EP3912900A1 - Safety equipment for maritime watercraft - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a 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 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 device further comprising a graphical interface associated with a computer (300) controlling the display of a marker (41, 42), the position of which is a function of the direction and distance of a boat whose equipment has sent a priority distress message picked up by said receiver (250).

Description

Field of the invention

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

Risks related to the sea are due to natural and relatively predictable (storm, frost, etc.) or unpredictable (tsunami, weather-tsunami, collision with a floating or semi-submerged object, tree, iceberg, cetacean, etc.) hazards. . They are also the result of human behavior (collision with a submarine, another ship, wreck, 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 resources, between countries, even between regions of the same country ...).

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

For small boats, used for professional or craft activities such as fishing, the safety problems result mainly from two factors, the working conditions in a hostile environment that is the sea, and secondly the isolation and consequently the impossibility of rapid access to first aid, 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 the rescue services 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 are never used, except in emergency cases where handling must be carried out under stress, without the possibility of retrieving information on the mode of use.

For this reason, there are a very large number of occupational 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 which have only a rudimentary organization of sea rescue services, and where the mobilization of these resources must remain limited.

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

State of the art

The international patent application is known in the state of the art. WO2010023639A1 describing a solution implementing a personal locator beacon supporting two operating modes: local surveillance and remote surveillance using the same transmitter and automatically switching between the modes. When activated, the equipment tries to communicate with a local monitoring station, at low transmit power and high repetition rate, in order to process 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.

Korean patent KR20180038772 describes a rescue system for quickly rescuing a victim in a distress situation occurring at sea, quickly informing a distress situation using an extensive low-power communication network. This solution exploits low power wide area network technology and minimizes power consumption when sending and receiving simple signals, so that it can send and receive rescue signals even in marine environments where power 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 in water. The drawback 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 to others. missions.

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

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 radiofrequency transmitter and receiver as well as a power supply, characterized in that the equipment comprises a housing having a first button to initiate the transmission of a priority distress message, a second button to initiate the transmission of an alert message and a third button to initiate the transmission of a proof of life message, each of said buttons being identified by a distinct color, said equipment item further comprising a graphical interface associated with a computer controlling the display of a marker whose position is a function of the direction and distance of a boat whose equipment has sent 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 display and interaction of said buttons and the display of said graphical interface.

According to a second mode of implementation, each of said buttons is associated with a physical protection preventing unwanted tripping.

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

According to one 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 audio and / or optical alarm in the event of a line being exceeded established by processing the information delivered by said geolocation circuit, and by cartographic information recorded in a local memory. or remote.

According to a particular mode of implementation, the equipment comprises xG communication means 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 radiofrequency transmission and reception means and a plurality of safety equipment for maritime craft, each comprising a geolocation circuit, a radiofrequency transmitter and receiver as well as a power supply, characterized in that the equipment comprises a waterproof case having a first button for initiating the transmission of a priority distress message, a second button for initiating 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 and associated with a physical protection preventing unwanted triggering, 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 sent 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 items and for processing said messages in order to assign a confidence indicator to each recorded point of interest.

The invention also relates to a software application capable of being executed on connected equipment for the safety of a maritime vessel, characterized in that it controls the display on a touch screen of said connected equipment item of an interface having a first button of which the tactile interaction controls the triggering of the transmission of a priority distress message comprising a geolocation originating from the geolocation means of said connected equipment, a second button whose tactile interaction controls the triggering of the transmission of a message d 'alert and a third button whose tactile interaction controls the triggering of the transmission 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 graph associated with a computer controlling the display of a marker whose position is a function of the direction and distance of a boat whose equipment has sent a priority distress message picked up by said receiver.

Detailed description of a non-limiting example of an embodiment

• [Fig.1] - La figure 1 représente une vue en perspective d'un équipement selon l'invention
• [Fig.2] - La figure 2 représente une vue schématique d'un système selon l'invention
• [Fig.3] - La figure 3 représente un schéma de principe des circuits d'un équipement selon l'invention.

The present invention will be better understood on reading the following description, relating to a non-limiting example of an embodiment illustrated by the appended drawings where:

• [ Fig. 1 ] - The figure 1 shows a perspective view of equipment according to the invention
• [ Fig. 2 ] - The figure 2 represents a schematic view of a system according to the invention
• [ Fig. 3 ] - The figure 3 represents a block diagram of the circuits of an item of equipment according to the invention.

Background of the invention

The invention relates to an equipment and a system intended particularly for securing small-scale fishing vessels, generally having fairly rudimentary equipment, operated by a low-skilled crew, and navigating in areas with few emergency resources. , even sometimes with areas of particular risk (reefs, piracy, areas prohibited to navigation).

To equip such boats, the invention provides equipment optimized with respect to the constraints and the aforementioned context, to form with all the equipment on board a zone, a safety system of low investment cost, and of a robustness adapted to local circumstances.

Description of the equipment

The equipment according to the invention consists of a sealed box (1), one of whose faces 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 signaling 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 relative to axes respectively (13, 23, 33) and have at the front edge nozzles (12, 22, 32) facilitating the introduction of a finger to raise it and give access to the button located under the raised shutter. A return spring can fold the shutter into the button protection position at rest.

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

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 originating from a geolocation module (200). The data can be encoded 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 bad communication conditions.

This priority distress signal is activated when the life of the crew is in immediate danger (flight 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 digital indicator distinguishing it from the previous message. The data can also be encoded as a file of only 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, fuel failure, 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 of a red level and an orange level, depending on the means available, the emergency services will be able to intervene in priority on the red alert then on the orange alert.

On receipt by the central office 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 flap (31) of green color 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 digital indicator distinguishing it from the previous message. The data can also be encoded as a file of only 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 purpose of this “All is well” message is multiple:

• Reassure the families of the crews
• Spontaneously, at the initiative of the captain
• In response to a query from the central system
• Cancel a rescue mission
• When an emergency call has been triggered but the problem has been resolved
• To confirm that the emergency services have arrived on site

The damaged canoe or one of the canoes arriving 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 actuated in case of observation a second type of event, for example an anomaly zone (pollution, illegal fishing, etc.).

The recording of positions when observing events such as illegal fishing or a pollution zone will allow the authorities to take the appropriate measures.

The massification of observations makes it possible to consolidate the veracity of the information. If several canoes report the same type of event in a geographical area and a similar 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 return to shore. The use of this data will be processed in a specific application.

The transmitter (200) periodically transmits geolocation messages for the boat over a network comprising receivers of a surveillance system, for example a network of satellites (510) or earth stations, for example wireless telephony. This information is transmitted to a central station (500) using this information to carry out a cartography of the boats at sea and to send 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 warning messages intended for the receiver (250) of a vessel, for example for a meteorological risk alert.

By advising a crew at sea of a change in the weather conditions in their area of intervention in a sufficient time, the crew will be able to divert and avoid putting themselves in danger, or entry into 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 entry into future areas of oil or gas exploitation could be anticipated.

The message can be produced digitally in the language used by the crew of the boat. A database can record, for each identifier of a boat, an identifier of the language or of the usual dialect of the crew, in order to control the transmission of pre-recorded voice messages selected as a function of 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 requested boat (s) then receive a message indicating the direction and distance of the canoe to be rescued. This message controls the display on the interface (40) of information on the heading to follow to reach the vessel in distress, via the angular indicator (41), as well as the distance to be covered, on the display ( 42), and also controls the emission of a sound signal via the loudspeaker (25). A boat that has received this message must acknowledge receipt by pressing the green button (30) to indicate that it is heading in the direction of the canoe in difficulty.

If it is not able to intervene (fishing, lack of fuel, ...), it declines the request by pressing the orange button (20).

Arriving at the canoe in difficulty, if it has the possibility of rescuing the crew, it presses the green button (30). The rescued boat, if it has the possibility, also presses the green button (30) to indicate 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 phone and executed by the computer of the phone, using the graphics, radio communication and geolocation resources integrated in such a phone. The telephone communicates with a fixed station to exchange information.

Variant

An alternative embodiment makes it possible to extend the functionalities of the system to the treatment of problems of identification and collection of floating waste. To this end, the device or the mobile application has an additional button, the actuation of which controls the transmission of a geolocated digital message indicating an area where there is floating waste. 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 location. This processing then leads to ordering the dispatch to the site of dedicated boats, equipped with a box according to the invention or a smart phone running 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 box (1) having a first button (10) triggering the transmission of a priority distress message, a second button (20) triggering the transmission of an alert message and a third button (30) triggering the transmission of 'a proof of life message, each of said buttons (10, 20 and 30) being identified by a distinct color, said device further comprising a graphical interface (40) associated with a computer (300) controlling the display of a marker (41, 42), the position of which depends on the direction and distance of a vessel whose equipment has sent 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 display and interaction of said buttons (10, 20 and 30) and the display of said graphical interface. Safety equipment for maritime craft, according to claim 1, characterized in that said housing is a sealed housing (1) and in that each of said buttons (10, 20 and 30) is associated with physical protection preventing unwanted triggering. Safety equipment for maritime craft, according to claim 3, characterized in that said physical protection is constituted by 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 audio and / or optical alarm in the event of a line being exceeded 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 vessel, characterized in that it controls the display on a touch screen of said connected equipment of an interface having a first button (10) whose interaction tactile controls the triggering of the transmission of a priority distress message comprising a geolocation originating from the means of geolocation of said connected equipment, a second button (20) whose tactile interaction controls the triggering of the emission of an alert message 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 software application further controlling the display of 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 distance of a boat whose equipment has sent a priority distress message picked up by said receiver (250). A 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 sealed box (1) having a first button (10) for triggering the transmission of a priority distress message, a second button (20) for triggering the emission of an alert message and a third button (30) for triggering the emission of a proof of life message, each of said buttons (10, 20 and 30) being identified by a distinct color, said equipment item 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 d '' a boat whose equipment has 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 signaling points of interest transmitted by the said equipment and processing of said messages to assign each recorded point of interest a confidence indicator. Sea rescue organization system according to Claim 10, characterized in that said equipment includes an additional button, the actuation of which controls the transmission of a geolocated digital message indicating an area where there is floating waste.

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