Watercraft Virtual Anchoring Without Satellite Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional station-keeping systems for watercraft rely on satellite signals, which are not always available, particularly in areas like under bridges, leading to challenges in maintaining a watercraft's position relative to land without satellite positioning data.
Innovation Solution
A watercraft control system equipped with a detector, such as a stereo camera, and a digital controller that allows the watercraft to maintain a prescribed distance and orientation relative to a stationary object using image recognition and propulsion adjustments, enabling 'virtual anchoring' without satellite signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If satellite-based station-keeping systems are used to maintain watercraft position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the system becomes unreliable in areas without satellite signal coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple detection methods (detector 14 for stationary objects and satellite positioning system 52 for GPS coordinates) into a single station-keeping system that can operate in different environments. The controller 24 automatically switches between detection modes based on signal availability, making the system universally applicable both under bridges and in open water.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector 14 acts as an intermediary that captures images of stationary objects (bridges, buoys, etc.) to provide positioning data when satellite signals are unavailable. This intermediary detection method bridges the gap in environments where direct satellite communication is blocked.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detector-based virtual anchoring is used to maintain position without satellite signals, then adaptability to signal-denied environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller 24 performs multiple functions by processing both detector 14 images and satellite positioning data through the same virtual anchoring algorithm. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle different input types without requiring separate processing systems, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the watercraft's position relative to the stationary object by processing detector images and compares it with the desired position. The controller 24 adjusts propulsion unit 22 commands in real-time based on this feedback loop, maintaining accurate station-keeping despite the added complexity of image-based detection.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional anchoring with heavy objects is used to maintain position, then positioning stability is improved, but the system becomes less adaptable and requires physical deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical anchoring system (heavy objects, ropes, chains) with a digital control system that uses detector 14 imaging and controller 24 processing to maintain position. This substitution eliminates the need for physical anchor deployment while achieving comparable positioning stability through electronic control of propulsion unit 22.
Solution Approach 2:
The watercraft performs its own positioning function by using its detector 14 to identify stationary objects and its controller 24 to calculate and maintain the desired position. The system is self-sufficient and does not require external anchoring equipment or assistance, making operation more convenient and adaptable.
Data Source
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AI summary
A watercraft control system is configured to maintain a prescribed distance between a host watercraft and a stationary or anchored object. The watercraft control system can be integrated with a main watercraft control system of the host watercraft, or can be an add-on watercraft control system that supplements the main watercraft control system of the host watercraft. The watercraft control system basically includes a detector and a digital controller. The detector is configured to detect a stationary or anchored object spaced from a host watercraft. The digital controller is configured to communicate with the detector to receive a detection signal from the detector. The digital controller is configured to output at least one control command to a propulsion unit of the host watercraft to maintain a prescribed distance between the host watercraft and the stationary or anchored object.