FR3106434A1 - ASSISTANCE AND NAVIGATION AID DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a navigation assistance and aid device intended to assess the distance between external elements and a river or sea vessel, the device comprising: - at least one detection cell (20) provided with a camera (80) and a detection module (90), said detection module (90) being configured to detect the presence of at least one element external to a boat, and to determine the distance between the at least one element exterior and said boat, said camera (80) being arranged to collect images of the at least one exterior element capable of being detected by said detection module (90); - a central unit (30) arranged to receive images of at least one external element collected by said camera (80) as well as the distance between said at least one external element and said boat. Figure for the Abstract: Fig 1.

Description

ASSISTANCE AND NAVIGATION AID DEVICE

The present invention relates to the field of navigation assistance devices. In particular, the present invention relates to a device configured to detect and evaluate the distance of one or more external elements from a river or maritime craft.

Maritime or river craft are likely to encounter a multitude of obstacles on their journey that the navigation aid systems known to those skilled in the art are not able to detect. These are a major source of damage to the structure of the boat.

An object of the present invention is therefore to propose a navigation aid system making it possible to detect the obstacles likely to arise in the trajectory of a boat.

The object of the invention is, at least in part, achieved by a navigation assistance and aid device intended to evaluate the distance between external elements and a river or maritime craft, the device comprising:

• at least one detection cell provided with a camera and a detection module, said detection module being configured to detect the presence of at least one element external to a boat, and to determine the distance between the at least one exterior element and said boat, said camera being arranged to collect images of at least one exterior element capable of being detected by said detection module;
• a central unit arranged to receive images of the at least one exterior element collected by said camera as well as the distance between said at least one exterior element and said boat.

According to one mode of implementation, the central unit is configured to emit an alarm, for example an audible alarm, as soon as at least one external element is detected by the detection module.

According to one mode of implementation, the central unit is configured so that the alarm is emitted when the distance is less than a predetermined distance, advantageously the predetermined distance is less than 10 meters, even more advantageously less than 5 meters.

According to one mode of implementation, said device is configured so that the alarm is emitted in the event of a risk of collision between said boat and the at least one external element likely to be detected.

According to one mode of implementation, the central unit is configured to draw up a map of elements external to said boat, and to simulate their trajectory so as to compare the latter with a predefined trajectory of said boat on which said device is likely to 'be installed.

According to one mode of implementation, the at least one detection cell is provided with a satellite positioning module, in particular a GPS, intended to estimate the trajectory and the orientation of the said boat on which the at least one detection cell.

According to one mode of implementation, the at least one detection cell and/or the central unit is/are configured so that the trajectory capable of being estimated by the satellite positioning module is compared with the trajectory of the elements outside likely to be detected by the detection module.

According to one mode of implementation, the central unit comprises a display device intended to display an image of the external element likely to be detected.

According to one mode of implementation, the central unit is configured to determine a size of the external element capable of being detected by the at least one detection cell, said size being determined on the basis of the image of said exterior element collected by the camera and the distance between said exterior element and said boat.

According to one mode of implementation, the camera is configured to collect images only when an external element is detected by the detection module.

According to one mode of implementation, the at least one detection cell is provided with a gyroscope and an accelerometer intended to stabilize the camera during the collection of images, the gyroscope being advantageously implemented to ensure the only detection of the emerged part of solid external elements.

According to one mode of implementation, the at least one detection cell comprises an electronic thermometer, a relative humidity detector and a barometric detector intended to ensure the calibration of the detection module.

According to one mode of implementation, the camera of the at least one detection cell is rotatably mounted along two axes of rotation, and so that its orientation can be controlled from the central unit.

According to one mode of implementation, the detection module comprises at least elements chosen from: an ultrasonic detector, an optical detector, in particular a detector provided with a light-emitting diode or a laser diode.

According to one mode of implementation, a central unit and the at least one detection cell are configured to communicate via a wireless connection.

According to one mode of implementation, the at least one detection cell comprises a sealed shell housing the camera and the detection and distance measurement module.

According to one mode of implementation, the hull is configured to float.

According to one mode of implementation, the shell is provided with attachment means.

The invention also relates to a maritime or river craft provided with the device according to the present invention.

Other characteristics and advantages will appear in the following description of a navigation assistance and assistance device according to the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings.

is a three-dimensional exterior view of a detection cell capable of being implemented in the context of the present invention.

is a functional representation of a detection cell in a front view.

is a functional representation of a detection cell in a rear view.

is a representation according to a section plane perpendicular to an elongation axis of a detection cell enclosing a fixed shaft according to the present invention.

is a representation according to a section plane perpendicular to an elongation axis of a detection cell with its two half-shells open.

is a schematic representation of a boat provided with a device according to the present invention, in particular, the device comprises a plurality of detection cells installed on fixed elements of said boat, and a central unit arranged in the center of said boat.

The same elements have been designated by the same references in the various figures and, moreover, the various figures are not drawn to scale. For the sake of clarity, only the elements which are useful for understanding the embodiments described have been represented and are detailed.

In the description which follows, unless otherwise indicated, when reference is made to qualifiers of absolute position, such as the terms "high", "low" etc., or relative, such as the terms "upper", "lower ", etc., or to qualifiers of orientation, such as the terms "horizontal", "vertical", "lateral", etc., reference is made to the orientation of the corresponding figures, it being understood that, in the practice, the devices described can be oriented differently. Unless specified otherwise, the expressions “approximately”, “substantially”, and “of the order of” mean to within 10%, preferably within 5%.

The present invention relates to a device for assistance and aid to navigation intended to evaluate the distance between external elements and a river or maritime craft. In particular, the present device is portable and can be installed on any type of river or maritime craft.

In particular, the device comprises a detection cell configured to detect and image elements external to said boat. In this respect, said cell comprises a detection module intended to detect the presence of at least one external element and to determine the distance between said external element and said boat. The cell also comprises a camera arranged to collect images of at least one external element likely to be detected by said detection module.

Finally, the device also comprises a central unit arranged to receive images of the exterior element collected by the camera as well as the distance between said at least one exterior element and said boat.

FIG. 1 represents a detection cell 20 capable of being implemented within the scope of the present invention. This cell 20 may comprise a shell which has a generally elongated shape in a direction XX'. In particular, the shell may have the shape of an ellipsoid of revolution (i.e.: the shape of an egg). More particularly, the detection cell 20 can comprise two half-shells 60 and 61, pivotally mounted by means of a hinge 64. In particular, the hinge 64 is arranged to allow the opening of the module 20, and in particular the separation of the two half-shells 60 and 61 (Fig 3b). This hinge system 64 thus allows assembly/disassembly of the detection cell 20 around a shaft 120, for example a shaft 120 arranged vertically at the outer contour of a boat (Fig 1 and Fig 3a). The detection cell 20 comprises in this respect a bore formed at the interface between the two half-shells 60 and 61 and intended to house the shaft 120. A clamping screw 63 and a clamping means 62 of the screw 63 can be implemented to hold the two half-shells 60 and 61 in the closed position (Fig 3a and Fig 3b).

The invention is not limited to this single means of attachment to the shaft 120, and the person skilled in the art, on the basis of his general knowledge, will be able to imagine any other means of attachment likely to be suitable for the setting implementation of the present invention. In particular, the attachment means may comprise fastening strips, for example Velcro® strips. More generally, the attachment means can allow solid attachment of the detection cell 20 to the fixed elements of the boat. In this regard, the attachment means may comprise a screw clamping system. A layer of silicone gel can be placed between the cell 20 and the fixed element in order to protect the latter.

The hull can also be waterproof and be configured to float, and in particular to float on water.

The detection cell 20 can comprise a plurality of sensors, and in particular a detection module 90, and a camera 80 (Fig 1 and Fig 2a).

The detection module 90, and the camera 80 can be controlled by sensor control modules 72 and 73 (Fig 2a).

The detection cell 20 may further comprise an integrated control module 70 for example intended to provide the power necessary for the operation of the sensor control modules 72, 73 and the sensors 80, 90 (Fig 2a and Fig 2b).

The detection cell 20 can also comprise one or more power supplies 75, 76 intended to provide the power necessary for the operation of the integrated control module 70 (Fig 2a and Fig 2b).

Power supplies 75, 76 may comprise one or more rechargeable batteries, for example associated with one or more photovoltaic modules 100 and 101 intended to charge said battery or batteries. An energy management module 74 (Fig 2b) can be implemented in order to manage the energy flows between the battery(ies) and the photovoltaic module(s) (Fig 2a and Fig 2b).

The detection module 90 is configured to detect the presence of at least one element external to a boat, and to determine the distance between the at least one external element and said boat, while the camera 80 is arranged to collect images of the external element likely to be detected by the detection module 90.

The device according to the present invention also comprises a central unit 30 (FIG 4) arranged to receive images of the external element collected by the camera 80 as well as a signal measured by the detection module 90. This signal can according to a first variant be the distance between the external element and the boat or according to a second variant, raw data intended to be processed by the central unit 30. In the latter case, the processing of the raw data by the central unit 30 leads to the determination of the distance between the external element and the boat. The central unit 30 can comprise an electronic device provided with a calculation unit, for example a microprocessor, and a display device. By way of example, the central unit 30 can comprise a tablet, capable of communicating with the detection cell(s) 20 via a wired connection or a wireless connection. The transmission of data by a wireless connection can for example be carried out by the integrated control module 70. The central unit 30 can be arranged at a location chosen by the user, in particular in or near a cockpit of the boat.

According to a particularly advantageous mode of implementation, a plurality of detection cells 20 can be arranged at the level of the outline of the boat so as to be able to detect and/or image any external element likely to be detected in an external perimeter at said boat (Fig 4).

Thus, according to a particularly advantageous embodiment, one cell among the plurality of detection cells 20 plays the role of master cell 20a intended to communicate with the other detection cells 20, called slave cells 20b. The master cell 20a can in particular be intended to collect all the information (distances and images) provided by the slave cells and transmit them to the central unit 30 for processing. The designation of the “master cell 20a” can be executed either by the user or automatically by the central unit 30. Advantageously, the device can comprise secondary cells provided with a detection module 90 and devoid of camera 80.

According to an alternative or complementary embodiment, each of the detection cells 20 can form a relay through which the data from a detection cell 20 pass in the direction of the central unit 30. Thus, the configuration of the detection cells 20 in relay makes it possible to install the device on large boats, and in particular exceeding 50 meters, or even 100 meters, in length.

Advantageously, the central unit 30 can be configured to emit an alarm, for example an audible alarm, as soon as at least one external element is detected by the detection module 90.

In particular, the central unit 30 can be configured so that the alarm is emitted when the distance is less than a predetermined distance, advantageously the predetermined distance is less than 10 meters, even more advantageously less than 5 meters.

Still advantageously, the device according to the present invention can be configured so that the alarm is emitted in the event of a risk of collision between the boat and the at least one external element likely to be detected.

In this respect, the central unit 30 can be configured to draw up a map of elements external to the boat, and to simulate their trajectory so as to compare the latter with a predefined trajectory of the boat on which said device is likely to 'be installed.

The trajectory calculation, not described in the present application, is within the reach of those skilled in the art. The latter may in particular adapt the teaching of patent US7389735 without however being limited to this method alone.

The detection cell 20 and/or the central unit 30 can advantageously be configured to estimate (determine) the trajectory of the boat. For example, said trajectory can be determined by means of a satellite positioning module, in particular a GPS.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the detection cell(s) 20 and/or the central unit 30 is/are configured so that the trajectory of the craft is compared with said trajectory of the external elements likely to be detected by the detection module 90.

Thus, in operation, as soon as a detection cell 20 detects the presence of an external element, for example floating, near the boat, the detection module 90 transmits the data relating to the detection of said external element to the central unit 30. The latter calculates, on the basis of these data, the distance between the external element and the boat. Furthermore, when said distance is less than a predetermined distance, and/or there is a risk of collision, the central unit 30 issues an alarm. The latter may for example be sound or visual. The predetermined distance is advantageously less than 10 meters, even more advantageously less than 5 meters.

The camera 80 arranged on or in the detection cell 20 can also transmit the images of the external element to the central unit 30. All the data thus collected at the level of the central unit 30 advantageously makes it possible to determine the size of the external element detected.

The central unit 30 can advantageously be configured to emit an alarm when the size of the external element is greater than a predetermined size, for example greater than 20 cm x 20 cm at a distance of 5 meters.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the camera 80 can be configured to collect images only when an external element is detected by the detection module 90.

The detection cell(s) 20 may be provided with a gyroscope and an accelerometer intended to stabilize the camera 80 during the collection of images.

In this regard, the gyroscope provides information on the angular position of the detection cell 20 arranged on the boat, while the accelerometer provides information on the acceleration of said cell 20.

The gyroscope is advantageously implemented to ensure the sole detection of the emerged part of solid external elements, for example, a rock face, and/or floating external elements.

The detection cell 20 can comprise an electronic thermometer, a relative humidity detector and a barometric detector intended to ensure the calibration of the detection module 90.

The camera 80 can be mounted rotatably along two axes of rotation, and so that its orientation can be controlled from the central unit 30.

The detection module 90 can comprise at least elements chosen from: an ultrasonic detector, an optical detector, in particular a detector provided with a light-emitting diode or a laser diode.

The assistance device described above is advantageously a portable system that can be installed on any type of boat (Fig 4).

Claims (17)

Navigation assistance and aid device intended to assess the distance between external elements and a river or maritime craft, the device comprising:

• at least one detection cell (20) provided with a camera (80) and a detection module (90), said detection module (90) being configured to detect the presence of at least one element external to a boat, and determining the distance between the at least one exterior element and said boat, said camera (80) being arranged to collect images of the at least one exterior element likely to be detected by said detection module (90) ;
• a central unit (30) arranged to receive images of the at least one exterior element collected by said camera (80) as well as the distance between said at least one exterior element and said boat.

Device according to Claim 1, in which the central unit (30) is configured to emit an alarm, for example an audible alarm, as soon as at least one external element is detected by the detection module (90). Device according to claim 2, in which the central unit (30) is configured so that the alarm is emitted when the distance is less than a predetermined distance, advantageously the predetermined distance is less than 10 meters, even more advantageously less than 5 meters. Device according to Claim 2 or 3, in which the said device is configured so that the alarm is emitted in the event of a risk of collision between the said boat and the at least one external element likely to be detected. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the at least one detection cell (20) comprises a sealed shell housing the camera (80) and the detection module (90) and distance measurement, advantageously, the hull is configured to float, even more advantageously, the hull is provided with attachment means. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the central unit (30) is configured to draw up a map of elements external to the said craft, and to simulate their trajectory so as to compare the latter with a predefined trajectory of the said boat on which said device is likely to be installed. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the at least one detection cell (20) is provided with a satellite positioning module, in particular a GPS, intended to estimate the trajectory and the orientation of said boat on which is arranged the at least one detection cell (20). Device according to Claims 6 and 7, in which the at least detection cell (20) and/or the central unit (30) is/are configured so that the trajectory likely to be estimated by the satellite positioning module or compared with the trajectory of the external elements likely to be detected by the detection module (90). Device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, in which the central unit (30) comprises a display device intended to display an image of the external element capable of being detected. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 9, in which the central unit (30) is configured to determine a size of the external element capable of being detected by the at least one detection cell (20), said size being determined based on the image of said exterior feature collected by the camera (80) and the distance between said exterior feature and said watercraft. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 10, in which the camera (80) is configured to collect images only when an external element is detected by the detection module (90). Device according to one of Claims 1 to 11, in which the at least one detection cell (20) is provided with a gyroscope and an accelerometer intended to stabilize the camera (80) during the collection of images , the gyroscope being advantageously implemented to ensure the sole detection of the emerged part of solid external elements. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 12, in which the at least one detection cell (20) comprises an electronic thermometer, a relative humidity detector and a barometric detector intended to ensure the calibration of the detection module (90 ). Device according to one of Claims 1 to 13, in which the camera (80) of the at least one detection cell (20) is rotatably mounted along two axes of rotation, and so that its orientation can be controlled from the central unit (30). Device according to one of Claims 1 to 14, in which the detection module (90) comprises at least elements chosen from: an ultrasonic detector, an optical detector, in particular a detector equipped with a light-emitting diode or a laser diode. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 15, in which a central unit (30) and the at least one detection cell (20) are configured to communicate via a wireless connection. Maritime or river craft provided with the device according to one of Claims 1 to 16.