CONTAINER TRACKING USING AIS SIGNAL

Abstract

The traditional tracking system for containers uses GPS to determine a container's geographical position and an Iridium satellite modem for communication. However, due to the coverage limitation and expensive hardware cost, the system is not effective and widely implemented. In this thesis, we want to make use of the existing Automatic Identification System (AIS), a proximity communication system that allows ships send their positions and receive their neighbors' ones. We invent a new system where containers are able to localize themselves using AIS signals from surrounding ships and able to communicate their positions back to the central station. We develop localization algorithms for containers using only AIS signal and tested them using our simulation for Singapore port. Through experiments with the commercialized AIS receiver, we identify several issues in signal reception and address some of them.