GB2506128A - Position system tracking device used aboard a waterborne vessel - Google Patents

Abstract

A water resistant position system tracking device is disclosed including: a receiver for receiving signals; a processor for processing the received signals; a memory for storing data relating to the signals; and a transmitter for transmitting the signals from the device when a parameter is detected indicating that the device has exited a vessel. The arrangement is particularly suited for detecting a person overboard event. The tracking may be achieved via GPS. The tracking device may be positively buoyant. The tracking device may be arranged to transmit according to a prompt received from an accelerometer, in response to submersion in water, or a manual activation means. The tracking system may further comprise a geo-fence operability.

Description

POSONING SYSTEM TRACKING DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a positioning system tracking device and associated system, more particularly a device for use aboard a waterbome vessel, cooperating with a positioning tracking system having a hub aboard the vessel.

Background of Invention

Communication, between remote personnel and high value assets is required for many different reasons and can make the difference between life and death.

Many tracking devices have been devised for various applications and products. An example of a non-continuous type is simple Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) where a tag is scanned at certain Locations providing a history of movement and a last known location.

A more sophisticated method is a GPS device where the device uses information received from three or more satellites to compute position on earth. This information can be relayed to a remote location to track the movement of the person or object which is attached to the GPS device.

Water borne vessels can be very expensive items, having great worth and simultaneously being subjected to some of the most rigorous and challenging environments on the planet. It is desirable therefore on both counts that the vessel's location is monitor able.

In addition, given tile harsh environments, the personnel aboard the vessels face extraordinary danger, especially in the event of falling overboard.

Customers across a broad cross section of industries and disciplines additionally require a communication device that can be can be used globally to both communicate a person or persons location and status as weH as to be used to alert rescue or appointed personnel that the wearer of the device is iii distress. This is doubly the case with regards to waterborne personnel.

As the problejy at communication is a global one a device needs to display locations via an online map such. that a local or remote rescuer can pinpoint the location.

Machine to machine communication would enable remote control of machinery and equipment in hazardous I remote locations, such as termination of a vessel's engine or activation of lighting systems.

Prior Art

Ships, boats or vessels frequently are at sea for long stretches of time, over inhospitable conditions, and far from reliable communication networks.

In the past a man overboard would rely either on a tether to the vessel, or more likely his colleagues aboard the vessel to return him to the vessel after falling overboard.

Advantageously therefore the present invention provides a system for monitoring, hacking and ideally accessing valuable assets such as boats or vessels, with said system also incorporating a locally active man over board' device, and a hub for communicating with said system.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a portable device with transmission capability for use with a location tracking system, said device being water resistant and disposed to transmit a signal under predefined emergency conditions The device provides a hacking device which may be used by sea farers and other users who are water borne, disposed to transmit a signal or track location even in the event of a user falling overboard. Ideally therefore the device is water resistant or waterproof to up to 200 metres according to ISO 2281 or ISO 6425.

Ideally the device is provided with a lanyard attachment point or other means of attaching to a user.

The device is equipped with automatic activation, triggered ideally upon the device's submersion in water, in order that should the user tall into water, the device is activated, or more particularly the device is prompted to transmit a situation, locational or tracking signal.

The device therefore is activated even in the event of the users incapacity, and alerts others to the location of the user.

Ideally the first receiver of the signal will be aboard the users vessel, said vessel being equipped with a transcieving hub unit. This hub unit is capable ideally of corresponding the data received with third parties, either via the World Wide Web in an online interface, or direct via surface wireless protocols. Preferably the data transmitted by said hub unit will be augmented with additional information provided by the hub unit, locally produced or harvested by the hub* unit from satellite information or other wireless means, namely in particular OF'S coordinates of the hub unit in the minimum-In the preferred embodiments the device is also equipped with a manual emergency activation means, such as a panic button or pull-cord. This may be of use where the user remains conscious and the device is not submerged.

In addition or in the alternative a means of recording and acting upon unusual movement patterns of the device may be utilised to activate the transmission and/or the device. This means may include a triple axis accelerometer and a preset conditioning to respond to unusual inputs.

In the preferred embodiments the device is disposed in a state of positive buoyancy, that is the device is less dense than the water around it and will float This state may be achieved by the inclusion or containment of flotation foam, fluid, gas or other substance meaning the device is lighter than the water displaced.

Preferably the operating temperature is wide ranged, to account for a variety of sea conditions, envisaged as between -4{Jc and + 85 Celsius.

Preferably the device and/or hub unit operates or functions in cooperation with a Global Pos'dioning System (OPS), obtaining wireless locational information for example via the Low Earth orbiting (LEO) satellites. Ideally a GPS receiver and processor are capable of enabling locational positional data accurate to within one metre. A 50 Channel GPS chipset is provided in preferred embodiments, being GALILEO ready, employing Glob4lstar.

Iridium, Cospas Sarsat, (Trade Marks) communication networks. Ideally K1CKSTAT -blox' (Trade Mark) or other leading proprietary technology is employed to deliver exttemely fast acquisition of even faint GPS satellite signals.

Ideally the transmitter or transmitting functionality of tile device or hub unit operates on standard wireless frequency bands, such as Global System for Mobile Communications (OSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) signals or long or short radio waves, 406 MHz 21.5 / MHz 1243 MHZ as well as other emergency broadcast frequencies. In the case of the device the transmitter In any event is ideally capable In the minimum of transmitting the signal 3 miles or 5 kilometres of range, in order that a man overboard may be located froma vessel.

Notably where none of the above transmission routes is available locally the device and/or hub unit may transmit via satellite communication lint me signal transmitted by the device and/or hub unit enables a receiver to calculate real time GPS position, thereby precipitating eaily rescue. The signals that the device transmits are ideally NMEA 0183 compliant, with NMEA2000 capability. In the alternative or in addition emergency location transmission may be made via onboard VHF DSC (Digital Selective Calling) or using Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) In order to most eltectively combine these separate protocols, it is envisaged that the device when activated will auto transmit the MMSI number over DSC with the vessel IL) and in addition GPS location information regarding the user, or Man Over Board'. All the above ideally combine with or incorporate Automatic Identification System (AIS) an automated tracking system used on ships and by Vessel Traffic Services (Vi'S) for identifying and locating Vessels by electronically exchanging data with other nearby ships and VTS stations, AIS information is such as unique identification, position, course, and speed.

This use of standardised protocols enables seamless interaction with existing procedures and equipment Emergency location transmission via onboard VHF -. Voice Message In all events any data transmitted by the device (or hub unit) is preferably securely authenticated with secure wireless transmission protocols such as Zigbee (Trade Mark), Bluetooth (Trade Mark) and/or additionally encrypted such as by a symmetric-key standard like the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) such as the 256 data protocol.

The Iranamitted data is ideally received, coordinated or monitored locally, such as upon the vessel.

Furthermore however ideally the data transmitted may be accessible, either directly or via intermediate stages, by further units, monitor or control units.

In particular the system allows for Controller-area network (CAN or CAN-bus)a vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcantrollers and devices to communicate with each other without a host computer. This message based protocol, was designed specifically for vehicle applications but is useful in allowing the system to function with minimal processing power and unit.

The data that has been transmitted by the device is typically received and output onto an onboard plotter or visual display, such that a third party may monitor the data. Furthermore local and online' (graphical user interface) GUI software may be developed or integrated to enable control of the data that has been transmitted.

Preferably the third party monitor or control unit or more particularly the hub unit is provided with regular data transmission even in the event of normal use. In this way the hub unit is able to record or monitor the position, location or situation of the device prior to automatic or manual activation of the hacking device.

Such an auto-check In and location data is periodically provided in a timed or programmed interval format which may be user alterable or predetermined such as to transmit a single location signal after a set period of lime. In addition it may be combined with a motion sensor for unit activation, such that periods when the device is not in use do not cause any transmissions, and the power cell is conserved.

In preferred embodiments a rechargeable cell is provided on the device, hub or control unit In addition a non-rechargeable cell is preferably provided for emergency operation such as in the event of a failure to charge the rechargeable cell. Cell life is typically 25 years.

Mdio and visual status confirmation may be provided, in particular in preferred embodiments an SOS' light emitting diode (LE.D.) array may be provided, such being operational during activated, emergency or transmission periods of the device, such that for example an SOS morse code message may be displayed upon activation of the device, upon automatic or manual activation. In the altemative or in addition an SOS signal may be transmittable from the hub unit or SOS signals may be broadcastable from the device or hub unit. §

In particular where the hub unit exits a gec-fenced (or virtually defined) area a signal may be transmit from the hub unit, indicating the geofence is breathed and the asset has left the geofenced area (which may be 2 meters or 2000 miles). On occurrence of this event the hub unit may wakeup and send a pre-defined composed SMS text message and E-mail to a predefined number of persons. -In this event it is envisaged the persons upon receIpt of an unauthorised movement alert, will log on to the online interface, and view the exact location of the asset In the event of an emergency activation the SOS function immediately alerts pre-defined contacts and sends them device andlor hub unit location co-ordinates via all or some of SMS text message and email; emergency location transmission via onboard VHF I DSC; MMSI number auto transmission via DSC with vessel ID and OPS casualty location; Emergency location transmission via AIS; emergency location transmission via onboard VHF -voice message; emergency location transmission via LEO Satellite communications; emergency location transmission via 406 MHz 121.5 MHz / 243 MHz as well as additional broadcast channels. -The geofence surrounds the hub unit and therefore typically a vessel. Should the user or wearer of the device break a first or second geofence (for instance in a Man Over Board situation) the hub unit would automatically communicate via the appropriate wireless protocol to provide alerts of the users location. The device can also be activated manually and upon submersion.

* In the case of a lone worker tg. lone fisherman the device can be configured to control the vessels power so it the fisherman falls overboard the device communicates with the hub unit on the vessel to stop the vessel's power, enabling the casualty the opportunity of self-rescue.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the device; Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic plan of the device and system; And Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic plan of the device and system.

Detailed Description of Figures

The embodiment pictured in Figure 1 shows the device 1, having a manual activation means (10), LED array (11), solar panel cell recharger (12) and lanyard attachment (13). Positive buoyancy is envisaged for the device, with options for inclusion of industry specific potted and gel filled units.

The manual activation means 10 is operable by turning the means clockwise.

The LED array 11 may be an optional power indicator as well as unit operational LED indicator, and/or an emergency activation indicator.

Ideally the solar panel charger 12 functions to recharge or charge an internal power cell. A secondary non rechargeable cell may be provided to provide emergency back up in the event of no charge being held in the primary rechargeable cell. Further embodiments include magnetic, kinetic or other recharging technologies.

In further embodiments the rechargeable cells are charged using a USB (universal serial bus) charging station. Emergency reporting power (or non-rechargeable back-up) may be supplied via long life Li ion power cells. The battery back up may wake and send emergency alerts to pm-programmed contacts on failure of the main, typically rechargeable cell.

In preferred embodiments the cell(s) hashave a life of 25 years in me minimum, with tattery Low" indication / alert via an online interface.

This online interface may be accessible by a local hub unit, located on the user's vessel.

Furthe,more said interface may be accessible in part or in whole by a third party monitor or with a control unit. Said online user interface can therefore be accessed globally via an Internet connection an War networked and arranged to a ceniral tracking cc global positioning system, such that marine agencies are able to access the same or similar data in order to effect rescues.

The system may utilise user driven web based tracking software which enables the user to log on and view the location of either the device, individual hub unit or a fleet of units such as via Google Maps (Trade Mark) from anywhere in the world with an internet connection The device 1 has Integrated wireless communication devices including Zigbee (Trade Mark) and Bluetooth (Trade Mark) and may be used for voice to tracking unit / communication and relaying information from the tracking device 1 to the hub unit (not shown in this figure).

Ideally the device I has an operational range of 25 miles (40 kilometres) from the hub unit.

The tracking system may also be compatible with SF11) (radio frequencyidentificaton) and could be used to store and transmft data collected using REID tags.

The device and hub are in communication with the system and may utilise CPS. Satellite, and OSM and GPRS technology to enable continuous or intermittent tracking, monitor and control. The device will be able to data log unlimited locations. Ideally it is envisaged the device can send data to multiple locations. My receiving units are disposed to overlay the received data over locally generated, stored or accessible data (or viceversa). Such third party data may include Google Maps (Trade Mark) as well as industry specific charts such as AIS and Jepsen C (Trade Mark) map.

The device can further use Micro electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) technology, including to dab log underwater positions.

Intelligent transmission protocol In Figure 2 the local hub unit 2 is shown aboard the user's vessel (3).

The hub unit 2 is used to transmit / receive data and can be hard wired into machinery, networks and devices to both monitor and control and communicate functions such as engine control.

The hub unit 2 additionally or in the altemative may utilise engine management.

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and other control systems such as GanBus.

The hub unit 2 can be used independently of the device as a stand-alone tracking.

monitoring and control device.

The hub unit 2 may be housed in preferred embodiments within an 1P67 rated enclosure, ideallyll6mm x 66mm x 31mm.

In addition five devices (1) are shown as carried by users aboard the vessel (3).

These devices (1) communicate the status and/or location of the devices 1 regularly to the control unit of the vessel (2).

In Figure 3 the system is displayed. If a crew member falls overboard, once activated the device gives real time location information, in preferred embodiments accurate to 1 metre, and the system provides real time tracking up to 3 miles (5 kilometres) away from the vessel.

The initial stage is labelled as A, by which the device communicates with the vessel via secure transmission. This simultaneously sends the same information via LEO Satellite (B) and via the Vessels VHF DSC (C) to all other focal Vessels. Ideally the hub will have additionally acquired (B) and will relay (C) OPS coordinates to other vessels, monitors or control units.

The device I or hub 2 can ideally therefore both communicate with and control functions performed by a secondary device I devices (5) which could be up to 50 miIesI8O kilometres away.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.

Further, since numerous modifications and changes wilt readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and acconiingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims (13)

1. CMS1. A portable device with transmission capability for use with a location tracking system said device being water resistant and disposed to transmit a signal under predefined emergency conditions.
2. 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the tracking is achieved via a Global Positioning System.
3. 3. A device according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the device is positively buoyant.
4. 4. A device according to any of claims 1 * 2or 3 provided with an accelerometer.
5. 5. A device according to claim 4 disposed to transmit according to prompt received from the accelerometer.
6. 6. A device according to any preceding claim disposed to transmit upon submersion in water.
7. 7. A device according to any preceding claim including a manual activation means.
8. 8. A device according to any preceding claim including a rechargeable cell.
9. 9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the device transmits signals at predefined intervals.
10. 10. A tracking system for cooperation with a device according to any of the preceding claims.
11. 11. A tracking system for cooperation with a device according to any of the preceding claims, having geo-fence operability.
12. 12. A tracking system according to claim 10 wherein signals are transmitted when the device leaves the geo-fenced area.
13. 13. A positioning system tracking device being water resistant including: a receiver for receiving signals; a processor for processing received signals; a memory for storing data relating to the signals; and a transmitter for transmitting signals from the device, said transmitter being disposed for activation when the detects a parameter predefined as indicating the device has exited a vessel.