WO1995001551A1 - Aide a la navigation - Google Patents

Aide a la navigation Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1995001551A1
WO1995001551A1 PCT/GB1994/001395 GB9401395W WO9501551A1 WO 1995001551 A1 WO1995001551 A1 WO 1995001551A1 GB 9401395 W GB9401395 W GB 9401395W WO 9501551 A1 WO9501551 A1 WO 9501551A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
scanning device
navigation aid
chart
substrate
overlay
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1994/001395
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David Goodwin
Original Assignee
Geografix Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB939313362A external-priority patent/GB9313362D0/en
Priority claimed from GB9408055A external-priority patent/GB9408055D0/en
Application filed by Geografix Limited filed Critical Geografix Limited
Priority to AU70403/94A priority Critical patent/AU7040394A/en
Publication of WO1995001551A1 publication Critical patent/WO1995001551A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C21/00—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00
    • G01C21/20—Instruments for performing navigational calculations
    • G01C21/22—Plotting boards
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B29/00—Maps; Plans; Charts; Diagrams, e.g. route diagram
    • G09B29/10—Map spot or coordinate position indicators; Map reading aids
    • G09B29/106—Map spot or coordinate position indicators; Map reading aids using electronic means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a navigation aid, in particular, a system which allows for automatic plotting and position fixing on existing charts and maps. It is particularly, though not exclusively, suitable for use on marine vessels.
  • Electronic chart systems exist which can be used in conjunction with electronic/radio position fixing systems such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) in order to display a position on a map represented on an electronic screen.
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • the maps are stored in a computer memory or on a suitable medium such as disc or cartridge, and allow a user to zoom, pan, plot etc.
  • paper maps and charts are generally preferred since they can include more information and can be annotated.
  • existing electronic systems are not readily portable.
  • This system employs a sensitive substrate and a cursor which moves over the substrate. The position of the cursor relative to the substrate is detectable by the substrate.
  • An existing chart can be located on the substrate and "referenced" in the sense that an electronic control unit will be fed information regarding the position of the chart co ⁇ ordinates relative to the substrate. The control unit can then give a visual indication of how the cursor should be moved in order to indicate a particular position.
  • EPDS electronic position determining system
  • the control unit can direct the operator to move the cursor to the current position of the vessel (in the case of a marine chart) on the chart, or "self position".
  • This system suffers a number of drawbacks. Firstly, without constant operator intervention it does not give a constant, on-going indication of the self position as the vessel follows its course. Secondly, it requires the means to provide the visual indication of how the cursor must be moved to attain a required position on the chart, be it the self position or some other required position such as a destination or way point. Thirdly, it cannot be used to scan a chart quickly in order to locate a particular position on the chart.
  • a navigation aid comprising: a sensitive substrate; a scanning device which is smaller than the substrate and movable over the substrate, the substrate being sensitive to the position and orientation of the scanning device; means for locating the chart relative to the substrate; and referencing means for relating the position of the chart co-ordinates to the substrate; the scanning device including a transparent window through which the chart may be viewed when lying between the scanning device and the substrate, the scanning device including means for displaying in the window a point position indication.
  • the scanning device can indicate the position of any particular set of chart co-ordinates by means of the point position indication in the window. If the required chart position is not within the area of the chart beneath the window, it is a simple matter to scan the chart with the scanning device until the position is located. It will be appreciated that the position of particular selected chart co-ordinates will be indicated regardless of their position within the window. Thus, there is no need for any visual indication of how the scanning device should be moved to reach a particular position. Furthermore, if this variant is used in conjunction with an EPDS, and the required position to be indicated is the self position, the progress of the self position can be constantly displayed within the window.
  • the sensitive substrate is a "digitising" surface.
  • the window is an LCD display.
  • means are present to enable the window to display chart co-ordinates, bearings, headings etc.
  • means are present to enable information to be entered and stored, and a computing device is included to calculate bearings, speed, routes and so on, using various data such as tidal details, wind details, vessel characteristics and point to point distances.
  • the substrate forms part of a base unit which houses the computing device in the form of a central processing unit (CPU) and preferably also a GPS device and aerial.
  • CPU central processing unit
  • a navigation aid comprising: a transparent chart overlay formed with a surface pattern; a scanning device which is movable over the overlay and sensitive to the overlay pattern whereby it is capable of determining its position relative to tne overlay; means for locating a chart beneath the overlay; and referencing means for relating the position of the overlay to the chart co ⁇ ordinates; the scanning device including a transparent window through which the chart may be viewed when lying between the scanning device and the overlay, the scanning device including means for displaying in the window a point position indication.
  • the overlay pattern is a grid.
  • the fourth aspect is very similar to the third aspect of the invention.
  • Illumination is preferably provided in the scanning device.
  • the charts may be placed in transparent envelopes for location so that they may be waterproof and so that they may be drawn upon without permanent disfiguration.
  • the system may include a signal output arranged to interface with a vessel autopilot system.
  • Figure 1 shows a marine navigation aid according to the present invention
  • FIG. 2 shows part of a scanning device in accordance with the present invention from the navigation aid and of Figure 1, to an enlarged scale;
  • FIGS 3 and 4 are each a perspective sketch of alternative embodiments of the present invention.
  • the navigation aid shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a base unit 11 and a scanning device 12.
  • the base unit 11 has a digitising surface 13 which is sensitive to the position and orientation of the scanning device 12.
  • the base unit houses a central processing unit (CPU) 14 which includes an electronic memory and a computing device, and also a power source, such as batteries (not shown) .
  • the base unit also houses a receiver 15 for GPS signals (or the like) .
  • the scanning device 12 is connected to the CPU by a cable 16 and includes an LCD window 17 and control buttons 18.
  • the LCD window 17 is arranged to display various information, both graphic and alpha numeric.
  • the control buttons 18 are used to control the functions of the device and to enter information.
  • a chart 19 is located on the surface 13 and fixed in position.
  • the scanning device 12 is placed on the chart and the chart 19 is referenced to the surface 13. This is carried out by displaying a point indicator in the LCD window 17 and entering the chart co-ordinates of the underlying chart position.
  • the CPU 14 relates a set of chart co-ordinates to a position on the surface 13. This procedure is repeated for two further locations in the chart 19.
  • Waypoints can then be entered into the memory, either by using the point indicator in the LCD window, or numerically, using the control buttons 18.
  • the point in question can be called up, either by its chart co-ordinates or from the memory. If it is within the area covered by the LCD window 17, it will be identified by the point marker. If it is not within the area covered by the LCD window 17, the scanning device 12 is scanned across the chart until the point indicator appears in the window 17.
  • the co ⁇ ordinates may also appear in the window 17 numerically. Any single waypoint can be highlighted in the display window 17 e.g. by a circle around the point. THis may be desirable when there are a number of waypoints visible in the display window 17.
  • a GPS receiver 15 or EPDS
  • the self position can be continuously displayed in the LCD window 17.
  • the self position will track across the LCD window 17 and the device will monitor course and speed etc. It will be appreciated that this may be particularly useful to a yachtsman since it will enable him to plot fixes, calculate ranges, bearings and courses, and identify way points without having to return to a chart table, since the device according to the invention is portable and waterproof and can therefore remain in the cockpit. Numerical details relating to course, bearings, speeds etc. would be displayed in the
  • Figure 2 shows, for example, what might appear in the LCD window 17 when the vessel has set off from an initial position and has been under way for a period of time.
  • the self position 21 and the actual track followed 22 are shown, together with the intended course 23 to a waypoint 24.
  • the actual co-ordinates of the self position 21 are displayed, together with the distance covered and the appropriate instruction to get back on course.
  • other information can be displayed in the LCD window, such as speed over ground, course to waypoint, bearing to waypoint, cross track error, estimated time to destination etc.
  • the scanning device 12 In order to keep the scanning device 12 in position, it may be provided with magnets while the base unit 11 would incorporate a ferromagnetic material. In order to ensure clear viewing, the scanning device may be provided with a source of light. This would also make the system more usable at night or in low light conditions.
  • a numerical co-ordinate system may also be indicated for the digitising surface 13. This may take any convenient form, such as letters appearing vertically and numbers appearing horizontally along the edges of the surface 13.
  • a general indication of the position of a point, such as a waypoint or the self position, can be indicated as a grid reference in this co-ordinate system in the display window 17. The scanning device 12 can then be moved to the grid reference without scanning the entire chart and the precise position will be displayed in the display window 17 when the scanning device 12 has been moved to position. This is particularly helpful in cases where the chart 19 in use has been folded in such a way that its own co-ordinate system cannot be seen.
  • the embodiment shown in Figure 3 is very similar to that of Figures 1 and 2 but is adapted for land use.
  • a terrain map (31) is located over a digitising substrate 32 forming part of a base unit 33 similar to the base unit 11.
  • referencing is carried out by means of bar codes 34 associated with the map which can be scanned by the scanning device 35, or entered numerically.
  • the scanning device 35 has an LCD window can display the self position and various other information.
  • the embodiment shown in Figure 4 comprises a backing panel 41, a transparent waterproof envelope 42 incorporating a grid 43, and a scanning device 44 in the form of an optical mouse which incorporates a keypad 45, an LCD window 46, a control unit 47 and optionally a GPS receiver.
  • the scanning device 44 is sensitive to its position over the grid 43, and the colour of the grid 43 is one which would not appear on a chart 48 placed in the envelope 42 so that the optical system of the scanning device is not subject to interference by the chart 48.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Educational Administration (AREA)
  • Educational Technology (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Navigation (AREA)
  • Position Fixing By Use Of Radio Waves (AREA)

Abstract

Un système d'aide à la navigation comprend une unité de base (11) et un dispositif d'exploration (12). L'unité de base (11) possède une surface de numérisation (13) qui est sensible à la position du dispositif d'exploration (12). L'unité de base (11) comporte une unité centrale (14) et un récepteur GPS (15). Le dispositif d'exploration (11) possède des unités de commande (18) d'entrée d'informations et une fenêtre d'affichage (17) à cristaux liquides. Lors de l'utilisation, une carte (19) est placée sur la surface de numérisation (13) et est référencée. La fenêtre d'affichage (17) peut afficher des informations calculées par l'unité centrale (14) et relatives à la carte (19) sous-jacente, telles que des indicateurs de position par point, des détails sur le cap, l'itinéraire, la vitesse, etc.
PCT/GB1994/001395 1993-06-29 1994-06-28 Aide a la navigation WO1995001551A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU70403/94A AU7040394A (en) 1993-06-29 1994-06-28 Navigation aid

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9313362.7 1993-06-29
GB939313362A GB9313362D0 (en) 1993-06-29 1993-06-29 Navagation aid
GB9408055.2 1994-04-22
GB9408055A GB9408055D0 (en) 1994-04-22 1994-04-22 System for entering data into a memory

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1995001551A1 true WO1995001551A1 (fr) 1995-01-12

Family

ID=26303140

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1994/001395 WO1995001551A1 (fr) 1993-06-29 1994-06-28 Aide a la navigation

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU7040394A (fr)
WO (1) WO1995001551A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997019322A1 (fr) * 1995-11-21 1997-05-29 Qudos S.A. Reperage de positions sur des cartes
WO1998008056A1 (fr) * 1996-08-20 1998-02-26 John Richard Miles Turner Aide a la navigation
GB2320757A (en) * 1996-08-20 1998-07-01 John Richard Miles Turner Navigation aid
GB2336673A (en) * 1998-04-23 1999-10-27 Yeoman Group Plc Map referencing digitising apparatus

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2147168A (en) * 1983-09-20 1985-05-01 Stc Plc Anti-collision radar plotting aid
WO1987007013A1 (fr) * 1986-05-16 1987-11-19 Qubit International S.A. Dispositifs d'aide a la navigation
WO1990008373A1 (fr) * 1989-01-16 1990-07-26 Christopher Francis Coles Systeme de navigation
US5089816A (en) * 1989-10-16 1992-02-18 Holmes Lawrence Jr Chart instrument for displaying real time vehicle position relative to information on charts

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2147168A (en) * 1983-09-20 1985-05-01 Stc Plc Anti-collision radar plotting aid
WO1987007013A1 (fr) * 1986-05-16 1987-11-19 Qubit International S.A. Dispositifs d'aide a la navigation
WO1990008373A1 (fr) * 1989-01-16 1990-07-26 Christopher Francis Coles Systeme de navigation
US5089816A (en) * 1989-10-16 1992-02-18 Holmes Lawrence Jr Chart instrument for displaying real time vehicle position relative to information on charts

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997019322A1 (fr) * 1995-11-21 1997-05-29 Qudos S.A. Reperage de positions sur des cartes
GB2307553B (en) * 1995-11-21 2000-07-05 Qudos Sa Locating positions on maps
GB2345542A (en) * 1995-11-21 2000-07-12 Yeoman Marine Ltd Locating positions on maps
GB2345542B (en) * 1995-11-21 2000-08-23 Yeoman Marine Ltd Locating positions on maps
US6304819B1 (en) 1995-11-21 2001-10-16 Yeoman Marine Limited Locating positions on maps
US6498984B2 (en) 1995-11-21 2002-12-24 Yeoman Navigation Systems Limited Locating positions on maps
WO1998008056A1 (fr) * 1996-08-20 1998-02-26 John Richard Miles Turner Aide a la navigation
GB2320757A (en) * 1996-08-20 1998-07-01 John Richard Miles Turner Navigation aid
GB2320757B (en) * 1996-08-20 2001-03-07 John Richard Miles Turner Navigation aid
GB2336673A (en) * 1998-04-23 1999-10-27 Yeoman Group Plc Map referencing digitising apparatus
WO1999056082A1 (fr) * 1998-04-23 1999-11-04 Yeoman Marine Limited Procede de referenciation d'une carte a l'aide d'un appareil de conversion en coordonnees
GB2336673B (en) * 1998-04-23 2002-04-03 Yeoman Group Plc Referencing maps with respect to digitising apparatuses

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU7040394A (en) 1995-01-24

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