Entropy As an Assessment Factor of the Current State of Vessel When Approaching an Object of Maneuver

Abstract The paper describes a method for assessing the current state of a vessel as an element of a complex dynamic system when approaching a mobile object. As an evaluation criterion, it is proposed to use the maximum value of the entropy of the “vessel – the object of maneuver” system with the equality of probabilities of possible states of this system. The relevance of the study is due to the need to improve the classical methods of analysis and solving the problems of the vessel’s approach to the object of maneuver. Classical deterministic methods often prove ineffective if the object of maneuver performs unpredictable random actions in relation to the maneuvering vessel. Such objects include, for example, mobile shoals of fish or other vessels operated by inexperienced navigators. The purpose of the study is to justify the method of assessing the current state of the vessel when approaching the object of maneuver on the calculated deterministic trajectory. The solution of the control example confirmed the possibility of using the entropy of the “vessel – the object of maneuver” system as a universal estimation parameter of vessel’s current state when approaching an object of maneuver. The materials of the paper can be of practical and theoretical interest for specialists in the field of automation of ship movement control, navigators of merchant and fishing ships.