WO2008073079A1 - Indicateur de vitesse gps et dispositif de communication pour bateaux - Google Patents

Indicateur de vitesse gps et dispositif de communication pour bateaux Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008073079A1
WO2008073079A1 PCT/US2006/046972 US2006046972W WO2008073079A1 WO 2008073079 A1 WO2008073079 A1 WO 2008073079A1 US 2006046972 W US2006046972 W US 2006046972W WO 2008073079 A1 WO2008073079 A1 WO 2008073079A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
speedometer
gps
mounting member
communications device
control unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2006/046972
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michael P. Smith
Original Assignee
Smith Michael P
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Smith Michael P filed Critical Smith Michael P
Priority to PCT/US2006/046972 priority Critical patent/WO2008073079A1/fr
Publication of WO2008073079A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008073079A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/34—Adaptation for use in or on ships, submarines, buoys or torpedoes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01P—MEASURING LINEAR OR ANGULAR SPEED, ACCELERATION, DECELERATION, OR SHOCK; INDICATING PRESENCE, ABSENCE, OR DIRECTION, OF MOVEMENT
    • G01P3/00—Measuring linear or angular speed; Measuring differences of linear or angular speeds
    • G01P3/42—Devices characterised by the use of electric or magnetic means
    • G01P3/50—Devices characterised by the use of electric or magnetic means for measuring linear speed
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S19/00—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems; Determining position, velocity or attitude using signals transmitted by such systems
    • G01S19/01—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
    • G01S19/13—Receivers
    • G01S19/35—Constructional details or hardware or software details of the signal processing chain
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S19/00—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems; Determining position, velocity or attitude using signals transmitted by such systems
    • G01S19/38—Determining a navigation solution using signals transmitted by a satellite radio beacon positioning system
    • G01S19/39—Determining a navigation solution using signals transmitted by a satellite radio beacon positioning system the satellite radio beacon positioning system transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
    • G01S19/52—Determining velocity
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q9/00—Electrically-short antennas having dimensions not more than twice the operating wavelength and consisting of conductive active radiating elements
    • H01Q9/04—Resonant antennas
    • H01Q9/0407—Substantially flat resonant element parallel to ground plane, e.g. patch antenna
    • H01Q9/0464—Annular ring patch

Definitions

  • GPS speedometers have proven to provide highly accurate speed readings to within one-tenth of a mile per hour.
  • Many small GPS devices have small built-in antennas and the GPS devices can lose reception in rough conditions. Without satellite reception, the GPS devices lose their ability to calculate speed and position and cannot function to call for emergency services.
  • additional external antennae are used in conjunction with GPS devices to give the GPS devices the ability to stay in communication with the GPS satellites.
  • the external antennae can become damaged by weather conditions, other boats, or even wildlife. If the external antennae cannot function, the GPS devices lose their functionality. This can be particularly worrisome if the boat is sinking, out of fuel, a passenger falls off the boat, or a medical emergency occurs on the boat. The boat operator would not be able to use the GPS device to aid in solving any of these problems.
  • the present invention overcomes the problems that can be associated with GPS devices used on boats.
  • the present invention provides a mounting member to securely hold the control unit. Further, the present invention provides an antenna in the mounting member that increases the receptive range of the GPS control unit and is structurally protected from external damage.
  • a speedometer and communication device generally includes a mounting member, an antenna ring, and a hand-held GPS speedometer unit removably mounted to the mounting member.
  • the dashboard of the boat defines a mounting cavity. This typically would be the cavity where the boat's old speedometer was located.
  • the circularly shaped mounting member for the present invention has a flange, which has a configuration complementary to the mounting cavity in the boat dashboard.
  • the mounting member flange is inserted into the mounting cavity and mounted on the dashboard. This can be accomplished with a fastener such as a ring nut with a configuration complementary to the configuration of the flange.
  • the bottom of the mounting member is open.
  • An antenna ring is positioned in the bottom of the mounting member.
  • a receiver and a transmitter are included in the antenna ring. The receiver accepts GPS signals while the transmitter amplifies and re-sends GPS signals.
  • the control unit is releasably coupled to the mounting member.
  • the control unit is a hand-held GPS unit.
  • the hand-held GPS unit has the capabilities of using the GPS satellites to determine a position of the unit.
  • the GPS unit may be equipped to instantly contact a telematics service such as OnStar when there is an emergency.
  • the GPS unit may also use a tracking service, such as Trackology, to track time and location of the GPS unit.
  • a general object of this invention is to provide a device that is mountable to a boat dashboard and that displays GPS speedometer data. Another object of this invention is to provide a device, as aforesaid, having a selectively releasable and portable hand-held unit.
  • Still another object of this invention is to provide a device, as aforesaid, that has increased reception and transmission ranges.
  • a further object of this invention is to provide a device, as aforesaid, that further increases the range of the GPS unit with the use of antennae posts that also protect the GPS unit when coupled with the mounting member.
  • Yet another object of this invention is to provide a device, as aforesaid, that allows a user to instantly contact emergency services when needed.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a device with a self productive internal antenna that has all the benefits of an external antenna.
  • Yet another object of this invention is to provide a device, as aforesaid, that is made of buoyant material.
  • a further object of this invention is to provide a device, as aforesaid, that is relatively portable, allowing a user to move throughout the boat, but still retain the other benefits of the present invention such as increased transmission and reception range.
  • FIGURE 1 is a front perspective view of a speedometer and communication device according to the present invention.
  • FIGURE 2 is an exploded view of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 3A is a front view of the GPS speedometer and communication device as in FIGURE 1 ;
  • FIGURE 3B is a sectional view taken along line 3B-3B of FIGURE 3 A.
  • FIGURE 4 is a rear perspective view of the control unit.
  • FIGURE 5 is a rear perspective view of the speedometer and communication device.
  • FIGURE 6 is a block diagram showing a GPS unit undocked and more than two meters away from the remaining elements of the present invention.
  • FIGURE 7a is a block diagram showing a GPS unit docked in the mounting member.
  • FIGURE 7b is a block diagram showing a GPS unit undocked but within two meters of the remaining elements of the present invention.
  • DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT GPS speedometer and communication device according to the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 through 7b of the accompanying drawings. More particularly, a GPS speedometer and communication device for boats 10 include a control unit 12, a mounting member 14, and an antenna ring 16 (FIGURES 1 and 2).
  • the mounting member 14 includes a mounting member flange 30 that extends into a mounting cavity defined by the boat dashboard 34 and may be mounted therein with a fastener 20 such as a ring nut or the like (FIGURE 3).
  • the fastener 20 has a threaded inner configuration complementary to a configuration of the mounting member flange 30 such that the fastener 20 may be threadably coupled to the mounting member flange 14 when the mounting member flange 30 is extended through the boat dashboard 34, whereby to hold the entire mounting member 14 in place on the boat dashboard 34.
  • the control unit 12 is removably or releasably mounted to the mounting member 14 (FIGURE 1 and 2).
  • the mounting member 14 includes a pair of mounting posts 24 extending from a front surface thereof.
  • the mounting posts 24 releasably receive and engage corresponding mounting slots 32 on a rear surface of the control unit 12 in a snap-fit relationship.
  • the control unit 12 may be a radio, a single function GPS unit, a multiple function GPS unit, or the like.
  • the control unit 12 includes a housing that is preferably constructed using buoyant materials so that the control unit 12 will float if the control unit 12 errantly ends up in water, like a river, lake or ocean.
  • the control unit 12 includes GPS circuitry capable of receiving GPS data, and then calculating and displaying accurate speed data on a display unit 13.
  • control unit 12 includes a receiver 12a for receiving GPS signals from respective GPS satellites 38 or re-transmitted GPS signals from an antenna ring as will be described below, and a transmitter 12b for re-transmitting those signals such as to a GPS tracking service 42 (FIGURE 6) as will be described in more detail later.
  • the control unit 12 is also able to contact emergency services when needed by pressing the emergency button 13a (FIGURE 1).
  • the GPS speedometer and communication device for boats 10 includes an antenna ring 16 positioned inside of the mounting member 14 (FIGURE 2).
  • the antenna ring 16 includes an antenna ring receiver 44 for receiving GPS signals, an antenna ring transmitter 46 for re-transmitting received GPS signals, and an antenna ring amplifier for amplifying the GPS signals as it re-transmits them (FIGURE 7a and 7b).
  • an electronics box 18 is in communication with the antenna ring 16 and houses these antenna ring electronics.
  • the GPS speedometer and communication device for boats 10 further includes at least on auxiliary antenna located in antenna posts 22 on the front surface of the mounting member 14 (FIGURE 1). Each additional antenna is in electrical communication with the antenna ring 16 for enhancing signal reception thereof. Each additional antenna may be a quad helix antenna, a mircostrip patch, or other suitable antenna. Additionally, the antenna posts 22 protect the control unit 12 from damage when it is removably mounted on the mounting member 14.
  • the mounting member 14 includes a power jack 28 for connecting the control unit 12 to a power supply (FIGURE 2 and 5), such as the boat's battery or auxiliary power source.
  • the power jack 28 includes a power plug 26 at one end for electrical connection to the control unit 12. The power plug 26 communicates with a complementary GPS unit power receptacle 36 for allowing the control unit 12 to either recharge its battery, or run directly on the boat's power source (FIGURE 4).
  • FIGS. 6, 7a and 7b illustrate the present invention in use.
  • FIGURE 6 depicts a control unit 12 not mounted on the mounting member 14 or not within 2-3 meters of the mounting member 14.
  • the control unit 12 receives information from GPS satellites 38 and may then communicate with a telematics service 40 like OnStar or with a GPS tracking service 42 like Trackology.
  • a control unit 12 mounted in the mounting member 14 is illustrated in FIG. 7a.
  • the antenna ring receiver 44 may receive the GPS signals from the GPS satellites 38.
  • the antenna ring transmitter 46 which may be powered from the boat power source 50, and the amplifier 48 may retransmit the GPS signals to the control unit 12.
  • the control unit 12 may then function by communicating with telematics services 40 or GPS tracking services 42.
  • the boat power source 50 may also power the control unit 12 or recharge the battery of the control unit 12.
  • control unit 12 If the control unit 12 is removed from the mounting member 14, but kept within 2-3 meters thereof, the control unit will still receive the amplified signals from the antenna ring transmitter 46 and amplifier 48. As shown in FIG 7b, where the control unit 12 is not mounted but still within 2-3 meters of the mounting member 14, the control unit 12 may not receive power from the boat power source 50, but may still communicate with telematics services 40 and GPS tracking services 42.
  • the GPS speedometer and communication device provides the functionality of an advanced GPS speedometer that is conveniently mounted in a boat's dashboard but that also includes a removable control unit for viewing GPS or speed data remote from the dashboard and that includes important safety features needed on nautical vessels.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Position Fixing By Use Of Radio Waves (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un indicateur de vitesse et un dispositif de communication (10) pour bateaux qui comprend une unité GPS portable (12), un membre de montage (14) et un anneau antenne (16). Le membre de montage (14) comporte un collet (30) qui sort du membre de montage (14) et le fixe à une cavité située dans le tableau de bord (34) du bateau. Le membre de montage (14) peut en outre disposer d'une prise d'alimentation (26) pour fournir l'alimentation et de tiges de montages (24) pour fixer l'unité GPS portable (12). L'anneau antenne (16) contient un récepteur (44) de signaux GPS et un émetteur (46) pour renvoyer ces signaux. L'unité GPS portable reçoit (44), calcule et affiche des données ayant trait à la vitesse, à l'emplacement et à l'heure, et elle comprend des boutons sélectionnables par l'utilisateur pour contacter des services d'urgence.
PCT/US2006/046972 2006-12-11 2006-12-11 Indicateur de vitesse gps et dispositif de communication pour bateaux WO2008073079A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2006/046972 WO2008073079A1 (fr) 2006-12-11 2006-12-11 Indicateur de vitesse gps et dispositif de communication pour bateaux

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2006/046972 WO2008073079A1 (fr) 2006-12-11 2006-12-11 Indicateur de vitesse gps et dispositif de communication pour bateaux

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008073079A1 true WO2008073079A1 (fr) 2008-06-19

Family

ID=39511990

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2006/046972 WO2008073079A1 (fr) 2006-12-11 2006-12-11 Indicateur de vitesse gps et dispositif de communication pour bateaux

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2008073079A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9804268B2 (en) 2014-07-01 2017-10-31 John Frayn Ewans Display instruments allowing display orientation adjustment
USD877636S1 (en) * 2017-11-13 2020-03-10 Robert Bosch Gmbh Combined display and operating device

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6011518A (en) * 1996-07-26 2000-01-04 Harness System Technologies Research, Ltd. Vehicle antenna
US6125782A (en) * 1997-07-30 2000-10-03 Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha Small craft with G.P.S.
US6208305B1 (en) * 1998-06-16 2001-03-27 Lear Corporation Integrated antenna and trim component for an automotive vehicle
US20040048598A1 (en) * 2002-09-11 2004-03-11 Gagnon Marc D. Onboard communications system for a recreational vehicle
US20060022873A1 (en) * 2004-07-30 2006-02-02 Integrinautics Corporation Synchronizing ranging signals in an asynchronous ranging or position system
US20060195261A1 (en) * 2005-02-10 2006-08-31 Homeland Integrated Security Systems, Inc. Electronic device for tracking and monitoring assets

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6011518A (en) * 1996-07-26 2000-01-04 Harness System Technologies Research, Ltd. Vehicle antenna
US6125782A (en) * 1997-07-30 2000-10-03 Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha Small craft with G.P.S.
US6208305B1 (en) * 1998-06-16 2001-03-27 Lear Corporation Integrated antenna and trim component for an automotive vehicle
US20040048598A1 (en) * 2002-09-11 2004-03-11 Gagnon Marc D. Onboard communications system for a recreational vehicle
US20060022873A1 (en) * 2004-07-30 2006-02-02 Integrinautics Corporation Synchronizing ranging signals in an asynchronous ranging or position system
US20060195261A1 (en) * 2005-02-10 2006-08-31 Homeland Integrated Security Systems, Inc. Electronic device for tracking and monitoring assets

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9804268B2 (en) 2014-07-01 2017-10-31 John Frayn Ewans Display instruments allowing display orientation adjustment
USD877636S1 (en) * 2017-11-13 2020-03-10 Robert Bosch Gmbh Combined display and operating device
USD877637S1 (en) * 2017-11-13 2020-03-10 Robert Bosch Gmbh Combined display and operating device

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