COMPUTER FISHING SIMULATOR
for trawling and purse seining
COMPUTER FISHING SIMULATOR for trawling and purse seining |
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Unlike the known similar-purpose simulators, the present simulator is implemented with one standard IBM PC/AT type personal computer (386+387). This results in considerably re duced consumer expenses along with the high-quality training of cadets of maritime schools and experienced skippers.
The Training Simulator is designed to train skippers to maneuver the fishing vessel and to control gears (both a trawl and purse seine) effectively while catching fish by taking into account underwater catch situation and sea- surface conditions. The application of the latest mathematical models of vessel's and gears motion makes it possible to use the simulator for study of vessel/trawl dynamics. Also, these models are clearly aimed to improve profitable catching tactics. Simplified models of vessel's radioelectronics operation are intended to train skippers how to use the main operational modes during detection and catch procedures. Additionally, the case when the vessel is op erating in a-group of vessels is considered too.
Software of the real-time simulator is based on 4 groups of models:
Models describing vessel's motion are inte grated into the system which simulates thrust, performance and manoeuvring characteristics of the vessel. The version of the simulator un der discussion uses motion models of two types of fishing vessels: ALPINIST type Re frigerated Seiner-Trawler (503 project RST) and PULKOVSKY MERIDIAN project Large Freezing Refrigerated Trawler (1288 project LFRT). The simulator is equipped with built-in motion model editor which allows to match the model up to the preset vessel's length with controlability characteristics being unchanged. The simulator user can order for extra pay the motion model needed for particular parameters of the vessel. These parameters are sufficient in a form of a pilot chart.
The dynamic model of the trawl system con sists of the warp winch model and dynamic model of the trawl net. The models of the trawl
and purse net are also set up according to parameters of specific type gears. The built-in editor for models of gears motion dynamics enables to adjust them not only to specific type gears but to adjust them similarly with trawl- meister's actions.
Models of fish school motion and their inter action with fishing gears are based upon al gorithms of situational simulation which take into account fish inherent reactions and behav ior. The motion of 9 fish schools is simulated: 3 bottom, 3 pelagic and 3 surface ones.
Before starting the training process, in the mode of scenario creation the initial data are entered which have been saved in advance in form of exercises. Otherwise, the required data set is being generated, i.e. the exercise (scenario) as parameters which describe: me- teo conditions, depth chart of the fishing area, shape and parameters of gears, type of the "own" fishing vessel, maneuvers of other ves sels which occur in this area and characteris tics of targets. The simulator includes the separate program for generating a bottom chart. It is possible to generate either an arbi trary shape of the bottom or to create an actual shape by means of digitizer, navigational charts or fishing plotters. The fishing area is limited in 20x20-km area. Choice of 6 basic modes is available:
The models of fish-finding equipment opera tion give information on underwater catching situation and the model of on-board radar gives information on water-surface conditions while operating in group of vessels.
Graphic options of PC make it possible not only to reproduce images of control panels of vessel's radioelectronics true to life and how to use them but to give also visual presentation of the fishing situation from the wheelhouse.
Controlling the vessel, winches of the trawl system, purse net and vessel's radioelectron ics is exercised via PC keyboard. Operational modes of the simulator are also controlled via the keyboard.
Together with the main modes which simu late vessel's radioelectronics operation and corresponding flows of sonar and radar data, the simulator has also the optional modes for presentation of real underwater situation. This is a conceptually new and advanced user- oriented feature of the simulator offered. For example, during real fishing operations in open sea it is impossible to observe movements of trawl system caused by various control actions of the skipper, to measure drift angle and an gular speed, to determine a number of dy namic parameters e.g. aerodynamic forces and moment, hydrodynamic forces applied to rudder and hull, propeller thrust, etc. It is also impossible to define power of the main engine and fuel consumption per time unit. Moreover, it is impossible to view how these parameters alter due to skipper's control actions.
It is these possibilities of our simulator which reveal new aspects in commercial fishing and navigation. For the first time a trainee is capa ble of analyzing his theoretical knowledge and then mastering skills in practice. It is this unique feature of our simulator which trans forms a boring educational process into ab sorbing one even with elements of research work.
Among optional modes of the simulator there are modes which provide the trainee with the hidden visual and reference information on catch operations:
Last but not least, at any moment of time all relevant information on the whole fishing situa tion including vessel/trawl dynamics can be stored on a magnetic disk for future recalling at any desired time. If necessary, these data can be updated in any way. The instructor, for ex ample, can prepare a scenario in advance by specifying school position, wind and current, next, locate the vessel in the point of setting the trawl, next, set the trawl out and start a maneuver and, after all, record the situation on the disk. When recalling this situation from the disk multiply, the instructor can demonstrate the trainee various catching situations. This is the first approach. With the other approach, the trainee is given an opportunity to act by his own. Eventually, the results of both ap proaches are compared.
This technique can be treated as innovation in the educational process.
The main modes of the simulator permit the trainee to judge to the full extent the functional capabilities of vessel's radioelectronics. Utili zation of the simulated operational modes of sonar, echosounder and trawl sonde helps the trainee to acquire skills at searching and tracking fish schools from detection moment till their entering the trawl (purse net). A variety of models of radar operation permits the trainee not only to learn to detect water-surface tar gets but also to maneuver a vessel adequately by using all radar operational modes available.
Thus, the advantage of our fish-finding simulator is obvious. It is favourably differs from existing ones. The concept of implementing all the aforementioned capabilities with one PC makes this simulator much more affordable for wide consumership.
On individual customer's order and in short time the models of the vessel's radioelectron ics operation can be tailored, i.e. reprogramed for any type sonars, echosounders, radars, etc. Furthermore, models of operation of various on-board instruments can be cov ered by our simulator.
Developed by VECTOR Marine Electronics Ltd.
Russia, 347900, Taganrog, Chekhov str/ 74a
Contact E-mail: sokolov@fishwar.koenig.su (Konstantin Sokolov)
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