New European PC-based radar system to increase shipping safety

Brussels, 30 Jul 2003

A project funded under EUREKA has developed a PC-based radar system enabling ship crews and coastguards to see each other's radar images. The technology should lead to increased maritime safety.

The radar system exploits a computer's inbuilt networking capabilities to allow the sharing of images over the Internet. If a ship's antennae were to stop working, the crew would, using this system, be able to use another ship's picture of the local situation on its own display.

Traditional radar systems have been based on custom-built systems, relying on proprietary hardware and software. This makes connection to other systems, built by other manufacturers, fairly difficult. The PC RADAR system introduces radar to the Internet, and is easy and cost-efficient to install. It comprises a radar board, which is simply fitted inside a standard personal computer.

The project brought together French electronics company Sodena, and G.E.M. Elettronica from Italy.

Eureka is a European network for market-oriented research. It promotes innovation in collaborative projects involving industry, research institutes and universities.

For further information, please visit:
http://www.eureka.be/pcradar

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