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

Definitions

• the present invention relates to the technical field of safety devices for people operating in an environment with a body of water in which people are likely to drown.
• the present invention relates more particularly to safety devices suitable for detecting the immersion of a person and for delivering an alarm signal to a third person capable of rescuing said submerged person.
• the present invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of monitoring children operating on boats or near swimming pools, the sea, etc.
• US Pat. No. 6,157,303 describes a security system comprising a portable security device intended to be worn by the person's body or by his clothing.
• This portable security device includes an energy source, a capacitive water-sensitive sensor connected to a control circuit capable of delivering a control signal when the sensor's immersion is detected.
• a control circuit controls a transmitter adapted to transmit an immersion alarm signal in the event of detection of the immersion of the portable device.
• Such a security system is also composed of a fixed receiving station comprising an energy source, alarm means, and a receiver for the signals transmitted by the portable security device.
• Such a receiver is connected to a control unit controlling the operation of the alarm means upon receipt of an alarm signal produced by the portable security device.
• the Applicant highlighted that such a security system was not satisfactory in practice. Indeed, the Applicant has noted that the portable security device can be removed voluntarily or involuntarily from the clothing or from the body of the person, so that the system no longer performs its security function, namely detection of immersion of the person.
• US Pat. No. 5,650,770 describes an alarm system comprising a security transmitter device intended to be worn by a person, in particular around his waist. Fixed receiving station triggers alarm when the security transmitter is distant from a fixed distance from the fixed receiving station.
• the device described by this patent has the same drawbacks as the security system described by US patent 6,157,303.
• the Applicant therefore highlighted that there was a need for a system for detecting the immersion of people capable of infallibly ensuring its security function taking into account the conditions of use of the portable security device.
• the object of the invention therefore aims to satisfy this need by proposing a system comprising: - at least one portable security device comprising:
• a control circuit connected to the sensor and capable of delivering a control signal when detecting the immersion of the sensor, • at least one transmitter controlled by the control circuit and capable of transmitting an immersion alarm signal if the sensor is immersed, and a receiving station comprising:
• the portable security device is in the form of a collar equipped with a system for closing said collar, the portable security device comprising a means of detecting the opening of the collar connected to the control circuit. which in the event of detection of the opening of the collar controls the transmitter emitting an alarm signal of opening of the collar, the control unit of the receiving station controlling the operation of the alarm means when receiving an alarm signal to open the collar.
• the portable security device comprises, as a water-sensitive sensor, an electrically charged conductive armature and having a sensitive zone coated with an electrically insulating layer adapted to constitute a part of the external surface of the portable safety device and for ensuring the transfer of electrical charges in the event of immersion of said sensitive zone of the sensor, and the control circuit is adapted to detect a variation in electrical charges and delivers for a variation in charges corresponding to a given value , an alarm signal corresponding to an immersion of the sensor.
• the conductive armature is connected to a capacitor having an electric charge controlled by the control circuit.
• the security system according to the invention is adapted to detect the malfunction of the portable security device due, in particular, to a technical operating anomaly or to the excessive distance of the portable security device relative to the receiving station.
• the transmitter transmits an identification signal cyclically and the control unit of the receiving station determines whether the receiver receives said identification signal so that in the event of non reception of said identification signal the control unit controls the operation of the alarm means.
• the control circuit makes it possible to detect the closure of the collar so that when the collar closure is detected, the control circuit controls the transmitter in order to emit the cyclic signal d 'identification.
• the portable security device comprises a starting means and the control circuit generates, as soon as the portable security device is started, a random identification code and chooses a value of said identification code as a function from the moment the collar is closed.
• the portable security device comprises at least two transmitters alternately transmitting the identification signal and mounted symmetrically on the collar.
• Fig. 1 is a general view showing the security system according to the invention.
• Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of the portable security device for the person to be monitored, in accordance with the invention.
• Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view showing a characteristic detail of the safety device according to the invention.
• Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a receiving station according to the invention.
• the object of the invention relates to a security system 1 for people, in the general sense, capable of evolving in an environment having a body of water in which a risk of drowning exists.
• a safety device 1 comprises at least one, and in the example illustrated, two portable safety devices 2 intended to be carried each by a person and to emit an alarm signal during its immersion in water.
• the alarm signal is intended to be received by a receiving station B located at a distance.
• two portable security devices 2 communicate with a receiving station B, it can be envisaged to visually identify each of the portable security devices 2 for example using different color marks 2j.
• each portable security device is configured to:
• the 2 is in the form of a collar 3 equipped with a closure system 4.
• the collar 3 has a suitable dimension to allow its mounting around the neck of a person while preventing its removal by passing through the head when the collar 3 is in the closed position.
• the closure system 4 is of any known type allowing a simple, safe and effective connection between the two free ends of the collar 3.
• a closure system 4 may be of the closure loop type for jewelry.
• the free ends of the collar to be assembled together are equipped with a 4 ⁇ part cooperating with another 4 2 .
• the portable security device 2 comprises a means 5 making it possible to detect the opening of the collar 3.
• the opening detection means 5 can be produced in any suitable manner. As shown more precisely in FIG. 2, this opening detection means 5 is formed by an electrical circuit connected to a control circuit 6 produced in the example illustrated by a microcontroller.
• the detection of the opening of the collar 3 is carried out by the detection of the electrical continuity of an electrical circuit 5 comprising the two conductive parts 4-, 4 2 of the closure system 4 each adapted on one end of the collar 3.
• the control circuit 6 thus makes it possible to detect whether the electric circuit 5 is open or closed and consequently to know the state of opening or closing of the collar 3.
• the portable security device 2 also comprises at least one and in the example illustrated, two transmitters 8 each connected to the control circuit 6. It should be understood that the control circuit 6 controls at least one and preferably each transmitter 8 in operation to emit an alarm signal corresponding to the opening of the collar 3. Such an alarm signal is received by the receiving station B which controls the operation of alarm means 9 which will be described more precisely below. the description.
• each transmitter 8 transmits cyclically an identification signal. The emission of such an identification signal can be continuous or preferably discontinuous. More preferably, the transmitters 8 alternately transmit the identification signal assigned to said portable security device 2.
• each portable security device 2 transmits an identification signal different from one device to another.
• identification signals are intended to be received by the receiving station B which, in the event of correct reception of the signals, controls, for each portable security device 2, a warning device 9a, 9b, such as a diode emitting.
• a warning device 9a, 9b such as a diode emitting.
• the lighting of a diode 9a, 9b indicates that the corresponding portable security device 2 is in connection with the receiving station B.
• the receiving station B controls the operation of the alarm means 9.
• Each transmitter 8 is preferably of the high-frequency emission type operating for example at a frequency of 433 Mhz or 868 Mhz.
• the portable security device 2 comprises two transmitters 8 mounted substantially symmetrically on the collar 3 so as to avoid a frequency shadow zone created by the person to be monitored, relative to the station B receiving the signals transmitted by transmitters 8.
• the transmitters 8 are placed on either side of the closure system 4 which is found behind the neck of the person in the worn position of the collar.
• the collar 3 is equipped, substantially opposite the closure system 4, with a sealed housing 10 comprising the various electronic components of the portable security device 2.
• the housing 10 comprises the control circuit 6, a source of energy 11 such as a rechargeable battery or not and / or removable or not.
• the box 10 constitutes a sort of medallion, but it should be noted that different components of the portable security device 2 can be directly integrated into the thickness of the collar by being distributed over a part of its length.
• the collar 3 is made of one or more materials resistant to various attacks such as shock or water, while protecting the various components of the portable safety device 2.
• the portable security device 2 also includes a sensor 14 sensitive to water making it possible to detect that the portable security device 2 is immersed.
• the water-sensitive sensor 14 is constituted by a conductive armature 16 electrically charged and having a sensitive area 16 ⁇ coated with an electrical insulating layer 17 adapted to constitute a part of the external surface of the housing 10 constituting the portable security device.
• this insulating layer 17 is intended to be directly in contact with water when the portable safety device 2 is immersed.
• This insulating layer 17 is adapted to ensure the transfer of the electric charge carried by the frame 16 in the presence of sufficient water for transfer to the earth and in contact with the surface of said layer located opposite the sensitive area 16 ⁇ of the sensor.
• the conductive armature 16 is connected to a capacitor 19 having an electric charge controlled by the control circuit 6.
• the control circuit 6 is thus adapted to detect a variation in electric charge occurring at the capacity 19 when a charge transfer occurs via the ground, in the presence of water in contact with the sensitive area 16 ⁇ .
• the control circuit 6 detects this load drift and when it reaches a given value, emits an alarm signal since this load drift corresponds to an immersion of the portable safety device 2.
• the control circuit 6 controls one and preferably, each transmitter 8 for the transmission of an immersion alarm signal.
• the receiving station B then controls the operation of the alarm means 9 when receiving an immersion alarm signal.
• the senor 14 is made so as to allow water to be evacuated without allowing a person to touch the sensitive area 16 of the sensor.
• the sensitive part 16 of the sensor extends inside a cavity 20 arranged for example on the edge of the housing 10.
• the inlet section of the cavity 20 is sufficiently narrow to prevent the passage of a finger .
• the portable security device 2 comprises means 21 for detecting a low energy level for the energy source 11.
• This detection means 21 is connected to the control circuit 6 which in the event for detecting a low energy level, controls at least one and preferably each transmitter 8 for the emission of a low energy alarm signal.
• the receiving station B then controls the operation of the alarm means 9 when a low energy alarm signal is received.
• the portable security device 2 comprises a means 24 for starting.
• this means of starting 24 is constituted by a switch connected to the control circuit 6. This switch 24 is able to be controlled, for example under the action of a magnetic field.
• the receiving station B comprises an energy source 30 such as a rechargeable battery for example, connected to a control unit 31 produced for example by a microcontroller.
• the receiving station B also includes a receiver 33 for the signals transmitted by each transmitter 8.
• the receiver 33 is connected to the control unit 31 which controls the alarm means 9 constituted for example by an indicator light 9 ⁇ , a vibrator 9 2 , and / or an audible warning 9 3 .
• a selection member 34 makes it possible to choose the activation of the horn and / or of the vibrator.
• the receiving station B comprises means 35 for detecting a low energy level for the battery 30.
• This detection means 35 is connected to the control unit 31 which controls a means of warning 36 when the energy level of said source 30 reaches a determined low level.
• the warning means 36 is an indicator light.
• the receiving station B has an on-off switch 37 making it possible to control its general operation.
• the first step for using the security system 1 consists in placing the switch 37 of the receiving station B in the operating position. This switching on makes it possible to activate the receiver 33 which is then awaiting reception of signals from at least one portable security device 2.
• the next step consists in acting on the switch 24 of a portable security device safety 2 in order to ensure the operation of the control circuit 6 which tests the opening state of the collar 3.
• the control circuit 6 performs a calibration of the sensor 14.
• the control circuit 6 advantageously generates a random identification code.
• the control circuit 6 chooses a value of the identification code as a function of the time of closure of the collar.
• each portable security device 2 is assigned a specific or unique identification code different from one device to another until the operation of the portable security device 2. It should be noted that the portable security device 2 preferably turns off when the collar 3 remains open for a predetermined period (for example of the order of a minute) or when the collar 3 remains closed for a long period (for example greater than 12 hours ).
• Such an identification code is transmitted cyclically by each portable security device 2.
• the identification code is preferably transmitted alternately by the transmitters 8.
• the two transmitters 8 transmit the identification code consecutively with a determined cycle, namely every five seconds for example.
• the receiving station B receives via the receiver 33 the signals transmitted by each transmitter 8.
• the control unit 31 controls the operation of the corresponding diode 9a, 9b indicating the normal operation of the corresponding collar 3.
• the control unit 31 controls the operation of the alarm means 9 such as the horn 9 3 and / or the vibrator 9 2 and preferably also a different ignition of the diode 9a, 9b corresponding to the collar 3 which is silent.
• control circuit 6 In the case where the control circuit 6 detects an opening of the collar 3, the control circuit 6 controls each transmitter 8 to emit an alarm signal for opening the collar 3. In a preferred embodiment, such a signal d alarm is issued following the transmission of the identification code.
• the reception of such an alarm signal for opening the collar by the receiving station B leads the control unit 31 to control the operation of the alarm means 9.
• the control unit 31 is capable of also acting on the warning member 9a, 9b corresponding to the collar in the alarm state.
• the circuit control 6 controls each transmitter 8 to send a collar immersion alarm signal.
• such an alarm signal is emitted following the transmission of the identification code of the portable security device 2.
• the reception by the receiving station B of such an immersion alarm signal leads the control unit 31 to control the operation of the alarm means 9.
• the control unit 31 is capable of also acting on the warning member 9a, 9b corresponding to the collar in the alarm state.
• the control circuit 6 controls each transmitter 8 to emit a low energy alarm signal.
• a low energy alarm signal is transmitted following the transmission of the identification code of the portable security device 2.
• the reception by the receiving station B of such an energy alarm signal weak leads the control unit 31 to control the operation of the alarm means 9.
• the control unit 31 is able to act on the warning member 9a, 9b corresponding to the collar in the alarm state.
• the security system 1 thus makes it possible to detect the opening of the collar 3, its immersion in water, and too great a distance of the person wearing the collar 3 from the receiving station B.
• the receiving station B can also have a portable character insofar as it incorporates a rechargeable battery and constitutes a space-saving box.
• the receiving station B is equipped with a clamp to allow it to be kept in a pocket.
• the safety device 1 according to the invention also has the advantage of giving an alarm signal when the energy level of the energy sources 11, 30 is too low.

Priority Applications (3)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

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Family Applications (1)

Country Status (7)

Cited By (3)

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Citations (9)

• 2002
  • 2002-11-13 FR FR0214157A patent/FR2847059B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2003
  • 2003-11-13 AT AT03782548T patent/ATE414313T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2003-11-13 WO PCT/FR2003/003355 patent/WO2004047040A1/fr not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2003-11-13 EP EP03782548A patent/EP1565896B1/fr not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2003-11-13 ES ES03782548T patent/ES2316844T3/es not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2003-11-13 AU AU2003290185A patent/AU2003290185A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2003-11-13 DE DE60324702T patent/DE60324702D1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime

Patent Citations (9)

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