Autonomous Vessel Collision Avoidance via Dynamic Route Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous vessel operation systems lack effective collision avoidance mechanisms that can dynamically adjust route parameters in real-time based on detected obstacles, especially in dynamic and unpredictable marine environments.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous operation unit comprising a voyage planning module, a monitoring module, and a collision avoidance module that generates route plan data, detects obstacles, and adjusts route parameters using algorithms like graph search, neuro-fuzzy, and velocity obstacle algorithms to prevent collisions, while allowing remote operator supervision and manual control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous operation systems use fixed route planning algorithms, then route generation is efficient, but the system cannot adapt to dynamically detected obstacles in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous operation system is segmented into three independent but interconnected modules: voyage planning module for initial route generation, monitoring module for real-time obstacle detection, and collision avoidance module for dynamic route adjustment. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in specific functions while maintaining overall system adaptability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic route parameter adjustment by allowing the collision avoidance module to modify route parameters (such as waypoints, speed, heading) in real-time based on detected obstacles. This transforms the previously static route plan into a dynamic trajectory that adapts to changing environmental conditions while maintaining autonomous operation.
2Reliability
If the system continuously monitors surroundings and adjusts routes in real-time, then collision avoidance capability is improved, but computational load and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voyage planning module generates the initial route plan and identifies potential hazard zones before the vessel begins navigation. This preliminary action allows the monitoring module to focus its real-time detection efforts on specific high-risk areas rather than scanning the entire environment, reducing computational load while maintaining collision avoidance reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring module continuously provides feedback about detected objects to the collision avoidance module, which then adjusts the route parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables real-time collision avoidance by creating a continuous cycle of detection, assessment, and correction, ensuring the vessel responds promptly to emerging hazards while optimizing processing efficiency.
3Productivity
If the autonomous system makes independent decisions without human intervention, then operational efficiency is improved, but safety and regulatory compliance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a human operator as an intermediary between the autonomous decision-making processes and final execution. The operator receives information from the monitoring module and can review or modify collision avoidance decisions before they are implemented, providing a safety layer that maintains operational efficiency while ensuring regulatory compliance and enhanced safety assurance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention allows both autonomous or unmanned operation and manual remote control of a vessel. An autonomous operation unit (103) for a vessel (200) comprises a voyage planning module (1031) configured to generate route plan data for the vessel based on received information related to a route planned for the vessel. The autonomous operation unit (103) further comprises a monitoring module (1032) configured to monitor the surroundings of the vessel to detect objects not included in the generated route plan data, and to generate corresponding obstacles data. The autonomous operation unit (103) further comprises a collision avoidance module (1033) configured to receive the generated route plan data and obstacles data; to determine if any obstacles require a change in any of current route parameters of the vessel, and if yes, to change the current route parameters of the vessel accordingly; and to generate routing instructions.