Systems and peripherals for marine vessels

Abstract

A system for a marine vessel includes a peripheral device having an actuator configured to move a portion of the peripheral device between a retracted position and an extended position. A first serial bus is configured to connect the peripheral device to other peripheral devices. A controller is operably connected to the actuator and is in signal communication with the first serial bus. A sensor is coupled to the controller via a second serial bus. The controller is configured to activate the actuator in response to information from the sensor to move a portion of the peripheral device from the extended position to the retracted position, and from the retracted position to the extended position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to systems for maritime vessels, and more particularly to systems for controlling peripheral devices on maritime vessels and to such peripheral devices themselves. Background Art

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 9,927,520 discloses a method for detecting a collision of a marine vessel, the method comprising sensing using a distance sensor to determine whether an object is within a predetermined distance of the marine vessel, and determining the direction of the object relative to the marine vessel. The method also includes receiving a propulsion control input at a propulsion control input device, and determining whether execution of the propulsion control input will cause any part of the marine vessel to move toward the object. Then, a collision warning is generated.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 10745091 discloses a marine navigation lamp, which includes a light source and a partition sub-housing that holds the light source. The partition sub-housing has a main frame, which has a first laterally opposite side and a second laterally opposite side; a first side wall and a second side wall, which protrude from the first side and the second side of the main frame respectively; and a first partition surface and a second partition surface, which are respectively located on the first side wall and the second side wall. The first partition surface and the second partition surface are configured to provide actual partitioning of light emitted from the light source outside a specified visible arc. The marine navigation lamp also includes a main housing that holds the partition sub-housing. An illuminator subassembly for a marine navigation lamp, which includes a coloring component having a color in the same color family as the color of light emitted from the illuminator subassembly. The coloring component can be a lens, a filter cover, a printed circuit board (PCB) and / or an indicator (telltale). Summary of the invention

[0004] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a system for a marine vessel, the system comprising a peripheral device having an actuator configured to move a portion of the peripheral device between a retracted position and an extended position. A first serial bus is configured to connect the peripheral device to other peripheral devices. A controller is operably connected to the actuator and communicates signals with the first serial bus. A sensor is coupled to the controller via a second serial bus. The controller is configured to activate the actuator in response to information from the sensor to move a portion of the peripheral device from an extended position to a retracted position, and from a retracted position to an extended position.

[0006] According to another example of the present disclosure, a peripheral device for a marine vessel includes a movable portion that is configured to extend away from or from a fixed portion of the peripheral device and to retract toward or into the fixed portion. An actuator of the peripheral device is configured to extend and retract the movable portion. A controller of the peripheral device is operably connected to the actuator and is configured to actuate the actuator in response to information from a sensor to extend and retract the movable portion of the peripheral device. The controller includes a transceiver for receiving information from the sensor via a serial bus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Examples of the system and its peripherals for use on a marine vessel are described with reference to the following drawings. In all drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same features and the same components.

[0008] Figure 1 An example of a marine vessel according to the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0009] Figure 2 An example of a system for a marine vessel according to the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0010] Figure 3 One example of a controller for controlling an actuator in a peripheral device according to the algorithm of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0011] Figure 4A A light for a marine vessel is illustrated in an extended configuration.

[0012] Figure 4B The light is shown in a retracted configuration.

[0013] Figure 5A A cleat for a marine vessel is illustrated in an extended configuration.

[0014] Figure 5B The cleat is shown in a retracted configuration.

[0015] Fig. 6A A first example of an antenna or light for a marine vessel is illustrated in an extended configuration.

[0016] Figure 6B A first example of an antenna or light is illustrated in a retracted configuration.

[0017] Fig. 7A A second example of an antenna or light for a marine vessel is illustrated in an extended configuration.

[0018] Figure 7B A second example of an antenna or light is illustrated in a retracted configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Figure 1 An example of a marine vessel 10 is illustrated, which generally includes a hull 12 and a hardtop 14 covering a cockpit area 16. Marine vessel propulsion equipment 18 (such as, for example, an outboard motor or engine as shown here) is configured to generate thrust through water to propel the marine vessel 10. The hardtop 14 supports a number of peripherals, including a camera 20, a proximity sensor 22 (such as a radar as shown here), a navigation sensor (such as a global positioning system receiver 24 as shown here), a very high frequency (VHF) antenna 26, and an omnidirectional light 28 supported by a pole 30. Other peripherals on the marine vessel 10 include a skid plate 32 and a navigation light 34 (another one is set on the port side) on the gunwale 36. It should be understood that the marine vessel 10 can be equipped with any or all of these peripherals, and the size, location and / or number of such equipment can vary depending on the marine vessel 10 in question, the owner's preferences and / or government regulations. More details of the peripherals will be provided below.

[0020] Now turn to Figure 2 , a system 38 according to the present disclosure will be described. The system 38 includes a serial bus 40, such as a controller area network ("CAN") bus using the NMEA 2000 ("N2K") protocol, which is a communication standard for marine vessel applications. In one example, the serial bus 40 is a main CAN bus on the marine vessel 10, to which the rudder control module in the cockpit area 16 and the engine / motor control module in the marine vessel propulsion equipment 18 are connected.

[0021] A telematics control module ("TCM") 42 is connected to the serial bus 40. The TCM 42 can relay information from wireless sensors (not shown) located on or near a number of peripheral devices 46, 50, 66a-c to the cloud 44 via any appropriate wireless protocol. A user can access the information from the wireless sensors from the cloud 44. A digital switching module ("DSM") 49 is also linked to the serial bus 40. The DSM 49 receives inputs from a multifunction display ("MFD") or keypad 51 and / or from one or more buttons or switches (not shown) wired to the DSM 49 via the serial bus 40. In response to the inputs, solid-state relays in the DSM 49 are activated or deactivated to control the peripheral devices 46 wired to the DSM 49. Additional sensors (not shown) may also be wired to the DSM 49. Information from the wired sensors is transmitted to the serial bus 40 via the DSM 49. Through the serial bus 40, the sensed information can be relayed to the TCM 42 and from there to the cloud 44. The DSM 49 reduces the need to manually wire each peripheral device (e.g., peripheral device 46) and sensor on the marine vessel 10 to the MFD or keyboard 51 so that a user can control the peripheral device 46 or view information from the sensor. Instead, the DSM 49 can be located remotely from the MFD or keyboard 51 and connected to the MFD or keyboard 51 via the serial bus 40. The DSM 49 is wired to the peripheral device(s) 46 and wired sensor(s), which can be located closer to the DSM 49 than to the MFD or keyboard 51.

[0022] The system 38 also includes at least one peripheral device in which a controller is integrated. Here, two peripheral devices 50, 66a are provided with controllers 54, 70a, respectively. The system 38 also includes an additional serial bus 58 connected to the controllers 54, 70a. In one example, the serial bus 58 can also be a CAN bus using the N2K protocol. The serial bus 58 is linked to the serial bus 40 through a gateway or bridge 60, depending on whether the two serial buses 40, 58 use the same protocol. (Note that some marine vessel components use different versions of the NMEA protocol, and / or the bus 58 can be a LIN bus.) Due to restrictions on the number of nodes on the serial bus 40, and / or to address physical limitations of the marine vessel 10, additional serial buses 58 may be required. In addition, it may be necessary to provide an initially separate serial bus 58 to connect all peripheral devices mentioned below (e.g., lights, skid plates, antennas) as part of the transformation, because at least some of such devices have not been previously connected to the serial bus, but are hard-wired to the helm switch or connected to the DSM 49. Such a retrofitted serial bus 58 can then be connected to the existing serial bus 40 on the marine vessel 10 through the gateway or bridge 60 without disturbing the connection already established therewith. In another example, the serial buses 40 and 58 are a single bus. Note that although only two peripheral devices 50, 66a are shown connected to the serial bus 58, additional peripheral devices may also be connected to the serial bus 58.

[0023] As will be described more fully below, the controller 54, 70a of each peripheral device is configured to control switches in the peripheral device 50, 66a. For example, the peripheral device 50 and / or 66a can be programmed to move in response to weather conditions, geographic location, time of day, ambient lighting conditions, ship speed, and / or sensed proximity of objects outside the marine vessel 10. Such information can be relayed from appropriate sensors via the serial bus (one or more) 40, 58, as will be described below. Such information can additionally or alternatively be information in the cloud 44 collected from previous experiences of other users, and can be transmitted to the peripheral device 50, 66a via the TCM 42 and the serial bus 40, 58. In addition, the controller 54, 70a of the peripheral device can be configured to stage the peripheral device 50, 66a when the system 38 is started. For example, the peripheral controller 54, 70a may be programmed to move the peripheral 50, 66a to a predetermined position, turn the peripheral 50, 66a on or off, or run a series of events to test the functionality of the peripheral when the system 38 is started and / or when a user enters a command.

[0024] In this example, at least one of the peripheral devices 50, 66a (i.e., one or both) is a master peripheral device, and the system 38 also includes at least one slave peripheral device 66b, 66c, which is connected to the master peripheral device 66a via an additional serial bus 62. Here, the additional serial bus 62 is a local interconnect network ("LIN") bus, which is generally less expensive than a CAN bus. The controller 70a in the master peripheral device 66a can be programmed to control the functions of the master peripheral device 66a and / or the functions of the slave peripheral devices 66b, 66c in response to information from other peripheral devices 50 on the serial bus 58, information from sensors described below, and / or information from the cloud 44 (via the TCM 42 and the serial buses 40, 58). Reference will be made to the following. Figure 3 Controller 70a is described more fully. Note that peripheral device 50 may also be linked to slave peripheral devices (not shown), and its controller 54 may act as a master controller. Each master controller 54, 70a may control the slave peripheral devices connected thereto to move in response to weather conditions, geographic location, time of day, ambient lighting conditions, vessel speed, and / or proximity of sensed objects external to the marine vessel 10, and / or for the purpose of staging the marine vessel 10 upon startup or user input command.

[0025] Note that the DSM 49 does not need to be connected to the peripherals 50, 66a with controllers 54, 70a by separate wires. Instead, these "smart" peripherals 50, 66a are activated based on commands from their controllers themselves, signals from the MFD or keyboard 51 via the serial bus 40, 58, signals from each other via the serial bus 58, or a combination of any of these. The DSM 49 may alternatively be used to control peripherals 46 that cannot benefit from "smart" functions (such as horns or windshield washer fluid). The peripherals 50, 66a have a system-independent architecture that ensures compatibility of the peripherals with alternative ship systems, into which OEMs may choose to integrate these devices because each device "plugs and plays" with its own internal controller 54, 70a. Device manufacturers can ensure future compatibility with a given ship system, even when repairs or replacements are required. In addition, because each peripheral 50, 66a performs computing at the edge, if the API network fails on the marine vessel 10, the system 38 can still operate safely. This is not necessarily the case for a central digital switching module only type of arrangement.

[0026] Still reference Figure 2, the peripheral device 66a has an actuator 68a, which is configured to move a portion of the peripheral device 66a between a retracted position and an extended position. The controller 70a is operably connected to the actuator 68a and, as described above, communicates signals with the serial bus 62, which is configured to connect the peripheral device 66a to other peripheral devices 66b, 66c of the same type. In this example, the controller 70a is located on the peripheral device 66a, or in the peripheral device 66a; however, the controller can be separated from the peripheral device 66a, such as in a separate housing or module, and is operably connected to the actuator 68a via the serial bus 58 or 62. At least one sensor (e.g., a navigation sensor 74, a proximity sensor 76, an image sensor 78, and / or a boat speed sensor 80) is coupled to the controller 70a via another serial bus. In the example shown, the sensors 74, 76, 78, 80 are coupled to the controller 70a via the serial bus 58, the gateway or bridge 60, and the serial bus 40. In other examples, the sensors 74, 76, 78, 80 are connected to the same bus 58 as the peripheral devices 50, 66a. In other examples, some of the sensors 74, 76, 78, 80 are connected to the bus 58, while others are connected to the serial bus 40.

[0027] In the example shown, the peripheral devices 66b, 66c are of the same type as the peripheral device 66a (e.g., all of the peripheral devices 66a-c are lights), and each includes an actuator 68b, 68c coupled to the controller 70a via the serial bus 62. Thus, the controller 70a acts as a master controller and controls the actuators 68a, 68b, 68c of all of the peripheral devices. Meanwhile, the peripheral device 50 may be of a different type than the peripheral devices 66a-c (e.g., a skid plate), and its controller 54 may control its actuator 52 and actuators in other skid plates on the marine vessel 10, to which its controller 54 is connected via another serial bus (not shown).

[0028] The navigation sensor 74 may be any type of navigation sensor capable of determining the global position of the marine vessel 10 in latitude and longitude, optionally in addition to the vessel's heading, pitch, roll and yaw. Figure 124 in. In other examples, the navigation sensor 74 can be, but is not limited to, any type of GNSS device, differential GPS, GPS equipped with an inertial measurement unit (IMU), attitude and heading reference system (AHRS), or GPS-aided inertial navigation system. Such devices are well known in the art and therefore will not be further described herein. An example of a navigation sensor 74 that works for this purpose is part number 8M0105389GPS / IMUKIT provided by Mercury Marine of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

[0029] The proximity sensor 76 may be any type of proximity sensor suitable for determining the proximity of an external object relative to the marine vessel 10. For example, the proximity sensor 76 may be a Figure 1 22 in . In other examples, the proximity sensor 76 may be a sonar, laser, lidar, ultrasonic or infrared sensor. Such devices are well known in the art and will therefore not be described further herein. An example of a radar unit that works for this purpose is the Quantum 2 provided by Raymarine of Fareham, United Kingdom. Although as will become apparent below, positioning the proximity sensor 76 on the hardtop 14 of the vessel 10 will have particular advantages, the proximity sensor 76 may be located at any position on the vessel 10 suitable for sensing objects outside the vessel 10. Multiple proximity sensors of the same or different types may be provided at different positions on the vessel 10 so as to sense objects in front, above, to the side and behind the vessel 10.

[0030] The image sensor 78 is any image sensor capable of detecting objects external to the marine vessel 10, and therefore may also be placed on the hardtop 14 or at the bow of the marine vessel 10. The image sensor 78 may be a charge coupled device (CCD) or an active pixel sensor (CMOS), and may be part of an infrared or near infrared camera. In another example, the image sensor 78 is a microbolometer image sensor as part of a thermal night vision camera. A camera (e.g., Figure 1 The camera 20 may be pivotable and / or rotatable to focus on an external object of interest. Examples of cameras having image sensors that work for this purpose are the M364C and M364-LR provided by Flir Systems of Wilsonville, Oregon.

[0031] The ship speed sensor 80 is any sensor capable of determining the speed of the marine vessel 10. The ship speed sensor 80 may be a pitot tube sensor, a paddle wheel sensor, an ultrasonic speed sensor, or an electromagnetic speed sensor. In another example, various readings of the time-varying geographic location from the navigation sensor 74 may be used to calculate the speed of the marine vessel over the ground. This calculation may be done in the navigation sensor 74 itself or by an external controller. An example of a ship speed sensor 80 that works for this purpose is part number 31-606-6-01 provided by Airmar of Milford, New Hampshire.

[0032] Through research and development, the inventors have recognized that providing built-in controllers for at least some of the peripheral devices on the marine vessel 10 allows the peripheral devices to provide advanced functionality that has heretofore not been possible with marine vessel peripheral devices. In addition, the inventors have recognized that providing the controllers of such peripheral devices with information from one or more of the various sensors can be beneficial because it allows for the automation of advanced functionality of such peripheral devices. For example, referring to Figure 2 , the controller 70a in the peripheral device 66a is configured to actuate the actuator 68a in response to information from the sensor(s) 74, 76, 78 and / or 80 to move a portion of the peripheral device 66a from the extended position to the retracted position, and from the retracted position to the extended position. In the examples described below with reference to FIGS. 4-7 , the peripheral device is an antenna, a light, a skid plate, or a camera, although other peripheral devices may be actuated in a similar manner as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0033] Figure 4A and Figure 4B An example is shown in which the peripheral device 66a is a light 86. For example, the light 86 may be a navigation light (e.g., a red or green light intended to indicate a particular side of the marine vessel 10, such as Figure 1 34 shown in FIG. 1 ). In another example, the light 86 is an omnidirectional light, a mast light, or a stern light. The light 86 includes a fixed portion 88 and a movable portion 90. The fixed portion 88 can be a housing recessed into the side 36, hardtop 14, or other surface of the marine vessel 10. The movable portion 90 can be the illuminator portion of the light 86, such as a light engine, lens, filter, and any components that support or house them. In an example where the light 86 is a side light, the movable portion 90 is substantially similar to the device described in U.S. Patent No. 10,745,091, which is incorporated herein by reference. Figure 4B As shown in FIG. 1 , the fixed housing 88 has a recess 92 into which the movable portion 90 can be retracted. Figure 4A As shown in , from the retracted position, the movable part 90 can be extended from the fixed part 88. Such retraction and extension of the movable part 90 is provided by the actuator 68a, which can be an electric motor (stepper motor or servo motor), an electromechanical actuator, a pneumatic actuator or a hydraulic actuator, and depending on whether the movable part 90 is designed to move directly up and down relative to the fixed part 88 or to pivot / rotate into and out of the fixed part 88, the actuator 68a can be linear or rotary. If the actuator 68a is an electric motor or an electromechanical actuator, its current and voltage are directly controlled by the controller 70a. If the actuator 68a is a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator, the controller 70a controls the opening and closing of the electric valve to regulate the air or fluid in the actuator 68a.

[0034] The controller 70a may be configured to actuate the actuator 68a in response to a number of different inputs to extend or retract the movable portion 90 of the light 86. As described above, one of those inputs may be information from one of the sensors 74, 76, 78, 80 via the serial bus(es) 40 and / or 58. For example, the navigation sensor 74 may provide information about the time of day to the controller 70a, which may be configured to extend the movable portion 90 from the housing 88 as dusk approaches, and retract the movable portion 90 into the fixed portion 88 after sunrise. In other examples, an ambient light sensor is provided in connection with the serial bus 40 and / or 58, or is located on the light 86 and directly connected to the controller 70a, and the controller 70a is configured to extend the movable portion 90 when the ambient lighting conditions are dark, and to retract the movable portion 90 when the ambient light is bright. In some cases, the navigation sensor 74 also provides the geographic location to the controller 70a, which is configured to extend the movable portion 90 if the marine vessel 10 is in the middle of a body of water, or if the marine vessel 10 is anchored outside of a known dock or pier location (except for the requirement that the time of day is between dusk and dawn or the ambient light is low). The controller 70a may determine that the marine vessel 10 is anchored in response to the GPS location of the vessel not changing within a predetermined period of time. In some examples, it may not even be necessary to "turn on" the marine vessel 10 in order for the movable portion 90 to be extended from the housing 88 and turned on, and the controller 70a may be configured to "wake" the system 38 and extend and turn on the movable portion 90 of the light 86 in response to the marine vessel 10 being stationary for more than a predetermined period of time when dusk is approaching or in low ambient light. This can help the shipowner automatically comply with lighting regulations even when the shipowner is not on the marine vessel 10.

[0035] The controller 70a may be configured to turn on the light 86 whenever the movable portion 90 of the light 86 is extended from the fixed portion 88 ( Figure 4A), and whenever the movable portion 90 of the lamp 86 is retracted into the recess 92 in the fixed portion 88, the lamp 86 is turned off ( Figure 4B ).

[0036] Likewise Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the light 86 includes a breakaway joint 94 between a movable portion 90 of the light 86 and an actuator 68a. The breakaway joint 94 may be a hinge that allows the movable portion 90 of the light 86 to pivot relative to the fixed portion 88 when a force exceeding a given threshold is applied laterally to the movable portion 90. In another example, the breakaway joint 94 may be a portion of a device between the movable portion 90 and the output shaft 67 of the actuator 68a that is more fragile than the movable portion 90 and the output shaft 67, such that the more fragile breakaway joint 94 will break in place of the less fragile output shaft 67. In yet another example, the breakaway joint 94 may be a ball-and-socket joint in which one of the ball or socket connected to the movable portion 90 is more bendable or breakable than the other of the ball or socket connected to the output shaft 67 of the actuator 68a. In all cases, the breakaway joint 94 is configured so that if the movable portion 90 of the lamp 86 is impacted with a force above a predetermined threshold as dictated by the design of the breakaway joint 94, the movable portion 90 will pivot or partially or completely disengage from the fixed portions of the lamp 86 (such as the fixed portion 88 and the actuator 68a). Thus, if the movable portion 90 is impacted, the portions of the lamp 86 that may be more expensive and more difficult to replace will remain intact. A new movable portion 90 can then be installed on the output shaft 67 of the actuator 68a.

[0037] The touch-sensitive detector 96 may also be arranged to communicate with the controller 70a. The controller 70a may be configured to control the actuator 68a in response to the touch-sensitive detector 96 detecting contact when the actuator 68a is extending the movable portion 90 of the light 86 to retract the movable portion 90 of the light 86. For example, the touch-sensitive detector 96 may include a compressible layered body having a conductor connected to each respective layer. When the body is not compressed, its layers (and therefore the conductors) are not in contact, and the actuator 68a extends the movable portion 90 of the light 86 from the fixed portion 88 according to the input from the controller 70a in response to information from the navigation sensor 74 or the ambient light sensor. However, if an external object contacts one layer, the layer and the conductors thereon are compressed toward the conductors on another layer. In response to the resulting change in current input to the controller 70a, the controller 70a controls the actuator 68a to stop extending the movable portion 90 and reverse the direction to retract the movable portion 90. In this way, if an obstruction is present, the movable portion 90 will not fully extend, thereby protecting the lamp 86 from damage and, if contact is made with a person, protecting the person from injury. Other known touch-sensitive sensors (such as those on vehicle automatic windows) may be used, including "non-contact" capacitive sensors having layered or coaxial conductive elements separated by non-conductive layers.

[0038] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Another example is shown in which the peripheral device 66a is an anti-skid plate 186. The anti-skid plate 186 has a movable portion 190 that extends and retracts from a recess 192 in a fixed portion 188 that is configured to be mounted in the side 36 of the marine vessel 10. The actuator 168a is coupled to the movable portion 190 by a breakaway joint 194. Note that the breakaway joint 194 is particularly useful in the anti-skid plate 186 because if the marine vessel 10 accelerates away from a mooring while the anti-skid plate 186 is still attached to the mooring by a rope, the rope pulls the movable portion 190 of the anti-skid plate 186 away from its fixed portion 188, rather than pulling the entire device out of the side 36. A touch-sensitive detector 196 is located at the top end of the movable portion 190. The functions of the actuator 168a, the breakaway joint 194, the movable portion 190, and the touch-sensitive detector 196 are all substantially similar to those of the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4A and Figure 4B The corresponding components in lamp 86 are shown in FIG. 8 and will not be described again.

[0039] The controller 170a is configured to activate the actuator 168a in response to information from the sensor to move the movable portion 190 of the anti-skid plate 186 from Figure 5A Move to the extended position shown in Figure 5B, and moves from the retracted position to the extended position. In one example, the sensor is a navigation sensor 74, and the controller 170a is configured to activate the actuator 168a to extend the movable portion 190 of the anti-skid plate 186 in response to the navigation sensor 74 sensing that the marine vessel 10 is in a dock or docked location. For example, if the current geographic location of the marine vessel is within a threshold distance of a known geographic location of the dock / pier or within a given geo-fenced area, the controller 170a may activate the actuator 168a to raise the anti-skid plate 168, wherein the given geo-fenced area may be stored in the controller 170a, in the MFD, or in a chart plotter connected to the serial bus 40 or 58. The controller 170a may also require that the navigation sensor 74 previously reported that the marine vessel 10 was in open water before reaching the geographic area of ​​the dock / marina, and / or that the marine vessel 10 has been in the area of ​​the dock / marina for more than a predetermined period of time (e.g., two minutes) before activating the actuator 168a to extend the movable portion 190 of the anti-skid plate 186. In another example, the sensor is a ship speed sensor 80, and the controller 170a is configured to activate the actuator 168a in response to the ship speed sensor 80 sensing that the speed of the marine vessel 10 is above a predetermined threshold speed to retract the movable portion 190 of the anti-skid plate 186 into the recess 192 in the fixed portion 188 (see Figure 5B ). For example, the threshold speed may be 10 mph. When the marine vessel 10 is operating at such a speed, it is assumed that the operator does not intend to dock the marine vessel 10 immediately, and therefore the anti-skid plate 186 is not needed.

[0040] In some examples, the cleat 186 includes a light 198. In this example, the light 198 is shown on the underside of the movable portion 190 of the cleat 186 to provide light in the area where the rower will wrap the line; however, the light can be located on the top of the movable portion 190, on the top and bottom of the movable portion 190, or on the side thereof. The controller 170a can be configured to turn on the light 198 ( Figure 5A ), and turns off the light 198 whenever the movable portion 190 of the anti-skid plate 186 is retracted into the recess 192 in the fixed portion 188 ( Figure 5B). In other examples, the controller 170a may use information about the time of day from the navigation sensor 74 or ambient light readings from the ambient light sensor to determine whether the light 198 should be on or off, assuming that the movable portion 190 of the anti-skid plate 186 is extended from the fixed portion 188 when such a determination is made. In other examples, the controller 170a may be configured to change the color of the light 198, or turn one or more lights / light engines in the light 198 on or off, based on the geographic location of the marine vessel 10 as determined by the navigation sensor 74. For example, if the marine vessel 10 is in open water, the controller 170a may be configured to control the light 198 to any color other than red or green for navigation indication. When the marine vessel 10 is in the geographic location of a dock or a shipyard, the controller 170a may be configured to control the light 198 to any color including red or green. Similar to existing lighted cup holders, this can provide visual interest to people on the marine vessel 10.

[0041] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B An example is shown in which the peripheral device 66a is an antenna, mast light, or omnidirectional light 286, which are peripheral devices typically mounted on a hardtop 14 or other elevated surface (drawbridge, boat roof, etc.). The antenna / light 286 includes a movable portion that is comprised of telescopic movable portions 290a, 290b, and 290c. In the example in which the peripheral device is an antenna, the movable portions 290a-c are the antennas themselves. Although the details are not shown here, if the peripheral device is an omnidirectional light, the movable portions 290a-c are support poles and the light may be mounted at the top of the uppermost movable portion 290a. The actuator 268a is coupled to the movable portions 290a-c by a breakaway joint 294. The actuator 268a may be above relative to the movable portion 290a. Figure 4A and Figure 4B Any of the actuators described herein. However, in this example, the actuator 268a may specifically be a telescopic linear actuator, such as a rigid belt or chain actuator. The breakaway joint 294 and touch-sensitive detector 296 at the top of the uppermost movable portion 290a function substantially similarly to the corresponding parts described above herein and will not be described again.

[0042] The controller 270a is configured to actuate the actuator 268a in response to information from the sensor to move the telescopically movable portions 290a-c of the antenna / light 286 from the extended position ( Fig. 6A ) moves to the retracted position ( Figure 6B), and moves from the retracted position to the extended position. In one example, the sensor is a proximity sensor 76, and the controller 270a is configured to actuate the actuator 268a to retract the movable portions 290a-c of the antenna / light 286 in response to the proximity sensor 76 sensing an obstacle in front of and above the marine vessel 10. In another example, the sensor is an image sensor 78, and the controller 270a is configured to actuate the actuator 268a to retract the movable portions 290a-c of the antenna / light 286 in response to the image sensor 78 sensing an obstacle in front of and above the marine vessel 10. In yet another example, the sensor is a navigation sensor 74, and the controller 270a is configured to actuate the actuator 268a to retract the movable portion 290a-c of the antenna / light 286 in response to the navigation sensor 74 sensing that the marine vessel 10 is in a geographic location of a low overhead obstacle (as indicated by, for example, a geo-fence), which geographic locations may be stored in the controller 170a, in the MFD, or in a chart plotter connected to the serial bus 40 or 58. Thus, the antenna / light 286 may be lowered before the marine vessel 10 passes under an overhead obstacle that may otherwise contact and damage the antenna / light 286 due to its height and position on the hardtop 14 or other elevated surface of the marine vessel 10. It is worth noting that some VHF antennas may be as high as 18 feet, although even a more typical 8 foot antenna may be susceptible to damage if on an elevated portion of the marine vessel 10.

[0043] Note that although Figure 6B The example in shows that the movable portions 290a and 290b are retracted into the portion 290c of the antenna / light 286, but in another example, the portion 290c may also be retracted into the recess 292 in the fixed portion 288 of the antenna / light 286, which may be mounted on or in the hard top 14 or other surface of the vessel 10.

[0044] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Another example is shown in which the peripheral device 66a is an antenna or light 386. However, in this example, the antenna / light 386 is retractable by pivoting its movable portion 390 relative to its fixed portion 388. If the peripheral device is an antenna, the movable portion 390 may be the antenna itself. If the peripheral device is an omnidirectional light, the movable portion 390 may be a pole on which the light is mounted. The functions of the touch-sensitive detector 396, breakaway joint 394, actuator 368a and controller 370a are all substantially the same as described above with respect to their corresponding parts, although the actuator 368a may specifically be a rotary actuator suitable for providing the mentioned pivoting movement. With respect to the actions taken by the controller 370a in response to information from the sensors 74, 76, 78 on the marine vessel 10, the controller 370a may be configured to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The same as controller 270a.

[0045] In yet another example, the peripheral device is a camera 20. The camera 20 may be a Figure 4A and Figure 4B The recess 92 in the fixing portion 88 shown in FIG. 8 is retractable, or may be located in a manner such as Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Fig. 7A , Figure 7B , 390. In such embodiments, the sensor may be a navigation sensor 74 (such as a GPS receiver 24). When the navigation sensor 74 senses that the sea vessel 10 is in the geographic location of a dock or a shipyard, the camera 20 may extend from the recess 92 and open, and then be used as part of an automatic docking strategy or a similar automated or partially automated maneuvering strategy. The camera 20 may be automatically closed and retracted in response to the navigation sensor 74 determining that the sea vessel 10 is no longer close to the dock. Similarly, when the peripheral device is a camera 20, the sensor may be a sensor inside the joystick. In response to actuation of the joystick, the camera 20 may extend from the recess 92 and open, and then be used as part of a semi-automated maneuvering strategy that prevents the sea vessel 10 from colliding with other ships or docks. The camera 20 may be automatically closed and retracted in response to the sensor determining that the joystick has not been manipulated within a predetermined time period.

[0046] Notice, Figure 1 The camera 20 shown in Figure 4A and Figure 4B The lamp 86 shown in Figure 5A and Figure 5B The skid plate 186 shown in FIG. Figures 6A-7B The lights or antennas 286, 386 shown in each embodiment include a controller. In some examples, each controller 70a, 170a, 270a, 370a is configured to control the movable portion of an additional peripheral device of the same type by communicating signals via a serial bus. Figure 2 , the controller in each of the camera 20, light 86, skid plate 186, and antenna / light 286, 386 can act as a master controller that controls other peripheral devices of the same type via the serial bus 62. That is, if Figure 4A and Figure 4B If the controller 70a in the lamp 86 determines that the movable portion 90 of the lamp 86 should be extended and turned on based on any of the above-mentioned criteria (e.g., the ambient lighting conditions), the controller 70a may command the actuators 68b, 68c in other peripheral devices 66b, 66c (i.e., in other lamps) to also extend and turn on. Figure 5A and Figure 5BThe same is true for the anti-skid plate 186, which may have a main controller 170a that controls actuators in many other anti-skid plates, and Fig. 6A and Figure 6B or Fig. 7A and Figure 7B The antenna or light 286, 386 of the marine vessel 10 may have a main controller 270a, 370a that controls the actuators in many other antennas or lights, respectively. In other examples, each camera, light, skid plate, or antenna on the marine vessel 10 is provided with its own controller 70a that activates the actuator 68a in response to information provided to it via the serial bus 40 and / or 58.

[0047] In other examples, the camera 20, light 86, light 286, light 386, skid plate 186, and antenna 286, antenna 386 may be extendable and retractable in response to operator input. For example, the operator may utilize an MFD or keyboard 51, a remote control, an application on a smart device, or other input device, which may be coupled to one of the serial buses 40, 58, or which may communicate wirelessly with the controller 70a. The controller 70a may be configured to actuate the actuator 68a in response to such operator input to extend or retract the movable portion of the peripheral device.

[0048] In other examples, the camera 20, light 86, light 286, light 386, skid plate 186, and antenna 286, antenna 386 may be extendable and retractable in response to information from the cloud 44 retrieved via the TCM 42. For example, weather data for a geographic area may be used to determine whether the light should be extended and turned on. Crowd-sourced information from other boaters about areas with low overhead obstacles may be used to create a geo-fence in which the antenna or light needs to be retracted to avoid damage to it. In addition, the boater may be able to use the MFD or keyboard 51 or "smart" device application to enter this type of data for retrieval and use by other boaters. For example, a user may choose to mark the location of a low overhead obstacle for later retrieval by a controller controlling an antenna or omnidirectional light, or a user may choose to mark the location of a private dock for later retrieval by a controller controlling a skid plate. These locations may be stored in the storage system of the controller, in the cloud 44, or in the memory of the MFD.

[0049] In each of the above examples, the controller 70a, 170a, 270a, 370a may require that the peripheral device 66a be retracted before the actuator 68a, 168a, 268a, 368a is activated to extend the movable portion of the peripheral device 66a. Similarly, the controller 70a, 170a, 270a, 370a may require that the peripheral device 66a be extended before the actuator 68a, 168a, 268a, 368a is activated to retract the movable portion of the peripheral device 66a. For example, the controller 70a, 170a, 270a, 370a may store its previous actuation direction in its memory system, or may be programmed to read the state of a switch therein. In other examples, the controller 70a, 170a, 270a, 370a will actuate the actuator 68a, 168a, 268a, 368a to extend or retract the movable portion 90, 190, 290, 390 in response to information from the above-mentioned sensors, in response to information from the cloud 44, and / or in response to operator input regardless of the extended or retracted state of the peripheral device, in which case a limit switch is used to prevent the actuator 68a, 168a, 268a, 368a from further movement in one direction or the other.

[0050] Thus, the present disclosure contemplates a peripheral device 66a for a marine vessel, such as a camera 20, a light 86, a light 286, a light 386, a skid plate 186, or an antenna 286, an antenna 386, that includes a movable portion 90, 190, 290a-c, 390 configured to extend away from or from its fixed portion 88, 188, 288, 388 and to retract toward or into the fixed portion 88, 188, 288, 388. The peripheral device includes an actuator 68a, 168a, 268a, 368a configured to extend and retract the movable portion 90, 190, 290a-c, 390. The peripheral device includes a controller 70a, 170a, 270a, 370a, which is operably connected to the actuator 68a, 168a, 268a, 368a and is configured to activate the actuator 68a, 168a, 268a, 368a in response to information from a sensor (such as a navigation sensor 74, a proximity sensor 76, an image sensor 78, a boat speed sensor 80, or an ambient light sensor); in response to information from the cloud 44; and / or in response to operator input to extend and retract the movable portion 90, 190, 290a-c, 390 of the peripheral device.

[0051] Reference now Figure 3, the controller 70a, 170a, 270a, 370a includes at least one transceiver for receiving information from the sensors 74, 76, 78, 80 via the serial bus 40 and / or 58. For example, also briefly referring to Figure 2 , the controller 70a, 170a, 270a, 370a has a bus interface 402, which is a CAN transceiver for communicating with the CAN serial bus 58. If the controller 70a, 170a, 270a, 370a acts as a master controller to control actuators 68b, 68c in other peripheral devices 66b, 66c of the same type, the controller 70a, 170a, 270a, 370a also includes a second bus interface 404, which is a LIN transceiver for communicating with the LIN serial bus 62.

[0052] Controllers 70a, 170a, 270a, 370a also include a processing system 406 and a storage system 408. Processing system 406 includes one or more processors, each of which can be a microprocessor, a general-purpose central processing unit, a special-purpose processor, a microcontroller, or any other type of logic-based device. Processing system 406 may also include circuits for retrieving and executing software from storage system 408. Processing system 406 may be implemented with a single processing device, but may also be distributed on multiple processing devices or subsystems that cooperate to execute program instructions. Storage system 408 may include any storage medium or a group of storage media that can be read by processing system 406 and can store software. Storage system 408 may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, program modules including such instructions, data structures, etc.). Storage system 408 may be implemented as a single storage device, but may also be implemented on multiple storage devices or subsystems. Examples of storage media include random access memory, read-only memory, optical disks, flash memory, virtual memory and non-virtual memory, or any other medium that can be used to store the required information and can be accessed by the instruction execution system, and any combination of variations thereof. The storage medium can be locally housed with the processing system 406, or can be distributed, such as distributed on one or more network servers, such as in cloud computing applications and systems. In some embodiments, the storage medium is a non-transitory storage medium. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the storage medium can be temporary.

[0053] The controller 70a, 170a, 270a, 370a also includes an input / output interface 410 that communicates information and commands to and from the processing system 406. In response to the processing system 406 executing instructions stored in the device movement module 412, the processing system 406 relays the commands to the actuators 68a, 168a, 268a, 368a via the I / O interface 410, which control the movement of the movable portion 90, 190, 290a-c, 390 relative to the fixed portion 88, 188, 288, 388. Other input and / or output devices may also be connected to the I / O interface 410, and the examples shown and discussed herein are not limiting. The controllers 70a, 170a, 270a, 370a also include the above-mentioned transceiver / bus interface 402, through which the controllers 70a, 170a, 270a, 370a communicate signals with the bus 58, and through which the controllers 70a, 170a, 270a, 370a can provide information from sensors 74, 76, 78, 80 and any operator input devices connected to the serial bus (one or more) 40 or 58.

[0054] The device movement module 412 is a set of software instructions that are executable to move the movable portion 90, 190, 290a-c, 390 relative to the fixed portion 88, 188, 288, 388. The device movement module 412 can be a set of software instructions that are stored in the storage system 408 and executable by the processing system 406 to operate as described herein to move the movable portion 90, 190, 290a-c, 390 in response to information (such as time of day, ambient light, geographic location, overhead obstacles, and / or vessel speed) as described above. Figure 2 As described, information may be determined from various sensors 74, 76, 78, 80 on the marine vessel 10, which may communicate with the controller 70a, 170a, 270a, 370a via the serial bus(es) 40 and / or 58 and the bus interface 402. In another example, the controller 70a, 170a, 270a, 370a includes a wireless transceiver (not shown) capable of two-way wireless communication, and the sensors and devices communicate wirelessly with the controller 70a, 170a, 270a, 370a. Exemplary wireless protocols that may be used for this purpose include, but are not limited to, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ANT, and ZigBee.

[0055] It is known to those of ordinary skill in the art that information from navigation sensors and ship speed sensors are typically already readily available on many marine vessels, and such sensors are already connected to the main NMEA backbone to provide information to the MFD and engine / motor control units. In addition, more and more marine vessels are equipped with proximity sensors and / or cameras, which are also connected to the main NMEA backbone and provide information for manipulating the marine vessel 10, including according to autonomous or semi-autonomous docking algorithms. Therefore, such existing sensors can be used to provide information to the above-mentioned peripheral devices on the marine vessel 10 in order to enhance their functionality, ensure that the ship complies with local regulations, and / or enhance the aesthetics of the ship itself. The peripheral devices themselves do not require sensors to obtain such information, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and consumer costs. At the same time, further reductions in complexity and cost can be achieved by using a peripheral device with a main controller to control actuators in other peripheral devices of the same type.

Claims

1. A system for a marine vessel, the system comprising: a peripheral device having a fixed portion and a movable portion, and including an actuator located on or in the fixed portion, the actuator being configured to move the movable portion between a retracted position and an extended position; a first serial bus configured to connect the peripheral device to other peripheral devices; a controller located on or in the fixed portion of the peripheral device, operatively connected to the actuator and in signal communication with the first serial bus; a sensor coupled to the controller via a second serial bus; and a breakaway joint disposed between the movable portion of the peripheral device on one side of the breakaway joint and the actuator and the controller on another side of the breakaway joint; wherein the controller is configured to activate the actuator in response to information from the sensor to move the movable portion of the peripheral device from the extended position to the retracted position and from the retracted position to the extended position; and Wherein the breakaway joint is configured such that if a force exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied to the movable portion of the peripheral device, the movable portion of the peripheral device will pivot or partially or completely disengage from the actuator and the controller.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising another peripheral device of the same type and comprising an actuator coupled to the controller via the first serial bus, wherein the controller acts as a master controller and controls the actuators of both peripheral devices.

3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral device includes a touch-sensitive detector that communicates with the controller, and wherein when the actuator is extending the movable part of the peripheral device, the controller is configured to control the actuator in response to the touch-sensitive detector detecting contact to retract the movable part of the peripheral device.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is an antenna, a light, a skid plate, or a camera.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is an anti-skid plate, and the anti-skid plate includes a light.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a navigation sensor, a proximity sensor, an image sensor, or a boat speed sensor.

7. A system according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is an antenna, a masthead light or an omnidirectional light, and the sensor is a proximity sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to activate the actuator to retract the movable part of the antenna, the masthead light or the omnidirectional light in response to the proximity sensor sensing an obstacle in front of and above the vessel.

8. A system according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is an antenna, a masthead light or an omnidirectional light, and the sensor is a navigation sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to activate the actuator to retract the movable part of the antenna, the masthead light or the omnidirectional light in response to the navigation sensor sensing that the marine vessel is in a geographical location with low overhead obstacles.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is an anti-skid plate, and the sensor is a navigation sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to activate the actuator to extend the movable portion of the anti-skid plate in response to the navigation sensor sensing that the marine vessel is in a geographical location of a pier or dock.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral device is an anti-skid plate and the sensor is a vessel speed sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to activate the actuator to retract the movable portion of the anti-skid plate in response to the vessel speed sensor sensing a speed of the marine vessel above a predetermined threshold speed.

11. A peripheral device for a marine vessel, the peripheral device comprising: a movable portion configured to extend away from or from a fixed portion of the peripheral device and to retract toward or into the fixed portion; an actuator located on or in the fixed portion and configured to extend and retract the movable portion; a controller located on or in the fixed portion, operably connected to the actuator, and configured to activate the actuator in response to information from the sensor to extend and retract the movable portion of the peripheral device; and a breakaway joint between the movable portion of the peripheral device on one side of the breakaway joint and the actuator and the controller on the other side of the breakaway joint; wherein the controller comprises a transceiver for receiving information from the sensor via a serial bus; and Wherein the breakaway joint is configured such that if a force exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied to the movable portion of the peripheral device, the movable portion of the peripheral device will pivot or partially or completely disengage from the actuator and the controller.

12. The peripheral device of claim 11, further comprising a touch-sensitive detector in communication with the controller, wherein when the actuator is extending the movable portion of the peripheral device, the controller is configured to control the actuator in response to the touch-sensitive detector detecting contact to retract the movable portion of the peripheral device.

13. The peripheral device of claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to control a plurality of movable portions of a plurality of additional peripheral devices.

14. A peripheral device according to claim 11, wherein the peripheral device is an antenna, a masthead light or an omnidirectional light, and the sensor is a proximity sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to activate the actuator to retract the movable part of the antenna, the masthead light or the omnidirectional light in response to the proximity sensor sensing an obstacle in front of and above the vessel.

15. A peripheral device according to claim 11, wherein the peripheral device is an antenna, a masthead light or an omnidirectional light, and the sensor is a navigation sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to activate the actuator to retract the movable part of the antenna, the masthead light or the omnidirectional light in response to the navigation sensor sensing that the sea vessel is in a geographical location with low overhead obstacles.

16. A peripheral device according to claim 11, wherein the peripheral device is an anti-skid plate, and the sensor is a navigation sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to activate the actuator to raise the movable part of the anti-skid plate in response to the navigation sensor sensing that the marine vessel is in a geographical location of a pier or dock.

17. A peripheral device according to claim 11, wherein the peripheral device is an anti-skid plate, and the sensor is a ship speed sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to activate the actuator to retract the movable portion of the anti-skid plate in response to the ship speed sensor sensing a speed of the marine vessel above a predetermined threshold speed.

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