Optimal artificial fish swarm algorithm for the field calibration on marine navigation

• We proposed the optimal AFSA according to the optic gyrocompass IMU parameters identification.
• We supplied a novel re-calibration method to the marine navigation system.
• Experiments tested and verified the optic gyrocompass accuracy and reliability requirements with AFSA.
• Experiments results demonstrated that the AFSA is much less costly and workload reduce.
• The AFSA can substitute the conventional indoor IMU calibration method to some extent.

With the rapid development of the optic gyrocompass in aerospace and marine navigation systems, as well as the characteristics of the long-running navigation system which are utilized in this study has created unique developments in the field of marine navigation. It is necessary to re-calibrate the inertial measurement unit (IMU) parameters for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of the system. However, the conventional system re-calibration method needs to disassemble the system and move back to the indoor laboratory with high precision turntable, which is costly and has a heavy workload. This study proposes a novel calibration method by using the optimal artificial fish swarm algorithm (AFSA) on a vehicle aided by a computer. The algorithmic principle is described in detail, and the results obtained from both the simulation and the navigation experiments show the proposed calibration method can meet the calibration accuracy and reliability requirements of the marine gyrocompass.