KR102813528B1 - A heterogeneous communication network convergence system including vhf data exchange system and vhf-digital selective calling device - Google Patents

Abstract

A heterogeneous communication network convergence system including a VHF data exchange system and a very high frequency (VHF) digital selective calling device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a VHF data exchange system (VDES) module for communication between at least one of ships, ships and coast stations, and ships and satellites using a maritime VHF radio frequency band; a VHF-DSC (VHF-Digital Selective Calling) module configured to automatically transmit safety information based on the location of a ship; and an SDR (Software Defined Radio) module configured to control and change operating parameters in order to integrate the functions of the VHF data exchange system module and the digital selective calling device module.

Description

{A HETEROGENEOUS COMMUNICATION NETWORK CONVERGENCE SYSTEM INCLUDING VHF DATA EXCHANGE SYSTEM AND VHF-DIGITAL SELECTIVE CALLING DEVICE}

The present invention relates to a heterogeneous communication network convergence system, and more particularly, to a heterogeneous communication network convergence system configured to integrate VDES (VHF Data Exchange System) and VHF-DSC (VHF-Digital Selective Calling) functions in a maritime radio communication network.

M-S2X (Maritime S2X) is a new communication concept that has higher performance than existing maritime communications such as AIS, and is a variety of direct communications centered on ships. In particular, M-S2X that can be utilized for direct communication between ships at sea by utilizing the VDES (VHF Data Exchange System) technology standard can be defined as MV-S2X.

These MV-S2Xs can be used for voice/data communications between ships, ship-to-shore, and data communications between mother ships and daughter ships within a convoy.

Meanwhile, in order to increase the usability of ultra-high-speed maritime wireless communication networks, technological development for maritime digital communication linkage is required. Accordingly, it is necessary to develop a heterogeneous communication network fusion system that can integrate the VHF-DSC (VHF-Digital Selective Calling), one of the existing distress reporting systems (GMDSS: Global Maritime Distress and Safety System), and the VDES (VHF Data Exchange System).

Meanwhile, the prior art document below only discloses a VDES device to which an SC-FDE waveform is applied that can overcome the fading phenomenon that occurs when transmitting and receiving radio waves between ships, and does not disclose the technical gist of the present invention.

Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2182390

A heterogeneous communication network convergence system including a VHF data exchange system and a very short wave digital selective calling device according to one embodiment of the present invention aims to solve the problems described above by achieving the following solutions.

In order to overcome the problems of conventional ultra-shortwave digital selective calling devices that can only transmit low-volume data such as location information of a ship in distress, a heterogeneous communication network fusion system for fusion with a VHF data exchange system is provided.

The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field from the description below.

A heterogeneous communication network convergence system including a VHF data exchange system and a very high frequency (VHF) digital selective calling device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a VHF data exchange system (VDES) module for communication between at least one of ships, ships and coast stations, and ships and satellites using a maritime VHF radio frequency band; a VHF-DSC (VHF-Digital Selective Calling) module configured to automatically transmit safety information based on the location of a ship; and an SDR (Software Defined Radio) module configured to control and change operating parameters in order to integrate the functions of the VHF data exchange system module and the digital selective calling device module.

It is preferable that the above SDR module be configured based on an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

It is preferable that the above operating parameter be at least one of frequency operating range, transmission output, and modulation method.

It is desirable that the above safety information be at least one of the following: ship location information, maritime accident information, or survivor information.

The above-mentioned distress information is obtained from a distress identification device deployed on a ship, and it is preferable that the distress identification device communicate with a distress transmitter equipped on the work clothes worn by the distressed person.

A heterogeneous communication network fusion system including a VHF data exchange system and a very short wave digital selective calling device according to one embodiment of the present invention can be expected to have the effect of fusion of a very short wave digital selective calling device, for which a technical standard has already been established, and a VHF data exchange system, for which a technical standard has not yet been established, by only manipulating software settings without changing or replacing hardware components.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram briefly illustrating a heterogeneous communication network convergence system including a VHF data exchange system and a very short wave digital selective calling device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a distress signaling device linked to a VHF data exchange system and a ultra-shortwave digital selective calling device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an emergency power source that operates in conjunction with the distress transmitter of Figure 2.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing symbols, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is judged that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, it should be noted that the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the idea of the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the idea of the present invention by the attached drawings.

Hereinafter, a heterogeneous communication network convergence system including a VHF data exchange system and an ultra-shortwave digital selective calling device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

A heterogeneous communication network convergence system including a VHF data exchange system and a VHF digital selective calling device according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a module (10) for a VHF data exchange system (VDES), a module (20) for a VHF digital selective calling device (VHF-DSC), and a software defined radio (SDR) module (30), as illustrated in FIG. 1.

The VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) was proposed to enable expanded data exchange for the modernization of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and the establishment of an e-Navigation system, and is currently undergoing international standardization.

Module (10) for VHF data exchange system This VHF data exchange system performs the function of transmitting, receiving and controlling VHF data exchange system (VDES) related data for communication between ships, ships and coast stations, and ships and satellites using the maritime VHF radio frequency band.

The ultra-shortwave digital selective calling device is a system that automatically transmits the location of a vessel in an emergency by using the DSC (Digital Selective Calling) function that enables a location transmitting function on a VHF radio, which is a very shortwave radiotelephone. In other words, it is configured to automatically transmit safety information based on the vessel's location. The module (20) for the ultra-shortwave digital selective calling device performs the function of transmitting, receiving and controlling the VHF-DSC-related data described above.

The SDR (Software Defined Radio) module (30) is a technology that enables communication through software signal processing on an open H/W platform, and is configured to include a FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) with a built-in processor and DIGITAL RF-based H/W so that it can be implemented through software.

These SDR modules (30) are configured to control and change operating parameters in order to integrate the functions of the module (10) for the VHF data exchange system and the module (20) for the digital selective calling device.

That is, the SDR module (30) is configured to control and change operation parameters such as frequency operation range (156 to 162 MHz), transmission output (12.5 W/1 W, 25 W), modulation method (GMSK, pi/4 QPSK, 16QAM, 2FSK) only by setting software without changing or replacing hardware components, in order to integrate the VHF data exchange system, which has emerged as a next-generation maritime ultra-high frequency band digital communication means, and the ultra-high frequency band digital selective calling device, for which the technical standard has already been established, and the VHF data exchange system, for which the technical standard has not yet been established.

Meanwhile, the safety information transmitted by the module (20) for the ultra-shortwave digital selective calling device may include ship location information, maritime accident information, and victim information, and in particular, victim information may be obtained from a victim identification device deployed on the ship.

In particular, the distress identification device receives distress signals such as the identity of the distressed person, whether the person is in distress, and the location of the distress from the distress transmitter (200) mounted on the work clothes worn by the distressed person.

To this end, the distress signaling device (200) is configured to include a battery module (210), a water sensor (220), a receiving unit (230), and a communication module (240) as shown in FIG. 2.

The battery module (210) is a component that performs the function of supplying power to various components included in the distress signaling device (200) described later, and is preferably composed of a rechargeable lithium polymer battery.

The water sensor (220) is a configuration that performs the function of detecting whether the distress signaling device (200) is submerged, and can be formed with a pair of conductive terminals for detecting whether a person in distress is in distress.

When water comes into contact with these challenging terminals, the current flowing between the two terminals can be amplified into voltage to determine whether or not there is submergence, and specifically, it can be configured to determine whether or not there is submergence by taking into account the characteristics of seawater/fresh water.

In particular, the water sensor (220) should be formed to be exposed to the outside for contact with external water, and it is desirable to simplify and miniaturize the configuration of the distress signaling device (200) by forming it integrally with the charging terminal for charging the battery module (210) described above.

The GNSS receiver (230) performs the function of generating coordinate information based on a signal received from a satellite.

The communication module (240) is configured for communication with the above-described distress identification device, and is configured to transmit distress identification information, distress location information, and distress signals to the distress identification device (200) based on the detection contents of the water sensor (220).

Meanwhile, considering the long-term distress situation of the victim, it is desirable to minimize the power consumption of the battery module (210), and the distress signal transmitting device (200) should be configured to be able to transmit a distress signal for at least 72 hours after the occurrence of a distress situation.

To this end, the communication module (240) transmits a distress signal to the victim identification device (300) at a preset first cycle based on the detection contents of the water sensor (220). However, if a response signal (ACK signal) corresponding to the distress signal is received from the victim identification device more than a preset number of times, the communication module (240) may be configured to transmit a distress signal to the victim identification device at a preset second cycle. Here, the second cycle should be set to be shorter than the first cycle.

This is a battery save function to ensure the operation of the distress signaling device (200) for at least 72 hours in the event of a distress. For example, in the event of the first distress, the distress signaling device (200) transmits a distress signal every 5 seconds for 5 minutes to the distress identification device equipped on the ship.

Afterwards, when an ACK signal that recognizes the distress of a person in distress is received more than 5 times from the distress identification device, the communication module (240) is configured to transmit a distress signal, such as the location information of the person in distress, at one-minute intervals.

In addition, when a person in distress is lost at sea and the communication module (240) transmits a distress signal at the bottom of the waves, a loss of communication distance may occur, and as a result, the distress signal transmitted from the distress transmission device (200) may not be smoothly transmitted to the person in distress identification device.

To prevent the above-described problem, the distress signaling device (200) may further include a motion detection sensor (250) that detects movement of the distress signaling device (200).

Here, the motion detection sensor (250) is preferably an acceleration sensor (G-Sensor) for detecting changes in the angular velocity of the distress signaling device (200) according to the rise and fall of sea waves.

The distress signaling device (200) uses a motion detection sensor (250) to detect the peak and cycle of the waves through changes in angular velocity in a situation where waves repeatedly rise and fall, and then causes the communication module (240) to transmit a distress signal to a distress identification device when the next peak of the waves is reached, thereby overcoming the problem of transmitting a distress signal at the low point of the waves.

In addition, the distress signaling device (200) may be configured to further include an emergency button (260), an audio output means (270), and a flash generating means (280).

The emergency button (260) is configured to allow a person in distress to directly operate the distress signal transmission device (200) in a situation where a problem occurs in the water sensor (220) and a distress signal cannot be generated or transmitted.

The sound output means (270) is configured to perform the function of outputting a buzzer sound when the communication module (240) transmits a distress signal. The person in distress can feel psychologically stable by recognizing that the distress signal is being transmitted properly through the sound output means (270).

The flash generating means (280) is a configuration that performs the function of outputting light, through which the location of a person in distress can be notified to those around them at night, and furthermore, it can be utilized in rescue operations by maritime aviation means such as helicopters.

In addition, a heating means can be installed inside the work clothes equipped with a distress signaling device (200), thereby preventing the body temperature of the person in distress from dropping during distress, and an emergency power source (400) can be installed to supply power to this heating means.

In particular, the emergency power source (400) may be configured to supply power not only to the heat generating means but also to the battery module (210) of the distress signaling device (200) as needed. Hereinafter, the emergency power source (400) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3.

The emergency power source (400) is configured to include a fan (410), a booster (420), a power generation means (430), a power storage means (440), and a power distribution means (450), as shown in FIG. 3.

The fan (410) has a plurality of blades and performs a function of rotating by at least one of seawater or sea breeze flowing in from the outside, and the speed increasing means (420) performs a function of increasing the rotation of the fan (410).

The power generation means (430) performs the function of generating electricity by converting the rotational power of the gearbox into electric power, and the electric power storage means (440) performs the function of storing the electric power generated by the power generation means (430).

The power distribution means (450) performs the function of distributing and supplying power stored in the power storage means (440) to at least one of the heating means placed inside the work clothes (100) and the battery module (210) of the distress signaling device (200).

In particular, the power distribution means (450) is configured to distribute and supply power based on the body temperature of the victim and the charge rate of the battery module (210). At this time, it is preferable that a body temperature sensor for sensing the body temperature of the victim be provided on the work clothes (100).

Hereinafter, an embodiment of power distribution of the power distribution means (450) will be described. First, in the first embodiment, if the body temperature of the victim is higher than a preset temperature and the charge rate of the battery module (210) is higher than a preset value, the power distribution means (450) does not supply all of the power stored in the power storage means (440) to the heating means and the battery module (210), and thus, the power generated by the power generation means (430) is continuously stored in the power storage means (440).

In the second embodiment, when the body temperature of the victim is lower than a preset temperature and the charge rate of the battery module (210) is higher than a preset value, the power distribution means (450) preferentially supplies the power stored in the power storage means (440) to the heat generating means.

In the third embodiment, when the body temperature of the victim is higher than a preset temperature and the charge rate of the battery module (210) is lower than a preset value, the power distribution means (450) preferentially supplies the power stored in the power storage means (440) to the battery module (210).

In the fourth embodiment, when the body temperature of the victim is below a preset temperature and the charge rate of the battery module (210) is below a preset value, the power distribution means (450) alternately supplies power to the heating means and the battery module (210) at a preset cycle.

Meanwhile, the first to fourth embodiments above assume that power is sufficiently stored in the power storage means (440), and if the charging rate of the power storage means (440) is less than a preset value, the power distribution means (450) must supply power to the heating means and the battery module (210) by considering the power generation amount of the power generation means (430), the body temperature of the victim, and the charging rate of the battery module (210).

If the power generation means (430) has sufficient power output, such as when a strong sea breeze blows or seawater flows in strongly, there is no problem. However, if the power generation means (430) does not have a large power output, and furthermore, the body temperature of the victim is below a preset temperature and the charge rate of the battery module (210) is below a preset value, the power storage means (440) can sequentially perform a first step of cutting off the power supply, a second step of supplying power to the battery module (210), a third step of cutting off the power supply, and a fourth step of supplying power to the heating means.

The progress time for each step can be set differently by comprehensively considering the power generation, body temperature of the victim, and the charging rate of the battery module (210), and can also be changed in real time depending on the situation.

Above, although the present invention has been described in detail using preferred embodiments, the scope of the present invention is not limited to specific embodiments, and should be interpreted by the appended claims. In addition, those who have acquired common knowledge in this technical field should understand that many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

10: Module for VHF data exchange system
20: Module for ultra-shortwave digital selector call device
30: SDR(Software Defined Radio) module?

Claims (5)

Module for VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) for communication between at least one of ship and ship, ship and shore station, and ship and satellite using maritime VHF radio frequency band;
A module for a VHF-DSC (VHF-Digital Selective Calling) configured to automatically transmit safety information based on the vessel's location; and
In order to integrate the functions of the module for the above VHF data exchange system and the module for the digital selective calling device, it includes an SDR (Software Defined Radio) module configured to control and change the operating parameters;
The above safety information is characterized by at least one of ship location information, maritime accident information, and survivor information.
Obtain the above-mentioned information from the distress identification device installed on the ship.
The above-mentioned distress identification device communicates with the distress transmitter equipped on the work clothes worn by the above-mentioned distressed person.
The above work clothes are equipped with a heating device.
A heterogeneous communication network fusion system characterized in that the above work clothes are provided with an emergency power source that supplies power to the above heating means and the above distress transmission device.
In claim 1,
A heterogeneous communication network fusion system including a VHF data exchange system and a ultra-shortwave digital selective calling device, characterized in that the above SDR module is configured based on an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).
In claim 1,
A heterogeneous communication network convergence system including a VHF data exchange system and a very short wave digital selective calling device, wherein the above operating parameters are characterized by at least one of a frequency operating range, a transmission output, and a modulation method.
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