Marine Radar Coverage Verification Using AIS Blind Spot Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for verifying marine radar coverage on offshore installations are time-consuming, expensive, and prone to missing blind spots between periodic tests, which can be influenced by weather conditions and require dedicated vessels, leading to potential safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using marine radar and AIS receivers to automatically compare radar and GPS data from vessels, creating a database to detect and map blind spots, allowing continuous monitoring and maintenance based on accumulated data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If periodic manual testing with dedicated vessels is used to verify radar coverage, then blind spots can be detected at test time, but the process is time-consuming, expensive, and cannot detect degradation between tests
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing vessels with AIS transponders that are already operating in the area to perform self-verification of radar coverage. These vessels serve dual purposes: their primary operational function and their role as passive targets for radar verification, eliminating the need for dedicated testing vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification process operates continuously by constantly comparing radar-detected vessel positions with AIS-reported positions. This continuous comparison automatically identifies blind spots and coverage degradation without interruption, unlike periodic manual testing.
2Reliability
If dedicated vessels are deployed for radar verification, then systematic coverage testing can be performed, but significant running costs are incurred and vessels are unavailable for other work
Solution Approach 1:
Existing operational vessels with AIS transponders serve as the verification targets, eliminating the need to deploy dedicated testing vessels. The vessels already performing their operational duties simultaneously provide the necessary targets for radar coverage verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The AIS transponder-equipped vessels serve multiple functions: their primary operational purpose and their role as radar verification targets. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized testing resources.
3Measurement precision
If manual comparison of radar and AIS data is performed, then blind spots can be identified, but the process is labor-intensive and results are only available at test time
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of comparing radar and AIS data is replaced with an automated computer system that continuously performs the comparison algorithmically. The system automatically processes radar returns and AIS data to identify discrepancies indicating blind spots.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by constantly comparing radar-detected positions with AIS-reported positions and automatically adjusting the identification of blind spots based on real-time data discrepancies, providing immediate detection of coverage issues.
4Measurement precision
If periodic testing is conducted, then system performance can be assessed at test moments, but degradation between tests may go undetected until next test
Solution Approach 1:
The verification system operates continuously without interruption, constantly comparing radar and AIS data to detect blind spots. This eliminates the time gaps inherent in periodic testing, ensuring immediate detection of any coverage degradation as it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
Continuous feedback mechanisms monitor radar coverage in real-time, immediately detecting and reporting blind spots and coverage degradation without the delays associated with periodic assessment intervals.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous, cost-effective detection of radar blind spots without dedicated vessels, reducing time lag in identifying issues and improving safety by providing real-time updates and weather-correlated data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
using at least one radar transmitter and receiver located on the installation to detect the presence of vessels in the vicinity of the installation
Implementation Method 2
using an AIS receiver located on the installation to receive AIS signals, including GPS data, from vessels in the vicinity of the installation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vessel collision monitoring system that automatically and continuously compares radar and AIS observations over time. The movement of all (or many) vessels (12, 14) in the area (5) around an offshore installation (1) can be monitored and this data can be recorded and used to produce trends and reports indicating where there is a discrepancy between AIS “targets” and radar observations. In this way, potential blind spots (10) in the radar system can be identified and appropriate action taken, e.g. maintenance of the radar system (2) or moving or adding radar transmitters or receivers to remove a blind spot.