A Field Theory-Based Novel Algorithm for Navigational Hazard Index

Abstract

Collision risk assessment is crucial for autonomous ships to identify risks and make decisions for collision avoidance. In this paper, a field theory-based navel algorithm is proposed to define and describe the risk of ship collision. Based on the field theory and the asymmetric Gaussian function, the ship collision risk field is constructed, and the field potential is used to characterize the navigational hazard index. The effectiveness and superiority of the algorithm are verified through study cases. The results show that the proposed algorithm can obtain the index continuously, reflect the risk level accurately, and provide reliable basis for the navigation of autonomous ships. Therefore, it has important application potential in the development of intelligence navigation.

Ship Intrusion Collision Risk Model Based on a Dynamic Elliptical Domain

“…Huang and van Gelder [8] proposed an improved time-varying collision risk measurement method based on the ratio between a ship's dangerous maneuvers and achievable maneuvers. Liu et al [9] used field theory and an asymmetric Gaussian function to construct a ship collision risk field in which they used the field potential as an index of the navigation risk. However, they did not consider the time domain.…”