System and Method of Detecting and Notifying of an Occurrence of an Overboard Passenger on a Vessel

A system and a method of detecting and notifying of an occurrence of an overboard passenger on a vessel are used to automatically and immediately track and locate the overboard passenger as soon as the passenger has fallen overboard. In order to accomplish this, the method uses at least one tracking beacon and at least one central computing device. The central computing device is mounted onto a water-faring vessel to passively track the status and location of the tracking beacon so that the central computing device can automatically locate the tracking beacon once an overboard occurrence is detected. The tracking beacon utilizes spatial-positioning and orientation data and water submersion data to transmit an emergency alert when the passenger wearing the tracking beacon falls overboard from the water-faring vessel. Once the emergency alert is received, the central computing device executes a rescue response to expedite the rescue of the overboard passenger.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for long-range tracking and location. More specifically, the present invention provides a system and a method of detecting when a passenger on a vessel has fallen overboard and of executing an automatic rescue response that facilitates the immediate tracking and locating of the overboard passenger.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Locating individuals once separated from a marine vessel in large bodies of water is perhaps one of the greatest challenges in maritime Search and Rescue (SAR). Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are generally required to be carried by marine vessels with equipment specifications often regulated by a federal government. Most PFDs make it possible for People in the Water (PIWs) to remain afloat for extended periods of time; however, PFDs do not significantly reduce the challenges associated with locating PIWs. For example, while many PFDs are designed to provide some visibility to facilitate the tracking of PIWs, the visibility provided by currently available PFDs is limited and oftentimes useless due to many variables, such as weather, poor illumination, etc. Nowadays, various location and tracking technologies have been provided. Many of these technologies such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS) allow for remote tracking of people and objects. However, implementing these technologies on PFDs is often expensive and unpractical due to the large amounts of PFDs required to be present on marine vessels and the extensive maintenance some of these technologies require. Therefore, there is a need for a system and method that facilitates the tracking of PIWs for the efficient rescue of the PIWs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides simple, inexpensive means of tracking and rescuing passengers who have fallen overboard from a vessel. The system of the present invention utilizes passive, long-range radio devices capable of transmitting an emergency alert in various radio frequencies, such as two to four Megahertz (MHz) (S-band) or eight to twelve MHz (X-band), when interrogated by a marine surface search radar or similar tracking device. These devices are meant to be attached to Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and Type IV throwable flotation devices so that the passenger wearing the devices can be readily tracked for immediate rescue purposes. Thus, the present invention allows for easy detection of PIWs by standard marine radars.

The present invention enables the automatic tracking and locating of overboard passengers by implementing a passive alert system that is triggered when specific criteria is met. The criteria correspond to different factors that change while the passenger is falling overboard. Once the passenger has been detected overboard, the appropriate parties are notified, and an automatic rescue response is executed which deploys various autonomous vehicles to track the location of the overboard passenger. Once the overboard passenger has been located by the various autonomous vehicles, the autonomous vehicles accompany the overboard passenger until the rescue parties get to the overboard passenger. Thus, the present invention ensures any overboard passenger is promptly found under any weather condition. Additional features and benefits of the present invention are further discussed in the sections below.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a system and a method of detecting and notifying of an occurrence of an overboard passenger on a vessel. The present invention enables the automatic and immediate tracking and locating of the passenger as soon as the passenger has fallen overboard. As can be seen inFIG. 1 through 4, the system used to implement the method of the present invention is provided with a water-faring vessel1, at least one tracking beacon2, and at least one central computing device7(Step A). The central computing device7is mounted onto the water-faring vessel1to enable the automatic tracking and locating of the tracking beacon2. The tracking beacon2can transmit radio signals that are picked up by the central computing device7to passively keep track of the status and location of the tracking beacon2. The tracking beacon2is worn by the passenger so that the status and location of the passenger can be determined using the central computing device7. The signal generated by the tracking beacon2is strong enough that the central computing device7can determine the status of the tracking beacon2onboard the water-faring vessel1and overboard the water-faring vessel1. Multiple units of the tracking beacon2can be provided to match the number of people in the water-faring vessel1. This way, all the passengers and the staff in the water-faring vessel1can be promptly rescued.

The overall process followed by the method of the present invention allows staff and emergency and rescue services to be promptly deployed and accurately guided to a passenger who has fallen overboard. As can be seen inFIG. 5, the overall process begins by initially setting the tracking beacon2with onboard status while the tracking beacon2is located onboard the water-faring vessel1(Step A). The onboard status remains while the passenger wearing the tracking device stays onboard the water-faring vessel1. If the tracking device is located overboard the water-faring vessel1while the water-faring vessel1is in the water, the tracking beacon2is reset from the onboard status to an overboard status (Step B). By resetting the tracking beacon2to the overboard status, the tracking beacon2can start the appropriate rescue protocols. Firstly, an emergency alert from the tracking beacon2is transmitted to the central computing device7after the tracking beacon2has been set to the overboard status (Step C). Then, at least one rescue response is executed with the central computing device7(Step D). The at least one rescue response can be a manned or automatic rescue operation to help the overboard passenger. The emergency alert not only prompts the computing device to execute the prompt rescue response but also notifies all appropriate parties that the passenger has fallen overboard.

As previously discussed, the present invention enables the passive locating of the tracking beacon2. This enables the present invention to analyze possible false alarms from the tracking beacon2in order to not execute the rescue protocols unnecessarily (Steps C and D). As can be seen inFIGS. 1 through 3 and 6, to do so, the tracking beacon2is provided with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) module3and a hydrostatic sensor4. The IMU module3enables the tracking of the location and positioning of the tracking beacon2without the need of external tracking systems. The hydrostatic sensor4helps determine if the tracking beacon2is submerged in water. By keeping track of the spatial-positioning orientation, and the level of submergence of the tracking beacon2, the central computing device7can determine if the emergency alert is a false alert or a valid alert. To distinguishing a false alarm from a valid alarm, the subprocess involves tracking spatial-positioning and orientation data with the IMU module3. Tracking the spatial-positioning and orientation data of the tracking beacon2enables the central computing device7to locate the tracking beacon2in relation to the water-faring vessel1as well as the relative motion of the tracking beacon2in relation to the water-faring vessel1. Then, using the data form the IMU module3, the tracking beacon2is designated as overboard the water-faring vessel1during Step B, if an overboard falling event is identified within the spatial-positioning and orientation data, and if a water submersion event is detected by the hydrostatic sensor4. The overboard falling event is preferably identified when the passenger wearing the tracking beacon2falls off the ship. The sudden acceleration of the tracking beacon2and the spatial-positioning of the tracking beacon2outside the perimeter of the water-faring vessel1are determined from the spatial-positioning and orientation data. Further, the water submersion event is identified after the passenger wearing the tracking beacon2falls into the water. The water submersion event is determined by a water detection reading from the underwater submersion of the hydrostatic sensor4. Thus, the tracking beacon2is reset to an overboard status only if the passenger wearing the tracking beacon2falls off the ship and into the water. Furthermore, in case the passenger gets off the water-faring vessel1for any reason (e.g., the water-faring vessel1docks and the passenger gets off the water-faring vessel1), or the passenger gets wet (e.g., swimming in a pool on the water-faring vessel1), the tracking device is deactivated.

To improve the accuracy of the location tracking capabilities of the present invention, the tracking beacon2is further provided with a location tracking module5. As can be seen inFIGS. 1 through 3 and 7, the location tracking module5helps the tracking beacon2generate more accurate location data that can be used by the central computing device7to better track the location of the passenger wearing the tracking beacon2around the water-faring vessel1. To do so, the subprocess of generating more accurate location data involves tracking a current location with the location tracking module5. The tracking of the current location of the tracking beacon2can be done continuously or at predetermined intervals. Then, the current location is appended into the emergency alert with the tracking beacon2during the Step C. This way, when the passenger wearing the tracking beacon2falls overboard from the water-faring vessel1, the rescue parties can locate the overboard passenger faster instead of having to visually determine where the passenger has fallen off from the water-faring vessel1. In addition, the location tracking module5can help the vessel staff find the location of any passenger during other emergency situations, such as trying to find a missing child.

As previously disclosed, the present invention enables long-range tracking of the overboard passenger so that the overboard passenger can be rescued even in harsh weather conditions. As can be seen inFIGS. 1 through 3 and 8, to do so, the tracking beacon2is further provided with a beacon radio transmitter6, and the central computing device7is provided with a vessel radio receiver8. The beacon radio transmitter6and the vessel radio receiver8enable the emergency alert to be reliably transmitted via radio signals over long distances without risk of the emergency alert not being picked up by the central computing device7. The subprocess of transmitting the emergency alert radio signal involves first sending the emergency alert with the beacon radio transmitter6during the Step C. Then, the emergency alert is received with the vessel radio receiver8to be processed by the central computing device7. By utilizing radio technology to transmit the emergency alert, the present invention ensures that the overboard passenger wearing the tracking beacon2is found even if the overboard passenger starts to drift away from the water-faring vessel1. Further, the emergency alert is preferably sent and received as a 418-megahertz (MHz) radio signal. However, other radio frequencies can be utilized.

Due to the multiple features provided in the tracking beacon2, the tracking beacon2can be provided in different configurations according to the requirements of the water-faring vessel1, as can be seen inFIG. 1 through 3. For example, the tracking beacon2can be integrated into a Personal Floatation Device (PFD), such as a life jacket. In the PFD embodiment, the beacon radio transmitter6can be integrated into the portion of the PFD that remains above water while the hydrostatic sensor4and the IMU module3can be integrated into the portions of the PFD that are submerged. In another embodiment, the tracking beacon2can be provided as a wearable device that can be easily attached to different clothing articles using an attachment mechanism such as a clip. In the wearable embodiment, the beacon radio transmitter6is provided with a clip so that the beacon radio transmitter6is worn adjacent to the shoulders of the passenger. The IMU module3and the hydrostatic sensor4can be provided on a separate housing with a clip so that both can be worn adjacent to the hip of the passenger. This way, when the passenger falls overboard, the beacon radio transmitter6remains above water while the IMU module3and the hydrostatic sensor4are submerged under water. In both the PFD embodiment and the wearable embodiment, the beacon radio transmitter6can be electronically connected to the IMU module3and the hydrostatic sensor4. Alternatively, the beacon radio transmitter6can be communicably coupled with the IMU module3and the hydrostatic sensor4. Furthermore, in both the PFD embodiment and the wearable embodiment, the tracking beacon2can be provided with a power switch that can be manually engaged to activate the tracking beacon2. Alternatively, the power switch can be provided as an automatic switch that activates the tracking beacon2once the IMU module3and/or the hydrostatic sensor4activated during the Step B.

Tracking and locating the overboard passenger in harsh conditions can be difficult. For example, low-light conditions such as during the night or under heavy rain can make visual searches almost impossible. As can be seen inFIGS. 1, 4, and 9, to help rescue parties to track and locate the overboard passenger wearing the tracking beacon2, the rescue response is provided with at least one unmanned vehicle (UV)9and at least one computerized marking buoy12. The UV9and the computerized marking buoy12help the rescue parties remotely track, locate, and mark the overboard passenger using the emergency alert before fully deploying the rescue parties. This is especially helpful during harsh weather conditions when deploying the rescue parties without accurately locating the overboard passenger can risk the safety of the rescue parties. The computerized marking buoy12is preferably releasably mounted onto the UV9so that the computerized marking buoy12is transported by the UV9. However, the computerized marking buoy12can include integrated transportation means so that the computerized marking buoy12can be deployed independent from the UV9. Further, the UV9can be provided in different configurations to operate under different conditions. For example, the UV9can be provided as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or as an unmanned surface vehicle (USV). The UAV can help provide a better visual on the overboard passenger but may be ineffective in harsh weather conditions. On the other hand, the USV can operate better under harsh weather conditions. Furthermore, the UV9can be provided as an aerial drone or as a blimp, or a combination thereof.

As can be seen inFIGS. 1, 4, and 9, the subprocess of executing the rescue response using the UV9and the computerized marking buoy12starts by launching the UV9from the water-faring vessel1during the Step D. After the UV9has been launched, the computerized marking buoy12is transported from the water-faring vessel1to the tracking beacon2with the UV9. After the UV9reaches the location of the overboard passenger wearing the tracking beacon2, the UV9hovers above the tracking beacon2. Then, the computerized marking buoy12is deployed proximal to the tracking beacon2with the UV9. By keeping the UV9and the computerized marking buoy12close to the overboard passenger, the rescue parties can have a better visual on the overboard passenger and more accurate location information. Even in harsh weather conditions, the UV9can return to the water-faring vessel1, but the computerized marking buoy12remains close to the overboard passenger to facilitate the rescue of the overboard passenger.

In order to help the rescue parties visually locate the overboard passenger during the rescue response, the UV9is provided with at least one vehicle illumination source10. As can be seen inFIGS. 1, 4, 10, and 11, the vehicle illumination source10helps the rescue parties visually locate the overboard passenger by illuminating the overboard passenger. The subprocess of illuminating the overboard passenger starts by activating the vehicle illumination source10with the UV9, while the UV9is hovering above the tracking beacon2. The vehicle illumination source10can emit light in different wavelengths so that the visual tracking of the overboard passenger can occur under any light condition. In addition to the vehicle illumination source10, the UV9is provided with at least one vehicle radio transmitter11so that the UV9is able to transmit radio signals regarding the location of the overboard passenger in case the tracking beacon2signal is not strong enough to do so. The subprocess of the UV9radio signal transmission starts by sending a copy of the emergency alert with the vehicle radio transmitter11, while the UV9is hovering above the tracking beacon2. The copy of the emergency alert is then received with the vessel radio receiver8so that the rescue parties can accurately locate the overboard passenger. Further, the copy of the emergency alert is preferably sent and received as a 406-MHz radio signal, a 418-MHz radio signal, and a X-band radio signal. This way, the rescue parties are able to accurately track the location of the overboard passenger visually and remotely during the rescue response.

In case that the UV9is not able to remain hovering above the overboard passenger, the computerized marking buoy12can also be equipped with the same illumination and radio capabilities of the UV9. As can be seen inFIGS. 1, 4, 12, and 13, to do so, the computerized marking buoy12is provided with at least one buoy illumination source13. The buoy illumination source13helps illuminate the area surrounding the overboard passenger wearing the tracking beacon2to provide a better visual for the rescue parties to locate the overboard passenger. The subprocess of illuminating the overboard passenger starts by activating the buoy illumination source13with the computerized marking buoy12, while the computerized marking buoy12is proximal to the tracking beacon2. To be able to transmit radio signals, the computerized marking buoy12is provided with at least one buoy radio transmitter14. Then, the subprocess of the computerized marking buoy12radio signal transmission starts by sending a copy of the emergency alert with the buoy radio transmitter14, while the computerized marking buoy12is proximal to the tracking beacon2. The copy of the emergency alert is then received with the vessel radio receiver8. This way, the tracking beacon2is able to maintain radio communication with the central computing device7through the UV9or the computerized marking buoy12. Further, similar to the UV9, the copy of the emergency alert generated by the buoy radio transmitter14is sent and received as a 406-MHz radio signal, a 418-MHz radio signal, and a X-band radio signal. In other embodiments, the copy of the emergency alert can be sent and received over different radio frequencies.