Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G08—SIGNALLING
  • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
  • G08B25/00—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
  • G08B25/01—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
  • H04W40/00—Communication routing or communication path finding
  • H04W40/02—Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing
  • H04W40/22—Communication route or path selection, e.g. power-based or shortest path routing using selective relaying for reaching a BTS [Base Transceiver Station] or an access point
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02D—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES [ICT], I.E. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AIMING AT THE REDUCTION OF THEIR OWN ENERGY USE
  • Y02D30/00—Reducing energy consumption in communication networks
  • Y02D30/70—Reducing energy consumption in communication networks in wireless communication networks

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a security system, which is based on a wireless network, and which in particular is adapted to be used on board of a boat.
• the invention also relates to a method for operating the system, wherein a two-way radio technology is provided for transmission of messages and information.
• WO 2004/007276 discloses a security system comprising a boat unit, which is connected to the electrical system of the boat, and a personal unit, which is attached to the driver and may be kept in his pocket, since it is battery powered.
• the two units communicate with each other by means of radio technology, and are in radio contact when the driver is on board. If the driver falls over board and the radio communication is interrupted, the boat unit automatically stops the engine of the boat.
• the above-mentioned security system has a drawback, since the system has a limited range of about 50 meters due to the radio range. By increasing the transmission strength the range could be extended, however, this generates another problem regarding larger battery supply. Furthermore, despite an increased range, it is difficult to cover large boats, and when passengers wearing personal units are moving around the boat, several central units and antennas are needed, which require a complicated, expensive and time consuming installation.
• the personal units communicate via a certain number of channels within the free frequency band, and when several personal units should be connected to a common central unit, they may interfere with each other. This means that only a limited number of personal units can communicate with a central unit, and this communication cannot be simultaneously performed, but sequentially.
• the radio traffic increases on the frequency band, which may result in interference and failure to communicate. In this case, it may happen that the central unit shuts off the engine despite the fact that the personal unit is still on board. Hence, an accident could easily happen if other boats are around, which do not manage to give way for the non-moving boat.
• the security system described above also includes a locking device of the engine, which is based on the fact that only persons wearing personal units with correct identities could lock up and start the engine for preventing theft or sabotage of the boat.
• Other current existing immobilizers for boats comprise a box including at least one relay connected with one or several breakpoint (s) such as start power, power trim, and fuel supply.
• breakpoint such as start power, power trim, and fuel supply.
• the wires to the breakpoints are cut and are then connected in series via the relay (s) of the box.
• the wires are sometimes not colour coded to make it more difficult to bypass the locking function.
• the relay (s) is/are often activated and inactivated by a remote control . At activating the immobilizer, every breakpoint of the realy(s) is broken and then the engine cannot start.
• immobilizers are easy to find due to the wiring, and despite unmarked wires, an intruder may locate each wire and determine its function by following its length until reaching the original wire of the engine, whereto the wire is connected. The colour of the original wire of the engine tells the intruder how the bypass should be done, and then it is easy to steal the boat.
• Current immobilizers are difficult and time consuming to install, especially since standards do not exist within the boat industry and different suppliers of boat engines use different electrical circuit.
• An object of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks mentioned above and to provide a reliable security system for the safety of an operator and for passengers on a boat, which is achieved by assigning to the system the characteristics according to claim 1.
• a security system for use in a boat having propulsion means, such as an engine comprising a central unit mounted on the boat for controlling said propulsion means and having a first radio module and one or several portable personal units having a second radio module, each having an individual identity for communication with the central unit.
• the central unit is a master and the one or several personal units are nodes in a multi-hop network.
• the nodes may be arranged in groups, wherein a first group comprises all nodes inside the coverage area of the master, and a second group is outside the coverage area of the master but inside the coverage area of any node of the first group, and a third group is outside the coverage area of the first group but inside the coverage area of the second group.
• the system further comprises one or several repeaters having a third radio module with an individual identity and one or several relay boxes having a fourth radio module with an individual identity, which all form nodes of the multi-hop network.
• the personal units, the repeaters and the relay boxes may communicate with each other or with the central unit, the communication being a two-way wireless communication.
• the central unit may intermittently check the presence and the position on the boat of the one or several personal units by transmitting a signal, and if a confirmation signal is not sent back from the one or several personal units to the central unit an alarm is activated.
• Each of the personal units may comprise an alarm device for sending out an alarm signal, such as a sound signal.
• the central unit may comprise a control device which intermittently checks the presence of the group of the one or several repeaters and the one or several relay boxes by transmitting a signal, and if no confirmation signal is received an activity may be initiated.
• the system comprises an immobilizer including the one or several relay boxes.
• the immobilizer may comprise a locking device, which is arranged to be wirelessly locked or unlocked by the central unit, by a relay of the one or several relay boxes or by a predetermined personal unit.
• the wireless communication may be performed between any of the components selected from the group of the central unit, the one or several personal units, the one or several repeaters or the one or several relay boxes, wherein the communication is performed in one step or in several steps via other components selected from the group .
• FIG 1 is a schematic view showing an security system
• FIG 2 is a schematic view showing a route within a multi-hop network for transmitting messages and information between a personal unit and a central unit.
• the wireless security system 100 is adapted to be used in a water vehicle, such as a boat or a vessel.
• the system 100 is based on a wireless multi-hop network including a master and several nodes, wherein the multi-hop radio network is used for messages, information and alarm.
• the multi-hop network may be a system as described in the concurrently filed international patent application entitled: "Method and a system for providing communication between several nodes and a master” , the contents of which is included in the present specification by reference.
• the network comprises a master and several nodes.
• the nodes are arranged in groups, so that a first group comprises all nodes inside the coverage area of the master.
• a second group is outside the coverage area of the master but inside the coverage area of any node of the first group, etc.
• Any node reaches the master via a node in a previous group in a multi-hop approach, and vice versa.
• the time slots are assigned in dependence of the distance to the master.
• the first group is assigned a first group of time slots
• the second group is assigned a second group of time slots, following the first group of time slots, etc.
• the message from the master can be sent out to all nodes in a single message period.
• the time slots are arranged in the opposite order, in an information period, which means that the information can reach the master in a single information period.
• a message period is followed by an information period, which in turn is followed by a sleep period to save battery power .
• the master broadcasts a message including synchronization information, so that the time slots are well defined.
• the message may also include further information, so that the nodes comprises information of its own time slot and information of time slots of adjacent nodes. In this way, each node only listens to traffic from the adjacent nodes, and shuts down itself during other time, in order to save battery power.
• the node also only transmits in its own time slot and sends information to the master.
• information may include the path the information has passed in the multihop-network, when the information travels from the node, to a next node and finally to the master.
• a long sleep period between transmission times may be used.
• a node moves in the system, its position between the groups may change. This is taken care of by the master, which notes which path or route the information travels. In the next message sent by the master, the new situation is transmitted to the nodes . If a node does not respond during its time slot, the node is considered to be lost, and an alarm is given to the system, as described below.
• the master may try to contact the node once again at no response before issuing an alarm, since the failure to respond may be due to a temporary condition of bad transmission. If the second atempt is without success, an alarm is issued.
• the radio transmission from the node is decreased or dampened.
• the radio will also stop to operate.
• the system may comprise several more or less fixed nodes, acting as repeaters, so that the nodes can communicate with the master whereever the nodes are on a restricted area, such as a boat.
• the moveable nodes themselves also act as repeaters.
• Such fixed repeters can be connected to a wired power supply, i.e. they are not dependent on battery power.
• Such repeaters may act as masters in the above-mentioned multi-hop system, and may communicate directly with the central unit 1 to initiate an alarm. Alternatively, such a repeater may act as a node, although it is immobile.
• a Dirac pulse is a pulse having infinite short time duration and a unity of energy. Such a pulse consists of all frequencies and can be heard by any receiver. In this case, all nodes need to have a receiver active during the sleep period, or at least during part of the sleep period. At least the master may be provided with a Dirac pulse generator, since the master normally is connected to the mains supply. Some of the nodes can also emit Dirac pulses, which however consumes battery power.
• the system 100 comprises a central unit 1, one or several personal units 2, one or several external sensors 3, one or several repeater (s) 4, and one or several relay box(es) 5.
• connection unit 1 is the master of the multi-hop network and the components 2, 3, 4, 5 are nodes of the network, which all include a multi-hop radio module.
• the central unit 1 and the personal units 2 can communicate wireless with each other and with other components 3, 4, 5 of the system 100 as being a part of the multi-hop network.
• the central unit 1 further comprises for example a Bluetooth module, GPS (Global Positioning System) , internal relays, one or several sensors, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identity) -reader and means for navigation and operation of the boat.
• the central unit 1 can communicate wireless with or be connected to a data bus 6, a motor control 7, a display 8, an external GPS 9, a sound or light alarm 10, a communication/satellite-radio 11, and a mobile telephone 12.
• the central unit 1 controls the entire system 100. At emergency, an alarm is sent from the central unit 1 via GSM/GPRS/3G, or other mobile telephone standard 12, or external communication/satellite radio 11 to a monitoring centre.
• the central unit 1 can stop the engine of the boat or perform other preset activities if a man over board is detected, and can affect the propulsion means or control means of the boat by the data bus 6 or by closing or opening the circuits of the operation means of the boat.
• the sensors 3 of the central unit 1 can detect grounding.
• the Bluetooth module of the central unit 1 enables communication with the mobile telephone 12 having Bluetooth, which may also be used as a personal unit 2, and hence be monitored by the central unit 1 , or which can be used as a display or a control means for setting the different functions of the central unit 1.
• the system 100 detects when contact with a personal unit 2 is lost, e.g. when there is not communication over the multi-hop radio network. This is the case if the radio module of a lost personal unit 2 either is in the water, the radio waves being stopped, or has been moved outside the radio range, anyhow, the system signals man over board. All personal units 2 have knowledge of its own postion and the position of its neighbours in the network and then also know to which neighbour a message should be sent, e.g. in an emergency situation. At emergency all the non-involved personal units 2 can alarm, i.e. a signal will be heard.
• the personal units 2 comprise an RFID-transponder .
• the RFID- reader detects the transponders when those are located within the range of the RFID-reader.
• the RFID- technology can be used for input of the personal units 2, which should be a part of the system 100.
• the RFID- transponders can also be used as keys for locking up the immobilizer, either as a primary key or as a spare key.
• the classification is dynamic, and depends on the role of the individual wearing the personal unit 2 when being on the boat.
• the personal units 2 have each a specific identity that is recognized by the system 1. For example, if the driver of the boat falls into the water, the result will be a total stop of the engine, but if a passenger falls over board, probably an alarm will be seen on a display of the central unit 1 together with a sound signal from the external sound alarm 10 and from the personal units 2 which are not in emergency.
• An immobilizer of the system 100 involves the one or several relay box(es) 5, and the one or several relay (s) of the central unit 1.
• the radio module (multi-hop) of the relay box 5 controls the realy(s) inside the box that is connected to a wire to the engine of the boat .
• the relay When the relay is either closed or opened in relation to the construction of the engine of the boat, it is impossible to start the boat.
• the central unit 1 communicates wirelessly with the relay boxes 5, which makes it easier to arrange them invisible making it more difficult for intruders or thieves to find them.
• An immobilizer that is more difficult to lock up can be obtained if several break points are arranged, wherein each is connected to a realy box 5 having a radio module. Depending on the number of relay boxes 5 that are installed, the number of break points is optional, which gives a flexible, customer adapted immobilizer.
• a specific network having continuous power supply units can be installed to be used at severe conditions, e.g. bad weather, or when the boat is large and a larger area has to be covered within the network.
• the repeaters 4 have two main advantages: faster response time, when several personal units 2 are used, and increased freedom to move around at large boats.
• the physical location of a repeater 4 is carefully chosen, so that some of the personal units 2 can reach this repeater 4 by a single hop, and the repeater 4 will then transmit the messages to a neighbouring personal unit 2 or to the central unit 1.
• Using repeaters 4 result in decreased reaction time for the system 100.
• the repeaters may be a node in the system 100 or may each act as a master in the multihop network.
• An external display 8 can be connected to the central unit 1 for displaying the personal units 2 and/or sensors that are in operation, and e.g. their battery status and position.
• the display 8 can also show position, bearing, time and numbers of individuals on board at an emergency situation.
• External light-and sound alarms 10 can be connected with the central unit 1, which will activate them at emergency.
• the multi-hop radio technology forms a dynamic network, which makes it easy to add more sensors, personal units 2, or other components having a radio module to the system 100, and to move between different areas within the system 100.
• the multi-hop radio network is a reliable system 100, wherein the central unit 1 periodically wakes up the entire system 100 checking that all sensors and personal units 2 still are present and that no personal unit 2 has disappeared or is not working. Simultaneously, the sensors and the personal units 2 are able to regularly send ⁇ information, e.g. regarding battery status, to the central unit 1 when the system 100 wakes up, contrary to currently used systems which only offer information to be sent in one direction.
• ⁇ information e.g. regarding battery status
• the multi-hop network has a larger radio range and can cover larger areas than the systems of today because of the multihop technology.
• the personal units 2 of the security system 100 each having a multi-hop radio module, know their closest neighbours and can communicate further to the master.
• the system 100 offers also due to the multi-hop radio technology an immobilizer that makes it difficult to lock up the engine of the boat or to give access to operation and control functions for intruders.

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• Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
• Emergency Management (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)
• Closed-Circuit Television Systems (AREA)
• Alarm Systems (AREA)
• Small-Scale Networks (AREA)

Priority Applications (4)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=32906813

Family Applications (3)

Family Applications After (2)

Country Status (8)

Cited By (8)

Families Citing this family (41)

Citations (8)

Family Cites Families (28)

• 2004
  • 2004-06-18 SE SE0401574A patent/SE0401574D0/xx unknown
• 2005
  • 2005-06-20 CN CNA2005800276241A patent/CN101044724A/zh active Pending
  • 2005-06-20 US US11/629,959 patent/US20080122655A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2005-06-20 WO PCT/SE2005/000972 patent/WO2005125108A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2005-06-20 EP EP05753663A patent/EP1766872A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2005-06-20 AU AU2005255856A patent/AU2005255856A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2005-06-20 WO PCT/SE2005/000980 patent/WO2005122710A2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2005-06-20 CA CA002570891A patent/CA2570891A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2005-06-20 CN CNA2005800276256A patent/CN101006479A/zh active Pending
  • 2005-06-20 CA CA002571146A patent/CA2571146A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2005-06-20 CA CA002570923A patent/CA2570923A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2005-06-20 US US11/630,094 patent/US20080122938A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2005-06-20 US US11/630,095 patent/US20080267159A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2005-06-20 WO PCT/SE2005/000979 patent/WO2005125127A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2005-06-20 EP EP05752626A patent/EP1766892A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2005-06-20 EP EP05752630A patent/EP1766594A2/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 2005-06-20 JP JP2007516441A patent/JP2008503153A/ja not_active Withdrawn

Patent Citations (8)

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