FR3110541A1 - SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR MARINE SHIP - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to safety equipment for maritime craft, comprising a geolocation circuit (100), a transmitter (200) and a receiver (250) as well as a power supply, characterized in that the equipment comprises a casing having a first button (10) for triggering the transmission of a priority distress message, a second button (20) for triggering the transmission of an alert message and a third button (30) for triggering the transmission of a proof of life message, each of said buttons (10, 20 and 30) being identified by a distinct color, said equipment further comprising a graphical interface associated with a computer (300) controlling the display of a marker (41, 42) whose position is a function of the direction and the distance of a boat whose equipment has transmitted a priority distress message picked up by said receiver (250). Abstract Figure: Figure 3

Description

MARINE CRAFT SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Field of invention

The present invention relates to the field of systems for safety at sea and for assistance in the organization of rescue at sea.

Sea-related risks are due to natural and relatively predictable (storm, frost, etc.) or unpredictable (tsunami, weather-tsunami, collision with floating or semi-submerged object, tree, iceberg, cetacean, etc.) hazards. They also result from human behavior (collision with a submarine, another ship, wreckage, contact with a mine or submerged munitions, etc.). The risk also depends on the condition of the ships and the skills of the crews (human error is often one of the many factors at the origin of accidents), and locally on wars, acts of piracy or terrorism. Locally, the risk is exacerbated by the lack or absence of heavy towing means, helicopter means, complete radar or satellite coverage of the area, or even by the lack of coordination of surveillance and emergency means, between countries, or even between regions of the same country, etc.).

Among the risks linked to the people and to the situation of isolation, falling into the sea leading to drowning, as well as hypothermia or any injury, burn, fracture, or food poisoning or dehydration which is a frequent problem in sea, especially among shipwrecked people.

For small boats, used for professional or artisanal activities such as fishing, the safety problems result mainly from two factors, the working conditions in the hostile environment of the sea, and secondly the isolation and consequently the impossibility of quick access to help, to the doctor and to the hospital.

Modern ships are generally well equipped with communication equipment, radar, sonar, and more generally all the means to alert rescuers at sea, guide them to the ship and organize a rapid rescue.

On the other hand, boats intended for artisanal fishing or other artisanal activities are generally devoid of any safety equipment, or have equipment poorly mastered by the crew due to the lack of training and the fact that this equipment never used, except in cases of emergency where handling must be carried out under stress, without the possibility of seeking information on the mode of use.

For this reason, there are a very large number of professional accidents among fishermen, following damage lost at sea and a lack of effective information allowing rescue teams at sea to provide assistance.

This problem is aggravated in countries with only a rudimentary organization of sea rescue, and where the mobilization of these means must remain limited.

These situations become particularly difficult to manage because they occur far offshore, in hostile environmental conditions, with limited local resources for treatment.

State of the art

Known in the state of the art is the international patent application WO2010023639A1 describing a solution implementing a personal location beacon supporting two modes of operation: local monitoring and remote monitoring using the same transmitter and automatically switching between the modes . When activated, the equipment tries to communicate with a local monitoring station, at low transmission power and at high repetition rate, with the aim of processing the call locally without involving the remote monitoring station. Then, if the beacon is not recognized by a local monitoring station, it increases its transmission power, allowing access to a remote monitoring station.

The Korean patent KR20180038772 describes a rescue system for quickly rescuing a victim in a distress situation occurring at sea, to quickly inform a distress situation using a low-power wide area communication network. This solution leverages low-power WAN technology and minimizes power consumption when sending and receiving single signals, so it can send and receive lifesaving signals, even in marine environments. where the power supply and communication are not stable.
In addition, the victims themselves can request rescue in the event of a distress situation, so that the position of the victim can be accurately captured, even at sea level.
Disadvantages of the prior art

The solutions proposed in the prior art use for some of the sensors automatically triggering an alert in the event of detection of shock, or of diving into the water. The disadvantage of these solutions is that they inevitably produce false alerts, which is not acceptable when an alert mobilizes heavy and rare means, for example a rescue boat or a helicopter, which are then unavailable for other assignments.

The other solutions are communication systems requiring a strong mastery and skill of the operator to use them in emergency and stress or even panic situations.
Solution provided by the invention

In order to remedy these drawbacks, the present invention relates to safety equipment for maritime craft, comprising a geolocation circuit, a radio frequency transmitter and receiver as well as a power supply, characterized in that the equipment comprises a housing having a first button for triggering the transmission of a priority distress message, a second button for triggering the transmission of an alert message and a third button for triggering the transmission of a proof of life message, each of said buttons being identified by a distinct color, said equipment further comprising a graphical interface associated with a computer controlling the display of a marker whose position is a function of the direction and the distance of a boat whose equipment has transmitted a priority distress message picked up by said receiver.

According to a first mode of implementation, said equipment consists of a smart phone ("Smartphone") running an application controlling the visualization and interaction of said buttons and the visualization of said graphical interface.

According to a second mode of implementation, each of said buttons is associated with physical protection avoiding untimely triggering.

Preferably, said physical protection consists of a movable shutter between a rest position where it prevents actuation of the protected button, and a retracted position where actuation of said protected button is possible.

According to a variant, the equipment further comprises a sound transducer for broadcasting voice messages.

According to a particular embodiment, the equipment further comprises a button for activating the transmission of a geolocated signaling message of a point of interest.

Preferably, said computer is controlled by a program activating a local sound and/or optical alarm in the event of exceeding a line established by processing the information delivered by said geolocation circuit, and by cartographic information recorded in a local memory. or distant.

According to a particular mode of implementation, the equipment comprises means of communication xG with a fixed relay for the communication of satellite data. This variant makes it possible to limit the volumes of satellite data.

The invention also relates to a system for organizing rescue at sea comprising a central station equipped with radio frequency transmission and reception means and a plurality of safety equipment for maritime craft, each comprising a geolocation circuit, a transmitter and a radio frequency receiver as well as a power supply, characterized in that the equipment comprises a waterproof casing having a first button for triggering the transmission of a priority distress message, a second button for triggering the transmission of an alert message and a third button for triggering the transmission of a proof-of-life message, each of said buttons being marked with a distinct color and associated with physical protection preventing untimely triggering, said equipment further comprising a graphical interface associated with a computer controlling the display of a marker whose position depends on the direction and the distance of a boat whose equipment has transmitted a priority distress message picked up by said receiver.

Preferably, said central station comprises means for recording time-stamped and geolocated messages for signaling points of interest transmitted by said equipment and for processing said messages to assign to each recorded point of interest a confidence indicator.

The invention also relates to a software application capable of being executed on connected equipment for the safety of a maritime craft, characterized in that it controls the display on a touch screen of said connected equipment of an interface having a first button whose the tactile interaction controls the triggering of the transmission of a priority distress message comprising a geolocation coming from the geolocation means of said connected equipment, a second button whose tactile interaction controls the triggering of the transmission of a message of alert and a third button whose tactile interaction controls the triggering of the emission of a proof-of-life message, each of said buttons being identified by a distinct color, said software application further controlling the display of an interface graphic associated with a computer controlling the display of a marker whose position depends on the direction and the distance of a boat whose equipment has transmitted a priority distress message picked up by said receiver.
Detailed description of a non-limiting embodiment

The present invention will be better understood on reading the following description, concerning a non-limiting example of embodiment illustrated by the appended drawings where:
- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of equipment according to the invention
- Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a system according to the invention
- Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the circuits of equipment according to the invention.
Background of the invention

The invention relates to an equipment and a system intended particularly for the securing of small-scale fishing boats, generally having fairly rudimentary equipment, operated by a crew with a low level of qualification, and navigating in areas with few means of rescue. , or even sometimes with particular risk areas (reefs, piracy, areas prohibited to navigation).

To equip such boats, the invention proposes equipment optimized with respect to the constraints and the context referred to above, to form with all the equipment on board an area, a security system of low investment cost, and of a robustness adapted to local circumstances.
Description of equipment

The equipment according to the invention consists of a sealed box (1), one of the faces of which has three buttons (10, 20, 30) protected by hinged flaps (11, 21, 31), as well as a display (40) having a graphical direction indicator (41) and a digital distance indicator (42). Finally, it has two buttons (50 and 51) for reporting events.

The three buttons (10, 20, 30) are protected by folding flaps (11, 21, 31), of distinct colors, for example respectively red, yellow and green. The flaps (11, 21, 31) pivot with respect to axes (13, 23, 33 respectively) and present at the front edge of the spouts (12, 22, 32) facilitating the introduction of a finger to raise it and give access to the button located under the raised flap. A return spring can fold the shutter into the button protection position at rest.

The purpose of these shutters is to avoid any untimely actuation of the buttons (10, 20, 30) which would cause false alerts.

The first button (10) protected by a red flap (11) controls the activation of the transmission of a priority distress message, via a transmitter (100) receiving a digital signal from a calculator (300). This signal contains an identifier of the equipment as well as geolocation data coming from a geolocation module (200). The data can be coded in the form of a file of only a few bytes, in order to ensure the robustness of the transmission even in the event of poor communication conditions.

This priority distress signal is activated when the life of the crew is in immediate danger (leak on board, collision, very strong swell, etc.).

The second button (20) protected by a yellow flap (21) controls the activation of the transmission of an alert message, via a transmitter (100) receiving a digital signal from a calculator (300). This signal contains an identifier of the equipment as well as geolocation data coming from a geolocation module (200) as well as a numerical indicator distinguishing it from the previous message. Data can also be encoded as a file of just a few bytes.

The alert activated by the button (20) corresponds to a worrying situation but without endangering the crew in the short term (engine failure, lack of fuel, etc.). The objective of distinguishing these two alert levels (priority distress associated with the button (10) and alert associated with the button (20)) is to be able to prioritize the interventions. In the event of simultaneous calls from a red level and an orange level, depending on the means available, the emergency services may intervene first on the red alert then on the orange alert.

Upon receipt by the central of an alert message, an acknowledgment message is sent back to the transmitting canoe. The objective is to reassure the crew. Help is on the way. This signal is received by a receiver (250) controlling a sound signal or a voice message broadcast by a loudspeaker (25).

The third button (30) protected by a green shutter (31) controls the activation of the transmission of a proof of life message, via a transmitter (100) receiving a digital signal from a computer (300). This signal contains an identifier of the equipment as well as geolocation data coming from a geolocation module (200) as well as a numerical indicator distinguishing it from the previous message. Data can also be encoded as a file of just a few bytes.

• Rassurer les familles des équipages
• Spontanément, à l’initiative du capitaine
• En réponse à une interrogation du système central
• Annuler une mission de secours
• Lorsqu’une demande de secours a été enclenchée mais le problème a été résolu
• Pour confirmer que les secours sont bien arrivés sur place

The message “Everything is fine” emitted when the third button (30) is activated completes the safety device.
The objective of this message "All is well" is multiple:

• Reassure crew families
• Spontaneously, on the captain's initiative
• In response to a query from the central system
• Cancel a rescue mission
• When a rescue request has been initiated but the problem has been resolved
• To confirm that help has arrived on site

The damaged canoe or one of the canoes that arrived on the scene can confirm to the central system that the rescue operations are under control

The button (50) controls the transmission of a message containing geolocation data and a digital indicator of a first type. It is intended to be activated in the event of observation of a first type of event, for example a danger zone (reef, shoal, wreck, etc.).

The button (51) controls the transmission of a message containing geolocation data and a digital indicator of a second type. It is intended to be activated in the event of observation of a second type of event, for example an anomaly zone (pollution, illegal fishing, etc.).

Recording positions when observing events such as illegal fishing or a pollution area will allow authorities to take appropriate action.

The massification of observations makes it possible to confirm the veracity of the information. If several canoes report the same type of event in a geographical area and a close time frame, then the veracity of this event is reinforced.

Two specific buttons (50, 51) are provided so that the crew can, by pressing these buttons, store the information and the position, data which will then be transmitted to the DPSP on their return to shore. The exploitation of this data will be processed in a specific application.

The transmitter (200) periodically transmits geolocation messages of the boat on a network comprising receivers of a monitoring system, for example a network of satellites (510) or ground stations, for example wireless telephony. This information is transmitted to a central station (500) using this information to carry out a mapping of the boats at sea and to issue alert information according to the position of a boat, known by the identifier and the data of geolocation contained in periodic messages.

The central station can automate or manually control alert messages intended for the receiver (250) of a boat, for example for a weather risk alert.

By warning a crew at sea of a change in weather conditions in their area of intervention in sufficient time, the crew will be able to divert and avoid putting themselves in danger, or entering potentially risky areas. For example, an involuntary exit from territorial waters into the waters of a neighboring country without prior authorization (fishing license for example) or an entry into future oil or gas exploitation areas could be anticipated.

The message can be produced digitally in the language of use of the crew of the boat. A database can record for each identifier of a boat an identifier of the language or the usual dialect of the crew, to control the transmission of pre-recorded voice messages selected according to this linguistic identifier.

The central station (500) also controls the transmission of a message for the boats closest to the coordinates contained in a priority distress message. The craft(s) requested then receive a message indicating the direction and distance from the canoe to be rescued. This message controls the display on the interface (40) of information on the course to follow to reach the boat in distress, via the angular indicator (41), as well as the distance to be traveled, on the display ( 42), and also controls the emission of a sound signal via the loudspeaker (25). A boat having received this message must acknowledge receipt by pressing the green button (30) to signify that it is heading in the direction of the canoe in difficulty.

If she is unable to intervene (fishing, lack of fuel, etc.), she declines the request by pressing the orange button (20).

Arrived at the canoe in difficulty, if she has the possibility of rescuing the crew, she presses the green button (30). The rescued boat, if it has the possibility, also presses the green button (30) to signify that it is out of danger.

If no boat can intervene, the central station (500) will then implement other means to organize the rescue.
“Smartphone” Solution

The invention can be implemented in a simplified embodiment in the form of an application downloadable in a smart telephone and executed by the computer of the telephone, exploiting the graphic, radio communication and geolocation resources integrated in such a telephone. The telephone communicates with a fixed station to exchange information.
Variant

A variant of realization makes it possible to extend the functionalities of the system to the treatment of the problems of identification and collection of floating waste. For this purpose, the equipment or the mobile application has an additional button, the actuation of which controls the transmission of a geolocated digital message indicating an area where floating waste is located. A server records the digital messages to improve the degree of confidence based on the number of messages received and the location recorded in these messages, and calculates a theoretical trajectory based on statistics on a place. This processing then leads to ordering the dispatch to the site of dedicated boats, equipped with a box in accordance with the invention or a smartphone executing the mobile application, the guidance being done in the same way as for providing assistance.

Claims (12)

– Safety equipment for maritime craft, comprising a geolocation circuit (100), a transmitter (200) and a receiver (250) as well as a power supply, characterized in that the equipment comprises a housing (1) having a first button (10) for triggering transmission of a priority distress message, a second button (20) for triggering transmission of an alert message and a third button (30) for triggering transmission of a proof of life message, each of said buttons (10, 20 and 30) being identified by a distinct color, said equipment further comprising a graphic interface (40) associated with a computer (300) controlling the display of a marker (41, 42) whose position depends on the direction and the distance of a boat whose equipment has transmitted a priority distress message picked up by said receiver (250). – Safety equipment for maritime craft, according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists of a smart phone running an application controlling the visualization and interaction of said buttons (10, 20 and 30) and the visualization of said graphical interface . – Safety equipment for maritime craft, according to claim 1 characterized in that said housing is a waterproof housing (1) and in that each of said buttons (10, 20 and 30) is associated with physical protection preventing accidental triggering. – Safety equipment for maritime craft, according to claim 3 characterized in that said physical protection consists of a movable flap (11, 21, 31) between a rest position where it prevents the actuation of the protected button (10, 20 , 30), and a retracted position where actuation of said protected button (11, 21, 31) is possible. – Safety equipment for maritime craft, according to claim 1 characterized in that it further comprises a sound transducer (25) for broadcasting voice messages. – Safety equipment for maritime craft, according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that it further comprises an activation button (50, 51) for the transmission of a geolocated signaling message from a point of interest. – Safety equipment for maritime craft, according to claim 1, characterized in that said computer (300) is controlled by a program activating a local audible and/or optical alarm in the event of exceeding a line established by processing the information delivered by said geolocation circuit, and by cartographic information recorded in a local or remote memory. - Safety equipment for maritime craft, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises xG communication means with a fixed relay for the communication of satellite data. - Software application capable of being executed on connected equipment for the safety of a maritime craft, characterized in that it controls the display on a touch screen of said connected equipment of an interface having a first button (10) whose tactile interaction controls the triggering of the transmission of a priority distress message comprising a geolocation coming from the geolocation means of said connected equipment, a second button (20) whose tactile interaction controls the triggering of the transmission of a message alert and a third button (30) whose tactile interaction controls the triggering of the emission of a proof-of-life message, each of said buttons (10, 20 and 30) being identified by a distinct color, said application software also controlling the display of a graphical interface (40) associated with a computer (300) controlling the display of a marker (41, 42) whose position depends on the direction n and the distance of a boat whose equipment has transmitted a priority distress message picked up by said receiver (250). – Sea rescue organization system comprising a central station equipped with radio frequency transmission and reception means and a plurality of safety equipment for maritime craft, each comprising a geolocation circuit (100), a transmitter ( 200) and a radiofrequency receiver (250) as well as a power supply, characterized in that the equipment comprises a waterproof casing (1) having a first button (10) for triggering the transmission of a priority distress message, a second button (20) for triggering the transmission of an alert message and a third button (30) for triggering the transmission of a proof of life message, each of said buttons (10, 20 and 30 ) being identified by a distinct color, said equipment further comprising a graphical interface (40) associated with a computer (300) controlling the display of a marker (41, 42) whose position is a function of the direction and the distance of a boat whose equipment transmitted a priority distress message picked up by said receiver (250). – Sea rescue organization system according to the preceding claim, the safety equipment for maritime craft being in accordance with claim 6 characterized in that said central station comprises means for recording time-stamped and geolocated messages for reporting points of interests transmitted by said equipment and processing of said messages to assign to each recorded point of interest a confidence indicator. – Sea rescue organization system according to claim 10 characterized in that said equipment comprises an additional button, the actuation of which controls the transmission of a geolocated digital message signaling an area where there is floating waste.