RU233494U1 - STRUCTURE OF A COASTAL AUTOMATED VTS INCLUDING THE PAK SUDS MANS - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to information technologies and, in particular, to the technology of vessel traffic control in a coastal automated vessel traffic control system (VTS) for marine autonomous surface vessels (MAS). The server of the coastal automated VTS IANS includes a VTS database server module, an electronic navigation services (e-Navigation) module, a module for tracking and integrating radar targets and automatic identification system targets, a decision support system module designed to ensure safe movement of the IANS and to assist the operator of the remote control center (RCC) of the IANS in navigation in the VTS coverage area, and an external interface server module containing a communication interface with the radar module, a communication interface with the IANS RCC, a communication interface with electronic navigation chart services, a communication interface with Earth remote sensing services, a communication interface with the marine communication platform, a communication interface with the module of the automated workstation of the IANS VTS operator, a communication interface with the VTS communication equipment for communicating with the IANS and the VTS sensor equipment. The problem of expanding the functionality in terms of interaction with the IANS, the IANS RCC and external navigation services using modern electronic navigation technologies is solved. 3 sec. f-ly, 2 ill.

Description

The utility model relates to the field of information technology, in particular to vessel traffic control technology, and more specifically to a server of a coastal automated system for controlling the movement of marine autonomous surface vessels (VTS).

A solution is known for a navigation complex for high-speed vessels (RU Patent No. 2260191, published 01.10.2005), consisting of a receiver-indicator, speed and course meters, an automatic plotter, a computer, a navigation control panel, an echo sounder and an indicator, in which the navigation control panel is connected to a radar station and an autopilot, wherein the complex additionally contains an electronic cartographic navigation system, a unit for interfacing with a steering drive and an information exchange highway connected by its inputs and outputs to the inputs and outputs of the receiver-indicator, speed and course meters, an automatic plotter, a computer, a navigation control panel, an electronic cartographic navigation system, a radar station, a unit for interfacing with a steering drive and an echo sounder, wherein the receiver-indicator is made in the form of a combined receiver-indicator of radio navigation and satellite navigation systems.

A solution is known for a ship integrated bridge system (RU Patent No. 105755, published on 20.06.2011) comprising a control panel with an information display device connected to the ship support systems by the main and backup coupling circuits, including a central processor, a module of multiplex exchange channels, a network adapter and switches of the local computer network connected to each other by an internal interface backbone and a local computer network, wherein the external network inputs and outputs of the switches of the local computer network of the coupling circuits are connected to the devices of the ship control system and the ship support systems, is made multi-sectional, containing a set of control panels, each of which consists of functionally combined hardware and software tools and modules connected to each other by the main and backup channels of the local computer network, structurally combined into an integrated control panel, including at least one power supply system section common to the coupling circuits and two control panels connected to the mating ship support systems and devices of the ship control system in each of the mating circuits.

The closest to the declared technical solution is the integrated navigation system of ships and support vessels of the Navy, containing several command posts, a control panel built on the principle of modularity, servers (as information storage devices and computing devices), electronic navigation charts (RU Patent No. 2765606, published 01.02.2022).

An analysis of similar solutions known from the prior art showed that they are unsuitable for controlling marine autonomous surface vessels (MAS).

The technical problem, which the claimed utility model is aimed at solving, is the creation of a coastal automated VTS device, which is a server with the functions of interaction with the MANSS and the remote control center (RCC) of the MANSS using modern electronic navigation (e-Navigation) technologies.

The technical result is the expansion of the functional capabilities of the device in terms of interaction with the MANSS, the MANSS remote control center (RCC) and external navigation services using modern electronic navigation technologies.

In accordance with the proposed utility model, this technical problem is solved by a server of a coastal automated vessel traffic control system (VTS) for marine autonomous surface vessels (MANS), which includes: a VTS database server module, an electronic navigation services (e-Navigation) module, a module for tracking and integrating radar targets and automatic identification system targets (AIS targets), a decision support system module designed with the ability to ensure safe movement of the MANS and provide assistance to the MANS CDU operator in navigation in the VTS coverage area, and an external interface server module containing: a communication interface with the radar module, a communication interface with the MANS remote control center (MANS CDU), a communication interface with electronic navigation chart services, a communication interface with Earth remote sensing services, a communication interface with the marine communication platform, a communication interface with the module of the automated workstation of the MANS VTS operator, a communication interface with the VTS communication equipment for communicating with the MANS and the VTS sensor equipment.

In specific embodiments, the server can be implemented on the basis of virtual machines using the HPE architecture. The external interface server module may additionally contain communication interfaces with data backup, registration and database (DB) systems that provide storage of information from sensors, video surveillance systems, coastal radar stations (BRLS), weather stations, automated identification systems (AIS), communication systems and external services, as well as decision support systems. The external interface server module may additionally contain communication interfaces with cybersecurity tools, including software and hardware for data encryption, access rule settings, security analysis, anti-virus protection, and domain policy.

The essence of the utility model is explained by drawings.

Fig. 1 shows the basic diagram of the coastal automated vessel traffic control system (VTS) of the hardware and software complex (HSC) of the VTS of marine autonomous surface vessels (MAS).

Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of the VTS server according to the proposed utility model.

The proposed utility model is a technical solution in the field of information technology, based on the use of a server of a coastal automated vessel traffic management system (VTS) for marine autonomous surface vessels (MAS), which contains a number of modules implemented by multifunctional programmable (configurable) hardware - at least one processor - under the control of appropriate software, as well as means (interfaces) of communication with external elements of the coastal automated VTS, which will be described below.

In essence, the claimed solution is a utility model in the field of information technology, made in the form of a single electronic unit, which includes all the components listed in the formula of the utility model. In one or more embodiments of the utility model, all components included in the claimed server are logical and represent separate information entities. All components specified in the formula of the utility model are combined in one device - the server.

The server modules receive data from external elements, process the data and output the data obtained as a result of processing to external elements of the coastal automated VTS, and in particular to the MANSS remote control center (MANSS CDU), to the marine communication platform, to the module of the automated workstation of the MANSS VTS operator.

The server may include a decision support system module designed to ensure safe movement of the MANS and provide assistance to the MANS Central Dispatch Center operator in navigation in the VTS coverage area.

The VTS server includes at least the following components: a VTS database server module, an electronic navigation (e-Navigation) services module, a radar and AIS target tracking and integration module, and an external interface server module. All of these modules may be implemented by various combinations of software and hardware, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. In general, the server modules may be implemented by a programmable (configurable) multifunctional means, such as at least one processor, connected to a memory containing software instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to implement the VTS server modules, which will be described in detail below.

The module of the external interface server of the VTS server contains communication interfaces with at least the following external objects (components) of the VTS: with the radar module, with the MANSS remote control center (MANSS CDU), with electronic navigation chart services, with Earth remote sensing services, with the marine communication platform, with the module of the automated workstation of the MANSS VTS operator, with the VTS communication equipment for communication with the MANSS and the VTS sensor equipment. As a non-limiting example, the mentioned communication interfaces can be implemented as Ethernet interfaces, using the TCP/UDP/WEBSOCKET protocols. As a non-limiting example, the REST-API data exchange method format is used.

Data format - according to the International Hydrographic Organization standard:

s-100 family;

S-124 - navigational warnings;

RTZ - route exchange.

In addition, the VTS server preferably additionally contains means of communication with data backup, registration and database (DB) systems that provide storage of information from sensors, video surveillance systems, coastal radar stations (BRLS), weather stations, automated identification systems (AIS), communication systems and external services, as well as decision support systems.

The VTS server also preferably additionally contains means of communication with cybersecurity means, including software and hardware means for data encryption, access rule settings, security analysis, anti-virus protection, and domain policy.

The VTS server is preferably implemented on the basis of virtual machines using the HPE architecture.

The technical features of the HPE architecture are:

deployment of software on virtual servers;

redundancy through duplication of virtual machines;

virtualization of computing resources through the use of multiple computing nodes;

creation of individual and shared virtual disk spaces in the form of a fault-tolerant data storage cluster.

The coastal automated vessel traffic control system PAK SUDS MANS, the key component of which is the VTS server according to the proposed utility model, is shown schematically in Fig. 1. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the system generally includes a radar module 2, a module 3 of the automated workstation of the VTS MANS operator (AWP SUDS MANS), a VTS server 4 and means 5 for ensuring cybersecurity.

Radar module 2 is designed for radar detection and tracking of objects. Module 3 of the VTS operator's automated workstation ensures receipt of target information from VTS coastal infrastructure devices from hardware and software for information technology interface with VTS components, meeting the requirements of the Order of the Ministry of Transport of Russia dated 23.07.2015 No. 226, imposed on conventional VTS operator's automated workstations, for the implementation of the functions of a conventional VTS operator's automated workstation and the functions of interaction with the IANS using e-Navigation services (MS1 - MS6, in accordance with the Maritime Service Portfolios (MSP)), connected using the e-Navigation services module as part of VTS server 4, the use of which implies both the unification of navigators and VTS operators into a single team, and the possibility of automated message exchange between the VTS operator's automated workstation and the IANS autonomous navigation system, including the use of automatic sending lines/zones, for the purpose of transmitting hydrometeorological, navigational, and operational information to the address IANS and means of radio data exchange with IANS.

Cybersecurity tools 5 include software and hardware for data encryption, access rule settings, security analysis, anti-virus protection, domain policy, and provide access control and delimitation of access rights to information (information and processes occurring in the area of responsibility of the VTS are critically important and require a number of technical and organizational measures to protect information).

Fig. 2 shows a basic diagram of the VTS server according to the claimed utility model. The VTS server is connected wirelessly via the VTS communication equipment with the IANS and the VTS sensor equipment, including television cameras and infrared cameras, weather stations, radio direction finders, a time server and other devices. In addition, the server has the ability to wirelessly integrate with electronic navigation services (e-Navigation), the IANS remote control center (IANS CDU), Earth remote sensing services, a marine communication platform and other services that ensure safe navigation of the IANS.

Referring to Fig. 2, the VTS server 100 according to the claimed utility model includes: a VTS database server module 110, an electronic navigation (e-Navigation) services module 120, a module 130 for tracking and integrating radar and AIS targets, a module 140 for the decision support system, designed with the ability to ensure safe movement of the MANSS and provide assistance to the MANSS CDU operator in navigation in the VTS coverage area, and an external interface server module 150.

The external interface server module 150 comprises: a communication interface 151 with a radar module, a communication interface 152 with a remote control center of the MANSS (RCC MANSS), a communication interface 153 with electronic navigation chart services, a communication interface 154 with Earth remote sensing services, a communication interface 155 with a marine communication platform, a communication interface 156 with a module of the automated workstation of the MANSS VTS operator, a communication interface 157 with the VTS communication equipment for communicating with the MANSS and the VTS sensor equipment. A distinctive feature of the VTS server according to the claimed utility model, which combines and processes information from external sources received through the above-listed communication interfaces 151-157 of the external interface server module 150, and transmits the results of processing this information to external objects also by means of the above-mentioned communication interfaces, is that it is designed as a single electronic unit, which includes all of the above-listed modules 110-150. In the preferred embodiment of the proposed utility model, all of the above-listed modules 110-150 of the VTS server 100 are software-implemented logical blocks implemented by at least one processor under the control of the corresponding software.

As a non-limiting example, the following hardware can be used to implement the utility model: domestic servers on the Intel Xeon Gold platform in a dual-processor design with 512 GB of RAM, as well as disk storage with an approximate volume of 12 TB. As an operating system, for example, Astra Linux 1.7 can be used. Technology stack: Js, node.js, electron, wms, Kafka, docker.

The interaction of the VTS server modules through the mentioned interfaces with external objects within the VTS takes into account a set of measures that ensure an increase in the level of safety and efficiency of navigation, the safety of human life at sea, the protection of the marine environment, coastal areas, places of work and installation of offshore structures from the possible adverse impact of maritime navigation.

According to the utility model, the VTS server provides the following critical processes.

1. Information support for the organization and regulation of vessel traffic. It is provided by providing visual information on the navigation situation in the area of responsibility of the vessel traffic management system (VTS).

The data processing algorithm is described based on the movement of information from the data source (the receiver of the automatic identification system (AIS) to the server, with subsequent storage and output of this information to the user interface).

2. Monitoring the movement of vessels and the position of vessels at anchorages and outriggers. This is ensured by providing visual information on the position of vessels at anchorages and outriggers. The algorithm is determined based on the following sequence of actions:

request and receive data from AIS;

requesting and receiving data from coastal radar stations (BRLS);

joint processing of data from radar and AIS, as well as identification of marks from radar and AIS with the issuance of a common identification result;

storing the received information about the navigation situation on the server;

providing data on the navigation situation to the operator by visualizing the marks of the objects being tracked over the cartographic information.

3. Detection and identification of vessels upon entering the VTS coverage area, establishing communication with them and obtaining data on vessels.

The algorithm is determined based on the following sequence of actions:

request and receive data from AIS;

requesting and receiving data from coastal radar stations (BRLS);

joint processing of data from radar and AIS, as well as identification of marks from radar and AIS with the issuance of a common identification result;

storing the received information about the navigation situation on the server;

selection of navigational objects located within the VTS coverage area;

preparation of a form (a detailed list of fields that uniquely identifies a vessel) based on AIS data;

providing data on the navigation situation to the operator by visualizing the marks of the objects being tracked over the cartographic information.

4. Transmission of navigational, operational and other information to ships. The algorithm is determined based on the following sequence of actions:

request and receive data from AIS;

requesting and receiving data from coastal radar stations (BRLS);

joint processing of data from radar and AIS, as well as identification of marks from radar and AIS with the issuance of a common identification result;

storing the received information about the navigation situation on the server;

selection of navigational objects located within the VTS coverage area;

formation of address and circular information based on the sampling results;

transmission of information (samples) using communication channels organized by means of AIS base stations.

5. Providing assistance in navigation. The algorithm is determined based on the following sequence of actions:

request and receive data from AIS;

requesting and receiving data from coastal radar stations (BRLS);

joint processing of data from radar and AIS, as well as identification of marks from radar and AIS with the issuance of a common identification result;

storing the received information about the navigation situation on the server;

selection of navigational objects located within the VTS coverage area;

assessment of the navigation situation (safety) by predicting the location of objects over a time interval of at least 30 minutes;

criteria assessment of hazards arising at the depth of forecasting;

alerting the operator by issuing a warning signal;

preparation and issuance of a safe route for a navigational object by visually applying it on top of a cartographic layer;

issuing a text message to the operator about the need to perform a sequence of actions to prevent the occurrence of a navigational hazard.

Wireless communication channels in the VTS system include data transmission channels:

SSS Inmarsat, Iridium, etc. (in any waters);

mobile communications GPRS, CDMA, 3G, 4G LTE (within the coverage area of mobile networks);

direct microwave radio communication (in the line of sight between the remote control and the controlled MAN, for example, during caravan control).

The VTS server in the system according to Fig. 1, illustrated in Fig. 2, operates as follows. After at least one VTS operator workstation is connected to the network, the software and navigation charts are loaded. The VTS server begins to continuously receive data from the VTS databases, radar data, AIS data, meteorological, hydrological and ice conditions, video images, and Earth remote sensing data (D33). A connection is also established with the VTS operator workstation via VHF communication. The data is processed by the VTS server in accordance with the above algorithms in real time.

Information from external systems is received by the VTS communication equipment and transmitted to the external interface server module as part of the VTS server and then, along with data from the VTS sensors, is processed in the VTS server software, including the reception and processing of AIS data (AIS server), the reception and processing of streaming radar video, the integration of AIS and target radar, the combination of geospatial data (GIS server), decision-making support (generation of recommendations for actions by VTS operators, pilots, navigators and MANS Central Dispatch Center operators, including alarms, the formation of navigation routes and the ability to measure movement parameters, the generation of alarms), storage, administration, monitoring.

Thus, the claimed coastal automated vessel traffic management system (VTS) server provides the VTS with expanded functionality compared to the systems known from the state of the art, and in particular has the ability to interact with the IANS, the IANS remote control center (RCC) and external navigation services using modern electronic navigation technologies. In particular, the VTS server ensures the preparation of a volume of data on the navigation situation, allowing the IANS to be provided with the necessary volume of information. In addition, the VTS server also analyzes the navigation situation for predicted navigation hazards (e.g. collisions), as a non-limiting example, to a time depth of up to 30 minutes. As a result, when managing the IANS, in particular, the problem of safe divergence of the IANS is solved by forming an alternative route that will ensure safety of movement indicating the actions that the vessel must take to avoid a dangerous situation (as a non-limiting example, change course by a certain amount to diverge from other vessels and return to its route after a certain distance).

Thus, as shown above, the VTS server, according to the proposed utility model, solves the technical problem of expanding the functional capabilities in terms of interaction with the MANSS, the MANSS remote control center (RCC) and external navigation services using modern electronic navigation technologies.

Claims (4)

1. A coastal automated vessel traffic management system (VTS) server for autonomous marine surface vessels (MANS), comprising a VTS database server module, an electronic navigation services (e-Navigation) module, a module for tracking and integrating radar targets and automatic identification system targets (AIS targets), a decision support system module designed to ensure safe movement of the MANS and to provide assistance to the operator of the remote control center (RCC) of the MANS in navigation in the VTS coverage area, and an external interface server module containing a communications interface with the radar module, a communications interface with the RCC of the MANS, a communications interface with electronic navigation chart services, a communications interface with Earth remote sensing services, a communications interface with the marine communications platform, a communications interface with the automated workstation module of the MANS VTS operator, a communications interface with the VTS communication equipment for communicating with the MANS and the VTS sensor equipment. 2. The server according to item 1, implemented on the basis of virtual machines using the HPE architecture. 3. The server according to item 1, in which the external interface server module additionally contains communication interfaces with data backup, registration and database systems that provide storage of information from sensors, video surveillance systems, a coastal radar station, weather stations, an automated identification system, communication systems and external services, as well as decision support systems. 4. The server according to item 1, in which the external interface server module additionally contains communication interfaces with cybersecurity tools, including software and hardware tools for data encryption, access rule settings, security analysis, anti-virus protection, and domain policy.