Vessel Multi-Parametric Collision Avoidance Decision Model: Fuzzy Approach

Tanja Brcko,Jure Srše,Andrej Androjna,Renata Boć

doi:10.3390/jmse9010049

Abstract

The application of fuzzy logic is an effective approach to a variety of circumstances, including solutions to maritime anti-collision problems. The article presents an upgrade of the radar navigation system, in particular, its collision avoidance planning tool, using a decision model that combines dynamic parameters into one decision—the collision avoidance course. In this paper, a multi-parametric decision model based on fuzzy logic is proposed. The model calculates course alteration in a collision avoidance situation. First, the model collects input data of the target vessel and assesses the collision risk. Using time delay, four parameters are calculated for further processing as input variables for a fuzzy inference system. Then, the fuzzy logic method is used to calculate the course alteration, which considers the vessel’s safety domain and International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs). The special feature of the decision model is its tuning with the results of the database of correct solutions obtained with the manual radar plotting method. The validation was carried out with six selected cases simulating encounters with the target vessel in the open sea from different angles and at any visibility. The results of the case studies have shown that the decision model computes well in situations where the own vessel is in a give-way position. In addition, the model provides good results in situations when the target vessel violates COLREG rules. The collision avoidance planning tool can be automated and serve as a basis for further implementation of a model that considers the manoeuvrability of the vessels, weather conditions, and multi-vessel encounter situations.

Highlights

Accepted: 2 January 2021Decision-making and responsiveness are the navigator’s primary activities in avoiding collisions at sea
Fuzzy logic imitates the human wayare of thinking, can solve advantages to using fuzzy logic for a adecision model its ease ofwhich use and transparency, advantages advantagesto tousing usingfuzzy fuzzylogic logicfor for adecision decisionmodel modelare areits itsease easeof ofuse useand andtransparency, transparency, complex tasks, they may contain a great deal of uncertainty
The article presents computer predictions of collision avoidance at sea by combining the traditional method of manual radar plotting with an artificial intelligence method—

Summary

Introduction

Decision-making and responsiveness are the navigator’s primary activities in avoiding collisions at sea. Vessel avoidance has additional peculiarity as the navigator has extensive knowledge of his vessel and limited information of the vessels in the vicinity, which means that he/she makes decisions in an uncertain environment [1]. The automation of navigation devices has brought a new approach to maritime safety in maritime affairs and, at the same time, changed the nature of human error [2]. An essential cognitive aspect of the problem of automation is: How does the human brain process certain information? How much data is a person able to receive at one time? How should the information be displayed so that a person can receive it in the correct form and use it for further decision-making? An essential cognitive aspect of the problem of automation is: How does the human brain process certain information? How much data is a person able to receive at one time? How should the information be displayed so that a person can receive it in the correct form and use it for further decision-making?

Methods

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Discussion

Conclusion