Electronic Systems and Computer Technology - Decreasing Fuel Consumption and Exhaust Gas Emissions in Transportation - page 103

[ 38 ]. It is governed by SOLAS Chapter V Regulation 12 and adapted by the
International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is an automated tracking system used
on ships and by VTS [ 39 ]. The information usually supplements marine radar and is
the most important method for avoiding collisions at sea.
Information provided by AIS equipment, such as identification, position,
course, and speed can be displayed on a screen or an Electronic Chart Display and
Information System (ECDIS) according to the IMO requirements of the computer-
based navigation [ 40 ]. Electronic communication technology displays all infor-
mation from electronic navigation charts and integrates position information from
the GPS and other sensors, such as radar and AIS systems [ 41 ]. Nowadays,
electronic technology is not only an alternative technique to paper charts but it is
more and more an essential element of navigation.
6.5 Summary and Recommendations: Electronic Systems
and Computer Technology in Transportation
Vehicles, airplanes, and ships use analog and digital technology in electronic sys-
tems. The hardware consists of active and passive electronic elements. The software
is usually contained in the EEPROM or the flash memory. Nowadays, electronic
systems use digital micro controllers and regulate all related operation functions.
6.5.1 Electronic Technology in Vehicles
Modern vehicle technology increasingly uses electronically supported systems. In
current vehicles, ECU technology controls more than 80 systems. Inspection and
maintenance are becoming more intelligent, but on average more expensive, because
of the increasing complexity of electronics, computers, and supporting systems. In
the most cases, the repair of highly complex and multistage systems is possible only
in block form.
Electronic systems are designed to control and regulate operations on-board. An
engine malfunction can be recognized through the logical evaluation of individual
sensor values and by the comparison of the measured signals with stored reference
values.
In precisely defined checking routines, the controller device provokes brief
deviations from the system status and expects a defined recognition of the change
in the sensor signal. In this way, components can be checked by sensors and
appropriate signals of status can be prepared by connected control devices.
Since the introduction of ECUs, manufacturers have the obligation to define
malfunctions, to store disturbances, and to display them on an appropriate interface
at a common level which is legally fixed.