Knowledge representation and data management of ontology-based vessel man-machine-environment system

Application of human factors in vessel design is important for improving the performance, safety and habitability of vessel. This research focuses on the knowledge representation of human factors in vessel man-machine-environment system by utilising ontology for data management. Using integrated computer-aided manufacturing definition (IDEF), a framework is developed to reveal the internal relationships between different application tasks. Based on these relationships, ontology is utilised to represent the knowledge of application process. Web ontology language (OWL) is used to develop the syntax for the knowledge representation. Protégé is used to build the ontology model. JAVA-based API is developed to immerge the knowledge data into MySQL to construct an ontology database. An application scenario of a supply transportation task is implemented to show how to manage these ontology data. Using ontology building and data management method, application knowledge can be accumulated and reused. This sets foundation for intelligent vessel human factors applications.