Research

17 pages, 3201 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Applicability of Machine Learning for Vessel Dimension Survey with a Minimum Number of Common Points

by Ilona Garczyńska, Arkadiusz Tomczak, Grzegorz Stępień, Lech Kasyk, Wojciech Ślączka and Tomasz Kogut

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(7), 3453; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12073453 - 29 Mar 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1299

Abstract

This paper presents the challenges encountered in the dimensional control of ships, platforms, and offshore units. This novel approach utilizes machine learning (MLP—Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network) for three-dimensional (3D) spatial coordinate transformations when only three common points are known. The proposed method was [...] Read more.

This paper presents the challenges encountered in the dimensional control of ships, platforms, and offshore units. This novel approach utilizes machine learning (MLP—Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network) for three-dimensional (3D) spatial coordinate transformations when only three common points are known. The proposed method was verified based on laboratory and field data. The main issue was to provide a sufficient number of valid training points. The oversampling method was used to meet this criterion. The achieved results indicate equal or better accuracy when the points were located inside the adjustment points array. In the case where the points lay outside this array, no improvement in the accuracy of the transformation was observed. The neural approach restores the transformation symmetry, and in some cases, such as the study of deformation of engineering objects, breaks the symmetry rather than restoring it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Surveying and Navigation Systems to Increase the Safety and Robustness of Maritime Operations)

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11 pages, 3434 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Navigation Scenario Permutation Model for Training of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship Remote Operators

by Taemin Hwang and Ik-Hyun Youn

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1651; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031651 - 04 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1711

Abstract

The development of autonomous ships has begun. Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to be partially responsible for navigation; nevertheless, the importance of human intervention is higher than ever. Human intervention in the control of an autonomous ship via the remote operator requires navigation [...] Read more.

The development of autonomous ships has begun. Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to be partially responsible for navigation; nevertheless, the importance of human intervention is higher than ever. Human intervention in the control of an autonomous ship via the remote operator requires navigation proficiency. The education method for the remote operators that is presently considered is simulation training. However, the simulation training does not take long enough time for enabling trainees to develop their navigation proficiency equivalent to that of conventional ships navigators. In addition, the simulation training should contain various navigation scenarios to train the trainee properly. Therefore, this paper suggests the methods to generate the massive and practical navigation scenarios by extracting navigation elements’ distribution from actual ship trajectory data and applying them to the permutation of navigation elements. The results demonstrated the advantages of the proposed methods by comparing the sample navigation scenario and an example of an impractical navigation scenario. In conclusion, it is expected that the massive generation of practical navigation scenarios using the proposed permutation model will positively affect the simulation training of the maritime autonomous surface ship remote operators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Surveying and Navigation Systems to Increase the Safety and Robustness of Maritime Operations)

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15 pages, 4066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling of Vessel Traffic Flow for Waterway Design–Port of Świnoujście Case Study

by Agnieszka Nowy, Kinga Łazuga, Lucjan Gucma, Andrej Androjna, Marko Perkovič and Jure Srše

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 8126; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11178126 - 01 Sep 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2052

Abstract

The paper presents an analysis of ship traffic using the port of Świnoujście and the problems associated with modelling vessel traffic flows. Navigation patterns were studied using the Automatic Identification System (AIS); an analysis of vessel traffic was performed with statistical methods using [...] Read more.

The paper presents an analysis of ship traffic using the port of Świnoujście and the problems associated with modelling vessel traffic flows. Navigation patterns were studied using the Automatic Identification System (AIS); an analysis of vessel traffic was performed with statistical methods using historical data; and the paper presents probabilistic models of the spatial distribution of vessel traffic and its parameters. The factors that influence the spatial distribution were considered to be the types of vessels, dimensions, and distances to hazards. The results show a correlation between the standard deviation of the traffic flow, the vessel sizes, and the distance to the hazard. These can be used in practice to determine the safety of navigation and the design of non-existing waterways and to create a general model of vessel traffic flow. The creation of the practical applications is intended to improve navigation efficiency, safety, and risk analysis in any particular area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Surveying and Navigation Systems to Increase the Safety and Robustness of Maritime Operations)

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18 pages, 2711 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tracking Control of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles with Acoustic Localization and Extended Kalman Filter

by Dongzhou Zhan, Huarong Zheng and Wen Xu

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 8038; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11178038 - 30 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1751

Abstract

The absence of global positioning system (GPS) signals and the influence of ocean currents are two of the main challenges facing the autonomy of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). This paper proposes an acoustic localization-based tracking control method for AUVs. Particularly, three buoys that [...] Read more.

The absence of global positioning system (GPS) signals and the influence of ocean currents are two of the main challenges facing the autonomy of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). This paper proposes an acoustic localization-based tracking control method for AUVs. Particularly, three buoys that emit acoustic signals periodically are deployed over the surface. Times of arrivals of these acoustic signals at the AUV are then obtained and used to calculate an estimated position of the AUV. Moreover, the uncertainties involved in the localization and ocean currents are handled together in the framework of the extended Kalman filter. To deal with system physical constraints, model predictive control relying on online repetitive optimizations is applied in the tracking controller design. Furthermore, due to the different sampling times between localization and control, the dead-reckoning technique is utilized considering detailed AUV dynamics. To avoid using the highly nonlinear and complicated AUV dynamics in the online optimizations, successive linearizations are employed to achieve a trade-off between computational complexity and control performance. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithms are effective and can achieve the AUV tracking control goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Surveying and Navigation Systems to Increase the Safety and Robustness of Maritime Operations)

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29 pages, 3596 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Ship Maneuvering Safety with Augmented Virtuality Navigation Information Displays

by Rafał Gralak, Bartosz Muczyński and Marcin Przywarty

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7663; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11167663 - 20 Aug 2021

Viewed by 1726

Abstract

The paper presents the results of a study on improving the safety of navigation, during maneuvers in restricted areas, with the use of an augmented virtuality navigation information display. The augmented virtuality solution has been developed by one of the authors and has [...] Read more.

The paper presents the results of a study on improving the safety of navigation, during maneuvers in restricted areas, with the use of an augmented virtuality navigation information display. The augmented virtuality solution has been developed by one of the authors and has been described in a previous paper. A set of simulation scenarios has been proposed to study various maneuvers with different types of ships. Models of existing areas and existing ships have been used so the study can be recreated and reevaluated with different types of interfaces. The study is focused on comparing safe maneuvering areas with different information sources used. The results showed that augmented virtuality solution can indeed decrease the safe maneuvering areas and thus increase the safety of navigation for maneuvers in restricted areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Surveying and Navigation Systems to Increase the Safety and Robustness of Maritime Operations)

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9 pages, 1485 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Influencing the Action Point of the Collision Avoidance Manoeuvre

by Marcin Przywarty, Renata Boć, Tanja Brcko and Marko Perkovič

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7299; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11167299 - 09 Aug 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1424

Abstract

Perhaps the most problematic issue regarding navigation safety management is the unknown, or unknowable, is the navigator’s decision made in the face of a dangerous situation. This applies particularly to collision-avoidance. The aim of the article is to identify factors that influence the [...] Read more.

Perhaps the most problematic issue regarding navigation safety management is the unknown, or unknowable, is the navigator’s decision made in the face of a dangerous situation. This applies particularly to collision-avoidance. The aim of the article is to identify factors that influence the moment of decision during a collision-avoidance manoeuvre and to define theoretical distributions that can be used during modelling of a navigator’s behaviour. The applicable research was divided into two stages. In the first, the distance between ships and the time to closest point of approach (TCPA) were analysed. In the second, the influence of the size of the target ships and relative speed were investigated. The advantage of the paper is its use of actual observations collected in real situations. The proposed approach allows for a better understanding of the navigator’s actual decision-making, which will be instructive in measures taken to improve navigational safety. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Surveying and Navigation Systems to Increase the Safety and Robustness of Maritime Operations)

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12 pages, 4055 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Three-Dimensional Thematic Map Imaging of the Yacht Port on the Example of the Polish National Sailing Centre Marina in Gdańsk

by Pawel S. Dabrowski, Cezary Specht, Mariusz Specht and Artur Makar

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 7016; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11157016 - 29 Jul 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1657

Abstract

The theory of cartographic projections is a tool which can present the convex surface of the Earth on the plane. Of the many types of maps, thematic maps perform an important function due to the wide possibilities of adapting their content to current [...] Read more.

The theory of cartographic projections is a tool which can present the convex surface of the Earth on the plane. Of the many types of maps, thematic maps perform an important function due to the wide possibilities of adapting their content to current needs. The limitation of classic maps is their two-dimensional nature. In the era of rapidly growing methods of mass acquisition of spatial data, the use of flat images is often not enough to reveal the level of complexity of certain objects. In this case, it is necessary to use visualization in three-dimensional space. The motivation to conduct the study was the use of cartographic projections methods, spatial transformations, and the possibilities offered by thematic maps to create thematic three-dimensional map imaging (T3DMI). The authors presented a practical verification of the adopted methodology to create a T3DMI visualization of the marina of the National Sailing Centre of the Gdańsk University of Physical Education and Sport (Poland). The profiled characteristics of the object were used to emphasize the key elements of its function. The results confirmed the increase in the interpretative capabilities of the T3DMI method, relative to classic two-dimensional maps. Additionally, the study suggested future research directions of the presented solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Surveying and Navigation Systems to Increase the Safety and Robustness of Maritime Operations)

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25 pages, 14415 KiB

Open AccessArticle

AIS Data Vulnerability Indicated by a Spoofing Case-Study

by Andrej Androjna, Marko Perkovič, Ivica Pavic and Jakša Mišković

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(11), 5015; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11115015 - 28 May 2021

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 10355

Abstract

This paper takes a close look at the landscape of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) as a major source of information for maritime situational awareness (MSA) and identifies its vulnerabilities and challenges for safe navigation and shipping. As an important subset of cyber [...] Read more.

This paper takes a close look at the landscape of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) as a major source of information for maritime situational awareness (MSA) and identifies its vulnerabilities and challenges for safe navigation and shipping. As an important subset of cyber threats affecting many maritime systems, the AIS is subject to problems of tampering and reliability; indeed, the messages received may be inadvertently false, jammed, or intentionally spoofed. A systematic literature review was conducted for this article, complemented by a case study of a specific spoofing event near Elba in December 2019, which confirmed that the typical maritime AIS could be easily spoofed and generate erroneous position information. This intentional spoofing has affected navigation in international waters and passage through territorial waters. The maritime industry is neither immune to cyberattacks nor fully prepared for the risks associated with the use of modern digital systems. Maintaining seaworthiness in the face of the impact of digital technologies requires a robust cybersecurity framework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Surveying and Navigation Systems to Increase the Safety and Robustness of Maritime Operations)

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20 pages, 5117 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of the Waterway Parameters as a Component of Safety Management System

by Andrzej Bąk and Paweł Zalewski

Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(10), 4456; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11104456 - 14 May 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1794

Abstract

This article presents the use of a computer application codenamed “NEPTUN” to ascertain the waterway parameters of the modernised Świnoujście–Szczecin waterway. The designed program calculates the individual risks in selected sections of the fairway depending on the input data, including the parameters of [...] Read more.

This article presents the use of a computer application codenamed “NEPTUN” to ascertain the waterway parameters of the modernised Świnoujście–Szczecin waterway. The designed program calculates the individual risks in selected sections of the fairway depending on the input data, including the parameters of the ship, available water area, and positioning methods. The collected data used for analyses in individual modules are stored in a SQL server of shared access. Vector electronic navigation charts of S-57 standard specification are used as the cartographic background. The width of the waterway is calculated by means of the method developed on the basis of the modified PIANC guidelines. The main goal of the research is to prove and demonstrate that the designed software would directly increase the navigation safety level of the Świnoujście–Szczecin fairway and indicate the optimal positioning methods in various navigation circumstances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Surveying and Navigation Systems to Increase the Safety and Robustness of Maritime Operations)

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19 pages, 4530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Assessment of Moored and Passing Ships

by Peter Vidmar, Marko Perkovič, Lucjan Gucma and Kinga Łazuga

Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(19), 6825; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10196825 - 29 Sep 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2948

Abstract

Accidents in port areas are generally relatively minor given the lower prevailing speeds, but dangerous cargo terminals located in the vicinity of populated areas present some risk of accidents with catastrophic consequences. The maritime risk assessment frameworks have been developed in many ports, [...] Read more.

Accidents in port areas are generally relatively minor given the lower prevailing speeds, but dangerous cargo terminals located in the vicinity of populated areas present some risk of accidents with catastrophic consequences. The maritime risk assessment frameworks have been developed in many ports, but few include studies incorporating collisions between sailing and moored ships. This paper presents the risk assessment framework for such accidents. Moreover, it presents the important role of harbour regulations in the navigation risk management process within the port area. Today’s port regulations are created mostly based on the good practice of pilots and other experts, whereas quantitative methods are used less frequently. The intention of the presented case study was to demonstrate how quantitative risk assessment may be used in port policy development, which is why the method created is general and may be used in any terminal with dangerous cargo. The multi-stage method consists of several steps that make up a complex methodology, consisting of expert study, real-time simulation—a simulation of a collision in port is presented—and analytical-empirical calculations for consequence assessment. The case studies of the developed method are presented based on two real accidents, one in the Police port along the Świnoujście-Szczecin waterway, and the second in the Port of Koper in Slovenia. The results of this study present the parameters of the ship’s safe approach to the terminal area, such as velocity and approaching angle. These parameters are used to calculate the impact forces in the case of a collision between a moored and passing ship and its consequences on ship integrity as well as on mooring arrangement. Based on probability and consequences, the risk is evaluated and discussed in the sense of port safety. The presented method could be used as the framework for risk assessment of collisions in a port area, particularly when dealing with dangerous cargo or sensitive vessels such as cruise ships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Surveying and Navigation Systems to Increase the Safety and Robustness of Maritime Operations)

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