NZ556791A - Component navigation system for a sailing vessel - Google Patents

Abstract

A component navigational system including a video interface unit and multiple purpose-built printed circuit boards that are presented in a card cage unit is provided. A number of the printed circuit boards are connected to input sensors for measuring various parameters while other printed circuit boards are connected to specific output devices. The individual units include computer and/or electronic and/or electromechanical devices. The video interface unit provides single point access to all navigational data as well as providing a user interface for the system.

Description

556791 1 Description COMPONENT NAVIGATION SYSTEM FOR A SAILING VESSEL Technical Field [1] The present design is generally related to the collection and display of navigational data for a sailing vessel, more particularly, to a data acquisition system which utilizes a parallel bus to connect a plurality of circuit boards which are in parallel communication with each other and a computer/controller, and which are in turn connected to a plurality of input and output devices.

Background Art [2] Cross-Reference to Related Applications U.S Patent Number Patent Issue Date Inventor Art Unit 4131851 December, 1978 Martiny et al. 381/2 4939661 July, 1990 Barker et al. 364/521 5075693 December, 1991 McMillan et al. 342/457 5467282 November, 1995 Dennis 364/449 5592382 January, 1997 Colley 364/449 5610815 March, 1997 Gudat et al. 364/424 5696667 December, 1997 Berding 361/877 . 5812377 September, 1998 Golbach 361/759 5884213 March, 1999 Carlson 701/206 5940288 August, 1999 Kociecki 363/144 6241530 June, 2001 Eddy et al. 439/61 6254435 July, 2001 Cheong et al. 439/637 6273771 August, 2001 Buckley et al. 440/84 [3] On modern sailing vessels it is necessary to have reliable navigation instruments on board. Traditionally instruments that indicate vessel speed, depth, wind speed and direction have been purchased separately, and each instrument is equipped with it's own display and user interface, typically function keys. The number of instruments available today has increased sharply with the availability of advanced marine radar, GPS receivers, gyrocompasses and chart-plotters. These instruments must be mounted 556791 2 in such a way that they can be viewed easily in the cockpit. These instruments are typically mounted in one of two ways: either a bulkhead mount or a cluster mount around the steering wheel pedestal. [4] The Bulkhead Mount: This mounting method is achieved by cutting multiple penetrations in the bulkhead of the vessel, typically to one side of the main hatchway. The instruments are then mounted in these penetrations where they can be viewed from the wheel or tiller. The instruments are then electrically connected to a power source and the instrument's sensor with wiring and cables. This wiring is generally run on the backside of the bulkhead or inside the boat cabin. Instruments may also be mounted on the surface of the bulkhead with a mounting bracket. In this case the wiring is typically run on the exterior bulkhead surface. [5] The Pedestal Cluster: This mounting method is achieved by mounting the instruments in some configuration about the steering wheel pedestal. Instruments may be mounted with individual mounting brackets or they may be mounted in a common console. Wiring to these instruments is typically fed through the cockpit floor, and it is strapped to the wheel pedestal and routed to the instruments.

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem [6] Each method has advantages and drawbacks. Bulkhead mounted devices have wiring that is exposed on the bulkhead exterior surface or inside the cabin where it is unsightly. Protecting this wiring from salt-water corrosion and impact is difficult at best. Further the helmsman's view of a bulkhead-mounted instrument is easily obscured because passengers and crew are usually seated directly by the bulkheads where the instruments are mounted. Instruments mounted on the pedestal are easily viewed, but there is little room for many instruments. Most pedestal-mounted instruments are exposed and can be easily impacted or damaged. Multiple power, antenna and sensor cables are again exposed and unprotected. [7] The drawbacks to the state-of-the-art methodology are that each instrument is presented in it's own housing, and each instrument must provide it's own display, user interface and power regulation. Also each instrument is mounted separately in a unique location. Connecting all these devices to power sources, antenna, sensors and serial communication systems is a difficult and laborious task. This installation requires large amounts of wiring and cable, which are difficult to conceal, protect and maintain. This approach is expensive, redundant, unsightly and generally tedious to use. [8] With the extraordinary advances in technology today, many improvements have been made in the area of marine instrumentation. Many traditional instruments are now manufactured with serial communication (networking) capability built in. Multiple 556791 Q:\OPER\GCP\55679 lnz c.doc-7/11/2008 intellectual property office of n.2.

NOV 2008 RECEIVED units can be networked to a laptop computer to assimilate data. Many autopilot units are now capable of serial communication with GPS receivers, chart-plotters and radar units. Mounting and utilising all these devices in such a way that they are presented in a functional and convenient manner is difficult at best.

Technical Solution [9] According to the present invention there is provided a component navigational system which comprises: a video interface unit; a card-cage unit; a plurality of purpose-built printed circuit boards; a central processing unit; a parallel signal bus connecting the signal circuits of the central processing unit and those of the purpose-built printed circuit boards; a power supply; a power distribution bus connecting the power supply to the power circuits of the central processing unit and those of the purpose-built printed circuit boards; and multiple input sensors and output devices connected to the purpose-built printed circuit boards. [9A] The invention also provides a component navigational system, comprising: a video interface unit adapted to be disposed on a marine vessel; a card-cage unit adapted to be disposed on a marine vessel, wherein the card-cage unit comprises; a plurality of purpose-built printed circuit boards; a central processing unit, wherein the central processing unit is in communication with the video interface unit; a parallel signal bus connecting the signal circuits of the central processing unit and those of the purpose-built printed circuit boards; a power supply; a power distribution bus connecting the power supply to the power circuits of the central processing unit and those of the purpose-built printed 556791 Q:»PER.\GCIMS6';giIl!C.doC-7/ll/200g circuit boards; and multiple input sensors and output devices connected to the purpose-built printed circuit boards. [9B] The invention also provides a component navigational system, comprising: a video interface unit adapted to be disposed on a marine vessel; a card-cage unit adapted to be disposed on a marine vessel, wherein the card-cage unit comprises; at least a first purpose-built printed circuit board having a central processing unit, wherein the central processing unit is in communication with the video interface unit; at least a second purpose-built printed circuit board having a power supply; at least a third and fourth purpose-built printed circuit board each having a different function selected from the group consisting of: depth sounder, speedometer, anemometer, gyrocompass, GPS receiver, chart plotter, radar interface, autopilot interface, weather band receiver, CD-ROM unit, read/write CD-ROM unit, engine parameter monitor, DC power monitor, and collision avoidance unit, wherein the at least first, second, third, and fourth purpose-built printed circuit board have the same physical dimensions; a parallel signal bus connecting the signal circuits of the at least first, second, third, and fourth purpose-built printed circuit boards; a power distribution bus connecting the signal circuits of the at least first, second, third, and fourth purpose-built printed circuit boards; and multiple input sensors and output devices connected to the purpose-built printed circuit boards. [9C] The video interface unit provides single point access to all navigational data as well as providing a user interface for the system. The card-cage unit has multiple bus structures with a plurality of sockets for connection to a power supply, a central processing unit and the purpose built printed circuit boards. These printed circuit boards and the central processing unit can communicate bidirectionally by intellectual property OFCICF -)F N.2. 1 Q NOV 2008 556791 Q:\OPERV3CP\SS6791iiz c.doe-7/1 t/2008 4A- means of a parallel signal bus. The central processing unit will thus be able to process input data, display appropriate information and logically control a specific output device.

[10] Preferably, the video interface unit (VTU) will consist of a flat screen display unit mounted in a weatherproof housing. This unit will be provided with function keys and/or a "touch screen" aid a series of menus through which the user can configure the unit and display various graphic screens. Because of its small size and low profile, the VIU can be mounted to the wheel pedestal, a bulkhead or a cockpit wall. This VIU will communicate to the card-cage unit over a single CAT5 10 network cable using keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) technology. The VIU will provide data displays from all of the purpose-built printed circuit boards and the input sensors. A second VRJ equipped with a keyboard may also be located at the navigation centre or some other location.

[11] Preferably further, the card-cage unit (CCU) will consist of a framework to 15 support and protect the purpose-built printed circuit cards and a back plane, which has integrated communication and power buses. The bus work will have multiple parallel electrical conductors to provide a parallel communication pathway between the CPU and the purpose-built printed circuit boards. Multiple parallel electrical conductors will also be provided to distribute power from the power supply to the 20 printed circuit boards and the CPU. The back plane will have a multitude of edge connector sockets electrically connected to the power and communication buses. These sockets will "mate" with electrical contacts on the purpose-built printed circuit boards such that the printed circuit boards will be electrically connected to the power bus and the communication bus. The CCU will be housed in an 25 enclosure to protect the unit from impact and exposure to a harsh or corrosive environment. This unit will have appropriate penetrations for cable and wire connections, as well as appropriate wiring and waterproofing appliances. The CCU shall be located in a protected area such as under a navigation centre or inside a storage compartment. The multitude of wires and cables can be installed to the 30 CCU in a protected fashion that is out of sight.

[12] Preferably further, the power supply will consist olh^^^^^ni^oniiiifci—. ' ofpicf -)f RTY ) o NOV 2008 556791 QAOPER\GCP\55679tnz c.dcc-*?/l WOP! -4B that will provide filtered, protected and regulated voltage to the components of the navigation system. This power supply will draw power from the boat's 12-volt DC power system. The power supply will be designed to reside in the card-cage unit and it will be connected to the power bus via the edge connector socket.

[13] Preferably further, the central processing unit will consist of a microprocessor, memory, an operating system and the necessary electronic components to produce a functional computer/controller. The CPU will be designed to reside in the card cage unit. This CPU will attach to the signal bus and power bus via edge connector sockets. The CPU will process data presented by the 10 printed circuit boards and update graphics displays and adjust output devices through other printed circuit cards. [ 14] Preferably further, the purpose-built printed circuit boards will be designed to perform one or more functions such as a depth sounder, an anemometer, a speed indicator, etc. These boards will have sufficient electrical or electronic components 15 to perform that board's specific function. These boards may include firmware and/or software suitable for that board's specific function. The circuit boards will have edge contacts on the inner edge (the back edge) of the board. These contacts are designed to "mate" to the edge connector sockets located on the back plane. The circuit boards will then be connected to a specific input sensor, which will be 20 suited for that board's specific function. The input sensor(s) will be connected to the outer edge (the front side) of the circuit board. Other purpose-built circuit boards may include but are not limited to a video/KVM board, a GPS receiver board, a radar interface board, a DC power monitor board, an autopilot interface board, a gyrocompass board, a collision avoidance board, a weather band radio 25 receiver, an engine parameter board, a CD-ROM board, a read/write CD-ROM board or a chart-plotter board.

[15] Preferably further, the sensors will be electronic or electromechanical in nature. An electronic sensor may be but is not limited to a temperature probe or a sonar transducer. An electromechanical transducer may be but is not limited to a 30 paddle-wheel type speed sensor or a wind vane. Other inputs may be fiiel, water or bilge level sensing units. inteluecttjal PROPERTY IPPtCF if N,2. 1 U NOV 2008 556791 Q:M5PER\GCP\55S791n2 c.dK-7/U/2008 - 4C -

[16] Preferably further, the output devices will be electronic or electromechanical in nature. An output device may be a bilge pump or a ventilator for the engine compartment. Another device may be the actuator of an autopilot system or a backstay adjuster.

Advantageous Effects

[17] A component navigational system in accordance with the present design reduces the intellectual property! OFP'CF OF fM.Z 1 U NOV 2006 P» r— A r" I ft t mm mm. 556791 number of navigational instruments to a single card cage unit and a single video display unit. The need to cut multiple penetrations in the bulkhead is eliminated. The multitude of cables and wiring running to and from the cockpit is reduced to only a few cables. The helmsmen can focus their attention on a single display unit rather than multiple displays located about the cockpit.

[18] Another significant advantage with the present design is the ease with which one can add new functions to the navigation system. The system can be easily upgraded by simply installing another purpose-built printed circuit board which provides the desired feature. Repairs can also be readily effected by replacing faulty circuit boards.

[19] This present design also provides for a system which is much more robust and survivable than previous installations. The card cage unit houses the majority of vital components, and it is located below decks in a protective water-proof enclosure. This minimizes the opportunity for damage due to impact or salt water exposure. The cable and wiring to and from the card cage unit is more secure since it is not exposed on a bulkhead or pedestal.

Description of Drawings

[20] Figure 1: Schematic representation of the system

[21] Figure 2: The video interface unit and keyboard

[22] Figure 3: The card cage unit

[23] Figure 4: The waterproof enclosure and card cage unit

[24] Figure 5: The printed circuit boards

[25] Figure 6: Various sensors and transducers

[26] Figure 7; The exploded view of the system Best Mode

[27] The best mode of the invention involves manufacturing the purpose-built printed circuit boards (Fig 5), central processing unit (20) and power supply (19) by one familiar and skilled in the art. The software required for menus, graphic displays and control can be written by one skilled in this art. Input and output devices such as speed pickups (16), sonar transducers (15), weather vanes (17), antenna (18), etc.... are commercially available. Components for the video display unit (1), card cage (Fig 3), wiring appliances (26) and weather proof enclosure (2) & (25) are also commercially available.

Mode for Invention

[28] Referring to the drawings a component navigational system for a sailing vessel is comprised of one or multiple video interface units as depicted in Figure 2 and other components. The Video Interface Unit (or VIU) is a video display device consisting of a flat panel video display 1 that is housed in a waterproof enclosure 2. The flat panel 556791 6 display unit may be a TFT VGA 10.4 inch panel display, however many other panel sizes are available. This unit will have sufficient illumination intensity to provide good visibility in full sunlight. The display unit may have an optional 'touch screen' interface.

[29] Video signals, keypad and mouse control signals are communicated to and from the VIU via a keyboard-video-mouse (or KVM) interface unit Figure 2, 3. The KVM unit allows all three types of control signals to be sent and received over a single CAT5 communication cable.

[30] The VIU may have multiple function keys Figure 2, 4 for a specific function, and the unit may have multiple 'soft keys' 4b that function differently from display page to display page. The user may display several different graphic pages, or access menus, or configure system parameters by using the function and/or soft keys. The VIU will also have a waterproof speaker 5 for audio alarms or signals. Multiple VIUs may be used with this system. These video units can be easily mounted and wired requiring only 12-volt power and a single CAT5 cable. A VIU may also be equipped with a keyboard 6 for a more conventional interface at a protected location such as the navigation center.

[31] Referring to the drawings a component navigational system for a sailing vessel consists of a card-cage unit as depicted in Figure 3 and other components. This illustration depicts a card-cage with ten slots, however the card cage may be provided with more or fewer slots as required. Additional card-cage units may also be connected to the system to increase the number of cards used in a given system. The card-cage unit (or CCU) is comprised of a framework 7 to support and protect the purpose-built printed circuit cards, and a back plane 8, which has integrated communication and power buses. The framework will be secured into a protective housing Figure 4, 25 by mounting tabs Figure 3, 9 located on the upper and lower external horizontal surfaces of the unit.

[32] The back plane Figure 3, 8 shall have a bus work that will have multiple parallel electrical conductors to provide a communication pathway between the CPU card and the purpose-built printed circuit boards. Multiple parallel electrical conductors will also be provided to distribute power from the power supply card to the printed circuit boards and the CPU. The back plane will have one or multiple edge connector sockets 10 for each slot space. These sockets will electrically connected to the power and communications buses. These sockets will 'mate' with electrical contacts Figure 5, 12 on the purpose-built printed circuit boards such that these boards will be electrically connected to the power bus and the communication bus. Card guides Figure 3, 11 will be provided on the upper and lower interior horizontal surfaces. These guides will ensure that the printed circuit cards properly align with the edge connectors located on 556791 7 the back plane.

[33] Figure 4 illustrates the CCU is to be housed in an enclosure 25 to protect the unit from impact and exposure to harsh or corrosive environments. This unit will have appropriate penetrations for cable and wire connections, as well as appropriate wiring and waterproofing appliances 26 such as CGB cable or bulkhead seal fittings.

[34] Referring to the drawings a component navigational system for a sailing vessel comprising multiple purpose-built printed circuit boards as depicted in Figure 5 and other components. The purpose-built circuit boards will be designed to perform one or multiple functions such as a depth sounder and speed indicator circuitry combined on one circuit board Figure 7, 22. The purpose-built circuit boards will be populated with sufficient electrical or electronic components to perform the specific function(s). These boards may include firmware and/or software suitable for the specific function. The circuit boards will have edge contacts 12 on the inner edge (the back edge) of the board. These contacts are designed to 'mate' to the edge connector sockets located on the back plane Figure 3, 10. The circuit boards will then be connected to a specific input sensor (or transducer), which will be suited for that board's specific function(s). The transducer will be connected to the outer edge (the front side) of the circuit board by means of a terminal strip Figure 5, 13 or some other specific connection device. These circuit boards will be equipped with LEDs 14, which will indicate the operating status of the boards. Other purpose-built circuit boards may include but are not limited to a wind speed and direction board Figure 7,23, a GPS receiver board, a radar interface board, an autopilot interface board, a chart-plotter board, a weather band receiver board, an engine input board, a collision avoidance board, a DC power monitor board, a gyro-compass board, a CD-ROM board or a read/write CD-ROM board.

[35] Referring to the drawings a component navigational system for a sailing vessel will consist of multiple sensors and transducers as depicted in Figure 6 and other components. The transducers will be electronic or electromechanical in nature. An electronic transducer may be but is not limited to a temperature probe or a sonar transceiver 15. An electromechanical sensor may be but is not limited to a paddle-wheel type speed pick-up 16 or a wind vane and wind speed indicator 17. Other devices may be but are not limited to an external GPS antenna 18.

[36] Referring to the drawings a component navigational system for a sailing vessel comprising a power supply card Figure 7, 19, a CPU card 20 and a video interface card with KVM interface 21 and other components.

[37] The power supply card Figure 7, 19 will have the same physical dimensions and design as the purpose-build printed circuit boards. This power supply will attach to the back plane via the edge connector socket(s), and it will thus be connected to the power 556791 8 bus. The power supply will occupy one slot in the card-cage unit. The power supply card will draw power from the boat's 12-volt DC power system, and provide filtered, protected and regulated voltage to the components of the navigation system.

[38] The central processing unit Figure 7, 20 (or CPU) will have the same physical dimensions and design as the purpose-build printed circuit boards. This CPU will attach to the back plane via the edge connector socket(s), and it will thus be connected to the communication and power buses. The CPU will occupy one slot in the card-cage unit. The CPU will consist of a processor, memory and the necessary electronic components to produce a functional computer/controller. Large amounts of cartographic data, programs, etc. can be downloaded to the unit via a serial link from a personal computer or from a CD-ROM unit. The system may use any operating system desired, and any application and graphics program can be developed to convey a wide variety of navigational and cartographic information.

[39] The video interface card Figure 7, 21 (or VIC) will have the same physical dimensions and design as the purpose-build printed circuit boards. This VIC will attach to the back plane via the edge connector socket(s), and it will thus be connect to the communications and power buses. The VIC will occupy one slot in the card-cage unit. The VIC will consist of a KVM interface circuit and the necessary electronic video components to support a VGA display. The Video Interface Card will connect directly to the Video Interface Unit via a CAT5 cable.

Industrial Applicability

[40] A component navigational system in accordance with the present design is applicable to recreational and commercial sailing vessels for the purpose of acquiring and assimilating navigational data. Said system can also control some aspects of vessel manoeuvring, and said system can also monitor some vital systems.

Sequence List Text

[41] 556791 9

Claims (2)

1. Claims [1] A component navigational system which comprises a video interface unit; a card-cage unit; a plurality of purpose-built printed circuit boards; a central processing unit; a parallel signal bus connecting the signal circuits of the central processing unit and those of the purpose-built printed circuit boards; a power supply; a power distribution bus connecting the power supply to the power circuits of the central processing unit and those of the purpose-built printed circuit boards; and multiple input sensors and output devices connected to the purpose-built printed circuit boards. [2] The component navigation system of claim 1 in which said video interface unit comprises a flat panel display. [3] The component navigation system of claim 2 in which the video interface unit utilizes multiple function keys and/or soft keys to provide user input. [4] The component navigation system of claim 2 in which the video interface unit utilizes a 'touch screen' and/or a keyboard to provide user input. [5] The component navigation system of claims 2, 3 and 4 in which the flat panel display, function keys, soft keys and the 'touch-screen' are presented in a waterproof housing which protects the electronic components. [6] The component navigation system of claim 2, 3, and 4 in which the flat panel display, the function keys, the soft keys and the 'touch-screen' are in signal communication with the system by means of CAT5/KVM interface. [7] The component navigation system of claim 1 in which said card-cage unit comprises a 'back plane' which has multiple integral bus structures and a framework to house the purpose-built printed circuit boards. [8] The component navigation system of claim 1 in which said parallel signal bus comprises multiple electrical conductor lines located on the back plane. [9] The component navigation system of claim 1 in which said parallel power bus has multiple electrical conductor lines located on the back plane. [10] The component navigation system of claim 8 and of claim 9 in which the signal conductors and the power conductors of the back plane are electrically connected to edge connector sockets. [11] The component navigation system of claim 7 in which the card-cage unit will be housed in a protective waterproof enclosure. [12] The component navigation system of claim 1 in which said power supply comprises a voltage regulator, a surge suppressor and filters designed to provide 'clean' electric power to the various components in the card-cage unit. [13] The component navigation system of claim 12 in which the power supply will be WO 2006/082480 556791 10 PCT/IB2005/050475 designed to reside in the card-cage unit, and said supply will attach to the power bus of the back plane via the edge connector sockets. [14] The component navigation system of claim 1 in which said central processing unit comprises a processor, memory, an operating system and the necessary electronic components to produce a functional computer/controller. [15] The component navigation system of claim 14 in which the central processing unit will be designed to reside in the card-cage unit, where said unit will attach to the signal bus of the back plane via the edge connector sockets. [16] The component navigation system of claim 2, 3 and 4 in which the video interface unit will provide data displays, cartographic displays, configuration menus, and a means of user input. [17] The component navigation system of claim 1 in which said purpose-built printed circuit boards comprising sufficient electrical and/or electronic components necessary to perform the given function(s). [18] The component navigation system of claim 17 in which the purpose-built printed circuit boards will have edge contacts on the inner edge of the board, where said contacts are designed to 'mate' to the edge connector sockets located on the back plane. [19] The component navigation system of claim 17 in which the purpose-built printed circuit boards will be connected to a specific input sensor or output device which will be suited for that board's specific function, and where said sensors or devices will be connected to the outer edge of the purpose-built circuit board. [20] The component navigation system of claim 17 in which a purpose-built printed circuit board will provide the function of a video interface card. [21 ] The component navigation system of claim 20 in which the video interface card will further provide the function of a CAT5/KVM interface. [22] The component navigation system of claim 6 and claim 21 in which the video interface unit and the video interface card will be in signal communication by means of said CAT5/KVM interface. [23] The component navigation system of claim 17 in which a purpose-built printed circuit board will provide the function of a depth sounder. [24] The component navigation system of claim 17 in which a purpose-built printed circuit board will provide the function of a speedometer. [25] The component navigation system of claim 17 in which a purpose-built printed circuit board will provide the function of an anemometer. [26] The component navigation system of claim 17 in which a purpose-built printed circuit board will provide the function of a gyrocompass. [27] The component navigation system of claim 17 in which a purpose-built printed 556791 Q:\OPER\GCP\55679lnz c<loc-7/U/2008 - 11 25 30 circuit board will provide the function of a GPS receiver. The component navigation system of claim 17 in which a purpose-built printed circuit board will provide the function of a chart plotter. The component navigation system of claim 17 in which a purpose-built printed circuit board will provide the function of a radar interface. The component navigation system of claim 17 in which a purpose-built printed circuit board will provide the function of an autopilot interface. The component navigation system of claim 17 in which a purpose-built printed circuit board will provide the function of a weather band receiver. The component navigation system of claim 17 in which a purpose-built printed circuit board will provide the function of a CD-ROM unit. The component navigation system of claim 17 in which a purpose-built printed circuit board will provide the function of a read/write CD-ROM unit. The component navigation system of claim 17 in which a purpose-built printed circuit board will provide the function of an engine parameter monitor. The component navigation system of claim 17 in which a purpose-built printed circuit board will provide the function of a DC power monitor. The component navigation system of claim 17 in which a purpose-built printed circuit board will provide the function of a collision avoidance unit. The component navigation system of claim 1 in which said input sensors comprise electrical or electromechanical devices to provide specific data. The component navigation system of claim 1 in which said output devices comprise electric or electromechanical apparatus to perform a specific task. A component navigational system, comprising: a video interface unit adapted to be disposed on a marine vessel; a card-cage unit adapted to be disposed on a marine vessel, wherein the card-cage unit comprises; a plurality of purpose-built printed circuit boards; a central processing unit, wherein the central processing unit is in communication with the video interface unit; a parallel signal bus connecting the signal circuits oi ||ljrp ^' n~ ofpiob y^peRTY 10 NOV 2008 556791 Q:\OPEIM5CP\5 56791iizc..toc-7/l 1/2008 - 12- unit and those of the purpose-built printed circuit boards; a power supply; a power distribution bus connecting the power supply to the power circuits of the central processing unit and those of the purpose-built printed circuit 5 boards; and multiple input sensors and output devices connected to the purpose-built printed circuit boards. [40] The component navigation system of claim 39, wherein the purpose-built printed circuit boards are interchangeably adapted to the card-cage unit. 10 [41] A component navigational system, comprising: a video interface unit adapted to be disposed on a marine vessel; a card-cage unit adapted to be disposed on a marine vessel, wherein the card-cage unit comprises; at least a first purpose-built printed circuit board having a central processing 15 unit, wherein the central processing unit is in communication with the video interface unit; at least a second purpose-built printed circuit board having a power supply; at least a third and fourth purpose-built printed circuit board each having a different function selected from the group consisting of: depth sounder, 20 speedometer, anemometer, gyrocompass, GPS receiver, chart plotter, radar interface, autopilot interface, weather band receiver, CD-ROM unit, read/write CD-ROM unit, engine parameter monitor, DC power monitor, and collision avoidance unit, wherein the at least first, second, third, and fourth purpose-built printed 25 circuit board have the same physical dimensions; a parallel signal bus connecting the signal circuits of the at least first, second, third, and fourth purpose-built printed circuit boards; a power distribution bus connecting the signal circuits of the at least first, second, third, and fourth purpose-built printed circuit boards; and 30 multiple input sensors and output devices connected to the purpose-built printed circuit boards. intellectual property i OFFICE OF N.z. 1 0 NOV 2008 556791 Q.\OPER\GCP\5S6791 E1Z c.doc-7/11 /2008 -13- [42] A component navigational system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. l'ntenfs^al property i ofroe of n.
2. 2. I G NOV 2008 .RECEIVED