WO2016163876A1

WO2016163876A1 - Beacon and method of controlling the same

Info

Publication number: WO2016163876A1
Application number: PCT/NL2016/050236
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pieter Gerardus Goedknegt; Wilhelmus Jacobus Maria Smit; Robertus Wilhelmus Maria VAN DONGEN; Roelf Albert ROSKAM
Original assignee: Orga Holding B.V.
Priority date: 2015-04-07
Filing date: 2016-04-06
Publication date: 2016-10-13
Also published as: NL2014586A; EP3281496A1; NL2014586B1

Abstract

A beacon comprising a light source, a control unit arranged for controlling the light source according to an operation parameter set, and being associated with a position determination unit. The beacon includes or is communicatively connectable with a processing unit and the processing unit is communicatively connectable with a database. The database comprises data representative of a plurality of predetermined regions. Each region has a predetermined boundary and each region has an operation parameter set associated therewith. The processing unit is arranged for determining a predetermined region in which the beacon is located on the basis of the determined positional information and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions. The processing unit is arranged for providing the operation parameters associated with that region to the control unit of the beacon.

Description

Title: Beacon and method of controlling the same

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to beacons for use in the transportation industry. Beacons are commonly used in the transportation industry to convey navigation information. For example, beacons may be used to mark transportation obstructions. In particular, in aviation, beacons are used to warn pilots of aviation obstructions, such as wind turbines, towers, high-voltage transmission line wires, structures, chimneys, flare stacks, and radio masts.

BACKGROUND

Beacons for indicating transportation obstructions are used all over the world. Regulations and lighting standards may differ by country, region, and territorial waters. With international, national and regional authorities possibly applying different regulations and specifications, beacon control and configuration becomes quickly complex.

Furthermore, beacon configuration can be subject to human error. In addition, authorities may change the applicable regulations after the beacon has been installed in the field. Therefore there is a risk that a beacon is improperly configured and/or that the beacon no longer conforms with the current regulations. This may result in a transportation safety issue, and the beacon in question may need to be reconfigured. Beacons, especially aviation beacons, may not be easily accessible and/or may be located in hazardous environments making configuration dangerous and/or

problematic.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved beacon and method of controlling a beacon. It is also an object of the invention to provide a more robust beacon that is preferably less susceptible to configuration errors. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a beacon that is easier to keep up to date with the applicable regulations and desired functionality.

Thereto according to the invention a beacon is provided, for example indicating a transportation obstruction. The beacon comprises a light source arranged for emitting light and a control unit arranged for controlling the light source according to an operation parameter set. The beacon is associated with a position determination unit arranged for determining positional information representative of the position of the beacon. The beacon includes, or is communicatively connectable with, a processing unit and the processing unit is communicatively connectable with a database. The database comprises data representative of a plurality of predetermined geographic regions. Each region has a predetermined boundary. Each region has an operation parameter set associated therewith. The processing unit is arranged for, on the basis of the determined

positional information and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions, determining in which predetermined region the beacon is located. The processing unit is further arranged for providing the operation parameters associated with that region to the control unit of the beacon.

It will be appreciated that the predetermined region in which the processing unit determines the beacon to be located may be referred to as the beacon's home region.

The light source may, for example, be a LED light source, or comprise a plurality of LEDs. It will be appreciated that the light source may include additional optics and/or fixtures for directing the light emitted from the source. Furthermore, such light sources, optics and/or fixtures may also be configurable and adapted during use according to an operation parameter of the operation parameter set. The operation parameter set may include a single operation parameter, however generally it will include a plurality of parameters.

Examples of operation parameters in the operation parameter set are, light wavelength range, color, or combination of colors, intensity, flash frequency or pattern, flash duration, angle of emitted light, for example a cut off angle, a routine, and/or repetition rate. It will be appreciated that the operation parameters set needed for controlling the light source may be application dependent. For example, for the application of a beacon for indicating a transportation obstruction, such as an aviation obstruction, for example a wind turbine, the operation parameter set may include a flashing frequency parameter, and an intensity parameter. Whereas other types of beacons may make use of other parameter sets.

Optionally, the position determination unit associated with the beacon is arranged for determining its own position, and its own position is representative of the position of the beacon.

Optionally, the beacon includes the position determination unit. Therefore according to a further aspect of the invention a beacon is provided for indicating a transportation obstruction. The beacon comprises a light source arranged for emitting light, a control unit arranged for controlling the light source according to an operation parameter set. The position determination unit is arranged for determining positional information representative of the position of the beacon. The beacon includes, or is communicatively connectable with, a processing unit and the processing unit is communicatively connectable with a database comprising data representative of a plurality of predetermined geographic regions, wherein each region has a predetermined boundary and wherein each region has an operation parameter set associated therewith. The processing unit is arranged for, on the basis of the determined positional information and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions, determining in which predetermined region the beacon is located, and wherein the processing unit is arranged for providing the operation parameters associated with that region to the control unit of the beacon.

In this case the determined positional information is the position of the beacon, as the position determination unit is included in the beacon, it is arranged for determining its own position which, in this case, is the position of the beacon. Therefore the processing unit is arranged for, on the basis of the determined position of the beacon and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions, determining in which predetermined region the beacon is located.

It is also possible that the position determination unit is not located in the beacon. For example, the position determination unit may be in the vicinity of the beacon, or on the transportation obstruction. In this way, the determined positional information of the position determination unit may be used by multiple beacons. Therefore according to another aspect of the invention, a system is provided comprising a beacon for indicating a transportation obstruction and a position determination unit. The beacon comprises a light source arranged for emitting light, and a control unit arranged for controlling the light source according to an operation

parameter set. The beacon is associated with the position determination unit arranged for determining positional information representative of the position of the beacon. The beacon includes, or is communicatively connectable with, a processing unit and the processing unit is

communicatively connectable with a database comprising data

representative of a plurality of predetermined geographic regions, wherein each region has a predetermined boundary and wherein each region has an operation parameter set associated therewith. The processing unit is arranged for, on the basis of the determined positional information and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions, determining in which predetermined region the beacon is located, and wherein the processing unit is arranged for providing the operation parameters associated with that region to the control unit of the beacon.

Optionally, the processing unit or the position determination unit is arranged for determining the position of the beacon on the basis of the determined positional information. Then the processing unit is arranged for, on the basis of the determined position of the beacon and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions, determining in which predetermined region the beacon is located. For example, the positional relationship between the position determination unit and the beacon may be provided to the processing unit or the position determination unit. In the case that the position determination unit is arranged for determining its own position, it is conceivable that the positional relationship between the position determination unit and the beacon is know by means of surveying. It will be appreciated that the positional relationship between the position determination unit and the beacon may be known from other information. The relationship may e.g. be manually entered upon installation. It is also possible that a known distance between the position determination unit and the beacon is small, so that the position of the position determination unit is representative for the position of the beacon. The distance can for instance be smaller than a

predetermined threshold of for instance 2000m or 500m. The distance can for instance be small relative to a distance of the position determination unit to a nearest point of the predetermined boundary, e.g. 2, times smaller, 10 times smaller, or 100 times smaller.

It will be appreciated that as the beacon is associated with the position determination unit, positional information may be communicated from the position determination unit to the beacon, and specifically to the beacon's processing unit or to the processing unit that is communicatively connectable with the beacon. Such communication may include two way communication. For example the processing unit may request the determined positional information of the position determination unit.

Furthermore, as previously mentioned, the processing unit or the position determination unit may be arranged for determining the position of the beacon on the basis of the determined positional information. Such information may be derivable from communication between the position determination unit and the beacon's processing unit.

Optionally, the position determination unit includes a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver. GNSS receivers receive and process signals from a GNSS satellite constellation and in order to determine the position of the receiver. An example of a GNSS is the global position system (GPS). It is conceivable that the position determination unit makes use of a position determination technology other than GNSS.

It is known from the prior art to include a GPS receiver in the beacon in order to synchronize the operation of numerous beacons over a wide area. In fact in some countries government regulations even require that groups of beacons provided on transportation obstacles such as wind turbine units to be synchronized or flash simultaneously. In this way the size of the obstacle can be better judged. Use of GPS time inputs from the individual beacon's GPS receiver allow synchronization/simultaneously flashing of a plurality of beacons without external controllers.

In contrast to this, in the present invention, the processing unit determines in which predetermined region the beacon is located on the basis of the basis of the determined positional information, from for example a GPS receiver, and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions. The processing unit is then provides the operation parameters associated with that region to the control unit of the beacon. In this way, a more robust beacon that is preferably less susceptible to configuration errors is provided

Optionally, the position determination unit determines the positional information representative of the beacons position or for example its own position with reference to a geodetic datum, and, for example, the predetermined boundaries of the predetermined regions stored in the database are defined with reference to the same geodetic datum. Examples of commonly used geodetic datums are the WGS84 datum, the NAD83 datum and the ETRS89 datum.

Optionally, the position determination unit determines the positional information representative of the beacons position or for example its own position with reference to a first geodetic datum, and, for example, the predetermined boundaries of the predetermined regions stored in the database are defined with reference to a second geodetic datum. In order to accommodate for this, the position determination unit may optionally be arranged for converting the determined positional information or position from the first geodetic datum of the position determination unit to the second geodetic datum of the predetermined boundaries of the

predetermined regions. It is also possible that different regions in the database are referenced to different geodetic datums. Preferably, the database includes an indication of the geodetic datum associated with the data representative of the region.

In this way, the beacon can accommodate for predetermined regions having predetermined boundaries that are referenced to a different geodetic datum than the datum used by the position determination unit. The positional information determined by the position determination unit can be translated from one geodetic datum to an other. In this way the beacon is more flexible as it is possible to use a position determination unit having a geodetic datum other than the geodetic datum of the

predetermined boundaries of the predetermined regions.

Optionally the plurality of predetermined regions are surface areas on a reference area, such as an ellipsoid, that approximates at least a portion of the geoid of the Earth. It will be understood that a reference ellipsoid is a mathematically defined surface that approximates the geoid of the Earth. Reference ellipsoids are used as a surface for defining latitude, longitude, and elevation. In this way, the topology of the Earth is not taken into account. Optionally, the predetermined boundary of each

predetermined region is defined by latitude and longitude coordinates. This may facilitate the defining of predetermined regions according to known mapped regions for example countries.

Optionally, the plurality of predetermined regions are mutually exclusive. In this way the processing unit is arranged for determining the predetermined region in which the beacon is located on the basis of the determined positional information and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions. In other words the determined positional information representative of the position of the beacon is associated with at most with one predetermined region. There is no overlap between regions. In this way it is not necessary to implement a decision unit for determining which operation parameter set of which region is applied if a beacon is determined to be located in more than one region.

It is also possible that the regions are not mutually exclusive. In this way there may be overlap between the regions. One example would be to associate a priority value with each predetermined region. In this way, the determination process is simplified.

Optionally, the surface areas of the plurality of predetermined regions substantially cover the entire reference area, for example a reference ellipsoid. In other words the union of the surface area of the predetermined regions substantially cover the Earth's surface. Each determined beacon is thus located in a single predetermined region.

If the predetermined regions are also mutually exclusive, then there exists a one to one relationship between possible determined positional information and predetermined regions. It is conceivable that one predetermined region of the plurality of predetermined regions is a default region. The predetermined default region may be defined as the surface area of the reference ellipsoid with the remaining predetermined regions subtracted from it.

Optionally, the position determination unit is arranged for determining positional information with respect to a horizontal datum.

Optionally, the position determination unit is arranged for determining positional information with respect to a vertical datum.

Optionally, a predetermined region of the plurality of

predetermined regions relates to a predetermined country, and the predetermined boundary of the predetermined region substantially corresponds to the border of the predetermined country. In this way country wide regulations can easily be implemented.

Optionally, a predetermined region of the plurality of

predetermined regions relates to the territorial waters of a predetermined country, and wherein the predetermined boundary of the predetermined region substantially corresponds to the border of the territorial waters of the predetermined country. In this way country wide regulations for transport obstructions within a country's territorial waters can easily be implemented.

Optionally, each of the predetermined regions in the plurality of predetermined regions relates to a predetermined country and/or the territorial waters of a predetermined country.

Optionally, a predetermined region has a plurality of operation parameter sets associated therewith and the processing unit is further arranged for selecting a operation parameter set associated with the predetermined region in which the beacon is located on the basis of, for example, the elevation of the beacon or an external parameter provided to the processing unit. The elevation of the beacon may be an absolute elevation, or a relative elevation with respect to a vertical datum.

Optionally, each of the plurality of operation parameter sets associated with the predetermined region has an elevation or elevation range associated therewith. In this way it is possible to implement elevation dependent transportation beacon regulations. For example, this is of interest for transportation beacons indicating an aviation obstruction. It is conceivable that an aviation beacon indicating an obstruction greater than a

predetermined height may require different operation parameters than an obstruction of a lesser height. For instance the beacon may only need to be active during the twihght and the night. This also allows the differentiation of different types of obstructions and allows a different set of operation parameters to be associated with the different types of obstructions. For example, using elevation, it may be possible to differentiate between a wind turbine located offshore and a buoy. It will be appreciated that three- dimensional regions may be employed. For example, the position

determination unit of a first beacon determines on the basis of the determined positional information that the first beacon installed halfway up a given structure is located at a first position having a latitude, longitude and elevation. The position determination unit of a second beacon

determines on the basis of the determined positional information that the second beacon is installed at the top of the given structure is located at a second position having substantially the same latitude and longitude of the position of the first beacon, but a different elevation. Using three

dimensional regions, it is possible that the processing unit of the first beacon determines that the first beacon is located in a first predetermined region on the basis of the determined positional information of the first beacon and the predetermined boundary of the first predetermined region, and that the processing unit of the second beacon determines that the second beacon is located in a second predetermined region on the basis of the determined positional information of the second beacon and the predetermined boundary of the second predetermined region.

Optionally, the beacon comprises the processing unit. It is conceivable that the processing unit is incorporated in the beacon. In this way, the beacon may be self-contained. Optionally, the beacon further comprise a memory, for example a non-volatile memory; and the database can be stored in the memory. For example the database may be the in the form of a look-up table (LUT). In this way, the beacon is completely self-contained.

Optionally, the database is stored on a remote server. In this way, maintenance and upkeep of the database may be performed at one location. Additionally, having a centralized database may facilitate keeping the database up to date with current regulations and possible client

specifications. Therefore according to the invention a system is also provided comprising a beacon according to the invention and a remote server wherein the database, comprising the data representative of the plurality of predetermined regions, wherein each region has a predetermined boundary and wherein each region has an operation parameter set associated therewith, is stored on the remote server.

Therefore according to a further aspect of the invention a system is provided comprising a beacon for indicating a transportation obstruction and a remote server. The beacon comprises a light source arranged for emitting light; and a control unit arranged for controlling the light source according to an operation parameter set. The beacon is associated with a position determination unit arranged for determining positional information representative of the position of the beacon. The beacon includes, or is communicatively connectable with, a processing unit and the processing unit is communicatively connectable with a database comprising data representative of a plurality of predetermined geographic regions, wherein each region has a predetermined boundary and wherein each region has an operation parameter set associated therewith. The processing unit is arranged for, on the basis of the determined positional information and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions, determining in which predetermined region the beacon is located, and wherein the processing unit is arranged for providing the operation parameters associated with that region to the control unit of the beacon. The database is included in the remote server.

Optionally, the processing unit may be included in a remote server, for example an application server. Having the processing unit centralized, and optionally running on the same server as the database, facilitates maintenance and upkeep of the processing unit and software algorithms for determining a predetermined region that the beacon is located in on the basis of the positional information determined by the position determination unit and on the basis of the predetermined

boundaries of the predetermined regions.

Therefore according to a further aspect of the invention a system is provided comprising a beacon for indicating a transportation obstruction and a remote server. The beacon comprises a light source arranged for emitting light; and a control unit arranged for controlling the light source according to an operation parameter set. The beacon is associated with a position determination unit arranged for determining positional information representative of the position of the beacon. The beacon is communicatively connectable with, a processing unit and the processing unit is

communicatively connectable with a database comprising data

representative of a plurality of predetermined geographic regions, wherein each region has a predetermined boundary and wherein each region has an operation parameter set associated therewith. The processing unit is arranged for, on the basis of the determined positional information and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions, determining in which predetermined region the beacon is located, and wherein the processing unit is arranged for providing the operation parameters associated with that region to the control unit of the beacon. The processing unit is included in the remote sever.

Additionally, this may reduce power consumption at the beacon and the cost of the beacon, as the processing unit is now centralized. As determining a predetermined region in which the beacon is located on the basis of the determined positional information representative of the position of the beacon and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions may require additional processing power.

Optionally, the database is stored on a remote server and optionally the processing unit is included in a remote server. Optionally, the processing unit and the database are located on the same remote server.

Therefore according to a further aspect of the invention a system is provided comprising a beacon for indicating a transportation obstruction and a first remote server and a second remote server. The beacon comprises a light source arranged for emitting light; and a control unit arranged for controlling the light source according to an operation parameter set. The beacon is associated with a position determination unit arranged for determining positional information representative of the position of the beacon. The beacon is communicatively connectable with, a processing unit and the processing unit is communicatively connectable with a database comprising data representative of a plurality of predetermined geographic regions, wherein each region has a predetermined boundary and wherein each region has an operation parameter set associated therewith. The processing unit is arranged for, on the basis of the determined positional information and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions, determining in which predetermined region the beacon is located, and wherein the processing unit is arranged for providing the operation parameters associated with that region to the control unit of the beacon. The database is included in the first remote server and the processing unit is included in the second remote sever.

The database, comprising a plurality of predetermined regions, wherein each region has a predetermined boundary and wherein each region has an operation parameter set associated therewith, is stored on the first remote server. The processing unit is located on the second remote server. Optionally, the first remote server and the second remote server are the same remote server.

Optionally, the beacon comprises a communication unit arranged for transmitting and receiving data. For example the communication unit may be arranged to communicate via a cellular connection, such as 3G or 4G, via short message service, via satellite communication systems, and/or via wired communication systems. For example, the communication unit may be arranged for updating the database if the database is stored in a memory of the beacon. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication unit may be arranged for transmitting the determined positional

information and/or the determined position to a remote server and/or for communicating with a database stored on a remote server. Additionally, or alternatively, the communication unit may be arranged for communicating with a processing unit on a remote server.

Preferably the beacon is suitable for indicating a transportation obstruction, for example an aviation obstruction. Although the examples in this disclosure relate to beacons for indicating transportation obstruction, and in particular aviation and/or shipping obstructions, it will be

appreciated that the invention also includes other types of navigation beacons.

Optionally, a predetermined region has a common geographic feature. A common geographic feature is meant to imply that this geographic features is present over substantially the entire area or volume encompassed by the predetermined region. For example, a predetermined region encompassing an area of ocean may have as common geographic feature water or ocean. Optionally, the common geographic feature includes at least one of a natural geographic feature and an artificial geographical feature. An example of a natural geographic feature of a predetermined region may be terrain, sea, water, land, desert. As such, a beacon

determined to be located in a sea region may require different operation parameters than a beacon determined to be located on land. An example of an artificial geographic feature may be population density, or urban region. For example, it is conceivable that the operation parameters of a beacon located in an urban area would differ to that of the operation parameters of a beacon located in a remote thinly populated area.

Optionally, the natural geographic feature is average elevation. In this way, a predetermined region having a high average elevation may indicate that beacons installed in this predetermined area require different operation parameters, such as flash patterns or intensity.

Optionally, the natural geographic feature is weather or climate related. For example if a predetermined region is known to be especially susceptible to dense fog it may be desirable to associate an operation parameter set including a higher intensity setting for such a region.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the beacon is arranged for automatically activating the light source about sunset and automatically deactivating the light source about sunrise. When activated the light source can operate according to the operations parameters set. When deactivated the light source may remain off. Optionally the beacon includes a clock unit arranged for determining the moment of sunrise and sunset on the basis of the determined positional information representative of the position of the beacon. Additionally, or alternatively, the beacon receives a clock signal from a position determination unit, for example a GNSS receiver. Optionally the clock unit includes a look up table for determining the sunrise and sunset moments on the basis of the determined positional information representative of the position of the beacon.

Optionally the clock unit includes an algorithm for calculating the sunrise and sunset moments on the basis of the determined positional information representative of the position of the beacon. Optionally, the beacon is arranged for activating the hght source at a predetermined offset time from sunset. Optionally, the beacon is arranged for deactivating the light source at a predetermined offset time from sunrise. Optionally, the beacon includes a watchdog timer for timing a predetermined interval at which sunrise and sunset moments are calculated. The interval may be, for example, a day(s), a week(s), and year(s). It will be appreciated that this aspect of the invention can also be put to practice independent from providing the operation parameters set associated with the home region of the beacon to the control unit of the beacon.

According to another aspect of the invention, a transportation obstruction is provided including a beacon according to the invention. The transportation obstruction may be for example one of a wind turbine, a tower, a high-voltage transmission line wire, a structure, a chimney, a flare stack, a radio mast, a marine obstruction, a platform, and a buoy.

Optionally, the transportation obstruction further includes a position determination unit. In this case a transportation obstruction is provided including a position determination unit and a beacon for indicating a transportation obstruction. The beacon comprises a light source arranged for emitting light and a control unit arranged for controlling the light source according to an operation parameter set. The beacon is associated with a position determination unit of the transportation obstruction. The position determination unit is arranged for determining positional information representative of the position of the beacon. For example, by determining its own position. The beacon includes, or is communicatively connectable with, a processing unit and the processing unit is communicatively connectable with a database comprising data representative of a plurality of

predetermined geographic regions, wherein each region has a

predetermined boundary and wherein each region has an operation parameter set associated therewith. The processing unit is arranged for, on the basis of the determined positional information and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions, determining in which predetermined region the beacon is located, and wherein the processing unit is arranged for providing the operation parameters associated with that region to the control unit of the beacon. In this example, if the position determination unit is arranged for determining its own position, the determined positional information relates to the obstruction itself, which is representative of the position of the beacon.

According to another aspect of the invention, a system is provided comprising a beacon for indicating a transportation obstruction and at least one of a position determination unit and a remote server. The beacon comprises a light source arranged for emitting light, and a control unit arranged for controlling the light source according to an operation parameter set. The beacon is associated with a position determination unit arranged for determining positional information representative of the position of the beacon. The beacon includes, or is communicatively connectable with, a processing unit and the processing unit is

communicatively connectable with a database comprising data

In the case that the system includes a position determination unit, the beacon may act as master device. In this way, the processing unit of the beacon may communicate with additional beacons in the system. For example, the system may further comprise a second beacon for indicating a transportation obstruction. The second beacon comprises a light source arranged for emitting light, and a control unit arranged for controlling the light source according to an operation parameter set. The second beacon is communicatively connectable with the processing unit of the beacon. The processing unit is arranged for, on the basis of the determined positional information and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions, determining in which predetermined region the second beacon is located, and wherein the processing unit is arranged for providing the operation parameters associated with that region to the control unit of the second beacon.

It is also conceivable that the system comprises a remote server, and that the processing unit and/or the database are included on the remote server. This may facilitate communication in the master-slave arrangement of the beacon and the second beacon. It is possible that the system includes further beacons. It is conceivable that the second beacon is installed on a second transportation obstruction. It is also possible that the second beacon is installed on the same transportation obstruction as the other beacon.

According to the invention there is also provided a method of controlling, or installing, a beacon, for example for indicating a

transportation obstruction. The beacon includes a light source. The method comprises the steps of: automatically determining by a position

determination unit associated with the beacon positional information representative of the position of the beacon; providing a database

comprising data representative of a plurality of predetermined regions, wherein each region has a predetermined boundary and wherein each region has an operation parameter set associated therewith; determining, on the basis of the determined positional information and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions, in which predetermined region the beacon is located; providing the operation parameter set associated with the region in which it is determined that the beacon is located to a control unit of the beacon. The method may further comprise controlling the beacon in accordance with the operation parameter set. In this way the beacon is controlled in accordance with the operation parameter set associated with the region that it is located in. In this way the operation parameter set may be defined according to corresponding regulations applicable in the associated region.

Optionally, the method further includes the step of updating the database. Optionally, the step of updating the database includes providing a user interface and updating the database with input from a user. In this way, an administrator for example responsible for a group of transportation obstructions within a region may update the operation parameter set associated therewith. Similarly, an administrator for example responsible for a number of regions, may redefine the predetermined boundaries of the number of regions.

Optionally, the update includes updating the operation parameter set associated with a predetermined region. In this way, the operation parameter set may be kept up to date with the applicable regulations.

Optionally, the update includes updating the predetermined boundary of a predetermined region in this way the beacon may be kept up to date with changing regulations. Optionally, the update includes removing a

predetermined region from the database. Optionally the update includes adding a predetermined region to the database

Optionally, the method is performed on startup or after installation of the beacon at its operating location. In this way, the beacon is self-configuring at startup or after installation at the operating location. Optionally, the method is repeated at a predetermined time interval. In this way, the beacon stays up to date with changing regulations and regions. Furthermore, the beacon stays up to date without the need for manual reconfiguration or physical intervention. Manual reconfiguration is subject to human error, and beacons, especially beacons indicating aviation obstructions, may be located in remote and/or hazardous areas.

According to the invention there is also provided a computer programmable product, e.g. stored on a non-transient computer readable medium, comprising computer readable instructions that when executed by a computer implement the method according to the invention.

It will be appreciated that the features described above in relation to one or more of the beacon, the systems, the transportation obstruction, the method and the computer programmable product also apply to the beacon, the systems, the transportation obstructions the method and computer programmable product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment according to the invention; and

Figure 4 is schematic representation of reference area.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows schematic diagram of an example of a beacon 1 according to the invention. Beacon 1 comprises a light source 2. In this example light source 2 is a cluster of LEDs. The cluster includes a plurality of red LEDs arranged for emitting red light. A control unit 4 is arranged for controlling the light source 2 according to an operation parameter set. In this example, the operation parameter set includes a pattern parameter and an intensity parameter. The pattern parameter corresponds to the on/off pattern of light source 2. For example the pattern parameter may be five seconds on followed by three seconds off, flashing a Morse code U every 15 seconds, or 20 flashes per minute. The intensity parameter corresponds to the intensity of the emitted light. In this example there are three light intensity setting 700 candelas, 2000 candelas, and 2500 candelas. It is also conceivable that the operation parameter set includes a color of light emitted by the beacon. For example, in some regions, the color may be white during the day and red at night.

The beacon 1 is associated with a position determination unit 6 arranged for determining positional information representative of the position of the beacon. In this example the position determination unit 6 is included in the beacon 1, and is a GPS receiver. Therefore the positional information is representative of the position of the position determination unit which is representative of the position of the beacon. The position determined by the position determination unit in this example is a coordinate tuple of latitude, longitude, and elevation of the beacon with respect to the reference ellipsoid.

The beacon 1 is communicatively connectable with a processing unit 8. In this example, the beacon comprises the processing unit 8. In other words the processing unit 8 is co-located with the beacon 1. The processing unit 8 is communicatively connectable with a database 10 comprising data representative of a plurality of predetermined regions, wherein each region has a predetermined boundary and wherein each region has an operation parameter set associated therewith. It is possible that each region has a different operation parameter set associated therewith. It is also possible that some regions of the plurality of regions have the same operation parameter set associated therewith. Preferably at least two regions have different operation parameter sets associated therewith. The operation parameter sets may differ in one or more parameter values.

In this example the beacon 1 further comprise a memory 9 and the database 10 is stored in the memory 9.

The processing unit 8 is arranged for determining in which predetermined region the beacon 1 is located on the basis of the determined positional information, in this example the position of the position

determination unit 6 which is representative of the position of the beacon 1, and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions. In this example the processing unit 8 takes that coordinate tuple determined by the position determination unit 6, and compares the determined latitude, longitude, and elevation of the beacon with predetermined latitude, longitude, and elevation boundaries associated with each of the predetermined regions. If the processing unit determines that the determined latitude, longitude, and elevation of the beacon is within the predetermined latitude, longitude, and elevation boundaries of a certain predetermined region, the processing unit 8 determines that the beacon is positioned within that region. This region is the home region of the beacon.

The processing unit 8 is arranged for providing the operation parameters associated with the home region of the beacon to the control unit 4 of the beacon 1. In this way the beacon is self-contained.

Figure 2 shows schematic diagram of an example of a system including a beacon and a remote server according to the invention. Features of this example corresponding to features of the first example of a beacon according to the invention will be labeled with the same reference numerals.

In this example, the beacon 1 further comprises a communication unit 12 arranged for communicating, by transmitting and receiving data, with for example a remote server. In particular, the communication unit is be arranged for transmitting the determined beacon position to a remote server and for receiving the operation parameter set from the remote server. The communication unit may be arranged to communicate via a cellular connection, such as 3G or 4G, via short message service, and/or via satellite communication systems. It is also conceivable that the communication unit is arranged to communicate over a wired communication link, such as telephone line, or a fiber optic cable. In this case, the communication unit 12 communicates via the internet 14 with a first remote server 11 and a second remote server 13. The database 10 is included in the first remote server 11. The processing unit 8 is included on the second remote server 13. In this way, the position of the beacon determined by the position determination unit 6 is sent via the communication unit 12 and the internet 14 to the processing unit 8 on the second remote server 13. The first remote server 11 and the second remote server 13 communicate with each other over the internet 14. In this way the processing unit 8, included on the second remote server 13, may communicate with the database 10, included on the first remote server 11. It is conceivable the multiple instances of the processing unit 8 are implemented on the second remote server 13 which communicate with other beacons. In this way, a single database 10 can be used for a plurality of beacons.

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a system according to the invention. The system includes the system of Figure 2, which includes a beacon 1, referred to in this example as the first beacon 1, and a first remote server 11 and a second remote server 13. As in the example shown in Figure 2, the communication unit 12 of the beacon 1 communicates via the internet 14 with a first remote server 11 and a second remote server 13. The database 10 is included in the first remote server 11. The processing unit 8 is included on the second remote server 13. The position determination unit 6 is associated with the beacon 1. In this example, the position determination unit 6 is included in the beacon 1.

However, it is conceivable that the position determination unit 6 is not located in the beacon. For example, the position determination unit 6 may be in the vicinity of the beacon 1.

In this example, the system further comprises a second beacon

100 for indicating a transportation obstruction. The second beacon

comprises a light source 200 arranged for emitting light. In this example light source 200 is a cluster of LEDs. The cluster includes a plurality of red LEDs arranged for emitting red light and a plurality of white LEDs arranged for emitting red light. A control unit 400 is arranged for controlling the light source 200 according to an operation parameter set. In this example, the operation parameter set includes a pattern parameter, intensity parameter, and a color parameter.

The second beacon 200 is communicatively connected with the processing unit 8 of the first beacon 1 via the communication unit 120 of the second beacon and the internet 14. The processing unit 8 of the first beacon 1 is arranged for, on the basis of the determined positional information representative of the position of the second beacon 100, and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions, determining in which predetermined region the second beacon 100 is located. The processing unit 8 is further arranged for providing the operation parameters associated with that region to the control unit 400 of the second beacon 100. In this way, the processing unit 8 of the first beacon 1 works as a master over the second beacon 100.

In this way resources may be shared and beacons located in the vicinity of each other. In general, beacons of such systems as shown in Figure 3 fall with in the same region. It is also possible that the processing unit or the position determination unit is arranged for determining the position of the second beacon on the basis of the determined positional information. For, example, it is possible that the positional relationship between the position determination unit 6 located on the first beacon 1 and the second beacon 100 is known, or, for example, may be surveyed and provided to the processing unit 8 of the first beacon 1 or of the position determination unit 6 included in the first beacon 1. In this way, the processing unit 8 of the first beacon 1 is arranged for, on the basis of the determined position of the second beacon 100 and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions, determining in which predetermined region the second beacon 100 is located. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a reference area 34. Figure 4 shows country A with border 20, country B with border 24, and country C with border 28. Beacons 1 are installed on the top of wind turbines 41, buoys 42, and flare stacks 43, located in the reference area.

An example of the plurality of predetermined regions represented by the data stored in the database 10 is now given.

In this example, the regions are surface areas on a reference area approximating a portion of the geoid. The predetermined boundaries are defined using latitude and longitude.

A first predetermined region has a predetermined boundary that substantially corresponds to the border 20 of country A. A second region has a predetermined boundary that substantially corresponds to the territorial waters 22 of country A.

A third predetermined region has a predetermined boundary that substantially corresponds to the border 24 of country B. A fourth region has a predetermined boundary that substantially corresponds to the territorial waters 26 of country B.

A fifth region has a predetermined boundary that substantially corresponds to a mountainous region 30 of country C. A sixth region has a predetermined boundary that substantially corresponds to the industrial region 32 of country C. A seventh predetermined region has an outer predetermined boundary that substantially corresponds to the border 28 of country C, and inner predetermined boundaries substantially corresponding to regions 30 and 32. In this way the regions for this reference area are mutually exclusive.

Each of the above defined seven regions, except for the second and fourth region, have a single operation parameter set associated therewith. The second and fourth regions each have two operation parameter set associated therewith. In these regions the sets are elevation dependent. One of the operation parameter sets is intended for the wind turbines 41 and the other operation parameter set is intended for the buoys 42. Utilizing the difference in elevation between a buoy at sea and a wind turbine at sea, allows the associated beacons to be controlled according to different operation parameter sets.

An example of a method of controlling, or installing, a beacon 1 according to Figure 2 will now be explained. After installation, the beacon 1 is activated and the method is initiated. The position determination unit 6 of beacon 1 automatically determines positional information representative of the position of the beacon. In this case, the position determination unit 6 is included in the beacon. In this example, the position determination unit 6 is arranged for determining its own positon which is representative of the position of the beacon. As the position determination unit 6 is included in the beacon 1, the position of beacon 1 is representative of the position of determination unit 6. The beacon 1 includes a database 10 comprising data representative of a plurality of predetermined regions. Each region has a predetermined boundary and wherein each region has an operation parameter set associated therewith. The processing unit 8 receives the determined position from the position determination unit 6 via the communications unit 12 and via the internet 14. The processing unit 8 determines, on the basis of the determined position and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions, in which predetermined region the beacon lis located. The processing unit 8 is communicatively connected to the database 10 via the internet 14. The processing unit 8 provides the operation parameter set associated with the region in which it is determined that the beacon is located to a control unit 4 of the beacon 1. The control unit 4 controls the beacon 1 and the hght source accordingly.

It will be appreciated that as regulations change the database 10 may be updated. For example new operating parameters may be associated with a region, or new regions may be defined. In the example of Figure 2, as the database 10 is provided on a remote server 11, the database may be updated remotely. This may be useful when the beacon 1 is located on a wind turbine at sea.

The method resulting in the determination of the region in which the beacon 1 is located may be performed on startup after installation. It is also possible that the method is repeated at a predetermined time interval for example daily or monthly.

It will be appreciated that portions of the invention can be embodied as dedicated electronic circuits, possibly including software code portions. Also portions of the invention may be embodied as software code portions executed on, and e.g. stored in a memory of, a programmable apparatus such as a computer.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word 'comprising' does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words 'a' and 'an' shall not be construed as limited to 'only one', but instead are used to mean 'at least one', and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A beacon for indicating a transportation obstruction comprising:

a light source arranged for emitting light; and

a control unit arranged for controlling the light source according to an operation parameter set;

wherein the beacon is associated with a position determination unit arranged for determining positional information representative of the position of the beacon;

wherein the beacon includes, or is communicatively connectable with, a processing unit and the processing unit is communicatively connectable with a database comprising data representative of a plurality of predetermined geographic regions, wherein each region has a

predetermined boundary and wherein each region has an operation parameter set associated therewith;

and wherein the processing unit is arranged for, on the basis of the determined positional information and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions, determining in which predetermined region the beacon is located, and wherein the processing unit is arranged for providing the operation parameters associated with that region to the control unit of the beacon.

2. Beacon according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of

predetermined regions are mutually exclusive.

3. Beacon according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of predetermined regions are surface areas on a reference area that

approximates at least a portion of the geoid of the Earth and wherein the predetermined boundary of each predetermined regions is defined by latitude and longitude coordinates.

4. Beacon according to claim 3, wherein the surface areas of the plurality of predetermined regions substantially cover the entire reference area.

5. Beacon according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the position determination unit is arranged for translating the position information determined by the position determination unit to a geodetic datum of the predetermined regions.

6. Beacon according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the processing unit is arranged for translating the positional information determined by the position determination unit to a geodetic datum of the predetermined regions

7. Beacon according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein a

predetermined region of the plurality of predetermined regions relates to a predetermined country, and wherein the predetermined boundary of the predetermined region substantially corresponds to the border of the predetermined country.

8. Beacon according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein a

predetermined region of the plurality of predetermined regions relates to the territorial waters of a predetermined country, and wherein the predetermined boundary of the predetermined region substantially corresponds to the border of the territorial waters of the predetermined country.

9. Beacon according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein a

predetermined region has a common geographic feature.

10. Beacon according to claim 9, wherein the common geographic feature includes at least one of a natural geographic feature and a artificial geographic feature

11. Beacon according to claim 10, wherein the natural geographic feature is one of terrain, sea, water, land, desert, average elevation, weather, climate, and susceptibility to fog.

12. Beacon according to claim 10, wherein the artificial geographic feature is one of population density and urban, and remote.

13. Beacon according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the beacon further comprises the processing unit.

14. Beacon according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the beacon further comprise a memory; and wherein the database is stored in the memory.

15. Beacon according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the beacon comprises a communication unit arranged for transmitting and receiving data

16. Beacon according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the beacon further comprises the position determination unit.

17. A transportation obstruction including a beacon according to anyone of claims 1-16, wherein the beacon is installed on the transportation obstruction and wherein the transportation obstruction is for example one of a wind turbine, a tower, a high-voltage transmission line wire, a structure, a chimney, a flare stack, a radio mast, a marine obstruction, a platform, and a buoy.

18. A transportation obstruction including a beacon according to anyone of claims 1-15, wherein the beacon is installed on the transportation obstruction and wherein the transportation obstruction further includes a position determination unit, and wherein the transportation obstruction is for example one of a wind turbine, a tower, a high-voltage transmission hne wire, a structure, a chimney, a flare stack, a radio mast, a marine

obstruction, a platform, and a buoy.

19. A system comprising:

a beacon for indicating a transportation obstruction comprising:

a light source arranged for emitting light; and

wherein the beacon is associated with a position

determination unit arranged for determining positional information representative of the position of the beacon;

wherein the beacon includes, or is communicatively connectable with, a processing unit and the processing unit is

communicatively connectable with a database comprising data

representative of a plurality of predetermined geographic regions, wherein each region has a predetermined boundary and wherein each region has an operation parameter set associated therewith;

and wherein the processing unit is arranged for, on the basis of the determined positional information and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions, determining in which predetermined region the beacon is located, and wherein the processing unit is arranged for providing the operation parameters associated with that region to the control unit of the beacon;

and at least one of the position determination unit, a remote server including the database, and a remote server including the processing unit.

20. System according to claim 19, wherein the beacon is a beacon according to any one of claims 2- 16.

21. System according to any one of claims 19-20, wherein the system further comprises a transportation obstruction, wherein the beacon is installed on the transportation obstruction and wherein the transportation obstruction is for example one of a wind turbine, a tower, a high -voltage transmission line wire, a structure, a chimney, a flare stack, a radio mast, a marine obstruction, a platform, and a buoy.

22. System according to any one of claims 17-21 further comprising a second beacon for indicating a transportation obstruction comprising:

a light source arranged for emitting light; and

wherein the second beacon is communicatively

connectable with the processing unit;

and wherein the processing unit is arranged for, on the basis of the determined positional information and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions, determining in which predetermined region the second beacon is located, and wherein the processing unit is arranged for providing the operation parameters associated with that region to the control unit of the second beacon.

23. System according to claim 22, wherein the second beacon is a beacon according to any one of claims 2-16.

24. System according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the system further comprises a second transportation obstruction, wherein the second beacon is installed on the second transportation obstruction and wherein the second transportation obstruction is for example one of a wind turbine, a tower, a high-voltage transmission line wire, a structure, a chimney, a flare stack, a radio mast, a marine obstruction, a platform, and a buoy.

25. A method of controlling, or installing, a beacon, wherein the beacon includes a light source, the method comprising the steps of:

- automatically determining by a position determination unit associated with the beacon positional information representative of the position of the beacon;

- providing a database comprising data representative of a plurality of predetermined regions, wherein each region has a

- determining, on the basis of the determined positional information and on the basis of the predetermined boundaries of the plurality of predetermined regions, in which predetermined region the beacon is located;

- providing the operation parameter set associated with the region in which it is determined that the beacon is located to a control unit of the beacon.

26. Method according to claim 25, wherein the method further includes the step of updating the database.

27. Method according to any one of claims 25-26, wherein the method is performed on startup after installation.

28. Method according to any one of claims 25-27, wherein the method is repeated at a predetermined time interval.

29. Computer program product, comprising computer readable instructions that when executed by a computer implement the method according to any one of claims 25-28.