Probabilities of Detection and Recognition of Flashing Lights on Rolling Buoys.
Abstract
This report shows how buoy motion affects a mariner's ability to detect and recognize standard Coast Guard buoy lights. Buoy roll reduces the effective intensity of the light in the mariner's direction, which results in a detection distance much shorter than the currently used nominal range. Data for this analysis were provided by recording motion of two buoys with a specially designed optical device. The data were analyzed to predict variation of light intensity in a mariner's direction over time and, furthermore, to predict probabilities of detecting and recognizing the flash characteristics of the light. Results show increased detection range with increased vertical divergence, reduced detection range when buoy roll period and flash period are similar, and detection distances as short as 30% of published nominal range. Keywords: Buoy motion, Probability of detection, Probability of recognition, Response amplitude operator, Buoy lights, Aids to navigation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA194665
Entities
People
- Daniel M. Brown
Organizations
- United States Coast Guard Research & Development Center