Vessel Draft Measurement Using Optical Imaging and GNSS Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual monitoring of a vessel's draft during loading and unloading is time-consuming and can disrupt the loading process, and existing automated methods lack accuracy and efficiency in determining the draft of vessels tied up at a wharf.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing optical imaging devices for draft mark recognition, combined with GPS/GNSS measurements, to determine the draft of a vessel, including optical character recognition (OCR) processing, pixel scaling, and transforming images to correct for angles and distances, along with laser distance measurements and pan-tilt platforms for precise draft calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If draft is measured using only optical imaging devices or only GNSS/elevation data, then the measurement system is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different measurement systems (optical imaging device and GNSS/elevation data) into a unified draft measurement system. The optical system captures images of the vessel hull and waterline, while the GNSS system provides elevation data, and both are integrated through a processor to determine accurate draft measurements, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processor as an intermediary that receives data from both the optical imaging device and the GNSS/elevation system, processes this combined information, and generates the final draft measurement. This intermediary component enables the integration of multiple measurement sources while maintaining system manageability and improving overall measurement accuracy.
2Reliability
If traditional single-method draft measurement is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability and accuracy vary with environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent measurement methods (optical imaging and GNSS elevation measurement) into a single integrated system. This combination allows the system to cross-validate measurements and maintain reliable draft determination under varying environmental conditions, such as different lighting, sea states, or GPS signal qualities, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through integrated processing.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurement systems are integrated, then the measurement precision and reliability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a processor that performs multiple functions: it processes optical image data to identify the waterline and hull features, processes GNSS elevation data, integrates both data streams, and generates the final draft measurement. This multi-functional processor reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple specialized processing units into a single versatile component while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 real-time or near-real-time, accurate draft measurements, reducing the time required for loading and unloading operations by automating the process and validating measurements with multiple systems, ensuring vessel stability and compliance with port clearance.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the draft of the vessel using at least one optical imaging device to provide optical draft measurement data
Implementation Method 2
measuring the draft of the vessel using elevation data provided by at least one GNSS or GPS device so as to provide elevation draft measurement data
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of determining the draft of a vessel comprising the steps of: measuring the draft of the vessel using at least one optical imaging device to provide optical draft measurement data; measuring the draft of the vessel using elevation data provided by at least one GNSS or GPS device so as to provide elevation draft measurement data; and using the elevation draft measurement data and the optical draft measurement data to determine the draft of the vessel.