Abstract:
A system for controlling a marine vessel&#39;s existing horn to automatically sound navigational signals as set forth in Coast Guard Navigation Rules, International and Inland for Sound and Light Signals for boats 12 meters 39 feet and larger, Rules 34 through 37. The system provides a user-interface with a selection of predetermined horn/light signals that can be repeated once or continuously via lights and/or sound, with a preview of the selected signal. The system permits a helmsman and other crew members to attend to other duties without constant attention to the vessel&#39;s horn, and enhances safety and Coast Guard compliance, and in the long term helps to inform and educate the operator through observing the signal patterns, on the water, or in boating courses like Coast Guard Auxiliary, Power Squadron and Community College courses.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)  
       [0001]     The present application derives priority from U.S. provisional application No. 60/666,495 filed Mar. 31, 2005. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to marine navigation systems and, more particularly, to a system for automating the horn/light signaling of marine vessels in accordance with Coast Guard Regulations, which provides for selection of regulation cadences via a convenient user-interface, and which allows said cadences to be repeated once or continuously, with a preview of the selected signal.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Background  
         [0005]     All marine vessels are required by Coast Guard Regulation to carry sound signaling appliances and lights, and certain vessels are further required to make specified signals in specified situations. Proper sound signals are required for power and sailboats of 12 meter or more 39 feet 4½ “and larger. Pursuant to U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Rules International &amp; Inland COMDTINST M16672.2D, Rules  32 - 37 , operators are required to make specified signals in specified situations. For example, one of the main uses of this device is Rule  35  Restricted Visibility. There are pluralities of sequenced sound signals that must be repeated at timed intervals. In addition to the Restricted Visibility Rule  35  feature in this device there is also Danger/Doubt signal that can be given once or repeated. If a vessel doubts the safety of a proposed maneuver or fails to understand the intention of another vessel where collision may be at risk shall immediately indicate such doubt by giving at least five short and rapid blasts on the whistle. Such signals may be supplemented by a light signal. Rule  34 . Furthermore, the device also provides a means of sending S.O.S signals either once or repeatedly Rule  37 . Distress signals can be either a continuous blast or a short-short-short-long-long-long-short-short-short SOS pattern. For Inland use only, a high intensity white light flashing at regular intervals from 50 to 70 times per minute as allowed. Unfortunately, it is often not possible to maintain the sequence and time intervals called out in the regulations for Restricted Visibility, or in the need of assistance or distress, especially when attention is needed for other operating details. While boats less than 39 feet are not obliged to give the specified sound signals, they are required to give efficient sound signals as needed at prescribed intervals. Most of the smaller boats have 12-volt horns, but most operators simply do not know the proper signaling patterns.  
         [0006]     In all such cases, these signaling patterns are complex, difficult to remember, and often ignored by recreational boaters. The general concept of automated horn signaling with an electronic control module is known. All of the following references do it in some manner, albeit most are fairly cumbersome.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,757 to Williams issued May 7, 1991 discloses an automatic horn warning signal apparatus for use on boats, which is manually selectable actuated for automatically sounding any of nine predetermined patterns of warning horn signal sequences applicable to specified, recognized navigational procedures for marine craft. The device is mechanical in that a small motor operates a camshaft containing nine lobed cams each having a different configuration corresponding to the desired warning signal pattern to be sounded. The camshaft actuates a valve for releasing pulses of compressed gas into the horn.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,448,234 to Harwood issued Sep. 5, 1995 shows a logical light control for sailing vessels to improve the method by which the operator selects the desired light combination, thereby eliminating the possibility of improper light combinations and reducing the probability that the vessel will display a currently incorrect light combination. This patent is narrowly drawn to the circuitry that actuates light patterns without the possibility of displaying an improper combination of lights.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,362 to Lilienthal issued Dec. 10, 1991 expired shows an apparatus for controlling a vessel&#39;s horn, any of which may be selected by pressing an appropriate key on a keypad. The apparatus includes fog modes that will automatically repeat an appropriate horn signal within a predetermined period of time. The structure of this device uses a microcontroller, albeit a different user keypad is employed.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,473,005 to Showell issued Oct. 29, 2002 shows a marine signaling device that provides a user-interface that is functionally and operationally similar to the directional devices i.e., turn signal devices found in automobiles, thereby reducing the dependency of the vessel operator on his or her memorization of the applicable marine regulations.  
         [0011]     United States Patent Application No. 20040075587 by Vogel, David A. et al. published Apr. 22, 2004 discloses a controller for automatically manipulating a horn signal for navigational purposes that automatically operates a vessel&#39;s horn as a foghorn. The horn controller automatically causes the vessel&#39;s horn to sound according to the proper foghorn-sounding schedule. The horn controller is designed to be installed in a new vessel, and/or to be retrofitted to an existing vessel. This patent is trade marked as FogMate and is commercially available. FogMate is a device that works with existing horn and helm switches to ensure automatic, regular timing of Rule  35  patterns. It is produced by TSX Products Corporation, Norwood, Mass. The user turns on the navigation lights either “underway” or “at anchor” to activate the FogMate controller, and then presses the horn switch in the appropriate pattern within three seconds of activating the FogMate controller to repeat the pattern. The operator must know and input the proper sequence for the required situation in order for the unit to repeat and output the proper signal. The FogMate will respond with very short blasts of the horn to acknowledge the count, and then start the selected blast pattern a few seconds later. There is no graphical control panel or preview to assure correct signaling has been chosen.  
         [0012]     Again, the foregoing references are fairly cumbersome, requiring nine different wiring configurations to accomplish their purposes. Hence, they are not user-friendly.  
         [0013]     It would be greatly advantageous to provide a more efficient system for automating the horn/light signaling with an electronic control module that can be retrofit or OEM installed into the existing vessel circuitry. The control module is programmed to automate signaling of both horn and/or lights in accordance with the Coast Guard Regulations. The specified sequences can be repeated once or continuously via sound and/or lights, with a preview of the selected signal. All of the regulation cadences can be readily selected by a convenient user-interface.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a system for automating the horn/light signaling of marine vessels that can be retrofit or OEM installed into the existing vessel circuitry, and will automate signaling of both horn and/or lights in accordance with the Coast Guard Regulations.  
         [0015]     These and other objects are accomplished by the present invention, which is a system for controlling a marine vessel&#39;s existing horn and 360 degree light through two independent outputs to automatically give the required sound and light navigational signals as set forth in Coast Guard Navigation Rules, International and Inland for Sound and Light Signals for boats 12 meters 39 feet and larger, Rules  34  through  37 . According to the regulations at times, the horn and light must be used separately. At other times, the horn and light can be used together if synchronized. Therefore two independent outputs are necessary. The use of the second independent output for a 360 degree masthead light can be used to supplement if synchronized the sound signals for Rules  34  Maneuvering and Warning Signals, Rule  36  Signals to Attract Attention, &amp; Rule  37  Distress Signals. The said invention utilizes a second independent output on the controller to be used with a 360-degree light for both daytime and nighttime maneuvering which makes the controller unique. It is this second independent output that makes the controller capable of synchronizing the horn with a 360-degree light which is required by the regulations if you want to supplement the horn with a light. The difficulty of synchronizing of horn and light makes this provision in the regulations hard to implement.  
         [0016]     For example by wiring a horn in parallel with the light on a single output would cause incorrect signaling during the Rule  35  Restricted Visibility usage in which a light is not permitted to be used. This single output wired in parallel would also prohibit the use of a 360-degree light such as an anchor light to be used for night maneuvering. This would cause conflict with the horn while trying to use the anchor light. By having the option of supplementing the horn with a 360 degree light for night time and day time signaling would greatly enhance communication between vessels during maneuvering and warning situations, thus reducing vessel collisions.  
         [0017]     Rule  35  Restricted Visibility, requires the largest number of different horn signal sequences and is difficult to remember and execute in a timely manner. The signals for Rule  35  are sound signals, although Rules  34 ,  36 ,  37  allow vessels use a 360-degree light to supplement the sound. The present apparatus provides a selection of predetermined horn/light signals, by pressing an appropriate key on a convenient user-interface. The specified sequences can be repeated once or continuously via sound and/or light, with a preview of the selected signal. The system permits a helmsman and other crew-members to attend to other duties without constant attention to the vessel&#39;s horn. Use of the system enhances safety and Coast Guard compliance, and in the long term helps to inform and educate the operator through observation of the signal patterns displayed on the keypad, and would be welcomed in boating educational courses like Coast Guard Auxiliary, Power Squadron and Community College courses. In an alternative embodiment a portable self-contained version is provided that contains both a horn and a 360-degree light along with the present system controller, all housed in an emergency abandon ship bag. The portable version is available for sailboats, towboats, water taxis, dinghies, etc.  
         [0018]     The light designed to accompany the said invention is a high intensity white 360-degree Light Emitting Diode LED which has more than a two-mile visibility. This high intensity LED circuitry requires an aluminum heat sink base to dissipate the heat and utilizes a 120-degree reflective aluminum cone to redirect any stray light emissions.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]     Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and certain modifications thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a front view of the system  2  illustrating the user interface  31 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the entire system  2 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the system  2  electronics.  
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of the program flow of the system.  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  is a perspective drawing of the actual output signaling sequences of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0025]     The present invention is a system for automating the horn/light signaling of marine vessels in accordance with Coast Guard Regulations, which provides for selection of regulation cadences via a convenient user-interface, and which allows said cadences to be repeated once or continuously, with a preview of the selected signal.  
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is a front view of the system  2  illustrating the user interface  31 . The system includes a compact; rugged, powder coated aluminum enclosure  4 , that is splash proof, with front-mounted user interface  31 . A light-sensing window  23  turns on backlighting automatically and during low lighting. A panel mount 12-volt output receptacle  29  is provided for use with a spotlight to automate the signal for in danger or distress SOS mode situations. The user interface  31  comprises a backlit molded silicon rubber keypad with a plurality of lighted indicators and pressure-switches. At the top, the pressure switches include three discrete selector switches  20 - 22  inclusive of a MODE switch  20 , MANUAL switch  21 , and ON/OFF switch  22 . The MODE switch  20  selects certain automatic modes and functions for vessel signaling, and is indicated by the illumination of LED  20 A. The selected automatic mode is indicated by a plurality of lighted mode legends  24  appearing directly beneath. The MANUAL switch  21  overrides program flow and allows manual turning of the signals on/off. If the MANUAL switch  21  is actuated the MANUAL LED  21  A will illuminate and program flow is interrupted and the action is interpreted as a command to activate the horn and/or mast light. The ON/OFF switch  22  controls overall power to the system  2 , with the ON/OFF LED  22 A illuminating when on. The automatic modes as indicated by the mode legends  24  include: 1) Power: Making Way; 2) Power: Not Making Way; 3) NUC, RAM, SAIL, FISHING, TOWING; 4) TOWED &amp; MANNED; 5) ANCHORED; 6) DANGER/DOUBT; 7) S.O.S. with Inland Distress included; 8) HORN OR LIGHT ON. Each of these modes reflects a vessel condition for which a particular horn signal must be sounded in accordance with Coast Guard Navigation Rules. The particular mode can be set by pushing the MODE switch  20 , which changes modes one-by-one, the selected mode being indicated by illumination of the corresponding mode legend LED&#39;s  24 , and the chosen horn signal being graphically illustrated to the right. Once a selected mode is chosen, the output can be set to: a No output, monitor only, b Horn only; c Light only; or d both Horn and light, which will then illuminate the graphic legend  26  for the chosen output. The desired output signaling will start with the press of either the single or the repeat button. The system  2  will output either the horn or masthead light or both with an assigned sequence of long or short blasts.  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  is a perspective drawing of the actual output signaling sequences of the present invention. This example gives the required blast duration for a prolonged blast 4-6 seconds a short 1 second and rapid blast ⅓ second. Sequences are emitted as shown for the following signals, with blasts of controlled patterns over set time frames as shown: 
        1 Power: Making Way ______     2 Power: Not Making Way ______     3 NUC,RAM,Sail,Fish,Towing ______     4 Towed &amp; Manned ______     5 Anchored ______     6 Danger/Doubt . . .     7 S.O.S. . . . ______ . . . or Inland Distress, (50-70 flashes per minute)     8 Horn or Light on continuously          
         [0036]     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , at the bottom of the interface  31 , an OUTPUT switch  25  is provided in conjunction with a LIGHT legend and HORN legend  26 . The OUTPUT switch  25  LED  25 A will illuminate when pressed and allow the operator to choose to emit the signaling via horn, mast light, or both or no output i.e., monitor sequence. The particular selection can be set by pressing the OUTPUT switch  25 , which changes the output to horn and/or mast light, the selected output being indicated by illumination of one or both of the corresponding LIGHT legend and/or HORN legend  26  or neither illuminated Monitor output only. Once the single or repeat switch is pressed the chosen output will receive output sequence. If no outputs are chosen the OUTPUT LED  25 A will flash the chosen signal pattern for the operated to monitor. The OUTPUT LED  25 A will always reflect the chosen pattern regardless of the output chosen, which lets you know the sequencer is working.  
         [0037]     Finally, a SINGLE switch  27  is provided along with a REPEAT switch  28 . Pressing the SINGLE switch  27  illuminates LED  27 A and results in a single occurrence of the selected sequence. Pressing the REPEAT switch  28  illuminates LED  28 A resulting in continuous and repetitive sequences with the proper time intervals. Either the SINGLE switch  27  or the REPEAT switch  28  may be depressed, the corresponding LED  27 A,  28 A being lit to indicate which has been depressed. The above-described user-interface  31  is highly intuitive and convenient and substantially eliminates the incidence of operator error.  
         [0038]     In addition to the user interface  31  of  FIG. 1 , the system  2  includes a remote light system  8  as shown in  FIG. 6 , connected to the user interface  31  for emitting high intensity light in a 360-degree pattern visible for more than two nautical miles. The light system  8  comprises an aluminum base  10  that supports and maintains thermal contact with the base of a high-intensity LED  12 . The top of the base  10  has a pedestal  7  that allows a donut shaped Printed Circuit Board PCB  11  to be slipped over the pedestal  7  and attached to the LED  12 . Printed Circuit Board PCB  11  contains conventional LED driver circuitry. The aluminum base  10  is required for heat dissipation that the high intensity LED emits. The base  10  is preferably provided with spaced fins  17  to increase surface area for heat dissipation and to provide airflow to remove heat from the base  10 . The LED  12  is a high intensity side emitting diode viewed from 360 degrees. A polished aluminum reflector cone  9  is attached to the acrylic tube  14  and this provides a 120-degree reflective surface to redirect any illuminations radiating from the top of the LED  12 . This reflected light is redirected to the sides and outward as usable light. The raised pedestal  7  on top the base  10  has two purposes. First it allows the LED  12  to be directly thermally attached to the heat sink base  10  while allowing the PCB  11  to be placed over the pedestal  7  and attached to LED  12 . Secondly, this raising of the LED  12  positions the PCB  11  components well below the horizontal plane to increase the viewing angle of LED  12 . Similarly, the height of the aluminum reflector cone  9  in relation to the LED  12  also increases the viewing angle due to the reflected angle of the aluminum cone  9 . This additional viewing angle becomes important during the vessel&#39;s motion, and can increase the viewing angle by 30 degrees. The reflector cone  9  serves as the top of system  8  and it is tapped  16  for a # 10 - 24  thumbscrew to be used for hoisting or securing the system  8  if desired. The base  10  also is tapped  16  for a # 10 - 24  thumbscrew for securing the system  8  to the deck. The reflector cone  9  and the base  10  are jointed together using 1¼ “clear acrylic tube  14  and clear adhesive to seal the unit. The system  8  accepts 12 volts and current regulates using PCB  11 . This current regulation design allows the light intensity output of system  8  to remain constant as the voltage drops and until the battery voltage goes below 8.5 volts. In contrast, an incandescing light will diminish in light intensity while the battery is being depleted. The light intensity output of system  8  is adjustable using a trimming potentiometer  13  to set the desired illumination. This adjustment of illumination allows the intensity to be increased for signaling high intensity, or decreased to conserve battery consumption such as an anchor light or for cabin illumination low intensity. The system  8  uses a photoconductive cell  18  mounted on PCB  11  to automatically turn on the LED  12  at dusk or low light conditions, and off during daylight. The photoconductive cell  18  can easily be covered with a black piece of tape to keep the system  8  to remain on regardless of ambient light conditions. The supply voltage wires and the light intensity adjustment wirers  13  are run through a guide hole  19  running through the base  10  at a 45 degree angle  19  and exiting on the top of the base  10  for termination at PCB  11 . The bottom of the base  10  is slotted from the guide hole  19  to the outer edge of the bottom of the base  10  to allow the wires to hang down for from  19  for hoisting, or to bend at a 90 degree angle in relation to the bottom of the base  10  for flush bottom mounting. Flush mounting can be accomplished using industrial double sided tape, hook and loop products, or using the # 10 - 24  tapped hole  16  for secure vertical or horizontal mounting. The wires in guide hole  19  are preferably sealed with potting material to seal out atmosphere. The above system  8  can be used to accompany the controller of  FIG. 1  for supplementing the horn with a 360-degree light as allowed in the Rules  34 , Maneuvering and Warning Signals; Rule  36 , Signal to Attract Attention; Rule  37 , Distress Signals. The remote light system  8  provides the capability of signaling with horn and or light as necessary.  
         [0039]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the electronics of the Vessel Signaling System  2 . The electronics comprise a power controller  30  a keypad and display  31 , a digital processor with self-contained memory  32 , two identical drivers  33  and  34 , a horn  35  and the above-described remote light system  8 .  
         [0040]     The power controller  30  accepts unregulated dc voltage V 1  from the vessel&#39;s power source and regulates, filters and controls the application of the power to the keypad/display  31  and the processor  32 . It also provides the on/off control for the Vessel Signaling System  2 . On/Off control is provided by IC 8  a small microprocessor PIC10F200 and a p-channel FET switch. In operation, closure of the switch is sensed by an input port of the microprocessor, and a preset count started. If the closure persists for the duration of the count the output port of the microprocessor changes state and the FET switch adopts conduction or non-conduction depending upon its previous state.  
         [0041]     The keypad and display  31  is the integrated user interface, which accepts key commands from the user and presents information to the user. It comprises the multiplicity of keys described above, which the user may depress to select the modes and functions for the Vessel Signaling System  2 .  
         [0042]     Processor  32  monitors the keys on the keypad  31  for user actions and interprets them as commands for certain actions to be performed by the processor. It responds to the user by illuminating appropriate LED&#39;s, which convey the current state of the system to the user. The processor utilizes a firmware program contained within memory to store the current state of the system, translate user desires into system actions and signals based upon the current system state and select the appropriate driver or drivers  33  and  34  to emit the desired signal. One or both drivers may be utilized at the same time to cause a horn  35  or a light  36  or both to emit the desired signal. The eight distinct signals described above can be generated automatically by the system under the control of the processor  32 .  
         [0043]     The Drivers  33  and  34  are high side FETswitches that may be powered from the same or a different dc power source V 2  and V 3  than the remainder of the system depending upon the power requirements of the horn and light.  
         [0044]     In  FIG. 3 (A-D) one implementation of the Boat Signaling System is depicted. Other circuit configurations are possible but  FIG. 3  will be used to explain the operation of the system.  FIG. 3A  illustrates the power regulation components. Assuming a 12-volt supply is provided at terminals  1  and  2 , IC 2  and associated components regulates the incoming voltage to a constant  5  volts, which powers the system circuitry inclusive of processor  31  of  FIG. 2 . In the present embodiment the processor  31  comprises a first microprocessor IC 8  (a PIC10F200). Actuation of switch S 6  causes the microprocessor IC 8  described earlier to change state causing the logic level of the output of the processor to go low. The low turns on transistor Q 2  allowing current to flow into the circuitry until the voltage reaches approximately 4.5 volts at which time the processor IC 5  begins to function. During this time the oscillator within the microprocessor has started running at a frequency of 32 to 33 kilohertz.  
         [0045]      FIG. 3B  is a continuation of the schematic of  3 A. With regard to  FIG. 3B , as the microprocessor runs, the frequency is determined by the resistance of RV 1 , R 54  and C 15 . After an appropriate number of cycles of the oscillator, the microprocessor IC 5  begins to execute its program. It initializes the registers of the microprocessor IC 5  and commences to execute the executive program loop. At startup the Manual, Output and Horn LED&#39;s  21 A,  25 A and  26  are illuminated and the program loops until the user actuates one of the switches S 1 , S 2  or S 5 . The program disregards actuation of switches S 3  and S 4  at this time. If the Manual switch S 2  is actuated, the program flow is interrupted and the action is interpreted as a command to turn on one or both of the Drivers IC 6  and IC 7  which will result in a signal being emitted. When S 2  is released the program will turn the Drivers IC 6 , IC 7  off and the signal will cease. If the Mode switch S 1  is actuated the program will deactivate the Manual function and enable the selection of a suitable signal. This state is indicated to the user by the Manual LED  21  B being extinguished and the Mode LED  20 A and Power Making Way LED&#39;s being illuminated. Further actuations of the Mode switch S 1  will cause the signaling modes to be selected in sequence. Back lighting is accomplished during periods of low light using a photocell R 24  with Q 1  circuit to illuminate the laser etched writing in the translucent silicon rubber material. To activate a mode either the Single or Repeat switch S 4 , S 3  is pressed resulting in a single or continuous operation of the horn, lighting system  8  LED or both in synchronism with illumination of the front panel output LED so that the signal may be monitored at the front panel  31 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 3B  illustrates the second microprocessor of  31 , and associated drivers. A stored program in a second microprocessor IC 5  (a PIC 16C71) receives the input from switches S 1  through S 5  as interrupts to be serviced according to the associated program instructions.  
         [0047]     The outputs RB 1  and RB 2  on pins  7 ,  8  of microprocessor IC 5  control transistors Q 3 , Q 4 , and Q 5 , Q 6  which in turn operate IC 6  and IC 7  (IC 6  and IC 7  are identical IR3310 programmable current sensing high side switches, one connected to the vessel horn and one to the mast light or 12 Volt receptacle). The input signal from RB 1  And RB 2  via transistors Q 3  and Q 4  and Q 5 , Q 6  work together control the current set for IC 6  and IC 7 . IC 6  and IC 7  provide two independent 20-amp protected outputs for sounding the horn or lighting the mast light, and the input voltage to the system can range between 8 and 50 volts and is polarity protected.  
         [0048]     Each of the MODE switch  20 , MANUAL switch  21 , REPEAT switch  28 , SINGLE switch  27 , and OUTPUT switch  25  ( FIG. 1 ) may be illuminated at the user interface by a series of LED&#39;s  20 A,  21 A,  27 A and  25 A (numbered  4 - 11  at left in  FIG. 3B ), which are illuminated by IC 4 , an 74 HC/HCT259 8-bit addressable latch high-speed CMOS device compatible with low power Schottky TTL logic. Similarly, the various mode legends  24  at the user interface  31  may be illuminated by a series of LED&#39;s  4 - 12  at left, which are illuminated by IC 3 , another 74HC/HCT259 8-bit addressable latch. At startup, the Manual Switch  21  and Output A Horn  26  LED&#39;s are illuminated during manual operation and the program simply loops until one of the MODE switch  20 , MANUAL switch  21  or OUTPUT switch  25 , is pressed by the user. The program disregards actuation of REPEAT switch  28  and SINGLE switch  27  at this time. If the MANUAL switch  21  is actuated the program flow is interrupted and the action is interpreted as a command to turn on one or both of the Drivers IC 6  and IC 7 , which will result in a horn/mast light signal being emitted. The OUTPUT switch  25  LED will illuminate as well. When MANUAL switch  21  is released the program will turn the Drivers IC 6  and IC 7  off, and the signals will cease to be emitted and the OUTPUT switch  25  LED will be extinguished. If the MODE switch  20  is actuated the program will deactivate the Manual function and enter the Mode function enabling the selection of a suitable signal sequence as described above. This state is indicated to the user by the MANUAL switch  21  LED being extinguished and the MODE LED  20  and the corresponding mode legend  24  LED being illuminated. Further actuations of the MODE switch  20  will cause the mode legend  24  LED to illuminate in sequence to show that the indicated mode is made available. The output can now be selected and the graphic  26  horn or light will illuminate the chosen output: a) None; the Output LED  25  will reflect the chosen sequence to monitor without the horn or light coming on; b) Horn; c) Light and d) both horn and light. If the user actuates the REPEAT switch  28  the program will generate the selected signal and activate one or both drivers IC 6 , IC 7  to cause the signal to be repeated at timed intervals. The OUTPUT switch  25  LED will illuminate in synchronism with the emitted signal. If the user actuates the SINGLE switch  27  a single repetition of the selected signal will be generated and the OUTPUT switch  25  LED will be in synchronism with the signal emitted. The LED displays are controlled by the microprocessor IC 5  writing appropriate data to the addressable latches IC 3  and IC 4  and latching it. The display is rewritten whenever any switch  20 - 28  is actuated or any signal sequence is generated. Indicating LED&#39;s are red 660 nanometers wavelength LED&#39;s that do not interfere with night vision.  
         [0049]      FIG. 7  illustrates one implementation of the electronics on PCB  11  which is a 360 degree high intensity light system. Other circuit configurations are possible, but  FIG. 7  will be used to explain the operation of the system. Assuming a 12-volt supply is provided at terminals  1  and  2 , the components R 2  and C 3  work together for U 1  (a UC3843) to operate as a 100 kHz oscillator current mode PWM controller. Each cycle from U 1  pin  6  goes though R 7  to attenuate the output to Q 1 . Each cycle of Q 1  supplies limited high current from L 1  into D 4 , and out of R 3  and R 4  to the negative return. The current waveform is set for a 600 ma triangular wave, resulting in half of the average, which is 300 ma the maximum desired current.  
         [0050]     The feedback from IC 1  555 pin 3 turns Q 1  off. This causes the inductive discharge from L 1  through D 4  and R 3 /R 4 , which results in D 4  illuminating.  
         [0051]     The IC 1  is used as an astable oscillator providing 100 Hz pulse with an adjustable duty cycle from 0-100. The frequency and duty cycle are set with R 5  and C 1 . During the charging of IC 1  pin  3 , the current goes through D 2 . Similarly during discharge, the current goes through D 1 .  
         [0052]     R 1  attenuates the signal into U 1  for the on/off operation of Q 1  and the high current from L 1  into D 4 . A change of state from IC 1  pin  3  to a high turns off Q 1  and allows discharge of L 1  inductive current and the illumination of D 4 . Conversely, the change of state from IC 1  pin  3  to a low turns on Q 1  to and does not allow inductive discharge into D 4 .  
         [0053]     The photoconductive cell RV 1  drops in resistance to 200-100 ohms in bright light which turns on Q 1  and does not allow current to flow through D 4 . In darkness, the resistance increases to mega ohms and turns off Q 1  allowing the current to flow through D 4 . This photoconductive cell RV 1  senses the ambient light allows D 4  to come on automatically during the hours of darkness. This automatic operation is useful for an anchor light or for other situations where reduced battery consumption is desired.  
         [0054]     Having described the system  2  architecture, the program flow of the system  2  programmed into microcontroller IC 5  of processor  31  will now be described.  
         [0055]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram of the program flow of the system.  
         [0056]     At step  100 , the ON/OFF switch  22  is pressed to apply power to the system  2 .  
         [0057]     At step  200 , the system initializes and the ON/OFF switch  22  LED is illuminated along with the MANUAL switch  21  LED. The system  2  defaults to a horn output and the HORN Graphic Display  26  is illuminated.  
         [0058]     At step  300  the system waits for a switch closure. If no key has been pressed the system  2  loops back and continues to wait. If a key is pressed, then at step  310  the system  2  determines which of the MODE switch  20 , MANUAL switch  21 , On/Off switch  22  or OUTPUT switch  25  has been pressed. If a mode has been chosen, and the SINGLE switch  27  or REPEAT switch  28  is pressed, program will fall through  420  and then to  800 .  
         [0059]     If at  300 , the MODE switch  20  has been pressed, program goes to step  400 , MODE LED  20  lights and then the various mode legends  24  at the user interface  31  are sequentially illuminated in accordance with the number of MODE switch  20  depressions until the desired mode is attained, and at step  410  that LED will remain illuminated. At step  410  if no other key is depressed the system  2  will loop back to  300  and waits for another key to be pressed. Typically the OUTPUT  26  switch would be pressed to choose the output. At  600  the program will cycle of the outputs with each press, for either the Horn, Light, Horn and Light or None (OUTPUT LED  25  will illuminate for monitoring regardless of chosen output sequences). Once the OUTPUT  600  is chosen, the Graphic Display  26  of the HORN, LIGHT, HORN and LIGHT will illuminate, and the program will loop back to  300  and wait for key press. With system  2  having a mode and output chosen, program waits for a SINGLE  27  or REPEAT  28  to be pressed to begin sequence. The program falls through to  420  and then to  800 , where the program determines which key was pressed.  
         [0060]     If SINGLE  27  was pressed, SINGLE  27  LED illuminates and program goes to  810  to check for modes  1 - 7  or mode  8 . If in mode  1 - 7 , program fetches sequence and illuminates the chosen mode legend  24  LED, and goes to  820  and executes one sequence of that mode then goes back to  300  and waits. If in mode  8 , the mode  8  legend LED is illuminated, and the program goes to  830  and turns ON the HORN and /or LIGHT along with the Graphic Displays  26 , then returns to  300  and waits.  
         [0061]     If REPEAT  28  was pressed, REPEAT  28  LED is illuminated, and the program goes to  900 . At  900 , program checks for modes  1 - 6 , 7 ,  8 . If in mode  1 - 6 , program goes to  920  to fetch the sequence, and turns on the chosen mode legend  24  LED, and then to  950  to output the sequence. After the first sequence, the program goes to  960  to check for any other key presses. If there are no other key presses, the program loops back to  950  to repeat the sequence at timed intervals. If SINGLE  27  was pressed, the REPEAT  28  LED goes out, and the SINGLE  27  LED is illuminated, and the program goes to  820  and executes the sequence one time then goes back to  300  and waits for key press. If at  960 , another key was pressed, program goes to  310  to determine which key was pressed. If at  900 , mode  7  was pressed, the mode legend  24  LED illuminates for mode  7  and the program goes to  930  and checks if REPEAT  28  is held for two seconds. If REPEAT  28  has been held for two seconds program goes to  940  to sequence Inland Distress (50-70 blasts/flashes per minute) This is a variation of S.O.S. Distress. If at  930  REPEAT  28  was not held for two seconds, program goes to  950  to execute mode  7 . If at  900 , mode  8  was pressed, mode legend  24  LED illuminates, and program goes to  910  and turns ON the HORN and/or LIGHT along with Graphic Displays  26  LED&#39;s, and then goes to  300  and waits.  
         [0062]     At step  300 , if MANUAL  21  is pressed, the program goes to  500  and the MANUAL  21  LED illuminates, and the program will turn ON the selected outputs and Graphic Display  26  LED&#39;s for as long as the MANUAL  21  key is pressed. The OUTPUT  25  LED will illuminate with each press. When the MANUAL  21  key is released, the outputs turn OFF, and then the program goes to  300  and waits.  
         [0063]     At step  300 , if OUTPUT  25  is pressed, the program goes to  600  and the OUTPUT  25  LED will illuminate and will cycle through outputs; HORN, LIGHT, HORN and LIGHT, or NONE (monitor OUTPUT LED) with each press along with the Graphic Display  26  LED&#39;s. At step  300 , if ON/OFF  22  is pressed, program goes to  700  and turns off all indicating LED&#39;s and the program goes to  710  and system  2  will power down.  
         [0064]     It should now be apparent that the present system fully automates both horn and light signaling of marine vessels in compliance with Coast Guard Regulations, providing for selection of regulation cadences via a convenient user-interface that allows said cadences to be repeated once or at the prescribed time intervals continuously with a preview of the selected signal. This permits the vessel operator to comply with navigational rules for restricted visibility that are mandatory for vessels 39 feet and larger, and prudent for vessels less than 39 feet which are required to provide some efficient sound signaling at specified intervals. The system  2  is designed for both the recreational boaters and commercial vessels i.e. NUC, RAM, sailing, fishing, towing and towed and manned. The high quality silicon rubber splash proof user interface  31  and powder coated aluminum enclosure  4  keep the electronics encapsulated for all weather operation. The system  2  may be included by installation in new vessels or may be retrofit as a console-mount or portable unit.  
         [0065]     In an alternative embodiment a portable self-contained version is provided that incorporates the system  2  of  FIG. 1 , plus 360-degree high intensity light  8  of  FIG. 6 , plus a compact 12-volt horn, 7 amp-hour battery, and DC charger, all stowed in a high visibility emergency flotation bag. The portable version is preferable for training, sailboats, towboats, water taxis, dinghies, abandon ship bag, etc. In all such cases the system  2  helps to promote a safer maritime environment through education and proper signaling.  
         [0066]     Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications thereto may obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with the underlying concept. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein.