An electro-optical surveillance system application for ship collision avoidance

This paper summarises the concept of an electrooptical navigation aid complementary to the radar, SERVIOLA naval surveillance system, based on the exploration of the visible and infrared spectral environment surrounding a naval platform by video cameras. The paper covers the system design methodology from operational requirements analysis, according the anticollision and surveillance missions, and the characteristics of the ship, through the required system performance and functions identification, down to the system components definition. As specific technical aspects, the paper discusses more in deep the proper selection of the infrared camera sensor for naval surveillance. Copyright (C) 1998 IFAC.