Ship proximity measurement display system including the remotely viewable billboard and bridge display with data communication and attachment framing
First Claim
1. A system for monitoring and displaying a separation distance between a first structure and a second structure, comprising:
- a rangefinder mounted on the first structure, wherein the rangefinder determines a separation distance between the first structure and the second structure; and
a display coupled to the rangefinder and mounted on the first structure, wherein the display displays the separation determined by the rangefinder, and wherein the display is readily viewable by a person located on the second structure.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
This invention allows personnel located on two different structures, such as two ships, to continually monitor the separation distance between the two structures, with all of the necessary equipment being located on only one of the structures. This is accomplished using a laser range finder, or other range sensor, to continually measure separation distance and send it electronically to various displays. The displays are positioned and sized such that all involved personnel can view the continually updating separation distances. The invention incorporates displays large enough to be viewed ship-to-ship in direct sunlight, in addition to smaller displays. The displays are dimmable or backlit for night viewing and include a safety feature that turns them off when communication is lost with any range sensor. A strobe on the display helps personnel find where the display has been positioned, such as on a ships gunwale or hand railing.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for monitoring and displaying a separation distance between a first structure and a second structure, comprising:
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a rangefinder mounted on the first structure, wherein the rangefinder determines a separation distance between the first structure and the second structure; and a display coupled to the rangefinder and mounted on the first structure, wherein the display displays the separation determined by the rangefinder, and wherein the display is readily viewable by a person located on the second structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for monitoring and displaying a separation distance between a moving first structure and a moving second structure, comprising:
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a rangefinder mounted on the first structure, wherein the rangefinder determines a separation distance between the first structure and the second structure; and a display coupled to the rangefinder and mounted on the first structure, wherein the display displays the separation determined by the rangefinder, and wherein the display is readily viewable by a person located on the second structure. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification