and transmission challenging, especially since not all equipment conforms to IEC 61162 standards, leading to difficulties in defining and sharing data.

Innovation Solution

A vessel data integration system that includes conversion devices to standardize non-standard data formats into a VDM-based integrated format, a data processing unit for classification, a CEP device for real-time filtering, and a real-time transmission system to send filtered data to on-land management systems, along with a database for storing and batch transmission of integrated data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If data collection is performed using multiple different protocols from various manufacturers, then the compatibility and coverage of data sources are improved, but the complexity of data integration and management increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility of data sourcesVSAvoidcomplexity of data integration system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component (data integration platform or gateway) that mediates between diverse data sources using different protocols and the target system. This intermediary translates and standardizes data from various protocols (IEC 61162, NMEA, proprietary formats) into a unified format, thereby maintaining compatibility across multiple sources without increasing the complexity of the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes data parameters by transforming data from different protocol formats into a standardized parameter structure. By altering the representation format of data parameters (converting protocol-specific fields into universal data models), the system achieves compatibility across diverse sources while maintaining manageable complexity through consistent parameter handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a common standard like IEC 61162 is adopted for all equipment, then the ease of data integration is improved, but the applicability to non-compliant equipment decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of data integrationVSAvoidapplicability to non-compliant equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal data integration platform that can handle multiple functions: it processes standardized IEC 61162 data directly while also accommodating non-compliant equipment through protocol translation and adaptation layers. This multi-functional approach allows the same system to serve both compliant and non-compliant equipment, maintaining ease of operation for standard devices while extending versatility to include proprietary and legacy systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If additional data definition tasks are performed for non-NMEA data, then the completeness of data coverage is improved, but the time and effort required for implementation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of data coverageVSAvoidimplementation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining data models, schemas, and translation rules for various protocols during the system setup phase. By establishing these data definitions and integration rules in advance, the system reduces the time required for implementation when dealing with new data sources, as the framework for data coverage is already in place and can be activated without extensive additional definition work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4177768A1Vessel data integration system and vessel comprising same
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 HD HYUNDAI HEAVY IND CO LTD
  • EP4177768A1 patent drawingFigure 1
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  • EP4177768A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a vessel data integration system and a vessel comprising same. Accordingly, the present invention preferably comprises: a first vessel data conversion device for converting first vessel data which have a non-standard format and are received from first equipment into integrated vessel data by using a vessel data model (VDM)-based VDM path; a second vessel data conversion device for converting second vessel data which have a standard format and are received from second equipment into the integrated vessel data; a data processing device for classifying, by type, the integrated vessel data received from the first vessel data conversion device or the second vessel data conversion device; a complex event processing (CEP) device for filtering out integrated vessel data, among the integrated vessel data classified by the data processing device, which needs to be transmitted in real-time; and a real-time data transmission device for transmitting in real-time the integrated vessel data filtered out by the CEP device to an on-land management system.