Furuno announced that the new ECDIS (model names FMD-3200 and FMD-3300) are ready for launch during the autumn 2012.
The FMD-3200 (with 19” LCD) and FMD-3300 (with 23.1” LCD) deliver great enhancement in terms of user interface as well as functionality. Fully complying with the performance standard of ECDIS stipulated in IMO resolution MSC.232(82), the new ECDIS is a suitable candidate designated for installation onboard newbuildings, as well as retrofit, to fulfill ECDIS mandatory carriage that has been phasing in from July 2012 onward. The new ECDIS will also bring about streamlined chart management scheme providing easy chart management independent of the chart providers. The new ECDIS is compatible with Jeppesen Dynamic Licensing and it supports the Admiralty Information Overlay (AIO). What is more, its network expandability fully satisfies provisos for paperless operation of vessels.
Greatly enhanced user interface
The new ECDIS FMD-3200 and FMD-3300 provide the operator with quick access to the tasks and functions to be performed in the midst of vessel operation. The new ECDIS employs intelligently arranged Graphic User Interface elements: Status Bar and InstantAccess Bar that deliver task-based operation scheme to give the operator direct access to necessary operational procedure. The Status Bar at the top of the screen provides operating status, including modes of operation and presentation. The InstantAccess Bar on the left edge of the screen provides quick access to functions available in each of the ECDIS operating modes. The contents of the InstantAccess Bar change according to the operating modes selected on the Status Bar. This combination of the Status Bar and InstantAccess Bar covers virtually the entire operation, hence providing easy and quick access to the tasks to be performed. Subsequently, their need for digging into intricate menu tree to reach the necessary tasks has become a thing of the past. This would streamline the navigation monitoring procedure, reducing the risk of confusion and erroneous operation as well as to enhance situation awareness. Also, the new ECDIS utilises cutting edge chart-drawing engine that delivers instantaneous chart redraw with the seamless zooming and panning, hence making the ECDIS operation stress-free.
Moreover, its operation philosophy is based upon the same logic as the control scheme of a mouse that people are accustomed to in using a PC, and all operations can be controlled with the use of trackball of the control unit by means of left-clicking, right-clicking and using a thumbwheel. Also, full QWERTY style keyboard is available in the ECDIS control unit for easy route, event and waypoint naming.
Multi function display expandability
By default, the functions of ECDIS as well as conning information display are available in the FMD-3200 and the FMD-3300. On top of the aforementioned functions, the FMD-3200 and the FMD-3300 can be extended to operate as radar/chart radar* and alert management system**, once activated. The functions can be instantly switched on the Status Bar by left-clicking the operating mode selector to pick out the desired operating mode. This expandability in terms of functionality offers flexibility in bridge operation to the operators.
*a radar sensor input required.
** alert management system function will be implemented in 2012.
