WO2010071933A1

WO2010071933A1 - Keyless marine engine control system

Info

Publication number: WO2010071933A1
Application number: PCT/AU2009/001686
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carlo Khamu
Original assignee: Finscan Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2008-12-22
Filing date: 2009-12-22
Publication date: 2010-07-01

Abstract

A marine keyless engine control system (10) for a marine vessel, the system (10) comprising a controller (30) adapted to control an engine, a fingerprint sensor (15) adapted to recognise authorised fingerprints and to send a finger authorisation signal to the controller (30). The system (10) includes a wireless receiver (35) in communication with the controller (30), a wireless transmitter (100) adapted to send a remote authorisation signal to the wireless receiver (35), the wireless receiver (35) being adapted to forward the remote authorisation signal to the controller (30). The system (30) also includes a blower fan located in proximity to the engine, and a fume detector located in proximity to the engine and adapted to detect fuel vapour of a predetermined concentration.

Description

Keyless marine engine control system

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a keyless marine engine control system. In particular, the present invention relates to a safety and security device for providing keyless engine control of marine vessels.

Background of the Invention

Many marine vessels, such as boats, are moored or docked when not in use and can remain unattended or unmonitored for extended periods of time. Furthermore, boats are often secured by a bow line or a number of spring lines attached to a buoy, anchor or wharf. The use of such ropes or lines to secure marine vessels makes boats relatively easy targets for theft in many instances.

Common boat ignition systems utilise a key operated ignition to start and isolate the engines. Various devices exist for improving boat security such as motion sensor actuated alarms which detect the presence of unauthorised persons. GPS systems are also know which inform users as to the location of a stolen vessel. However, these systems do not directly prevent unauthorised use of the vessel's ignition system.

Many boats are fitted with bilge blowers or fans. The use of such blowers is particularly important with gasoline powered engines. Prior to starting the marine engine, the bilge blower is operated to exhaust fuel vapour from the engine bay. This step is important because if the level of gasoline vapour around the engine is sufficiently high, the low flash point of the gasoline may result in an explosion upon ignition of the engine.

It is generally recommended that the blower fan is operated for up to 5 minutes prior to starting the boat engine. This ensures that a significant volume of air has been passed through the blower fan, exhausting a large amount of air and vapour, and significantly reducing any gasoline vapour around the engine. However, in the event that an emergency occurs, for example if there is a risk of the boat colliding with another vessel, or drifting into a land mass, it is important to be able to bypass the blower fan stage of the start up sequence and progress straight to ignition, because in certain instances, waiting for a period of up to 5 minutes may be unacceptable.

In many jurisdictions, the use of blower fans prior to starting a marine engine is a legal requirement. However, boat operators often forget, or otherwise omit this vital safety procedure.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a marine keyless engine control system for a marine vessel, the system comprising; a controller adapted to control an engine; a fingerprint sensor adapted to recognise authorised fingerprints and to send a finger authorisation signal to the controller; a wireless receiver in communication with the controller; a wireless transmitter adapted to send a remote authorisation signal to the wireless receiver, the wireless receiver being adapted to forward the remote authorisation signal to the controller; a blower fan located in proximity to the engine; a fume detector located in proximity to the engine and adapted to detect fuel vapour of a predetermined concentration; wherein the controller is adapted to activate operation of the blower fan to exhaust air from around the engine, in response to either a first finger authorisation signal or a first remote authorisation signal; wherein the controller is adapted to activate ignition of the engine if a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first authorisation signal and if a concentration of fuel vapour detected by the fume detector is less than a predetermined concentration; and wherein the controller is adapted to maintain operation of the blower fan beyond the predetermined period of time, if the concentration of fuel vapour detected by the fume detector is greater than the predetermined concentration. Preferably the controller is adapted to activate ignition of the engine, regardless of the period of time elapsed since the first authorisation signal or the concentration of fuel vapour detected, in response to a second finger authorisation signal or a second remote authorisation signal.

Activation of the wireless transmitter is preferably adapted to bypass the fingerprint authorisation signal to activate operation of the blower fan to exhaust air from around the engine, further wherein a second activation of the wireless transmitter is adapted to bypass safety mode and enable ignition.

The controller preferably includes a visual or audible indicator to indicate to a user when the fume detector is in operation.

The controller is preferably adapted to enrol, delete and store fingerprints received by the fingerprint sensor.

The wireless transmitter is preferably adapted to allow a user to send configuration signals corresponding to fingerprint enrolment or deletion, the wireless receiver is adapted to forward the configuration signals to the controller and the controller is adapted to provide fingerprint enrolment or deletion.

The wireless transmitter is also used to bypass fingerprint authorisation, enable safety mode, or with a second press of the transmitter, bypass safety mode and enable ignition

The controller is further preferably adapted to selectively unlock a door or hatch of the marine vessel.

The wireless transmitter is preferably in communication with the wireless receiver through rolling code signals. Brief Description of the Drawings

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of specific example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a marine keyless engine control system in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

Rg. 2 is a further block diagram showing the detailed operation of the blower fan of the system of Rg. 1; and

Rg. 3 is a further block diagram of the control system.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

A keyless marine engine control system 10 is disclosed which provides security to a marine vessel by preventing unauthorised users from activating the vessel engines. The system 10 also regulates the venting of fuel vapours from around the engines prior to ignition of the engine, which provides increased safety for passengers and crew, by reducing the risk of a vapour explosion.

Referring to Rg. 1, the keyless marine engine control system 10 includes at least one fingerprint sensor 15, and a corresponding biometric controller 16. The system 10 also includes a wireless transmitter and receiver system 25, a micro-controller 30 and a user interface 35. The micro-controller 30 is in communication with a microprocessor 40, computer readable memory, a wireless interface port 45 and an engine control circuit 50. The engine control circuit 50 is typically connected to one and up to four engines via an engine interface port 51.

The biometric controller 16 and the wireless interface port 45 are connected to the microcontroller 30. The micro-controller 30 is adapted to read and write data to and from the computer readable memory.

The wireless transmitter and receiver system 25 comprises a wireless transmitter, in the form of a remote control device and a wireless receiver. The wireless transmitter and receiver system 25 is adapted to use rolling code signals for increased security.

The user interface 35 comprises interface circuitry 60 and a user interface panel. The interface circuitry 60 is connected to the micro-controller 30 and receives signals from the micro-controller 30 that determine the display on the user interface panel.

Typically, the user interface panel comprises a first start/stop button 70 and a first fingerprint sensor 20 for the first engine and a second start/stop button 75 and a second fingerprint sensor 15 for the second engine, green LEDs 80, 85 and red LEDs 90, 95. The start/stop buttons 70, 75 allow an authorised user to selectively start the engines after the system 10 has been enabled.

When pressed again the start/stop buttons 70, 75 shut down the respective engines. The green LEDs 80, 85 and the red LEDs 90, 95 indicate the enablement status of the respective engines. The fingerprint sensors 15, 20 are adapted to receive fingerprints and then output fingerprint data, which is then processed by the biometric controller 16, which, in turn, sends a corresponding signal to the micro-controller 40. If an authorised fingerprint is received by the fingerprint sensor 15 the micro-controller 30 is provided with a signal from the biometric controller 16 and enables the corresponding engine. One of the green LEDs 80 or 85 of the user interface panel 65 is then activated. In the instance that there are two engines, there may be one fingerprint sensor 15 provided for each engine.

Once enabled, the first and second engines can then be started by pressing the respective start/stop buttons 70, 75, which cause the micro-controller 30 to send corresponding control signals to the engine control circuit 50. If a fingerprint is identified that is not enrolled on the system as an authorised fingerprint, the red LEDs 90, 95 are activated and the engines remain disabled.

The wireless transmitter and receiver system 25 includes a wireless transmitter 100 that is adapted to send an authorisation signal and a wireless receiver 105 that is adapted to receive an authorisation signal. The authorisation signal bypasses the fingerprint requirement allowing a non-authorised user to enable ignition of the vessel. The authorisation signal is selectively conveyed from the wireless transmitter 100 to the wireless receiver 105 by the user pressing a button of the wireless transmitter 100.

The authorisation signal is provided by the wireless receiver 105 to the microprocessor 40 through the wireless interface port 45, and the microprocessor 40 enables the engine corresponding to the button pressed on the wireless transmitter 100. The engines can then be started by pressing the appropriate start/stop buttons 70, 75 causing the micro-controller 30 to send a corresponding control signal to the engine control circuit 50. The control of the engines granted through the wireless transmitter 100 is revoked when the engines are shut down.

An engine can be shut down and the system 10 disabled by an authorised user placing an appropriate finger over the corresponding fingerprint sensor 15, pressing the corresponding start/stop button 70, 75 on the user interface panel 65, or by pressing the button on the wireless transmitter corresponding to the engine.

The wireless transmitter 100 is further adapted to send a configuration signal and the wireless receiver 105 is further adapted to receive the configuration signal. Upon receiving the configuration signal from the wireless receiver 105 through the wireless interface port 45, the micro-controller 30 enters a configuration mode that allows enrolment and deletion of fingerprints.

Enrolment mode is activated by the user pressing the appropriate button combination on the wireless transmitter 100, causing a corresponding configuration signal to be sent to and received by the wireless receiver 105, which then provides it to the wireless interface port 45 and microprocessor 40. In enrolment mode, the system 10 will enrol a fingerprint detected by one of the fingerprint sensors 15, 20 as an authorised user and store the fingerprint template on the computer readable memory. Deletion mode is activated by the user pressing the appropriate button combination on the wireless transmitter 100, causing a corresponding configuration signal to be sent to and received by the wireless receiver 105, which then provides it to the wireless interface port 45 which sends it to the microprocessor. In deletion mode, the system 10 will allow selective removal of fingerprint templates from the computer readable memory, for example, the removal of a temporary user's fingerprint template.

The microprocessor 40 is further adapted to lock and unlock one or more vessel doors or hatches when an authorised user is recognised. The engine control circuit 50 comprises a blower relay adapted to activate a number of blowers to exhaust fumes out of the vessel when or before the engines are started. The engine control circuit 50 is adapted to actuate a choke mechanism of the engines. As shown in Rg. 1, the system 10 includes a fume detector 80. The fume detector 80 is located in the engine bay. The fume detector 80 is mounted in a dry location, preferably near the front of the engine. Typically the fume detector 80 is mounted at the height of the oil pan gasket of the engine.

A blower fan 82 is also located in the engine bay. The micro-controller 30 is adapted to control the blower fan to exhaust air from around the engine, in response to either a first finger authorisation signal from the biometric controller 15, or alternatively a first remote authorisation signal from the wireless transmitter 25.

The micro-controller 30 is adapted to activate ignition of the engine if a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first authorisation signal and if a concentration of fuel vapour detected by the fume detector is less than a predetermined concentration. The predetermined period of time is typically 2 minutes.

The micro-controller 30 is adapted to maintain operation of the blower fan 82 beyond the predetermined period of time, if the concentration of fuel vapour detected by the fume detector 80 is greater than the predetermined safe concentration.

When the engine start button is pressed, the blower fan 82 is momentarily turned off during engine cranking. When the start button is released, the blower fan 82 is turned back on. The blower fan 82 operates continuously while the ignition is on.

In the event of an emergency or other such scenario, regardless of the period of time elapsed since the first authorisation signal or the concentration of fuel vapour detected, ignition of the engines may be effected in response to a second finger authorisation signal or a second remote authorisation signal.

The system 10 is adapted to shut down after a period of engine inactivity to reduce power consumption. The system 10 provides security against theft of a vessel as unauthorised users (who do not possess an authorised fingerprint) are not able to cause ignition of the engines. The system 10 can also prevent unauthorised users from gaining access to the vessel cabin. This provides security against theft of valuable items, for example, GPS navigation systems, and items that are imperative to the safety of the vessel users, for example, life jackets.

The capability of the wireless transmitter 100 to bypass the fingerprint sensors 15, 20 enables temporary users who do not possess an authorised fingerprint to operate the vessel. Providing temporary users with access to operate the vessel is advantageous if an authorised user is not available, or in an emergency, for example, if all available authorised users have been incapacitated and so are unable to activate the biometric fingerprint sensors 15, 20.

The use of the wireless transmitter 100 alleviates the need for users to memorise codes or passwords in order to bypass the fingerprint sensors 15, 20 and configure the system. The use of rolling code signals by the wireless transmitter and receiver system 25 makes it more difficult for unauthorised users to record the authorisation or configuration signals from the wireless transmitter 100 and duplicate the signals to gain access to the system 10. The configuration functions for enrolment and deletion of fingerprint templates advantageously allows temporary authorised users to be created.

Advantageously, the risk of bilge explosion caused by the accumulation of fumes and gases is reduced by the use of a blower relay in the engine control circuit 50.

Referring to Fig. 3, another embodiment of the marine keyless engine enabling system 1OA is provided, comprising a wireless remote 10OA, a wireless receiver 105A, a system controller 3OA, a fingerprint sensor 15A, a biometric controller 16A, a start button 110 and a stop button 115. The biometric controller 16A, the wireless receiver 105A, the start button 110 and the stop button 115 are connected to the system controller 3OA. The wireless transmitter IOOA comprises up to four buttons. The wireless transmitter IOOA selectively sends wireless authorisation signals or wireless configuration signals to the wireless receiver 105A based on the input of a user.

The wireless authorisation signals and wireless configuration signals are then provided to the system controller 3OA. The fingerprint sensor 15A and biometric controller 16A detect and process fingerprint data, respectively. If an authorised fingerprint is recognised, a fingerprint authorisation signal is provided to the system controller 3OA. The system controller 3OA is adapted to enable an engine or allow access to a vessel in response to a fingerprint authorisation signal or a wireless authorisation signal. The engine can then be started by pressing the start button 110. The system controller 3OA is further adapted to allow configuration of the system 1OA in response to receiving a wireless configuration signal, in a similar manner to the embodiment of Rg. 1.

It should be noted that in other embodiments, the one or two engines can take other forms. For example, they can be an inboard engine, an outboard engine or a stern drive engine, and may operate on petrol, diesel or other power sources.

In other embodiments, the fingerprint sensors can be other biometric sensors, for example, retinal scanners or voice recognition systems.

In this specification, the word "engine" is used in its broadest sense to refer to any type of vessel propulsion system, including electric motors.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

Claims:

1. A marine keyless engine control system for a marine vessel, the system comprising; a controller adapted to control an engine; a fingerprint sensor adapted to recognise authorised fingerprints and to send a finger authorisation signal to the controller; a wireless receiver in communication with the controller; a wireless transmitter adapted to send a remote authorisation signal to the wireless receiver, the wireless receiver being adapted to forward the remote authorisation signal to the controller; a blower fan located in proximity to the engine; a fume detector located in proximity to the engine and adapted to detect fuel vapour of a predetermined concentration; wherein the controller is adapted to activate operation of the blower fan to exhaust air from around the engine, in response to either a first finger authorisation signal or a first remote authorisation signal; wherein the controller is adapted to activate ignition of the engine if a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the first authorisation signal and if a concentration of fuel vapour detected by the fume detector is less than a predetermined concentration; and wherein the controller is adapted to maintain operation of the blower fan beyond the predetermined period of time, if the concentration of fuel vapour detected by the fume detector is greater than the predetermined concentration.

2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the controller is adapted to activate ignition of the engine, regardless of the period of time elapsed since the first authorisation signal or the concentration of fuel vapour detected, in response to a second finger authorisation signal or a second remote authorisation signal.

3. The control system of claim 1, wherein activation of the wireless transmitter is adapted to bypass the fingerprint authorisation signal to activate operation of the blower fan to exhaust air from around the engine, further wherein a second activation of the wireless transmitter is adapted to bypass safety mode and enable ignition.

4. The control system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the controller includes a visual or audible indicator to indicate to a user when the fume detector is in operation.

5. The control system of claim 1, wherein the controller is adapted to enrol, delete and store fingerprints received by the fingerprint sensor.

6. The control system of claim 1, wherein the wireless transmitter is adapted to allow a user to send configuration signals corresponding to fingerprint enrolment or deletion, the wireless receiver is adapted to forward the configuration signals to the controller and the controller is adapted to provide fingerprint enrolment or deletion.

7. The control system of claim 2, wherein the controller is further adapted to selectively unlock a door or hatch of the marine vessel.

8. The control system of claim 2, wherein the wireless transmitter is in communication with the wireless receiver through rolling code signals.