Feb 2011 Collision avoidance algorithms trialed successfully

H Scientific Ltd, UK, and ST Electronics Ltd, Singapore, have recently undertaken some initial trials of a new Collision Avoidance system designed for USV’s. The initial trials were performed using STE’s “Venus” USV, and results were presented at Defence Technology Asia, Singapore on February 24th. Collision Avoidance is a feature that has been integrated into H Scientific’s SPECTRE remote control system. The CA module allows the operator to specify exclusion zones surrounding static and dynamic obstacles, and extended zones ahead of moving targets. When engaged, the CA module then assesses obstacles and, when necessary, takes control of speed and steering, avoiding the exclusion zones and then returning the craft to its original mission track. The SPECTRE module also supports an “external CA” mode in which mission status is exported to a separate processor which maintains a database of static and dynamic obstacles and plots a modified track to avoid collisions. This “External CA” mode uses a simple interface which is designed to support third party external CA processors from other vendors.

October 2010 H Scientific announce Open Source MOOS Viewer

H Scientific have developed a 3D rendering MOOS viewer, hsciViewer, and have released it under the GPL license. This is an Open Source application, primarily for marine vehicles which provides the user with a 3D external view of their vessel. Click here for more information on the MOOS Viewer, hsciViewer, or go to our Download Software section to download the installer and / or the source code.

August 2010 Collision avoidance algorithms added to SPECTRE autopilot

A simple collision avoidance algorithm has been implemented on SPECTRE in order to facilitate the task of navigating safely while operating an unmanned vessel. Collision avoidance is generally a higher-level function in vehicle control, associated with mission planning and execution.

Collision avoidance may be broken down into several distinct subtasks:

1. Obstacle detection ,
2. Obstacle classification,
3. Collision avoidance route planning,
4. Route execution (autopilot functions).

Tasks 1 and 2 will be performed by an external 3rd party system. Algorithms to perform Task 3, namely how to modify the vehicle's course and speed to ensure a safe passage and avoid the obstacle, have been developed and added to SPECTRE's autopilot algorithm suite. The algorithm uses basic information about the obstacle (location, characteristic size, course and speed if moving).

These calculations can either be performed internally within SPECTRE or may be performed on a separate, dedicated collision avoidance processor. In this case, the CA processor receives obstacle data as well as SPECTRE's intended course and speed; it then calculates the new course and speed, overriding SPECTRE's settings in order to avoid collisions.

July 2010 Special offer to upgrade ShipSim 1 to ShipSim 3

H Scientific is offering current registered users of ShipSim 1 a 50% discount when they upgrade to ShipSim 3. In addition, H Scientific will convert their ShipSim1 files, free-of-charge!

Upgrading to ShipSim 3 offers the following benefits:

• Latest version of the software - Note: ShipSim 1 is no longer supported,
• ShipSim 3 is more stable than ShipSim 1,
• Free support for 1 year,
• Compatible with GENIE (analogue/digital USB interface unit),
• AIS interface,
• NMEA 2000 interface,
• Radar interface,
• Record and Playback with voice annotation,
• Chart display,
• Geotiff display option,
• External view option - great for demonstrations and exhibitions,
• Interfaces with your own ship model, using a DLL interface,
• Target simulation,
• Full composite model including simulation of hydrodynamic, aerodynamic effects together with user defined configuration including waterjets, propeller, bowthrusters, multiple rudders, etc.
• Access to client download section on website - access the latest documentation via a client login section

This offer is valid until 31st August 2010 and applies to software only.

July 2010 Special offer to upgrade ShipSim 1 to ShipSim 3

H Scientific is offering current registered users of ShipSim 1 a 50% discount when they upgrade to ShipSim 3. In addition, H Scientific will convert their ShipSim1 files, free-of-charge!

Upgrading to ShipSim 3 offers the following benefits:

• Latest version of the software - Note: ShipSim 1 is no longer supported,
• ShipSim 3 is more stable than ShipSim 1,
• Free support for 1 year,
• Compatible with GENIE (analogue/digital USB interface unit),
• AIS interface,
• NMEA 2000 interface,
• Radar interface,
• Record and Playback with voice annotation,
• Chart display,
• Geotiff display option,
• External view option - great for demonstrations and exhibitions,
• Interfaces with your own ship model, using a DLL interface,
• Target simulation,
• Full composite model including simulation of hydrodynamic, aerodynamic effects together with user defined configuration including waterjets, propeller, bowthrusters, multiple rudders, etc.
• Access to client download section on website - access the latest documentation via a client login section

This offer is valid until 31st August 2010 and applies to software only.