Alarm units to attract and alert if person falls into a body of water

Abstract

Battery powered alarm units, to be attached on marine related rescue and emergency equipment, controlled via network (e.g. GSM, ZigBee or loT) by a computerized backend (11). Backend enabled to convert a known position of a drowning accident, from an external input (10) into specific action commands and transmit such commands to locally installed alarm units in vicinity of the accident. Units can either be of the attracting type (16) with the aim of guiding a person in distress to nearest rescue ladder or be of the alerting type (17-18) with the primary aim to get the full attention of nearby persons, secondary to guide same persons to relevant rescue equipment in the specific area. System also provided with an alarm function, which releases an alarm locally and transmits ID to the backend, in case equipment is being moved from the rescue station or an alarm button is being operated.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] This present invention belongs to the technical field of security equipment and involves data transmitting via a network 12-13 in between locally "stand alone" units 16-18 and an external backend 11, which includes processing of the data in said devices. In particular it relates to a drowning alert system, which by sound and illumination, allow rapid assistance to a person who has fallen into the water from e.g. a quayside in a harbor 40, from a bridge in a marina or from the promenade along a river side 50.

[0002] Depth of description in this disclosure is based on the prerequisite, that the reader holds a broad knowledge of telecommunication, computerized alarm systems along with software programming of same.Background of the invention

[0003] In many of the European societies, the demographic trends are changing towards moving from the countryside to the greater cities. Along with this, areas earlier used for industrial harbor purposes only, are now being developed into living- and recreational areas for the public. This results in more persons spending a greater amount of time "close to water" with the risk of falling into same and for some, this has fatal consequences as they end up drowning. Many of these accidents happen when persons are alone, with no one to rescue them or call out for help. On top of this a great part of the accidents, happen during the evening or night hours, where the dark surroundings make it difficult for the person in distress to locate the fixed installed rescue ladders. Since drowning accidents are often silent, it is difficult for persons in the area to know that an accident is actually ongoing and where it is taking place. At the same time, it can be impossible to identify any nearby installed rescue equipment if this is not properly illuminated, and even if the rescue ladders 14 and rescue stations 15 have been painted in florescent colours and are covered in light, it can be difficult in a stressful situation to locate such amongst other lights in a hectic city environment.Prior art

[0004] The nature of the Prior Art regarding onshore "potential drowning" emergency systems, can be divided into three groups: 1) First group are meant for self-rescue, such as fixed emergency ladders 14, where the person in distress is enabled to recover from the water to dry land, by own help. Meaning that the systems do not require any interaction from a third part. The appliances come in various designs, but all provides a safe way up from the water to dry ground, as described and illustrated in the following applications: (see Patent No. CN105909164A: Riverway way rescue ladder), (see Patent No. JP2013017736A: Rescue Device) or (see Patent No. JP2000144633A: Rescue Device equipped on floating pier). For better visibility in dark hours, some ladders are also equipped with solar powered, fixed light like described here: (see Patent No. WO2014075689A1: Safety Installation) and (see Patent No. EP3392448A1: Modular Safety Ladder). 2) The second group of emergency equipment are all placed on dry ground 15 and meant to be used by persons onshore, to rescue the person in distress. A simple but very useful emergency station is described here: (see Patent No. KR102515567B1: Multi-Function Lifesaving Ladder). Other simple solutions are (see Patent No. CN105261301A: Seaside multifunctional warning board) that besides two attached life buoys is illuminated by solar power lights, as well as (see Patent No. US6935911B1: Aquatic alarm, security and rescue station) that keeps the equipment in a cabinet which also releases an alarm if the cabinet is opened. 3) The final group involves more sophisticated inventions, that are all equipped with alarms, are monitored and / or operated remotely and some of the systems do not even require human intervention. Where (see Patent No. CN115188155A: Automatic rescue remote control system and method for monitoring accidental falling into water) and (see Patent No. CN116246417A: Anti-drowning alarm method, device and equipment and storage medium) are examples that both utilizes camera to monitor for fallen objects, transmits an alarm along with releasing a life buoy into the water below. Also (see Patent No. CN219790495U: River emergency rescue system) and (see Patent No. CN111632297A: Multifunctional intelligent emergency lifesaving box) that compared to each other presents nearly similar features, are solar powered cabinets that contains rescue equipment as well as remote monitored cameras. If doors are opened to the cabinet an alarm will sound to attract persons in the area. (see Patent No. CN213444228U: Intelligent emergency rescue box) describes many of the already mentioned features but is also equipped with a winch to pull back the lifebuoy once it has been thrown to a person in distress. Finally (see Patent No. CN204706145U: Face bank early warning alarm device) is to be mentioned, which holds no rescue equipment but has a row of units designed to warn persons if crossing an "infrared beam" close to the water edge and if triggered by the moisture detection the system are also pointing out the direction of a person that has fallen into the water.

[0005] Summarizing present types, the following safety issues regarding local water emergency equipment, seems not to have been properly solved: A) No system effectively addresses the problem that it can be difficult, for a person that has fallen into water, to locate a fixed rescue ladder if the person is falling into the water in between boats moored in a marina, since the boats will block the sight. B) No system effectively addresses the fact, that many harbors, marinas, and river promenades are equipped with rescue ladders that are placed in non-well-lit areas and are not of the self-lit type. C) No system effectively addresses, that even if a fixed rescue ladder is self-lit or placed in a well-lit area, then it can be very hard to differentiate it from other light sources in a hectic city environment for the person in distress. This especially if stress or actual panic is induced, which could be seen for a person that has fallen into water during dark hours. D) No system effectively addresses, that many harbors, marinas, riverbanks and river promenades are equipped with rescue stations that are placed in non-well-lit areas and are not of the self-lit type. E) No system effectively addresses, that even if a rescue station - in a cabinet or not - is self-lit or placed in a well-lit area, then it can be very hard to differentiate it from other light sources in a hectic city environment for the volunteers who wants to help the person in distress. This especially if stress is induced, which would be normal for a person that hear a cry out for help, from the dark water. F) No system effectively addresses that "running lights" combined with "flashing lights and sound" makes an effective attractor and guides to a specific spot. G) No system effectively addresses that old rescue devices, such as fixed rescue ladders and stations for rescue equipment can be heavily improved by attaching small alarm units and thereby making a network of alerts that can point out nearest location of rescue equipment. H) No system effectively addresses the fact, that water current will make the person in distress drift, and thereby over time move the point of rescue from the spot where it originated.

[0006] Main objective of this present intervention is to avoid drowning accidents by maximizing attention to installed rescue equipment by the person in distress and to other persons in the vicinity to the accident. The system described in this enclosure is addressing this problem and bullet A-H, by utilizing information about exact location of fall, to activate only system devices that are in close vicinity of the actual point of accident, and by releasing audible and visible signals, enabling an efficient focus on equipment available. This goes both for the person in distress who is pointed in direction of nearest rescue ladder(s), and for persons on dry land who are notified of the "potential drowning" situation and where to find nearby rescue equipment. Devices in the system is utilizing beacons with a distinct sound 20 and 30 and flashing lights 21 and 31 as well as running LED light chains 22-23 and 32 to ensure maximum attention and guidance. A Danish patent application from the inventor of this present application, filed on October 30th 2023 (DKPA2023 30303A·2023-10-30): SYSTEM TO ALERT RESCUE RESOURCES IF PERSON FALLS INTO A BODY OF WATER) claims a system that automatically can establish the GPS location from where a person has fallen into a body of water and submit this information to any connected alarm system. By utilizing this valuable information about the geo-location of the accident, it is now possible to provide a rescue system, that automatically activates and draws maximum attention to the narrow place of the scene of the accident, in order to improve the chance of saving the life of person that has fallen into water.Object of the invention

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to devise a system for attracting person in distress and alerting persons in vicinity to the scene of accident, if a person falls into a body of water or seems to do so, that overcomes drawbacks of the prior art.Summary of the invention

[0008] System to alert nearby individuals to a scene of accident where a person has fallen into water and at the same time draw attention to rescue equipment located in close vicinity to the accident. This goes both for the person in distress, where the fixed installed rescue ladders are being clearly identified by a distinct sound and flashing light from a system device (Attractor device, figure 2) attached to the ladder 14. It also goes for persons located on dry land near the scene of the accident, who are instantly being made aware of the accident and at the same time guided to the point of nearest located rescue equipment, by a distinct sound and flashing light from a system device (Alert device, figure 3) attached to the station for the rescue equipment 15.

[0009] The battery powered local devices, that are fixated to the marine related rescue and emergency equipment, are controlled via network (e.g. GSM, ZigBee or IoT) 12-13 by a computerized backend 11. This programable backend can convert a known position of a drowning accident, provided by any external alarm system 10 that is able to deliver a GSM position, and send this as an "alarm on" output either direct or via the computerized backend 11 to the locally installed Alert device 43 and Attractor device 41, which are devices that are located nearest to the position of the potential drowning accident 40. At the same time providing attention to the emergency equipment and the situation itself by using a flashing light / sound beacon. The Attractor device can also be equipped with running LED light chains 23 that are visible from the water and emit light in a pattern pointing towards the fixed rescue ladder 14. A third LED light chain is mounted vertical 22 on the ladder and emits light in a pattern from the water to the top of the ladder.

[0010] Both types of devices are also provided with an alarm function 24 and 34, which releases an alarm locally and transmit ID to the backend 11 in case equipment, e.g. a life buoy, is being moved from the rescue station 15 or in case a local alarm button on the device is being operated.

[0011] Lastly but not least, the system will utilize real-time information or predictions of the water current in the area of the accident, to ensure that the attractor and alert devices are also activated in the drift-off zone and there by expanding the search area from 51 then 52 then 53.

[0012] This inventor of the present application has described in the Danish patent application, (DKPA202330303A·2023-10-30), filed on October 30th 2023, how a potential drowning accident can be detected with smartphones and further judged to be a real situation by an algorithm in said system. Also describing how this information is being directed to locally installed rescue equipment and how the "search and rescue area" is expanded based on information about the water current. This is hereby "incorporated by reference in its entirety".Description of drawings

[0013] In the following, the invention will be described in further details referring to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows the topology of the system, Figure 2 shows an Attractor device to be mounted on fixed rescue ladder, and Figure 3 shows an Alert device configured to be mounted on onshore rescue equipment stations, Figure 4 shows a map of a harbor, illustrating that devices only in vicinity of a potential drowning accident are activated, and Figure 5 shows the order of devices to be activated, if accident happens in a drift-off zone due to water current. Detailed description of the invention System Overview:

[0014] The system comprises battery-powered alarm units 16-18 fixated to marine-related rescue and emergency equipment. These units are controlled via a computerized backend 11 using networks like GSM 12, ZigBee, or IoT 13. The backend processes external inputs 10 indicating the location of a drowning accident and converts this information into action commands that are transmitted to alarm units near the accident site. The backend holds position information and type of the local devices installed and by comparing information GPS information of the ongoing accident 40, it can judge which devices that are nearby 41 & 43 and should be triggered for action.Alarm Units:

[0015] Attractor type designed to guide the person in distress to the nearest rescue ladder, these units are equipped with: A beacon speaker emitting a distinct sound 20.

[0016] A beacon flashing light for visual guidance 21.

[0017] Running LED horizontal light chains visible from the water, emitting light in a pattern pointing towards the fixed rescue ladder 23. A LED chain 22 is mounted vertically on the rescue ladder with lights moving from the water to the top.

[0018] Tamper detection features that activate alarms if the units are tampered with 24.

[0019] Alerting type, intended to attract the attention of nearby individuals and guide them to rescue equipment, these units are equipped with: A beacon speaker emitting a distinct sound 30.

[0020] A beacon flashing light for visual guidance 31.

[0021] Running LED light chain 32 moving vertically up the pole for the rescue equipment station 15.

[0022] An alarm button to manually trigger the alert.

[0023] Tamper and operation detection features 34.Backend System:

[0024] The backend system 11 processes inputs from external alarm systems 10 that provide the GPS location of a potential drowning accident 40. It then sends action commands to activate the nearest attractor 41 and alerting 43 units. The backend also uses real-time or predictive water current information 19 to activate devices within the drift-off zone, ensuring the alarm units are positioned effectively. First 51 then 52 then 53.Operational Flow:

[0025] I: Accident Detection: The system detects a person falling into the water via an external input 10 that provides GPS coordinates 40. II: Command Transmission: The backend processes this information and sends commands to the nearest alarm units 41 and 43. III: Device Activation: The attractor devices (Figure 2) guide the person in distress towards the nearest rescue ladder, while the alerting devices (Figure 3) notify nearby individuals and guide them to rescue equipment. IV: Alarm Function: If rescue equipment is moved or an alarm button on the devices is activated by a person, the system releases a local alarm and transmits an ID to the backend 11. The backend can handle this similar to an external alarm input and are able to relay this information to external services. Use Case Scenarios:

[0026] Marinas: The system addresses visibility issues caused by moored boats, ensuring that individuals in distress can locate rescue ladders.

[0027] Urban Environments: By differentiating rescue equipment lights from other urban light sources, the system ensures that both the person in distress and potential rescuers can quickly identify the necessary equipment.

[0028] Water Currents: The system accounts for water currents that may move the person in distress away from the original fall location, activating alarm units within the drift-off zone.Technical Details:

[0029] The attractor units are designed to be highly visible and audible, even in adverse conditions. The LED light chains are selected for their visibility near the water and low power consumption, allowing for extended operation on battery or solar power. A visible color is used, following best practice for use on emergency equipment.

[0030] The alerting units use LED light chains and distinct sound patterns to differentiate them from other alarms and light sources in urban environments. The backend system uses advanced algorithms to predict the movement of water currents, ensuring that attractor and alerting units are activated in the most effective locations.

[0031] The system can be integrated with existing infrastructure, such as rescue ladders and equipment posts, without significant modifications.

[0032] The units are made in waterproof design in materials able to withstand the heavy corrosion impact from seawater.Components:

[0033] Beacon Speaker 20 and 30: Emits a distinct, attention-grabbing sound that can be heard over ambient noise.

[0034] Beacon Flashing light 21 and 31: Provides a bright, flashing light that is visible from a distance.

[0035] Running LED light Chains 22, 23 and 32: Emit a continuous light pattern that guides individuals to the rescue equipment.

[0036] Tamper and in-use detection: Alerts the system if the units are tampered with or equipment being moved, enhancing security and reliability.Installation and Maintenance:

[0037] The alarm units are designed for easy installation on existing rescue equipment. They can be mounted using standard hardware and connected to the network via GSM, ZigBee, or IoT. Maintenance is minimal due to the use of durable, weather-resistant materials and eventually self-sustaining solar power. Regular inspections and testing ensure the system remains fully operational.Advantages Over Prior Art:

[0038] The system offers a comprehensive solution to the problem of drowning accidents, addressing visibility, accessibility, and rapid response. The combination of sound, light, and networked control ensures maximum attention and guidance to rescue equipment.

[0039] The system's adaptability to various environments, such as marinas and urban settings, enhances its effectiveness.

[0040] Real-time data integration allows for dynamic response adjustments based on current conditions, such as water currents.Example Scenarios:

[0041] Nighttime Accident: A person falls into the water from a quay at night 40. The system detects the fall via an external input 10 and activates the nearest Attractor units 41, guiding the person to the rescue ladder with flashing lights and sound combined with LED running lights. Simultaneously, Alert units 43 notify nearby individuals with flashing lights and sound, guiding them to the rescue equipment.

[0042] Marina Accident: A person falls between moored boats in a marina. The attractor units' LED light chains and sound guide the person to the nearest ladder 41, while alerting units 43 notify marina staff and bystanders, enabling a coordinated rescue effort.

[0043] River Promenade Accident: A person falls into a river from a busy promenade 50. The system's attracting and alerting units activate 51, drawing the attention of nearby people and directing them to the nearest rescue equipment. The attractor units in the water guide the person to a safe exit point. Since the river has downstream flow 54 of 4 knots the person will drift approximately 2 meters per second, hence the system will activate the attract and alerting units downstream of the accident in steps 52 then 53.

[0044] In conclusion, this invention provides a comprehensive and adaptable solution for preventing drowning accidents by utilizing a network of attractor and alerting alarm units controlled by a centralized backend system. A huge advantage with this present invention, is that the units are attachable on existing emergency equipment and thereby able to provide much better safety in areas that has already been equipped with various safety devices. The system's design ensures rapid response, maximum visibility, and effective guidance to rescue equipment, significantly improving the chances of rescuing individuals in distress.

[0045] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, for those skilled in the art, it is still possible to modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or perform equivalent replacements for some of the technical features. Within the spirit and principle of the present invention, any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.Reference numerals

[0046] 10:Distress signal from external system, with GPS coordinates 11:System backend server 12:GSM antenna 13:Wireless network antenna 14:Fixed installed rescue ladder 15:Post for rescue equipment with e.g. rescue buoy, ladder and stick 16:Attractor device attached to fixed rescue ladders 17:Alert device attached to rescue stations. For GSM transmission 18:Alert device attached to rescue stations. For wireless network transmission 19:Input from water current information system 20:Beacon speaker. Providing a unique distinct sound 21:Beacon flashing light 22:Running LED light chain, vertical. Moving from sea up the ladder 23:Running LED light chains, horizontal. Moving towards the ladder 24:Tampering function, if bolts in fixation bracket are removed 30:Beacon speaker. Providing a unique distinct sound 31:Beacon flashing light 32:Running LED chain, vertical. Moving upwards pole for rescue station. 34:Tampering function, if bolts in bracket or rescue eqpt. are removed 40:Location of accident 41:Attract device for rescue ladder, inside trigger perimeter 42:Attract device for rescue ladder, outside trigger perimeter 43:Alert device for rescue eqpt. post, inside trigger perimeter 44:Alert device for rescue eqpt. post, outside trigger perimeter 50:Location of accident 51:Devices triggered by first alarm, in vicinity of fall into water 52:Devices triggered by system drift-off calculation. If current is reported 53:Devices triggered by next system drift-off calculation 54:Downstream direction

Claims

1. A system for alerting and guiding persons in distress in the event of falling into the water, comprising: Battery powered Attractor units (16) fixated to existing marine rescue ladders, controlled by a computerized backend (11) connected via a network such as GSM, ZigBee, or IoT (12-13). The backend being configured to convert the known position of a drowning accident from an external input (10) into specific action commands, and transmission of these commands to execute actions on the attractor units in proximity to the accident.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the attracting type alarm units are equipped with: A beacon speaker (20) emitting a distinct sound and beacon flashing light (21).

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the attracting type alarm units are equipped with running LED light chains visible from the water. Light chains are horizontally mounted (23) which emit light in a pattern moving towards the fixed rescue ladder. Another light chain (22) is mounted vertically on the rescue ladder and emit light in a pattern moving upwards from the water to the top of the ladder.

4. A system for alerting persons in close vicinity to a potential drowning accident and to guide same to available rescue equipment, comprising: Battery powered Alert units (17-18) fixated to onshore marine rescue stations, controlled by a computerized backend (11) connected via a network such as GSM, ZigBee, or IoT (12-13). The backend being configured to convert the known position of a drowning accident from an external input (10) into specific action commands, and transmission of these commands to execute actions on the alert units in proximity to the accident.

5. The system of claim 1 and 4, wherein the backend selectively activates alarm units based on their proximity to the accident location, ensuring efficient utilization of resources and maximum attention to the relevant rescue equipment.

6. The system of claim 1 and claim 4, wherein the backend utilizes real-time information or predictions of water currents in the area of the accident to activate the attractor and alert devices within the drift-off zone. Is characterized by the backend server (11) being connected to a national or regional forecast provider (19) to obtain forecasted and in some places, live updated current data. This is used for calculation adjustments of the dynamic perimeter, which is expanded in the direction of the water current (54), to ensure search is also done in the area to which a person in water could have drifted.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein the alerts are equipped with tampering detection (34) features that activate alarms if tampering is detected or if rescue equipment is being moved. The system comprising an alarm function that: Releases a local alarm and transmits an identification signal to the backend (11) if the rescue equipment is moved from its station (15) or if a local alarm button on the device is activated.

8. The system of claim 4, wherein the alert type alarm units are equipped with: A beacon speaker emitting a distinct sound (30), A beacon flashing light (31), a running LED light chain (32), which emit light in a pattern moving upwards the pole for the rescue station.

9. The system of claim 1 and 4, wherein the external input providing the known position of the drowning accident is a GSM-enabled device capable of determining GPS coordinates, ensuring accurate and timely response to the accident.

10. The system of claim 1 and 4, where the backend (11) is able to control a switch in a switchboard either by WAN, LAN or IoT, which will enable the system to activate power consumers in e.g. a harbor switchboard. Which could activate but is not limited to floodlights, promenade lights and alarm horns.

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