Abstract-This paper describes a concept for a collision avoidance system for ships, based on model predictive control. A finite set of alternative control behaviors are generated by varying two parameters: offsets to the guidance course angle commanded to the autopilot, and changes to the propulsion command ranging from nominal speed to full reverse. Using simulated predictions of the trajectories of the obstacles and ship, the compliance with COLREGS and collision hazards associated with each of the alternative control behaviors are evaluated on a finite prediction horizon, and the optimal control behavior is selected. Robustness to sensing error, predicted obstacle behavior, and environmental conditions can be ensured by evaluating multiple scenarios for each control behavior. The method is conceptually and computationally simple and yet quite versatile as it can account for the dynamics of the ship, the dynamics of the steering and propulsion system, forces due to wind and ocean current, and any number of obstacles. Simulations show that the method is effective and can manage complex scenarios with multiple dynamic obstacles and uncertainty associated with sensors and predictions.
It is proposed to estimate wind velocity, Angle-Of-Attack (AOA) and Sideslip Angle (SSA) of a fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) using only kinematic relationships with a Kalman Filter (KF), avoiding the need to know aerodynamic models or other aircraft parameters. Assuming that measurements of airspeed and attitude of an UAV are available as inputs, a linear 4th order time-varying model of the UAV's longitudinal speed and the 3-D wind velocity is used to design a Kalman-filter driven by a GNSS velocity measurement airspeed sensor. An observability analysis shows that the states can be estimated along with an airspeed sensor calibration factor provided that the flight maneuvers are persistently exciting, i.e. the aircraft changes attitude. The theoretical analysis of the KF shows that global exponential stability of the estimation error is achieved under these conditions. The method is tested using experimental data from three different UAVs, using their legacy autopilot to provide basic estimates of UAV velocity and attitude. The results show that convergent estimates are achieved with typical flight patterns indicating that excitation resulting from the environment and normal flight operation is sufficient. Wind velocity estimates correlate well with observed winds at the ground. The validation of AOA and SSA estimates is preliminary, but indicate some degree of correlation between the AOA estimate and vertical accelerometer measurements, as would be expected since lift force can be modeled as a linear function of AOA in normal flight
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