AN AUTOMATED COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM FOR SHIP CONTROL SYSTEMS AND HARBOR ADVISORY SERVICE

The Marine Digital Systems anti-collision system consists of a general purpose computer and peripherals, any com- mercially available marine radar, radar interface and operator controls (RADOPS), CRT display(s), and optional automatic target processing unit(ATPU). The system is capable of manual target acquisition, identification, and tracking for 16 targets or automatic tracking of up to 64 targets. The software subsystems necessary to complete the functional tasks of the basic anti-collision radar system follow: 1. Executive Subsystem 2. Analysis Subsystem 3. Data Base Storage and Retrieval Subsystem 4. Graphics Subsystem 5. Diagnostic Subsystem 6. Automatic Tracking Subsystem (Optional) Present day technology provides computer software tech- niques to accomplish the above tasks. The overall com- puter system has been conceived with a great degree of flexibility to take advantage of future technology. Each of the above subsystems accomplishes a specific task and has been designed in modular fashion. In this way, the various tasks can be controlled in an automatic mode or an on demand' mode and are not built into the program in a serial or predetermined sequence. Modularity also allows for tailoring the system to different ship or advisory service configurations so that individual equipment is used in the most economical manner. Political pressures and insurance premiums placed on oil companies make a computer- aided collision-avoidance system a standard item on the tanker bridge. Realization that the deck cannot be expected to function effectively with reflection plotter alone will bring other operators to incorporate advanced conning systems. The initial cost of the computer may be reconciled for other purposes, such as cargo management, internal bookkeeping, or engine room control. Increasing speeds and pressures with higher traffic volume and more restrictive maneuvering characteristics requires infor- mation that can only be obtained by electronic aids.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • "Symposium Papers on Electronics in Harbor Operations," presented at RTCM Assembly Meeting, April 29-30 and May 1, 1970, San Francisco, California, with the participation of Tug Communications, Incorporateed.
• Corporate Authors:

  Radio Technical Commission for Marine Services

  /Federal Communications Commission
  Washington, DC  United States  20554
• Authors:
  • Mara, Thomas D
  • OHagan, Robert M
• Publication Date: 1970

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: 13 p.
• Serial:
  • Volume: I

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Crash avoidance systems; Electronic navigation; Harbors; Radar; Voyage management systems
• Old TRIS Terms: Anticollision systems; Electronic navigation aids; Harbor advisory radar
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Operations and Traffic Management; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00007296
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 84-79/D0-52 Paper
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Dec 22 1973 12:00AM