Citation: Czaplewski, K.;
Czaplewski, B. The Concept of Using
the Decision-Robustness Function in
Integrated Navigation Systems.
Sensors 2022, 22, 6157. https://
doi.org/10.3390/s22166157
Academic Editor: Chris Rizos
Received: 16 June 2022
Accepted: 12 August 2022
Published: 17 August 2022
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Article
The Concept of Using the Decision-Robustness Function
in Integrated Navigation Systems
Krzysztof Czaplewski
1,
* and Bartosz Czaplewski
2
1
Department of Navigation, Faculty of Navigation, Gdynia Maritime University, 81-374 Gdynia, Poland
2
Department of Teleinformation Networks, Faculty of Electronics, Telecommunications and Informatics,
Gdansk University of Technology, 80-233 Gdansk, Poland
* Correspondence: k.czaplewski@wn.umg.edu.pl
Abstract:
The diversity and non-uniformity of the positioning systems available in maritime naviga-
tion systems often impede the watchkeeping officer in the selection of the appropriate positioning
system, in particular, in restricted basins. Thus, it is necessary to introduce a mathematical appa-
ratus to suggest, in an automated manner, which of the available systems should be used at the
given moment of a sea trip. Proper selection of the positioning system is particularly important in
integrated navigation systems, in which the excess of navigation information may impede the final
determinations. In this article, the authors propose the use of the decision-robustness function to
assist in the process of selecting the appropriate positioning system and reduce the impact of naviga-
tion observations encumbered with large errors in self-positioning accuracy. The authors present a
mathematical apparatus describing the decision function (a priori object), with the determination
of decision-assistance criteria, and the robustness function (a posteriori object), with different types
of attenuation function. In addition, the authors present a computer application integrating both
objects in the decision-robustness function. The study was concluded by a test showing the practical
application of the decision-robustness function proposed in the title.
Keywords:
intelligent transportation systems; marine navigation; marine safety; positioning system
1. Introduction
Researchers have been fascinated by the coexistence of humans, fauna and flora from
the beginning of life on Earth. The more we learn about the relationships between them,
the better we understand the deep coexistence of such different worlds. In addition, as
science and technology develop, we will need to integrate and jointly use apparently
independent systems. In general, a system is an assembly of mutually-coupled components
that serves a specific purpose and is considered detached from the environment for a
specific purpose (descriptive, research or other). Based on the general definition, each
component, or subsystem it includes, works to ensure system functionality and integration.
Similarly, in different navigation type areas, the integration of apparently independent
systems has been visible for years, of which the joint objective is to ensure a high safety
level. To detail the above definition for the purposes of navigation, it may be stated [
1
]
that a system is “
. . .
a combination of equipment and software which use interconnected
controls and displays to present a comprehensive site of navigational information to the
mariner . . . ”.
In 1996, the International Maritime Organisation adopted performance standards [
2
]
for integrated navigation bridge systems (IBSs). The IBS is any combination of systems
interconnected to enable centralised access to information or the execution of commands
by system components to perform two or more of the following operations [
1
]: passage
execution, communications, machinery control, loading, discharging and cargo control,
safety and security.
Sensors 2022, 22, 6157. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22166157 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sensors
