On a computer controlled collision avoidance

Since the use of shipborne computer controlled navigation systems has increased considerably during recent years, the work presents a concept for a new computerized collision avoidance system. The proposed system is based on the most modern achievements of optimal control theory associated with proper numerical methods. The worked out algorithms form the basis for the programming of a digital control device (computer) which constitutes its central unit. Systems of this type are able to control ship motion in an intelligent way i.e. steering her along a curvilinear trajectory as to avoid collision with other moving or stationary objects in a safe and optimal way and to return back on the old track. Satisfactory simulation results prove that construction of a proper algorithm is quite possible and that an intelligent control system of this type is able (for some class of collision situations) to make ship´s behavior superior to that of a human operator.