US20230074511A1 - Self-rescue system and method for people in distress in an aquatic environment, personal beacon and u-shaped buoy configured to carry out the self-rescue method in an aquatic environment - Google Patents

Self-rescue system and method for people in distress in an aquatic environment, personal beacon and u-shaped buoy configured to carry out the self-rescue method in an aquatic environment Download PDF

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Publication number
US20230074511A1
US20230074511A1 US17/791,943 US202017791943A US2023074511A1 US 20230074511 A1 US20230074511 A1 US 20230074511A1 US 202017791943 A US202017791943 A US 202017791943A US 2023074511 A1 US2023074511 A1 US 2023074511A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
distress
self
shaped buoy
location
signal
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Pending
Application number
US17/791,943
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English (en)
Inventor
Jorge Alberto Ferreira NORAS
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Fundacao Noras
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Fundacao Noras
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Assigned to Fundação Noras reassignment Fundação Noras ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: NORAS, Jorge Alberto Ferreira
Publication of US20230074511A1 publication Critical patent/US20230074511A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
    • 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
    • B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
    • B63C9/082—Annular or U-shaped life-buoys intended to be thrown to persons
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B22/00—Buoys
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B22/00—Buoys
    • B63B22/18—Buoys having means to control attitude or position, e.g. reaction surfaces or tether
    • 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
    • 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
    • B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
    • B63C9/20—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like characterised by signalling means, e.g. lights
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H25/00—Steering; Slowing-down otherwise than by use of propulsive elements; Dynamic anchoring, i.e. positioning vessels by means of main or auxiliary propulsive elements
    • B63H25/42—Steering or dynamic anchoring by propulsive elements; Steering or dynamic anchoring by propellers used therefor only; Steering or dynamic anchoring by rudders carrying propellers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B63B2035/006—Unmanned surface vessels, e.g. remotely controlled
    • B63B2035/007—Unmanned surface vessels, e.g. remotely controlled autonomously operating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B32/00—Water sports boards; Accessories therefor
    • B63B32/10—Motor-propelled water sports boards
    • 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
    • B63C11/00—Equipment for dwelling or working underwater; Means for searching for underwater objects
    • B63C11/46—Divers' sleds or like craft, i.e. craft on which man in diving-suit rides
    • 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]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of self-rescue of a person in distress in an aquatic environment, a personal beacon and a U-shaped buoy configured to carry out the self-rescue method.
  • the speed of the intervention and the rescue coupled with the possibility of remotely controlling the rescue means are the reasons for the aforementioned demand that is registered either by the owners of recreational boats or professionals or by the maritime authorities or the concessionaires of bathing areas.
  • the present invention includes a rescue method that is called self-rescue because it is initiated by the person in distress and is controlled by the devices that are part of the method of the invention without any intervention by third parties, in other words, fully automatic.
  • Detection is usually done by human and/or technical means, such as surveillance cameras and/or sensors in charge of monitoring a certain area, which may be a swimming pool, a beach, or a boat. Detection is not always done in a timely manner, which contributes to a high number of unsuccessful cases. It is the object of the present invention to provide a method in which the alarm is given by the person in distress, either because he fell to the water from the side of a vessel, or because he is drowning in the sea, in a pool, lake or dam.
  • a process is initiated that begins with the launch of the buoy, followed by its steering to the place where the person in difficulty is found.
  • Such a process is controlled by computational means installed in the buoy that processes the signals emitted by a signal-emitting beacon carried by a user using the invention's method.
  • the computational means process the signal emitted from the beacon, determine the route in real time according to the relative location of the person in distress and the buoy, and activate automata that alter the relative position of the turbines installed at the ends of the U-shaped buoy and condition its direction and movement.
  • a water rescue system is provided, as defined in claim 1 .
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic top view of a motorised U-shaped buoy or water rescue vehicle according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of the personal signal-emitting beacon, according to the invention
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of the self-rescue method according to the invention, launched from a vessel
  • FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of the self-rescue method according to the invention, launched from a pontoon in the coastal area and where the buoy's position is determined by surveillance cameras;
  • FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of the self-rescue method according to the invention, launched from a pool wall
  • FIG. 6 shows the flowchart of signal and data processing, operated in the controller of the invention.
  • FIGS. 3 and 6 the method of the invention is shown schematically, as well as the different components of the system that comprises the method.
  • the self-rescue system for people in distress in the aquatic environment has as essential components a personal signal-emitting beacon 10 , and a U-shaped buoy, 20 , self-propelled by turbines and powered by battery.
  • Both the U-shaped buoy, 20 , and the personal beacon each have a locator that determines in real time the geographical position where the respective system component is located.
  • the locator can be a GPS device.
  • the invention could be implemented using other types of locators.
  • the location can be determined by processing the acoustic signal, by triangulation, or in another form, by video surveillance cameras operatively connected with the system components.
  • the buoy component 20 includes an electronics module 30 , which includes the aforementioned locator, a signal receiver, and a controller that processes the signals emitted from the personal signal-emitting beacon 10 .
  • the signals emitted can be of two types: distress or location, coded according to the frequency of emission/reception.
  • the aforementioned controller 30 is provided with signal processing and data processing means, and is operatively connected to the turbines 40 .
  • the turbines 40 are capable of varying their orientation in space as well as their speed of rotation, actuated by the controller.
  • the processing means are configured to: i) activate the detachment and/or initiation automata, from the movement of the U-shaped buoy, 20 , which release the buoy from the support device 50 and/or initiate and direct the movement of the U-shaped buoy, after receiving a distress signal by the receptor of the U-shaped buoy signal; ii) actuate automata positioned next to the turbines 40 , which will modify the orientation of the turbines 40 , depending on the rescue route, determined by the reception of the first location signal received after the distress signal, correcting the referred route in real time according to the location signals, emitted in real time from the beacon 10 , carried by the person in distress.
  • the signals are RF signals.
  • the signals are sound wave signals.
  • the location of the person in distress can also be determined by magnetic wave triangulation.
  • the system of the invention allows for the execution of a method of self-rescue of a person in distress in an aquatic environment.
  • the method is automatic, initiated by the initiator device, 15 , located in the personal signal-emitting beacon 10 , operatively connected to the U-shaped buoy, 20 , and controlled from the electronics module located in the buoy 20 , by computational means.
  • These means are configured to perform a self-rescue method in which the processor, after receiving a distress signal emitted from a personal beacon ( 10 ), i) actuates automatic detachment and/or initiation of the U-shaped buoy, 20 , from a support device 50 , ii) determines and corrects, in real time, the rescue route in water, depending on the relative position of the U-shaped buoy, 20 , and the location signals emitted in real time from the personal beacon 10 and iii) actuates position automata for the turbines of the U-shaped buoy, steering the U-shaped buoy in real time, 20 to the place where the person carrying the personal beacon is located 10 .
  • the position of the person in distress is determined by cameras 60 , operatively connected and directed towards the person in distress that has a personal beacon.
  • the system of the invention has as components, the personal beacon device 10 , emitter of distress and location signals and the U-shaped buoy.
  • the personal beacon device 10 includes a location determination locator, and an emitter of distress and location signals, configured to be received by the signal receptor of a U-shaped buoy, 20 , to carry out the self-rescue method as described.
  • the personal beacon 10 which emits distress and location signals
  • the locator is a GPS device.
  • the personal beacon 10 which emits distress and location signals, is a radio frequency (RF) emitter operatively connected to video surveillance cameras 60 , configured to determine in real time the relative position of the signal beacon and transmit the location data of the person in distress to the U-shaped buoy, 20 .
  • the personal beacon device 10 which emits distress signals may include a support, 11 and an initiator device 15 .
  • the support 11 is a bracelet.
  • One option for the embodiment of the initiator device is a button 15 .
  • Another preference for the initiator device is a pin.
  • the U-shaped buoy is an integral part of the system.
  • the buoy of the invention is configured to carry out the method of the invention.
  • the said buoy 20 is self-propelled by turbines 40 , and battery powered, and includes an electronics module, 30 which includes a locator for determining the location of the buoy, means of receiving distress and location signals emitted by the personal beacon 10 , and a controller provided with signal and data processing means, operatively connected to the turbines.
  • the processing means are configured to: i) actuate detachment and/or initiation of automata, positioned in the U-shaped buoy that release the buoy from the support device 50 and/or initiate and direct the movement of the said U-buoy, upon receipt of a distress signal by the signal receptor of the U-shaped buoy; ii) actuate automata positioned next to the turbines 40 , whereby these automata modify the orientation of the turbines 40 , depending on the rescue route, determined from the reception of the first location signal after the distress signal, iii) the route being corrected in real time according to the location signals, emitted from the beacon 10 carried by the person in distress.
  • FIG. 1 shows the vehicle/U-shaped buoy 20 of the invention in a plan: the electronics module 30 , where the signal reception means, the signal and data processing means and the data emission means are housed to control the actuators of the turbines 40 .
  • FIG. 2 shows the personal signal-emitting beacon 10 , in this case a bracelet that includes a support 11 and a button 15 .
  • the personal beacon includes a locator for determining the position of the beacon carrier.
  • FIG. 3 is a representation of the invention's self-rescue method. After activating the initiator button 15 , located on the personal signal-emitting beacon 10 , an automatic process is carried out which includes the steps of releasing the U-shaped buoy, 20 , from the support device, 50 , and its steering to the place where the person with the signal-emitting beacon 10 is located.
  • FIG. 4 represents the self-rescue method of the invention in use in natural bathing facilities (lakes, beaches, dams).
  • the determination of the person's position in distress in the aquatic environment is done with the use of video surveillance cameras operatively connected to the signal-emitting beacon 10 .
  • FIG. 5 represents the invention in a swimming pool, with the U-shaped buoy attached to the support 50 .
  • FIG. 6 shows the flowchart for processing signals and data according to the invention.
  • an RF or other signal is emitted, which is received in the electronics module of the U-shaped buoy, 20 .
  • This signal is recognised by the signal receptor and identified as a distress signal.
  • the recognition of the distress signal, 101 in the processor, starts the processing, 101 , the end result of which is the actuation of the retainer automaton 105 , which results in the release or launch, 107 , of the U-shaped buoy, 20 .
  • the processing includes the new location data, 109 , which is included in the processing routine.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Position Fixing By Use Of Radio Waves (AREA)
  • Alarm Systems (AREA)
  • Transmitters (AREA)
  • Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)
US17/791,943 2020-01-10 2020-01-21 Self-rescue system and method for people in distress in an aquatic environment, personal beacon and u-shaped buoy configured to carry out the self-rescue method in an aquatic environment Pending US20230074511A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PT116052A PT116052A (pt) 2020-01-10 2020-01-10 Sistema e método de auto-resgate de pessoa em aflição em meio aquático, farol pessoal e bóia em forma de u configurada para levar a cabo o método de auto-resgate em meio aquático
PT116052T 2020-01-10
PCT/IB2020/050440 WO2021140363A1 (pt) 2020-01-10 2020-01-21 Sistema e método de auto-resgate de pessoa em aflição em meio aquático, farol pessoal e bóia em forma de u configurada para levar a cabo o método de auto-resgate em meio aquático.

Publications (1)

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US20230074511A1 true US20230074511A1 (en) 2023-03-09

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US17/791,943 Pending US20230074511A1 (en) 2020-01-10 2020-01-21 Self-rescue system and method for people in distress in an aquatic environment, personal beacon and u-shaped buoy configured to carry out the self-rescue method in an aquatic environment

Country Status (8)

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US (1) US20230074511A1 (pt)
EP (1) EP4089002A1 (pt)
JP (1) JP2023535242A (pt)
KR (1) KR20220137658A (pt)
AU (1) AU2020421062A1 (pt)
CA (1) CA3167411A1 (pt)
PT (1) PT116052A (pt)
WO (1) WO2021140363A1 (pt)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
PT116338A (pt) 2020-05-06 2021-11-08 Alberto Ferreira Noras Jorge Método automático de libertação e direccionamento de meios de resgate de náufrago e meios de salvamento que implementam o método

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8998666B1 (en) * 2013-08-02 2015-04-07 Steven Albright Rescue method and system for an overboard passenger
PT107141B (pt) * 2013-09-03 2020-05-05 Fundação Noras Veículo aquático autopropulsionado
CN108473187B (zh) * 2015-03-19 2021-02-12 露莎·沃吉尼亚·鲁杰罗 船舶沉没及人员自主救援系统

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JP2023535242A (ja) 2023-08-17
WO2021140363A1 (pt) 2021-07-15
PT116052A (pt) 2021-07-12
EP4089002A1 (en) 2022-11-16
CA3167411A1 (en) 2021-07-15
AU2020421062A1 (en) 2022-09-08
KR20220137658A (ko) 2022-10-12

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