Ship proximity measurement display system including the remotely viewable billboard and bridge display with data communication and attachment framing

• US 7,286,955 B1
• Filed: 11/01/2004
• Issued: 10/23/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/01/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: James F. Kelly
• Original Assignee: Laser Atlanta LLC
• Inventors: Kelly, James Francis, Landry, Benjamin Joel
• Primary Examiner(s): Tsai; Carol S. W.
• Application Number:
  US11/384,717
• Time in Patent Office: 1,086 Days
• Field of Search: 702/158, 702/182, 342/41, 342/29, 342/107, 342/455, 701/301
• US Class Current: 702/158
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 49/00 Arrangements of nautical instruments or navigational aids nautical measuring instruments G01C; radio navigation, analogous arrangements using other waves G01S
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/08 for measuring distance only indirect measurement G01S17/46; active triangulation systems G01S17/48
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/003 Transmission of data between radar, sonar or lidar systems and remote stations
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/51 Display arrangements

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.

Claims

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. The system of claim 1, wherein the rangefinder is a laser rangefinder.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the display comprises a first display, and further comprising a second display coupled to the rangefinder and mounted on the first structure, wherein the second display is readily viewable by a person located on the first structure.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first display is a large display such that the display is readily viewable by a person located on the second structure when the separation distance is large.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the second display is smaller than the first display.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a strobe located adjacent the display.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the strobe is a portion of the display.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the display will go blank if a connection between the rangefinder and the display is lost.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein a user can select the type of distance units displayed on the display.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the display is wirelessly coupled to the range finder.

11. A system for monitoring and displaying a separation distance between a moving first structure and a moving 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.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the rangefinder is a laser rangefinder.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the display comprises a first display, and further comprising a second display that is mounted on the first structure and that is coupled to the rangefinder, wherein the second display displays the separation distance determined by the range finder, and wherein the second display is readily viewable by a person on the first structure.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the first display comprises a large display such that a person on the second structure can readily read the first display even when the separation distance is large, and wherein the second display is smaller than the first display.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein the display comprises a first display that is relatively large such that the first display is readily viewable by a person located on the second structure when the separation distance is large, and further comprising a plurality of second smaller displays that are also coupled to the rangefinder, wherein the second smaller displays are mounted on the first structure and also display the separation distance.

16. The system of claim 11, further comprising a strobe located adjacent the display, wherein the strobe allows a person on the second structure to quickly locate the display.

17. The system of claim 11, wherein the display will go blank if a connection between the rangefinder and the display is lost.

18. The system of claim 11, wherein a user can select the type of distance units displayed on the display.

19. The system of claim 11, wherein the display is wirelessly coupled to the range finder.

20. The system of claim 11, further comprising a relocatable mount for the display, wherein the mount can position the display at multiple locations on the first structure.