Watercraft Positioning Fusion for Accurate Docking and Map Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
GNSS data provides insufficient accuracy for precise navigation and is prone to jitter, while radar data offers improved accuracy but limited range, making it challenging for applications requiring high precision, such as automatic docking and map overlays.
Innovation Solution
Combining GNSS data with radar data using a Kalman filter to form adjusted data, which includes identifying and adjusting for offsets between the two data sets, and optionally incorporating chart data to enhance accuracy and reduce jitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If GNSS data is used for positioning, then the range of positioning is extended, but the accuracy and stability of positioning deteriorates due to jitter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GNSS data and radar data into a unified positioning system. The radar data provides high-accuracy short-range positioning, while GNSS data provides coverage for distant locations. The system merges these two data sources to achieve both extended range and high accuracy positioning, resolving the contradiction between positioning range and accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If radar data is used for positioning, then the accuracy of positioning is improved, but the range of positioning is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates radar data and GNSS data to create a hybrid positioning solution. Radar provides accurate positioning for nearby objects, while GNSS extends the coverage to distant locations. By merging these complementary systems, the patent achieves both the accuracy benefit of radar and the range benefit of GNSS.
3Length of stationary object
If GNSS data is used for automatic docking, then the navigation coverage is extended, but the reliability of docking operation deteriorates due to jitter causing unwanted movements
Solution Approach 1:
For automatic docking operations, the system merges radar data with GNSS data. The radar data's high accuracy and stability eliminate the jitter problem that would cause unwanted movements during docking, while GNSS data ensures the system can navigate to the docking location even when it is at a distance. This combination maintains reliability while extending navigation coverage.
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
The adjusted data provides improved accuracy and reduced jitter, enabling precise navigation and accurate map overlays, reducing the risk of collisions and enhancing the reliability of automated docking operations.
Implementation Method 1
adjusted data may be formed by inputting GNSS data and radar data into a Kalman filter
Data Source
AI summary
A method for refining global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data for a watercraft is provided. The method includes receiving, from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) mounted to the watercraft, the GNSS data. The method also includes receiving radar data from a radar mounted to the watercraft, creating adjusted data using at least the radar data and the GNSS data, and applying the adjusted data by taking an action. The action comprises at least one of performing a docking operation with the adjusted data, automatically navigating the watercraft using the adjusted data, causing presentation of an alert or other indication regarding the adjusted data, or updating a chart to form an updated chart and causing presentation of the updated chart on a display.