Berth monitoring apparatus for positioning a vessel at a berth

Abstract

The invention relates to a berth monitoring apparatus for positioning a vessel at a berth, comprising a monitoring sensor configured to monitor an occupancy state of the berth, and a communication unit configured to communicate data within a radio network, wherein the communication unit is configured to transmit monitoring data, which are representative of the monitoring of the occupancy state by means of the monitoring sensor, to a computer network via the radio network using a radio protocol, wherein the radio protocol is an LPWAN radio protocol. The invention further relates to a region monitoring apparatus and to a marking apparatus. The invention also relates to methods for communicating data between these apparatuses and an electronic device of a computer network and to computer programs each configured to carry out these methods.

Description

[0001] title

[0002] Berth monitoring device for positioning at a berth for a watercraft

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to a berth monitoring device for positioning at a berth for a watercraft, comprising

[0005] - a monitoring sensor designed to monitor the occupancy status of the berth, and

[0006] - a communication unit configured for data communication within a radio network, wherein the communication unit is configured to send monitoring data representative of the monitoring of the document status by means of the monitoring sensor to a computer network via the radio network using a radio protocol.

[0007] The invention also relates to an area monitoring device and a marking device.

[0008] The invention also relates to methods for data communication between these devices and an electronic device of a computer network, as well as to computer programs each designed to carry out these methods.

[0009] State of the art

[0010] DE 202013 003 845 U1 discloses a berth monitoring device positioned at a berth for a yacht. The berth monitoring device features an ultrasonic sensor and a computer unit. The sensor signal from the ultrasonic sensor is converted into an output signal in the computer unit and transmitted via a radio link to a personal computer located in the harbormaster's office. From the output signal, the personal computer can determine the current occupancy status of the berth and take this into account when making reservation requests. If there is no vessel at the berth and no other reservation has yet been made for a berth, the user can then reserve it via an internet portal that is also connected to the personal computer.

[0011] Task

[0012] It is the object of the present invention to provide a monitoring device which is improved compared to the known monitoring device.

[0013] Description of the invention

[0014] This object is achieved in conjunction with the features of the preamble of claim 1 in that the radio protocol is an LPWAN radio protocol.

[0015] Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0016] An area monitoring device and a marking device are the subject of further independent claims. Further independent claims are directed to methods for data communication between these devices and an electronic device of a computer network, as well as computer programs each configured to implement these methods.

[0017] The inventors have recognized that it is extremely advantageous for a berth monitoring device to transmit monitoring data representative of the occupancy status to a computer network using an LPWAN radio protocol. This makes the monitoring device completely independent of the otherwise required port infrastructure.

[0018] The berth monitoring device known from DE 202013 003 845 U1, positioned at the yacht berth, is, for example, absolutely dependent on the personal computer located in the harbor master's office, which functions as an interface to the Internet. In contrast, the berth monitoring device according to the invention can send monitoring data via a radio network using an LPWAN protocol directly to a computer network, such as the Internet. The berth monitoring device according to the invention can therefore be used not only to monitor berths in areas with a well-developed infrastructure, such as ports, but above all also to monitor berths in areas where there is no communication infrastructure at all, or in rural areas. The device according to the invention can therefore also advantageously monitor berths outside of a port infrastructure, e.g.when mooring on an uninhabited island or generally in areas that are sparsely populated or not at all. However, the berth monitoring device according to the invention is also advantageous when used in a port because, as already explained, it operates independently of the corresponding port infrastructure. For example, the berth monitoring device known from DE 202013 003 845 U1 requires extensive consultation with port personnel in order to utilize the receipt status stored in the harbormaster's personal computer, e.g., for theft protection purposes.

[0019] With the berth monitoring device according to the invention, however, the monitoring data collected by the monitoring sensor can be sent directly via the LPWAN protocol—for example, to the Internet and from there, for example, to a mobile phone of the respective berth owner. This allows them to constantly monitor their berth—and thus, for example, their yacht located there. However, monitoring the berth using the invention does not necessarily have to be used solely for theft protection. Rather, when chartering a yacht, for example, the respective owner can also use this method to check whether their yacht is back at a specific berth at the end of the charter period.

[0020] The berth monitoring device according to the invention can, for example, be placed at the berth for positioning. However, it is preferably fastened to the berth, for example to a jetty located at the berth. In other words, the berth monitoring device is preferably designed for fastening to the berth, in particular to a jetty located at the berth. For this purpose, it can, for example, have a fastening means which is designed for fastening the berth monitoring device to the berth, in particular to a jetty located at the berth. A watercraft within the meaning of the present application can, in general, be, for example, a sailboat, a motorboat and / or a yacht. As already explained, the computer network in the present invention is preferably a public network, such as the Internet.Particularly preferably, the communication unit in the present invention is configured to send the monitoring data to an internet cloud via the wireless network using the LPWAN wireless protocol. In the present invention, the computer network can additionally or alternatively be a non-public network, such as a company intranet.

[0021] In the present invention, the monitoring sensor preferably comprises an ultrasonic sensor or is designed as an ultrasonic sensor. Generally speaking, the berth monitoring device according to the invention can also comprise a plurality of monitoring sensors according to the invention, in particular at least two, at least three, at least four, or at least five, and / or a maximum of two, a maximum of three, a maximum of four, or a maximum of five monitoring sensors. These are preferably ultrasonic sensors.

[0022] In the present invention, the communication unit can be configured to send and / or receive data to the computer network via the radio network using the LPWAN radio protocol. This data can be, for example, the monitoring data according to the invention, which is representative of the monitoring of the occupancy status by means of the monitoring sensor. However, it can also be, for example, data in the form of software instructions intended for processing in a computing unit of the berth monitoring device. However, it can also be, for example, status data that is representative of an operating state of a component of the berth monitoring device, e.g., an energy storage device. If the berth monitoring device has an energy storage device, this can, for example,a chemical energy store, in particular a battery and / or an accumulator, or the energy store can be a chemical energy store, in particular a battery and / or an accumulator.

[0023] An LPWAN wireless protocol is a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) wireless protocol. This is a class of network or wireless protocols. LPWAN, sometimes referred to as LPN, is also known as a low-power wide area network. LPWAN wireless protocols include LoRaWAN (Long Range Wireless Area Network), mioty, and SigFox. Of course, the wireless network in the present invention can also be an LPWAN wireless network in general.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the LPWAN radio protocol provides for sending messages with a maximum size of 12 bytes each via the radio network to the computer network and / or receiving messages with a maximum size of 8 bytes each via the radio network from the computer network. The inventors have recognized that this message size or these message sizes are entirely sufficient for the data communication of the invention with the computer network. At the same time, limiting the message size saves energy during data communication, thereby further improving the autonomy of the device according to the invention, in particular its energy autonomy. In the present invention, it is generally possible, for example, for the LPWAN radio protocol to provide for messages with a maximum size of 0 bits, 1 bit, 2 bits, 3 bits, 4 bits, 5 bits, 6 bits, 7 bits,maximal 8 Bit und / oder maximal 0 Bytes, maximal 1 Byte, maximal 2 Bytes, maximal 3 Bytes, maximal 4 Bytes, maximal 5 Bytes, maximal 6 Bytes, maximal 7 Bytes, maximal 8 Bytes, maximal 9 Bytes, maximal 10 Bytes, maximal 11 Bytes, maximal 12 Bytes, maximal 13 Bytes, maximal 14 Bytes, maximal 15 Bytes, maximal 20 Bytes, maximal 25 Bytes, maximal 50 Bytes, maximal 100 Bytes, maximal 250 Bytes, maximal 500 Bytes, maximal 1000 Bytes, maximal 2500 Bytes, maximal 5000 Bytes, maximal 10000 Bytes, maximal 25000 Bytes, maximal 50000 Bytes, maximal 100000 Bytes, maximal 250000 Bytes, maximal 500000 Bytes, maximal 1000000 Bytes, maximal 2500000 Bytes, maximal 5000000 Bytes, maximal 10000000 Bytes, maximal 25000000 Bytes, maximal 50000000 Bytes, maximal 100000000 Bytes über das Funknetzwerk an das Computernetzwerk zu senden.,

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible in the present invention for the LPWAN radio protocol to provide for messages with a size of maximum 0 bits, maximum 1 bit, maximum 2 bits, maximum 3 bits, maximum 4 bits, maximum 5 bits, maximum 6 bits, maximum 7 bits, maximum 8 bits and / or maximum 0 bytes, maximum 1 byte, maximum 2 bytes, maximum 3 bytes, maximum 4 bytes, maximum 5 bytes, maximum 6 bytes, maximum 7 bytes, maximum 8 bytes, maximum 9 bytes, maximum 10 bytes, maximum 11 bytes, maximum 12 bytes, maximum 13 bytes, maximum 14 bytes, maximum 15 bytes, maximum 20 bytes, maximum 25 bytes, maximum 50 bytes, maximum 100 bytes, maximum 250 bytes, maximum 500 bytes, maximum 1000 bytes, maximum 2500 bytes, maximum 5000 bytes, maximum 10000 bytes, maximum 25000 bytes, maximum 50000 bytes, maximum 100000 bytes, maximum 250000 bytes, maximum 500000 bytes, maximum 1000000 bytes, maximum 2500000 bytes, maximum 5000000 bytes, maximum 10000000 Bytes, maximum 25000000 bytes,a maximum of 50000000 bytes, a maximum of 100000000 bytes can be received via the wireless network from the computer network.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible in the present invention for the LPWAN radio protocol to provide messages with a size of at least 0 bits, at least 1 bit, at least 2 bits, at least 3 bits, at least 4 bits, at least 5 bits, at least 6 bits, at least 7 bits, at least 8 bits and / or at least 0 bytes, at least 1 byte, at least 2 bytes, at least 3 bytes, at least 4 bytes, at least 5 bytes, at least 6 bytes, at least 7 bytes, at least 8 bytes, at least 9 bytes, at least 10 bytes, at least 11 bytes, at least 12 bytes, at least 13 bytes, at least 14 bytes, at least 15 bytes, at least 20 bytes, at least 25 bytes, at least 50 bytes, at least 100 bytes, at least 250 bytes, at least 500 bytes, at least 1000 bytes, at least 2500 bytes, at least 5000 bytes, at least 10000 bytes, at least 25000 bytes, at least 50000 bytes, at least 100000 bytes, at least 250000 bytes, at least 500000 bytes,at least 1000000 bytes, at least 2500000 bytes, at least 5000000 bytes, at least 10000000 bytes, at least 25000000 bytes, at least 50000000 bytes, at least 100000000 bytes to be sent via the wireless network to the computer network.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible in the present invention for the LPWAN radio protocol to provide messages with a size of at least 0 bits, at least 1 bit, at least 2 bits, at least 3 bits, at least 4 bits, at least 5 bits, at least 6 bits, at least 7 bits, at least 8 bits and / or at least 0 bytes, at least 1 byte, at least 2 bytes, at least 3 bytes, at least 4 bytes, at least 5 bytes, at least 6 bytes, at least 7 bytes, at least 8 bytes, at least 9 bytes, at least 10 bytes, at least 11 bytes, at least 12 bytes, at least 13 bytes, at least 14 bytes, at least 15 bytes, at least 20 bytes, at least 25 bytes, at least 50 bytes, at least 100 bytes, at least 250 bytes, at least 500 bytes, at least 1000 bytes, at least 2500 bytes, at least 5000 bytes, at least 10000 bytes, at least 25000 bytes, at least 50000 bytes, at least 100000 bytes, at least 250000 bytes, at least 500000 bytes,at least 1000000 bytes, at least 2500000 bytes, at least 5000000 bytes, at least 10000000 bytes, at least 25000000 bytes, at least 50000000 bytes, at least 100000000 bytes via the wireless network from the computer network.

[0028] The messages in the present invention can, for example, comprise or be data, in particular the monitoring data according to the invention. The monitoring data can, for example, be sent in the form of a 1-bit message using the LPWAN protocol, wherein the two possible states of the bit "0" or "1" can, for example, code for different occupancy states of the berth, such as "free" and "occupied". However, the monitoring data can also be sent, for example, by simply sending a signal, for example at one and / or more defined times, such as one and / or more defined times of day, using the LPWAN protocol to code for an occupancy state of the berth, such as "occupied" or "free". In this case, the message can, for example,have a size of 0 bits, since the mere fact that a signal is sent using the LPWAN protocol at one and / or more defined times already represents the monitoring data to be transmitted or the occupancy status to be transmitted. A further advantageous improvement in energy self-sufficiency also results from a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which it is provided that the communication unit is configured to send a maximum of 140 messages within 24 hours via the radio network to the computer network and / or to receive a maximum of 4 messages within 24 hours via the radio network from the computer network.

[0029] In the present invention it is generally possible, for example, for the communication unit to be set up to send a maximum of 1 message, a maximum of 2 messages, a maximum of 3 messages, a maximum of 4 messages, a maximum of 5 messages, a maximum of 6 messages, a maximum of 7 messages, a maximum of 8 messages, a maximum of 9 messages, a maximum of 10 messages, a maximum of 11 messages, a maximum of 12 messages, a maximum of 13 messages, a maximum of 14 messages, a maximum of 15 messages, a maximum of 20 messages, a maximum of 25 messages, a maximum of 50 messages, a maximum of 100 messages, a maximum of 125 messages, a maximum of 150 messages, a maximum of 200 messages, a maximum of 250 messages, a maximum of 500 messages and / or a maximum of 1000 messages within 24 hours and / or 48 hours and / or 96 hours and / or 168 hours via the radio network to the computer network and / or to receive them from the computer network via the radio network.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible in the present invention that the communication unit is set up to transmit at least 1 message, at least 2 messages, at least 3 messages, at least 4 messages, at least 5 messages, at least 6 messages, at least 7 messages, at least 8 messages, at least 9 messages, at least 10 messages, at least 11 messages, at least 12 messages, at least 13 messages, at least 14 messages, at least 15 messages, at least 20 messages, at least 25 messages, at least 50 messages, at least 100 messages, at least 125 messages, at least 150 messages, at least 200 messages, at least 250 messages,to send at least 500 messages and / or at least 1000 messages within 24 hours and / or 48 hours and / or 96 hours and / or 168 hours via the wireless network to the computer network and / or to receive them from the computer network via the wireless network.

[0031] The inventors have found that particularly high energy savings can be achieved, especially when the SigFox radio protocol is used for data communication. In a further preferred embodiment, it is therefore provided that the LPWAN radio protocol is a SigFox radio protocol and / or the radio network is a SigFox radio network.

[0032] It has already been described that data within the meaning of the present invention can include or be, for example, the monitoring data according to the invention. Additionally or alternatively, however, this data can also be, for example, environmental status data.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided, for example, that the berth monitoring device, in addition to the monitoring sensor, has at least one environmental sensor configured to detect an environmental condition of the berth, and the communication unit is configured to send environmental condition data representative of the detection of the environmental condition by means of the environmental sensor to the computer network via the radio network using the radio protocol. The environmental sensor can, for example, have or be a temperature, water level, humidity, and / or air pressure sensor. Accordingly, the environmental condition data can include or be, for example, temperature, water level, humidity, and / or air pressure data.This embodiment of the invention is advantageous in that not only the occupancy status of the berth, but also the ambient condition is recorded and can be sent to the computer network in the form of ambient condition data. This makes it advantageous to determine the prevailing water level via the internet – for example, even before a yacht arrives at the berth – and, if the water level is too low, to navigate to another, more suitable berth.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the berth monitoring device comprises an electronic circuit and a housing, and the electronic circuit and / or the monitoring sensor and / or the monitoring sensors and / or the environmental sensor and / or the environmental sensors and / or the communication unit is / are arranged at least partially and / or completely within the housing. The monitoring sensor and / or the monitoring sensors and / or the environmental sensor and / or the environmental sensors and / or the communication unit can be electrically connected to one another, for example, via the electronic circuit.

[0035] In the present invention, the housing can, for example, as provided in a further preferred embodiment, have a degree of protection according to the standard DIN EN 60529:2014-09 of at least IP24, at least IP34, at least IP44, at least IP54, at least IP64, at least IP26, at least IP36, at least IP46, at least IP56 and / or at least IP66. The standard DIN EN 60529:2014-09 is also listed under the alternative designation VDE 0470-1:2014-09. The standard was published by Beuth-Verlag GmbH, Berlin. The publication date of the standard is 2014-09.

[0036] With a protection rating of at least IP24, at least IP34, or at least IP44, the housing is advantageously protected against splash water from all sides. With a protection rating of at least IP54 or at least IP64, the housing is even further protected against contact and against harmful amounts of dust (protection rating of at least IP54). With a protection rating of at least IP64, the housing is not only protected against splash water from all sides but is also dustproof. Housings with these protection ratings are advantageous for the berth monitoring device according to the invention to prevent damage due to environmental influences, which can significantly increase the service life of the device according to the invention.

[0037] With a protection class of at least IP26, at least IP36, at least IP46, at least IP56 or at least IP66, the housing - and thus the electronics contained therein - is advantageously protected against strong jets of water, such as can occur when cleaning yachts in a berth.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment, the housing even has a protection rating of at least IP67 and / or at least IP68 according to the DIN EN 60529:2014-09 standard. This not only makes the housing dustproof, but also offers protection against continuous submersion to a depth of 1 meter. This is advantageous in the event of storm surges or an otherwise unexpected rise in water level at the berth.

[0039] The housing can, of course, also have one or more of the protection classes mentioned above. For example, the housing can have a protection class of at least IP64 / IP68 according to the DIN EN 60529:2014-09 standard.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the berth monitoring device comprises a circuit board that has the electronic circuit and / or the monitoring sensor and / or the monitoring sensors and / or the environmental sensor and / or the environmental sensors and / or the communication unit, and / or the electronic circuit and / or the monitoring sensor and / or the monitoring sensors and / or the environmental sensor and / or the environmental sensors and / or the communication unit is / are at least partially designed as an integrated circuit. This embodiment has the advantage that the required installation space is minimized, making the entire device smaller, more compact, and more cost-effective.

[0041] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the electronic circuit and / or the monitoring sensor and / or the monitoring sensors and / or the environmental sensor and / or the environmental sensors and / or the communication unit and / or the circuit board is / are at least partially, preferably completely, cast in a thermosetting plastic, wherein the thermosetting plastic is an epoxy resin cured with a chemical hardener compound. In this embodiment, the electronics are particularly effectively protected against harmful moisture and wetness. The corresponding hardener compounds for curing epoxy resins are known to those skilled in the art. Polyvalent amines, such as 1,3-diaminobenzene, are used as hardener compounds. When cured with the epoxy resins, these form the corresponding thermosetting plastics.

[0042] In general, in the invention, for example, the electronic circuit and / or the monitoring sensor and / or the monitoring sensors and / or the environmental sensor and / or the environmental sensors and / or the communication unit and / or the circuit board can be at least partially, preferably completely, encapsulated in a plastic. This can be, for example, a thermoplastic, a thermoset, and / or an elastomer. Additionally or alternatively, the plastic can, for example, comprise a silicone or a silicone plastic and / or be a silicone or a silicone plastic.

[0043] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the berth monitoring device has at least one connection via which an additional monitoring sensor and / or an additional environmental sensor can be electrically connected to the communication unit and / or the electronic circuit. It is advantageous here that the berth monitoring device can be expanded flexibly and modularly with further monitoring sensors and / or environmental sensors according to the invention. For example, a berth monitoring device that previously only had one monitoring sensor according to the invention can be retrofitted particularly easily in this way with one or more environmental sensors or with one or more additional monitoring sensors. The connection or connections are preferably arranged partially and / or completely outside and / or on an outer side of the housing.The berth monitoring device can, for example, have at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5 or at least 10 and / or a maximum of one, a maximum of 2, a maximum of 3, a maximum of 4, a maximum of 5 or a maximum of 10 such connections.

[0044] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the berth monitoring device comprises at least one display means electrically connected to the communication unit and / or the electronic circuit, which display means can be converted into at least two different display states. The display means preferably has at least two electrical lighting means, preferably at least two light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The display means can, for example, have or be at least one LED array with at least 4, at least 8, at least 12, at least 16, at least 32, at least 48 or at least 64 LEDs. The display means preferably has at least or exactly two such LED arrays. However, the display means can also be and / or comprise, for example, a disk rotatable by a drive and having two visually distinguishable displays, for example two different colored areas, which can be, for example, a red and a green colored area.Furthermore, the display means can be and / or comprise, for example, a so-called flip-dot display and / or an e-ink panel.

[0045] In this embodiment, it is advantageous that, for example, a reservation status can be displayed directly on the berth monitoring device and thus at the berth using the display. If the display has at least one LED array, this can also be used to display complex characters and / or character strings. For example, the name of the yacht for which a berth is reserved can advantageously be displayed.

[0046] The character(s) displayed on the LED array(s) or, more generally, display device status data, i.e., data containing instructions as to which display state the display device is to be transferred to, can be received, for example, by the communication unit via the radio network using the LPWAN radio protocol from the computer network in the present invention. This allows, for example, when reserving a berth, the display device of the berth monitoring device located at the berth to be controlled accordingly depending on the reservation made. For example, the display device can be transferred from a "free" display state, which can be symbolized, for example, by a green LED, to a "reserved" display state, which can be symbolized, for example, by a red LED. Additionally or alternatively, the "reserved" display state can also display, for example, the name of the vessel for which the reservation has been made, e.g.on an LED array of the display device.

[0047] The device according to the invention can, for example, have a Bluetooth module. This is preferably electrically connected, for example, to the communication unit and / or the electronic circuit. It is advantageous here that, for example, a mobile electronic device such as a Smart-Rhone and / or a tablet can be connected, for example, directly on-site at the berth for data communication with the berth monitoring device or its communication unit or its electronic circuit. This means that, for example, even in locations that do not have their own suitable mobile communications infrastructure, communication with the computer network can take place via the device according to the invention and in this way, for example, the occupancy of the berth by a watercraft can be reported and / or the berth can be rented and / or reserved.

[0048] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the berth monitoring device has an energy storage device electrically connected to the communication unit and / or the electronic circuit and / or at least one energy generation device electrically connected to the communication unit and / or the electronic circuit and / or the energy storage device. The energy generation device can, for example, have at least one or more solar cells and / or one or more solar modules. In a solar module, several solar cells are connected in series or parallel. In this embodiment, it is advantageous that, for example, an energy storage device can be recharged via the energy generation device, so that the service life of the device according to the invention can be further improved or its maintenance intervals can be minimized or even eliminated entirely.For example, with this embodiment it is no longer necessary to replace an energy storage device at regular intervals.

[0049] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the energy generation device comprises or is an energy harvesting module. Energy harvesting modules obtain small amounts of energy, for example, from sources such as ambient temperature, vibrations, and / or air currents. However, these small amounts of energy are sufficient to supply the present invention, in particular, for example, the communication unit, with electrical energy. At the same time, considerable space and weight can be saved because energy harvesting modules, in contrast to other energy generation devices, are very small. Energy harvesting modules are also known as nanogenerators and are described, for example, in DIN EN 62952-3:2018-04 "Energy sources for a radio communication device - Part 3: Generic energy harvesting adapter module." The standard was published by Beuth-Verlag GmbH, Berlin. The publication date of the standard is 2018-04.

[0050] The data communication between the berth monitoring device according to the invention and a computer network, such as the Internet, has already been described. A further independent claim is therefore directed to a method for communicating data between a monitoring device and an electronic device of a computer network, wherein the data are communicated between the monitoring device and the computer network via a radio network using a radio protocol, wherein the monitoring device has a

[0051] Berth monitoring device according to one of claims 1 to 14. The electronic device can be, for example, a server, in particular an Internet server, and / or comprise such a server.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the data is sent from a terminal device of a user of the computer network to the electronic device and / or received by the electronic device. As already described, the data can be and / or include, for example, the monitoring data according to the invention, environmental status data and / or display device status data. Alternatively or additionally, the data can also include or be, for example, rental and / or reservation data that are representative of a rental and / or reservation of a berth monitored by a berth monitoring device according to the invention, such as a desired reservation and / or rental period and / or account data and / or identification data of the user. The electronic device can, for example, also process the data, in particular transform and / or convert it.

[0053] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the data is stored in the electronic device. Storage in the electronic device, which may be a cloud server or may include such a server, is advantageous because the data communication between the berth monitoring device and the electronic device on the one hand, and the data communication between the electronic device and the user's terminal on the other hand, do not necessarily have to take place immediately one after the other. For example, data received from the electronic device can, for example,at least 1 minute (min), at least 2 min, at least 3 min, at least 5 min, at least 10 min, at least 30 min, at least 60 min, at least 90 min, at least 120 min, at least 180 min, at least 240 min, at least 300 min, at least 360 min, at least 480 min, at least 600 min, at least 720 min or at least 1440 min before they are sent to the terminal and / or the berth monitoring device according to the invention.

[0054] The method according to the invention can be implemented, for example, by a computer program with program code means, which can be stored, for example, on a storage medium. A further independent claim is therefore directed to a computer program with program code means, configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 15 to 17, when the computer program is executed in a computing unit of a berth monitoring device according to one of claims 1 to 14, a computing unit of a radio network, and / or a computing unit of a computer network, in particular a computing unit of a terminal device of a user of the computer network.

[0055] The inventive concept can be used very generally for monitoring an area. The area can, for example, include or be a parking space for a vehicle, in particular a land, water, and / or aircraft vehicle.

[0056] A further independent claim is directed to an area monitoring device for positioning at an area to be monitored, comprising

[0057] - a monitoring sensor set up to monitor the area, and

[0058] - a communication unit configured for data communication within a radio network, wherein the communication unit is configured to send monitoring data representative of the monitoring of the area by means of the monitoring sensor to a computer network via the radio network using a radio protocol, wherein the radio protocol is an LPWAN radio protocol.

[0059] A method for communicating data between a monitoring device and an electronic device of a computer network, wherein the data is communicated between the monitoring device and the computer network via a radio network using a radio protocol, wherein the monitoring device is an area monitoring device according to claim 19, is the subject of a further independent claim.

[0060] This method can also be implemented, for example, by a computer program with program code means, which can be stored, for example, on a storage medium. A further independent claim is therefore directed to a computer program with program code means, configured to carry out a method according to claim 20, when the computer program is executed in a computing unit of an area monitoring device according to claim 19, a computing unit of a radio network, and / or a computing unit of a computer network, in particular a computing unit of a terminal device of a user of the computer network.

[0061] The inventive concept can also be used, for example, in a marking device. Such a device can advantageously mark, for example, berths, parking areas, hiking trails and / or other areas to be marked. A further independent claim is therefore directed to a marking device comprising

[0062] - a display means which can be converted into at least two different display states,

[0063] - a communication unit configured for data communication within a radio network, wherein the communication unit is configured to receive display data representative of a setting of the display means to one of the display states via the radio network using a radio protocol from a computer network, wherein the radio protocol is an LPWAN radio protocol.

[0064] Such a marking device can be, for example, a route marking device, in particular a road, path, hiking trail and / or lane marking device and / or be used as a route marking device, in particular a road, path, hiking trail and / or lane marking device.

[0065] A method for communicating data between a marking device and an electronic device of a computer network, wherein the data is communicated between the marking device and the computer network via a radio network using a radio protocol, wherein the marking device is a marking device according to claim 22, is the subject of a further independent claim.

[0066] This method can also be implemented, for example, by a computer program with program code means, which can be stored, for example, on a storage medium. A further independent claim is therefore directed to a computer program with program code means, configured to carry out a method according to claim 23, when the computer program is executed in a computing unit of a marking device according to claim 23, a computing unit of a radio network, and / or a computing unit of a computer network, in particular a computing unit of a terminal device of a user of the computer network.

[0067] The different objects of the present invention can each be used, for example, for reserving, renting and / or marking an area, in particular a berth and / or parking space, and / or route, in particular a road, path, hiking trail and / or roadway.

[0068] The explanations and disclosures relating to one subject matter of the invention also apply mutatis mutandis to all other subject matters of the invention, provided they do not contradict the specific explanations and disclosures of the other subject matters of the invention. For example, the explanations and disclosures relating to the berth monitoring device of the invention also apply mutatis mutandis to the area monitoring device of the invention, the marking device, the methods for communicating data, and the computer programs, and vice versa, provided they do not contradict the specific explanations and disclosures made with respect to the respective subject matters of the invention.

[0069] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following specific description and drawings.

[0070] Short description of the characters

[0071] They show:

[0072] Fig. 1: A schematic representation of an embodiment of the method according to the invention using a device according to the invention

[0073] Fig. 2: A further schematic representation of an embodiment of the method according to the invention using a device according to the invention

[0074] Fig. 3: A further schematic representation of an embodiment of the method according to the invention using a device according to the invention

[0075] Description of preferred embodiments

[0076] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the method according to the invention using a device according to the invention. Fig. 1 shows a berth monitoring device 1 positioned at a berth 2 for a watercraft 3. In this embodiment, the berth monitoring device 1 is positioned on a bank 2a to which the watercraft 3 is moored by means of ropes not shown in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, the berth 2 belongs to the private property of the owner 4 of the watercraft 3. As can also be seen in Fig. 1, the berth monitoring device 1 has a monitoring sensor 10 designed as an ultrasonic sensor and a communication unit 11. Fig. 1 also shows a base station 13 of a radio network.In this exemplary embodiment, the base station 13 is 10 kilometers away from the communication unit 11, as indicated by the double arrow. The monitoring sensor 10 monitors the occupancy status of the berth 2 using an ultrasonic pulse 100. In Fig. 1, the berth 2 is occupied by the watercraft 3. The monitoring sensor 10 is electrically connected to the communication unit 11. The communication unit 11 generates monitoring data D1 from the sensor signal of the monitoring sensor 10 and sends it, using an LPWAN radio protocol, to the base station 13, which then sends it to an electronic device 15 of a computer network 15a. In this exemplary embodiment, the electronic device 15 is an internet cloud server. Fig. 1 also shows that the electronic device 15 sends the monitoring data D1 to a terminal 40 of the user 4. In this case, user 4 is the owner 4 of the watercraft 3.The owner is thus informed that his watercraft 3 is properly located at berth 2. Fig. 1 also shows that the owner 4 sends rental data D2 to the electronic device 15 via his terminal 40. In this case, this is the information that berth 2 can be rented for the next day. This rental data D2 is processed and stored in the electronic device 15.

[0077] Fig. 2 schematically shows the situation on the morning of the next day. The owner 4 has left berth 2 with his watercraft 3. As a result, the occupancy status of berth 2 has changed from "occupied" to "vacant." Berth 2 continues to be monitored by the berth monitoring device 1. This enables the owner 4 to detect unauthorized use of berth 2. Fig. 2 also shows that another user 4a of the computer network 15a is sending reservation data D3 to the electronic device 15 via their terminal 40a. The user 4a has previously communicated with the electronic device 15 via their terminal 40a and searched for a currently vacant berth. In doing so, the electronic device 15 has offered the other user 4a, among other things, the vacant berth 2 of the owner 4, since this can be rented for the desired period according to the previously stored rental data D2.By sending the reservation data D3, the additional user 4a has confirmed and completed the booking of berth 2. The electronic device 15 processes and stores this reservation data D3 and, in response to this reservation by user 4a, sends display data D4 via the base station 13 to the berth monitoring device 1. As a result, the display means of the berth monitoring device 1 (not shown in Fig. 2), which in this embodiment is an LED array, is set to the "reserved" display state. The LED array therefore changes the color of the light it emits from green to red. In this way, a third party passing by berth 2 can recognize that berth 2 is already reserved and is therefore no longer available for mooring a watercraft.

[0078] Figure 3 shows the situation after the additional user 4a has occupied the berth 2 reserved for him with his watercraft 3a. The occupancy status has changed from "free" to "occupied," which is communicated to the owner 4 via the transmission of the monitoring data D1 to his terminal 40. At the same time, however, a booking confirmation D5 of the booking of berth 2 made by the additional user 4a is also sent from the electronic device 15 to the terminal 40. The owner 4 therefore knows that the detected use of his berth 2 is an authorized use.

[0079] Of course, the embodiments discussed in the specific description and shown in the figures represent only illustrative embodiments of the present invention. In light of the disclosure herein, a wide range of possible variations is available to the person skilled in the art.

[0080] Identical reference symbols in the figures indicate identical or analogous elements. List of reference symbols

[0081] 1 berth monitoring device

[0082] 2 berths

[0083] 2a bank

[0084] 3, 3a Watercraft

[0085] 4 users / owners

[0086] 4a Additional user

[0087] 10 Monitoring sensor

[0088] 11 Communication unit

[0089] 13 Base station

[0090] 15 Electronic device

[0091] 15a Computer network

[0092] 40, 40a terminal

[0093] 100 ultrasonic pulses

[0094] The monitoring data

[0095] D2 Rental data

[0096] D3 Reservation data

[0097] D4 Display data

[0098] D5 Booking confirmation

Claims

Patent claims 1. Berth monitoring device (1) for positioning at a berth (2) for a watercraft (3, 3a), comprising - a monitoring sensor (10) which is set up to monitor the occupancy status of the berth (2), as well as - a communication unit (11) set up for data communication within a radio network, wherein the communication unit (11) is set up to send monitoring data (Dl), which is representative of the monitoring of the occupancy status by means of the monitoring sensor (10), via the radio network to a computer network (15a) using a radio protocol, characterized in that the radio protocol is an LPWAN radio protocol.

2. Berth monitoring device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the LPWAN radio protocol provides to send messages with a size of a maximum of 12 bytes each via the radio network to the computer network (15a) and / or to receive messages with a size of a maximum of 8 bytes each via the radio network from the computer network (15a).

3. Berth monitoring device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the communication unit (11) is configured to send a maximum of 140 messages within 24 hours via the radio network to the computer network (15a) and / or to receive a maximum of 4 messages within 24 hours via the radio network from the computer network (15a).

4. Berth monitoring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the LPWAN radio protocol is a SigFox radio protocol and / or the radio network is a SigFox radio network.

5. Berth monitoring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the berth monitoring device (1) has, in addition to the monitoring sensor (10), at least one environmental sensor which is configured to detect an environmental condition of the berth (2) and the communication unit (11) is configured to send environmental condition data, which are representative of the detection of the environmental condition by means of the environmental sensor, via the radio network using the radio protocol to the computer network (15a).

6. Berth monitoring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the berth monitoring device (1) has an electronic circuit and a housing and the electronic circuit and / or the monitoring sensor (10) and / or the monitoring sensors (10) and / or the environmental sensor and / or the environmental sensors and / or the communication unit (11) is / are arranged at least partially and / or completely inside the housing.

7. Berth monitoring device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, that the housing has a protection rating according to the Standard DIN EN 60529:2014-09 of at least IP24, at least IP34, at least IP44, at least IP54, at least IP64, at least IP26, at least IP36, at least IP46, at least IP56 and / or at least IP66.

8. Lying place monitoring device (1) according to claims 6 to 7, characterized in that the housing has a protection rating according to the standard DIN EN 60529:2014-09 of at least IP67 and / or at least IP68.

9. Berth monitoring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the berth monitoring device (1) comprises a circuit board which has the electronic circuit and / or the monitoring sensor (10) and / or the monitoring sensors (10) and / or the environmental sensor and / or the environmental sensors and / or the communication unit (11) and / or the electronic circuit and / or the monitoring sensor (10) and / or the monitoring sensors (10) and / or the environmental sensor and / or the environmental sensors and / or the communication unit (11) is / are at least partially designed as an integrated circuit.

10. Berth monitoring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic circuit and / or the monitoring sensor (10) and / or the monitoring sensors (10) and / or the environmental sensor and / or the environmental sensors and / or the communication unit (11) and / or the circuit board at least partially, preferably completely, embedded in a thermosetting plastic, wherein the thermosetting plastic is an epoxy resin cured with a chemical hardener compound.

11. Berth monitoring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the berth monitoring device (1) has at least one connection via which an additional monitoring sensor and / or an additional environmental sensor can be electrically connected to the communication unit (11) and / or the electronic circuit.

12. Berth monitoring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the berth monitoring device (1) comprises at least one display means electrically connected to the communication unit (11) and / or the electronic circuit, which can be converted into at least two different display states.

13. Berth monitoring device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the berth monitoring device (1) has an energy storage device electrically connected to the communication unit (11) and / or the electronic circuit and / or at least one energy generation device electrically connected to the communication unit (11) and / or the electronic circuit and / or the energy storage device.

14. Berth monitoring device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the energy generation device has or is an energy harvesting module.

15. Method for communicating data between a monitoring device and an electronic device (15) of a computer network (15a), wherein the data between the monitoring device and the computer network (15a) are communicated via a radio network using a radio protocol, characterized in that the monitoring device is a berth monitoring device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the data is sent from an end device (40, 40a) of a user (4, 4a) of the computer network (15a) to the electronic device (15) and / or received by the electronic device (15).

17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that the data are stored in the electronic device (15).

18. Computer program with program code means, configured to carry out a method according to one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the computer program is implemented in a computing unit of a berth monitoring device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, a computing unit of a is executed in a wireless network and / or a computing unit of a computer network (15a), in particular a computing unit of an end device (40, 40a) of a user (4, 4a) of the computer network (15a).

19. Area monitoring device for positioning at an area to be monitored, comprising - a monitoring sensor (10) which is set up to monitor the area, as well as - a communication unit (11) set up for data communication within a radio network, wherein the communication unit (11) is set up to send monitoring data (Dl) representative of the monitoring of the area by means of the monitoring sensor (10) via the radio network to a computer network (15a) using a radio protocol, characterized in that the radio protocol is an LPWAN radio protocol.

20. Method for communicating data between a monitoring device and an electronic device (15) of a computer network (15a), wherein the data between the monitoring device and the computer network (15a) are communicated via a radio network using a radio protocol, characterized in that the monitoring device is an area monitoring device according to claim 19.

21. Computer program with program code means, configured to carry out a method according to claim 20, wherein the computer program is implemented in a computing unit of an area monitoring device according to Claim 19 of a computing unit of a wireless network and / or a computing unit of a computer network (15a), in particular a computing unit of an end device (40, 40a) of a user (4, 4a) of the computer network (15a).

22. Marking device, comprising - a display device that can be converted into at least two different display states, - a communication unit (11) set up for data communication within a radio network, wherein the communication unit (11) is set up to receive display data, which is representative of a setting of the display means to one of the display states, via the radio network using a radio protocol from a computer network (15a), characterized in that the radio protocol is an LPWAN radio protocol.

23. Method for communicating data between a marking device and an electronic device (15) of a computer network (15a), wherein the data between the marking device and the computer network (15a) are communicated via a radio network using a radio protocol, characterized in that the marking device is a marking device according to claim 22.

24. Computer program with program code means, configured to carry out a method according to claim 23, wherein the computer program is implemented in a computing unit of a marking device according to claim 23, a computing unit of a wireless network and / or a a computing unit of a computer network (15a), in particular a computing unit of an end device (40, 40a) of a user (4, 4a) of the computer network (15a).

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