Navigation situation simulation system (NSSS) Proteus is a package of software tools, providing
formation of information flows, typical for maritime traffic control systems, and it is intended to be used
as part of:
- simulators for training of operators of relevant services (main purpose);
- test benches for debugging of navigation situation data processing and displaying systems.
Information flows are formed in accordance with scenario, which may be set by the user in advance and
modified directly during its execution. This scenario is called training and consists of two main parts:
- scenario of navigation situation development (NS development scenario) - determines parameters and trajectories of vessels movement;
- configuration of navigation situation surveillance equipment (Sensors configuration) - determines location and characteristics of simulated sensors (RLS or AIS).
NSSS Proteus consists of the following main components:
Main Application. Implements interaction with user and performs the following functions:
- training formation;
- mathematical modeling of vessels movement in accordance with the training;
- graphical display of current situation against the electronic chart background;
- transfer of modelling results to data flow generators.
Data Flow Generators. They are activated at the moment when the scenario playback starts in
accordance with the specified sensors configuration (if it contains at least one sensor) and perform the
following functions:
- conversion of general mathematical model of the current navigation situation into a data flow of appropriate type (primary radar information for Radar or message flow for AIS);
- simulation of influence of characteristic properties of this type of sensor on the data flow (limited AIS coverage range, RLS noise);
- transfer of generated flow to client system. The client system is a trainee automate workstation (AWS) included in the simulator or the information processing and display system being tested;
- reception of control commands from the client system and simulation of their execution (only for RLS - control of the radar processor and the RLS itself is simulated).
Thus, the NSSS Proteus makes it possible to set an environment typical for the given vessel traffic
control system, in which various scenarios of navigation situation development may be simulated.