Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G08—SIGNALLING
  • G08B—SIGNALLING SYSTEMS, e.g. PERSONAL CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
  • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
  • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
  • G08B21/08—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons responsive to the presence of persons in a body of water, e.g. a swimming pool; responsive to an abnormal condition of a body of water
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
  • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
  • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
  • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
  • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
  • B63C9/08—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like
  • B63C9/20—Life-buoys, e.g. rings; Life-belts, jackets, suits, or the like characterised by signalling means, e.g. lights

Definitions

• This present invention belongs to the technical field of security equipment and involves data transmitting via a network 12-13 in between locally "stand alone" units 16-18 and an external backend 11, which includes processing of the data in said devices.
• a drowning alert system which by sound and illumination, allow rapid assistance to a person who has fallen into the water from e.g. a quayside in a harbor 40, from a bridge in a marina or from the promenade along a river side 50.
• Depth of description in this disclosure is based on the prerequisite, that the reader holds a broad knowledge of telecommunication, computerized alarm systems along with software programming of same.
• Main objective of this present intervention is to avoid drowning accidents by maximizing attention to installed rescue equipment by the person in distress and to other persons in the vicinity to the accident.
• the system described in this enclosure is addressing this problem and bullet A-H, by utilizing information about exact location of fall, to activate only system devices that are in close vicinity of the actual point of accident, and by releasing audible and visible signals, enabling an efficient focus on equipment available. This goes both for the person in distress who is pointed in direction of nearest rescue ladder(s), and for persons on dry land who are notified of the "potential drowning" situation and where to find nearby rescue equipment.
• Devices in the system is utilizing beacons with a distinct sound 20 and 30 and flashing lights 21 and 31 as well as running LED light chains 22-23 and 32 to ensure maximum attention and guidance.
• the battery powered local devices that are fixated to the marine related rescue and emergency equipment, are controlled via network (e.g. GSM, ZigBee or IoT) 12-13 by a computerized backend 11.
• This programable backend can convert a known position of a drowning accident, provided by any external alarm system 10 that is able to deliver a GSM position, and send this as an "alarm on" output either direct or via the computerized backend 11 to the locally installed Alert device 43 and Attractor device 41, which are devices that are located nearest to the position of the potential drowning accident 40.
• Alert device 43 and Attractor device 41 which are devices that are located nearest to the position of the potential drowning accident 40.
• the Attractor device can also be equipped with running LED light chains 23 that are visible from the water and emit light in a pattern pointing towards the fixed rescue ladder 14.
• a third LED light chain is mounted vertical 22 on the ladder and emits light in a pattern from the water to the top of the ladder.
• Both types of devices are also provided with an alarm function 24 and 34, which releases an alarm locally and transmit ID to the backend 11 in case equipment, e.g. a life buoy, is being moved from the rescue station 15 or in case a local alarm button on the device is being operated.
• equipment e.g. a life buoy
• the system comprises battery-powered alarm units 16-18 fixated to marine-related rescue and emergency equipment. These units are controlled via a computerized backend 11 using networks like GSM 12, ZigBee, or IoT 13.
• the backend processes external inputs 10 indicating the location of a drowning accident and converts this information into action commands that are transmitted to alarm units near the accident site.
• the backend holds position information and type of the local devices installed and by comparing information GPS information of the ongoing accident 40, it can judge which devices that are nearby 41 & 43 and should be triggered for action.
• Attractor type designed to guide the person in distress to the nearest rescue ladder, these units are equipped with: A beacon speaker emitting a distinct sound 20.
• a LED chain 22 is mounted vertically on the rescue ladder with lights moving from the water to the top.
• Tamper detection features that activate alarms if the units are tampered with 24.
• Alerting type intended to attract the attention of nearby individuals and guide them to rescue equipment, these units are equipped with: A beacon speaker emitting a distinct sound 30.
• An alarm button to manually trigger the alert is
• the backend system 11 processes inputs from external alarm systems 10 that provide the GPS location of a potential drowning accident 40. It then sends action commands to activate the nearest attractor 41 and alerting 43 units. The backend also uses real-time or predictive water current information 19 to activate devices within the drift-off zone, ensuring the alarm units are positioned effectively. First 51 then 52 then 53.
• Marinas The system addresses visibility issues caused by moored boats, ensuring that individuals in distress can locate rescue ladders.
• Water Currents The system accounts for water currents that may move the person in distress away from the original fall location, activating alarm units within the drift-off zone.
• the attractor units are designed to be highly visible and audible, even in adverse conditions.
• the LED light chains are selected for their visibility near the water and low power consumption, allowing for extended operation on battery or solar power. A visible color is used, following best practice for use on emergency equipment.
• the alerting units use LED light chains and distinct sound patterns to differentiate them from other alarms and light sources in urban environments.
• the backend system uses advanced algorithms to predict the movement of water currents, ensuring that attractor and alerting units are activated in the most effective locations.
• the system can be integrated with existing infrastructure, such as rescue ladders and equipment posts, without significant modifications.
• the units are made in waterproof design in materials able to withstand the heavy corrosion impact from seawater.
• Beacon Speaker 20 and 30 Emits a distinct, attention-grabbing sound that can be heard over ambient noise.
• Beacon Flashing light 21 and 31 Provides a bright, flashing light that is visible from a distance.
• Running LED light Chains 22, 23 and 32 Emit a continuous light pattern that guides individuals to the rescue equipment.
• Tamper and in-use detection Alerts the system if the units are tampered with or equipment being moved, enhancing security and reliability.
• the alarm units are designed for easy installation on existing rescue equipment. They can be mounted using standard hardware and connected to the network via GSM, ZigBee, or IoT. Maintenance is minimal due to the use of durable, weather-resistant materials and eventually self-sustaining solar power. Regular inspections and testing ensure the system remains fully operational.
• Real-time data integration allows for dynamic response adjustments based on current conditions, such as water currents.
• Nighttime Accident A person falls into the water from a quay at night 40.
• the system detects the fall via an external input 10 and activates the nearest Attractor units 41, guiding the person to the rescue ladder with flashing lights and sound combined with LED running lights.
• Alert units 43 notify nearby individuals with flashing lights and sound, guiding them to the rescue equipment.
• Marina Accident A person falls between moored boats in a marina.
• this invention provides a comprehensive and adaptable solution for preventing drowning accidents by utilizing a network of attractor and alerting alarm units controlled by a centralized backend system.
• a huge advantage with this present invention is that the units are attachable on existing emergency equipment and thereby able to provide much better safety in areas that has already been equipped with various safety devices.
• the system's design ensures rapid response, maximum visibility, and effective guidance to rescue equipment, significantly improving the chances of rescuing individuals in distress.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
• Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
• Emergency Management (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Alarm Systems (AREA)

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Citations (16)

• 2025
  • 2025-05-16 EP EP25176996.4A patent/EP4657403A1/de active Pending

Patent Citations (17)

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