GB2510361A - An Electronic Chart Display and Information System with switching between satellite and mobile communications - Google Patents

An Electronic Chart Display and Information System with switching between satellite and mobile communications Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2510361A
GB2510361A GB1301714.0A GB201301714A GB2510361A GB 2510361 A GB2510361 A GB 2510361A GB 201301714 A GB201301714 A GB 201301714A GB 2510361 A GB2510361 A GB 2510361A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
mobile communications
signal
communications transceiver
transceiver
satellite
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Granted
Application number
GB1301714.0A
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GB201301714D0 (en
GB2510361B (en
Inventor
Paul Luen
Torben Holmelund
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MARTEK MARINE Ltd
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MARTEK MARINE Ltd
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Priority to GB1301714.0A priority Critical patent/GB2510361B/en
Publication of GB201301714D0 publication Critical patent/GB201301714D0/en
Publication of GB2510361A publication Critical patent/GB2510361A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2510361B publication Critical patent/GB2510361B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C21/00—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00
    • G01C21/20—Instruments for performing navigational calculations
    • G01C21/203—Specially adapted for sailing ships
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C21/00—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
    • G01C21/00—Navigation; Navigational instruments not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C19/00
    • G01C21/20—Instruments for performing navigational calculations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W48/00—Access restriction; Network selection; Access point selection
    • H04W48/18—Selecting a network or a communication service
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/04—Billing or invoicing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B29/00—Maps; Plans; Charts; Diagrams, e.g. route diagram
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B7/00—Radio transmission systems, i.e. using radiation field
    • H04B7/14—Relay systems
    • H04B7/15—Active relay systems
    • H04B7/185—Space-based or airborne stations; Stations for satellite systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W24/00—Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
    • H04W24/08—Testing, supervising or monitoring using real traffic

Abstract

The invention relates to an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) apparatus 20 for an ocean going vessel 18, and a method of operating such an apparatus. The apparatus comprises a mobile communications transceiver 24 and a satellite transceiver 22. The mobile communications transceiver 24 has a signal device 38 to determine the presence of a mobile communications signal 42. The apparatus is configured to switch between using the satellite transceiver and the mobile communications transceiver for communications in response to the signal device determining the presence of the mobile communications signal, and optionally in response to the signal being above a predetermined threshold. A geographical position device, e.g. GPS, may also be used to determine a geographical location to aid in determining whether the apparatus should use the mobile communications transceiver.

Description

An Improved Electronic Chart Display and Information System
Technical Field
The invention relates to an improved Electronic Chart Display and Information System for an ocean going vessel.
Background
It is known to provide an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) for an ocean going vessel. Such an ECDIS is a computer system that complies with international standards for providing navigational information, and can be used as an alternative to paper nautical charts. The ECDIS displays information from Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) or Digital Nautical Charts (DNC) and combines position information from a Global Positioning System (GPS) and other navigational sensors of the vessel, such as radar. The ECDIS is an apparatus that provides continuous position and navigational safety information, and generates audible and/or visual alarms when the vessel is in proximity to a navigational hazard.
The ECDIS is required to be periodically updated with information which relates to current navigational safety information and shipping relevant information such as the latest navigation notice. This is typically performed via an internet connection from the ECDIS to a specific IP address, which is a single access point for all users of the system to obtain updated information via the internet. It is known to provide an internet connection to the ECDIS via a mobile communications transceiver or a satellite communications transceiver, and the ECDIS may be fitted with one or both of these transceivers.
A problem associated with using the satellite communications transceiver to obtain information updates for the ECDIS is that it is typically expensive to download data, and it may be more expensive than using the mobile communications transceiver.
Furthermore, when using communications via a satellite connection, it may not be possible to set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) which may mean that communications with the ECDIS are not sufficiently secure. This may be a particular problem when identity and billing information is required to be verified between the ECDIS and the specific IP address to allow permission for the ECDIS to receive the current navigational safety information and shipping relevant information.
A problem associated with using the mobile communications transceiver to receive updated information is that it has a limited range of operation which means that it is not possible to update the ECDIS when the vessel is away from a coastline where a mobile communications signal is not available. When the vessel is away from the coastline the satellite communications transceiver must be used to receive updated information.
Accordingly, to obtain the latest navigational safety information and shipping relevant information the user of the ECDIS may be required to manually change between using the satellite communications transceiver and the mobile communications transceiver.
Typically users do not change between using the satellite communications transceiver and the mobile communications transceiver sufficiently often which means that the navigational safety information and shipping relevant information may be out of date, which may represent a safety hazard.
An example of such a safety hazard is when the vessel has been out at sea for a long period of time and the ECDIS is using the mobile communications transceiver to obtain updated information. When the vessel enters a port the ECDIS attempts to obtain the current information via the mobile communications transceiver, which may take time to download and fully install on the ECDIS. A new harbour structure, a new sea structure, or a new renewable energy installation may have been rcccntly built at the port, and such a delay in downloading and installing the updated information to the ECDIS may mean that there is a safety risk for the vessel, such as a collision risk, for a period of time.
It is broadly an object of the present invention to address one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages of the previously known ECDIS.
Summary
What is required is an improved apparatus which may reduce or minimise at least some of the above-mentioned problems.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an Electronic Chart Display and Information System apparatus for an ocean going vessel, comprising a mobile communications transceiver and a satellite communications transceiver, the mobile communications transceiver having a signal device to determine the presence of a mobile communications signal, the apparatus being configured to switch between using the satellite communications transceiver and the mobile communications transceiver for communications in response to the signal device determining the presence of the mobile communications signal.
Such an apparatus provides the advantage that communications can be switched between using the satellite communications transceiver and the mobile communications transceiver depending on a determination of the presence of a mobile communications signal. This means that the updates to the navigational safety information and shipping relevant information may be received with a reduced delay, which may provide a safety advantage. The requirement for a user of the apparatus to manually change between using a satellite communications transceiver and a mobile communications transceiver based on whether the vessel is out at sea or near to a coastline is avoided because the apparatus is configured to be operable to perform this function. Furthermore, such an apparatus means that the mobile communications transceiver may be used more frequently which may provide a more secure data connection between the apparatus and a specific IP address used for obtaining updated information via the internet. This may be particularly useflul when identity and billing information is required to be verified to allow permission for the apparatus to receive the current navigational safety information and shipping relevant information.
Preferably the apparatus is configured to communicate using the satellite communications transceiver when the mobile communications signal is not present, and to communicate using the mobile communications transceiver when the mobile communications signal is present. Such an arrangement means that the typically less expensive mobile communications transceiver can be used to download information updates to the appararus when the mobile communications signal is available.
In one embodiment the apparatus is configured to communicate using the mobile communications transceiver when the signal device determines that the mobile communications signal is above a predetermined threshold level. Preferably the predetermined threshold level is above 20% or 25% of a maximum signal strength.
Using such a prcdctermincd thrcshold may provide a more reliable way of communicating with the apparatus to obtain updated information.
In one embodiment the apparatus includes a geographical position device to determine a geographical location, the apparatus being configured to use the geographical location in addition to the presence of the mobile communications signal to determine whether t5 the apparatus should communicate using the satellite communications transceiver or the mobile communications transceiver.
Such an arrangcment may provide a further way of assisting the apparatus to dccidc whether to use the satellite communications transceiver and the mobile communications transceiver for communications.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of operating an Electronic Chart Display and Information System apparatus for an ocean going vessel, the apparatus comprising a mobile communications transceiver and a satellite communications transceiver, the mobile communications transceiver having a signal device, the method comprising: dctcrmining thc prcscncc of a mobilc communications signal using the signal device, and switching between using the satellite communications transceiver or the mobile communications transceiver for communications.
Such a method provides the advantage that communications can be switched between using thc satcllite communications transccivcr and thc mobilc communications transceiver depending on a determination of the presence of a mobile communications signal. This means that the updates to the navigational safety information and shipping relevant information may be received with a reduced delay, which may provide a safety advantage. The method avoids the requirement for a user of the apparatus to manually change between using a satellite communications transceiver and a mobile communications transceiver based on whether the vessel is out at sea or near to a coastline because the apparatus is configured to be operable to perform this function.
Furthermore, such a method means that the mobile communications transceiver may be used more frequently which may provide a more secure data connection between the apparatus and a specific IP address used for obtaining updated information via the internet. This may be particularly useful when identity and billing information is required to be verified to allow permission for the apparatus to receive the current navigational safety information and shipping relevant information.
Preferably the method further includes using the satellite communications transceiver for communication when the mobile communications signal is not present, and using the mobile communications transceiver for communication when the mobile communications sial is present. Such a method means that the typically less expensive mobile communications transceiver can be used to download information updates to the apparatus when the mobile communications signal is available.
In one embodiment the method further includes using the mobile communications transceiver for communication when the signal device determines that the mobile communications signal is above a predetermined threshold level. Preferably the method further includes using the mobile communications transceiver for communication when the predetermined threshold level is above 20% or 25% of a maximum signal strength.
Using such a predetermined threshold may provide a more reliable way of communicating with the apparatus to obtain updated information. t5
In one embodiment the apparatus includes a geographical position device to determine a geographical location, the method including using the geographical location in addition to the presence of the mobile communications signal to determine whether the apparatus should communicate using the satellite communications transceiver or the mobile communications transceiver.
Such a method may provide a further way of deciding whether to use the satellite communications transceiver and the mobile communications transceiver for communications.
According to an alternative characterisation of the invention there is provided an Electronic Chart Display and Information System apparatus for an ocean going vessel, comprising a mobile communications transceiver, a signal device to determine the presence of a mobile communications signal, and a geographical position device to determine a geographical location, the apparatus being configured to communicate using the mobile communications transceiver in response to the signal device determining the presence of the mobile communications signal, and depending on the geographical location.
Any preferred or optional features of one aspect or characterisation of the invention may be a preferred or optional feature of other aspects or charaeterisations of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Other features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments shown by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Figure 1 shows a schematic layout of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram showing a flow of information for an ECDIS shown in Figure 1; and Figure 3 shows steps of a method according to an embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description
Figure 1 shows a schematic layout of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, generally designated 10. A coastline is shown at 12 which separates land 14 and sea 16. An ocean going vessel 18 is shown near to the coastline 12 at a first position, and far away from the coastline 12 at a second position. The vessel 18 has an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) 20 having a satellite communications transceiver 22 and a mobile communications transceiver 24. The ECDIS 20 is an apparatus comprising a computer system, for example, a personal computer. The mobile communications transceiver 24 may alternatively be termed a mobile modem. The satellite communications transceiver 22, alternatively termed a satellite modem, is used for communications using a communications satellite 25 as a relay. The satellite communications transceiver 22 is in communication with the satellite 25 via a data link 44. A database 26, also known as a JEPPESONTh' database, is provided on the land 14. The database 26 is in communication with the satellite 25 via a data link 30, and with a base station 32 and a radio mast 34 of a mobile communications network via a data link 36. It will be appreciated that the data link 36 is typically a terrestrial communications link.
The ECDIS 20 has a signal device 38 to determine a mobile communications signal strength. When the vessel 18 is at the first position near to the coastline 12 the signal strength is typically high, which is indicated by five bars in a signal indicator 42. When the vessel 18 is at the second position far away from the coastline 12 the signal strength is typically low, which is indicated by one bar in a the signal indicator 42. The signal device 38 is operable to determine whether communications between the base station 32 and the mobile communications transceiver 24 are possible via a data link 40 with the radio mast 34. Accordingly, when the vessel 18 is at the first position near to the coastline 12 thc ECDIS 20 uses thc mobile communications transceivcr 24, and whcn the vessel 18 is at the second position far away from the coastline 12 the ECDIS 20 uses the satellite communications transceiver 22.
A typical distance over which the radio mast 34 may communicate with the ECDIS 20 using the mobile communications transceiver 24 is up to 51cm. When the vessel 18 is away from thc coastline 12, for example, ifirther than 5km away from the coastline 12 there may lot have a sufficiently strong mobile communications signal and the satellite communications transceiver 22 is required to be used. The signal device 38 assists with dctermining when the ECDIS 20 switchcs bctween using communications via the mobile communications trallsceiver 24 and the satellite communications transceiver 22.
For example, when the signal device 38 determines that the mobile communications signal is above a predetermined threshold level that is suitable for communications the ECDIS 20 switches to using the mobile communications transceiver 24. When the signal device 38 determines that the mobile communications signal is below the prcdctcrmined threshold level the ECDIS 20 switches to using thc satellite communications transceiver 22. Tn this manner the ECDIS 20 is configured, i.e. 2) adapted, to switch between using the mobile communications transceiver 24 and the satellite communications transceiver 22 dependillg on the presence of the mobile communications signal. In this manner the ECDIS 20 is configured to communicate using the satellite communications transceiver 22 when the mobile communications signal is not present, and to communicate using the mobile communications transceiver 24 when the mobile communications signal is present. In one arrangement the predetermined threshold level is set at 20% or 25% of a maximum signal strength, such that when the mobile communications signal is above 20% or 25% the mobile communications transceiver 24 is used, and when the mobile communications signal is below 20% or 25% the satellite communications transceiver 22 is used. Using the predetermined threshold level may provide a more reliable way for the ECDIS 20 to communicate because the data transfer may not be as reliable when the mobile communications signal is below 20% or 25% of the maximum signal strength.
The ECDIS 20 has a geographical position device, such a Global Position System (GPS) device, to allow determination of a geographical location of the ECDIS 20 and the vessel 18. The ECDIS 20 is configured to use the geographical location in addition to the presence of the mobile communications signal to determine whether the ECDIS should communicate using the satellite communications transceiver 22 or the mobile t5 communications transceiver 24. Such an arrangement provides a farther way of assisting the ECDIS 20 to decide whether to use the satellite communications transceiver 22 or the mobile communications transceiver 24 for communications. For example, if the geographical location of the vessel 18 is close to the coastline 12 and the mobile communications signal falls slightly below the predetermined threshold level, the ECDIS 20 continues to use the mobile communications transceiver 24 for coimminications with the expectation that the strength of the mobile communications signal may increase. In another arrangement if the geographical location over time indicates that the vessel 18 is moving further away from the coastline 12 and the mobile communications signal is close to the predetermined threshold level, the ECDIS 20 switches to using the satellite communications transceiver 22 for communications with the expectation that the strength of the mobile communications signal may decrease.
Operating the ECDIS 20 to use the geographical location in this manner may assist with providing continuous communications for the ECDIS 20 so that there is less disruption in communications due to switching between the mobile communications transceiver 24 and the satellite communication transceiver 22. This may be useftil when the ECDIS 20 is in the process of obtaining updates to the data contained in the ECDIS 20 from the database 26.
The ECDIS 20 is configured to switch between using the mobile communications transceiver 24 and the satellite communications transceiver 22 using a software program installed on the ECDIS 20, for example, an Internet browser. The software is operable to use the signal device 38 to determine the presence of the mobile communications signal and to compare it with the predetermined threshold level. The software is operable to use the geographical location in addition to the determination of the presence of the mobile communications signal to decide whether the ECDIS 20 should communicate using the satellite communications transceiver 22 or the mobile communications transccivcr 24. Accordingly thc automation of acquiring information is realized using the embodiments described herein.
Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram showing a flow of information for the ECDIS 20 shown in Figure 1, generally designated 60. In Figure 2 like features to the arrangements of Figure 1 arc shown with like reference numerals. In Figure 2 a communications network 62 is represented at the centre of the diagram as a cloud. The ECDIS 20 decides whether to perform communications with the database 26 via the mobile communications transceiver 24, the data link 40, the base station 32 and the data link 36, or via the satellite communications transceiver 22, the data link 44, the satellite and the data link 30.
It will be appreciated that the database 26 is a known database which has information for downloading to the ECDIS 20. The database 26 sends updated information to the ECDIS 20 via the mobile communications transceiver 24 or the satellite communications transceiver 22. The updated information may comprise a significant amount of data, for example up to several Megabytes of data, and typically data transfer using the satellite communications transceiver 22 are more expensive that using the mobile communications transceiver 24. According the embodiments herein may permit the data to be sent to the ECDIS 20 at a reduced cost because the mobile communications transceiver 24 is used more often.
It will be appreciated that when using communications via the satellite communications transceiver 22 it may not be possible to set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) which may mean that communications with the ECDIS 20 arc not sufficiently secure. This may be a particular problem when identity and billing information is required to be verified between the ECDIS 20 and the database 26 to allow permission for the ECDIS to receive the updated information. According the embodiments herein may permit the data to be sent to the ECDIS 20 with an improved security because the mobile communications transceiver 24 is used more often.
Figure 3 shows steps of a method according to an embodiment of the invention, generally designated 70. The method 70 is a method of operating an Electronic Chart Display and Information System apparatus 20 for an ocean going vessel 18. The apparatus 20 comprising a mobile communications transceiver 24 and a satellite communications transceiver 22, the mobile communications transceiver 24 having a signal device 38. The method comprises determining the presence of a mobile communications signal using the signal device 38, as shown at 72. The method comprises switching between using the satellite communications transceiver 22 and the mobile communications transceiver 24 for communications, as shown 74.
The method further includes using the satellite communications transceiver 22 for communication when the mobile communications signal 42 is not present, and using the mobile communications transceiver 24 for communication when the mobile communications signal 42 is present, as shown at 76.
The method further includes using the mobile communications transceiver 24 for communication when the signal device 38 determines that the mobile communications signal 42 is above a prcdctcrmincd threshold lcvcl, as shown at 78. Thc mcthod furthcr includes using the mobile communications transceiver 24 for communication when the predetermined threshold level is above 20% or 25% of a maximum signal strength, as shown at 80.
The apparatus 20 includes a geographical position device to determine a geographical location. The method includes using the geographical position in addition to the presence of the mobile communications signal 42 to determine whether the apparatus 20 should communicate using the satellite communications transceiver 22 or the mobile communications transceiver 24, as shown at 82.
It will be appreciated that the steps of the method 70 may be performed in a different order, and may not necessarily be performed in the order shown in Figure 3.
In the above embodiments the use of the mobile communications transceiver 24 and associated base station 32 is described. The mobile communications transceiver 24 and base station 32 are terrestrial wireless communication devices which operate using a radio link to provide mobile communications for the ECDIS 20. It will be appreciated that in the above embodiment the mobile communications transceiver 24 may use any underlying terrestrial wireless communication link to perform wireless communications.
Accordingly the range over which the data link 40 may operate may be in the order of a few tens of meters to a few kilometres.
In the above embodiments it will be appreciated that reference is made to the ECDIS 20 which is an apparatus comprising a computer system. It will bc apprcciatcd that alternatively the ECDIS 20 may be known as an information and navigational apparatus i.e. a computer apparatus.

Claims (14)

  1. CLAIMS1. An Electronic Chart Display and Information System apparatus for an ocean going vessel, comprising a mobile communications transceiver and a satellite communications transceiver, the mobile communications transceiver having a signal device to determine the presence of a mobile communications signal, the apparatus being configured to switch between using the satellite communications transceiver and the mobile communications transceiver for communications in response to the signal dcvicc determining the presence of the mobile communications signal.
  2. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, configured to communicate using the satellite communications transceiver when the mobile communications signal is not present, and to communicate using the mobile communications transceiver when the mobile communications signal is present. t5
  3. 3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, configured to communicate using the mobile communications transceiver when the signal device determines that the mobile communications signal is above a predetermined threshold level.
  4. 4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined threshold level is above 25% of a maximum signal strength.
  5. 5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined threshold level is above 20% of the maximum signal strength.
  6. 6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, and further including a gcographical position dcvicc to dcterminc a gcographical location, thc apparatus being configured to use the geographical location in addition to the presence of the mobile communications signal to determine whether the apparatus should communicate using the satellite communications transceiver or the mobile communications transceiver.
  7. 7. An apparatus substantially as described hcrcin with rcfcrcncc to Figurcs I and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
  8. 8. A method of operating an Electronic Chart Display and Information System apparatus for an occan going vcsscl, thc apparatus comprising a mobile communications transceiver and a satellite communications transceiver, the mobile communications transccivcr having a signal dcvicc, the mcthod comprising: determining the presence of a mobile communications signal using the signal device, and switching between using the satellite communications transceiver or the mobile communications transccivcr for communications.
  9. 9. A method according to claim 8, and further including using the satellite communications transceiver for communication when the mobile communications signal is not present, and using the mobile communications transceiver for communication when thc mobilc communications signal is prescnt.
  10. 10. A method according to claim 8 or 9, and further including using the mobile communications transceiver for communication when the signal device determines that thc mobile communications signal is abovc a predetermined threshold level.
  11. 11. A method according to claim 9, and further including using the mobile communications transceiver for communication when the predetermined threshold level is above 25% of a maximum signal strength.
  12. 12. A mcthod according to claim 11, and furthcr including using thc mobile communications transceiver for communication when the predetermined threshold level is above 20% of the maximum signal strength.
  13. 13. A method according to any of claims 8 -12, the apparatus including a gcographical position devicc to dctcrminc a gcographical location, thc mcthod including using the geographical location in addition to the presence of the mobile communications signal to determine whether the apparatus should communicate using the satellite communications transceiver or the mobile communications transceiver.
  14. 14. A method as substantially described herein with reference to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been made as follows:CLAIMS1. An Electronic Chart Display and Information System apparatus for an ocean going vessel, comprising a mobile communications transceiver and a satellite communications transceiver, the mobile communications transceiver having a signal device to determine the presence of a mobile communications signal, the apparatus being configured to switch between using the satellite communications transceiver and the mobile communications transceiver for communications in response to the signal device determining the presence of the mobile communications signal, the apparatus including a geographical position device to determine a geographical location and being configured to use the geographical location in addition to the presence of the mobile communications signal to determine whether the apparatus should communicate using the satellite communications transceiver or the mobile communications transceiver, wherein when the geographical location of the vessel is adjacent to a coastline and the mobile communications signal falls slightly below a predetermined threshold level for communications using the mobile communications transceiver the apparatus continues to use the mobile communications transceiver for communications.2. An apparatus according to claim 1, configured to communicate using the satellite communications transceiver when the mobile communications signal is not present, and to communicate using the mobile communications transceiver when the mobile communications signal is present.3. An apparatus according to claim I or 2, configured to communicate using the mobile communications transceiver when the signal device determines that the mobile communications signal is above the predetermined threshold level.4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined threshold level is above 25% of a maximum signal strength.3. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined threshold level is above 20% of the maximum signal strength.6. An apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 and 2 C\J of the accompanying drawings. C)7. A method of operating an Electronic Chart Display and Information System apparatus for an ocean going vessel, the apparatus comprising a mobile communications transceiver and a satellite communications transceiver, the mobile communications transceiver having a signal device, the apparatus including a geographical position device to determine a geographical location, the method comprising: determining the presence of a mobile communications signal using the signal device, switching between using the satellite communications transceiver or the mobile communications transceiver for communications in response to the signal device determining the presence of the mobile communications signal, using the geographical location in addition to the presence of the mobile communications signal to determine whether the apparatus should communicate using the satellite communications transceiver or the mobile communications transceiver, and using the mobile communications transceiver for communications when the geographical location of the vessel is adjacent to a coastline and the mobile communications signal falls slightly below a predetermined threshold level for communications using the mobile communications transceiver.8. A method according to claim 7, and further including using the satellite communications transceiver for communication when the mobile communications signal is not present, and using the mobile communications transceiver for communication when the mobile communications signal is present. (49. A method according to claim 8 or 9, and further including using the mobile communications transceiver for communication when the signal device determines that the mobile communications signal is above the predetermined threshold level.10. A method according to claim 9, and further including using the mobile communications transceiver for communication when the predetermined threshold level is above 25% of a maximum signal strength.11. A method according to claim 10, and further including using the mobile communications transceiver for communication when the predetenriined threshold level is above 20% of the maximum signal strength.12. A method as substantially described herein with reference to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings. (4 a) r
GB1301714.0A 2013-01-31 2013-01-31 An Electronic Chart Display and Information System with Switching between Satellite and Mobile Communications Expired - Fee Related GB2510361B (en)

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