February 2011 Collision avoidance algorithms trialled 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.