The Single-Shore-Station-Based Position Estimation Method of an Automatic Identification System

Abstract

In order to overcome the vulnerability of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) initiated the ranging mode (R-Mode) of the automatic identification system (AIS) to provide resilient position data. As the existing AIS is a communication system, the number of shore stations as reference stations cannot satisfy positioning requirements. Especially in the area near a shore station, it is very common that a vessel can only receive signals from one shore station, where the traditional positioning method cannot be used. A novel position estimation method using multiple antennas on shipborne equipment is proposed here, which provides a vessel’s position even though the vessel can only receive signals from a single shore station. It is beneficial for solving positioning issues in proximity to the coast. Further, as the distances between different antennas to the shore station are not sufficiently independent, the positioning matrix can easily be near singularity or ill-conditioned; thus, an effective position solving method is derived. Furthermore, the proposed method is verified and evaluated in different scenarios by numerical simulation. We assessed the influencing factors of positioning performance, such as the vessel’s heading angle, the relative position, and the distances between the shore station and the vessel. The proposed method widely expands the application scope of the AIS R-Mode positioning system.

Shipboard Data Compression Method for Sustainable Real-Time Maritime Communication in Remote Voyage Monitoring of Autonomous Ships

“…A regulation [32] effective since 2004 made AIS mandatory equipment for ships of 300 gross tonnage (GT) or more on international voyages, cargo ships of 500 GT or more not in international waters, and all passenger ships [20]. As a technology that is the subject of many research studies and is being used in the development of various new applications [21,[33][34][35][36][37], AIS is discussed in more detail in the following subsection.…”

Remote Sensing in Vessel Detection and Navigation

“…Jiang et al [ 4 ] address the problem of R-mode AIS signals where a ship may only receive signals from one shore station. Lacking range information it cannot determine its position.…”

Full-Scale Maneuvering Trials Correction and Motion Modelling Based on Actual Sea and Weather Conditions

“…As shown in Figure 5, the wind measuring system, differential global positioning system (DGPS), fiber-optic gyro and speed log are installed on the mast, bridge, gyro deck and ship bow, respectively. The DGPS position has a higher data update frequency than an automatic identification system [31].…”