Buoy collision detection

This paper presents a method developed for collision detection on navigational buoys by the use of onboard low power embedded controllers equipped with solid state acceleration sensors, focusing on the signal processing principles employed. Detection of a collision of a vessel with a buoy is based on continuous monitoring of the acceleration profile of the buoy in all three planes of movement, accomplished using a 3-axial solid state accelerometer (g-sensor) with the maximum range of ±3 g. The sensor is integrated with a marine Aid to Navigation (AtoN) telematics module that is subject to low power consumption requirements and size restrictions resulting in limited computational capability. Initial operational testing was performed on navigational buoys in actual marine environment, including sea ice conditions. The results have validated the usability of the method, although no ship-to-buoy collisions have been encountered.