The Concept of Using the Decision-Robustness Function in Integrated Navigation Systems

The diversity and non-uniformity of the positioning systems available in maritime navigation systems often impede the watchkeeping officer in the selection of the appropriate positioning system, in particular, in restricted basins. Thus, it is necessary to introduce a mathematical apparatus to suggest, in an automated manner, which of the available systems should be used at the given moment of a sea trip. Proper selection of the positioning system is particularly important in integrated navigation systems, in which the excess of navigation information may impede the final determinations. In this article, the authors propose the use of the decision-robustness function to assist in the process of selecting the appropriate positioning system and reduce the impact of navigation observations encumbered with large errors in self-positioning accuracy. The authors present a mathematical apparatus describing the decision function (a priori object), with the determination of decision-assistance criteria, and the robustness function (a posteriori object), with different types of attenuation function. In addition, the authors present a computer application integrating both objects in the decision-robustness function. The study was concluded by a test showing the practical application of the decision-robustness function proposed in the title.