EP3864636A1

EP3864636A1 - Telegraph apparatus for marine vessel

Info

Publication number: EP3864636A1
Application number: EP18786310.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jorgen LUNDBECK
Original assignee: Waertsilae Lyngso Marine AS
Current assignee: Waertsilae Voyage GmbH
Priority date: 2018-10-12
Filing date: 2018-10-12
Publication date: 2021-08-18
Also published as: WO2020074090A1

Abstract

A method and apparatus for detecting the rotating angle of a telegraph apparatus for a marine vessel, comprising: receiving time-varying signals by a receiving electrode, wherein a contactless multi-channel angle encoder device comprises a rotary disc and a static disc, where one of the discs being operationally connected to the user lever configured to be rotated about an axis by a variable rotating angle and the discs being rotatable relative to one another about a measuring axis; and wherein the static disc comprises a plurality of transmitting electrodes configured to transmit a plurality of time-varying signals with mutually offset coupling signal phases; and the rotary disc comprises the receiving electrode configured to receive signals by way of contactless coupling between the rotary and the static disc; and determining an absolute rotating angle between the rotary and the static disc based on the received time-varying signals.

Description

TELEGRAPH APPARATUS FOR MARINE VESSEL

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application generally relates to a marine vessel telegraph apparatus, device and related method.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This section illustrates useful background information without admission of any technique described herein representative of the state of the art.

[0003] Traditional Engine Order Telegraphs (EOT) required a pilot wanting to change speed to "ring" the telegraph on the bridge, moving the handle to a different position on the dial. This would ring a bell in the engine room and move their pointer to the position on the dial selected by the bridge. The engineers hear the bell and move their handle to the same position to signal their acknowledgment of the order and adjust the engine speed accordingly. Such an order is called a "bell," for example the order for a ship's maximum speed, flank speed, is called a "flank bell”.

[0004] For urgent orders requiring rapid acceleration, the handle is moved three times so that the engine room bell is rung three times. This is called a "cavitate bell" because the rapid acceleration of the ship's propeller will cause the water around it to cavitate, causing a lot of noise and wear on the propellers. Such noise is undesirable during conflicts because it can give away a vessel's position, for example.

[0005] On modern vessels with direct combustion engines or electric propulsors, the main control handle on the bridge acts as a direct throttle with no intervening engine room personnel. As such, it is regarded under the rules of marine classification societies as a remote-control device rather than an EOT, though it is still often referred to by the traditional name. This may be somewhat confusing, as the classification society rules for merchant ships still in fact require an EOT to be provided, to allow orders to be transmitted to the local control position in the engine room in the event that the remote-control system should fail. The EOT is required to be electrically isolated from the remote-control system. However, it may be mechanically linked to the main control handle, allowing telegraph orders to be given using the same user interface as for remote control orders. Traditional EOTs (though in a more modern form) can still be found on all nuclear-powered ships and submarines as they still require an engineering crew member to operate the throttles for the steam turbines that drive the propellers. EOTs can also be found on older vessels that lack remote control technology, particularly those with conventional steam engines.

[0006] Remote control systems on modern ships usually have a control transfer system allowing control to be transferred between locations. Remote control is usually possible from two locations: the bridge and the engine control room (ECR). Some ships lack a remote-control handle in the ECR. When in bridge control mode, the bridge handle directly controls the engine set point. When in Engine control room mode, the bridge handle sends a telegraph signal to the ECR and the ECR handle controls the set point of the control system. In local control, the remote-control system is inactive, and the bridge handle sends a telegraph signal to the local control position and the engine is operated by its manual controls in the engine room

[0007] Traditionally the marine vessel telegraph device (either used for telegraph operations or remote-control device operations) is implemented as contact-based control electrodes. Such approach increases wear of components and may cause device malfunctions.

[0008] Thus, a solution is needed to enable accurate, easy-to-use, and reliable telegraph device for marine vessels with reduced wearing of components.

SUMMARY

[0009] Various aspects of examples of the invention are set out in the claims.

[0010] According to a first example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a telegraph apparatus for a marine vessel, comprising:

a user lever configured to be rotated about an axis by a variable rotating angle; a contactless multi-channel angle encoder device configured to detect the rotating angle, wherein the contactless multi-channel angle encoder device comprises: a rotary disc and a static disc, where one of the discs being operationally connected to the user lever and the discs being rotatable relative to one another about a measuring axis; wherein

the static disc comprises a plurality of transmitting electrodes configured to transmit a plurality of time-varying signals with mutually offset coupling signal phases; and

the rotary disc comprises a receiving electrode configured to receive signals by way of contactless coupling between the rotary and the static disc; and

at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

receive time-varying signals by the receiving electrode; and

determine an absolute rotating angle between the rotary and the static disc based on the received time-varying signals.

[0011] In an embodiment, distance between the rotary disc and the static disc is dimensioned in such a way that time-varying coupling signals are transmittable between the transmitting and receiving electrodes by way of contactless coupling.

[0012] In an embodiment, the plurality of transmitting electrodes comprise:

a first type of electrode configured to transmit a time-varying signal with a first phase;

a second type of electrode configured to transmit a time-varying signal with a second phase; and

a third type of electrode configured to transmit a time-varying signal with a third phase.

[0013] In an embodiment, the plurality of transmitting electrodes comprise a fourth type of electrode configured to transmit a time-varying signal with a fourth phase.

[0014] In an embodiment, the second phase is 90 degrees more than the first phase; and the third phase is 90 degrees more than the second phase.

[0015] In an embodiment, the fourth phase is 90 degrees more than the third phase.

[0016] In an embodiment, the plurality of transmitting electrodes comprise:

first channel transmitting electrodes; and second channel transmitting electrodes.

[0017] In an embodiment, the plurality of transmitting electrodes comprise third channel transmitting electrodes.

[0018] In an embodiment, the first channel transmitting electrodes comprise the first, the second and the third type of electrodes.

[0019] In an embodiment, the second channel transmitting electrodes comprise the first, the second and the third type of electrodes.

[0020] In an embodiment, the third channel transmitting electrodes comprise the first, the second and the third type of electrodes.

[0021] In an embodiment, at least one channel transmitting electrodes comprise the fourth type of electrode.

[0022] In an embodiment, a first set of the first type of electrodes configured to transmit time-varying signals with a first phase; a second set of the second type of electrodes configured to transmit time-varying signals with a second phase; and a third set of the third type of electrodes configured to transmit time-varying signals with a third phase.

[0023] In an embodiment, the rotary disc comprises:

a first receiving electrode configured to receive first time-varying signals from first channel transmitting electrodes; and

a second receiving electrode configured to receive second time-varying signals from second channel transmitting electrodes.

[0024] In an embodiment, the rotary disc comprises:

a third receiving electrode configured to receive third time-varying signals from third channel transmitting electrodes.

[0025] In an embodiment, the rotary disc comprises:

a first rotary receiver coupling electrode of the first channel configured to couple the received first time-varying signals from the rotary disc to the static disc, wherein the received first time-varying signals are transferred from the first receiving electrode of the first channel to the first rotary receiver coupling electrode of the first channel; and a second rotary receiver coupling electrode of the second channel configured to couple the received second time-varying signals from the rotary disc to the static disc, wherein the received second time-varying signals are transferred from the second receiving electrode of the second channel to the second rotary receiver coupling electrode of the second channel.

[0026] In an embodiment, the rotary disc comprises:

a third rotary receiver coupling electrode of the third channel configured to couple the received third time-varying signals from the rotary disc to the static disc, wherein the received third time-varying signals are transferred from the third receiving electrode of the third channel to the third rotary receiver coupling electrode of the third channel.

[0027] In an embodiment, the first receiving electrode is arranged radially outside the first rotary receiver coupling electrode; the second receiving electrode is arranged radially between the first rotary receiver coupling electrode and the second rotary receiver coupling electrode; and the third receiving electrode is arranged radially between the second rotary receiver coupling electrode and the third rotary receiver coupling electrode.

[0028] In an embodiment, at least one of the first, second or third rotary receiver coupling electrode is arranged in ring-shape manner.

[0029] In an embodiment, the plurality of time-varying signals comprise AC signals, and the at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

receive a plurality of time-varying AC signals by the receiving electrode; and determine an absolute rotating angle between the rotary and the static disc based on voltage and phase of the received time-varying AC signals.

[0030] In an embodiment, the plurality of transmitting electrodes comprise:

a first set of the first type of electrodes configured to transmit a time-varying signals with a first frequency;

a second set of the second type of electrodes configured to transmit a time- varying signals with a second frequency; and

a third set of the third type of electrodes configured to transmit a time-varying signals with a third frequency. [0031] In an embodiment, the plurality of time-varying signals comprise AC signals, and the at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

receive a plurality of time-varying AC signals by the receiving electrode; and determine an absolute rotating angle between the rotary and the static disc based on voltage and frequency of the received time-varying AC signals.

[0032] In an embodiment, the first channel transmitting electrodes are arranged in ring-shape manner radially outside a first stator receiver coupling electrode; the second channel transmitting electrodes are arranged in ring-shape manner radially between the first stator receiver coupling electrode and a second stator receiver coupling electrode; and the third channel transmitting electrodes are arranged in ring-shape manner radially between the second stator receiver coupling electrode and a third stator receiver coupling electrode.

[0033] In an embodiment, the first, second and third stator receiver coupling electrodes are arranged in ring-shape manner.

[0034] In an embodiment, the first, second and third stator receiver coupling electrode of a respective first, second and third channel are configured to receive a time-varying signal from the rotary receiver coupling electrode of the respective channel from the rotary disc to the static disc.

[0035] In an embodiment, the plurality of time-varying signals are transmitted over an air gap between the rotary and static disc.

[0036] In an embodiment, the contactless coupling between the static and rotary discs is arranged by capacitive coupling.

[0037] In an embodiment, the contactless coupling between the static and rotary discs is arranged by inductive coupling.

[0038] According to a second example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a contactless multi-channel angle encoder device configured to detect the rotating angle of a telegraph apparatus for a marine vessel, comprising:

a rotary disc and a static disc, where the rotary disc being operationally connected to the user lever configured to be rotated about an axis by a variable rotating angle and the static and rotary discs being rotatable relative to one another about a measuring axis; wherein

the rotary disc comprises a receiving electrode configured to receive signals by way of contactless coupling between the rotary and the static disc; wherein the contactless multi-channel angle encoder device is further configured to:

receive time-varying signals by the receiving electrode; and

[0039] According to a third example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer implemented method for detecting the rotating angle of a telegraph apparatus for a marine vessel, comprising:

receiving time-varying signals by a receiving electrode, wherein a contactless multi-channel angle encoder device comprises a rotary disc and a static disc, where the rotary disc being operationally connected to the user lever configured to be rotated about an axis by a variable rotating angle and the rotary and static discs being rotatable relative to one another about a measuring axis; and wherein the static disc comprises a plurality of transmitting electrodes configured to transmit a plurality of time-varying signals with mutually offset coupling signal phases; and the rotary disc comprises the receiving electrode configured to receive signals by way of contactless coupling between the rotary and the static disc; and

determining an absolute rotating angle between the rotary and the static disc based on the received time-varying signals.

[0040] Different non-binding example aspects and embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the foregoing. The embodiments in the foregoing are used merely to explain selected aspects or steps that may be utilized in implementations of the present invention. Some embodiments may be presented only with reference to certain example aspects of the invention. It should be appreciated that corresponding embodiments may apply to other example aspects as well. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] For a more complete understanding of example embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of an apparatus, such as a telegraph device of an example embodiment;

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a schematic drawing of an apparatus, such as a telegraph device of an example embodiment;

[0044] Fig. 3 shows a schematic drawing of a rotary disc of a contactless multi- channel angle encoder device of an example embodiment;

[0045] Fig. 4 shows a schematic drawing of a static disc of a contactless multi- channel angle encoder device of an example embodiment;

[0046] Fig. 5 shows a flow chart of a process of an example embodiment; and

[0047] Fig. 6 shows a schematic drawing of operation of a channel of a contactless multi-channel angle encoder device configured to detect the rotating angle, in different lever positions of an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] An example embodiment of the present invention and its potential advantages are understood by referring to Figs. 1 through 6 of the drawings. In this document, like reference signs denote like parts or steps.

[0049] Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of an apparatus, such as telegraph apparatus 100 of an example embodiment.

[0050] In an embodiment, a telegraph apparatus 100 for a marine vessel comprises a user lever (not shown in Fig. 1 , see Fig. 2) configured to be rotated about an axis by a variable rotating angle. A contactless multi-channel angle encoder device 140, 150 is configured to detect the rotating angle, wherein the contactless multi-channel angle encoder device comprises a rotary disc and a static disc, where one of the discs being operationally connected to the user lever and the discs being rotatable relative to one another about a measuring axis; wherein the rotary disc comprises a plurality of transmitting electrodes 140 configured to transmit a plurality of time-varying signals with mutually offset coupling signal phases; and the static disc comprises a receiving electrode 150 configured to receive signals by way of contactless coupling between the rotary and the static disc.

[0051] The general structure of the apparatus 100 comprises a user interface 170, a communication interface 160, a processor 1 10, and a memory 120 coupled to the processor 1 10. The apparatus 100 further comprises software 130 stored in the memory 120 and operable to be loaded into and executed in the processor 1 10. The software 130 may comprise one or more software modules and can be in the form of a computer program product. Not all elements of Fig. 1 are necessary but optional for the apparatus 100, such as the user interface 170.

[0052] In an embodiment, a proprietary application, such as a rotating angle detection application, is a computer-implemented client software application 130 to detect rotation data for a marine vessel telegraph device.

[0053] The processor 1 10 may be, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit, or the like. Fig. 1 shows one processor 1 10, but the apparatus 100 may comprise a plurality of processors.

[0054] The memory 120 may be for example a non-volatile or a volatile memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a data disk, an optical storage, a magnetic storage, a smart card, or the like. The apparatus 100 may comprise a plurality of memories. The memory 120 may be constructed as a part of the apparatus 100 or it may be inserted into a slot, port, or the like of the apparatus 100 by a user. The memory 120 may serve the sole purpose of storing data, or it may be constructed as a part of an apparatus serving other purposes, such as processing data.

[0055] The user interface 170 may comprise circuitry for receiving input from a user of the apparatus 100, e.g., via a keyboard, a touchpad, a motion sensor, a touch-screen of the apparatus 100, speech recognition circuitry, gesture recognition circuitry or an accessory device, such as a headset or a remote controller, for example. Furthermore, the user interface 170 may comprise circuitry for providing output for the user via a display, a speaker, a touch-sensitive display or a tactile feedback device, for example.

[0056] In an embodiment, the at least one memory 120 and the computer program code 130 are configured to, with the at least one processor 1 10, cause the apparatus 100 to receive time-varying signals by the receiving electrode 150; and determine an absolute rotating angle between the rotary and the static disc based on the received time-varying signals.

[0057] In an embodiment, a user may speak during the rotating angle detection and the speech is automatically converted to feedback information for the system. Thus, feedback is always up-to-date and accurate.

[0058] The communication interface module 160 implements at least part of data transmission. The communication interface module 160 may comprise, e.g., a wireless or a wired interface module. The wireless interface may comprise such as a WLAN, Bluetooth, infrared (IR), radio frequency identification (RF ID), NFC, GSM/GPRS, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 5G radio module. As the radio technologies are evolving and new replacing systems being developed, the new developed technologies can be used for the communication interface module 160 in view of different embodiments disclosed. The communication interface module 160 may also comprise non-RF connection, such as Light Fidelity (Li-Fi). The wired interface may comprise such as universal serial bus (USB), for example. The communication interface module 160 may be integrated into the apparatus 100, or into an adapter, card or the like that may be inserted into a suitable slot or port of the apparatus 100. The communication interface module 160 may support one radio interface technology or a plurality of technologies. The communication interface module 160 may support one wired interface technology or a plurality of technologies. The apparatus 100 may comprise a plurality of communication interface modules 160.

[0059] In an embodiment, the communication interface module 160 may comprise location modules for tracking location of the apparatus 100. Such location modules may comprise a module for satellite based global positioning system (e.g. GPS), a module for cellular based positioning system, a module for wireless non-cellular positioning system (e.g. Wi-Fi) or a module for hybrid positioning system, for example. [0060] A skilled person appreciates that in addition to the elements shown in Fig. 1 , the apparatus 100 may comprise other elements, such as microphones, speakers, sensors, cameras, as well as additional circuitry such as input/output (I/O) circuitry, memory chips, application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), processing circuitry for specific purposes such as source coding/decoding circuitry, channel coding/decoding circuitry, ciphering/deciphering circuitry, and the like. Additionally, the apparatus 100 may comprise an electric motor 180. Furthermore, the apparatus 100 may comprise a disposable or rechargeable battery (not shown) for powering when external power if external power supply is not available.

[0061] In an embodiment, the algorithm(s) and computer program codes controlling illumination/dynamic patterns/glint detection can be arranged within a chip/chipset that may be included to the apparatus 100.

[0062] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises speech or gesture recognition means. Using these means, a pre-defined phrase or a gesture may be recognized from the speech or the gesture and translated into control information for the apparatus 100.

[0063] Fig. 2 shows a schematic drawing of an apparatus 200, such as a telegraph device of an example embodiment.

[0064] The telegraph device comprises a housing 210. To the housing 210 there is a user lever 220 arranged for user actuation. Rotation movement caused by the user via the user lever 220 is detected.

[0065] In an embodiment, an electric motor 180 (see Fig. 1 ) may be installed to the housing 210 to set a lever 220 position equal to the lever position of a remote telegraph device that is in control within the vessel control system. The remote telegraph device may be located in engine operating room, for example. The control information for the electric motor may be received over the communication interface 160 (see Fig. 1 ) of the apparatus 100, 200.

[0066] Fig. 3 shows a schematic drawing of a rotary disc 300 of a contactless multi- channel angle encoder device of an example embodiment.

[0067] The rotary disc 300 comprises, for example, following elements. A rotary receiver electrode 310 of a first channel is configured to receive a first time-varying signal from a static disc that comprises a plurality of transmitting electrodes configured to transmit a plurality of time-varying signals with mutually offset coupling signal phases. The rotary receiver electrode 310 of the first channel is configured to receive signals by way of contactless coupling between the rotary and the static disc.

[0068] In an embodiment, the contactless coupling between the static and rotary discs is arranged by capacitive coupling.

[0069] In an embodiment, the contactless coupling between the static and rotary discs is arranged by inductive coupling.

[0070] A rotary receiver coupling electrode 315 of the first channel is configured to couple the received first time-varying signal from the rotary disc 300 to the static disc. The received first time-varying signal is transferred from the rotary receiver electrode 310 of the first channel to the rotary receiver coupling electrode 315 of the first channel.

[0071] A rotary receiver electrode 320 of a second channel is configured to receive a second time-varying signal from a static disc that comprises a plurality of transmitting electrodes configured to transmit a plurality of time-varying signals with mutually offset coupling signal phases. The rotary receiver electrode 320 of the second channel is configured to receive signals by way of contactless coupling between the rotary and the static disc.

[0072] A rotary receiver coupling electrode 325 of the second channel is configured to couple the received second time-varying signal from the rotary disc 300 to the static disc. The received second time-varying signal is transferred from the rotary receiver electrode 320 of the second channel to the rotary receiver coupling electrode 325 of the second channel.

[0073] A rotary receiver electrode 330 of a third channel is configured to receive a third time-varying signal from a static disc that comprises a plurality of transmitting electrodes configured to transmit a plurality of time-varying signals with mutually offset coupling signal phases. The rotary receiver electrode 330 of the third channel is configured to receive signals by way of contactless coupling between the rotary and the static disc.

[0074] A rotary receiver coupling electrode 335 of the third channel is configured to couple the received third time-varying signal from the rotary disc 300 to the static disc. The received third time-varying signal is transferred from the rotary receiver electrode 330 of the third channel to the rotary receiver coupling electrode 335 of the third channel.

[0075] In an embodiment, the rotary receiver coupling electrodes 315, 325, 335 are configured to be arranged in ring-shape manner. With ring-shape it can be understood to comprise any circular or elliptical shape. Furthermore, it is meant to cover also partial circular shapes, such as half circle, quarter circle and any other, for example.

[0076] In an embodiment, the rotary receiver electrodes 310, 320, 330 are formed as segments of ellipses that extend radially outside the corresponding rotary receiver coupling electrodes 315, 325, 335. This improves the accuracy of the channel signal detection.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 3, the first receiving electrode 310 may be arranged radially outside the first rotary receiver coupling electrode 315; the second receiving electrode 320 may be arranged radially between the first rotary receiver coupling electrode 315 and the second rotary receiver coupling electrode 325; and the third receiving electrode 330 may be arranged radially between the second rotary receiver coupling electrode 325 and the third rotary receiver coupling electrode 335.

[0078] At least one of the first, second or third rotary receiver coupling electrode 315, 325, 335 may be arranged in ring-shape manner.

[0079] In an embodiment, the plurality of time-varying signals comprise AC signals, and the apparatus may be configured to receive a plurality of time-varying AC signals by the receiving electrode; and determine an absolute rotating angle between the rotary and the static disc based on voltage and phase of the received time-varying AC signals.

[0080] Fig. 4 shows a schematic drawing of a static disc 400 of a contactless multi- channel angle encoder device of an example embodiment.

[0081] The static disc 400 may be fixed and the rotary disc 300 is configured to rotate in view of the static disc 400. The static disc 400 is shown as rectangular shape in Fig. 4 but the disc 400 may be any shape. The static disc 400 comprises, for example, following elements.

[0082] In an embodiment, the contactless multi-channel angle encoder device of the telegraph apparatus comprises plurality of transmitting electrodes. The plurality of transmitting electrodes comprise a first type of electrode 410, 420, 430 configured to transmit a time-varying signal with a first phase; a second type of electrode 41 1 , 421 , 431 configured to transmit a time-varying signal with a second phase; and a third type of electrode 412, 422, 432 configured to transmit a time-varying signal with a third phase. The plurality of transmitting electrodes may also comprise a fourth type of electrode 413, 423, 433 configured to transmit a time-varying signal with a fourth phase.

[0083] In an embodiment, the second phase is 90 degrees more than the first phase; the third phase is 90 degrees more than the second phase, and the fourth phase is 90 degrees more than the third phase.

[0084] A plurality of channels may be provided. A first channel transmitting electrodes may comprise the first, the second and the third type of electrodes, the second channel transmitting electrodes may comprise the first, the second and the third type of electrodes, and the third channel transmitting electrodes may comprise the first, the second and the third type of electrodes. At least one channel transmitting electrodes may comprise the fourth type of electrode.

[0085] In an embodiment, a first set of the first type of electrodes may be configured to transmit time-varying signals with a first phase; a second set of the second type of electrodes configured to transmit time-varying signals with a second phase; and a third set of the third type of electrodes configured to transmit time-varying signals with a third phase.

[0086] A first channel transmitter electrode ring comprises transmitter electrodes 410-417 for a plurality of time-varying signals with mutually offset coupling signal phases, such as phases 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees. Since the first ring comprises eight elements 410-417, each phase may have two elements for transmission, for example. Alternatively, the phase difference may be arranged as 45 degrees and allocate one transmission element for each 45 degree.

[0087] A first stator receiver coupling electrode 418 of the first channel is configured to receive the first time-varying signal from the rotary receiver coupling electrode 315 of the first channel from the rotary disc 300 to the static disc 400. The signal is transmitted over an air gap between the discs 300, 400. [0088] A second channel transmitter electrode ring comprises transmitter electrodes 420-427 for a plurality of time-varying signals with mutually offset coupling signal phases, such as phases 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees. Since the ring comprises eight elements 420-427, each phase may have two elements for transmission, for example.

[0089] A second stator receiver coupling electrode 428 of the second channel is configured to receive the second time-varying signal from the rotary receiver coupling electrode 325 of the second channel from the rotary disc 300 to the static disc 400. The signal is transmitted over an air gap between the discs 300, 400.

[0090] A third channel transmitter electrode ring comprises transmitter electrodes 430-437 for a plurality of time-varying signals with mutually offset coupling signal phases, such as phases 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees. Since the ring comprises eight elements 430-437, each phase may have two elements for transmission, for example.

[0091] A third stator receiver coupling electrode 438 of the third channel is configured to receive the third time-varying signal from the rotary receiver coupling electrode 335 of the third channel from the rotary disc 300 to the static disc 400. The signal is transmitted over an air gap between the discs 300, 400.

[0092] In an embodiment, the stator receiver coupling electrodes 418, 428, 438 are configured to be arranged in ring-shape manner. With ring-shape it can be understood to comprise any circular or elliptical shape. Furthermore, it is meant to cover also partial circular shapes, such as half circle, quarter circle and any other, for example.

[0093] In an embodiment, the channel transmitter electrode rings 410-417, 420- 427, 430-437 are configured to be arranged in ring-shape manner. With ring-shape it can be understood to comprise any circular or elliptical shape. Furthermore, it is meant to cover also partial circular shapes, such as half circle, quarter circle and any other, for example.

[0094] In an embodiment, a telegraph apparatus for a marine vessel, comprises a user lever configured to be rotated about an axis by a variable rotating angle, a contactless multi-channel angle encoder device configured to detect the rotating angle, wherein the contactless multi-channel angle encoder device comprises a rotary disc 400 and a static disc 300, where the rotary disc 300 being operationally connected to the user lever and the discs 300, 400 being rotatable relative to one another about a measuring axis. The static disc 400 comprises a plurality of transmitting electrodes 410-417 configured to transmit a plurality of time-varying signals with mutually offset coupling signal phases. The rotary disc 300 comprises a receiving electrode 310, 320, 330 configured to receive signals by way of contactless coupling between the rotary and the static disc. The apparatus is configured to receive time-varying signals by the receiving electrode 310, 320, 330, and to determine an absolute rotating angle between the static 400 and the rotary disc 300 based on the received time-varying signals.

[0095] In an embodiment, distance between the static disc 400 and the rotary disc 300 is dimensioned in such a way that time-varying coupling signals are transmittable between the transmitting and receiving electrodes by way of contactless coupling.

[0096] In an embodiment the plurality of transmitting electrodes 410-417, 420-427, 430-437 comprise a first set of transmitting electrodes 410, 420, 430 configured to transmit a time-varying signals with a first phase, a second set of transmitting electrodes 411 configured to transmit a time-varying signals with a second phase; and a third set of transmitting electrodes 412 configured to transmit a time-varying signals with a third phase.

[0097] In an embodiment, a first receiving electrode 310 is configured to receive first time-varying signals from first channel transmitting electrodes 410-417; and a second receiving electrode 320 is configured to receive second time-varying signals from second channel transmitting electrodes 420-427. A third receiving electrode 330 is configured to receive third time-varying signals from third channel transmitting electrodes 430-437.

[0098] In an embodiment, a first rotary receiver coupling electrode 315 of the first channel is configured to couple the received first time-varying signals from the rotary disc 300 to the static disc 400, wherein the received first time-varying signals are transferred from the first receiving electrode 310 of the first channel to the first rotary receiver coupling electrode 315 of the first channel; and a second rotary receiver coupling electrode 325 of the second channel is configured to couple the received second time-varying signals from the rotary disc to the static disc, wherein the received second time-varying signals are transferred from the second receiving electrode 320 of the second channel to the second rotary receiver coupling electrode 325 of the second channel. Similar arrangement may be configured for the third channel.

[0099] In an embodiment, the plurality of transmitting electrodes comprise a first set of the first type of electrodes configured to transmit a time-varying signals with a first frequency; a second set of the second type of electrodes configured to transmit a time-varying signals with a second frequency; and a third set of the third type of electrodes configured to transmit a time-varying signals with a third frequency. The apparatus may then be configured to receive a plurality of time-varying AC signals by the receiving electrode; and determine an absolute rotating angle between the rotary and the static disc based on voltage and frequency of the received time-varying AC signals.

[00100] As shown in Fig. 4, in an embodiment, the first channel transmitting electrodes 410-417 are arranged in ring-shape manner radially outside a first stator receiver coupling electrode 418; the second channel transmitting electrodes 420-427 are arranged in ring-shape manner radially between the first stator receiver coupling electrode 418 and a second stator receiver coupling electrode 428; and the third channel transmitting electrodes 430-437 are arranged in ring-shape manner radially between the second stator receiver coupling electrode 428 and a third stator receiver coupling electrode 438. The first 418, second 428 and third stator receiver coupling electrodes 438 may be arranged in ring-shape manner.

[00101] In an embodiment, the first 418, second 428 and third stator receiver coupling electrode 438 of a respective first, second and third channel may be configured to receive a time-varying signal from the rotary receiver coupling electrode 315, 325, 335 of the respective channel from the rotary disc 300 to the static disc 400.

[00102] Fig. 5 shows a flow chart of a process according to an example embodiment of the invention.

[00103] A computer implemented method starts in step 510. The computer- implemented method is suitable for detecting the rotating angle of a telegraph apparatus for a marine vessel. In step 520, time-varying signals are received by a receiving electrode, wherein a contactless multi-channel angle encoder device comprises a rotary disc and a static disc, where one of the discs being operationally connected to the user lever configured to be rotated about an axis by a variable rotating angle and the discs being rotatable relative to one another about a measuring axis; and wherein the rotary disc comprises a plurality of transmitting electrodes configured to transmit a plurality of time-varying signals with mutually offset coupling signal phases; and the static disc comprises the receiving electrode configured to receive signals by way of contactless coupling between the rotary and the static disc. In step 530, an absolute rotating angle between the rotary and the static disc is determined based on the received time-varying signals. In step 540, the method ends.

[00104] Fig. 6 shows a schematic drawing of operation of a channel of a contactless multi-channel angle encoder device configured to detect the rotating angle, in different lever positions of an example embodiment.

[00105] A contactless multi-channel angle encoder device is configured to detect the rotating angle of the lever, wherein the contactless multi-channel angle encoder device comprises a rotary disc and a static disc, where one of the discs being operationally connected to the user lever and the discs being rotatable relative to one another about a measuring axis. The static disc comprises a plurality of transmitting electrodes 610- 613 configured to transmit a plurality of time-varying signals with mutually offset coupling signal phases, and the rotary disc comprises a receiving electrode 620 configured to receive signals by way of contactless coupling between the rotary and the static disc.

[00106] The transmitting electrodes 610-613 of Fig. 6 may correspond to the transmitter electrodes 410-417 of Fig. 4 for a plurality of time-varying signals with mutually offset coupling signal phases, such as phases 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees. As an example, a first electrode 610 may transmit a time-varying signal with phase 0, a second electrode 61 1 may transmit a time-varying signal with phase 90, a third electrode 612 may transmit a time-varying signal with phase 180, and a fourth electrode 613 may transmit a time-varying signal with phase 270.

[00107] In an embodiment, in state (i) of Fig. 6, a user lever (lever 220 in Fig. 2) of the telegraph device is arranged (actuated by user, for example, and illustrated by arrow 621 ) in a first position, for example at -60 degrees relative position. The receiving electrode 620 is configured to receive the time-varying signals from electrode 610 with certain phase (e.g. phase 0). The receiving electrode 620 may also be configured to receive the time-varying signals from a plurality of electrodes 610-61 1 with different phases (e.g. phase 0 and phase 90) depending on the size of the receiving electrode 620 and the defined position of the lever/receiving electrode 620 in view of the transmitting electrodes 610-613. From the rotary receiver electrode 620 of the (first/second/third) channel is configured to receive signals by way of contactless coupling between the rotary and the static disc. A rotary receiver coupling electrode 630 of the (first/second/third) channel is configured to couple the received first time- varying signal from the rotary disc (receiving electrode 620) to the static disc (stator receiver coupling electrode 640). The received first time-varying signal is transmitted from the rotary receiver electrode 620 of the channel to the rotary receiver coupling stator electrode 640 of the channel over capacitively to reduce any DC offset of the time-varying signal(s).

[00108] In an embodiment, in state (ii) of Fig. 6, a user lever (lever 220 in Fig. 2) of the telegraph device is arranged (actuated by user, for example, and illustrated by arrow 621 ) in a second position, for example at 0 degrees relative position. The receiving electrode 620 is configured to receive the time-varying signals from electrode

61 1 with certain phase (e.g. phase 90). The receiving electrode 620 may also be configured to receive the time-varying signals from a plurality of electrodes 61 1 -612 with different phases (e.g. phase 90 and phase 180) depending on the size of the receiving electrode 620 and the defined position of the lever/receiving electrode 620 in view of the transmitting electrodes 610-613.

[00109] In an embodiment, in state (iii) of Fig. 6, a user lever (lever 220 in Fig. 2) of the telegraph device is arranged (actuated by user, for example, and illustrated by arrow 621 ) in a third position, for example at +60 degrees relative position. The receiving electrode 620 is configured to receive the time-varying signals from electrode

612 with certain phase (e.g. phase 180). The receiving electrode 620 may also be configured to receive the time-varying signals from a plurality of electrodes 612-613 with different phases (e.g. phase 180 and phase 270) depending on the size of the receiving electrode 620 and the defined position of the lever/receiving electrode 620 in view of the transmitting electrodes 610-613. [00110] The distance between the rotary disc and the static disc is dimensioned in such a way that time-varying coupling signals are transmittable between the transmitting and receiving electrodes 610-613, 620 by way of contactless coupling.

[00111] Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, a technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is improved method and apparatus for detecting telegraph device rotation information.

[00112] Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that the contactless multi-channel angle encoder device is more reliable and accurate.

[00113] Still another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that the contactless multi-channel angle encoder device is more flexible for different telegraph devices and vessels.

[00114] Still another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that the contactless multi-channel angle encoder device is more durable and does not require service so often.

[00115] If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed in a different order and/or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the before-described functions may be optional or may be combined.

[00116] Although various aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims, other aspects of the invention comprise other combinations of features from the described embodiments and/or the dependent claims with the features of the independent claims, and not solely the combinations explicitly set out in the claims.

[00117] It is also noted herein that while the foregoing describes example embodiments of the invention, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modifications, which may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A telegraph apparatus for a marine vessel, comprising:

a user lever configured to be rotated about an axis by a variable rotating angle; a contactless multi-channel angle encoder device configured to detect the rotating angle, wherein the contactless multi-channel angle encoder device comprises:

a rotary disc and a static disc, where the rotary disc being operationally connected to the user lever and the static and rotary discs being rotatable relative to one another about a measuring axis; wherein

the rotary disc comprises a receiving electrode configured to receive signals by way of contactless coupling between the static and rotary discs; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

receive time-varying signals by the receiving electrode; and

determine an absolute rotating angle between the static and rotary discs based on the received time-varying signals.

2. The telegraph apparatus of claim 1 , wherein distance between the rotary disc and the static disc is dimensioned in such a way that time-varying coupling signals are transmittable between the transmitting and receiving electrodes by way of contactless coupling.

3. The telegraph apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of transmitting electrodes comprise:

a first type of electrode configured to transmit a time-varying signal with a first phase; a second type of electrode configured to transmit a time-varying signal with a second phase; and

4. The telegraph apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plurality of transmitting electrodes comprise:

a fourth type of electrode configured to transmit a time-varying signal with a fourth phase.

5. The telegraph apparatus of any claim 3 to 4, wherein

the second phase is 90 degrees more than the first phase; and

the third phase is 90 degrees more than the second phase.

6. The telegraph apparatus of claim 4 or 5, wherein the fourth phase is 90 degrees more than the third phase.

7. The telegraph apparatus of any claim 3 to 6, wherein the plurality of transmitting electrodes comprise:

first channel transmitting electrodes; and

second channel transmitting electrodes.

8. The telegraph apparatus of claim 7, wherein the plurality of transmitting electrodes comprise:

third channel transmitting electrodes.

9. The telegraph apparatus of any claim 3 to 8, wherein

the first channel transmitting electrodes comprise the first, the second and the third type of electrodes.

10. The telegraph apparatus of any claim 7 to 9, wherein the second channel transmitting electrodes comprise the first, the second and the third type of electrodes.

1 1. The telegraph apparatus of any claim 7 to 10, wherein

the third channel transmitting electrodes comprise the first, the second and the third type of electrodes.

12. The telegraph apparatus of any claim 7 to 1 1 , wherein

at least one channel transmitting electrodes comprise the fourth type of electrode.

13. The telegraph apparatus of any claim 3 to 12, wherein

a first set of the first type of electrodes configured to transmit time-varying signals with a first phase;

a second set of the second type of electrodes configured to transmit time-varying signals with a second phase; and

a third set of the third type of electrodes configured to transmit time-varying signals with a third phase.

14. The telegraph apparatus of any claim 1 to 13, wherein the rotary disc comprising: a first receiving electrode configured to receive first time-varying signals from first channel transmitting electrodes; and

15. The telegraph apparatus of claim 14, wherein the rotary disc comprising:

16. The telegraph apparatus of claim 14 or 15, wherein the rotary disc comprising: a first rotary receiver coupling electrode of the first channel configured to couple the received first time-varying signals from the rotary disc to the static disc, wherein the received first time-varying signals are transferred from the first receiving electrode of the first channel to the first rotary receiver coupling electrode of the first channel; and a second rotary receiver coupling electrode of the second channel configured to couple the received second time-varying signals from the rotary disc to the static disc, wherein the received second time-varying signals are transferred from the second receiving electrode of the second channel to the second rotary receiver coupling electrode of the second channel.

17. The telegraph apparatus of claim 16, wherein the rotary disc comprising:

18. The telegraph apparatus of claim 17, wherein

the first receiving electrode is arranged radially outside the first rotary receiver coupling electrode;

the second receiving electrode is arranged radially between the first rotary receiver coupling electrode and the second rotary receiver coupling electrode; and the third receiving electrode is arranged radially between the second rotary receiver coupling electrode and the third rotary receiver coupling electrode.

19. The telegraph apparatus of any claim 16 to 18, wherein at least one of the first, second or third rotary receiver coupling electrode is arranged in ring-shape manner.

20. The telegraph apparatus of any claim 1 to 19, wherein the plurality of time-varying signals comprise AC signals, and the at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

21. The telegraph apparatus of any claim 3 to 13, wherein the plurality of transmitting electrodes comprise:

a third set of the third type of electrodes configured to transmit a time-varying signals with a third frequency.

22. The telegraph apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the plurality of time-varying signals comprise AC signals, and the at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to:

23. The telegraph apparatus of claim 8, wherein

the first channel transmitting electrodes are arranged in ring-shape manner radially outside a first stator receiver coupling electrode;

the second channel transmitting electrodes are arranged in ring-shape manner radially between the first stator receiver coupling electrode and a second stator receiver coupling electrode; and

the third channel transmitting electrodes are arranged in ring-shape manner radially between the second stator receiver coupling electrode and a third stator receiver coupling electrode.

24. The telegraph apparatus of claim 23, wherein the first, second and third stator receiver coupling electrodes are arranged in ring-shape manner.

25. The telegraph apparatus of claim 23 or 24, wherein the first, second and third stator receiver coupling electrode of a respective first, second and third channel are configured to receive a time-varying signal from the rotary receiver coupling electrode of the respective channel from the rotary disc to the static disc.

26. The telegraph apparatus of any claim 1 to 25, wherein the plurality of time-varying signals are transmitted over an air gap between the rotary and static disc.

27. The telegraph apparatus of any claim 1 to 26, wherein the contactless coupling between the static and rotary discs is arranged by capacitive coupling.

28. The telegraph apparatus of any claim 1 to 26, wherein the contactless coupling between the static and rotary discs is arranged by inductive coupling.

29. A contactless multi-channel angle encoder device configured to detect the rotating angle of a telegraph apparatus for a marine vessel, comprising:

receive time-varying signals by the receiving electrode; and

30. A computer implemented method for detecting the rotating angle of a telegraph apparatus for a marine vessel, comprising: