GB2556214A - Emergency Indicator - Google Patents
Emergency Indicator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2556214A GB2556214A GB1718893.9A GB201718893A GB2556214A GB 2556214 A GB2556214 A GB 2556214A GB 201718893 A GB201718893 A GB 201718893A GB 2556214 A GB2556214 A GB 2556214A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- data processor
- emergency indicator
- combination
- emergency
- indicator
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
- G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
- G08B21/08—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons responsive to the presence of persons in a body of water, e.g. a swimming pool; responsive to an abnormal condition of a body of water
- G08B21/088—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons responsive to the presence of persons in a body of water, e.g. a swimming pool; responsive to an abnormal condition of a body of water by monitoring a device worn by the person, e.g. a bracelet attached to the swimmer
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
- B63C9/0005—Life-saving in water by means of alarm devices for persons falling into the water, e.g. by signalling, by controlling the propulsion or manoeuvring means of the boat
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
- G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
- G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
- G08B21/0241—Data exchange details, e.g. data protocol
- G08B21/0247—System arrangements wherein the alarm criteria uses signal strength
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
- G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
- G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
- G08B21/0241—Data exchange details, e.g. data protocol
- G08B21/0252—System arrangements wherein the child unit emits, i.e. the child unit incorporates the emitter
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
- G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
- G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
- G08B21/0261—System arrangements wherein the object is to detect trespassing over a fixed physical boundary, e.g. the end of a garden
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
- G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
- G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
- G08B21/0277—Communication between units on a local network, e.g. Bluetooth, piconet, zigbee, Wireless Personal Area Networks [WPAN]
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
- B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
- B63C2009/0017—Life-saving in water characterised by making use of satellite radio beacon positioning systems, e.g. the Global Positioning System [GPS]
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
- G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
- G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
- G08B21/0269—System arrangements wherein the object is to detect the exact location of child or item using a navigation satellite system, e.g. GPS
Landscapes
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Child & Adolescent Psychology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
- Alarm Systems (AREA)
- Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A person overboard detection system comprises a waterproof emergency device 1 attached to a user 7, the device 1 is paired with a base unit 9 such as a laptop computer located on board a ship 6. The device 1 comprises a housing, a power source, and wireless communication means for transmitting a presence signal to the base unit 9. The base unit 9 comprises means to receive the presence signal transmitted by the device 1, GPS functionality, means for displaying information, and means to alert a user 8 when a signal is no longer being received from the device 1. The base unit 9 also stores the GPS location where the signal was last received from the device 1. The device 1 may further comprise means for activation upon submersion in a liquid, and may comprise a light such as a strobe and audio signalling means. A manual override may be provided on the device 1. A network of nodes may be provided on the ship 6 for providing total coverage on board.
Description
(54) Title of the Invention: Emergency Indicator
Abstract Title: Man overboard detection system (57) A person overboard detection system comprises a waterproof emergency device 1 attached to a user 7, the device 1 is paired with a base unit 9 such as a laptop computer located on board a ship 6. The device 1 comprises a housing, a power source, and wireless communication means for transmitting a presence signal to the base unit 9. The base unit 9 comprises means to receive the presence signal transmitted by the device 1, GPS functionality, means for displaying information, and means to alert a user 8 when a signal is no longer being received from the device 1. The base unit 9 also stores the GPS location where the signal was last received from the device 1. The device 1 may further comprise means for activation upon submersion in a liquid, and may comprise a light such as a strobe and audio signalling means. A manual override may be provided on the device 1. A network of nodes may be provided on the ship 6 for providing total coverage on board.
3.
2.
<0
EMERGENCY INDICATOR
The present invention relates to an emergency indicator, in particular a battery powered wireless locator tag, to work in conjunction with a data processor.
It is known in the art to have ‘beacons’. A device may be attached to an umbrella, for example, and when the user is a certain distance from the umbrella with the beacon, signal is lost. The loss of signal results in the user being alerted, so that they may go to retrieve their umbrella. Emergency position indication beacons are also known.
The object of the present invention is to provide improved means for locating individuals, particularly in a man overboard situation.
According to the invention there is provided an emergency indicator and data processor in combination, the emergency indicator comprising:
• a housing, • a power source, o the power source having an ON/OFF switch, • wireless communication means capable of transmitting a presence signal to a data processor, and the data processor comprising:
• means for receiving the presence signal from the emergency indicator, • GPS capabilities, • means for displaying information to the user, • means for alerting a tag manager when the emergency indicator is no longer in wireless communication range of the data processor, and • means for directing the tag manager to the GPS location where the connection between the emergency indicator and data processor was last maintained.
As used herein, the term data processor is used broadly to encompass all relevant devices capable of data processing, particularly but not limited to smartphones, laptop computers, personal computers and tablet computers.
As used herein, the term user is used broadly to encompass all potential users of the emergency indicator, particularly but not limited to sailors, skiers or any suitable individual or item.
As used herein, the term tagmanager or manager is used broadly to encompass all potential individuals in control of the data processor to which the tags are connected, particularly but not limited to the data processor owner, the captain of the crew, first mate or any suitable individual charged with overseeing the data processor.
As used herein, the term presence signal is used to denote a signal being transmitted from the emergency indicator to be received by the data processor, this may also be referred to as a transmission signal.
Normally the emergency indicator housing will be adequate for outdoor use. It is envisaged that the emergency indicator will have a waterproof housing so that it can be used in an aquatic environment.
It is envisaged that the means for alerting the tag manager, the alarm mechanism, on the data processor and emergency indicator may be activated upon submersion of the emergency indicator. This is possible by having two exposed terminals which are effectively connected when submerged in water or other conductive fluid, or by other suitable means.
Normally, the power source to the emergency indicator will be a battery. It is envisaged that the power source could be either rechargeable batteries, or long life batteries.
It is envisaged that the wireless communication will be achieved using Bluetooth®. Although, it is possible that the invention would work with alternative means for wireless communication, particularly, but not limited to infrared, ultrawideband and radio frequency identification.
Normally, the emergency indicator would be fitted to something the user is wearing, a lifejacket for example. It is envisaged that means for attaching the tag to the user and/or users clothes will be provided.
It is envisaged that a light may be fitted to the emergency indicator, capable of manual operation, or with circuitry adapted so that the lamp is activated when the signal with the data processor is lost. The lamp will usually utilize LEDs as a light source. Another embodiment of the invention could include and audio aid which could be triggered in the same way as the light.
The circuitry may be adapted so that the lamp has the ability to illuminate in a variety of ways, particularly, but not limited to: constant illumination; strobe signal, SOS signaling, or any suitable lighting pattern.
Wireless connections are not without their limitations. In the event of a false alarm, where the communication is lost because of an error, such as due to the signal failing to penetrate walls or human flesh, a manual override is provided where a user can indicate they are safe via the data processor.
It is envisaged that embodiments comprising a lamp could be constructed in such a way that the tag and lamp are powered by a single power source.
It is envisaged that a single data processor can have a connection to one or more emergency indicators, accounting for the entirety of a crew of a ship.
On larger vessels where it is possible the size of the vessel is greater than the range of the wireless communication means it is envisaged that a network of nodes may be integrated to provide total coverage onboard, reducing the frequency of false alarms.
Normally the emergency indicator connects to the data processor. It is envisaged that the data processor may have an application improving the method with which the user may interact with the tag and data processor. It is envisaged that the user could synchronize information such as the ID details of the wearer, boat etc.
In normal use, a emergency indicator or indicators connect to a data processor. It is envisaged that an application, or other means for improving the interaction between the manager and tags, can be provided.
To help understanding of the invention, a specific embodiment thereof will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the emergency indicator and the data processor
Figure 2 shows the preferred embodiment of the emergency indicator with illumination capabilities
Figure 3 shows a man overboard situation in which the wireless connection has been lost, and the alarm triggered.
Figure 4 Shows how meshing of Bluetooth® networks can provide coverage on larger vessels
Figure 5 is a flow chart outlining how the device works.
Referring to figure 1, the emergency indicator 1 and data processor 4 can be seen with the line 3 denoting the wireless connection. The emergency indicator has an ON/OFF switch 2 so that it is active only when desired.
Figure 2 shows the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The emergency indicator 1 also comprises LEDs 5 for illumination purposes. The illumination capabilities help facilitate searching, for example, in stormy seas.
Figure 3 illustrates a scenario where the emergency indicator alarm on the data processor 9 would be activated. It can be seen that a sailor 7 has fallen overboard from the ship 6, and as the distance between the man overboard 7 and the data processor 9 are greater than the Bluetooth® range, the alarm is triggered (see lines radiating from 9). This means that the smart phone alarm will be triggered to alert the tag manager 8, and the emergency indicator 1 will illuminate. The data processor 9 will have logged the GPS of the location where connection was last known, and provide GPS co-ordinates and/or directions to the manager 8 to aid in the recovery of the man overboard 7.
Figure 4 is a bird’s eye view of a larger vessel 60. in larger vessels the size of the ship might be greater than the range of the wireless communication being used by the emergency indicator. To avoid scenarios where false alarms are triggered, a meshed network of Bluetooth® nodes 61 may be interconnected. The nodes can be used for other wireless communication means as well. The intercommunication between the nodes 62 is shown. The placement of the nodes may be optimised for the vessel in question.
Referring to figure 5, a flow chart can be seen comprising the following steps. In order to be used, both the emergency indicator 101 and data processor 102 must be switched ON. The Bluetooth, or other wireless means for communication must be activated on the data processor 103 .This enables a Bluetooth® connection to be established between the phone and the tag 104. In normal use nothing occurs. However, in the scenario of an event such as a man overboard 105, the connection between the tag and data processor will be lost. When the connection is lost the data processor records the GPS 106. The GPS co-ordinates, and directions to the location of the last known connection can both be provided, enabling a faster search to occur 107. If and when the tag and data processor reconnect it is possible that the alarm will deactivate, or, the circuitry will be adapted so that the alarm stays on, this facilitates completion of the search 108. When not in use the tag and/or the data processor will be switched off so that the alarm is not unnecessarily triggered.
The invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above described embodiment. For instance, the tag could be a wearable such as a watch or necklace, or have means to enable attachment to clothing.
The meshing of wireless connection nodes, such as Bluetooth® nodes may be used to prevent the occurrence of false alarms by limiting the prevalence of‘blind spots’ on the ship.
Claims (15)
1. An emergency indicator and data processor in combination, the emergency indicator comprising:
• a housing, • a power source, • the power source having an ON/OFF switch, and • wireless communication means capable of transmitting a presence signal to a data processor, and the data processor comprising:
• means for receiving the presence signal from the emergency indicator, • GPS capabilities, • means for displaying information to the user, • means for alerting a tag manager when the emergency indicator is no longer in wireless communication range of the data processor, and • means for directing the tag manager to the GPS location where the connection between the emergency indicator and data processor was last maintained.
2. An emergency indicator and data processor in combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing is waterproof.
3. An emergency indicator and data processor in combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means for alerting the tag manager is an alarm system, and the alarm system can be activated upon submersion of the emergency indicator in a liquid.
4. An emergency indicator and data processor in combination as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the alarm system is triggered by having two exposed terminals on the emergency indicator which are effectively connected when submerged in water or other conductive fluid.
5. An emergency indicator and data processor in combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power source comprises rechargeable batteries, or other batteries.
6. An emergency indicator and data processor in combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless communication is anyone of: Bluetooth ®, infrared, ultra wideband, or radio frequency identification.
7. An emergency indicator and data processor in combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the emergency indicator comprises means to attach to the user.
8. An emergency indicator and data processor in combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the emergency indicator comprises a light.
5
9. An emergency indicator and data processor in combination as claimed in claim 8, wherein the light may be operated manually, or circuitry is provided to automatically activate the light when signal with the data processor is lost.
10. An emergency indicator and data processor in combination as claimed in claim 8, wherein the light id adapted to either: provide constant illumination, a strobe signal,
10 SOS signalling or other suitable lighting pattern.
11. An emergency indicator and data processor in combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein the emergency indicator comprises an audio signal.
12. An emergency indicator and data processor in combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein a manual override is provided for a user to indicate they are safe via the data
15 processor.
13. An emergency indicator and data processor in combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein more than one emergency indicator is paired with one data processor.
14. An emergency indicator and data processor in combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein a network of nodes are integrated providing total coverage on board.
20
15. An emergency indicator and data processor in combination as claimed in claim 1, wherein an application is used on the data processor to manage emergency indicators paired thereto, and information of the users.
Intellectual
Property
Office
Application No: GB1718893.9 Examiner: Richard Kerslake
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB201619308 | 2016-11-15 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201718893D0 GB201718893D0 (en) | 2017-12-27 |
| GB2556214A true GB2556214A (en) | 2018-05-23 |
Family
ID=60788207
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1718893.9A Withdrawn GB2556214A (en) | 2016-11-15 | 2017-11-15 | Emergency Indicator |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2556214A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3671682A1 (en) * | 2018-12-17 | 2020-06-24 | SOS Ltd. | Man over board detection system |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2487286A3 (en) * | 1980-07-28 | 1982-01-29 | Berruti Giacomo | Man overboard alarm for small sea craft - has transmitter worn by operator and activated when in contact with sea to immobilise boat via on-board receiver |
| US6057759A (en) * | 1996-10-22 | 2000-05-02 | Marsh; Matthew T. | Marine personnel monitoring, overboard detection, alert and rescue system |
| US20050118905A1 (en) * | 2003-10-24 | 2005-06-02 | Mobilarm Pty Ltd | Maritime safety system |
| WO2005125108A1 (en) * | 2004-06-18 | 2005-12-29 | Aqualiv Ab | A security system and a method |
| FR2991804A1 (en) * | 2012-06-11 | 2013-12-13 | Foucauld Henri De | Device for detection and reporting e.g. peril of sea, onboard of e.g. ship, has control module providing instruction to alarm module to emit alarm when control module detects broken communication between communication module and terminal |
-
2017
- 2017-11-15 GB GB1718893.9A patent/GB2556214A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2487286A3 (en) * | 1980-07-28 | 1982-01-29 | Berruti Giacomo | Man overboard alarm for small sea craft - has transmitter worn by operator and activated when in contact with sea to immobilise boat via on-board receiver |
| US6057759A (en) * | 1996-10-22 | 2000-05-02 | Marsh; Matthew T. | Marine personnel monitoring, overboard detection, alert and rescue system |
| US20050118905A1 (en) * | 2003-10-24 | 2005-06-02 | Mobilarm Pty Ltd | Maritime safety system |
| WO2005125108A1 (en) * | 2004-06-18 | 2005-12-29 | Aqualiv Ab | A security system and a method |
| FR2991804A1 (en) * | 2012-06-11 | 2013-12-13 | Foucauld Henri De | Device for detection and reporting e.g. peril of sea, onboard of e.g. ship, has control module providing instruction to alarm module to emit alarm when control module detects broken communication between communication module and terminal |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3671682A1 (en) * | 2018-12-17 | 2020-06-24 | SOS Ltd. | Man over board detection system |
| JP2022513926A (en) * | 2018-12-17 | 2022-02-09 | エスオーエス リミテッド | Crossing the Line Detection System |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201718893D0 (en) | 2017-12-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |