From integrated bridge system to marine bridge domain: A computational perspective

Abstract

With the progressive advancement of ship intelligence, there has been a corresponding augmentation in the sensory, control, and other equipment within ship bridge systems. The accelerated expansion of both hardware and software components in ships poses formidable challenges to the existing bridge systems. The prevalent deployment format of ship bridge systems adheres to a traditional decentralized structure, limiting the system's computational prowess, equipment compatibility, and data fusion capabilities. Addressing these constraints and augmenting the ship bridge system's information processing, equipment compatibility, and functional integration represent pivotal objectives. Thus, this paper embarks on an analysis of the developmental trajectory, challenges, and predominant trends characterizing the current Integrated Bridge System (IBS) in ships. Subsequently, harnessing the inherent advantages of software and hardware decoupling, centralized computational capabilities, and seamless integration of data and functions, we propose a comprehensive maritime bridge domain architecture. This proposed architecture is meticulously delineated, encompassing aspects such as overall scheme design, hardware and software subsystems, and the mechanism of data service. In conclusion, the paper advocates a systematic approach to system development, encompassing implementation, testing, and evaluation of the proposed architecture. Rigorous testing and evaluation of the architecture, focusing on data collection, network transmission performance, functional availability, data distribution efficiency, and task processing capabilities, affirm its marked enhancements in computational proficiency, data service efficiency, and functional integration within the IBS. These results lay a robust foundation for the intelligent design of ship systems, paving the way for the evolution of intelligent ships.