Testing method of autonomous navigation systems for ships based on virtual-reality integration scenarios
Yonggang Dai, Yixiong He, Xingya Zhao, Kexin Xu
Abstract
Autonomous navigation system is a pivotal component of intelligent ships, with related research advancing rapidly and yielding significant results in recent years. Testing technology has emerged as a fundamental requirement for validating the practicality of these research outcomes. To address the issues of authenticity, safety, and cost-effectiveness in traditional testing methods , this paper first combines the real sailing environment with digital simulation technology, innovatively constructing a virtual-reality fusion testing scene. Subsequently, based on the key scientific and technological issues in the research of autonomous navigation of ships, the testing method, content, and indicator system of the autonomous navigation system for ships are proposed. Furthermore, a testing program has been developed using the C++ programming language and Qt5 GUI program, which connects the test system and the autonomous navigation system . Finally, the North Channel of the Yangtze River Estuary and the autonomous navigation system in such waters are selected as the specific test scenarios and objects, and the test experiments are carried out aiming at the proposed test indicators. The results show that the testing method can fulfill the requirements for establishing test standards and systems, and is expected to promote the development of testing technology for intelligent ships and the practical application of autonomous navigation research outcomes.