A computer vision system for monitoring vessel motion in conjunction with vessel wake measurements

This study seeks to establish a new and efficient method of conducting vessel wake studies by means of a vision-based vessel tracking tool that computes vessel parameters such as speed and length. When correlated with wave height measurements, the data facilitates a unified formulation of equations to calculate ship-generated wave heights over a broader range of vessel sizes and boating speeds than previous models. Using this tool, a sizable database of vessel types and wave height measurements are acquired to provide additional data points to improve existing prediction models.