WO2017085665A1

WO2017085665A1 - A security system

Info

Publication number: WO2017085665A1
Application number: PCT/IB2016/056930
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francesco Franza; Antonio RICCA; Mauro TAGLIANETTI; Achille D'ANGELO
Original assignee: Francesco Franza; Ricca Antonio; Taglianetti Mauro; D'angelo Achille
Priority date: 2015-11-20
Filing date: 2016-11-17
Publication date: 2017-05-26
Also published as: ITUB20155794A1

Abstract

A security system usable on board of a boat comprising detecting means (2) for the falling overboard of a user. The security system comprises at least one device for supplying the instructions (15) to the staff remaining on board regarding the operations and control of the boat to facilitate rescue operations of a user fell overboard and to avoid subjecting him/her to additional risks to his/her safety. Among these device for supplying instruction there is a monitor (16) for displaying thereof in written form.

Description

A SECURITY SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION

Definition

In the present application the term "boat" refers to identify, as known, any type of vessel, boat or ship.

Field of invention

The present application is generally applicable to the shipping sector, referring particularly to the security devices for the users and the crew of the boat, whatever its type.

More in detail, the present application relates to a security system for the rescue of a user fallen out of the boat.

Background of the invention

In the shipping sector, a very important aspect is the emergency event detection of a "man overboard", so that rescue and recovery can be carried out as fast as possible.

In regards to that, numerous auxiliary devices are known and available for users, allowing automatic detection and of a "man overboard" event, and its immediate alarm. Examples include the systems described in CN 204228959, DE 102 16 788 A1 , EP 0 416 972 A1 .

These systems require the crew and its captain readiness to stop the boat and proceed to the identification and recovery of the user overboard.

However, it may happen that at the helm there is a non-expert user (the captain is obliged to be at the helm only in a few precise moments of the navigation), or that the captain in the man overboard itself.

For these cases some other security devices are known, such as the ones described in FR 2 487 286 A3 or in GB 2 336 928 A, in which, when the alarm is triggered, act to automatically stop the boat.

The know systems, moreover, usually start sending a distress signal to the authorities, such as the Coast Guard, in order to intervene as quickly as possible to rescue the user overboard.

However, in case that the captain is the man overboard, it can happen that on board there are no expert staff. This usually occurs particularly in cases off crafts or boats.

There is also the case in that the staff on board, even expert one, may be seized by panic and therefore not able to execute the correct commands.

It is also known the document US 2002/052159 A1 which describes a security system that provides audio instruction to the staff. However, in that case, since it can be presumed that the staff may be seized by panic or at least agitated, that solution may not be enough since it requires a certain level of attention by said users.

Summary of the invention

Object of the invention is to at least partially overcome the drawbacks abovementioned, providing a security system to be used in a boat allowing to ensure its proper behavior and the rescue operations in case of man overboard.

Particularly, an object of the present invention is to provide a security system to be used in a boat allowing to ensure its proper behavior even to non- expert staff in case of man overboard.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a security system to be used in a boat allowing to ensure its proper behavior in case of man overboard, by guiding the staff step by step, so that they can execute the correct commands successfully even in case of panic or agitation.

These objects, and other that will appear more clearly in the following, are achieved by a security system usable by a user according to the claims that follow, which are to be considered an integral part of the present patent document.

Particularly, first of all, the system comprises detection means for the falling overboard of a user. These usually activate an alarm status which consequently leads to a sequence of operations in order to quickly provide rescue to the fallen overboard user.

However, a part of the commands must be performed by the staff on board of the boat from where the user fell overboard. In addition, this staff should avoid performing operations that could further endanger the user overboard.

For that reason, according to an aspect of the invention the security system comprises an instructions supplier device to the staff that remain on board in regard to operations and governance of the boat. Advantageously, the rescue operation of the user fallen overboard results thus eased, since whoever governs the boat is guided on the correct procedures to obtain its scope.

It is also avoided the risk of executing wrong operations by whoever governs the boat, that could endanger the user fallen overboard to further risks.

Also advantageously, the risks arising from panic that might assail whoever governs the boat are avoided.

To that end, and according to another aspect of the invention, the device for supplying instructions comprises at least one monitor to display the instruction in written form, ensuring its swift use by the staff that usually might be agitated if not in panic.

Brief description of the drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention will appear more evident by reading the detailed description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments, of a security system used on board of a boat according to the invention, shown as non-limitative example with the help of the annexed drawing, wherein FIG. 1 shows a security system according to the invention in a schematic view.

Detailed description of an example of a preferred embodiment With reference to the abovementioned figure, it is described a security system 1 used on board of a boat.

Particularly, the security system 1 first of all comprises detection means 2 of the falling overboard of a user. In this regard, the security system 1 of the invention is intended to activate an alarm status to a "man overboard " event detected by said detection means 2.

In this regard, the security system 1 comprises also one or more alarm devices 3 to signal the falling overboard of the user, operatively connected with the detection means 2 for its activation.

Usually, but not necessarily, the alarm devices 3 comprise sound and light emission signal devices, as well as the activation of emergency distress calls to the rescuing staff, for their immediate intervention to rescue the user fallen overboard.

Regarding instead the detecting means 2, according to the embodiment described they comprise in their turn an electromagnetic signal transmitter device 5 available to the user, as well as a receiver device 6 arranged on the boat and suited to receive the electromagnetic signals transmitted by the transmitter device 5.

I addition, the detection means 2 comprise an actuator operatively connected to the alarm devices 3 to be enabled in case of an alarm status.

However, this detection means embodiment must not be considered limitative for the invention. Particularly, they can be implemented in any way whatsoever since they does not represent, in itself, a feature-limiting for the invention. For example, according to a possible different embodiment they can comprise a double GPS system, one placed on board and the other one supplied to the user. The alarm status detection takes place when the coordinates of both GPS systems are such as to indicate that the user is overboard.

In any case, the detection means part 2 available to the user is usually small sized, such not to be uncomfortable. In the described embodiment it is inserted within a watch that the user can wear on his/her wrist, but that is only one of the non-limitative examples of execution of the invention.

Also the number of devices available to the user is not a limiting feature for the invention as it may be natural to assume that the system comprises a device for each user present on the boat, whether it is a crew member or a passenger. The same applies to the detection means 2 on the boat: even their number is not a limitative characteristic for the invention.

Returning to the described embodiment, the alarm status takes place when there is a missing reception of the usually transmitted electromagnetic signal, but not necessarily periodically from the transmitter device 5. This allows to ensure that its malfunctions do not affect the activation of the alarm status.

Particularly, the security system 1 comprises an identification circuit of the missing reception from the receiving device 6 of the periodic electromagnetic signal transmitted from the transmitter device 5. This identification circuit, besides being operatively connected to the receiving device 6, is operatively connected to the actuator 7 in order to activate it in case of a missing signal reception. Thus triggers the alarm status. However, even this aspect is not to be considered limitative for the invention, as the alarm status can be activated, for example, through the transmission of an appropriate electromagnetic signal from the transmitter device which, in the absence of alarms, does not transmit anything.

In this case, the identification circuit performs an electromagnetic alarm signal check, and acts in consequence over the actuator.

It is known that is critical the immediate activation of the alarm status to ensure a quick rescue of the user overboard, since it could represent a life or death situation.

To that effect, according to a feature of the invention, the security system

1 comprises driving means of the boat 10 operatively connected to the detecting means 2 to stop the boat in case of a man overboard event.

In other words, when the falling overboard of a user event occurs, the alarm status triggered induces the security system 1 to act over the driving means 10 in order to immediately stop the boat, therefore limiting its distancing from the user overboard. The user can be then shortly rescued, having also the possibility to autonomously approach and get back in the boat.

In case of a motor boat, usually the driving means 12 include the engine itself, and in such case the arrest is simply obtained by interrupting the power or the fuel supply.

In case of a sailing boat, however, the security system 1 can automatically either haul down the sails or turn the steer of the boat to stop its course.

However, as previously mentioned, the on board staff may not be able to correctly govern and execute all the necessary commands, and ensure the quickly rescue of the user overboard.

For that reason, according to another aspect of the invention, the security system 1 comprises also a device for supplying the instructions 15 to the staff remaining on board regarding the operations and control of the boat. Such device, therefore, has in charge to guide the on board staff either to correctly govern the boat as well as in the execution of the necessary rescue operations of the user overboard as quickly and safely as possible.

Advantageously, therefore, even if the on board staff is not expert on govern the boat, he can still act in the correct way, not only easing the user's rescue, but also to avoid conducting operations that can increase risks for the user's safety.

Still advantageously, the security system 1 is also able to support the expert staff on board in case of doubt or panic. In fact, as known, in case of panic, the best way to avoid higher risks is to provide clear and adequate instructions so that any person can mechanically perform the necessary operations.

To that effect, according to another feature of the invention, the device for supplying the instructions 15 comprises a monitor 16 for its display in written form, making its use swifter.

It is noted that any other instruction diffusion instrument requires a certain level of self-control for its comprehension and execution by the on board staff.

However, given the situation, it is reasonable to assume that the staff will be at least shaken, if not in panic. In this regard, it is obvious that the better device for supplying the instructions 15 that allows its swifter use, even with a lower attention level, is the monitor 16.

However, according to another aspect of the invention, the security system

1 comprises also a second device for supplying instructions 15 consisting of a speaker 17 for the audio broadcasting thereof. This is due to the fact that, in the human psychology, an audio recall, especially if well-punctuated and loud, allows to bring back at least that minimum level of calm, such as to enable the user to follow the written information on the monitor 16. In case the user has a higher self-control, the use of the speaker 17 to broadcast the instructions allows its easier execution.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the security system 1 comprises also a detecting device 18 of the boat's coordinates in the first instant wherein the alarm status is triggered

In other words, in the moment when the user is detected overboard it automatically sends a coordinate. That position, in fact, corresponds to a near point where the fallen overboard user is, and is, therefore, an excellent tracking to help a fast user identification and rescue.

Advantageously, therefore, the identification of the point or the restricted area in which the user is located is safe and is independent of the status of the devices, to which the user is provided.

As for the detecting device 15, it comprises radio-positioning tool of the boat. This can be constituted by a GPS device, but particular embodiment must not be considered limitative for different embodiments of the invention according to which the detecting device is constituted by other different devices.

According to another feature of the invention, the security system 1 comprises also a displaying device 20 of the position of the boat in the first instant of the alarm status. In other words, the displaying device 20 shows the detected coordinate when the alarm is activated. This allows to display a point at least near the one where the user is placed to be rescued, facilitating its visualization on the nautical charts, speeding the rescue operations.

Usually, this displaying device 20 is constituted by a monitor, but it must not be considered limitative for the invention. However, it is noted that usually boats are equipped with GPS devices, whose monitor can be advantageously used as a displaying device 20 in the detected coordinate. In that case, the transposition on the nautical charts is immediate.

To all of the abovementioned, it is evident that the security system of the invention achieves all the intended purposes.

Particularly, the security system of the invention helps to ensure the proper governance of the boat and the rescue operations in case of falling overboard of a user, even if the on board staff is not expert and/or is in panic.

The invention is susceptible to several modifications e variations, all falling within the inventive concept expressed in the claims. All the details may be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials may be different according to requirements, without departing the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1 . A security system usable on board of a boat comprising detecting means (2) for the falling overboard of a user, characterized in comprising at least one device for supplying the instructions (15) to the staff remaining on board regarding the operations and control of the boat to facilitate rescue operations of a user fell overboard and to avoid subjecting him/her to additional risks to his/her safety, said at least one device for supplying instruction (15) comprising at least one monitor (16) for displaying thereof in written form.

2. Security System according to claim 1 , characterized in that said device for supplying the instructions (15) comprises at least one speaker (17) for the audio broadcasting thereof.

3. Security system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in comprising driving means (10) of the boat operatively connected to said detecting means (2) at least to stop the boat in case of falling overboard of a user.

4. Security system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in comprising one or more alarm devices (3) operatively connected to said detecting means (2) to be activated in case of falling overboard of a user.

5. Security system according to 4, characterized in that said detecting means (2) comprise:

at least one transmitter device of electromagnetic signals (5) for the user;

at least one receiver device (6) susceptible to be arranged in the boat and susceptible to receive said electromagnetic signals transmitted by said transmitter device (5);

at least one actuator (7) operatively connected to said alarm devices (3) for their activation in case of alarm.

6. Security system according to claim 5, characterized in comprising an identification circuit of the failed reception by said receiver device (6) of an electromagnetic signal transmitted at least periodically by said transmitter device (5), said identification circuit being operatively connected to said actuator (7) to activate it in case of failed reception.

7. Security system according to claim 5, characterized in comprising an identification circuit of the reception by said the receiver device (6) of an electromagnetic alarm signal transmitted by said transmitter device (5), said identification circuit being operatively connected to said actuator (7) to activate it in case of reception of said alarm signal.

8. Security system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in comprising at least one detecting device (18) at least of the position of the boat at least in the first instant of activation of said alarm signals.

9. Security system according to claim 9, characterized in comprising at least one displaying device (20) of said position of the boat in said first instant of activation of said alarm signals so as to display at least one point at least near to the one where the user is placed.