Virtual Anchor Proximity System for Marine Vessel Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine vessels equipped with autopilot systems lack the ability to maintain a specified offset distance from a designated waypoint, limiting users' ability to fish effectively without manually controlling the vessel's movement.
Innovation Solution
A processor-based system that receives user input for a geographic location and desired offset distance, using motors to maintain the vessel at a predetermined distance from the waypoint, and allows for orbital path selection to enable automatic movement around the waypoint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the vessel stays directly on top of the waypoint, then navigation precision is improved, but the user cannot fish effectively at the desired location
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the navigation function into two independent components: waypoint management (staying on target) and vessel positioning (maintaining offset distance). The autopilot controls the vessel to maintain a specified offset distance from the waypoint, allowing the waypoint to remain stationary while the vessel positions itself optimally for fishing operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user manually controls the vessel movement, then fishing flexibility is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling the vessel to automatically maintain its position at a specified offset distance from the waypoint through autopilot control. The user simply sets the desired offset distance, and the system autonomously adjusts the vessel's position and orientation, eliminating the need for continuous manual steering while preserving fishing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the vessel's position and orientation based on the desired offset distance and waypoint location. The autopilot continuously monitors the vessel's position relative to the waypoint and makes real-time adjustments to maintain the optimal fishing position, allowing the vessel to adapt to changing conditions automatically.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the vessel maintains a fixed position, then casting stability is improved, but the user cannot cast in multiple directions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically positions the vessel at a specified offset distance from the waypoint rather than maintaining a fixed position. This allows the vessel to be located optimally for casting in multiple directions while maintaining relative stability during each casting action. The autopilot ensures the vessel remains at the correct distance from the waypoint, providing a stable base for versatile fishing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Virtual anchor features for a navigation/autopilot system for use on a marine vessel are provided herein. An example apparatus associated with a marine vessel includes a processor and memory including computer program code, the memory and the computer program code configured to, with the processor, cause the apparatus to receive user input indicating at least a first geographic location and a desired offset distance; determine a current geographic location of at least one of the marine vessel or the apparatus; determine if the current geographic location is within a distance threshold of the desired offset distance from the first geographic location; and cause, in an instance in which the current geographic location is not within the distance threshold, one or more motors of the marine vessel to operate to cause the marine vessel to move to a new geographic location accordingly. A desired orbit pattern may also be employed.