In-ship notification transmission device and method utilizing metal body communication

Abstract

A notification transmission device and method for use in ships utilizing metallic communication are disclosed. [Solution] A notification dispatch device on a ship utilizing metal body communication includes a communication circuit that communicates with a wireless communication relay device that performs metal body communication, a processor, and a memory that stores instructions that can be executed by the processor. When an instruction is executed by the processor, the notification dispatch device receives information about an event occurring on the ship, determines notification recipients to whom a notification message about the event should be sent based on at least one of the event type and severity, and can send the notification message to one or more radios corresponding to the determined notification recipients via the wireless communication relay device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a notification sending device and method in a ship using metal body communication.

[0002] The present invention was derived through support for the following research issues. [Subject Specific Number]9991008954 [Subject Number]24-SN-TC-01 [Competent Ministry]Multiple Ministries [Subject Management (Specialized) Agency Name]Defense Science Research Institute [Research Project Name]Civil-Military Technology Cooperation (R&D) (Ministry of Industry, Defense Agency, Ministry of Science and Technology) [Research Subject Name]Fabrication of a wireless communication system of more than 100 m inside a ship using the metalWave method with the hull as a medium [Subject Implementing Agency Name]Zet N Technologies Company Limited [Research Period]December 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025

Background Art

[0003] In an environment shielded by metal (for example, a container box or a ship), wireless communication between devices located inside and outside the metal body may not be smoothly performed. Due to such limitations of wireless communication, a wired communication system mainly using wired cables has been used in ships. The wired communication system involves physical deformation such as drilling holes in the hull of the ship and requires a large cost for installing and maintaining a large amount of wired cables.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a notification sending device and method in a ship using metal body communication.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A notification dispatching device according to one embodiment includes a communication circuit that communicates with a wireless communication relay device that performs metal body communication, a processor, and a memory that stores instructions that can be executed by the processor. When an instruction is executed by the processor, the notification dispatching device receives information about an event occurring on a ship, determines a notification recipient to whom a notification message about the event should be sent based on at least one of the event type and hazard level, and can send the notification message to one or more radios corresponding to the notification recipient determined via the wireless communication relay device.

[0006] When an instruction is executed by the processor, the notification sender can receive notification request signals from one or more radios via a wireless communication relay device regarding an event occurring on board the vessel, and can determine the notification recipients to whom a notification message will be sent based on at least one of the event type and severity corresponding to the notification request signal.

[0007] The type of event may include at least one of the following: an event relating to the safety of the vessel, an event relating to the operation of the vessel, an event relating to the equipment of the vessel, and an event relating to the safety of passengers and crew on board the vessel.

[0008] The aforementioned events relating to the safety of the vessel include any one of the following: a fire on board, smoke on board, a gas leak on board, flooding on board, and a collision risk on board; events relating to the operation of the vessel include any one of the following: a departure from the standard course, an exceedance of the standard speed, and a change in external weather; events relating to the equipment of the vessel include any one of the following: an engine malfunction, a fuel shortage, a hydraulic system malfunction, and a communication malfunction on board; and events relating to the safety of passengers and crew on board the vessel may include any one of the following: a health problem occurring to a passenger or crew member, and an incident occurring on board the vessel.

[0009] When the processor executes an instruction, the notification sender can determine, based on the type of event, whether the notification recipient to whom the notification message is sent is a crew group belonging to a specific department, a specific crew member on board the vessel, or all crew members on board the vessel.

[0010] When the aforementioned processor executes an instruction, the notification dispatcher can determine that all crew members are the recipients of the notification if the event corresponds to the highest level of hazard.

[0011] Based on events occurring within the aforementioned vessel, the recipients of notification messages are predetermined, and when a command is executed by the processor, the notification sending device can select from the predetermined recipients to send notification messages based on at least one of the event type and severity.

[0012] When an instruction is executed by the aforementioned processor, the notification dispatcher can send a notification message to one or more radios corresponding to notification recipients determined via radio relay devices located in a specific area, among a plurality of radio relay devices located on the ship.

[0013] Each of the aforementioned radios is configured with an identifier that distinguishes it from other communication channels. When a command is executed by the processor, the notification dispatcher can send a notification message to each of the radios corresponding to the notification recipient determined based on the identifier configured on each of the radios.

[0014] A notification sending method according to one embodiment may include the operation of receiving information about an event occurring on a ship, the operation of determining a notification recipient to whom a notification message about the event should be sent based on at least one of the event type and hazard level, and the operation of sending the notification message to one or more radios corresponding to the notification recipient determined via a wireless communication relay device that performs metallic communication.

[0015] The operation of receiving information about the event may include receiving notification request signals from one or more radios via a radio relay device regarding an event occurring on board the vessel, and the operation of determining the notification recipients may include determining the notification recipients to whom a notification message will be sent based on at least one of the event type and severity corresponding to the notification request signal.

[0016] The operation to determine the recipients of the notification may include determining, based on the type of event, whether to send the notification message to a crew group belonging to a specific department, a specific crew member on board the vessel, or all crew members on board the vessel.

[0017] The operation to determine who will receive the notification may include determining that all crew members will receive the notification if the event corresponds to the highest level of risk.

[0018] The operation to determine the recipients of the notification may include selecting recipients from a predetermined list of recipients to whom a notification message will be sent, based on at least one of the event type and severity level.

[0019] The operation of sending the notification message may include sending the notification message to one or more radios corresponding to notification recipients determined via radio relay devices located in a specific area, among a plurality of radio relay devices located on the ship.

[0020] The operation of sending the notification message may include the operation of sending the notification message to one or more radios corresponding to notification recipients determined based on identifiers set on one or more radios. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] In the present disclosure, the notification sending device can minimize unnecessary notifications transmitted to crew members by limiting the transmission of information regarding various events occurring on a ship to persons related to the event using metal body communication. The notification sending device can improve communication efficiency and prevent overloading of the wireless channel by classifying notification recipients according to the importance of the event. The notification sending device is a notification sending device that can quickly respond to events occurring on a ship by transmitting real-time notification messages to relevant departments and persons in charge at the time of event occurrence, reducing the fatigue of crew members due to frequent notifications, and improving communication efficiency, thereby increasing the efficiency of ship operation.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a diagram for explaining a notification sending system inside a ship according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a notification sending device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3A] It is a diagram for exemplifying the notification sending status of a notification sending device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3B] It is a diagram for exemplifying the notification sending status of a notification sending device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3C] It is a diagram for exemplifying the notification sending status of a notification sending device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a notification sending method according to an embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] The specific structural or functional description of the embodiment is disclosed for the purpose of mere exemplification and can be changed into various forms. Therefore, the embodiment is not limited to a specific disclosed form, and the scope of this specification includes changes, equivalents, or alternatives included in the technical idea.

[0024] Terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe multiple components, but such terms should be interpreted solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from others. For example, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be named the first component.

[0025] When it is mentioned that one component is "linked" to another, it should be understood that it is directly linked to or connected to the other component, but that other components may exist in between.

[0026] A singular expression includes plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “includes” or “has” indicate the presence of features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to presuppose the existence or addition of one or more other features, figures, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as those generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs. Commonly used, predefined terms should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as ideal or overly formal unless expressly defined herein.

[0028] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, the same components will be given the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals used in the drawings, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0029] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a notification dispatch system on a ship according to one embodiment.

[0030] Referring to Figure 1, the in-ship notification dispatch system can use the notification dispatch device 110 to send notification messages about events occurring on the ship 100 to one or more radios. Notification messages sent to one or more radios can be transmitted from the notification dispatch device 110 via wireless communication relay devices. Wireless communication relay devices 120, 130, and 140 can communicate on the ship 100 using a metal body (e.g., the hull) as the medium. Wireless communication relay devices 120, 130, and 140 can provide a communication relay function via metal body communication using a metal body as the medium. Wireless communication relay devices 120, 130, and 140 receive signals and / or data from radios 125, 135, and 145 connected to each wireless communication relay device 120, 130, and 140, and transmit the received signals and / or data to other wireless communication relay devices using a metal body as the medium. In one embodiment, the notification dispatch device 110 can send notification messages to radios 125, 135, and 145 connected to each of the wireless communication relay devices 120, 130, and 140 via the wireless communication relay devices 120, 130, and 140. For example, when the notification dispatch device 110 transmits a notification message to any wireless communication relay device that communicates wirelessly with the notification dispatch device 110, the wireless communication relay device may transmit the notification message to other wireless communication relay devices via metal body communication. The notification dispatch device 110 according to one embodiment can also perform metal body communication itself, like the wireless communication relay devices 120, 130, and 140. Any terminal communication device, including radios 125, 135, and 145 that can communicate with the wireless communication relay devices 120, 130, and 140, may be connected to the wireless communication relay devices 120, 130, and 140. The wireless communication relay devices can efficiently perform wireless communication using metal bodies as a medium in communication shadow environments where radio wave communication is difficult due to metal bodies such as ships 100, containers, and trailers. Wireless communication relay devices that communicate using a metal medium can be attached to a metal body, and the attachment location may include the walls, ceiling, or bottom of the metal body. For example, wireless communication relay device 120 may be attached to the wall of the hull inside the ship 100, wireless communication relay device 130 may be attached to the ceiling of the hull inside the ship 100, and wireless communication relay device 140 may be attached to the bottom of the hull outside the ship 100.

[0031] The wireless communication relay devices 120, 130, and 140 are attached to the metal hull of the ship 100 and include antenna devices that cause an electromagnetic field to form on the metal hull, and propagate voice data received from a data processing unit (e.g., a processor) by carrying it over the electromagnetic field through the metal body. The antenna devices of the wireless communication relay devices 120, 130, and 140 receive signals and / or data transmitted over the electromagnetic field through the metal body, and the wireless communication relay devices 120, 130, and 140 can transmit the received signals and / or data to terminal communication devices via their own communication channels.

[0032] The principle of transmission of signals and / or data through a metal body is explained below. The metal medium may, for example, be the steel plates or frame structure of a ship's hull. The explanation will be divided into two cases: when the metal medium is magnetic and when it is diamagnetic.

[0033] When the metallic medium is a magnetic material

[0034] The conductive layer of the first antenna creates an electromagnetic field in the dielectric layer. This electromagnetic field then creates a magnetically dominant electromagnetic field in the metallic medium, which is the propagation medium. Of the generated electromagnetic field, the electric field E1 propagates perpendicularly to the metallic medium through the aperture of the first antenna. The propagated electric field E1 creates a magnetically dominant electromagnetic field B within the metallic medium.

[0035] According to the theory of reversibility, the second antenna on the receiving side receives energy from the electromagnetic field formed within the metallic medium using a similar structure and principle. In this process, a change in the magnetic field-dominant electromagnetic field B is transmitted from the dielectric layer to the electric field-dominant electromagnetic field E2 via the aperture of the second antenna.

[0036] In communications using a metallic medium (also called metallic communications), the magnetic field is dominant, so the change in impedance is small even if the shape and size of the metallic medium change. Also, because metallic media have a higher magnetic permeability than air, the radio wave transmission efficiency is superior to communication systems that propagate through air. Therefore, the communication distance is even longer when communicating through a magnetic metallic medium than when communicating through a magnetic field in air. In order to form an electromagnetic field where the magnetic field is dominant, the resonant section and circuit section of the wireless relay device must be designed so that an electric field of a certain size is formed inside the metallic body.

[0037] The electromagnetic field formed in a metallic medium allows energy transfer to a resonator located a certain distance from the metallic medium. Since the electromagnetic field formed in a metallic medium is predominantly magnetic, an electric field is radiated from the metallic medium, allowing an antenna resonating at the operating frequency to receive energy if it is within a certain distance from the metallic medium.

[0038] The dielectric material of the dielectric layer of the first or second antenna can reduce the thickness and size of the resonant section, and allows for the formation of a magnetic field dominant electromagnetic field B in the metallic medium, thereby ensuring sufficient energy is transmitted.

[0039] When the metallic medium is paramagnetic or diamagnetic

[0040] The current that abruptly switches to the conductive layer forms an electric-field-dominant electromagnetic field E1 within the metallic medium. Here, the electric field radiated from the aperture surface cannot create a magnetic-field-dominant electromagnetic field B within the metallic medium. This is because the permeability of paramagnetic and diamagnetic materials is similar to that of air. Therefore, in a paramagnetic or diamagnetic metallic medium, the electromagnetic waves of the magnetic field do not become stronger than in the air, as in the case of a ferromagnetic material, and propagate with a similar size. In other words, the propagation distance is about the same whether in air or within the metallic medium.

[0041] In the case of pure iron, a ferromagnetic material, the permeability is 4000-5000, but in the case of paramagnetic material aluminum and diamagnetic material silver (Ag), the permeability is approximately 1.0, so the strength of the magnetic field and radio waves inside the metal body differs. Therefore, in this case, the signal is propagated to the receiver by a current induced in the metal body from the conductive layer of the antenna that is in contact with the metal body. Here, an electric field radiated from the aperture surface is induced in the metal body, and this transmits the signal or power.

[0042] In the case of structures whose main structure is metal, such as ship 100 (for example, an LNG carrier) as shown in Figure 1, radio waves cannot pass through metal, resulting in reflection and / or attenuation, which hinders smooth wireless communication. Therefore, in the case of structures made of metal, wireless communication shadow areas may occur where wireless communication is difficult or impossible. For example, wireless communication shadow areas occur in the pipe duct, engine room, bosun store, engine control room (ECR), and bow thruster room of an LNG carrier. Here, it is necessary to relay communication between the wireless communication shadow areas and areas such as the cargo control room (CCR), bridge, living quarter including the compass deck, or upper deck, where radio waves are easily radiated through the air and general wireless communication can be carried out smoothly. According to one embodiment, wireless communication relay devices 120, 130, and 140 can perform a relay role in relaying communication between wireless communication-enabled areas and wireless communication-blocked areas.

[0043] The notification dispatch device 110 can send notification messages regarding events occurring on the ship 100 to radios 125, 135, and 145 via the radio communication relay devices 120, 130, and 140. Here, the notification dispatch device 110 determines the notification recipients to whom it will send notification messages in order to send notification messages to one or more radios. The notification dispatch device 110 receives (or processes) information regarding various events occurring on the ship 100 and determines the notification recipients to whom it will send notification messages regarding the events according to the type and severity of the events. The notification dispatch device 110 can send notification messages to one or more radios among the radios 125, 135, and 145 that correspond to the determined notification recipients.

[0044] In this disclosure, the notification dispatch device 110 minimizes unnecessary notifications transmitted to the crew by limiting the transmission of information regarding various events occurring on the vessel 100 to those involved in those events. The notification dispatch device 110 improves communication efficiency and prevents radio channel overload by classifying notification recipients according to the importance of the event. The notification dispatch device 110 enables persons with radio equipment to respond quickly to events (or accidents) occurring on the vessel 100 by sending real-time notification messages to relevant departments and personnel when an event occurs. The notification dispatch device 110 can increase the efficiency of vessel operations by reducing crew fatigue caused by frequent notifications and improving communication efficiency.

[0045] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a notification dispatch device according to one embodiment. Referring to Figure 2, the notification dispatch device 200 (for example, the notification dispatch device 110 in Figure 1) includes a processor 210, memory 220, communication circuit 230, and input / output interface 240. In one embodiment, some of the components of the notification dispatch device 200 may be omitted, or other components may be added.

[0046] The processor 210 can control other components of the notification dispatcher 200 (e.g., hardware or software components) and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as part of the data processing or calculation, the processor 210 can store instructions or data received from other components in memory 220, process the instructions or data stored in memory 220, and store the resulting data in memory 220. The processor 210 may include a main processor (e.g., a central processing unit or application processor) or an auxiliary processor that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural network processing unit (NPU), an image signal processing unit, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor). The processor 210 can control the notification dispatcher 200 to perform one or more operations described in this disclosure by executing instructions stored in memory 220.

[0047] The notification dispatch device 200 receives information about events occurring on the vessel. Events occurring on the vessel are detected via various sensors installed on the vessel, and information about the events can be transmitted to the notification dispatch device 200. Various sensors installed inside and outside the vessel can monitor the vessel's condition in real time and collect relevant information. For example, events related to the vessel's engine condition, fuel condition, and battery condition may be detected via temperature sensors, flow sensors, and voltage sensors inside the vessel. In addition, events such as collision risks during operation, departure from the course, and gas phase changes can be monitored in real time from the vessel's navigation equipment. Information including the current status, hazard level, and expected status of each event can be transmitted to the notification dispatch device 200.

[0048] In one embodiment, the notification dispatcher 200 can receive notification request signals regarding events occurring on board the vessel from one or more radios via a wireless communication relay device. If a crew member directly discovers an event occurring on the vessel, the crew member reports information about the event to the central system. In the process, the crew member can transmit a notification request signal to the notification dispatcher 200 to inform other crew members of the event.

[0049] The processor 210 can determine the recipients to whom a notification message about an event should be sent, based on at least one of the event type and severity. The processor 210 analyzes information about the event to determine the event type and severity (e.g., highest, high, medium, or low). The crew members to whom the notification message is sent are determined according to the type and / or severity of the event occurring on the vessel. The types of events occurring on the vessel may include at least one of the following: events relating to the safety of the vessel, events relating to the operation of the vessel, events relating to the equipment of the vessel, and events relating to the safety of passengers and crew on board the vessel. For example, events relating to the safety of the vessel may include events relating to one of the following: a fire on board the vessel, smoke on board the vessel, a gas leak on board the vessel, flooding on board the vessel, and a collision risk on board the vessel. Events relating to the operation of the vessel may include events relating to one of the following: a departure from the standard course, an exceedance of the standard speed of the vessel, and a change in external weather. Events relating to the equipment of the vessel may include events relating to one of the following: an engine malfunction, a fuel shortage, a hydraulic system malfunction, and a communication malfunction on board the vessel. Events relating to the safety of passengers and crew on board a vessel may include events relating to either a health issue occurring to a passenger or crew member, or an incident occurring on board the vessel. The event types described above are illustrative examples of events that may occur on a vessel, and the types of events are not limited to those described above.

[0050] The processor 210 can determine, based on at least one of the event type and severity level, whether to send a notification message to a crew group belonging to a specific department, a specific crew member on board the vessel, or all crew members on board the vessel. The processor 210 may also determine that all crew members should receive the notification if the event corresponds to the highest severity level. The higher the severity level, the wider the range of recipients who can receive the notification message may be. For example, in the case of an engine malfunction related to the vessel's equipment, the notification message may be sent only to the crew group responsible for the vessel's operation and equipment, while in the case of a high-severity event such as flooding on board the vessel, the notification message may be sent to all crew members on board the vessel.

[0051] In one embodiment, the recipients of notification messages may be predetermined before the event occurs. The processor 210 selects the recipients from the predetermined recipients to whom it will send notification messages, based on at least one of the event type and severity. For example, among ship safety events, a fire on board and flooding on board may be predetermined to send notification messages to all crew members on board, while smoke on board and gas leaks on board may be predetermined to send notification messages only to specific crew members on board. The processor 210 may send notification messages to the radios of all crew members when a fire on board or flooding on board occurs.

[0052] In one embodiment, the processor 210 can determine the recipients to whom a notification message should be sent, based on at least one of the event type and severity level corresponding to the notification request signal. The processor 210 analyzes the notification request signal transmitted from the radio to determine the event type and severity level. The processor 210 can extract event-related content from the text or voice information transmitted via the radio to determine what kind of event has just occurred, and then determine the recipients to whom a notification should be sent based on the determined event type and / or severity level. For example, if a crew member in the engine room reports a currently occurring event via radio (e.g., "Engine overheating!"), the processor 210 may analyze the voice and determine the event to be an event related to the ship's equipment and / or of intermediate severity.

[0053] The processor 210 can send a notification message to one or more radios corresponding to notification recipients determined via a wireless communication relay device. The notification message may include a text notification output via the radio's display or a voice notification and notification sound (e.g., a warning sound) output via the radio's speaker. The text notification and voice notification may be pre-configured (e.g., recorded or defined) messages. In one embodiment, the voice notification may be generated using a text-to-speech (TTS) engine that converts text to speech.

[0054] One or more radios may be configured with identifiers that separate them into different communication channels. The processor 210 can send notification messages to one or more radios corresponding to notification recipients determined based on the identifiers configured on one or more radios. The identifiers that separate the communication channels of radios include communication frequency, color code, and group ID (or call ID). On a ship, different identifiers may be configured on radios for each crew group belonging to a specific department in order to avoid frequency interference. Radios can communicate via communication channels separated by the communication frequency, color code, and group ID configured on each radio, and communication takes place between radios configured with the same identifier. The processor 210 can identify information about the identifiers configured on the crew's radios in real time. The processor 210 separates the communication frequency, color code, and group ID assigned to the radios and sends notification messages configured according to the type and / or severity of the event. The processor 210 can simultaneously send multiple notification messages to radios that are assigned different communication frequencies, color codes, and group IDs.

[0055] In one embodiment, the processor 210 can send notification messages to one or more radios corresponding to notification recipients determined via radio relay devices located in a specific area, among a plurality of radio relay devices located on the ship. The processor 210 classifies the locations of the plurality of radio relay devices by area. In order to deliver notification messages only to crew members located in a specific area, the processor 210 can send notification messages only to radio relay devices located in a specific area among the plurality of radio relay devices. For example, if an event (or accident) occurs in a specific area, the processor 210 may send notification messages to only some of the radio relay devices in order to send notification messages to one or more radios belonging to that specific area.

[0056] Memory 220 stores instructions that can be executed by one or more processors 210. Memory 220 may include volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic RAM) or SRAM (Static RAM), or non-volatile memory such as magnetic hard disk, optical disk, floppy disk, flash memory, EPROM (electrically programmable memories), or EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable).

[0057] The communication circuit 230 can establish a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the notification sending device 200 and other devices, and can perform communication functions through the established communication channel. The communication circuit 230 operates independently of the processor 210 and includes a communication processor that supports direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. The communication circuit 230 is an element that realizes a wireless communication interface (e.g., Bluetooth® communication interface, cellular communication interface, Wi-Fi communication interface, or GNSS communication interface) or a wired communication interface (e.g., LAN communication interface) for wireless communication.

[0058] Requests, instructions, data, files, etc., generated by program code stored in a recording device such as memory 220 by the processor 210 of the notification dispatch device 200 can be transmitted to other devices via the network under the control of the communication interface. Conversely, signals, instructions, data, files, etc., from other devices may be received by the notification dispatch device 200 via the network and through the communication interface of the notification dispatch device 200. Signals, instructions, data, etc., received via the communication interface are transmitted to the processor 210 and memory 220, and instructions, files, etc., may be stored in storage media further included by the notification dispatch device 200.

[0059] The input / output interface 240 is a means for interface with input / output devices. The input / output interface 240 may include, for example, input devices such as a digital pen, keyboard, microphone, mouse, and / or output devices such as a writing device, display, and speaker. The input / output interface 240 may also be a means for interface with a device that combines input and output functions into one, such as a touchscreen.

[0060] Figures 3A to 3C illustrate the notification dispatch status of a notification dispatch device according to one embodiment.

[0061] Referring to Figure 3A, the notification dispatcher 310 (for example, the notification dispatcher 110 in Figure 1 or the notification dispatcher 200 in Figure 2) can send notification messages to all radios 321, 322, 323, 331, 332, and 333 of the ship 300. The notification dispatcher 310 sends notification messages to radios 321, 322, and 323 connected to the wireless communication relay device 320 via the wireless communication relay device 320. The notification dispatcher 310 also sends notification messages to radios 331, 332, and 333 connected to the wireless communication relay device 330 via the wireless communication relay device 330. In one embodiment, the notification dispatcher 310 may receive fire detection information on board the ship from a fire detection sensor. The notification dispatcher 310 may determine from the fire detection information that a fire has occurred on board the ship and determine the risk level of the event to be "high". The notification dispatch device 310 can determine that all crew members are the recipients of the notification according to the type and severity of the event, and can send the notification message to the main radios 321, 322, 323, 331, 332, and 333 via the wireless communication relay devices 320 and 330.

[0062] Referring to Figure 3B, the notification dispatch device 310 can send notification messages to some of the radios 321, 322, and 323 of the ship 300. In one embodiment, in order to send notification messages to a group of crew members belonging to a specific department, the notification dispatch device 310 sends notification messages to some of the radios 321, 322, and 323 via the radio communication relay device 320. The notification dispatch device 310 does not send notification messages to the radio communication relay device 330 that communicates with crew radios 331, 332, and 333 that do not belong to a specific department. In one embodiment, the notification dispatch device 310 sends notification messages to the radios 321, 322, and 323 corresponding to the notification recipients via the radio communication relay device 320 located in a specific area among the radio communication relay devices 320 and 330 located on the ship. The notification dispatch device 310 can classify the radio communication relay devices 320 and 330 located on the ship according to area, and can send notification messages only to radios 321, 322, and 323 connected to the radio communication relay device 320 located in a specific area.

[0063] Referring to Figure 3C, the notification dispatcher 310 can send notification messages to some radios 322, 331, and 333. In one embodiment, in order to send a notification message to a specific crew member on board a ship, the notification dispatcher 310 sends the notification message to some radios 322, 331, and 333 via the radio communication relay devices 320 and 330. In one embodiment, the notification dispatcher 310 can identify the communication frequency, color code, and group ID (call ID) of one or more radios corresponding to the notification recipient, and send notification messages through the communication channels assigned to that identifier. For example, if some radios 322, 331, and 333 communicate through communication channels assigned to a specific communication frequency (e.g., 156 MHz), a specific color code (e.g., CC1), and a specific group ID (e.g., 1001), the notification dispatcher 310 can grasp that identifier and send notification messages only through the communication channels assigned to that identifier. The notification dispatch device 310 minimizes unnecessary notifications transmitted to the crew by transmitting information about various events occurring on the ship 300 only to those relevant to those events.

[0064] Figures 3A to 3C show two wireless communication relay devices and three radios that can communicate with each wireless communication relay device. However, this is for illustrative purposes only, and the number of wireless communication relay devices and radios (or terminal communication devices) that can communicate with them are not limited to these figures.

[0065] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a notification sending method according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, at least one of the operations in Figure 4 may be performed simultaneously or in parallel with the other operations, and the order between the operations may be changed. Also, at least one of the operations may be omitted, and other operations may be performed in addition. The operation of the notification sending method may be performed by a notification sending device of the present disclosure (for example, the notification sending device 110 in Figure 1 or the notification sending device 200 in Figure 2).

[0066] In operation 410, the notification dispatcher receives information about events occurring on the vessel. Events occurring on the vessel are detected through various sensors installed on board, and information including the current status, hazard level, and expected status of each event can be transmitted to the notification dispatcher. The notification dispatcher can receive notification request signals regarding events occurring on board the vessel from one or more radios via a wireless communication relay device.

[0067] In operation 420, the notification sender determines the recipients to whom it will send a notification message about the event, based on at least one of the event type and severity level. The notification sender can analyze information about the event to determine the event type and severity level (e.g., highest, high, medium, or low).

[0068] In one embodiment, a notification dispatcher can determine the recipients to whom a notification message is to be sent, based on at least one of the event type and severity corresponding to the notification request signal. The notification dispatcher analyzes the notification request signal transmitted from the radio to determine the event type and severity. The notification dispatcher can extract content related to the event from the text or voice information transmitted via the radio to determine what kind of event has just occurred, and then determine the recipients to whom a notification is to be sent, according to the determined event type and / or severity.

[0069] In one embodiment, the notification dispatcher can determine, based on the type of event, the notification recipients to whom a notification message is sent are one of the following: a crew group belonging to a specific department, a specific crew member on board the vessel, or all crew members on board the vessel. The notification dispatcher determines that the notification recipients are all crew members if the event corresponds to the highest risk level. In one embodiment, the notification dispatcher selects notification recipients to whom a notification message is sent from a predetermined group of notification recipients based on at least one of the event type and risk level. The notification recipients to whom a notification message is received may be predetermined based on an event occurring on board the vessel.

[0070] In operation 430, the notification dispatcher sends a notification message to one or more radios corresponding to the notification recipients determined via a wireless communication relay device that performs metal body communication. The notification message sent by the notification dispatcher may be output via the radio's display and / or speaker.

[0071] In one embodiment, the notification dispatching device can send a notification message to one or more radios corresponding to notification recipients determined via radio relay devices located in a specific area among a plurality of radio relay devices located on the ship. To deliver the notification message only to crew members located in a specific area, the notification dispatching device can deliver the notification message only to radio relay devices located in a specific area among a plurality of radio relay devices. The notification dispatching device can deliver notification messages to areas within the ship that are divided into zones.

[0072] In one embodiment, the notification dispatcher can send notification messages to one or more radios corresponding to notification recipients determined based on identifiers set on one or more radios. The notification dispatcher may categorize the communication frequencies, color codes, and group IDs assigned to the radios and send notification messages set according to the type and / or severity of the event. The notification dispatcher may simultaneously send multiple notification messages to radios assigned different communication frequencies, color codes, and group IDs.

[0073] The embodiments described above are embodied in hardware components, software components, or combinations of hardware and software components. For example, the devices and components described in these embodiments are embodied using one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers, such as a processor, controller, ALU (arithmetic logic unit), digital signal processor, microcomputer, FPA (field programmable array), PLU (programmable logic unit), microprocessor, or different devices that execute and respond to instructions. The processing device executes an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications that run on the OS. The processing device also accesses, stores, manipulates, processes, and generates data in response to the execution of the software. For convenience of understanding, the processing device may sometimes be described as being used as a single unit, but a person with ordinary skill in the art will understand that the processing device includes multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, the processing device includes multiple processors or one processor and one controller. Other processing configurations are also possible, such as a parallel processor.

[0074] Software includes computer programs, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, which can configure a processing unit to operate as desired, or instruct the processing unit independently or in combination. Software and / or data can be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual device, computer storage medium or device, or transmitted signal wave, for interpretation by a processing unit or for providing instructions or data to a processing unit. Software can be distributed across a network of computer systems, stored in a distributed manner, and executed. Software and data can be stored on a recording medium readable by one or more computers.

[0075] The method according to this embodiment is embodied in the form of program instructions that are implemented via various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium includes program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., individually or in combination. The recording medium and program instructions may be specifically designed and configured for the purposes of the present invention, or they may be known and usable by those skilled in the art who have technology in the field of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floppy disks, and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include not only machine code generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

[0076] As described above, although embodiments have been illustrated with limited drawings, a person with ordinary skill in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above description. For example, the described technique may be performed in a different order than described, and / or the described system, structure, apparatus, circuit, and other components may be combined or assembled in a different manner than described, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents, and still achieve the desired results.

[0077] Therefore, other embodiments, other embodiments, and claims equivalent to those described below also fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A notification transmission device for ships that utilizes metal body communication, A communication circuit that communicates with a wireless communication relay device that performs metal body communication, Processor and A memory that stores instructions that can be executed by the aforementioned processor, Includes, When the instruction is executed by the processor, the notification sending device, The vessel receives information regarding events occurring on the aforementioned vessel. Based on at least one of the event type and severity, the recipients to whom a notification message regarding the event is sent are determined. A notification transmission device that sends the notification message to one or more wireless devices corresponding to the determined notification recipients via the wireless communication relay device.

2. When the instruction is executed by the processor, the notification sending device, The ship receives a notification request signal regarding an event occurring on board from one or more radios via wireless communication. The notification sending device according to claim 1, which determines a notification recipient to send the notification message based on at least one of the type and severity of the event corresponding to the notification request signal.

3. The notification sending device according to claim 1, wherein the type of event includes at least one of the following: an event relating to the safety of the vessel, an event relating to the operation of the vessel, an event relating to the equipment of the vessel, and an event relating to the safety of passengers and crew on board the vessel.

4. The safety events of the vessel include any one of the following events: a fire on board the vessel, smoke on board the vessel, a gas leak on board the vessel, flooding on board the vessel, and a collision risk on board the vessel. Events relating to the operation of the vessel include any one of the following events: the vessel deviating from its standard route, the vessel exceeding its standard speed, and changes in external weather conditions. The events relating to the equipment of the vessel include any one of the following: an engine malfunction of the vessel, a fuel shortage of the vessel, a hydraulic system malfunction of the vessel, and a communication malfunction within the vessel. The notification sending device according to claim 3, wherein events relating to the safety of passengers and crew on board the vessel include events relating to either a health abnormality occurring to a passenger or crew member or an incident occurring on board the vessel.

5. When the instruction is executed by the processor, the notification sending device, The notification sending device according to claim 3, wherein the notification recipients to whom the notification message is sent are determined to be one of the following: a crew group belonging to a specific department, a specific crew member on board the vessel, or all crew members on board the vessel, based on the type of event.

6. When the instruction is executed by the processor, the notification sending device, The notification sending device according to claim 5, wherein if the risk level of the event corresponds to the highest risk level, the notification recipients are determined to be all crew members.

7. The recipients of notification messages who receive notification messages based on events occurring within the aforementioned vessel are predetermined. When the instruction is executed by the processor, the notification sending device, The notification sending device according to claim 1, which selects a notification recipient from among the predetermined notification recipients to whom the notification message is to be sent, based on at least one of the type and severity of the event.

8. When the instruction is executed by the processor, the notification sending device, The notification sending device according to claim 1, wherein, among a plurality of wireless communication relay devices located on the vessel, the notification message is sent to one or more radio devices corresponding to the determined notification recipients via a wireless communication relay device located in a specific area.

9. Each of the aforementioned wireless devices is assigned an identifier that distinguishes different communication channels from each other. When the instruction is executed by the processor, the notification sending device, The notification sending device according to claim 1, which sends the notification message to one or more radios corresponding to the notification recipient determined based on the identifier set in one or more radios.

10. A method of sending notifications within a ship using metal body communication, The operation of receiving information about events occurring on the aforementioned vessel, An operation to determine the recipients of notifications to send notification messages regarding the event based on at least one of the event type and severity, The operation of sending the notification message to one or more wireless devices corresponding to the determined notification recipient via a wireless communication relay device that performs metal body communication, Notification sending methods, including those mentioned above.

11. The operation of receiving information about the event includes the operation of receiving a notification request signal regarding an event that occurred on board the vessel from one or more radios via the wireless communication relay device. The notification sending method according to claim 10, wherein the operation for determining the notification recipient includes an operation for determining the notification recipient to whom the notification message is to be sent based on at least one of the type and severity of the event corresponding to the notification request signal.

12. The method for sending a notice according to claim 10, wherein the type of event includes at least one of the following: an event relating to the safety of the vessel, an event relating to the operation of the vessel, an event relating to the equipment of the vessel, and an event relating to the safety of passengers and crew on board the vessel.

13. The safety events of the vessel include any one of the following events: a fire on board the vessel, smoke on board the vessel, a gas leak on board the vessel, flooding on board the vessel, and a collision risk on board the vessel. Events relating to the operation of the vessel include any one of the following: the vessel deviating from its standard route, the vessel exceeding its standard speed, and changes in external weather conditions. The events relating to the equipment of the vessel include any one of the following: an engine malfunction of the vessel, a fuel shortage of the vessel, a hydraulic system malfunction of the vessel, and a communication malfunction within the vessel. The notification dispatch method according to claim 12, wherein an event relating to the safety of passengers and crew on board the vessel includes an event relating to one of the following: a health abnormality occurring to a passenger or crew member, and an incident occurring on board the vessel.

14. The notification sending method according to claim 12, wherein the operation to determine the notification recipients includes determining, based on the type of event, that the notification recipients to whom the notification message should be sent are one of the following: a crew group belonging to a specific department, a specific crew member on board the vessel, or all crew members on board the vessel.

15. The notification sending method according to claim 14, wherein the operation to determine the recipients of the notification includes, when the event's risk level corresponds to the highest risk level, the operation to determine the recipients of the notification as all crew members.

16. The recipients of notification messages who receive notification messages based on events occurring within the aforementioned vessel are predetermined. The notification sending method according to claim 10, wherein the operation for determining the notification recipients includes the operation of selecting from the predetermined notification recipients to whom the notification message will be sent, based on at least one of the event type and severity.

17. The notification sending method according to claim 10, wherein the operation of sending the notification message includes sending the notification message to one or more radios corresponding to the determined notification recipients via a radio communication relay device located in a specific area among a plurality of radio communication relay devices located on the ship.

18. Each of the aforementioned one or more radios is configured with an identifier that distinguishes between different communication channels. The notification sending method according to claim 10, wherein the operation of sending the notification message includes the operation of sending the notification message to one or more radios corresponding to the determined notification recipient based on the identifier set on one or more radios.

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