Patent Description:
A generator is the heart of the energy production at a marine vessel. To control and use the generator, engines, engine controls and main switch boards may be utilized. These elements constitute the basic requirement of an electrical system of any kind of marine vessel. However, that does not mean that the marine vessel can run solely on them. There are few other elements and parameters that need to be taken into consideration for the continuous supply of electrical power and also to ensure safety and redundancy.

The main intention of an emergency power system is to furnish immediate, automatic electric power to a limited number of selected vital circuits. The emergency power system may include one or more fuel-driven emergency generators as well as an emergency switch board and a distributed system. Both emergency generator and emergency switch board may be kept above the waterline to minimize danger from flooding. Emergency services may also include navigation, safety and emergency lights.

All these emergency services may be supplied from the emergency switch board. An emergency switch board has distributed panels for all the emergency services onboard. The emergency switch board may be located above the bulkhead deck. This is to ensure that at the time of any emergency such as fire or flooding, the switchboard is not affected and is easily accessible and that any such emergency does not lead to loss of lighting in escape routes and other important navigation control areas.

The marine vessel's emergency electrical system and the safety of the ship and the crew are interwoven. The electrical emergency services, also known as the emergency power system, is the back-bone of safety on the marine vessel. The arrangement and the installation of the emergency services should be so smartly done that no matter what happens to the marine vessel, the emergency system should provide energy and support on the vessel until the situation can be handled.

Thus, the main components of an emergency power system are emergency generator and emergency lights.

"Black out" is a condition considered similar to a "dead ship" condition. It may be a condition under which the main propulsion plant, boilers and auxiliaries are not in operation and also there is no stored energy available to restore them. This is the time for the emergency generator to take over. The emergency generator has its own prime mover and fuel supply.

Emergency lights are of great importance at marine vessel environment. These lighting fixtures must provide an uninterrupted source of lighting in the event of power outage. The source of power for these lighting may consist of accumulator batteries which are continuously charged from the main switch board.

Traditionally in the marine vessel emergency light system an switchover is based on a cabled installation. Such approach increases time to switch on the emergency lights as well as introduces wear of components and may cause device malfunctions. Furthermore, additional functions and operations are complex and cumbersome to add and introduce high costs.

Thus, a solution is needed to enable accurate, easy-to-use, and reliable emergency lights system for marine vessels.

<CIT> discloses a wireless emergency lighting system in which LED light sources with internal power source are controlled by a wireless input.

<CIT> discloses an emergency light with a storage for electrical power to be charged by the building power supply and a node that is adapted to form a self-organizing communication network with other nodes.

An example embodiment of the present invention and its potential advantages are understood by referring to <FIG> of the drawings. In this document, like reference signs denote like parts or steps.

By allowing an extended exchange of data between more systems, it makes it possible to create a better optimization and utilization of the on-board systems.

<FIG> shows a schematic picture of a marine vessel <NUM> and a marine vessel system <NUM> according to an example embodiment.

The marine vessel system <NUM> comprises a control apparatus <NUM> configured to provide and operate an emergency control model (ECM) <NUM>.

In an embodiment, a task may be generated based on the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM>, wherein the task may relate to emergency activities (light system, maintenance of sub-systems, emergency/backup power supply, gas solutions, heat exchangers, fresh water production, etc.). By establishing an extended interface between the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> and other systems like the navigation system <NUM>, automation system <NUM>, power generation system <NUM>, propulsion system <NUM>, fuel system <NUM>, energy load system <NUM> and sensor system <NUM>, for example, it is possible to automate the activities related to emergency situation. Planning the emergency energy production and consumption and providing an emergency plan determining what and when certain tasks are to be performed and when systems should be ready on standby or switched on/off. The emergency plan generated based on the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> can include schedules for various tasks associated with marine vessel system <NUM>. Top priority for optimization may be defined to be safety, and second and third priority can be set by the ship operator (energy efficiency, fuel consumption, speed/time, etc.), for example. The sensor system <NUM> may comprise any sensor of the emergency light system within different apparatuses (see <FIG>, for example).

In an embodiment, the energy load system <NUM> may comprise a plurality of light module apparatuses operationally connected to a main power supply, comprising a communication interface for a mesh network; an emergency light module apparatus operationally connected to an emergency power supply, comprising a communication interface for the mesh network; and wherein in the second operating mode, an emergency signal is configured to be received by the emergency light module apparatus over the mesh network, and to control the emergency light module apparatus based on the emergency signal.

In an embodiment, the power generation system <NUM> may comprise the main power supply configured to provide power in a first operating mode; and the emergency power supply configured to provide power in a second operating mode.

In an embodiment, the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> may be configured to control the emergency light system over a mesh network, via the automation system <NUM>, or directly (not shown in <FIG> but see <FIG>) with the elements involved in the emergency light system.

Propulsion system (PRP) <NUM> may utilize power source to be selected from at least one of the following: combustion-engine based power source; hybrid power source; and full electric power source.

The emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> solution will allow different levels of automation within vessels. In first operation mode, emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> may be configured to provide an emergency plan, which the engineers can use for scheduling their activities. In second operation mode, emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> may be configured to provide an embedded solution, wherein the sub-systems can notify the operator based on the plan, when to perform certain tasks or be switched on or set to standby. This notification is repeated on the main display in the engine control room or remote-control station. In third operation mode, emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> may be configured to provide a solution to be fully automated and automatically executing energy voyage plan of the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> with merely notification provided to the operator or remote-control station when performing different automated tasks.

In an embodiment, a system <NUM> for emergency light control over a mesh network is configured to be controlled by an emergency control model (ECM) <NUM>, and comprising: a main power supply configured to provide power in a first operating mode; a plurality of light module apparatuses operationally connected to the main power supply, comprising a communication interface for a mesh network; an emergency power supply configured to provide power in a second operating mode; an emergency light module apparatus operationally connected to the emergency power supply, comprising a communication interface for the mesh network; and wherein in the second operating mode, an emergency signal is configured to be received by the emergency light module apparatus over the mesh network, and to control the emergency light module apparatus based on the emergency signal. Not all elements of the system <NUM> are needed to carry out the embodiments.

The system <NUM> is configured to provide emergency light system of the marine vessel <NUM>.

<FIG> presents an example block diagram of a control apparatus <NUM> in which various embodiments of the invention may be applied. The control apparatus <NUM> is configured to control a system for emergency situation and related activities, such as emergency light control of a marine vessel.

The general structure of the control apparatus <NUM> comprises a user interface <NUM>, a communication interface <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, and a memory <NUM> coupled to the processor <NUM>. The control apparatus <NUM> further comprises software <NUM> stored in the memory <NUM> and operable to be loaded into and executed in the processor <NUM>. The software <NUM> may comprise one or more software modules and can be in the form of a computer program product, such as the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> of <FIG>. The control apparatus <NUM> may further comprise a user interface controller <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> may be, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit, or the like. <FIG> shows one processor <NUM>, but the apparatus <NUM> may comprise a plurality of processors.

The memory <NUM> may be for example a non-volatile or a volatile memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a data disk, an optical storage, a magnetic storage, a smart card, or the like. The apparatus <NUM> may comprise a plurality of memories. The memory <NUM> may be constructed as a part of the apparatus <NUM> or it may be inserted into a slot, port, or the like of the apparatus <NUM> by a user. The memory <NUM> may serve the sole purpose of storing data, or it may be constructed as a part of an apparatus serving other purposes, such as processing data. A proprietary application <NUM>, such as computer program code for the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM>, voyage related data, vessel related data, emergency data, seawater data, sensor data or environmental data may be stored to the memory <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the apparatus <NUM> is configured to perform a computer implemented method for controlling a light module apparatus in a system comprising a main power supply configured to provide power in a first operating mode, a plurality of light modules operationally connected to the main power supply, comprising a communication interface for a mesh network, an emergency power supply configured to provide power in a second operating mode, at least one emergency light module operationally connected to the emergency power supply, comprising a communication interface for the mesh network, configured to receive power from the emergency power supply in the second operating mode, the method comprising: receiving an emergency signal over the mesh network; and controlling a lighting device of the light module apparatus based on the emergency signal.

The user interface controller <NUM> or the user interface <NUM> may comprise circuitry for receiving input from a user of the control apparatus <NUM> (an operator), e.g., via a keyboard, graphical user interface shown on the display of the user interfaces <NUM> of the control apparatus <NUM>, speech recognition circuitry, or an accessory device, such as a headset, and for providing output to the user via, e.g., a graphical user interface or a loudspeaker.

The communication interface module <NUM> implements at least part of data transmission. The communication interface module <NUM> may comprise, e.g., a wireless or a wired interface module. The wireless interface may comprise such as a WLAN, Bluetooth, infrared (IR), radio frequency identification (RF ID), GSM/GPRS, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE (Long Term Evolution) or <NUM> radio module. The wired interface may comprise such as universal serial bus (USB) or National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) <NUM>/<NUM> standard for example. The communication interface module <NUM> may be integrated into the control apparatus <NUM>, or into an adapter, card or the like that may be inserted into a suitable slot or port of the control apparatus <NUM>. The communication interface module <NUM> may support one radio interface technology or a plurality of technologies. The control apparatus <NUM> may comprise a plurality of communication interface modules <NUM>.

A skilled person appreciates that in addition to the elements shown in <FIG>, the control apparatus <NUM> may comprise other elements, such as microphones, extra displays, as well as additional circuitry such as input/output (I/O) circuitry, memory chips, application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), processing circuitry for specific purposes such as source coding/decoding circuitry, channel coding/decoding circuitry, ciphering/deciphering circuitry, and the like. Additionally, the control apparatus <NUM> may comprise a disposable or rechargeable battery (not shown) for powering when external power if external power supply is not available.

In an embodiment, the control apparatus <NUM> comprises speech recognition means. Using these means, a pre-defined phrase may be recognized from the speech and translated into control information for the apparatus <NUM>, for example.

External devices or sub-systems (e.g. elements <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG>) may be connected to the control apparatus <NUM> using communication interface <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> or using a direct connection to the internal bus of the apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic picture of an emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> and related information flows according to an example embodiment.

There may be some criteria, which should be taken into attention during control and operation of emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> of a marine vessel.

The ship operators' decisions which input parameters should be used in particular situations may vary based on experience, behaviors or assumptions.

Elements <NUM>-<NUM> may have alternative ways to connect with each other and <FIG> only shows one example embodiment. Furthermore, only connections that may relate somehow to emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> are illustrated. For example, environmental information <NUM> may also be used for route planning and thus for the route plan information <NUM> but direct connection between blocks <NUM> and <NUM> is not shown for simplifying the <FIG>. Not all elements <NUM>-<NUM> are necessarily required for the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> to operate.

The emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> can be configured to operate as a stand-alone solution or as an integrated part of the energy management system/voyage management system/power management system of the marine vessel. The emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> enables automation of the emergency power generation process, energy production and consumption, light control and further enables a higher degree of autonomous operation on board conventional marine vessels and paves the way for energy management for autonomous marine vessels.

In an embodiment, the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> may be interfaced with the navigation system, automation system, power management system and sub-systems like light control, engines and generators, as shown in <FIG>, for example. The emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> may further be configured to receive and manage information about the health status of sub-systems directly or through the power management and automation systems. The emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> can generate tasks and/or instructions for the automation and power management systems based on route plan information, sensor data, and operational characteristics of the marine vessel, such as energy consumption information.

The emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> is arranged to receive route plan information <NUM> including information like weather forecasts, navigation information for the dedicated route, waypoint information for the dedicated route, emission restricted areas, environmental restrictions and other relevant information. The route plan information <NUM> may be received from the navigation system of the marine vessel system or the route plan information <NUM> may be generated by the control apparatus <NUM>. The route plan information <NUM> may comprise at least one of the following: navigation information for a waypoint or a port; target time or arrival information for the waypoint or the port; electricity information for the port; and environmental information associated to at least one route of the route plan information. The navigation information may comprise at least one of the following: destination information of the dedicated route; remaining travel time of the dedicated route; remaining distance of the dedicated route; navigation information for the dedicated route; waypoint information for the dedicated route; emission restricted area information of the dedicated route; and environmental restriction information of the dedicated route.

Energy consumption information <NUM> associated to the dedicated route may be determined using the route plan information <NUM>. The energy consumption information <NUM> relates to predicted energy consumption of at least one of the following: hotel load of the marine vessel, at least one propulsion device of the marine vessel, and automation system of the marine vessel. The hotel load may represent load relating to at least one of lighting, heating, ventilation and fresh water generation during the dedicated voyage. Thus, hotel load may relate to any electrical load caused by all systems on a vehicle (especially a marine vessel) other than propulsion. Energy consumption information <NUM> may comprise planned energy consumption in relation to different tasks and health status information and availability of the vessel systems during the voyage and used as an input for the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM>.

In case there are constraints in the access to power or a mismatch between production and consumption of energy (consumption exceeds the possible production), the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> may generate dynamic change proposals to the route plan information <NUM> made by the navigation system, for example. The energy consumption information <NUM> is received by the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> may be configured to automate interaction between navigational route planning and energy route planning. Such operation may include scheduling of energy consumption (use of equipment) and energy generation.

In an embodiment, the control apparatus <NUM> may be configured to determine a task relating to the route plan information <NUM> automatically based on the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM>. Thus, the route plan information <NUM> that is determined for a dedicated route, may be dynamically adjusted automatically using the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the control apparatus <NUM> may be configured to dynamically adjust navigation information of the route plan information. Furthermore, the control apparatus <NUM> may be configured to dynamically adjust navigation information for the dedicated route, and, for example, dynamically adjusting waypoint information for the dedicated route.

In an embodiment, the control apparatus <NUM> may be configured to dynamically adjust destination information or remaining travel time of the dedicated route.

The energy consumption information <NUM> may be configured to be defined using also other input information than only the route plan information <NUM>. For example, characteristics information <NUM>, environmental information <NUM> or operator input <NUM> may be used together with the route plan information <NUM>.

The emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> is further arranged to receive characteristic information <NUM> representing at least one operating characteristic of the marine vessel. The operating characteristic information <NUM> of the marine vessel may comprise at least one of the following: sensor data from at least one sensor operationally arranged to the marine vessel; information on currently active propulsion system; status information of energy generation sub-system; and status information of energy storage sub-system, such as a battery system.

The emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> may further be arranged to receive environmental information <NUM> separate or in addition to possible environmental information included in the route plan information <NUM>. The environmental information <NUM> may represent at least one current environmental characteristic of the marine vessel, such as weather information; wind information; air pressure information; ice information; wave height, frequency or direction information; tidal data; current information; water temperature information; water saline level information; and roll or pitch information.

In an embodiment, the control apparatus <NUM> is configured to schedule energy consumption or energy generation using a determined task relating the route plan information automatically based on the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM>.

In an embodiment, if there has not been identified any violations of possible constraints, the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> may generate at least one task for controlling an automation element of the automation system <NUM> for energy production, energy consumption or energy storage within the marine vessel automatically based on the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> and control the associated automation element of the marine vessel automation system <NUM> based on the determined task.

In an embodiment, the automation element of the marine vessel automation system <NUM> is configured to control at least one of the following: power management system of the marine vessel and navigation system of the marine vessel. The automation element may be configured to control, for example, power management system of the marine vessel for at least one of the following: schedule for changing propulsion power source; schedule for changing used fuel; schedule for activating exhaust gas cleaning system (e.g. Sox cleaning system and/or SCR); and schedule for operating HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning). The automation element may also be configured to control, for example, power management system of the marine vessel for schedule for changing operating modes of combustion engine(s) or other power sources (in so far these operating modes influence efficiency of the power generation, for example).

In an embodiment, a control apparatus <NUM> processing the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> is configured to receive confirmation of the task being performed from an automation element <NUM> being controlled by the task, and to update the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> based on the route plan information, the energy consumption information and the characteristic information in response to the received confirmation.

In an embodiment, if there has not been identified any violations of possible constraints, the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> will generate energy voyage plan (EVP) <NUM> and utilize the energy voyage plan (EVP) <NUM> for determining control tasks relating to energy production, energy consumption or energy storage within the marine vessel automatically based on the dynamic energy management model.

While cruising and performing transit during the voyage, the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> maintains a dynamic and up-to-date situational awareness in relation to the executed route (navigation) and energy route plan and the continued health status from all energy consumers and producers. If the situation changes and a system changes health status, the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> may be configured to update the energy voyage plan <NUM> including tasks and automatically notifying the navigation system to allow the navigation system to modify the route plan information accordingly.

The energy voyage plan <NUM> information can be provided in a first mode as a schedule made available to the engineers to follow. The engineers may perform the scheduled tasks for the automation system <NUM> based on the energy voyage plan <NUM>. In a second mode, the energy voyage plan <NUM> may be embedded in the main display of the engine control room and the power management system, for example. The automation system may be further configured to provide an integrated guidance tool to prompt the operator when a task should take place and by acknowledgement from the operator enable and perform the task and end the task when performed. A third mode allows a fully automated solution, where the operator may only be informed about the energy voyage plan <NUM> or the tasks determined by the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM>. Optionally, current status of the model and next steps may be informed to the operator but the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> is configured to control automation elements automatically. In such embodiment the energy voyage plan <NUM> may be optional.

It is possible to override the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> by changing it to standby mode and allowing a manual operation of the power management and automation systems and the sub-systems. At the third mode, the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> can operate autonomously together with the navigation system and all the sub-systems. Instead of notifying the operator, the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> may log (e.g. using the energy voyage plan <NUM>) the activities and events and will only request assistance from the mission controller or a human operator in case the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> is facing a situation it cannot handle or it is not available for operation.

In an embodiment, the energy voyage plan <NUM> may also comprise automatic information being sent to port authority system for approaching arrival. The information being sent may relate to, for example, estimate of power and/or energy required while staying at berth. By doing that the harbor authorities can make a better estimate how much electricity they need to buy on the spot market for the vessel about to be docked. The port information system may have a dynamic energy management model of its own that receives inputs from all vessels arriving to the port.

The emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> is configured to control sub-systems and fuel selection via the automation and power management systems and the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> can e.g. automatically negotiate the planned route with the navigation system based on the availability of energy producers and their health status (able to operate <NUM>-<NUM>%) and the planned energy consumption in relation to ship operation, time and ship position, for example.

In an embodiment, the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> is configured to receive input from an operator (USR) <NUM> either on-board the vessel or remote at other vessel or ground station, for example. In certain pre-defined operating modes or tasks, it may be required that operator acknowledgement is received from the operator (USR) <NUM> for the determined task the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> before controlling an automation element of the marine vessel based on the determined task in response to the received operator acknowledgement.

In an embodiment, the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> may be updated in real-time based on the route plan information <NUM>, the energy consumption information <NUM> and the characteristic information <NUM>.

In an embodiment, when receiving confirmation from the operator <NUM> of the task being performed, the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> is updated based on the route plan information <NUM>, the energy consumption information <NUM> and the characteristic information <NUM> in response to the received confirmation.

In an embodiment, in autonomous vessel operation mode, automatic route planning may be executed to provide the route plan information <NUM> for a safe and optimized route taking into account planned destination and ETA, up to date chart data from the ECDIS, draft of the vessel, predicted environmental conditions (ocean current, wind and sea state) as well as status information's from the power and propulsion plant. Furthermore, a contingency plan to stop the vessel safely in case of emergency is generated along the route for every leg or even leg segment, for example. The approval mechanisms of the route plan <NUM> may vary depending on autonomy level in use, authority rule sets and customer specifications. Once the route plan is activated and being executed by the Integrated Navigation / DP System (Trackpilot, Speedpilot, DP), the control system is permanently monitoring and adapting the route execution with regards to track- and schedule keeping) if necessary. Reasons for adaptation can be, for example: new destination and/or new ETA, differences between predicted and real environmental conditions, collision avoidance maneuvers, and unexpected changes in the propulsion / power plant (i.e. unforeseen equipment failure).

In an embodiment, the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> is configured to control a system over a mesh network, comprising: a main power supply configured to provide power in a first operating mode; a plurality of light module apparatuses operationally connected to the main power supply, comprising a communication interface for a mesh network; an emergency power supply configured to provide power in a second operating mode; an emergency light module apparatus operationally connected to the emergency power supply, comprising a communication interface for the mesh network; and wherein in the second operating mode, an emergency signal is configured to be received by the emergency light module apparatus over the mesh network, and to control the emergency light module apparatus based on the emergency signal.

The emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> may be configured to control the emergency light system over a mesh network, via the automation system <NUM>, or directly (not shown in <FIG> but see <FIG>) with the elements involved in the emergency light system.

<FIG> shows a schematic drawing of a system <NUM> according to an example embodiment of the invention.

The system <NUM> for emergency light control over a mesh network <NUM>, comprises a main power supply <NUM> configured to provide power in a first operating mode. The main power supply <NUM> may comprise 230V AC supply, wherein the power may be generated by the power generating system of the marine vessel, such as a generator operationally connected to a fuel-driven engine, for example.

The system <NUM> further comprises a plurality of light module apparatuses (LMA) <NUM>-<NUM> operationally connected to the main power supply <NUM>, comprising a communication interface (RF) for the mesh network <NUM>. The light module apparatuses (LMA) <NUM>-<NUM> are connected to the main power supply <NUM> over a main power distribution network <NUM>. The mesh network <NUM> may be a wireless network configured to operate using at least one of the following protocols: ZigBee and Z-Wave, for example. <NUM>, WiFi and Bluetooth networks may also be utilized, as well as any other wireless network capable for operating for different embodiment.

Furthermore, the system <NUM> comprises an emergency power supply <NUM> configured to provide power in a second operating mode. The emergency power supply <NUM> may comprise 230V AC supply, wherein the power may be generated by the emergency power generating system of the marine vessel, such as an emergency generator operationally connected to a fuel-driven engine, for example. Alternatively or additionally, the emergency power supply <NUM> may comprise a UPS system. The uninterruptible power supply or uninterruptible power source (UPS) is an electrical apparatus that provides emergency power to a load when the input power source or mains power fails. A UPS differs from an auxiliary or emergency power system or standby generator in that it will provide near-instantaneous protection from input power interruptions, by supplying energy stored in batteries, supercapacitors, or flywheels. The on-battery run-time of most uninterruptible power sources is relatively short (only a few minutes) but sufficient to start a standby power source or properly shut down the protected equipment. It is a type of continual power system.

The system <NUM> further comprises at least one emergency light module apparatus (E-LMA) <NUM> operationally connected to the emergency power supply <NUM>, comprising a communication interface (RF) for the mesh network <NUM>. The emergency light module apparatus (E-LMA) <NUM> is connected to the emergency power supply <NUM> over an emergency power distribution network <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the emergency light module apparatus (E-LMA) <NUM> and the light module apparatus (LMA) <NUM>-<NUM> may be technically similar but just connected to different power sources.

In an embodiment, the light module apparatus (LMA) <NUM>-<NUM> may switch to a second operating mode (emergency mode) in case the emergency power source <NUM> fails.

In an embodiment, there may be backup connection <NUM> to enable power from the emergency power source <NUM> driven to main power source <NUM> feed and vice versa. The backup connection <NUM> (open/close/direction) may be controlled by the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM>.

In an embodiment, in the second operating mode, an emergency signal is configured to be received by the emergency light module apparatus (E-LMA) <NUM> over the mesh network <NUM>, and to control the emergency light module apparatus (E-LMA) based on the emergency signal.

The system <NUM> may further comprise a switch module apparatus (SMA) <NUM>-<NUM> operationally connected to at least one of the following: the light module apparatus (LMA) <NUM>-<NUM>, and the emergency light module apparatus (E-LMA) <NUM>. The switch module apparatus (SMA) <NUM>-<NUM> may comprise a communication interface for the mesh network <NUM>.

The switch module apparatus <NUM>-<NUM> may be battery-powered. The switch module apparatus <NUM>-<NUM> may also comprise a switch operation with a sleep mode while not in use. The switch operation may be implement using a push-button, a turning switch or a dimmer potentiometer, for example. The switch module apparatus <NUM>-<NUM> may also comprise an analogue potentiometer.

In an embodiment, overall control of the system <NUM> may be operated by an emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> running at a control apparatus <NUM>, reference is thus made to <FIG>. No matter the control apparatus <NUM> is illustrated as independent block in <FIG>, in practise the control apparatus <NUM> and emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> may be comprised by any of the modules <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an embodiment, light module apparatuses <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG> may be located in different rooms or cabins of the marine vessel. The light module apparatuses <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM> may also be located on outside areas of the vessel, on boats or on life rafts of the vessel, for example. Same applies to switch module apparatuses <NUM>, <NUM>. Inter-room data transfer can be carried out over the mesh network <NUM> so that each apparatus of the system <NUM> is connectable with each other and the control apparatus <NUM>.

A smart marine ecosystem relies on analysis of data generated throughout the marine vessel to ensure efficient and sustainable operation. In practical terms one of the struggles is to generate and transmit the data without installing an excessive infrastructure. Lighting installation is typically everywhere around the marine vessel and that could be used for data carrier purposes for marine vessel operational data as well as enabling environmental data generation enabling more efficient analysis of vessel status.

In an embodiment, a plurality of lighting apparatuses <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> comprise a wireless communication interface (RF) configured to operate within the mesh network <NUM>.

These interfaces are building up a mesh network so that information can be passed from interface to interface until desired receiver(s) is reached within the network. Logically one type of information is the lighting control itself (switching, dimming, monitoring etc.). The switch module apparatus <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to control at least one of the following: light switching of at least one light module apparatus <NUM>-<NUM>; light dimming of at least one light module apparatus <NUM>-<NUM>; and triggering the second operating mode.

In an embodiment, triggering the second operating mode comprises transmission of the emergency signal for the emergency light module apparatus <NUM> over the mesh network <NUM>.

In an embodiment, to optimize vessel operation, environmental data within/around the marine vessel can be generated by the lighting installation. Sensor device(s) (S) arranged in, or attached to, apparatuses <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM> may comprise sensors for measuring environmental information, e.g. light intensity, temperature or humidity around the apparatus. Based on the measured data it is possible to generate a heat map or a humidity map of the marine vessel, for example.

In an embodiment, the environmental information is configured to be transmitted over the mesh network to a marine vessel control system.

Sensor data may be used for efficient HVAC (air conditioning / heating) operation, for example. Furthermore, runtime counter information may be generated, daylight information may be determined, door switch status may be defined for further analysis and optimization. Data analysis may be used for lighting quality, lifetime calculations, and predictive maintenance of the marine vessel, for example.

In an embodiment, an external apparatus (EXA) <NUM> can be monitored within the system <NUM> and at least one of the lighting apparatuses <NUM> is configured to be used as a connection point for the external apparatus <NUM> related data to operate as data transceiver for carrying data over the mesh network <NUM>. Such external apparatus <NUM> related data may comprise, for example, power consumption information or runtime information of field equipment, e.g. freezers in cabins, TV's etc. Furthermore, specific data of field installations, e.g. electrical re-heater in HVAC may be received and transceived.

In an embodiment, at least one of the apparatuses may be configured to operate as self-powered apparatus <NUM> and be completely independent from electrical installation. A wireless sensor module of the self-powered apparatus may use energy harvesting to generate the electrical power needed for operation. This self-powered apparatus could be placed everywhere in a vessel generating data wherever the operator or the vessel so desires. For example, pipe temperature, throughput, vibration etc. can be measured and transceived. Local lighting installation may be used as a receiver and carrier of the data.

In an embodiment, a light module apparatus <NUM> is configured to receive power from an emergency power supply <NUM> in a second operating mode, and comprises a lighting device (L), a communication interface (RF) for a mesh network <NUM>, at least one processor (CTRL), and at least one memory including computer program code (not shown in <FIG>), wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus <NUM> to receive an emergency signal over the mesh network <NUM>, and control the lighting device (L) based on the emergency signal.

In an embodiment, the light module apparatus <NUM> is further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to switch to higher or full lighting intensity. The apparatus <NUM> may be further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus <NUM> to ignore other switching requests until the main power supply <NUM> returns to provide power in a first operating mode.

For example, in case of black out of the main line supply <NUM>, all effected lights <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may send out an emergency signal causing all lights on using emergency supply <NUM> to switch to higher or <NUM>% lighting intensity. Furthermore, the light module apparatus may be configured to ignore all other switching requests. This mode may remain active until the main supply <NUM> returns. Thus, no cabled installation is needed but such emergency control model and function on board can be implemented in a wireless way. The emergency light itself is typically a requirement from classification societies, as such.

In an embodiment, a light module apparatus <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured to transmit an emergency signal over the mesh network <NUM> using the backup power source (e.g. battery <NUM> of <FIG>), wherein the emergency signal is configured to control a second lighting apparatus <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the light module apparatus <NUM>-<NUM> may detect change of mode from the first operating mode to a second operating mode; and transmit an emergency signal over the mesh network using the backup power source, wherein the emergency signal is configured to control a second light module apparatus <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the backup power source may also be used to power the light of the apparatus.

<FIG> shows a flow chart of a process according to an example embodiment of the invention.

A computer implemented method starts in step <NUM>. The computer implemented method is configured for controlling a light module apparatus in a system that comprises a main power supply configured to provide power in a first operating mode, and a plurality of light modules operationally connected to the main power supply, the light modules comprising a communication interface for a mesh network. The system further comprises an emergency power supply configured to provide power in a second operating mode, at least one emergency light module operationally connected to the emergency power supply, the light module comprising a communication interface for the mesh network, and configured to receive power from the emergency power supply in the second operating mode. In step <NUM>, an emergency signal is received over the mesh network. In step <NUM>, a lighting device or light module of the light module apparatus is controlled based on the emergency signal. In step <NUM>, the method ends.

<FIG> presents an example block diagram of a light module apparatus <NUM> in which various embodiments of the invention may be applied. The apparatus <NUM> is configured to receive control messages over mesh network and operate accordingly in a system for emergency light control. Similar block diagram may apply to other light module apparatuses <NUM>-<NUM> since the apparatuses <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM> may be technically similar but merely connected to different power source <NUM>, <NUM>.

The general structure of the light module apparatus <NUM> comprises a communication interface <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, and a memory <NUM> coupled to the processor <NUM>. The light module apparatus <NUM> further comprises software <NUM> stored in the memory <NUM> and operable to be loaded into and executed in the processor <NUM>, and a lighting device <NUM>. The software <NUM> may comprise one or more software modules and can be in the form of a computer program product, such as the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM> of <FIG>. The light module apparatus <NUM> may further comprise a user interface controller <NUM> and a sensor device <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> may be for example a non-volatile or a volatile memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a data disk, an optical storage, a magnetic storage, a smart card, or the like. The apparatus <NUM> may comprise a plurality of memories. The memory <NUM> may be constructed as a part of the apparatus <NUM> or it may be inserted into a slot, port, or the like of the apparatus <NUM> by a user. The memory <NUM> may serve the sole purpose of storing data, or it may be constructed as a part of an apparatus serving other purposes, such as processing data. A proprietary application <NUM>, such as computer program code for the emergency control model (ECM) <NUM>, voyage related data, vessel related data, seawater data, sensor data or environmental data may be stored to the memory <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the apparatus <NUM> is configured to perform a computer implemented method for controlling a light module apparatus in a system comprising a main power supply, a plurality of light modules, an emergency power supply, at least one emergency light module, the method comprising: receiving an emergency signal over the mesh network; and controlling a lighting device of the light module apparatus based on the emergency signal.

The user interface controller <NUM> may comprise circuitry for receiving input from a user of the control apparatus <NUM> (an operator), e.g., via a keyboard, graphical user interface shown on the user interface <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM>, speech recognition circuitry, or an accessory device, such as a headset, and for providing output to the user via, e.g., a graphical user interface or a loudspeaker. The user interface controller <NUM> is optional and not necessarily implemented at all.

The communication interface module <NUM> implements at least part of data transmission. The communication interface module <NUM> may comprise, e.g., a wireless module. The wireless interface may comprise such as a WLAN, Bluetooth, infrared (IR), radio frequency identification (RF ID), GSM/GPRS, CDMA, WCDMA, LTE (Long Term Evolution) or <NUM> radio module. The communication interface module <NUM> may be integrated into the apparatus <NUM>, or into an adapter, card or the like that may be inserted into a suitable slot or port of the apparatus <NUM>. The communication interface module <NUM> may support one radio interface technology or a plurality of technologies. The apparatus <NUM> may comprise a plurality of communication interface modules <NUM>.

A skilled person appreciates that in addition to the elements shown in <FIG>, the light module apparatus <NUM> may comprise other elements, such as microphones, extra displays, as well as additional circuitry such as input/output (I/O) circuitry, memory chips, application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), processing circuitry for specific purposes such as source coding/decoding circuitry, channel coding/decoding circuitry, ciphering/deciphering circuitry, and the like. Additionally, the apparatus <NUM> may comprise a disposable or rechargeable battery <NUM> for powering if external power supply is not available.

In an embodiment, the apparatus <NUM> comprises speech recognition means. Using these means, a pre-defined phrase may be recognized from the speech and translated into control information for the apparatus <NUM>, for example.

Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, a technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is improved method and apparatus for controlling emergency light system.

Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that the wireless mesh network based system enables more reliable and accurate system.

Still another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that the wireless emergency light module system is more flexible for different installations and vessels.

Still another technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is that the wireless emergency light control system is more cost-efficient.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) for emergency light control over a mesh network (<NUM>), wherein the system (<NUM>) is configured to provide an emergency light system of a marine vessel (<NUM>), the system comprising:
a main power supply (<NUM>) configured to provide power in a first operating mode;
a plurality of light module apparatuses (<NUM>-<NUM>) operationally connected to the main power supply (<NUM>), the plurality of light module apparatuses (<NUM>-<NUM>) comprising a communication interface (RF) for a mesh network (<NUM>) and a backup power source;
at least one emergency light module apparatus (<NUM>) comprising a communication interface (RF, <NUM>) for the mesh network (<NUM>); and
wherein the plurality of light module apparatuses (<NUM>-<NUM>) is configured
to detect change of mode from the first operating mode to a second operating mode; and
to transmit an emergency signal over the mesh network (<NUM>) using the backup power source,
wherein in the second operating mode, the emergency signal is configured to be received by the at least one emergency light module apparatus (<NUM>) over the mesh network (<NUM>), and to control the at least one emergency light module apparatus (<NUM>) based on the emergency signal,
characterized in that the system (<NUM>) comprises
an emergency power supply (<NUM>) configured to provide power in the second operating mode; and in that the at least one emergency light module apparatus (<NUM>) is operationally connected to the emergency power supply (<NUM>) over an emergency power distribution network (<NUM>) and configured to receive power from the emergency power supply (<NUM>) in the second operating mode over the emergency power distribution network (<NUM>).