Mobile marine communications apparatus

A mobile communications apparatus (84) for wireless communication with a fixed mount marine radio (82) is disclosed. A radio-frequency communicator (120) is selectively operable to transmit wireless communications to the fixed mount marine radio (82) in a sending mode and to receive wireless communications from the fixed mount marine radio (82) in a receiving mode. A speaker (114) and microphone (112) are coupled to the radio-frequency communicator (120) to enable audio communication. An actuator (122) operates the radio-frequency communicator (120) between the sending mode and the receiving mode.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates, in general, to the transmission of communications and, in particular, to a mobile communications apparatus for wireless communication with a fixed mount marine radio and a system and method for marine communications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A shipboard radio station includes all of the transmitting and receiving equipment installed aboard a ship for communications afloat. Depending on the size, purpose or destination of a ship, its radio station must meet certain requirements established by law or treaty. For example, large passenger or cargo ships that travel on the open sea are required by the Communications Act and by international agreements to be equipped with a radio station for long distance radio communications. Passenger ships that travel along the coast must be able to communicate at shorter range with coast stations. These are examples of “compulsory ships” because they are required or compelled by treaty or statute to be equipped with specified communications equipment.

Smaller ships used for recreation, e.g., sailing, diving, fishing or water skiing, are not required to have radio stations installed but they may be so equipped by choice. These ships are known as “voluntary ships” because they are not required by treaty or statute to carry a radio but may voluntarily fit some of the same equipment used by compulsory ships.

A shipboard radio station may communicate with other ship stations or coast stations primarily for safety, and secondarily for navigation and operational efficiency. The FCC regulates marine communications in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard, which monitors marine distress frequencies continuously to protect life and property. Ship station equipment includes fixed mount marine radios, radar, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIBs), single sideband radiotelephones and satellite radios.

In particular, marine radios are an important part of marine communications. Marine radios are employed to call a remote ship station, place a call through a public coast station, receive a shore to ship call and initiate a marine distress call. For example, an operator places a call to a remote ship station by first ensuring that the fixed mount marine radio is operational. The operator then selects Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) and listens to make sure it is not being used. Alternatively, Channel 9 (156.45 MHz) may be used by recreational vessels for general purpose calling. This frequency should be used whenever possible to relieve congestion of Channel 16. When the Channel is quiet, the operator places the call to the ship. The operator speaks directly into the fixed mount marine radio microphone in a normal tone of voice with clarity and distinctiveness and states “[name of ship being called] THIS IS [the name and call sign (if applicable) of the ship where the call is being placed].” Once contact is made on Channel 16, the ships switch to a ship-to-ship channel. For example, if the call regards a noncommercial message, Channel 71, 72 or 78 may be selected. Alternatively, if the call regards a navigational message, Channel 13 or 67 may be selected. After communications are completed, each ship provides its call sign or ship name and switches back to Channel 16.

Typical marine radios are fixed mounted at the radio station of the vessel. Usually, the radio station of the vessel is positioned at the bridge. Therefore, an operator or seaman is limited to using the fixed mount marine radio at the bridge. This limitation is problematic for operators of both small and large marine vessels. Marine vessels, regardless of size, may have a limited crew and may not have a full-time radio operator. Marine vessels, however, may have a need to be able to send and receive marine communications at any time. Accordingly, a need exists for a system and method of marine communications that an operator may employ throughout the marine vessel.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention disclosed herein comprises a mobile communications apparatus for wireless communication with a fixed mount marine radio. The system and methods of the present invention enable an operator to send and receive marine communications at any time and from any location in the vessel.

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a mobile communications apparatus that includes a radio-frequency communicator that is selectively operable to transmit wireless communications to the fixed mount marine radio in a sending mode and to receive wireless communications from the fixed mount marine radio in a receiving mode. A speaker is coupled to the radio-frequency communicator and generates sound associated with received wireless communications when the radio-frequency communicator is in the receiving mode. A microphone is coupled to the radio-frequency communicator and receives sound for wireless communication when the radio-frequency communicator is in the sending mode. An actuator operates the radio-frequency communicator between the sending mode and the receiving mode.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a marine communications system that includes a fixed mount marine radio and a mobile communications apparatus. The fixed mount marine radio is selectively operable to transmit marine communications in a sending mode and receive marine communications in a receiving mode. The fixed mount marine radio includes a microphone that is attached to the fixed mount marine radio via a wireline that receives sound for marine communication when the fixed marine radio is in the sending mode and a speaker mounted within the fixed mount marine radio that generates sound associated with received marine communications when the fixed mount marine radio is in the receiving mode.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for receiving marine communications. The method includes sending a marine communication on a first frequency from a mobile communications apparatus to a fixed mount marine radio and sending the marine communication on a second frequency from the fixed mount marine radio to a remote station.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for receiving marine communications. The method includes receiving a marine communication from a remote station on a first frequency on a fixed mount marine radio and sending the marine communication on a second frequency to a mobile communications apparatus from the fixed mount marine radio.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially toFIG. 1, a marine communications system of the present invention is being employed in a marine vessel that is schematically illustrated and generally designated10. A marine vessel12is at sea in water14. A shipboard radio station16positioned at the bridge of marine vessel12is fitted with a fixed mount marine radio18. A loud speaker20and antenna22are coupled to fixed marine radio18to provide audio and wireless marine communications, respectively. Preferably, fixed mount marine radio18is a very high frequency (VHF) FM radio that allows ship station16to communicate with other remote ship stations and coast stations over short distances. More preferably, fixed mount marine radio is able to send and receive on all USA, Canadian and International marine channels. A seaman24is holding a mobile communications apparatus26which wirelessly communicates with fixed mount marine radio18, thereby enabling an operator to send and receive marine communications from any position on marine vessel12. For example, as illustrated, seaman24is positioned towards the aft of marine vessel12and away from the bridge and fixed mount marine radio18. Mobile communication apparatus26, however, provides marine communications via wireless communication with fixed mount marine radio18.

Referring now toFIG. 2, a wireless communication system30is illustrated that provides for mobile marine communications. A fixed mount marine radio32and mobile communications apparatus34are in wireless communication as represented by communication line36. Preferably, the wireless communication occurs at 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz. It should be understood, however, that the fixed mount marine radio32and mobile communications apparatus34may communicate at any frequency and the frequency chosen will depend on multiple considerations including manufacturing costs and government regulations.

Fixed mount marine radio32includes a base station38and a hand microphone40. Fixed mount marine radio32is selectively operable to transmit marine communications in a sending mode and receive marine communications in a receiving mode. Hand microphone40includes a microphone42, functions44and push to talk actuator46. Microphone42receives sound for marine communication when fixed mount marine radio32is in the sending mode. Push to talk actuator46selectively operates fixed mount marine radio32between the sending mode and the receiving mode. By hand actuating push to talk actuator46, microphone40receives sound and fixed mount marine radio32is operable to send marine communications.

As illustrated, functions44include a 16/9 channel function, channel selection and a hailer. The 16/9 channel key tunes the fixed mount marine radio to Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) with one click and to Channel 9 (156.45 MHz) with two clicks. Channel 16 is the international distress, safety and calling channel. Boaters use this channel to get the attention of another station or in emergencies. Boats and ships required to carry a fixed mount marine radio and the United States Coast Guard maintain a listening watch on this channel. Channel 9 is the boater calling channel established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as a supplementary calling channel for noncommercial vessels and recreational boaters to ease the congestion of Channel 16. Accordingly, the ease of access that the 16/9 channel function provides to Channels 16 and 9 is very valuable on navigable waterways.

The channel selection key provides easy channel selection with an up arrow that increases the channel and a down arrow that decreases the channel. The hailer key changes the mode of marine communication from wireless to auditory by switching from the antenna22ofFIG. 1to the loud speaker20ofFIG. 1.

Wireline48, a cord, connects hand microphone40and base station38. Base station38includes speaker50that generates sound associated with marine communications when fixed mount marine radio32is in the receiving mode. A push-select knob52provides a tool for navigating the software menu. Display54displays information about the function of fixed marine radio32such as the currently tuned channel. A power/volume control56controls ON/OFF, power level and volume. As illustrated, functions58include a distress call key, a menu key, a weather (WX) alert key, a scan memory key and a 16/9 TRI key. The distress call key sends out a distress call in Digital Selective Calling (DSC). In general DSC is used to establish communications with ship or coast stations or to receive calls from other ships or coast stations. DSC works in conjunction with VHF, MF and HF radio systems and employs a two tone digital signal protocol to selectively call a particular station or to call a group of stations, all stations in a particular geographic area or to call all stations.

The menu key provides access to the software menu. The software menu provides features such as a programmable memory. The WX alert key changes the channel to the last used weather channel. Alternatively, the weather alert function may be equipped with Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME). The scan memory key scans preprogrammed channels. The 16/9 TRI key accesses Channel 16, Channel 9 and provides a triple watch mode. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that although the fixed mount marine radio has been illustrated with certain functions, other functions known in marine communications are within the teachings of the present invention. For example, the fixed mount marine radio may be equipped with a squelch control key in order to eliminate output noise when no marine communication or an extremely weak marine communication is received.

Mobile communications apparatus34includes a channel selection mechanism60. By turning channel selection mechanism60to the left or right, a channel may be selected. Mobile communications apparatus34relays the channel selection to the fixed mount marine radio on a frequency, such as 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz. Fixed mount marine radio32then tunes in to the selected channel and relays marine communications to the mobile communications apparatus34. Fixed mount marine radio32may tune into Coast Guard Channel 22A (157.1 MHz), the “piloting” Channel 13 (156.65 MHz) or ship-to-ship safety Channel 6 (156.3 MHz), for example. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that while fixed mount marine radio32sends and receives marine communications on a wide band of marine frequencies, such as VHF band, over relatively great distances, mobile communications apparatus34receives marine communications via a relay with fixed mount marine radio32at a different frequency band over relatively shorter distances.

A display62is positioned on mobile communications apparatus34to provide a functionality similar to display54of fixed mount marine radio32. A push to talk actuator63is positioned on the side of mobile communications apparatus34. Similar to push to talk actuator46, push to talk actuator63selectively operates fixed mount marine radio32and mobile communications apparatus34between the sending mode and the receiving mode. By hand actuating push to talk actuator63, mobile communications apparatus34sends a signal to fixed mount marine radio32to switch fixed mount marine radio32to the send mode. Moreover, by hand actuating push to talk actuator63, mobile communications apparatus34may receive sound for marine communication. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that although a particular system of control interrupts has been presented, alternative interrupt schemes are within the teachings of the present invention.

The functions mounted onto the mobile communications apparatus include a menu/hail key64, a scan memory key66, a 16/9 TRI key68and a WX alert key70. These function keys are identical to the functions44and58positioned on fixed mount marine radio32. As briefly described already and as will be described in more detail hereinbelow, when a function is selected on mobile communication apparatus34, the function is sent to fixed mount marine radio32where the function is performed and an output is sent back to mobile communications apparatus34. Similar to functions44and58of fixed mount marine radio32, other functions known in marine communications may be employed with the mobile communications apparatus34of the present invention. For example, the mobile communications apparatus34may include a function that turns the fixed mount marine radio32ON and OFF.

Microphone72receives sound for wireless communication when fixed mount marine radio32is in the sending mode. A scroll/select knob74provides a navigation tool for the software menu. Speaker76generates sound associated with received wireless communications when fixed mount marine radio32is in the receiving mode. A waterproof casing78is positioned on the outside of the mobile communications apparatus34to provide protection from water. Optionally, mobile communications apparatus34may include a belt clip or other suitable carrying mechanism. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that although only one mobile communication apparatus is presented communicating with fixed mount marine radio32, more than one mobile communication apparatus may be employed to communicate with fixed mount marine radio32.

Referring now toFIG. 3A, a marine communications system80of the present invention is depicted. A fixed mount marine radio82and mobile communications apparatus84are in communication as illustrated by communication line85. Preferably, fixed mount marine radio82and mobile communications apparatus84communicate at 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz or other frequency in the narrowband Personal Communications Spectrum (PCS) spectrum.

A microprocessor86controls the operations of the fixed mount marine radio82. A loud speaker88is electrically coupled to microprocessor86and positioned outside fixed mount marine radio82as depicted by the placement outside the dashed lines. When fixed mount marine radio82is in the sending mode and the hailer function is activated, microprocessor86routes the marine communication through loud speaker88for local auditory marine communications. Microphone90and speaker92are electrically coupled to microprocessor86. Microphone90receives sound for marine communication when fixed mount marine radio82is in the sending mode. Speaker92generates sound associated with received marine communications when fixed mount marine radio82is in the receiving mode.

Display94is electrically coupled to microprocessor86to provide a visual output for data such as the status of the hailer function and the current channel, for example. Input96is coupled to microprocessor86. Input96may be any function such as the volume control or 16/9 key, for example. Transceiver98is electrically coupled to microprocessor86to convert received radio frequencies into electrical signals for processing by microprocessor86and to convert electrical signals into radio frequency for transmission. Transceiver98sends and receives radio frequencies with antenna100. Transceiver98and antenna100communicate with mobile communications apparatus84.

Similarly, transceiver102is electrically coupled to microprocessor86to convert received radio frequencies into electrical signals for processing by microprocessor86and to convert electrical signals into radio frequency for transmission. A push to talk actuator104operates transceiver102and fixed mount marine radio82between the sending and the receiving mode. An antenna106radiates radio frequency waves towards remote stations, such as remote ship stations or coast stations, and receives radio frequency waves from remote stations. Memory108stores the data necessary for the operation of fixed mount marine radio82. Although fixed mount marine radio82is illustrated with a particular configuration, the fixed mount marine radio may have a different configuration. For example, only one antenna or an antenna array may be present. Additionally, fixed mount marine radio82may employ any power source such as a DC connection to a ship generator or batteries.

A microprocessor110controls the operations of mobile communications apparatus84. Microphone112and speaker114are coupled to microprocessor110. Microphone112is operational when the operator is speaking and fixed mount marine radio82is in the sending mode by pressing a push to talk actuator122as discussed in more detail below. Conversely, speaker114is operational when fixed mount marine radio82and mobile communications apparatus84are in the receiving mode. Preferably, fixed mount marine radio82defaults in the receiving mode. Display116and input118are coupled to microprocessor110and operate similar to display94and input96. Transceiver120is electrically coupled to microprocessor110to convert received radio frequencies into electrical signals for processing by microprocessor110and to convert electrical signals into radio frequency for transmission. The push to talk actuator122operates transceiver120between the sending and the receiving modes. An antenna124radiates radio frequency waves to and receives radio frequency waves from fixed mount marine radio82, and more specifically, antenna100. Microprocessor110, transceiver120, push to talk actuator122and antenna124may be considered a radio-frequency communicator. It should be understood, however, that the radio-frequency communicator may comprise additional or different electronic communication elements. Memory126stores the data necessary for the operation of mobile communication apparatus84. Preferably, mobile communications apparatus84is battery powered.

Moreover, as best illustrated inFIG. 3B, a marine communications system128of the present invention may include a fixed mount marine radio127in communication with a separate communications unit129that includes a transceiver131and an antenna133which communicate with mobile communications apparatus84via communications line135. The operation of marine communications system128is similar to the operation of the marine communications system80ofFIG. 3Adescribed in detail hereinabove.

Referring now toFIG. 4, an exemplary methodology of a marine communications is depicted. At step130, an operator enters input into the mobile communications apparatus, i.e., the mobile unit. The input may be a function such as channel selection or the actuation of the push to talk actuator followed by speech. At step132, the mobile communications apparatus relays the input to a fixed mount marine radio on a first frequency such as 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz. At step134, the input is executed by the fixed mount marine radio in an operation and a corresponding output is generated. Continuing with the illustrative examples, the operation and output may be changing the channel and receiving a weather report on a second frequency, such as 162.40 MHz (Channel WX-2), or transmitting a marine communication on a certain channel at a second frequency such as 156.45 MHz (Channel 9). At step136, the output is relayed back to the mobile communications apparatus. The output may be an indication of channel selection or a return communication, for example. At step138, an output is generated from the mobile communications apparatus based on the output received from the fixed mount marine radio. The output is communicated via a display or speaker.

Referring toFIG. 5, the reception of a distress call by the mobile communications apparatus of the present invention is depicted. At step140, the marine communication system of the present invention is in standby mode. Preferably, the system defaults in a receiving mode. At step142, a fixed mount marine radio, i.e., a fixed unit, receives a distress call on a first frequency, such as a MAYDAY, PAN PAN or SECURITE. By way of example, the distress call is a MAYDAY received on a first frequency (Channel 9 156.45 MHz). The operator, however, is not at the ship radio station which is located on the bridge. The operator is in the vessel's state room with his mobile communications apparatus. At step144, the fixed mount marine radio relays the MAYDAY to the mobile communications apparatus, i.e., the mobile unit, on a second frequency, such as 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz. At step146, the distress call is outputted via the mobile communications apparatus speakers. The distress call entails the distressed ship's identification, name, location and a brief description of the nature of the distress. The operator realizes his ship is too far away to help the distressed ship.

At step148, the operator switches to priority Channel 16 by pressing the 16/9 function key. At step150, the mobile communications apparatus relays the channel selection input to the fixed mount marine radio via the second frequency. At step152, the fixed mount marine radio tunes to Channel 16. At step154, the fixed mount marine radio sends the mobile communications apparatus confirmation of the channel selection via the second frequency. At step156, the mobile communications apparatus outputs the channel selection by displaying “16” on the display. At step158, the operator actuates the push to talk function. This places both the mobile communications apparatus and the fixed mount marine radio in a sending mode. At step160, the operator sends out the MAYDAY distress call on behalf of the distressed vessel. At step162, the mobile communications apparatus sends the marine transmission to the fixed mount marine radio via the second frequency. At step164, the fixed unit transmits the distress call on a third frequency (Channel 16 156.8 MHz) to the Coast Guard so that the distressed vessel may receive aid. At step166, the operator releases the push to talk actuator. Accordingly, the present invention enables an operator to send and receive marine communications when the operator is not positioned at the fixed mount marine radio.

Referring toFIG. 6, the operation of a weather channel feature of the mobile communications apparatus of the present invention is depicted. At step170, the mobile communications apparatus, i.e. the mobile unit, is in a standby mode. At step172, an operator inputs the WX weather alert function into the mobile communications apparatus. At step174, the WX alert function is relayed to a fixed mount marine radio, i.e. the fixed unit, at a first frequency such as 900 MHz. At step176, the fixed mount marine radio tunes into the previously monitored weather channel such as 162.55 MHz (Channel WX-1). At step178, the fixed mount marine radio receives weather information at a second frequency. At step180, the weather information is relayed to the mobile communications apparatus at the first frequency. At step182, the mobile communications apparatus outputs the weather information via a speaker. Other features such as the 16/9 function and channel selection function, for example, have a similar operation to the WX alert feature.

Referring toFIG. 7, the operation of the hailer function of the mobile communications apparatus of the present invention is depicted. At step190, the mobile unit is in standby mode. At step192, the hailer function is inputted into the mobile unit by pressing the MENU/HAIL key twice. At step194, the hailer function is relayed to the fixed mount marine radio, i.e, the fixed unit. At step196, the fixed mount marine radio switches the mode of marine communications from the antenna to the loud speaker. At step198, the fixed unit sends confirmation of the switch. At step200, the mobile unit outputs the confirmation by displaying the word “HAIL” on the display. At step202, the operator actuates the push to talk feature. The actuation is relayed to the fixed mount marine radio which switches the fixed mount marine radio from a receiving mode to a sending mode. At step204, the operator speaks a transmission into the mobile communications apparatus. At step206, the mobile communications apparatus relays the transmission to the fixed mount marine radio. At step208, fixed mount marine radio transmits the transmission via the loud speaker. At step210, the push to talk feature is released.