Ichiro Asano

Information System for Achieving Navigational Safety by Obtaining Visual Information Using a 360° Camera

This research was aimed at building a new navigational information support system that could be used for preventing accidents involving sea-going vessels. This paper proposes a methodology for obtaining visual information with a 360° camera, this information can be used to issue early warnings. This methodology involves superimposing image groups captured with the camera, with the superimposed images also providing positional information about the locations where the images were captured. These image groups are superimposed on a map by using a geographical information system. This method is extremely effective as it enables ship navigators to acquire effective information through the visualization of surrounding conditions, particularly in critical marine areas, in addition to providing regularly used information such as that obtained from nautical charts. Furthermore, the use of this system as a navigational simulator during sea voyages is expected to reduce uncertainties for first-time ship navigators visiting unfamiliar marine regions. Therefore, the system can help prevent marine accidents.

Application to Diesel Engine of Mixed Fuel Comprising DME and A-Heavy Oil (Marine Diesel Engine Oil)

In previous paper, we improved the diesel engine system to use DME (Di-Methyl Ether) as fuel oil. The engine performance using the mixed fuel comprised of DME and Marine diesel oil was reported. In this report, further investigation was carried out in varying mixing ratio of DME and Marine diesel oil. In the experiments, combustion pressure, rate of heat release, pollutant emissions and injection condition were measured using a small high-speed single-acting 4 stroke diesel engine. A high-speed video camera was used to investigate the fuel spray pattern. As a result, it is shown that the ignition delay becomes shorter by increasing the mixing ratio of DME to Marine diesel oil. Fuel spray spreads wider in radial direction in case of higher mixing ratio of DME. Due to the changes in combustion history and spray pattern, concentration of soot and CO emission become smaller by increasing the mixing ratio of DME to Marine diesel oil.