Marine Vessel Dock Placement Using Touchscreen Mapping Control
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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 using a touch screen interactive monitor, vision ranging photography, infrared vision, laser scanners, inertial measurement units, and a central processing unit to guide the propulsion system for precise positioning and maintenance of a marine vessel relative to a dock or external object, operating independently without human operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional docking systems rely on skilled operators and multiple assistants for manual maneuvering, then the vessel can be positioned at the desired location, but the operation becomes complex and requires multiple human resources
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system performs automatic maneuvering and positioning functions without requiring skilled operators or multiple assistants. The system uses onboard sensors, processors, and actuators to autonomously execute docking operations, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for complex human coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors, processors, and actuators. The system substitutes human judgment and manual control with automated decision-making algorithms and electronic actuation of propulsion and steering systems.
2Reliability
If manual maneuvering is used in adverse weather conditions, then the vessel can be docked, but the risk of damage to the vessel and surrounding areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking system continuously monitors vessel position, environmental conditions, and system status through onboard sensors. Real-time feedback from GPS, inertial measurement units, and proximity sensors allows the control system to adjust maneuvering actions dynamically, preventing excessive movements or collisions that could cause damage in adverse weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of environmental conditions and planned maneuvering paths before executing docking operations. By evaluating weather conditions, current strength, and vessel status in advance, the system can prepare appropriate control strategies to minimize damage risk before adverse conditions affect the operation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple assistants and local harbor pilots are used for vessel maneuvering, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the operational cost and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces multiple human assistants and harbor pilots with an automated control system that uses electronic communication and digital processing. This substitution eliminates the time required for human coordination and decision-making while maintaining or improving positioning accuracy through precise sensor measurements and rapid computational processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking system operates continuously without interruption, with sensors constantly monitoring position and the control system continuously adjusting maneuvers. This continuous automated operation eliminates delays associated with human reaction times, communication between multiple personnel, and sequential decision-making processes.
4Stability of the object's composition
If conventional systems require additional securing devices to maintain vessel location, then the vessel can be held in position, but the system complexity and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel maintains its position through self-contained active control systems that continuously adjust propulsion and steering. Instead of relying on external securing devices like lines or fenders, the system uses its own engines and thrusters under automated control to counteract environmental forces and maintain position, eliminating the need for additional securing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive mechanical securing devices with active electronic control systems. Rather than using lines, fenders, or other physical restraints, the system uses electronic sensors to detect position deviations and automated actuators to apply corrective forces through propulsion systems, substituting mechanical restraint with electronic control.
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 precise and safe automatic docking and maneuvering in adverse weather conditions, reducing the need for skilled operators and assistants, and maintaining the vessel's position without additional securing devices.
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
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.