A Novel Approach of Using Selected Unconventional Geodesic Methods of Estimation on VTS Areas

Abstract

The Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) systems belong to the fundamental tools used in ensuring a high level of safety across sea basins with heavy traffic, where the presence of navigational hazards poses a great risk of collision or a ship running aground. In order to determine the mutual location of ships, VTS systems obtain information from different facilities, such as coastal radar stations, AIS, and vision systems. Fixing a ship’s position is always accompanied by a degree of error, but the degree of error depends on the specific position fixing system used. In order to increase the accuracy of position fixing in VTS systems, the authors propose the use of contemporary geodetic methods. The article presents the theoretical fundamentals of two unconventional geodesic methods of estimation: M estimation and M_split(q)estimation and the authors’ own proposal of their application in VTS systems. The article concludes with a test verifying theoretical assumptions, performed with the use of a computer application allowing position fixing with the use of selected robust adjustment methods. Furthermore, an example is presented of M_split(q)estimation as used for the acquisition of low-signal radar echoes, which in VTS systems are not automatically identified for tracking. The level of the echo signal makes it difficult for a VTS controller to separate these objects from typical radar noise and interference.     

Economic evaluation of vessel traffic service (VTS): A contingent valuation study

Maritime safety has become a major concern in Korea. As an alternative to improve maritime safety, the Korean government is considering enhancing infrastructure associated with maritime safety, in the form of a vessel traffic service (VTS) facility for high density waterways. This study estimates the public value of a VTS facility construction project using the contingent valuation (CV) method. A CV survey using person-to-person interviews was administered to 400 randomly selected households to elicit their willingness to pay (WTP) for the project. Overall, the respondents accepted the contingent market, and on average, Korean households were willing to pay a significant amount toward the project. The mean WTP for the project is estimated to be approximately KRW 4149.5 (USD 3.7) per year per household, which is statistically significant. The estimate of the fiduciary benefit to Korean households is approximately KRW 11.07 billion (USD 9.91 million) per year for five years. The results are expected to be useful for policy-makers in determining the economic feasibility of a VTS.     

台湾海峡船舶交通管理系统（VTS）的研究

台湾海峡是南来北往的国内、国际海上运输主通道的重要组成部分,本文通过分析台湾海峡自然条件、船舶交通现状及发展、安全监督管理现状,提出建设台湾海峡船舶交通管理系统（ＶＴＳ）的必要性和迫切性。该系统的建设将改善海峡船舶通航条件,保障船舶航行安全,提高航运效益,保护水域环境,同时促进两岸海上直航的顺利发展。     

基于北斗短报文的海洋观测实时通信系统的设计与研发

北斗一代和北斗二代短报文每次通信数据长度只有78个字节，每次通信后间隔60秒或者300秒才能进行下一次通信，远远满足不了海洋观测实时通信的需求。设计了一套基于北斗短报文的海洋观测实时通信系统，北斗多卡机作为数据发送端，采用哈夫曼压缩算法将观测数据压缩后分成多个数据包，通过多个北斗卡分别发送，岸站接收系统接收到分包的数据后，将接收的数据包解压缩并整合成完整的观测数据。哈夫曼压缩算法将观测数据压缩50%左右，将1组观测数据压缩后发送3次，通过岸上3个月和海上1个月的测试，观测数据接收成功率达到了96%以上，验证了基于北斗短报文的海洋观测实时通信系统的可行性和实用性。     

Identification of the sensitive area for targeted observation to improve vertical thermal structure prediction in summer in the Yellow Sea

The sensitive area of targeted observations for short-term(7 d) prediction of vertical thermal structure(VTS) in summer in the Yellow Sea was investigated. We applied the Conditional Nonlinear Optimal Perturbation(CNOP)method and an adjoint-free algorithm with the Regional Ocean Modeling System(ROMS). We used vertical integration of CNOP-type temperature errors to locate the sensitive areas, where reduction of initial errors is expected to yield the greatest improvement in VTS prediction for the selected verification area. The identified sensitive areas were northeast-southwest orientated northeast to the verification area, which were possibly related to the southwestward background currents. Then, we performed a series of sensitivity experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of the identified sensitive areas. Results show that initial errors in the identified sensitive areas had the greatest negative effect on VTS prediction in the verification area compared to errors in other areas(e.g., the verification area and areas to its east and northeast). Moreover, removal of initial errors through deploying simulated observations in the identified sensitive areas led to more refined prediction than correction of initial conditions in the verification area itself. Our results suggest that implementation of targeted observation in the CNOP-based sensitive areas is an effective method to improve short-term prediction of VTS in summer in the Yellow Sea.     

Checking vulnerability to pure loss of stability in long crested following waves: A probabilistic approach

This paper presents a probabilistic methodology for the analysis of the vulnerability of a ship to the risk of inception of pure loss of stability events. A pure loss of stability failure is modelled as the persistence of the metacentric height below a critical level for a too long time. The metacentric height is modelled as a stationary Gaussian process with a spectrum obtained from the sea elevation spectrum. The time dependent failure index is obtained under the assumption of filtered Poisson process for the occurrence of critical events. The analysis separates cases where the fluctuation of the metacentric height is narrow-band from those where the bandwidth of the spectrum is wide, with an intermediate blending. In case of narrow-band processes appropriate approximate solutions to the problem are provided, while in the wide-band cases an exponential distribution for the persistence time below the critical level is employed. A rational development for the critical persistence time is also provided considering an approximation of the roll dynamics during periods of time where the metacentric height is negative. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to check the developed approximate distributions for the persistence time, and examples of application are provided for a sample ship.     

Neural network error corrector for binary messages onhydro-acoustic channels

An application of neural networks for the identification and correction of transmission errors in binary messages is described. The network is used as a classifier of detected hydroacoustic signals. It converts the signals into one of a possible alphabet of symbols. The algorithm used is a Hamming-type neural network classifier associated with the transmission of a Hamming code. This system can detect and correct all transmission errors if the number of errors is less than or equal to half the Hamming distance between transmitted symbols minus one. Symbols to be transmitted are chosen and associated to messages, assuring that bit-to-bit nonsimilarities result on the prescribed Hamming distance. The auto-associative error correcting scheme can be used to generate a teaching signal to a supervised learning equalizer tracking the channel nonstationary characteristics. The proposed system is intended for use in hydroacoustic communication applications and is undergoing sea tests     

Multiple-input-multiple-output coherent time reversal communications in a shallow-water acoustic channel

A recent time reversal (TR) experiment demonstrated that multiple foci can be projected from an array of sources to the same range but at different depths. This multiple input/multiple output process can potentially increase the information data rate. This paper presents experimental results of coherent TR communications (binary phase-shift keying, quaternary phase-shift keying, and 8-quadratic-amplitude modulation) at 3.5 kHz with a 1-kHz bandwidth where different messages were sent simultaneously to either two or three different depths at an 8.6-km range in a 105-m-deep water.     

Practical methods of extreme value estimation based on measured time series for ocean systems

Three practical methods for computing the expected maxima of Gaussian time series for ocean system analysis are developed. These methods utilize Pierce's sample scaling concept to overcome the maxima counting and correlation difficulties, but minimize the associated complexity and uncertainties. The first (Direct) method removes the dependence on the envelope for maxima estimation of the time series by directly operating on the time series itself. The second (Poisson clumping) employs the notion of sample scaling factor, but requires neither computing the envelope nor segmenting. The third (Log-fit) is a simple logarithm curve fitting, using the slowly varying, logarithmic growth property of the expected maximum. The accuracy and computational efficiency of these methods are examined. The Direct method and the Poisson clumping method are found to have comparable accuracy. Employment of the envelope does not improve the accuracy of the estimate in practice. Hence, the Direct method and the Poisson clumping method should be preferred. The Poisson clumping method is more efficient than both the Direct method and Pierce's method because of its straightforwardness in implementation. The Log-fit method is the simplest to implement, and computationally the most efficient. Its accuracy is acceptable for many engineering preliminary designs.     

Multiuser Communications Using Passive Time Reversal

A recent paper (Song , IEEE Journal of Oceanic Engineering, vol. 31, no. 2, pp. 170-178, 2006) demonstrated multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) communications in shallow water using active time reversal where the time reversal array (i.e., base station) sent different messages to multiple users simultaneously over a common bandwidth channel. Passive time reversal essentially is equivalent to active time reversal with the communications link being in the opposite direction. This paper describes passive time reversal communications which enables multiple users to send information simultaneously to the time reversal array. Experimental results at 3.5 kHz with a 1-kHz bandwidth demonstrate that as many as six users can transmit information over a 4-km range in a 120-m-deep water using quaternary phase-shift keying (QPSK) modulation, achieving an aggregate data rate of 6 kb/s. Moreover, the same data rate has been achieved at 20-km range by three users using 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (16-QAM).     

Faithful quantum secure direct communication protocol against collective noise

An improved quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) protocol is proposed in this paper. Blocks of entangled photon pairs are transmitted in two steps in which secret messages are transmitted directly. The single logical qubits and unitary operations under decoherence free subspaces are presented and the generalized Bell states are constructed which are immune to the collective noise. Two steps of qubit transmission are used in this protocol to guarantee the security of communication. The security of the protocol against various attacks are discussed.     

Robust optimization for ship conceptual design

The paper presents an approach for the robust optimization of a bulk carrier conceptual design, subject to uncertain operating and environmental conditions. The uncertainties involved in the optimization process are addressed and a general formulation for robust design is given. Specifically, the uncertainties involved in the decision making process are taken into account by means of their probabilistic distributions. The expected values and the standard deviations of the relevant quantities are assessed and included in the optimization objectives, whereas the constraints are evaluated in the worst case. This leads to a robust design able to keep a good performance in the whole probabilistic operating scenario. A particle swarm optimization algorithm is used for the global minimization process, minimizing the expectation and the standard deviation of the unit transportation cost.     

Sonar tracking of multiple targets using joint probabilistic data association

The problem of associating data with targets in a cluttered multi-target environment is discussed and applied to passive sonar tracking. The probabilistic data association (PDA) method, which is based on computing the posterior probability of each candidate measurement found in a validation gate, assumes that only one real target is present and all other measurements are Poisson-distributed clutter. In this paper, a new theoretical result is presented: the joint probabilistic data association (JPDA) algorithm, in which joint posterior association probabilities are computed for multiple targets (or multiple discrete interfering sources) in Poisson clutter. The algorithm is applied to a passive sonar tracking problem with multiple sensors and targets, in which a target is not fully observable from a single sensor. Targets are modeled with four geographic states, two or more acoustic states, and realistic (i.e., low) probabilities of detection at each sample time. A simulation result is presented for two heavily interfering targets illustrating the dramatic tracking improvements obtained by estimating the targets' states using joint association probabilities.     

Multiple terminal acoustic communications system design

A design is presented for a system providing highly reliable command and control acoustic communications between a mother ship and a number of small fast submersibles. The small submersibles may be employed for underwater mining, exploration, bottom mapping, or military surveillance. Modulation and coding design is presented; the techniques discussed provide multiple protection against multipath and fading, high reliability, acceptable transmitted signal total time duration, simplicity, and economy. The required decision point signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for Rayleigh fading conditions is derived for the modulation and coding design. Particular attention is paid in the receive signal processing to the Doppler (relative velocity) and Doppler variation (relative acceleration) problems inherent in a scenario with mobile endpoints. A Figure-of-Merit (FOM) calculation is provided for typical geometrical and environmental parameters. It is shown for a realistic source level that the required SNR can be achieved at long range with considerable endpoint relative motion.     

船载物探电子设备的接地问题及解决方案

船栽物探电子设备,是一个电气结合复杂的数据采集记录系统.各系统电子线路因船舶配电方式、工作环境的特殊性,其接地很重要,但容易被忽视.而接地处理不当,在使用时会受到噪声干扰、振荡;或造成仪器的输出榆入电路损坏,不能正常工作.更严重地甚至机壳漏电,危及人身安全.船栽物探电子设备接地问题.可分为"接地保护"和"接地故障"."接地保护"是将电气设备的金属外壳、支架和电缆的护套与大地等单位的金属船体(船壳)作永久性良好的电气连接,它分为保护接地和功能接地."接地故障"是指因设备不正确接地或由于绝缘层的破损、老化及环境恶劣引起绝缘电阻低下或者接地干扰等问题.文中从船载物探电子设备的使用特性出发.讨论在实际接地处理中出现问题的原因,分析了各种接地干扰的原理.并提出了相应的解决方案,对于船栽物探电子设备的实际安装应用有一定的指导意义.     

Temporal resolutions of time-reversal and passive-phase conjugation for underwater acoustic communications

In this paper, we study the temporal resolution of a time-reversal or passive-phase conjugation process as applied to underwater acoustic communications. Specifically, we address 1) the time resolution or the pulse width of a back-propagated time-compressed pulse as compared with the original transmitted pulse; 2) the effectiveness of temporal focusing as measured by the peak-to-sidelobe ratio of the back-propagated or phase-conjugated pulse (both pulse elongation and sidelobe leakages are causes of intersymbol interference and bit errors for communications); 3) the duration of temporal focusing or the temporal coherence time of the underwater acoustic channel; and 4) the stability of temporal focusing as measured by the phase fluctuations of successive pulses (symbols). Binary phase-shift keying signals collected at sea from a fixed source to a fixed receiver are used to extract the above four parameters and are compared with simulated results. Mid-frequency (3-4-kHz) data were collected in a dynamic shallow-water environment, exhibiting high temporal fluctuations over a scale of minutes. Despite this, the channel is found to be highly coherent over a length of 17 s. As a result, only one probe signal is used for 17 s of data. The bit error rate and variance of the symbol phase fluctuations are measured as a function of the number of receivers. They are of the same order as that calculated from the simulated data. The agreement suggests that these two quantities could be modeled for a communication channel with high coherence time. The phase variance can be used to determine the maximum data rate for a phase-shift keying signal for a given signal bandwidth and a given number of receivers.     

HF radio marine telex

The system of maritime mobile communications utilizing HF radio narrow-band direct-printing telegraph (HF marine telex) is expected to see expanded use during the next several years. Experience has shown the necessity for the system to embody both automatic error correction techniques and effective means of selective calling. Use of SITOR error correction has demonstrated that error rates in the order of10^{-5}is a realistic expectation. Two selective calling methods, the sequential single frequency code (SSFC) and the digital selective calling (SELCAL), have been adopted internationally, although the latter is still subject to final definition of technical characteristics. HF marine telex avoids most of the problems encountered with manual Morse radiotelegraph. It is tried and proven, efficient and economical. Equipment is readily available. Indications are for a rapid expansion of this system's use.     

基于随机集合的非传统型有效波极值模型

The analysis and design of offshore structures necessitates the consideration of wave loads. Realistic modeling of wave loads is particularly important to ensure reliable performance of these structures. Among the available methods for the modeling of the extreme significant wave height on a statistical basis, the peak over threshold method has attracted most attention. This method employs Poisson process to character- ize time-varying properties in the parameters of an extreme value distribution. In this paper, the peak over threshold method is reviewed and extended to account for subjectivity in the modeling. The freedom in selecting the threshold and the time span to separate extremes from the original time series data is incorpo- rated as imprecision in the model. This leads to an extension from random variables to random sets in the probabilistic model for the extreme significant wave height. The extended model is also applied to different periods of the sampled data to evaluate the significance of the climatic conditions on the uncertainties of the parameters.     

海底声学原位测试声速提取技术研究

海底沉积物的声学声速特性是沉积物声学中的一个重要的研究方向。正确提取声学原位测量的声速对海底沉积物声学反演至关重要。分析了海底声学原位测试系统的输出子波特性,提出了基于子波提取的互相关双向极值声速提取法。在声速提取过程中,发现某些通道实测声波到达时会出现超出正常范围的异常。分析后认为异常通道的到达波相位出现180°反至现象。通过互相关数值的负极小值提取的声波到达时对互相关正极大值所获得的到达时曲线进行校正后提取声速,得到了正确的结果,说明了本方法的正确性。