Miniaturized beacon device and communication method

Abstract

This invention discloses a miniaturized beacon device and communication method, comprising: a positioning module for providing the current position of the miniaturized beacon device; a wireless communication module including a satellite communication component and an AIS communication component; and a main processor, which is communicatively connected to the positioning module, the satellite communication component, and the AIS communication component, and broadcasts the current position obtained by the positioning module through the satellite communication component and / or the AIS communication module. This invention, through its dual-communication link structure design, can simultaneously achieve both long-range alarm and short-range broadcast capabilities, thus forming a complete maritime rescue information transmission system. Compared with traditional solutions that require carrying two separate devices, this solution integrates multiple communication functions into a single device, significantly reducing the device's size and weight. Users can complete alarm operations without simultaneously operating multiple devices, significantly improving reliability and convenience in emergency situations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of maritime communications, and in particular to a miniaturized beacon device and communication method. Background Technology

[0002] In maritime navigation, offshore operations, and recreational activities, if personnel fall overboard or encounter other emergencies, they often need to use personal positioning devices to send distress signals so that rescue forces can quickly locate the distressed personnel and carry out rescue operations. Therefore, various types of personal positioning devices are increasingly being widely used in the field of maritime safety.

[0003] Commonly used position beacon devices in existing technologies mainly include those based on Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) and those based on satellite communication systems. AIS-based beacons typically broadcast their position information to nearby vessels via maritime wireless communication frequencies, allowing them to receive the location of distressed personnel and initiate search and rescue operations. However, these devices generally have a short communication range, making it difficult to receive distress signals promptly when distressed personnel are in distant waters or where nearby vessels are scarce. On the other hand, satellite communication-based beacons can transmit distress information to a remote command center via satellite links, enabling land-based rescue agencies to ascertain the location of distressed personnel. However, these devices typically cannot broadcast directly to nearby vessels, requiring reliance on other communication methods during close-range search and rescue operations. To compensate for these shortcomings, some application scenarios deploy both types of position beacons simultaneously: one sends alarm information to a remote rescue center via satellite communication, while the other broadcasts the position to nearby vessels via maritime wireless communication. However, this method requires carrying two separate sets of equipment, which not only increases the size and weight of the equipment, but also increases the cost of use and maintenance. In addition, in emergency situations, different equipment needs to be activated separately, making the operation process more complicated. Furthermore, it is difficult to synchronize data between different devices, which to some extent affects the ease of use of the equipment and the efficiency of rescue. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a miniaturized position beacon device and communication method that can improve reliability in emergency situations.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A miniaturized position marker device, comprising: The positioning module is used to provide the current position of the miniaturized positioning beacon device; Wireless communication module, including satellite communication components and AIS communication components; The main processor is communicatively connected to the positioning module, the satellite communication component, and the AIS communication component, and broadcasts the current location obtained by the positioning module through the satellite communication component and / or the AIS communication module.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A communication method, applied to the aforementioned miniaturized positioning beacon device, includes the following steps: S1. In response to a positioning requirement, the main processor uses the positioning module to obtain current location data; S2. The main processor uses the satellite communication device to send the current location data to the target fixed terminal; S3. The main processor uses the AIS communication device to send the current location data to the target mobile terminal.

[0007] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: It provides a miniaturized positioning beacon device and communication method. By incorporating a positioning module, a wireless communication module, and a main processor into the device, the device can acquire its own location and broadcast information through different communication links. The positioning module is used to acquire the device's current location data in real time. The main processor processes the positioning data and controls the wireless communication module to transmit it according to a preset strategy. The wireless communication module includes both a satellite communication component and an AIS communication component. The satellite communication component is used to send distress information to a remote fixed terminal via a satellite communication link, enabling a remote command center to receive the location information of the distressed personnel at a distance. The AIS communication component is used to send location information to nearby vessels or mobile terminals via a maritime wireless broadcast link, enabling surrounding vessels to directly receive the location of the distressed personnel and conduct close-range rescue. This dual-communication link structure design can simultaneously achieve both long-range alarm and close-range broadcast capabilities, thus forming a complete maritime rescue information transmission system. Compared with traditional solutions that require carrying two separate devices, this solution integrates multiple communication functions into a single device, significantly reducing the device's size and weight. Users can complete alarm operations without operating multiple devices simultaneously, significantly improving reliability and convenience in emergency situations. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a side sectional view of a miniaturized position marker device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front view of a miniaturized position marker device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the rear structure of a miniaturized position marker device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the module interaction of a miniaturized position marker device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Label Explanation: 1. Positioning module; 2. Wireless communication module; 21. Satellite communication component; 211. Satellite communication module; 212. Satellite communication antenna; 22. AIS communication component; 221. AIS communication module; 222. AIS communication antenna; 3. Main processor; 4. Mounting plate; 41. First mounting area; 42. Second mounting area; 5. Sensor; 6. Manual button; 7. Battery assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0009] To explain in detail the technical content, objectives, and effects of the present invention, the following description is provided in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0010] In existing technologies, maritime workers in distress typically rely on position beacons to send distress signals so that rescue forces can quickly pinpoint their location. Common position beacons include personal position beacons based on AIS communication and satellite-based position beacons. AIS position beacons usually broadcast their location information to nearby vessels via maritime radio frequencies. Nearby vessels can obtain the real-time location of the distressed personnel through AIS receivers, enabling close-range search and rescue operations. However, the communication range of these devices is usually short, generally covering only a few kilometers. When the distressed personnel are in the open ocean or when there are no nearby vessels, the distress signals emitted by the AIS position beacon are difficult to receive in a timely manner. On the other hand, satellite-based position beacons can transmit distress information to a remote command center via satellite links, allowing land-based rescue agencies to promptly ascertain the location of the distressed personnel. However, these devices typically cannot broadcast directly to nearby vessels, thus still presenting a problem of untimely information acquisition during the close-range search and rescue phase. To compensate for the above shortcomings, some application scenarios configure both AIS position beacons and satellite position beacons. However, this approach requires carrying two separate sets of equipment, which are not only bulky and heavy, but also complex to operate and costly. Furthermore, the lack of effective data coordination between the different devices affects the ease of use and rescue efficiency to some extent. Therefore, how to achieve long-range alarm and short-range broadcasting functions in a single device, while ensuring communication reliability and miniaturizing the device, has become a pressing technical problem to be solved in this field.

[0011] To at least solve the above problems, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 This invention provides a miniaturized position marker device, comprising: Positioning module 1 is used to provide the current position of the miniaturized positioning beacon device; Wireless communication module 2 includes satellite communication component 21 and AIS communication component 22; The main processor 3 is communicatively connected to the positioning module 1, the satellite communication component 21, and the AIS communication component 22, and broadcasts the current location obtained by the positioning module 1 through the satellite communication component 21 and / or the AIS communication module 22.

[0012] As described above, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: by incorporating a positioning module 1, a wireless communication module 2, and a main processor 3 into the device, the device can acquire its own location and broadcast information through different communication links. The positioning module 1 is used to acquire the device's current location data in real time. The main processor 3 processes the positioning data and controls the wireless communication module 2 to transmit it according to a preset strategy. The wireless communication module 2 includes both a satellite communication component 21 and an AIS communication component 22. The satellite communication component 21 is used to send distress information to a remote fixed terminal via a satellite communication link, enabling a remote command center to receive the location information of the distressed person at a distance. The AIS communication component 22 is used to send location information to nearby ships or mobile terminals via a maritime wireless broadcast link, enabling surrounding ships to directly receive the location of the distressed person and conduct close-range rescue. Through this dual-communication link structure design, both long-range alarm and close-range broadcasting capabilities can be simultaneously achieved, thus forming a complete maritime rescue information transmission system. Compared to traditional solutions that require carrying two separate devices, this solution integrates multiple communication functions into a single device, significantly reducing its size and weight. Users can complete alarm operations without simultaneously operating multiple devices, greatly improving reliability and convenience in emergency situations. Furthermore, the main processor 3 centrally manages the positioning and communication processes, enabling location information to be synchronously transmitted to different communication links, avoiding data asynchrony issues between multiple devices and thus improving the accuracy and consistency of rescue information.

[0013] In some embodiments, a mounting plate 4 is also included, which includes a first mounting area 41 and a second mounting area 42 connected to each other; The satellite communication device 21 includes a satellite communication module 211 and a satellite communication antenna 212 that are electrically connected; the AIS communication device 22 includes an AIS communication module 221 and an AIS communication antenna 222 that are electrically connected. The satellite communication module and the AIS communication module 221 are fixedly connected to one end face of the first mounting area 41; The main processor 3, the positioning module 1, and the satellite communication antenna 212 are fixedly connected to the other end face of the first mounting area 41. The AIS antenna is wound around the second mounting area 42.

[0014] As described above, by setting up the mounting plate 4 and dividing it into a first mounting area 41 and a second mounting area 42, different functional modules can be rationally distributed within a limited space. The satellite communication module 211 and the AIS communication module 221 are located on one end of the first mounting area 41, while the main processor 3, the positioning module 1, and the satellite communication antenna 212 are located on the other end, forming a compact, vertically distributed layout. This arrangement allows circuit modules to be centrally mounted on the same board, reducing line connection length, minimizing signal interference, and improving overall structural stability. Simultaneously, by winding the AIS communication antenna 222 around the second mounting area 42, the antenna can be arranged along the housing space, fully utilizing the internal space and ensuring a good radiation environment. This structure not only reduces interference between the antenna and other circuit modules but also achieves good communication performance without increasing the device's size. Through this layout design, a compact internal structure with short signal paths and a rational antenna arrangement is formed between the modules, enabling the beacon device to achieve stable communication within a small size, further achieving the miniaturization design goal.

[0015] Please refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the AIS communication module 221 includes an AIS chip and an amplifier circuit; the main processor 3 is SPI-connected to the AIS chip, the AIS chip is electrically connected to the amplifier circuit, and the amplifier circuit is electrically connected to the AIS communication antenna 222.

[0016] As described above, by setting up an AIS chip and amplifier circuit, the AIS communication link can stably transmit wireless signals. The main processor 3 interacts with the AIS chip via SPI communication, transmitting the position information acquired by the positioning module 1 to the AIS chip for modulation processing. The radio frequency signal output by the AIS chip is then amplified by the amplifier circuit before being transmitted to the AIS communication antenna 222. This structural design allows the signal to be sufficiently amplified before transmission, thereby increasing the transmission strength of the wireless signal and making it easier for nearby ships to receive the broadcast signal. Simultaneously, the SPI communication method features high transmission speed and stable communication, enabling the main processor 3 to quickly complete data transmission control and improve system response speed. By setting up a dedicated chip and amplifier circuit in the AIS communication module 221, the wireless signal undergoes two stages of processing—modulation and power amplification—thereby improving communication stability and signal coverage, ensuring that the beacon maintains reliable communication capabilities even in complex maritime environments.

[0017] Preferably, there are two amplifier circuits: a first-stage amplifier circuit and a second-stage amplifier circuit. The two discharge circuits are connected in series, and each amplifier circuit is equipped with a bias voltage adjustment circuit. The AIS chip is an RF modulation SOC chip.

[0018] Please refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the satellite communication module 211 includes a radio frequency baseband chip, a power amplifier chip, and an amplifier; The satellite communication antenna 212 includes a first antenna and a second antenna; The main processor 3 communicates with the RF baseband chip via a serial port, and the RF baseband chip is electrically connected to the PA chip and the amplifier respectively. The PA chip is electrically connected to the first antenna, which is used to transmit information to the satellite. The amplifier is electrically connected to the second antenna, which is used to receive information sent to the device by the satellite.

[0019] As described above, by incorporating an RF baseband chip, a PA chip, and an amplifier, the satellite communication link can simultaneously transmit and receive information. The main processor 3 interacts with the RF baseband chip via serial communication. The RF baseband chip modulates the received data and outputs an RF signal, which is then amplified by the PA chip and transmitted to the satellite via the first antenna, enabling long-distance communication. Simultaneously, by incorporating an amplifier and a second antenna, the device can receive and demodulate signals from the satellite, achieving bidirectional communication. Connecting the transmit and receive links to different antennas reduces signal interference and improves communication stability. This structure allows the beacon to not only transmit location information in distress situations but also receive feedback information or control commands from the satellite system, thereby improving the system's communication reliability and functional expandability.

[0020] Preferably, the transceiver circuits in the satellite communication module 211 are equipped with filters to filter out interference signals. The RF baseband chip is an integrated RF baseband processor. The amplifier can be a low-noise amplifier.

[0021] In some embodiments, a sensor 5 is also included, which is electrically connected to the main processor 3 and is used to automatically trigger the main processor 3 to broadcast the current location acquired by the positioning module 1.

[0022] As described above, this embodiment adds a sensor 5 structure, enabling the device to automatically trigger an alarm function under specific environmental conditions. The sensor 5 is electrically connected to the main processor 3, and when a preset environmental change is detected, it can automatically trigger the main processor 3 to perform positioning and communication operations. By setting an automatic triggering mechanism, the alarm process can be automatically initiated when the user cannot actively operate the device, such as automatically sending a distress signal when a person falls into water or the device enters a water environment, thereby reducing reliance on human operation and improving the device's safety capabilities. This structure can significantly improve the device's response speed in emergency situations, enabling the positioning and communication process to be initiated immediately, thus improving rescue efficiency.

[0023] Preferably, the sensor 5 is a water immersion sensor 5. Further specifying the sensor 5 as a water immersion sensor 5, when the equipment comes into contact with water, the water immersion sensor 5 can detect the aquatic environment and generate a trigger signal, thereby automatically activating the main processor 3 to execute the alarm process. This design allows the equipment to automatically activate the distress signal function after a person falls into the water, without requiring any manual intervention. This structure is particularly suitable for offshore operations or maritime activities, enabling the rapid transmission of distress signals when personnel fall into the water or equipment falls into the water, thereby increasing the probability of timely discovery and rescue of those in distress.

[0024] In some implementations, a manual button 6 is also included, which is electrically connected to the main processor 3 and is used to manually trigger the main processor 3 to broadcast the current location obtained by the positioning module 1.

[0025] As described above, a manual button 6 structure has been added to the automatic triggering mechanism, enabling the device to also manually trigger the alarm. When a user discovers a dangerous situation but the device does not automatically trigger the alarm, they can press the manual button 6 to initiate the positioning and communication process. By simultaneously setting both automatic and manual triggering modes, a dual alarm mechanism can be formed, allowing the device to reliably activate the distress call function under different environmental conditions, thereby improving the flexibility and reliability of the device's use.

[0026] In some embodiments, a battery assembly 7 is also included, which includes an energy storage battery, a first transformer, and a second transformer; The energy storage battery is electrically connected to the satellite communication device 21 through the first transformer, and the energy storage battery is electrically connected to the AIS communication device 22 through the second transformer.

[0027] As described above, the power supply structure is limited. By incorporating an energy storage battery and two transformers, the device can provide suitable voltages for different communication modules. The energy storage battery, as the primary power source, supplies power to the satellite communication module 21 via the first transformer and to the AIS communication module 22 via the second transformer, thus ensuring a stable power supply for different modules. This distributed power supply structure avoids power interference between different modules, improving communication stability. Simultaneously, the energy storage battery provides continuous power to the device, enabling it to maintain communication functionality for extended periods in emergencies, thereby increasing the success rate of rescue operations.

[0028] Please refer to Figure 5 A communication method applied to a miniaturized position beacon device includes the following steps: S1. In response to the positioning requirement, the main processor 3 uses the positioning module 1 to obtain the current location data; S2. The main processor 3 uses the satellite communication device 21 to send the current location data to the target fixed terminal; S3. The main processor 3 uses the AIS communication device 22 to send the current location data to the target mobile terminal.

[0029] As described above, the main processor 3 coordinates the workflow between the positioning module 1, satellite communication component 21, and AIS communication component 22 to achieve multi-link information transmission. First, the main processor 3 calls the positioning module 1 to obtain the current location data. Then, it sends the location information to a remote fixed terminal via the satellite communication link, enabling the remote command center to receive distress information. Subsequently, it sends the same location information to nearby mobile terminals via the AIS communication link, allowing surrounding vessels to receive the broadcast information. This step-by-step transmission method allows the equipment to complete both long-distance alarm and short-range broadcast communication tasks simultaneously, thereby improving the dissemination range and reliability of rescue information.

[0030] In some implementations, step S3 is followed by step S4: The main processor 3 shuts down the satellite communication device 21 and the AIS communication device 22, and the main processor 3 itself enters a sleep mode until it receives the positioning request again.

[0031] As described above, after the main processor 3 completes the transmission of positioning information, it shuts down the satellite communication module 21 and the AIS communication module 22, and puts the main processor 3 into sleep mode. This operating mode reduces device power consumption after completing a communication task, thereby extending battery life. When the device receives a positioning request or trigger signal again, the system restarts the communication process. This energy-saving control strategy significantly reduces energy consumption while ensuring communication functionality, enabling the device to maintain stable operation even during prolonged standby or multiple alarm message transmissions.

[0032] Embodiment 1 of the present invention is as follows: Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 A miniaturized beacon device is disclosed for locating and alerting personnel in distress at sea. The beacon device in this embodiment mainly includes a control and power supply section, a sensor section, a communication and positioning section, and an antenna section. These components are compactly integrated, thereby achieving a miniaturized design.

[0033] Specifically, the miniaturized beacon device includes a positioning module 1, a wireless communication module 2, and a main processor 3. The positioning module 1 is used to acquire the current location information of the miniaturized beacon device. In this embodiment, the positioning module 1 can be a global navigation satellite system-based positioning module 1, which receives signals from satellites through a positioning antenna and performs signal processing and software filtering in its internal navigation chip to obtain the device's current latitude and longitude and other location information. The positioning module 1 communicates with the main processor 3 via a serial port and can send positioning data to the main processor 3 according to a preset communication protocol.

[0034] The wireless communication module 2 is used to send location information to external devices. The wireless communication module 2 includes a satellite communication component 21 and an AIS communication component 22. The satellite communication component 21 establishes a communication connection with a remote fixed terminal via a satellite link to achieve long-distance alarm functionality. The AIS communication component 22 broadcasts location information to nearby vessels via maritime radio frequency bands, enabling nearby vessels to promptly detect distressed personnel and conduct rescue operations. Specifically, the satellite communication component 21 may be a BeiDou short message service module.

[0035] The main processor 3 is communicatively connected to the positioning module 1, the satellite communication module 21, and the AIS communication module 22, respectively. It processes the current location data acquired by the positioning module 1 and controls the wireless communication module 2 to transmit information. When the device enters an alarm state, the main processor 3 first controls the positioning module 1 to acquire the current location information, then packages and encapsulates the acquired location information, and transmits it through the satellite communication module 21 and the AIS communication module 22, thereby achieving combined communication for remote alarm and short-range broadcasting.

[0036] In some embodiments, the device further includes a mounting plate 4, which comprises a first mounting area 41 and a second mounting area 42 connected to each other. The first mounting area 41 is used to mount the main circuit modules, and the second mounting area 42 is used to arrange the antenna structure. Specifically, the satellite communication module 211 and the AIS communication module 221 are disposed on one end face of the first mounting area 41, and the main processor 3, the positioning module 1, and the satellite communication antenna 212 are disposed on the other end face of the first mounting area 41, thus forming a compact layout structure with vertical distribution. This structural arrangement allows the functional modules to be centrally mounted on the same plate, thereby reducing circuit connection length and signal interference. At the same time, the AIS communication antenna 222 is wound around the second mounting area 42, allowing the antenna to be arranged along the internal space of the device housing, thereby obtaining a better radiation environment and communication performance without increasing the size of the device.

[0037] Please refer to Figure 4 In some embodiments, the AIS communication device 22 includes an AIS communication module 221 and an AIS communication antenna 222, wherein the AIS communication module 221 includes an AIS chip and an amplifier circuit. The main processor 3 interacts with the AIS chip via SPI communication, transmitting the location information acquired by the positioning module 1 to the AIS chip for modulation processing. The radio frequency signal output by the AIS chip is then amplified by the amplifier circuit and transmitted through the AIS communication antenna 222. In this embodiment, the amplifier circuit preferably includes two stages of power amplifier circuits connected in series, and each stage of the amplifier circuit is provided with a bias voltage adjustment circuit to adjust the operating state of the power amplifier, thereby ensuring that the radio frequency signal can be stably output and obtain better transmission power. The AIS chip can be selected as a radio frequency modulation SOC chip.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 4In some embodiments, the satellite communication device 21 includes a satellite communication module 211 and a satellite communication antenna 212. The satellite communication module 211 includes an RF baseband chip, a power amplifier chip, and a receiver amplifier. The main processor 3 communicates with the RF baseband chip via a serial port, transmitting data to be sent to the RF baseband chip for modulation. The RF signal output by the RF baseband chip is amplified by the power amplifier chip and then transmitted to the satellite via the first antenna (L-band antenna), thus realizing information transmission through the satellite communication link. Simultaneously, the downlink signal from the satellite is received via the second antenna (S-band antenna), amplified by the receiver amplifier, and then input to the RF baseband chip for demodulation. Preferably, filters are provided in both the transmitting and receiving circuits of the satellite communication module 211 to filter interference signals in the RF link, thereby improving communication stability and signal quality. The RF baseband chip is an integrated RF baseband processor. The amplifier can be a low-noise amplifier.

[0039] Specifically, the positioning module 1 includes a satellite navigation chip, an amplifier (optional low-noise amplifier), and a filter connected in sequence for communication, and receives data via a B1-band antenna. The satellite navigation chip communicates with the main processor 3 via a serial port.

[0040] In some embodiments, the positioning beacon device further includes a sensor 5, which is electrically connected to the main processor 3 and is used to automatically trigger an alarm process when a specific environmental change is detected. Specifically, when the sensor 5 detects that the device has entered a water environment, it can send a trigger signal to the main processor 3. After receiving the trigger signal, the main processor 3 automatically starts the positioning module 1 to obtain the current location and sends alarm information through the wireless communication module 2. In this embodiment, the sensor 5 is preferably a water immersion sensor 5, used to detect whether the device has fallen into the water, thereby automatically activating the rescue function when a person falls into the water.

[0041] In some embodiments, the device also includes a manual alarm button 6, which is electrically connected to the main processor 3. When the user presses the manual button 6, the main processor 3 can also activate the positioning module 1 and send alarm information, thereby realizing the manual alarm triggering function. By setting both automatic and manual triggering modes, the device can reliably start the alarm process under different environmental conditions.

[0042] In some embodiments, the device further includes a battery assembly 7 for providing power to the various modules of the device. The battery assembly 7 includes an energy storage battery and two power conversion circuits. The energy storage battery is preferably a 3.8V lithium battery, which provides power to the satellite communication module 211 via the first power conversion circuit and to the AIS communication module 221 via the second power conversion circuit. The first and second power conversion circuits can be DC-DC power conversion modules used to convert the battery voltage to the operating voltage required by different modules, for example, converting the battery voltage to 5V and 3.3V to provide stable power to the communication module's power amplifier and control circuit, respectively.

[0043] Furthermore, during actual operation, when the device enters an alarm state via the water immersion sensor 5 or the manual button 6, the main processor 3 first controls the positioning module 1 to acquire valid positioning information. After acquiring valid positioning data, the main processor 3 encapsulates the positioning data and first controls the satellite communication module 211 to send the current location information via the satellite link. After the satellite communication transmission is complete, the main processor 3 then controls the AIS communication module 221 to send the current location information via the AIS link. After completing the above communication process, the main processor 3 can shut down the communication module and enter sleep mode, thereby reducing device power consumption and extending battery life. When a trigger signal or positioning request is received again, the device restarts the positioning and communication process.

[0044] Through the above structural design, the positioning beacon device in this embodiment can integrate satellite communication and AIS communication within a single device. This allows the device to send distress signals to a remote rescue center and broadcast its position information to nearby vessels, thus forming a combined long-range and short-range maritime rescue communication system. Simultaneously, by optimizing the internal structural layout, antenna arrangement, and power management, the device achieves miniaturization and compactness while maintaining communication performance, thereby improving its ease of use and reliability in maritime operating environments.

[0045] Please refer to Figure 5 Embodiment two of the present invention is as follows: This invention also provides a communication method applied to the aforementioned miniaturized beacon device for transmitting and broadcasting location information in distress situations. In this embodiment, the communication method uses a main processor 3 to coordinate the control of the positioning module 1, the satellite communication component 21, and the AIS communication component 22, thereby achieving the acquisition of location information and the transmission of multi-link communication.

[0046] Specifically, the communication method includes the following steps: Step S1: In response to the positioning requirement, the main processor 3 uses the positioning module 1 to obtain the current location data.

[0047] In practical applications, positioning requests can be triggered in various ways, such as the water immersion sensor 5 detecting that the device has entered a water environment, the user pressing a manual alarm button, or the device automatically initiating a positioning task according to a preset time period. When the main processor 3 receives a positioning request, it first activates the positioning module 1 to receive satellite signals. The navigation chip inside the positioning module 1 then processes and interprets the received satellite signals to obtain the device's current location information. After obtaining valid positioning information, the positioning module 1 sends the current location data to the main processor 3 via serial communication.

[0048] Step S2: The main processor 3 uses the satellite communication device 21 to send the current location data to the target fixed terminal.

[0049] Specifically, after receiving the location information sent by the positioning module 1, the main processor 3 encapsulates the location data and generates a corresponding data packet according to the satellite communication protocol. Subsequently, the main processor 3 controls the satellite communication module 211 to initiate the transmission link, sending the generated data packet to the radio frequency baseband chip in the satellite communication module 211. The radio frequency baseband chip modulates the data and outputs a radio frequency signal, which is amplified by a power amplifier circuit and finally transmitted to the satellite system via the satellite communication antenna 212. Upon receiving this information, the satellite can forward it to a remote fixed terminal, such as a maritime search and rescue command center, via an inter-satellite link and a ground station, enabling remote command personnel to promptly obtain the location of the distressed personnel and organize rescue efforts.

[0050] Step S3: The main processor 3 uses the AIS communication device 22 to send the current location data to the target mobile terminal.

[0051] After completing satellite communication transmission, the main processor 3 continues to control the AIS communication module 221 to initiate a broadcast link, transmitting the same location data through the AIS communication link. Specifically, the main processor 3 sends the location data to the AIS chip in the AIS communication module 221. The AIS chip encodes and modulates the data according to the AIS communication protocol and generates a corresponding radio frequency signal. This radio frequency signal is amplified by a power amplifier circuit and then broadcast wirelessly to the surrounding sea area through the AIS communication antenna 222. After receiving the broadcast signal, the AIS receiving equipment of nearby ships or offshore platforms can display the real-time location of the distressed personnel on the display terminal, thereby providing direct location information for rescue vessels.

[0052] Through the above steps, the main processor 3 can coordinate the workflow between the positioning module 1, the satellite communication component 21, and the AIS communication component 22, enabling the segmented transmission of positioning information. First, a distress signal is sent to a remote fixed terminal via the satellite communication link, allowing the remote command center to promptly ascertain the location of those in distress. Then, it is broadcast to nearby vessels via the AIS communication link, enabling them to directly receive the location information and quickly implement rescue operations. This combination of long-distance communication and short-range broadcasting significantly expands the reach of rescue information and improves the reliability of information transmission.

[0053] In some implementations, the communication method further includes an energy-saving control step after step S3. Specifically, after completing satellite communication transmission and AIS communication broadcast, the main processor 3 shuts down the satellite communication module 21 and the AIS communication module 22, and enters a sleep mode. This operating mode reduces the overall power consumption of the device after completing a communication task, thereby extending the battery pack 7's lifespan. When the device receives a positioning request or trigger signal again, the main processor 3 restarts the positioning module 1 and the communication module, and repeats the aforementioned positioning and communication process.

[0054] Through the aforementioned communication method, the miniaturized positioning beacon device of this embodiment can automatically acquire positioning information in emergency situations and transmit it in stages via satellite communication links and AIS communication links, thereby simultaneously realizing both remote alarm and short-range broadcast communication functions. Furthermore, the energy-saving control strategy of entering sleep mode after communication is completed significantly reduces device power consumption, enabling the device to maintain stable operation even during prolonged standby or multiple alarm message transmissions, thus improving the device's reliability in maritime rescue scenarios.

[0055] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent modifications made based on the content of the present invention specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A miniaturized position marker device, characterized in that, include: The positioning module is used to provide the current position of the miniaturized positioning beacon device; Wireless communication module, including satellite communication components and AIS communication components; The main processor is communicatively connected to the positioning module, the satellite communication component, and the AIS communication component, and broadcasts the current location obtained by the positioning module through the satellite communication component and / or the AIS communication module.

2. The miniaturized position marker device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a mounting plate, which comprises a first mounting area and a second mounting area connected to each other; The satellite communication device includes an electrically connected satellite communication module and a satellite communication antenna; the AIS communication device includes an electrically connected AIS communication module and an AIS communication antenna. The satellite communication module and the AIS communication module are fixedly connected to one end face of the first installation area; The main processor, the positioning module, and the satellite communication antenna are fixedly connected to the other end face of the first installation area; The AIS antenna is wound around the second mounting area.

3. A miniaturized position marker device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The AIS communication module includes an AIS chip and an amplifier circuit; the main processor is connected to the AIS chip via SPI communication, the AIS chip is electrically connected to the amplifier circuit, and the amplifier circuit is electrically connected to the AIS communication antenna.

4. A miniaturized position marker device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The satellite communication module includes a radio frequency baseband chip, a power amplifier chip, and an amplifier. The satellite communication antenna includes a first antenna and a second antenna; The main processor communicates with the RF baseband chip via a serial port, and the RF baseband chip is electrically connected to the PA chip and the amplifier, respectively. The PA chip is electrically connected to the first antenna, which is used to transmit information to the satellite. The amplifier is electrically connected to the second antenna, which is used to receive information sent to the device by the satellite.

5. A miniaturized position marker device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a sensor, which is electrically connected to the main processor and is used to automatically trigger the main processor to broadcast the current location obtained by the positioning module.

6. A miniaturized position marker device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sensor is a water immersion sensor.

7. A miniaturized position marker device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a manual button, which is electrically connected to the main processor and is used to manually trigger the main processor to broadcast the current location obtained by the positioning module.

8. A miniaturized position marker device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a battery assembly, which includes an energy storage battery, a first transformer, and a second transformer; The energy storage battery is electrically connected to the satellite communication device through the first transformer, and the energy storage battery is electrically connected to the AIS communication device through the second transformer.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, An application to a miniaturized position marker device according to any one of claims 1-8, comprising the steps of: S1. In response to a positioning requirement, the main processor uses the positioning module to obtain current location data; S2. The main processor uses the satellite communication device to send the current location data to the target fixed terminal; S3. The main processor uses the AIS communication device to send the current location data to the target mobile terminal.

10. A communication method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Step S3 is followed by S4: The main processor shuts down the satellite communication device and the AIS communication device, and the main processor itself enters sleep mode until it receives the positioning request again.

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