The barge has recently been physically attached to a towboat.ĪIS Data indicates a towboat in proximityĪIS Data indicates minimal traffic in the general area GPS Data compared to Master Docks Data Table indicates being outside of any defined Fleet or Dock location. The vibration sensor does not detect a towboat being physically attached. Within the confines of a Fleet Area define in Master_Docks Data Table When a barge is within the confines of a well defined Fleeting Area.Īccelerometers detect little or no movement Received AIS data matches GPS data for Course and Speed with Distance and Bearing to AIS source remaining constant. Vibration Sensors analyze vibration from towboat engines which are transmitted through the hulls of attached barges. Or When an individual barge is attached to a towboat. When assembled together with other barges as part of a tow, which is attached to a towboat. Listed below are some examples of different barge operations and how sensors are used to determine the particular activity : GPS/GLONASS for determination of physical location.ĪIS Receiver (Dual Channel) to receive standard AIS data from nearby vessels.

Vibration Sensors to detect a towboat that is physically attached to the barge. Inertial Measurement Unit to determine Heading, Course, and Speed of small movements. These are some of the sensors built into the Intelli-Barge Controller that are used to provide Situational Awareness.Īccelerometers to detect movement in any direction When a barge is adrift, but in a controlled manner with a towboat in close proximity.Įach of these scenarios can be accurately determined without human input or intervention and is accomplished by employing several different sensor and communications technologies along with a Micro-Controller Unit (MCU), which continuously analyzes sensor and communications data then compares it with known values from data tables stored in permanent memory to accuratley determine the location and status of the barge. When a barge is located at a well-defined Dock for loading or unloading. When a barge is stationary within the confines of a well defined Fleeting Area. When attached to a Towboat either individually or as part of an assembled tow.

By interpreting the definitions listed above, along with visualizing barge movements during Normal Operations, we have determined that there are only Four, Easily Defined Locations where a barge can be considered to be Secure.

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