Augmented reality technology in maritime operations for enhanced visualization in compromised visibility

This research explores the possibility of using Augmented Reality (AR) virtual objects that are placed at the location of real navigational obstacles to enhance navigational awareness when in poor visibility.
To this issue, this research first looks into ‘how’ AR platforms can be exploited for organising and presenting bridge information from existing data technology in a more intuitive way. The research investigates the various data sources, protocols and data formats available in the ship bridge. Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, Global Positioning System (GPS) data and Electronic Navigation Charts (ENC) are selected. The study then investigates how these data can be extracted and combined into a usable form to make the required holographic objects. The key challenge next is to decide what to display in an AR concept as a holographic object. To overcome this, the research investigates a verified demonstrator for seafarers using their common language ‘navigation light’. It proposes holographic objects that can be projected in an innovative way. A database of typical navigation light holograms is created which is obtained from the navigation aids that could be called upon. An integrated platform combining all the navigation data from AIS, GPS and ENC is then developed. To this end, this research develops a common integration platform to present information coming from various types of navigation aids in a more uniformly organised and contemporary way.
The novel contribution of this research thesis is the demonstration of a holographic based concept using a common integration platform for outputting a unified framework. The necessary input data is obtained from various sources typically available on the bridge of a ship for operations at sea. The concept and its functional demonstration through developed case studies is achieved for the first time in the maritime industry.
The major conclusion drawn from this thesis is that AR technology can be used as tool for enhancing visualization of operating environments and augment the collision avoidance capability in compromised visibility.