GB2258062A

GB2258062A - Updating marine charts

Info

Publication number: GB2258062A
Application number: GB9115710A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Frank Guinard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-07-20
Filing date: 1991-07-20
Publication date: 1993-01-27
Also published as: GB9115710D0

Abstract

The system, comprising various combinations of software and hardware tools, helps the navigator to update or correct marine paper charts. The main feature of the system is its ability to print graphics on labels or transfers that can be stuck onto paper charts. If the updating information is temporary, the labels can be peeled off and discarded. Alternatively, paper charts can be updated directly by using an inkjet printer. The graphics may be printed in colour. The system is used on board a ship and receives the updating information via, e.g., a satellite link. Positional information indicates where the label or transfer is to be attached to the paper chart. <IMAGE>

Description

Correction Tools A set of modular chart correction aids for the navigator Objective: the system facilitates the tedious and error-prone process of correcting marine charts. It makes updates easter, faster and more accurate. It improves safety of navigation and alleviates the workload on the bridge. The system (named PACT) is modular and can be interfaced with a wide range of navigation equipment.

1 - System description.

1-A. Background information.

Until now ships at sea carrying a set of paper charts have to rely on their owners for the supply of chart corrections. They are usually received by mail when the ship is in port and take the form of a booklet, Notices to Mariners. They are compiled all over the world by government executive agencies, companies and hydrographic offices. When a crew begins a long voyage, it is not uncommon to receive dozens of booklets at the same time. It may take several days to clear the backlog of corrections, most of which are by that time already obsolete.

To overcome this problem, several companies have developed electronic chart display & information systems (ECI)IS). These systems can display charts on a computer screen and manipulate them in various ways. Information such as the position of buoys, submarine cables and offshore rigs can be electronically added to the chart. Operation can be manual or automatic. In the latter case, the information can be received on a floppy disk. via radio or via satellite.

1-B Aims of PACT.

Although the value of ECDIS is undisputed, a large number of mariners - cannot afford them - do not have the technical skills to operate them - do not feel the need for such applications.

But the need for good-quality, updated nautical documentation is universally acknowledged.

Furthermore, there is a continuing legal requirements to carry a set of updated charts even when ECDIS is fitted.

PACT aims to provide navigators with a set of tools for the correction of paper charts. It is a low- cost, user-friendly system which should find applications in the yachting, deep-sea fishing, and trading markets.

1-C Brief description.

The system comprises * the central processing unit: decompresses the data, translates it into graphics and sends it to the icon printer. It acts as an interface with peripheral equipment such as keyboard, display, and navigation system. It also keeps a log of corrections for later reference.

* the control unit : display, keyboard, mass memory (ie, personal computer) * the icon printer: small printer capable of printing colour transfers similar to those used by children to decorate models of trucks or boats. Such transfers can be stuck onto the map very easily The user has only to position the transfer correctly. Alternatively, a small colour inkjet printer can be used to print directly onto the map.In this case, the printer can be interfaced with axl electronic plotting table and with the control unit.

* the receiving unit : acquires the data used to correct the charts. It can take several forms * a disk reader (the medium can be RAM card, ROM, floppy disk, optical disk, tape, etc).

* a radio receiver equipped with a modem.

Examples include Navtex, EGC, TOR, Radiotelex, Maritex, Inmarsat-C.

* a dial-up modem attached to a telephone line, a UHF or VHF link, or an Inmarsat-A satellite ship earth station.

4 - Conclusion Main benefits of the system: Lmproves safety at sea Reduces workload on the bridge Makes chart corrections easier Can be used by anyone

Claims

2 - Claims

1 - system converting electronic data into graphics can be transferred to a paper chart.

2 - value-added service providing the facilities of the system described in Claim 1.

3 - equipment and associated peripherals performing functions described in Claims 1 and
2.

4 - microprocessor and its associated software converting data into a format that is suitable for a printer producing labels for marine charts. The page-description language of the printer can sup colour.

5 - device converting data into labels that can be applied to a paper chart, on a nautical document, or a technical manual. The labels take the form of paper stickers or transparent transfers. Suitable printer 1 include inkjet, thermal, and wax.

6 - hardware and associated software performing the following functions * guiding the user through the process of chart correction by means of indications on an electronic plotter (eg, indication of the position at which the chart has to be amended).

* Indicating on an electronic chart system where the correction has to be made, and what the paper chart should look like after correction.

* a combination of these functions

7 - combinations of the different components of the system performing functions described in Clai@ including the following configurations: * standalone, dedicated system including a receiver, a microprocessor and a printer.

* multi-purpose system comprising a Navtes receiver, a microprocessor and a printer.

* a radio receiver (such as IIlmarsat-C, EGC, Maritex, TOR, or a radio receiver attached to a modem), a personal computer and a printer.

* a dial-up modem attached to a telephone line and a personal computer performing functions described in Claim 1.

8 - associated computer software and administrative arrangements aimed at providing the service described in Claim 1.

9 - documentation, user guides, training manuals, operating procedures, and system description manuals related to the system described in Claim 1.

10 - format and syntax of correction messages.