U.S. patent application number 13/796894 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for nautic alert apparatus, system, and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Fernando A. Velado, Nicholas F. VELADO. Invention is credited to Fernando A. Velado, Nicholas F. VELADO.
Application Number | 20140266793 13/796894 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51525129 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140266793 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VELADO; Nicholas F. ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
NAUTIC ALERT APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD
Abstract
A sensing unit for an autonomous onboard monitoring and
communications system for watercraft. The sensing unit can include
at least one sensor for sensing a condition, and a control unit
configured to receive input from the at least one sensor, determine
a condition value based on the input, compare the condition value
to at least one condition value range, and execute an action if the
condition value is outside the at least one condition value
range.
Inventors: |
VELADO; Nicholas F.;
(Pflugerville, TX) ; Velado; Fernando A.;
(Westerville, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
VELADO; Nicholas F.
Velado; Fernando A. |
Pflugerville
Westerville |
TX
OH |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51525129 |
Appl. No.: |
13/796894 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/870.16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 79/00 20200101;
G08B 25/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/870.16 |
International
Class: |
B63B 45/00 20060101
B63B045/00 |
Claims
1. A sensing unit for an autonomous onboard monitoring and
communications system for watercraft, comprising: at least one
sensor for sensing a condition, the at least one sensor comprises
at least a temperature sensor and at least one ultrasonic water
level sensor, and the condition further comprises ambient water
temperature of a sensing unit; a control unit configured to:
receive temperature data input from the at least one temperature
sensor; receive water level data from the at least one ultrasonic
water level sensor; determine a condition value based on the
temperature data and water level data input; compare the condition
value to at least one condition value range; and execute an action
if the condition value is outside the at least one condition value
range; a connector, controllable by the control unit, for
connecting an external device and controlling a supply of electric
power to the connector; and at least one communications device for
notifying a user of the condition.
2. (canceled)
3. The sensing unit of claim 1, wherein the condition comprises the
distance between the at least one ultrasonic temperature sensor and
a surface.
4. (canceled)
5. The sensing unit of claim 1, wherein the external device is a
bilge pump.
6-7. (canceled)
8. The sensing unit of claim 1, wherein the action comprises
operating the at least one communications device so as to notify
the user of the condition.
9-10. (canceled)
11. The sensing unit of claim 8, wherein the at least one
communications device is a visual indicator.
12. The sensing unit of claim 8, wherein the at least one
communications device is a sound emitting device.
13. The sensing unit of claim 8, wherein the at least one
communications device is a wireless network communications
interface.
14. The sensing unit of claim 1, wherein the control unit is
configurable by the user.
15. The sensing unit of claim 1, further comprising an interface
for configuring the control unit.
16. A sensing unit for an autonomous onboard monitoring and
communications system for watercraft, comprising: at least one
temperature sensor; at least one ultrasonic water level sensor; a
power supply connector; a power out connector; one or more audio
emitters; a visual indicator; a wireless network communications
interface; and a control unit configured to: receive input from the
at least one temperature sensor and the at least one ultrasonic
water level sensor; determine, based on the input, a distance
between the at least one temperature sensor and a surface; compare
the distance to at least one threshold distance; provide electrical
power to a device connected to the power out connector if the
distance exceeds the at least one threshold distance; determine a
value of a condition, wherein the condition comprises the ambient
temperature; and operate one or more of the audio emitters, the
visual indicator, and the wireless network communications interface
if the condition value is outside a condition value range.
17-20. (canceled)
21. The sensing unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one
ultrasonic temperature sensor is recalibrated with a new
zero-distance mark to adjust a zero-distance mark.
22. The sensing unit of claim 1, wherein the user configures the
control unit to set-up predetermined liquid depth thresholds when
the control unit identifies that the thresholds have been reached
or exceeded.
23. The sensing unit of claim 1, wherein the user configures the
control unit to restore product defaults so as to see how much
additional space there is to work with before an at least one
ultrasonic temperature sensor reading is registered.
24. The sensing unit of claim 5, wherein the bilge pump is turned
on and pumps water out of a bilge area, until the at least one
ultrasonic temperature sensor measures a minimum lower water level
that meets a predetermined user policy based minimum level.
25. The sensing unit of claim 5, wherein the control unit provides
power to another bilge pump when the bilge pump is non-operational,
thereby providing redundancy in case of failure.
25. The sensing unit of claim 5, wherein the control unit provides
power to another bilge pump when the bilge pump is non-operational,
thereby providing redundancy in case of failure.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Today, many people own a boat or other nautical vessel.
Often times an owner keeps the boat or vessel at a marina, harbor,
dock, trailer, other suitable location away from a home residence,
or even at a home residence. Many of these places do not have
security or monitoring services. Due to this lack of security or
monitoring, many boats and vessels are susceptible to various risks
of damage when left unattended, including, for example, high-levels
of water in a boat, smoke, gas fumes, unexpected movement of an
anchored boat, and unexpected movement of a boat from its dock or
trailer. The resulting damage from these events can be large.
Moreover, boats are often stored in close proximity to many other
boats increasing the potential risk for more damage. The ability to
efficiently monitor, detect, alert, and respond to these types of
events becomes the key to minimizing damage in the boating
world.
[0002] Certain known solutions to the above-described issues may
involve on-board monitoring systems. Many such solutions typically
reference a land-based data center, land-based remote site,
land-based network operations center, or land-based center of
operations, or remote land-based website, which is typically
understood in the art to be a data processing point for
information, controlled and facilitated at least by computer
hardware, operating systems, applications, storage, and
communication networks.
[0003] Generally, vessel monitoring systems include a telemetry
type of device or a device with a microprocessor installed on a
vessel that is used to capture a data point value (for example, an
"On" or "Off" value or a "0" or "1" value) from a sensor. Typically
such devices can receive data points from onboard sensors and
subsequently forward it to a land-based center via wireless
communications for data processing. In turn, the land-based center
applies algorithms to the received data so as to analyze the data
and determine the existence or non-existence of a problem. The
land-based center may then notify the owner of the vessel that a
problem exists and pursue further courses of action to resolve the
problem. A typical model for such vessel monitoring systems that
are known in the art is shown in FIG. 1. However, such vessel
monitoring systems depend on land-based computer systems and
therefore the vessel onboard telemetry device cannot bypass the
land-based center for the purposes of data processing and
communicating alerts or information to the vessel owner. The
requirement of routing all operations through and cooperating with
the land-based center restricts or limits the ability to offer
onboard functionality in an efficient manner. In addition, the
dependency on the land-based center means that the vessel's onboard
telemetry asset is not standalone nor independent, which limits the
asset's ability to solve or mitigate the vessel owner risks
autonomously; hence, mitigation of vessel owner risks and solution
of any existing problems according to the known art requires that
the onboard telemetry device and the land-based computers work
together as one system to complete key core processes that address
the risks and existing problems.
SUMMARY
[0004] A sensing unit for an autonomous onboard monitoring and
communications system for watercraft. The sensing unit can include
at least one sensor for sensing a condition, and a control unit
configured to receive input from the at least one sensor, determine
a condition value based on the input, compare the condition value
to at least one condition value range, and execute an action if the
condition value is outside the at least one condition value
range.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0005] Advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary
embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is an exemplary prior art land based dependency model
for monitoring, data processing, and communication;
[0007] FIG. 2 is an exemplary nautic alert model for monitoring,
information, and communication;
[0008] FIG. 3 is an exemplary nautic alert system overview;
[0009] FIG. 4 is an exemplary diagram of a nautic alert system
console;
[0010] FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram of a nautic alert system
console architecture;
[0011] FIG. 6 is an exemplary listing of nautic alert application
service logic module Descriptions;
[0012] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram of a nautic alert intelligent
wireless sensor architecture;
[0013] FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram of a nautic alert analytic
engine and analysis process model;
[0014] FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram of a nautic alert intelligent
wireless DC power and gas fume sensor unit;
[0015] FIG. 10 is an exemplary diagram of a nautic alert
intelligent wireless ultrasonic water level and temperature sensor
and switch unit;
[0016] FIG. 11 is an exemplary diagram of a nautic alert
intelligent wireless smoke detector, temperature, and motion
detection sensor unit;
[0017] FIG. 12 is an exemplary diagram of a nautic alert personal
emergency wireless unit; and
[0018] FIG. 13 is an exemplary diagram of a nautic alert
distributed control system.
[0019] FIGS. 14A-14B show another exemplary embodiment of a nautic
alert intelligent wireless ultrasonic water level and temperature
sensor and switch unit.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Aspects of the invention are disclosed in the following
description and related drawings directed to specific embodiments
of the invention. Alternate embodiments may be devised without
departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention.
Additionally, well-known elements of exemplary embodiments of the
invention will not be described in detail or will be omitted so as
not to obscure the relevant details of the invention. Further, to
facilitate an understanding of the description, discussion of
several terms used herein follows.
[0021] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described
herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred or advantageous over other embodiments Likewise, the
terms "embodiments of the invention," "embodiments" or "invention"
do not require that all embodiments of the method, system or
apparatus include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of
operation.
[0022] Further, many embodiments are described in terms of
sequences of actions to be performed by, for example, elements of a
computing device. It will be recognized that various actions
described herein can be performed by specific circuits (e.g.,
application specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), by program
instructions being executed by one or more processors, or by a
combination of both. Additionally, these sequence of actions
described herein can be considered to be embodied entirely within
any form of computer readable storage medium having stored therein
a corresponding set of computer instructions that upon execution
would cause an associated processor to perform the functionality
described herein. Thus, the various aspects of the invention may be
embodied in a number of different forms, all of which have been
contemplated to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter.
In addition, for each of the embodiments described herein, the
corresponding form of any such embodiments may be described herein
as, for example, "logic configured to" perform the described
action.
[0023] FIG. 3 shows an overview of an exemplary embodiment of a
nautic alert system 160. System 160 may be a dedicated, integrated,
and self-contained system. As shown in FIG. 3, nautic alert system
160 may include, but is not limited to, several major areas of
functionality, including security monitoring 162, vital event
monitoring 164, video and audio 166, vessel and support information
168, and communication and reporting 170.
[0024] Security monitoring 162 and vital event monitoring 164
functionalities may address certain boat owner risks. To that end,
security monitoring 162 and event monitoring 164 may include
observing certain events and conditions 172. Such events and
conditions 172 may include, but are not limited to, security
events, vessel location tracking, vital vessel events, and personal
emergency response needs. Video and audio support 166
functionalities may include surveillance and communication
capabilities, for example and not limited to, surveillance of a
vessel bridge or a specific compartment, or video conferencing.
Vessel and support information 168 functionalities may include
monitoring and analyzing, as an example and not limited to hereto,
bilge water level measurements, fuel level measurements, traveling
speed measurements, engine related measurements, and other types of
measurements. Vessel and support information 168 functionalities
may also provide, as an example and not limited to, nautical maps,
standard maps, weather information, vital vessel trends, vital
vessel history, and system statuses. Communication and reporting
170 functionalities may provide the ability for, as an example and
not limited to, delivery of events and alerts to targeted
recipients, requests to targeted individuals or entities for help
or assistance, and two-way information exchange between the nautic
alert system and targeted individuals or entities.
[0025] Nautic alert system 160 may be an intelligent system that
may utilize an analytic engine 87 (shown in FIG. 8) to perform
analyses of sensor data points, and to perform event analyses in an
effort to eliminate false-positive messages and to promote
proactive behavior that may help mitigate various disasters and
events. Sensor events may be fed into analytic engine 87, which may
evaluate the event against an alert policy, and may give additional
feedback about a critical event, for example, whether the event has
gone beyond critical or back to a normal state. A critical event
may also be evaluated over a period of time as having become
"worse" or "better," for example, by reporting and measuring
quantitative data from a sensor. To successfully monitor, detect,
analyze, and issue alerts, system 160 may include the following
hardware and software:
TABLE-US-00001 Hardware Software System Console with digital logic
board Nautic Alert .RTM. Application Logic (motherboard) with CPU
and Memory System Console with Touch-Screen Nautic Alert .RTM.
Intuitive Graphical User LCD Interface Tri-Band GSM 900/1800/1900
MHz, Nautic Alert .RTM. API Interfaces and Quad-Band GSM
850/900/1800/1900 MHz; Dual Band CDMA 824-849/869-894 MHz, and
1850-1910/1930-1990 MHz 1XRTT for U.S. and International Cellular
Communication Cellular Antenna Nautic Alert .RTM. Device Drivers
GPS Antenna Nautic Alert .RTM. Mobile Portal Wi-Fi Integrated
System Console Power Nautic Alert .RTM. Harbor-Master Portal Sensor
Integrated System Console GPS Nautic Alert .RTM. Service Provider
Portal Receiver Integrated System Console Motion Nautic Alert .RTM.
Fleet Vessel Management Detector Sensor Portal Integrated System
Console Speaker SQL Compatible Database Integrated System Console
with Camera, Siren, and Microphone Integrated System Console
Temperature Sensor Wireless AC Volt Sensor with DC Power Wireless
DC Volt Sensor with DC Power Wireless Motion Detector with DC Power
Wireless Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector with DC Power or AC
Power Wireless Gas Fume Detector with DC Power Wireless Compartment
Temperature Sensor with DC Power Wireless Ultrasonic Waterproof
Water Level Sensor with DC Power Wireless GPS Sensor Wireless
Emergency Response Device
[0026] In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a system
architecture 300, such as the Nautic Alert Architecture, may be
composed of hardware and software that may create an intelligent,
interactive embedded system 160 that may monitor, detect, analyze,
or alert a vessel owner, harbormaster, or service provider, of
events that may require attention or immediate response. The boat
owner may interact with system 160 by way of an Intuitive Graphical
User Interface (IGUI) 32, such as the Nautic Alert Graphical User
Interface, which may be displayed on a touchscreen 2 for easy
navigation. The IGUI layer 32 may communicate with an application
logic layer 33, such as the Nautic Alert Application Logic layer.
Application logic layer 33 may contain core system algorithms. By
way of the operating system, a system application 29, such as the
Nautic Alert System Application, may communicate with system
hardware 76, such as the Nautic Alert Hardware. System architecture
300 may include support for wireless sensors, such as Nautic Alert
Wireless Sensors. The System may identify a genuine wireless sensor
from a foreign wireless sensor as a function of security management
logic 38. Encrypted communication may take place between system
console 200 and the wireless sensors.
[0027] System 160 may be an interactive system. Interaction may
take place from a system console 200 or from mobile devices, such
as, for example, a cell phone, smartphone, laptop computer or
personal digital assistant ("PDA"). Event messages may be sent
utilizing Short Message Service ("SMS") standards for notification.
Overview of statuses, trends, historical data, and forensics may be
facilitated through a portal, such as the Nautic Alert Portal, and
changes to the operating mode or settings may be accomplished
through system console 200 or from a mobile device. The portal and
system console 200 may communicate using the wireless markup
language (WML) over short message service (SMS) or WML with the
wireless application protocol (WAP).
[0028] In one exemplary embodiment, nautic alert system 160 may
include a system console 200, as shown in FIG. 4. System console
200, such as the Nautic Alert System Console, may contain a Central
Processor Unit (CPU) 22 integrated into printed circuit boards
(motherboard) with integrated memory and buses 16, which may
operate on direct current ("DC") power via a DC power interface 23,
or on alternating current ("AC") power via a shore power interface
28, and may have an internal battery backup power source 27 and
management. Application logic level software 33, such as Nautic
Alert.RTM. Application Logic level software, may communicate with
an IGUI 32 such as the Nautic Alert.RTM. IGUI, with electronic
components on the motherboard 16, and with sensors. Application
logic level software 33 can thus be the logic engine and algorithm
software that facilitates the functionality of system 160.
[0029] Console 200 may be mounted in a vertical position to a
bulkhead, fastened to a stand, set into an instrumentation console,
set into a panel, installed inside a cabinet, locker, or other type
of location. Console 200 may use a touch-screen 2 coupled with the
IGUI 32, which may enable the user to interact with system
application 29. IGUI 32 may produce summarized information in an
executive summary, or in details, and may guide the end-user to
targeted areas that may need attention or present risk. The IGUI 32
may also include an embedded "Help" system that may aid the
customer in answering system related questions.
[0030] Console 200 may include an enclosure 1, and an embedded
audio speaker 3 that can facilitate making two-way voice calls and
can act as a receiver for an intercom system. Console 200 may also
include a siren 4, which can emit variable pitch sounds as system
warnings or as certain events arise onboard the vessel. Console 200
may also include a primary power indicator 5, which can show color
status notifications for primary power on, primary power off, or a
problem with power. Console 200 may further include a system
message indicator 6, which can show color status notifications for
system messages that indicate no messages, messages that requires
immediate action, or messages that are proactive in nature. Console
200 may further include an operating mode indicator 7, which can
show color status notifications for whether system 160 is operating
in an "onboard" mode (that is, system 160 is operating in a
configuration optimized for when the vessel owner is onboard), or
in an "away" mode (that is, system 160 is armed and operating in a
configuration optimized for when nobody is onboard the vessel and
the vessel is closed and secured). Console 200 may further include
a microphone 8, which can allow two-way conversations, one-way
conversations as part of an intercom configuration, to facilitate
listening for intruders, or for surveillance purposes. Console 200
may also include a temperature sensor 9 which can measure ambient
temperature in the vicinity of console 200. Console 200 may also
include an emergency response button 10 which, when depressed, can
display on touch-screen 2 a selection of pre-programmed emergency
situations. Selecting a pre-programmed emergency situation can
initiate contact with and communicate desired actions and
conditions to desired targets or entities. Console 200 may also
include at least two integrated motion detector sensors 11, 13 that
can detect bodily motion when the operating mode 7 is set to
"away." Motion sensors 11, 13 can also be disabled through user
configuration options within the system application 29. When one or
both of the motion detector sensors 11, 13 detect bodily motion,
the sensor can interact with motion sensor logic 43, which may in
turn make a call to the analytic engine 87 for analysis and
appropriate execution of logic based on system policies 88, user
policies 89, and on analysis process model 500 shown in FIG. 8.
Console 200 may also include an integrated camera 12 that can
capture still pictures or video within the targeted area and that
can interface with video and sound logic 40 through device driver
manager 64. Viewing of the targeted area can occur directly on the
touch-screen 2 or can occur from a remote location using a mobile
device or remote computer. Console 200 may also include an
integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and integrated
antenna 26, a WiFi.RTM. interface and integrated antenna 15, a
Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) wireless modem and
integrated antenna 20, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) modem
and integrated antenna 19, a wireless sensor coordinator/controller
18 for the nautic alert wireless devices, and a wireless sensor
radio and integrated antenna 17 that can interface at the operating
system hardware layer 77 with wireless sensor layer 84.
[0031] Console 200 may further include a proprietary main digital
circuit board, power interface, and other interfaces and buses 16,
which may facilitate interconnecting the components of console 200.
Such components may include, but are not limited to, CPU 22, memory
24, WiFi.RTM. 15, modems 19, 20, video interface 14, audio
interface 25, wireless coordinator/controller 18, wireless radio
17, and all other identified electronic components depicted in FIG.
4. The components may interact with each other through the
proprietary main digital circuit board, power interface, other
interfaces, and buses 16, and with the system application 29. As an
illustrative and non-limiting example, such communication may also
utilize various methods such as GSM 20, CDMA 19, WiFi.RTM. 15 to
wireless satellite services, WiFi.RTM. 15 to wireless broadband
services, wired Ethernet to satellite services, and wired Ethernet
to broadband services. System application 29 may be configured to
seamlessly auto-switch between any provided integrated wireless
communication methods in an effort to mitigate the risk of an
unavailable or problematic wireless connection for communication to
a set of targeted recipients or services, and to use all available
options to increase communication reliability.
[0032] Active features of console 200 and system 160 may be based
on the operating mode of system 160 and on user activated features.
Possible operating modes may include at least an "onboard"
operating mode and an "away" operating mode. The onboard mode may
be used when the vessel owner or other desired individuals are
onboard the vessel. In this mode, the motion detectors 11, 13, 131,
camera 12, and microphone 8 may be disabled, and wireless sensor
settings for the onboard mode may default to a different set of
thresholds. Such thresholds may account for the vessel being in
operation, and can eliminate false-positives due to environmental
changes such as the vessel moving or from vessel operation. When
the vessel owner or other individuals are no longer onboard or when
the vessel is secured in a port, the operating mode can be set to
"away." In the away operating mode, motion detectors 11, 13, 131,
camera 12, and microphone 8 may be enabled, and the wireless sensor
settings set for the away operating mode may be activated. This may
disable, change or otherwise modify the active thresholds
established under the onboard mode. The operating mode may be
changed from system console 200 or from the vessel owner's cell
phone or other mobile device.
[0033] System console 200 may be powered by direct current ("DC"),
and may have a DC power interface 23, which can interface with the
vessel's DC power. Console 200 may further include a secondary
alternating current ("AC") power interface 28, which can interface
with "shore" power, that is, power from sources external to the
vessel. The voltage levels for both DC power interface 23 and AC
power interface 28 may be measured continuously by the power
management logic 39 of system application 29, and such measurements
can be reported to analytic engine 87. Console 200 may also include
a backup power battery 27, which may be utilized in the event that
both DC power and AC power are lost. Backup power battery 27 may
therefore enable console 200 to continue operating for an a period
of time after loss of power.
[0034] System console 200 may also include a National Marine
Electronics Association 2000 ("NMEA 2000") interface 21 for
facilitating compliance with electrical and data specifications
protocols for a marine data network that is used for communication
between other NMEA 2000 compliant marine electronic devices. Such
devices may include, but are not limited to, navigation
instruments, depth finders, engine sensors and instruments, tank
level sensors, and other applicable type of devices. The NMEA 2000
interface 21 can support a hardwired connection or can be accessed
through the Zigbee.RTM./NMEA 2000 wireless bridge. The Nautic Alert
intelligent wireless sensors can operate on a dedicated Controller
Area Network ("CAN") bus, and can utilize the NMEA 2000 protocol
that resides on top of the CAN bus. The CAN bus may interact with
the intelligent wireless sensor architecture 400 at the physical
layer 79, at the Media Access Control (MAC) layer 80, and at the
ZigBee.RTM. data link controller layer 81. That is, the Nautic
Alert intelligent wireless sensors may connect directly to the CAN
bus through a NMEA 2000 hardwire interface or may connect to the
CAN bus through a wireless Zigbee.RTM./CAN bridge.
[0035] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a system console
architecture 300 and the software logic service modules that may be
included in system application 29. An exemplary, but not limiting
list of such service logic modules is shown in FIG. 6. System
application 29 may include, but is not limited to, intuitive
graphical user interface (IGUI) 32, application logic 33,
application programming interfaces ("APIs") 54, and device drivers
55.
[0036] IGUI 32 may include, but is not limited to, presentation and
navigation logic 30 and setup wizard logic 31. Application logic 33
may include, but is not limited to, analytic engine 34, sensor
management logic 35, communication management logic 36, event
management logic 37, security management logic 38, power management
logic 39, video and sound logic 40, power sensor logic 41, soft GPS
sensor logic 42, motion sensor logic 43, smoke sensor logic 44,
vessel tracking logic 45, gas fume logic 46, temperature sensor
logic 47, ultrasonic water sensor logic 48, fuel level sensor logic
49, map and weather logic 50, remote application logic 51,
coordinator custom logic 52, and remote coordination logic 53.
[0037] System application 29 may run on top of a commercial
operating system within the operating system machine code process
layer 56 and may interface with the operating system APIs 57
utilizing APIs 54 of system application 29. System application 29
may interface with the operating system kernel layer 58 via the
operating system kernel 62, which may contains kernel core library
63. Kernel core library 63 may provide functionality such as, but
not limited to, registry and file system management 59, memory
management, process loading, scheduler, process and thread memory
management 65, graphics, graphic windowing, and graphic event
subsystem 60, network APIs 61, and device driver management 64.
[0038] CPU 71 may interact with the system application 29 by
fetching the application instructions, which may be stored in
random access memory RAM 66 and in read only memory ROM 67 by the
process and thread memory manager 65 of the operating system kernel
62. CPU 71 may return a set of results from processing system
application 29 instructions to the operating system kernel 62,
which in turn may result in completed instructions, data, or new
instructions to be processed by the CPU 71. The application logic
results may then be made visible to a vessel owner or user, for
example, in graphical form, in specific actions, in data, in
messages, in alerts, in reports and in other forms and methods.
[0039] Device drivers 55 may interact with operating system device
driver manager 64 at operating system kernel layer 58 and operating
system hardware layer 75. Such interaction may be facilitated via
interfaces such as video 69, audio 70, mouse 73, USB 68, COM 72,
and LAN 74, thereby resulting in direct communication with hardware
76 and the intelligent wireless sensors.
[0040] System 160 may include integrated sensors and devices, which
may include the following:
TABLE-US-00002 Name Type Function Camera Integrated Captures still
images or video inside the Device targeted vessel area as requested
by the boat owner via the Mobile Portal or by policy CDMA Modem
Integrated Enables Nautic Alert to communicate using a Device CDMA
cellular network Global Integrated Provides navigation data such as
longitude, Positioning Device latitude, speed, and heading - and
detects System (GPS) changes to the baseline Receiver and Soft GPS
Sensor GSM Modem Integrated Enables Nautic Alert to communicate
using a Device GSM cellular network Internal DC Integrated Monitors
and measures the voltage of the Power Sensor Sensor Nautic Alert
.RTM. system console primary DC source and health of the internal
backup power source Internal AC Integrated Monitors and measures
the voltage of the Power Sensor Sensor Nautic Alert .RTM. system
console primary AC source LCD Integrated Monitor that displays the
Nautic Alert .RTM. Touch-Screen Device Intuitive Graphical User
Interface and enables touch-screen navigation Microphone Integrated
Records sound or aids in two-way Device communication Motion
Integrated Detects bodily motion Detector Sensor Personal
Integrated Alerts targeted entities, organizations, or Emergency
Device individuals of a personal emergency onboard Response the
vessel Speaker Integrated Emits audio sounds resulting from
specific Device events Temperature Integrated Measures temperature
within a targeted area Sensor Wi-Fi Integrated Enables Nautic Alert
to interface and Device communicate through satellite networks and
other types of broadband services
[0041] System 160 may include wireless sensors and devices, which
may include the following:
TABLE-US-00003 Name Type Function AC Volt Sensor Wireless Detects
the presence of AC voltage, which is Sensor considered to be
"Shore" power DC Volt Sensor Wireless Measures voltage for a
specific battery bank Sensor Fuel Level Wireless Ascertains vessel
fuel level Sensor Gas Fume Sensor Wireless Detects gas fumes in a
targeted compartment Sensor GPS Sensor Wireless Provides all
required navigation data such as Sensor longitude, latitude, speed,
and heading - and detects changes to the baseline. Designed to be
mounted on or near window for strong signal. Motion Detector
Wireless Detects bodily motion inside a specific Sensor Sensor
compartment Personal Wireless Alerts others of an onboard personal
emergency Emergency Device Sensor situation Smoke Detector Wireless
Detects smoke and carbon monoxide in a and CO Sensor Sensor
designated compartment Temperature Wireless Provides temperature
reading for a designated Sensor Sensor compartment Water Level
Wireless Measures the water level at the bottom of a vessel's
Sensor and Sensor bilge compartment using ultrasonic technology,
and Switch can turn a bilge pump "on" or "off"
[0042] The wireless sensors, with the exception of the alternating
current (AC) power sensor, may be direct current (DC) powered
devices, with internal backup battery power. The water level and DC
power sensors may obtain their primary power from the vessel's DC
system. The AC power sensor may have an internal backup power
supply, with a primary power source from the vessel's AC shore
power.
[0043] Turning to FIG. 7, system 160 may include an intelligent
wireless sensor architecture 400, which in turn may include an
operating system hardware layer 77 and a wireless sensor layer 84.
Wireless sensor layer 84 may include digital logic layer 78, IEEE
802.15.4 physical layer 79, IEEE 802.15.4 media access control
(MAC) layer 80, ZigBee.RTM. data link controller layer 81,
ZigBee.RTM. networking application layer 82, and remote application
logic 83. The above-listed components of wireless sensor layer 84
can facilitate the exchange of data and application instructions
between remote application logic layer 83 and system application
29.
[0044] Digital logic layer 78 may include a digital circuit board,
power interface, other interfaces, and buses, and may facilitate
interconnecting the electronic components of the wireless sensor
units such as wireless radios, interfaces, memory, capacitors,
relays, and other electronic components that enable system 160 to
function as described herein.
[0045] The upper level of the communication protocol suite may be
based on the ZigBee.RTM. communication protocol, which may provide
network layer 82 and data link layer 81 of the communication
protocol. The lower level of the communication protocol suite may
include physical layer 79 and Medium Access Control (MAC) layer 80,
and may be based on the IEEE 802.15.4 wireless data transfer
standard.
[0046] System application 29 and remote application logic 83 may
include application-level logic that can enable application-level
communication functionality between the system console 200 and the
intelligent wireless sensor devices. Such functionality may be
separate and distinct from the ZigBee.RTM. upper level
communication protocol suite. The application-level communication
logic may include the following capabilities and functionalities:
(1) a proprietary application level communication protocol; (2)
enhanced security measures to prevent against non-trusted
communication; (3) future scalability that can allow support for an
NMEA-2000-to-Nautic-Alert bridge and interface, wherein a physical
wireless sensor can act as though it contains multiple sensors that
may be located on another physical medium; (4) an enhanced
automatic error recovery and additional security algorithms
supporting dynamic frequency hopping and dynamic network ID change
capability; (5) an ability to reset coordinator ID to automatically
recover a Nautic Alert intelligent wireless sensor that may have
initially bound to another coordinator; and (6) an ability to set
update rate based on aggressive reporting or conservative battery
consumption.
[0047] Remote application logic 83 may support the functional
application and purpose of each unique intelligent wireless sensor.
The intelligence within each wireless sensor may be established by
the interaction of remote application logic 83, analytic engine 87
and analysis process model 500, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates the analysis process model 500 and
analytic engine 87 used within system application 29 in conjunction
with the wired and wireless intelligent sensors and devices.
Analytic engine 87 may be configured to eliminate false-positive
messages, to aid in information reporting, and to promote proactive
behavior that helps to mitigate specific disasters and events.
Therefore, system 160 can be an intelligent system that can utilize
an analytic engine 87 to perform analysis of inputs such as system
messages 85, sensor data points, and sensor measurements 86. System
160 may analyze such inputs against system policies 88 and
user-defined policies 89 and may thereby determine whether there is
currently "no event" 90, whether a "new event" 91 has occurred, or
whether the current input is part of an "open event" 92 that
supports keeping the event open or supports closing the event. When
analytic engine 87 declares a new event 91, then event manager 95
may record the event to a database or to a set of files 96 and may
notify the communication manager 97. When the analytic engine 87
declares an input as part of an open event 92, analytic engine 87
may perform data correlation 93, if applicable, to determine
whether the input supports declaring a closed event 94. If so, the
event may be closed and the event manager 95 may record the closure
by updating the database or set of files 96 and may further notify
communication manager 97. Conversely, if the input does not support
declaring a closed event 94, the event manager 95 may record the
input as part of an open event, may update the database or set of
files 96 and may further notify the communication manager 97.
[0049] Turning back to FIG. 4, system 160 may be equipped with a
GPS receiver 26 and a soft GPS sensor 42 that can capture
navigation data such as longitude, latitude, speed, heading, and
altitude for the vessel. GPS receiver 26 and soft GPS sensor 42,
may be for example, integrated into the cabin of the boat or
vessel, provided in an external antenna, a wireless system or the
like. By capturing these data points along with other data and
applying appropriate algorithms, system 160 may monitor for anchor
slippage when a vessel is anchored. If soft GPS sensor 42 detects a
change in drift distance and angle that violates user-defined
policies and thresholds, system 160 may alert the vessel owner or
other targeted recipients using multiple options as defined under
the policies of communication manager logic 36.
[0050] When a vessel is moored offshore or docked in a marina, if
the vessel is moved from its location, soft GPS sensor 42 may
detect the change and system 160 may alert the vessel owner, marina
harbormaster, service provider, or other targeted recipients, using
multiple options as defined under the communication manager logic
36 policies, that the vessel may have moved unexpectedly from its
port, and may further provide current location information. System
160 may also allow for GPS stabilization on cold resets or
normalized distance calculations that may prevent location outlier
readings from generating false positives. Thus, system 160 may
prevent false positive readings due to natural environmental
factors that influence the GPS's accuracy or false positives that
may occur due to poor GPS readings, for example, in remote areas of
the globe.
[0051] Turning now to FIG. 5, system application 29 may further
include vessel tracking logic service module 45, which can interact
with soft GPS sensor logic 42 service module. Such interaction may
include, but is not limited to, creating the following capability,
functionality, and data points: (1) tracking the course of a
vessel, destination, and originating location; (2) tracking travel
time, longitude, latitude, speed, and heading between the
origination point, the final destination point, and points
therebetween; and (3) tracking past routes or courses that a vessel
traveled.
[0052] System application 29 may include fuel level sensor logic 49
service module, which can obtain periodic measurements of a
vessel's fuel level in coordination with vessel tracking logic 45
service module and maps and weather logic 50 service module. All
included service modules can provide and send information to
analytic engine 87 for process analysis as shown in FIG. 8. As an
illustrative example, an owner of a fleet of vessels can review
various online reports to protect against fuel theft, to measure
efficiency, to manage costs, and for other goals and objectives.
Analysis of said information by a vessel owner can be further
enhanced by factoring additional variables such as weight, weather,
tide, and water current information to determine impact on fuel
consumption.
[0053] System console 200 may further include the capability and
functional ability to display, via touch-screen 2, online nautical
and standard maps and weather information as part of the map and
weather logic 50 service module. Such ability to stream internet
based online nautical and standard maps may eliminate the need for
specific geographic location memory cards and the need to perform
periodic system library updates. A map image of the vessel's
current location can be downloaded and buffered such that the
geo-fence representation can be overlaid on the map, and the map
layers can be animated, thus reducing the need for additional map
downloads. Additionally, the online weather information capability
may reduce the need for bulky and expensive radar rendering
equipment commonly found on an onboard weather device.
[0054] System 160, when in away operating mode 7, may detect bodily
movement in the cabin with integrated motion detection sensors 11,
13. System 160 may also include a wireless motion detector sensor
for additional compartments. At detection, system 160 may initiate
and send an alert to the vessel owner, marina harbormaster, service
provider, or other targeted recipients using multiple options as
defined under the communication manager logic 36 policies. System
160 may also initiate an audio alert via siren 4 of console 200.
System may further have a deactivation feature using the boat
owner's cell phone. That is, away operating mode 7 may be
deactivated or changed via the vessel owner's cell phone, for
example by issuing an SMS text message to system console 200. The
cell phone can further be used, for example and not limited to
hereto, maintenance of the boat by being able to remotely arm,
disarm or otherwise change the operating mode 7 of system console
200. Such SMS text message interface capability may also be used,
for example, to query the vessel's coordinates, to reset alerts, to
get system information, and to access or modify other functions of
console 200 directly, without requiring a subscription and without
utilization of a central facility. The SMS text message interface
may be limited to phone numbers that have been pre-registered with
the console 200 so that security attacks from non-trusted phones
may be prevented.
[0055] System console 200 may include an integrated camera/video
unit 12 and microphone 8 that are configured to capture a still
picture of the surrounding area or to capture video with sound of
the surrounding area. Such visual data may be used for security
purposes, management purposes, surveillance, and for video
conferencing, as illustrative, non-limiting examples. Microphone 8
can be used alone so as to capture voice for intercom services or
for two-way telephone conversations. The functionality associated
with pictures, video, and sound can be supported and enabled by
system application 29 and by video and sound logic 40 service
module.
[0056] System 160 may monitor power with integrated (wired) and
wireless sensors, and, to that end, may utilize power management
logic 39 and power sensor logic 41. The categories for power
monitoring and detection may include at least: primary DC power
interface 23; shore AC power interface 28; backup battery power 27,
vessel DC power for a first battery bank 103; vessel DC power for a
second battery bank 105; and Nautic Alert intelligent wireless
device power interfaces. If power management logic 39 or analytic
engine 87 detect the loss of AC power, a critical reduction in the
vessel's DC voltage, or a power risk for the continuous operation
of the vessel's power system or of system 160, system 160 may alert
the boat owner, marina harbor-master, service provider, or other
targeted recipients using multiple options as defined under the
communication manager logic 36 policies. Communication manager
logic 36 policies can be derived from user policies 89; therefore,
the boat owner or user may decide, for example, the point at which
the voltage level would generate an alert, as well as detected
conditions for charging or discharging battery states.
[0057] System 160 may detect gas fumes in a designated vessel
compartment. System 160 detects an irregular level of fumes, it may
alert the boat owner, marina harbormaster, service provider, or
other targeted recipients using multiple options as defined under
communication manager logic 36 policies.
[0058] Turning to FIG. 9, system 160 may include an intelligent
wireless DC power and gas fume sensor unit 600. Unit 600 may
include a body enclosure 111, a facial enclosure 101, and a trim
cover 107 to conceal mounting fasteners. The front of unit 600 may
include battery bank connectors 103, 105 and power indicators 102,
106, to facilitate connecting up to two separate DC main power
sources, which can serve as inputs to be measured and monitored by
unit 600. The front of unit 600 may also include a gas fume sensor
104 that can be used to measure gas fume levels for a desired area.
During operation, inputs from battery connectors 103, 105 and gas
fume sensor 104 can be captured through main digital circuit board,
interfaces, and buses 100 by remote application logic 83, which may
reside in memory 99 of unit 600. The resulting instructions from
remote application logic 83 may then be processed by CPU 98.
Wireless sensor layer 84 may then communicate with operating system
hardware layer 75 via wireless sensor interface 108, wireless
sensor radio 109, and wireless antenna 110. In hardware layer 75,
wireless sensor coordinator/controller 18 and coordinator custom
logic service module 52 can interact with operating system kernel
layer 58, resulting in application-level communication with power
sensor logic 41 service module and gas fume sensor logic 46 service
module of system application 29. The inputs received by power
sensor logic 41 service module and gas fume sensor logic 46 service
module can then be utilized by analytic engine 87 for analysis
processing, per the analysis process model 500 shown in FIG. 8.
[0059] System 160 may detect changes in water level from the boat
owner's defined base using a sensor, for example a wireless
ultrasonic sensor. In addition to being able to detect against a
pre-determined threshold, this sensor may send additional alerts if
the measured water level continues to rise, for example, due to
reasons like a clogged water drain pipe, a failed bilge pump, a
leaky thru hull fitting, or a water leak greater than the bilge
pump capacity. Changes in water level may be measured and detected
at less than one inch with the use of sound waves. Changes in water
level may be evaluated against the boat owner threshold and
reported according to certain policies. Alerts may be sent to the
boat owner, marina harbor-master, or service provider using
multiple options as defined under communication manager logic 36
policies.
[0060] Turning to FIG. 10, system 160 may include an intelligent
wireless ultrasonic water level and temperature sensor and switch
unit 700. Unit 700 may include a water-resistant enclosure 117 and
a DC and NMEA 2000 power in connector 112 to facilitate providing
power to unit 700 from a DC power source that may be aboard the
vessel. Unit 700 may further include an internal moisture sensor
119 that can facilitate measuring moisture levels within enclosure
117. Such measuring of moisture levels may be a proactive process
facilitated and managed by ultrasonic water sensor logic 48 service
module to so as to increase reliability and performance levels.
[0061] Unit 700 may further include a waterproof dual ultrasonic
(sonar) water level sensor module 113 and a waterproof temperature
sensor 114. Ultrasonic water level sensor module may include dual
ultrasonic sensors so as to provide redundancy in the case of
sensor failure. The front of unit 700 may be positioned over a
desired area that can contain water or liquid, and may further be
positioned so as to expose ultrasonic water level sensor module 113
and temperature sensor 114 to the desired area. The ultrasonic
water level sensor module 113 may then emit a concentrated pulse of
sound waves to the targeted surface area and subsequently can
measure the length of time for the sound to be reflected back to
sensor module 113. As the sound moves at a fast and constant speed,
the distance to the targeted bottom surface and back can be
calculated. The targeted bottom surface may represent an area with
no liquid at the time in which the baseline is established; that
is, the baseline may be equal to zero inches (or equivalent thereof
in other measuring units). When liquid enters the targeted bottom
surface area, the length of time for the sound to be reflected back
to the said sensor module 113 can decrease due to the presence of
liquid above the bottom surface. Sensor module 113 can then measure
the change in time for the sound to reflect off the liquid surface
within the targeted area and may calculate a change in level from a
zero level to the new level in inches or other desired measuring
units.
[0062] During operation, inputs from internal moisture sensor 119,
ultrasonic water level sensor module 113, and waterproof
temperature sensor 114 can be captured through the proprietary main
digital circuit board, interfaces, and buses 120 by remote
application logic 83, which may reside memory 123 of unit 700. The
resulting instructions from remote application logic 83 may then be
processed by CPU 116. Wireless sensor layer 84 may then communicate
with operating system hardware layer 75 via wireless sensor
interface 121, wireless sensor radio 122, and wireless antenna 115.
In hardware layer 75, wireless sensor coordinator/controller 18 and
coordinator custom logic 52 service module, can interact with
operating system kernel layer 58, resulting in application level
communication with ultrasonic water sensor logic 48 service module
and temperature sensor logic 47 service module of system
application 29. The inputs received by ultrasonic water sensor
logic 48 service module and temperature sensor logic 47 service
module can then be utilized by analytic engine 87 for analysis
processing, per the analysis process model 500 shown in FIG. 8.
[0063] Unit 700 may include a connector 118 that is adapted for a
primary or secondary bilge pump. Connector 118 may be a DC and NMEA
2000 power out connector, and may be configured to control the
operation and the on/off state of a supported bilge pump. Unit 700
can be used as a bilge pump switch, and may thus replace the float
switch for a bilge pump. Unit 700 may also be used as a switch to a
secondary bilge pump and can utilize ultrasonic water level sensor
113 to measure the water level. The user may modify user policy 89
to set a desired "maximum" and "minimum" water level. When the
water level reaches such a maximum level, the internal relay 124 of
unit 700 can be closed, thereby allowing DC power to flow to the
bilge pump. The bilge pump is thus turned on and can pump water out
of the bilge area, until the ultrasonic (sonar) water level sensor
module 113 measures a minimum lower water level that meets the
predetermined user policy 89 based minimum level. Internal relay
124 may then be opened, turning off the bilge pump. Furthermore,
with or without the use of the switch function illustrated in FIG.
10, the ultrasonic water level sensor module 113, in conjunction
with remote application logic 83, can report to system console 200
and to system application 29 periodic water level measurements and
bilge pump operating time. Such measurements may then be processed
utilizing analytic engine 87 and analysis process model 500.
[0064] Ultrasonic water level sensor module 113 may check water
level at least once per second so as to conserve power, and may be
configured, via touch-screen 2 of console 200, to perform varying
time checks. Unit 700 may also be able to recalibrate and zero-out
a sensor reading on the fly. By default, the sensor may measure a
set distance. Once the sensor has been installed, the zero-distance
mark may reside inside of a distance range. For example, if the
bilge normally has a 1/4 inch of water present due to normal
operations, the zero-distance mark will be at the top of the 1/4
inch of water and any additional rise in level may be reported.
Should the user want to adjust the zero-distance mark, the
ultrasonic water level sensor module 113 may be recalibrated with a
new zero-distance mark. The user may further utilize console 200 to
restore product defaults so as to allow a vessel owner or installer
to see how much additional space they have to work with before a
sensor reading is registered, in the event the bilge height is
greater than the maximum range distance detected by the sensor.
This can allow the user to ascertain whether the sensor is mounted
within a proper range.
[0065] Ultrasonic water level sensor module 113 may include two
ultrasonic water level sensors for redundancy purposes, so that the
failure of one sensor does not impede the operation of unit 700.
Ultrasonic water sensor logic 48 of system application 29 may
detect a failed ultrasonic sensor and can automatically modify the
operation of unit 700 to operate on one ultrasonic sensor within
the ultrasonic water level sensor module 113. An automatic
modification due to an unexpected failed ultrasonic sensor may
further result in a system message alert to the boat owner or user.
In the case of ultrasonic sensor failure, or as otherwise may be
desired, ultrasonic water level sensor module 113 can be replaced
without replacing the entire unit 700.
[0066] System 160 may utilize integrated and wireless sensors to
detect temperature that may be approaching or have reached freezing
levels. The user may customize upper and lower temperature
threshold settings for which alerts are sent. System 160 may alert
the vessel owner of such temperature changes in each desired
compartment or as an overall temperature warning in order to
mitigate risk of damage to, for example, engine(s), water
strainers, water lines, or thru hull fittings.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 10, intelligent wireless ultrasonic water
level and temperature sensor and switch unit 700 may further
include a temperature sensor 114, which can measure the temperature
within a desired compartment area and can alert the vessel owner or
other targeted recipients, as an illustrative example, of a
potential freeze warning. The user can customize the upper and
lower temperature threshold settings for which they wish to receive
alerts via console 200.
[0068] System 160 may detect smoke caused by fire or burning of
materials. If system 160 detects smoke, it may alert the boat
owner, marina harbormaster, service provider, or other targeted
recipients using multiple options as defined under the policies of
communication manager logic 36.
[0069] Turning to FIG. 11, system 160 may include an intelligent
wireless smoke detector, temperature, and motion detection sensor
unit 800. Unit 800 may include an enclosure 129, and may be powered
with AC or DC power using the AC/DC and NMEA 2000 power interface
125, or may operate from standalone batteries 128. Unit 800 may
also include an exposed temperature (heat) sensor 130, a smoke and
carbon monoxide detector 136, a motion detector 131 with a LED
indicator 140, a power indicator 137, a siren 138, and a user test
button 139 for testing the system.
[0070] During operation, inputs from heat sensor 130, smoke and
carbon monoxide detector 136, motion detector 131, and user test
button 139 can be captured through the proprietary main digital
circuit board, interfaces, and buses 135 by remote application
logic 83, which may reside in memory 127 of unit 800. The resulting
instructions from remote application logic 83 may then processed by
the CPU 126. Wireless sensor layer 84 may then communicate with
operating system hardware layer 75 via wireless sensor interface
134, wireless sensor radio 133, and wireless antenna 132. In
hardware layer 75, wireless sensor coordinator/controller 18 and
coordinator custom logic service module 52 can interact with
operating system kernel layer 58, resulting in application-level
communication with temperature sensor logic 47 service module,
smoke sensor logic 44 service module, and motion sensor logic 43
service module of system application 29. Smoke sensor logic 44 may
then apply appropriate algorithms to pre-test for a false-positive
event. Inputs received by temperature sensor logic 47 service
module, smoke sensor logic 44 service module, and motion sensor
logic 43 service module from the remote application logic 83 can
then be utilized by analytic engine 87 for analysis processing, per
the analysis process model 500 shown in FIG. 8. Upon declaration of
an event by analytic engine 87 and event manager 95, siren 138 may
sound and an alert may be issued to the vessel owner and other
targeted recipients, as defined by the policies of communication
manager logic 36.
[0071] Turning to FIG. 12, system 160 may include at least one
personal emergency wireless unit 900. Unit 900 may provide an
individual present on a vessel with a safety device that can be
used, for example but not limited to, to provide a personal injury
or disablement notification, or a notification of a passenger or
crew member falling overboard from a vessel. Unit 900 may be
portable and may be adapted to be coupled to the person of an
individual present aboard the vessel. The notification may be
issued by depressing manual button 129. In the event that an
individual has fallen overboard from a vessel, the notification may
be issued by depressing manual button 129, or may be issued
automatically by unit 900, based on a diminution in the signal
strength to the personal network 154 or by the loss of signal to
personal network 154.
[0072] Nautic Alert personal emergency wireless unit 900 may
include a body enclosure 144, a manual button 129, a battery level
LED indicator 143 to facilitate monitoring the strength of
installed replaceable batteries 141, and a network signal strength
indicator 151. During operation, the activation of unit 900,
whether via depressing manual switch 129, via reduced signal
strength, or loss of signal to personal network 154, may be
captured through proprietary main digital circuit board,
interfaces, and buses 142 by remote application logic 83, which may
reside in memory 150 of unit 900. Such activation can in turn
activate siren 148. The resulting instructions from remote
application logic 83 may then be processed by CPU 149. Wireless
sensor layer 84 may then communicate with operating system hardware
layer 75 via wireless sensor interface 147, wireless sensor radio
146, and wireless antenna 145. In hardware layer 75, wireless
sensor coordinator/controller 18 and coordinator custom logic
service module 52 can interact with operating system kernel layer
58, resulting in application-level communication with system
application 29. The inputs received by system application 29 can
then be utilized by analytic engine 87 for analysis processing, per
the analysis process model 500 shown in FIG. 8. If analytic engine
87 and event manager 95 declare an event, siren 4 of console 200
may then emit high-pitched variable sounds, or any other desired
alarm sound, and may display, on touch-screen 2, location
information from soft GPS sensor logic 42 service module. An alert
may further be issued to the vessel owner and targeted recipients,
as defined by the policies of communication manager logic 36.
Location information from soft GPS sensor logic 42 service module
may be included within the policies of communication manager logic
36.
[0073] System application 29 may include sensor management logic
35, so as to enable a user to easily identify, add, and remove
desired sensors and desired units from personal network 154. A user
may utilize IGUI 32 of console 200 to view the sensors that are
active in personal network 154, the status of the sensors, the
alert settings and thresholds of the sensors, as well as the
real-time data being provided by those sensors. The user may
further identify and troubleshoot wireless issues by seeing
real-time packet statistics, signal strengths, as well as whether
or not a sensor has been detected as going offline, or never coming
online since a system power-on event.
[0074] Sensor management features may include at least: (1) a
manual ability to scan for new sensors and add them to personal
network 154; (2) once sensors are added to the network, limiting
the communications thereof only to the trusted Communication
Manager; (3) online and offline sensor detection, wherein if a
sensor unexpectedly drops offline or will not come online, error
recovery may automatically initiate and rescan for a random clear
channel to switch to (in the event another network may be operating
within range on the same channel, this may allow the sensor network
to self-correct to a clear channel); (4) ability to distinguish
sensor instances through unique name; (5) ability to view firmware
levels and (keep-alive) update rate; (6) ability to view sensor
type, for example, long range or standard range; (7) ability to
initiate alarm test to verify communication path and alert
settings; (8) ability to disassociate a sensor from the network,
and reset sensor into network discovery mode; (9) ability to enable
or disable a sensor on the personal network; (10) ability to view
sensor signal strength and real-time packet statistics for
troubleshooting purposes; (11) ability to view all sensor types and
online/offline status in a single window; (12) ability to see
sensors with pending commands that are waiting to be sent; and (13)
ability to provide a summary of sensor statuses using red, yellow,
and green graphical indicators.
[0075] Safeguards may provide additional security measures for the
wireless sensors. This may help prevent wireless communication
issues, as well as rogue devices attempting to communicate within
the personal network and compromise system security. System
application 29 may include a plurality of safeguards, implemented
via security management logic 38 service module, which can provide
enhanced security measures for the wireless sensors and console
200. System application 29 may be configured to discriminate
between genuine or authorized wireless sensors/devices and foreign
wireless sensors/devices as a function of security management logic
38 service module. Such capabilities may facilitate reducing the
likelihood of wireless communication issues, impeding rogue devices
from attempting to communicate with and within personal network
154, and protecting the security of system 160 from being
compromised.
[0076] Safeguards of the system may include at least: (1) security
management logic 38 service module may generate a random network ID
to reduce the likelihood of coexistence of two or more networks
having the same network ID; (2) the ability to regenerate network
ID and ability for networked sensors and units to auto-discover and
bind to this change; (3) ability to view sensor firmware and sensor
type, for example, long range/standard range; (4) the system may
not communicate with non-trusted or foreign sensors; (5) ability to
override channel assignment and prevent against channel
scanning/hopping; and (6) physical layer wireless encryption.
[0077] System console 200 may also include password protection
features. Recovery of a lost password may be accomplished by
requesting the password via a button on the sign-on screen of IGUI
32. Upon request, the system can send the password to the vessel
owner by email or as a text message. System application 29 can be
configured so that access to console 200 can be granted based on an
individual's role, such as "administrator" or "non-administrator".
The individual's role may determine what modifications, if any, an
individual can make to system application 29, and which application
screens can be presented via IGUI 32 or allowed to be viewed on
touch-screen 2 of console 200.
[0078] System application 29 may include an event management logic
37 service module, which can enable an event log. The event log may
contain a log of events captured by analysis process model 500 over
a period of time. The event log may contain a list of all reported
events and non-reported events. This list may be saved in a
non-volatile location, for example in a non-volatile location in
console 200, such that it may be retrieved after complete
power-loss is experienced. The event log may at least: (1) show
when alert policy has changed and been reset; (2) show changes to
sensors; (3) show online/offline/alert events that attempted to
send remotely; (4) show password login-attempt failure events, as
well as other miscellaneous events; (5) time stamp and dates all
logged events; and (6) update event database as data points for
portals.
[0079] Settings for system 160 may be customized, for example via
IGUI 32 of console 200. Such customizable settings may include at
least: (1) changing the language displayed in the IGUI; (2)
Setting/enabling/disabling password settings; (3) choosing a
password recovery contact; (4) setting time and date; (5) changing
LCD brightness and power management controls; (6) setting
measurement units; (7) setting user policies; and (8) changing
personal information, such as, for example, marina, dock/pier,
slip, address, and boat name.
[0080] System features may be activated or deactivated using the
boat owner's cellular phone, Smartphone, PDA, PC, or Laptop. As an
example, if a vessel owner is about to enter the cabin while motion
sensor is currently active under the away mode, the vessel owner,
using his or her cell phone, can dial into the system and submit a
code to change the operating mode from "away" to "onboard" prior to
entering the vessel's cabin. The vessel owner can thus avoid the
generation of an entry event and related messages and the
activation of siren 4.
[0081] Communication manager logic 36 can be a software component
that may interact at the application logic 33 level. Communication
manager logic 36 service module may be responsible for the at least
the following: (1) alert policies; (2) sending alerts; and (3)
alert recipient contacts. The communication manager logic 36
service module may utilize user-defined policies 89 to define alert
policies to determine which events will generate alerts, when the
alerts will be sent, how they will be sent, to whom the alert will
be sent, and the repeated frequency for sending alerts. Alert
policy management may be facilitated via the alert settings of user
policies 89 which are configured by the boat owner.
[0082] System 160 may include a number of alert-related features
including, but not limited to: (1) sending an alert indicator and
audio sound to system console 200 and audio speaker 3 thereof,
and/or sending the alert to the vessel owner and other targeted
recipients using cellular communication; (2) specifying the number
of repeat alert occurrences that should be sent or acknowledged
locally based on time or number policy; (3) specifying what type of
sensor events should be sent, for example, online, offline, alerts,
or status events; (4) specifying sensor thresholds for sending
alerts; (5) specifying a list of alert recipients; (6) setting a
time delay for cabin exit; (7) setting individual sensor threshold
settings; and (8) requiring critical messages to be confirmed by
recipients.
[0083] System 160 may support bi-directional cellular
communication. To protect the system from unauthorized callers and
unauthorized connections, security management logic 38 may have a
list of authorized phone numbers and authorized personal
identification numbers (PINs) as part of the authentication
process. System console 200 may contain an embedded Global System
for Mobile (GSM) standard modem 20 and a Code Division Multiple
Access (CDMA) modem 19 for direct wireless communication through
existing service provider networks. To enable communication with
certain provider networks, an active Subscriber Identity Module
(SIM) may be used. System console 200 may provide user access to
add or change a SIM. The Alert Application may provide the boat
owner with SIM Management information so the system may
communicate. System console 200 may also be configured to interface
with satellite and wireless broadband provider equipment utilizing
wireless interface 15. System 160 may further utilize operating
system hardware layer 75 to seamlessly auto-switch between GSM
modem 20, CDMA modem 19, wireless interface 15 to satellite, and
wireless interface 15 to broadband by monitoring the connection
availability, status, health, cost, priority order, and expected
bandwidth load. Such functionality may be managed via system
policies 88 and user policies 89.
[0084] System 160, via system application 29, may have the ability
to send alerts as email messages to the vessel owner's or other
targeted recipients' email accounts. Email messages may be sent
directly from the system console 200 to desired email accounts, as
illustrated in FIG. 2. Thus, the need for a land-based central
server is eliminated. Furthermore, security management logic 38
service module of system application 29 may encrypt email
communications and may negotiate a secured connection for
transmission of the encrypted email message using a Secured Socket
Layer (SSL) protocol.
[0085] System application 29 may include a setup wizard 31 service
module, which may be a component of IGUI 32. Setup wizard 31 may
guide the end user through a non-technical setup process and
enforce dependency rules to setup the system, and facilitate a
simple and user-friendly interface and method for system setup.
Conversely, system application 29 may be configured and managed at
a granular, technical level, for example, by users that have
specific requirements or a need for greater system visibility.
[0086] System application 29 may also include a help manager. The
Help Manager may provide user help information within interactive
steps and within configuration sections of the system application.
The Help Manager may also explain what each indicator means, the
purpose of each function, and the best practice for the use of each
function.
[0087] From time to time, there may be a need to update the
firmware of components of system 160 or of system application 29.
To accomplish an update, there may be at least two methods: (1)
updates may be accomplished by inserting a compliant USB storage
device into system console 200 that contains authorized and
approved system software; and (2) updates may be accomplished as a
"push" from a server to a targeted system 160 using a "signed"
company software image. Subsequently, in either case, system
application 29 and security management logic 38 may then seek an
electronically "signed" company software image on the USB device
that certifies the said software image as authorized and approved
for production distribution. The user may also be guided through
the updating procedures via IGUI 32.
[0088] System 160 may provide at least four distinct portals that
can allow the display of enhanced information, receive alerts, and
enable two-way enhanced capabilities between system console 200 and
a mobile device or remote computer. The portals may include, but
are not limited to: (1) Mobile Portal--an application may run on a
smartphone, PC, or laptop, which may provide a boat owner with a
status dashboard, vessel location information, video and sound
capability, historical data including courses traveled, trend
information, and the ability to remotely change the configuration
of system application 29 with approved security credentials; (2)
Harbormaster Portal--A web-based application that may run on a PC
or laptop that may provide a marina harbormaster with, for example,
a red, yellow, or green graphical indicator for each vessel in the
marina that has a system 160 onboard. The application may enable a
marina management team to remain proactive about situations that
may create a threat to a single vessel or to other vessels,
property, and lives in the marina; (3) Service Provider Portal--a
web-based application that may run within a three-tier architecture
(the tiers including user presentation, application and database),
providing a local or national monitoring service with, for example,
a red, yellow, or green graphical indicator for each vessel with a
system 160 that has subscribed for monitoring services such as a
boat owner or an entire marina. The Service Provider Portal may
enable the service provider to directly contact, for example,
police, coast guard, medical or fire emergency team within seconds
of a critical alert; and (4) Fleet Vessel Management Portal--a
web-based "cloud" application that may provide a company with a
fleet of vessels a view with enhanced reporting capability to aid,
as an illustrative example, in enhanced vessel tracking
capabilities, travel coordinates (longitude, latitude, heading),
communications (including, for example, video conferencing), data
exchange, fuel level consumption monitoring, travel time,
correlation of information, fuel theft prevention, historical
traveled courses, information to aid in the analysis of operating
expense opportunities, and the ability to remotely change the
configuration of the system application 29 with approved security
credentials. System 160 may store data through event manager 37,
and the data may interact with external web services, applications,
and databases.
[0089] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary embodiment of a nautic alert
system 160. System 160 may include primary console 152, secondary
console 153, DC & gas fume sensor unit 155, water &
temperature sensor & switch unit 156, personal emergency unit
157, and smoke & motion unit 158. Consoles 152, 153 and units
155, 156, 157, 158 may communicate via nautic alert personal
network 154. Network 154 may be a wired or secured wireless local
network.
[0090] FIG. 14 shows another exemplary embodiment of an intelligent
wireless ultrasonic water level and temperature sensor and switch
unit 1000, which may be used with system 160. The unit 1000 may
include a water-impermeable enclosure 1002. Enclosure 1002 may also
be adapted for operation in harsh environments and may be formed
from materials that are resistant to hazardous and corrosive
liquids.
[0091] Disposed within enclosure 1002 may be a control module 1001
that includes a circuit board 1004 having a processor 1006, memory
1008, and a non-transitory storage medium 1010. Hardware and
software algorithms 1012 may be provided and executed by processor
1006. Control module 1001 and its components can control the
below-described operations and to perform the below-described
calculations of unit 1000.
[0092] Unit 1000 may include a pair of waterproof ultrasonic water
level sensors 1014 operatively coupled to control module 1001. Dual
ultrasonic sensors 1014 can provide redundancy in case of failure
of one of the sensors. The ultrasonic sensors 1014 can measure the
depth of a desired containment area by emitting sound pulses that
are then reflected to the sensors 1014. The acoustic signals can
reflect off of a targeted bottom surface, such as the bottom
surface of the containment area, or the surface of a liquid
disposed above the bottom surface of the containment area. Control
module 1001 can record the length of time for the emitted sound
pulses to be reflected to sensors 1014, and as sound moves at a
constant speed, control module 1001 can then calculate the distance
to the targeted bottom surface. If liquid enters the containment
area, the length of time for the sound to be reflected back to
sensors 1014 can decrease due to the presence of liquid above the
bottom surface. Control module 1001 can then measure the change in
time for the sound to reflect off the liquid surface within the
containment area and subsequently calculate a change in level from
a zero level to the new level in any desired measuring units.
[0093] To calibrate the ultrasonic sensors 1014, unit 1000 may be
positioned over the desired containment area such that ultrasonic
sensors 1014 are oriented towards the bottom surface of the
containment area and such that the direction of travel of the sound
pulses is substantially normal to the plane of the bottom surface.
The user may execute the calibration operation, whereby the control
module 1001 will direct the sensors to emit the sound pulse, and
determine a time value for the sound pulse to be reflected from the
bottom surface of the containment area to the sensors 1014. Control
module 1001 can then convert this time value to a distance between
unit 1000 and the bottom surface, and save this distance as a
baseline distance value.
[0094] In an operating state, unit 1000 may measure the distance to
the targeted bottom surface substantially as described above. The
measurement may be performed at any desired interval, for example,
once every second. When a liquid is present in the containment
area, control module 1001 can subtract the calculated distance to
the liquid from the baseline distance value to determine the depth
of the liquid in the containment area.
[0095] Unit 1000 may further include a control pad 1016, a power
supply connector 1018, a power out connector 1020, a wireless
digital radio and network interface 1022, and a siren 1024. Each of
these components may be operatively coupled to control module 1001
of unit 1000.
[0096] Control pad 1016 may be waterproof, allowing it to be
operable in liquid-saturated conditions. The control pad 1016 may
include at least one user-operable button or keypad, which may be a
membrane keypad, or may be covered by a waterproof layer. In some
exemplary embodiments, control pad 1016 may include visual
indicators such as LED indicators and/or a display panel, for
example an LED-based or liquid-crystal display. The user may
utilize control pad 1016 to configure control module 1001, as well
as to receive visual feedback from control module 1001.
[0097] Power supply connector 1018 and power out connector 1020 may
both be DC and NMEA 2000 power connectors. Power supply connector
1018 can facilitate providing power to unit 1000 from a DC power
source that may be aboard the vessel. Power out connector 1020 may
be configured to control the operation and the on/off state of one
or more external device. Control of a plurality of external devices
may be accomplished by way of a wiring harness that couples to
connector 1020. An example of an external device that can be
controlled by unit 1000 may be a bilge pump located in the
containment area. Power supply connector 1018 and power out
connector 1020 may further be conductively coupled via one or more
relays 1019 controlled by control module 1001. If one or more
devices connected to connector 1020 is not operational, the control
module 1001 can determine the non-operational state and notify the
user thereof, as described further below.
[0098] The user may configure control module 1001 to set up policy
settings that determine actions to be taken by control module 1001.
For example, the policy settings can include predetermined liquid
depth thresholds and the responses undertaken by unit 1000 when the
control module 1001 identifies that the thresholds have been
reached or exceeded. For example, once the liquid level exceeds a
first depth threshold, control module 1001 can pass power from
power in connector 1018 through power out connector 1020, thereby
operating the bilge pump until the liquid level drops to a
particular depth. If the liquid level exceeds a second depth
threshold, which may occur if the rate of liquid influx is greater
than the liquid outflow provided by the bilge pump, control module
1001 can additionally notify the user and/or can power on
additional external devices. User notifications may be achieved by
one or more of the visual indicators of control panel 1016,
communication with system 160 via interface 1022, and operation of
siren 1024.
[0099] Control module 1001 can aid the user in the calibration and
configuration thereof by presenting optimal options for policy
settings based on the baseline distance between sensors 1014 and
the bottom surface of the containment area. If, during calibration,
the baseline distance is determined to be insufficient to apply
appropriate policy settings, control module 1001 can impede the
completion of the calibration sequence, thereby requiring the user
to mount unit 1000 at a suitable distance from the bottom surface
of the containment area. Subsequent to a successful calibration,
control module 1001 may be configured via control pad 1016, or
remotely via interface 1022, allowing the user to modify the policy
settings as desired.
[0100] Control module 1001 can further monitor the amount of power
consumed by the device attached to power out connector 1020. If the
threshold for operation of the bilge pump has been no power or
insufficient power is flowing through connector 1020, control
module 1001 can determine that the bilge pump is not operational.
Control module 1001 can then notify the user of the non-operational
status of the bilge pump via one or more of the visual indicators
of control panel 1016, communication with system 160 via interface
1022, and operation of siren 1024. Furthermore, if one of a
plurality of external devices, such as bilge pumps, is
non-operational, control module 1001 can provide power to another
of the plurality of devices, thereby providing redundancy in case
of failure.
[0101] The monitoring of power throughput in connector 1020 can
further facilitate the shutting off of the bilge pump when the
liquid level has decreased to a certain depth. The depth at which
the bilge pump can be shut off can be the depth at which the bilge
pump can no longer adequately siphon liquid from the containment
area. Typically, the bilge pump consumes more electrical power when
working at 100% capacity than at lower capacity levels, such as
when the liquid can no longer be adequately siphoned. Control
module 1001 can determine when the bilge pump is operational and
when power usage by the bilge pump drops below the 100% level. When
this change in power consumption is detected, control module 1001
can cease providing power to power out connector 1020, thereby
ceasing operation of the bilge pump.
[0102] As depth measurements are taken at intervals, control module
1001 can record a desired amount of recent depth measurements, so
as to normalize the measurements of the depth over time.
Consequently, sudden movements, changes in vessel pitch or roll,
splashes of liquid, or any other short-term changes in liquid depth
may be ignored by control module 1001 so as to reduce the
likelihood of false positive results. Additionally, if control
module 1001 determines that measurements are invalid, implausible,
or otherwise faulty, the user may be notified of the
malfunction.
[0103] Unit 1000 can further include a manual override mechanism
that can allow the user to manually provide or turn off power to
power out connector 1020, thereby allowing for manual control of
the connected bilge pump. This may be used to override the action
of control module 1001 regardless of the amount of liquid present
in the containment area.
[0104] Unit 1000 can further include an ambient temperature sensor
1026. The user can configure the policies of control module 1001 to
set upper and lower temperature thresholds. If the ambient
temperature in area where unit 1000 is located exceeds the lower or
upper temperature threshold, control module 1001 may notify the
user via one or more of the visual indicators of control panel
1016, communication with system 160 via interface 1022, and
operation of siren 1024.
[0105] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings
illustrate the principles, preferred embodiments and modes of
operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be
construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed
above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0106] Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be
regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it
should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be
made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined by the following claims.
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