Vessel Instrument Network Server for Automatic Sensor Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vessel instrument network systems require manual user selection and disconnection of detection devices, limiting simultaneous operation and efficient data sharing among multiple sensors generating the same type of navigation data.
Innovation Solution
A vessel instrument network system with a first communication network for one-to-many communication, where a server function is used to identify and select sensors generating the same type of navigation data, allowing automatic sharing and switching between sensors to ensure high-quality data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual user selection is used for navigation data display, then user control over data source is improved, but operator workload and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic sensor selection and navigation data sharing without requiring manual user intervention. The server function automatically identifies available sensors, selects the most appropriate data source, and manages data distribution to indicators, eliminating the need for operators to manually configure or switch between sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (physical switching, manual configuration) with automated electronic control. The server function uses electronic communication networks and automated algorithms to select sensors and share data, substituting the mechanical manual selection process with an electronic automated system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple detection devices are connected simultaneously, then data availability is improved, but network complexity and data management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The server function acts as an intermediary between multiple sensors and indicators in the network. It receives data from multiple sensors, processes and manages the data sources, and distributes appropriate navigation data to indicators. This intermediary role simplifies network management by centralizing control and eliminating the need for complex peer-to-peer configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The server function provides universal data management capabilities that work with multiple sensor types and indicator configurations. It can handle various navigation data sources (GPS, radar, sonar, etc.) and distribute them to different indicators simultaneously, providing a unified management interface that adapts to different sensor and indicator combinations without requiring separate configuration for each device pair.
3Reliability
If manual disconnection of detection devices is required, then data quality control is improved, but productivity and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback mechanisms where the server function continuously monitors sensor availability and performance, automatically selecting the most reliable data sources. The system provides feedback to indicators about data source status and automatically switches between sensors based on data quality metrics, eliminating the need for manual disconnection while maintaining high data quality standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic sensor selection where the system automatically adapts to changing conditions by selecting the most appropriate data source in real-time. The server function dynamically adjusts which sensors are active and how data is distributed based on current operational needs and sensor performance, providing flexible data quality control without manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A network system where vessel instruments including sensors are connected through a communication network is provided. The sensors generate the same type of navigation data. The system includes a first network for realizing one-to-many communication, a first group instruments connected with each other through the first network, and a second group instruments connected to the first network with a different protocol from the first network. The first group instrument is an input/output gate between the second group instruments and the first network. At least one of the first group instruments has a server function. The first group instruments obtain identification information and types of navigation data of the second group instruments using the first group instruments as the gates, and the server-function instrument obtains identification information and types of navigation data of the instruments. The server function instrument selects one of the sensors generating the same type of navigation data, and outputs a sharing instruction of the data of the selected sensor, through the first network. The first group instrument provides the sharing instruction to the second group instruments using the first group instrument as the gate.