The solution being developed by the Mermaid team involves an audio-video-data connection between an on-board station and ground stations, which, in turn, activate affiliated remote assistance services by specialist healthcare personnel and/or or SAR/TMAS emergency services if necessary.
The service currently proposed is in the testing phase and is not demanding in terms of continuity and accessibility, which may be limited by weather and sea conditions and the technical characteristics of the 4G/5G or satellite connection. The ongoing experimentation concerns the technical potential of the new communication channel for the vessel and the functionality of the new assistance service, and therefore does not replace the institutional health emergency service on board (Inmarsat calls, channel 16, to TMAS, Coast Guard and more, based on the equipment of the vessel) which the Captain of the vessel is invited to contact in line with his responsibilities and in his judgment, in case of critical situations or emergencies.
Enabling technologies
IoT sensors and medical devices on board
On board the operator is assisted by instruments and sensors in a first aid kit, with a tablet that hosts apps and interfaces capable of detecting and transmitting the critical parameters of the accident victim and environmental and contextual information to the ground. In addition to IoT devices that detect environmental and navigation parameters, medical devices and emergency indicators are envisaged: personal devices (e.g. smart watch, fitbit), wearable sensors, tools for measuring and monitoring health parameters (e.g. multiparametric sensor of respiratory and cardiovascular data, glucometer, etc.).
Remote interaction with AR/VR
When the connection with the ground station is active, an augmented reality device ("smart glasses") worn by the operator on board supports the bidirectional audio and video connection with the remote expert. The camera transmits the image of the accident to the expert, who can intervene with textual or iconographic indications (augmented reality - AR).
Satellite connection
MERMAID uses a satellite link as the primary communication channel, supported by a 4G/5G connection when the vessel is within signal range of the coast. The Mermaid data hub connects with the tablet and medical sensors via low energy links (Bluetooth). Also depending on coverage conditions, an interactive bidirectional link with the ground station can be supported to share data and signals in real time.