Method for determining anchor position

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining the position of an anchor (22), characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: -a) determining the initial position of an anchor (22) connected to a boat (20) and to a buoy (21); said buoy (21) is connected to the anchor (22) by a cable (23) comprising an automatic reel; -b) determining the movement of said anchor (22) by sensors of said buoy (21); -c) determining during a regular time interval the change in position of the anchor (22) using the sensors of the previous step; -d) receiving on said boat (20) data coming from the sensors of the buoy via a data receiving antenna belonging to a receiving box (25); -e) sending a message of the position of the anchor (22) to a mobile terminal. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method for determining anchor position Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for determining anchor position. It applies, in particular, in the field of maritime technology. Prior art

[0002] To immobilize a boat at the end of a navigation, an anchor is plunged into the water. An anchor is a fixing device used to firmly hold an object in place.

[0003] Nowadays, an anchor is an essential element to prevent a boat from drifting.

[0004] When the anchor fails to maintain a stable position, the boat may drift, moving away from its intended anchorage point and potentially approaching dangerously close to obstacles such as other boats, rocky shores or sandbars.

[0005] Certain prior art documents also propose devices for determining the position of an anchor. For example, publication document EP19020016 is known, which describes a method and system for determining the displacement of an anchoring element.

[0006] This system has the following disadvantages:

[0007] Underwater measurement of movement speed by Doppler effect or image processing seems uncertain, particularly in an area where there is a current.

[0008] The transmission of underwater signals by acoustic means greatly disturbs underwater fauna and prevents it from developing naturally.

[0009] Underwater signal transmission is imprecise and subject to loss.

[0010] The user of said method is obliged to pierce his hull to install a receiver which comes into contact with the water.

[0011] The system is not energy autonomous and must be recharged regularly. Presentation of the invention

[0012] The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks with a completely innovative approach.

[0013] More specifically, the invention aims to provide a method for determining the position of an anchor and providing an alert in the event of it slipping on the seabed.

[0014] In particular, an objective of the invention is to provide such a technique making it possible to do without any other complex adjustment system.

[0015] An objective of the invention is to provide such a method, which can be easily adapted to existing systems.

[0016] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved using a method for determining the anchor position, remarkable in that the method comprises the following steps: -a) determining the initial position of an anchor connected to a boat and to a buoy; said buoy is connected to the anchor by a cable comprising an automatic reel configured to have a constant tension of the cable between the buoy and the anchor; -b) determining the displacement of said anchor by sensors of said buoy; -c) determining during a regular time interval the change in position of the anchor using the sensors from the previous step; -d) receiving on said boat data from the buoy sensors via a data receiving antenna belonging to a receiving box positioned on said boat; -e) send a message of the anchor position to a mobile terminal.

[0017] With these provisions, a buoy is used to link the movement of the anchor to the user on the boat. The sensor data is processed in the buoy and an alarm signal is sent to the boat in the event of the anchor slipping.

[0018] In one example, the data is processed in the buoy. The receiver box on the boat only receives a signal in the event of a skid, and every five minutes to ensure that the buoy is still in operation.

[0019] The buoy sends its position at regular time intervals. In one example, every five minutes. In another example, every hour.

[0020] According to one case, the message to the terminal is only sent in the event of a slippage.

[0021] The system is very simple to set up, there is no need to install anything either by making a hole in the hull of the boat.

[0022] By counting the length of the cable between the anchor and the buoy, we can know very precisely the height of the water at the location of the anchor, a useful parameter to ensure that the anchor holds well.

[0023] In addition to providing a link between the sensors and the user, the buoy makes it possible to locate the exact position of the anchor, and to prevent other users from placing their anchor in the same location.

[0024] The sensors are, for example: - an accelerometer, - a shock sensor, which can detect a shock between another boat and the buoy; - a motion sensor, for example infrared, which can detect whether another boat is close to the buoy, and therefore potentially in the process of dropping its anchor on the user's; - an incremental encoder, which allows the number of turns of the winding to be counted unrolled cable, and therefore deduce the water depth at the anchor; - a sonar module, which can detect a variation in water depth and deduce a possible movement of the anchor; - a satellite position sensor, - a force sensor

[0025] It is possible to use a strain sensor to measure the tension in the cable that connects the buoy to the anchor. If this tension becomes zero, the buoy is no longer connected to the anchor. Either the cable has broken and the buoy is drifting away, or it has been cut and the buoy has been stolen.

[0026] Using an accelerometer to measure the buoy's acceleration refines the measurement of its displacement since, together with the satellite position sensor, this constitutes an inertial unit. This is more reliable and precise than underwater measurement using the Doppler effect and image processing.

[0027] By focusing on the position of the buoy, the user can define a perimeter beyond which it must not go out, otherwise the anchor is slipping on the seabed.

[0028] The invention is advantageously implemented according to the embodiments and variants set out below, which are to be considered individually or according to any technically operative combination.

[0029] In one embodiment, during step a) of determining the initial position or step b of determining displacement), said buoy comprises a rigid plastic shell.

[0030] Thanks to these provisions, the rigid hull makes it possible to have impermeability of the buoy and resistance to shocks.

[0031] In one embodiment, during step a) of determining the initial position or step b of determining displacement), the buoy further comprises at least one of the following elements: a visual indicator, a luminous ribbon, a handle.

[0032] Thanks to these arrangements, the buoy can be located more easily depending on the time of day and the weather conditions.

[0033] In one embodiment, during step a) of determining the initial position or step b of determining displacement), said buoy comprises a photovoltaic panel configured to power the elements in the buoy.

[0034] Thanks to these provisions, the photovoltaic panel makes the buoy entirely energy autonomous.

[0035] In one embodiment, during step a) of determining the initial position or step b of determining displacement), said buoy comprises a battery and an induction charger for powering the elements in the buoy. In this alternatively, the buoy equipped with an induction charging system allows the user to recharge the buoy in the absence of sunlight. This also ensures that the system is completely waterproof.

[0036] In one embodiment, during step d) of receiving data from the sensors, the buoy comprises a radio transmitter configured to transmit an anchor status signal to the boat.

[0037] Thanks to these arrangements, the anchor status signal is transmitted to the boat's receiving box more reliably.

[0038] In one embodiment, during step d) of receiving data from the sensors, the buoy or the receiving box is connected to a mobile terminal.

[0039] Thanks to these provisions, the user of the boat has the possibility of knowing the state of his anchor (stable or moving).

[0040] The mobile terminal is, for example: - a digital tablet, - a mobile phone, particularly a “smartphone” type, - a connected watch, - connected glasses, - a remote control, - a helmet, - a computer, - a virtual reality headset, - a connected television, - a game console, or - an internet box.

[0041] In one embodiment, during step d) of receiving data from the sensors, the receiving box comprises a user interface configured to consult the data from the sensors. For example, the data is configured to give the state of the anchor and the skid detection parameters.

[0042] Thanks to these provisions, the visualization of the data is easier to consult for the user.

[0043] In one embodiment, during step d) of receiving data from the sensors, the user interface, the receiving box (25) or the buoy (21) includes an alert in the event of the anchor slipping. Thus, the crew is alerted in the event of slipping on the seabed.

[0044] A skid is considered from a moment when the measured position is at a distance of at least 2 meters from the initial position. Brief description of the figures

[0045] Other advantages, aims and characteristics of the present invention emerge from the description which is given, for explanatory and in no way limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0046] [Fig. 1] shows a diagram representing a method of determining anchor position.

[0047] [Fig.2] represents an example of a buoy. Description of the embodiments

[0048] [Fig. 1] shows a diagram representing a method of determining the position of anchor 22.

[0049] This diagram shows that this process is carried out in a maritime environment.

[0050] According to one realized example, the maritime environment is the sea.

[0051] This diagram shows the following components: a buoy 21, an anchor 22 and a boat 20.

[0052] The buoy 21 is connected to the anchor 22 by a cable 23.

[0053] This cable 23 is tensioned by an automatic reel.

[0054] According to one example, the cable 23 is made of dyneema, a registered trademark.

[0055] Dyneema is a trademark for a very high tensile strength polyethylene fiber molecular weight. This fiber is extremely strong and is used in various applications for its lightness, exceptional tensile strength, and abrasion resistance.

[0056] In order to obtain static positioning of the buoy 21 with the anchor 22, the buoy 21 comprises a spring-mounted dyneema winding.

[0057] This dyneema winding is located inside the buoy 21. This makes it possible to obtain statics between the buoy 21, the cable 23, and the anchor 22.

[0058] The buoy 21 comprises an accelerometer which measures the displacement of the buoy 21 by double integration of the acceleration.

[0059] An accelerometer is a sensor that measures the linear acceleration along three axes of an object to which it is attached or incorporated. Linear acceleration refers to the changes in velocity of an object per unit time,

[0060] This sensor makes it possible to avoid the drift of the double integration, only acceleration values ​​beyond a certain threshold will be considered.

[0061] According to an exemplary embodiment, the buoy 21 comprises a radio wave connection to a receiving box 25 of the boat 20.

[0062] The anchor 22 is connected to the boat 20 by a chain 24.

[0063] The buoy 21 includes the following technical characteristics: geolocation, a radio antenna, and software.

[0064] The geolocation of buoy 21 is done by a GNSS (Global Navigation) module. Satellite System), registered trademark.

[0065] The use of GNSS makes it possible to collect data on the frequency of coves, and to direct users of our solution towards the least densely populated coves, which also reduces the risks of anchor slippage 22.

[0066] A GNSS is a satellite navigation system that allows the precise position of a GNSS receiver to be determined anywhere on Earth. The GNSS system uses a network of satellites orbiting the planet to transmit signals that allow GNSS receivers to calculate their position and speed, using the principle of triangulation.

[0067] The accuracy of GNSS is between 1 meter and 3 meters.

[0068] According to a variant, the precision is 2 meters.

[0069] Geolocation makes it possible to know in real time the actual position of the anchor 22.

[0070] GNSS has worldwide coverage.

[0071] The radio antenna transmits and receives on a frequency between 650 MHz and 1000 MHz.

[0072] The term Mhz means “mega hertz”, it is a unit of measurement of frequency.

[0073] According to one variant, the frequency is 868 MHz.

[0074] The radio antenna allows a radio wave range of between 75 meters and 125 meters.

[0075] According to one variant, the range is 100 meters.

[0076] Software refers to a collection of computer programs, scripts, and data that provide instructions to a computer or computer system.

[0077] The software is installed in the buoy 21, which communicates with a mobile terminal. It includes management of solar charging and induction charging, and management of the lighting of the LED (acronym for light-emitting diode and in English terminology: Light-Emitting Diode, LED).

[0078] According to an exemplary embodiment, the software detects the precise position of the anchor 22. This makes it possible to warn the user of a possible skid.

[0079] The software comprises radio communication with a receiving antenna of the receiving box 25 of the boat 20.

[0080] According to one example, communication with the mobile terminal is made by mobile data.

[0081] According to one variant, the mobile terminal is a telephone.

[0082] The receiving box module 25 comprises a transmitter and a receiver.

[0083] The receiving box 25 comprises the following technical characteristics: a radio antenna, a microcontroller, a memory. According to one example, the receiving box comprises a user interface. According to one example, the power supply is provided by a battery. The energy autonomy of the receiving box 25 lasts approximately ten days.

[0084] According to another example, the power supply is connected to the power supply of the boat.

[0085] The radio antenna has the same technical information as the radio antenna of buoy 21.

[0086] The user interface comprises a touch screen. According to another example, the user interface comprises an alphanumeric screen and is backlit.

[0087] According to an example of an alphanumeric screen, it has two lines and sixteen characters.

[0088] The backlight or lights are configured to indicate the status of the anchor 22 and indicate the battery level of the receiver box 25.

[0089] According to an exemplary embodiment, the receiving box 25 is sized according to the following measurements: twelve centimeters in length, ten centimeters in width, and three centimeters in height.

[0090] The receiving box 25 is recharged via a USB port.

[0091] The term USB is an English term meaning “Universal Serial Bus”, in French This stands for "Universal Serial Bus." It is a widely used connectivity standard for connecting peripherals to computers and other electronic devices.

[0092] Naturally, the invention is described in the above by way of example. It is understood that those skilled in the art are able to carry out different variant embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0093] [Fig.2] shows an example of buoy 21.

[0094] The buoy 21 has a rounded area and a flat area.

[0095] The rounded area of ​​the buoy 21 comprises a rigid plastic shell 28. This Hard shell 28 provides waterproofness, resistance to ultraviolet rays and protection in case of contact with the surrounding environment.

[0096] According to one example, the rounded area has a diameter between 20 cm and 30 cm.

[0097] According to one variant, the diameter of the rounded area is 25 cm.

[0098] The buoy 21 has a height of between 20 cm and 30 cm.

[0099] According to a variant, the height of the buoy 21 is 25 cm.

[0100] Buoy 21 is connected and has sensors.

[0101] The flat area of ​​the buoy 21 comprises a photovoltaic panel 27.

[0102] This photovoltaic panel 27 makes it possible to obtain recharging and energy autonomy.

[0103] According to another variant, the energy recharge is done by induction with a standard charger.

[0104] The energy autonomy of the system inside the buoy 21 is unlimited in the event of sunshine, and limited to three days in the event of a total absence of solar recharging.

[0105] The buoy 21 has a handle 26. This allows for a better grip of the buoy 21 manually.

[0106] In order to locate the buoy 21 according to the time of day, the buoy 21 comprises a visual indicator, such as a pennant and a luminous ribbon.

[0107] According to an exemplary embodiment, the light strip is an LED.

[0108] It is emphasized that all the characteristics, as they emerge for a To the skilled person from the present description, drawings and attached features, even if concretely they have only been described in relation to other determined features, both individually and in any combinations, may be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or meaningless. List of reference signs

[0109] [Tables] References Designations 20 Boat 21 Buoy 22 Anchor 23 Cable 24 Chain 25 Receiving box 26 Handle 27 Photovoltaic panel 28 Rigid hull

Claims

Claims

1. Method for determining the position of an anchor (22), characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: -a) determining the initial position of an anchor (22) connected to a boat (20) and to a buoy (21); said buoy (21) is connected to the anchor (22) by a cable (23) comprising an automatic reel configured to have a constant tension of the cable (23) between the buoy (21) and the anchor (22); -b) determining the displacement of said anchor (22) by sensors of said buoy (21); -c) determining during a regular time interval the change in position of the anchor (22) using the sensors of the previous step; -d) receiving on said boat (20) data coming from the sensors of the buoy via a data receiving antenna belonging to a receiving box (25); -e) sending a message of the position of the anchor (22) to a mobile terminal.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein during step a) of determining the initial position or step b of determining displacement), said buoy (21) comprises a rigid shell (28) made of plastic.

3. Method according to claim 1, wherein during step a) of determining the initial position or step b of determining displacement), the buoy (21) further comprises at least one of the following elements: a visual indicator, a luminous ribbon, a handle (26).

4. Method according to claim 3, wherein during step a) of determining the initial position or step b of determining displacement), said buoy (21) comprises a photovoltaic panel (27) configured to power the elements in the buoy (21).

5. A method according to claim 3, wherein in step a) of determining the initial position or step b of determining displacement), said buoy (21) comprises a battery and an induction charger for powering the elements in the buoy (21).

6. Method according to claim 1, wherein during step d) of receiving data from the sensors, the buoy (21) comprises a radio transmitter configured to transmit an anchor status signal to the boat (20).

7. Method according to claim 1, wherein during step d) of receiving data from the sensors, the buoy (21) or the receiving box (25) is connected to a mobile terminal.

8. Method according to claim 1, wherein during step d) of receiving data from the sensors, the receiving box (25) comprises a user interface configured to consult the data from the sensors.

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein during step d) of receiving data from the sensors, the user interface, the receiving box (25) or the buoy (21) includes an alert in the event of the anchor slipping.

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