A vessel conversion module 10 for converting a vessel into an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) includes a casing 12 and conversion components. The components comprise: a navigation sensor unit 20 comprising a global positioning system (GPS) receiver 22; a wireless communications interface 28; electronically operable switches 42 for starting and stopping the engine of the vessel and/or lowering and raising the anchor of the vessel; a motor control circuit 44 for coupling to the vessels motor control system for controlling engine 46 speed; a steering control circuit 54 for coupling to the vessels steering control system for controlling the direction of the vessel; memory for storing a navigation control program; and a processor 64 coupled to the conversion components for communication therewith. The navigation control program comprises a waypoint based track control algorithm configured to calculate a straight-line distance, determine perpendicular and damping distances, set the point towards which the vessel should head, and calculate a heading signal for commanding the steering control circuit and a speed signal for commanding the motor control circuit. The module can be used in a vessel having a hull, a steering system and an engine and in a method of converting a vessel.
Vessel conversion module, vessel and method
2019-12-25
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | B63H Schiffsantrieb oder Steuerung der Schiffe , MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING |
CONTROL METHOD FOR VESSEL, VESSEL CONTROL PROGRAM, VESSEL CONTROL SYSTEM, AND VESSEL
European Patent Office | 2023
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