Vessel and fleet of vessels

Abstract

Disclosed are a watercraft, in particular a board, and a fleet of watercraft, wherein a central on-board computer of the watercraft is designed with an IoT board that is configured to send sensor signals from a sensor system to a central platform by means of a communication network.

Description

The invention relates to a watercraft, in particular a board, having an electric drive and a fleet of such watercraft.Such boards, also called jet boards or power boards, can be used in the manner of a surfboard and then allow the user to travel in a sliding manner with minimal force exertion. Alternatively, the boards can also be designed in such a way that the user determines the propulsion via a propulsion tool, in particular a paddle, a belt or skull, wherein this muscle-powered propulsion is supported by the propulsion of the board / watercraft in the manner of a pedelec.JP 2003 026085 A discloses a watercraft in which a water jet propulsion system is designed with an internal combustion engine. This drive is accommodated in a solid carrier which is inserted into a floating body designed in the manner of a inflatable boat. Such a watercraft has a considerable weight and can in principle only be brought to water with the aid of a trailer or skid cart.To eliminate this disadvantage, solutions are known in which the actual board is produced in multiple parts from different modules, which are relatively simple to mount, an electric jet drive being used instead of an internal combustion engine. Such a concept is disclosed, for example, in WO 2021 / 190 941 A1. The jet drive is accommodated in a rear module, to which different nose modules can be attached for different areas of application, so that a modular hardboard concept is thereby created.WO 2019 / 122 225 A1 proposes a surfboard in which a jet drive arranged on a carrier is interchangeably inserted into a one-piece fuselage.In the publications WO 2019 / 122 321 A1 and EP 3 277 574 B1, jet boards are disclosed in which the jet drive is accommodated in an inflatable fuselage component. Although such jet boards are distinguished by a minimum weight, it is disadvantageous that the inflatable structure, which is designed, for example, as a drop-stitching component, is less torsionally rigid than a hard board and precise control by weight displacement is thus made more difficult.U.S. Pat. No. 2019,168,851 A1 describes a surfboard in which a battery unit and a jet drive are arranged lying one above the other in a board body.The document WO 2023 / 094 668 A1 discloses a watercraft with a replaceable drive unit which is designed, for example, as a jet drive, wherein the energy supply takes place via a battery module. The electric drive is designed with an identification device via which data of the watercraft accommodating the drive can be read, so that data compatibility between the drive and watercraft is ensured.Such watercraft / boards are used in the manner of a surfboard, wherein the drive is controlled in the usual manner via a remote control which is held by the user and which is in a radio or cable connection with a control unit of the drive.As explained above, the propulsion can also be effected via a propulsion tool, in particular a paddle or the like, and can optionally be supported by the drive of the board, in particular by the water jet drive.Such a concept is described, for example, in US 2011 / 212 691 A1. In this case, a remote control is fastened to the paddle of an eSUP, by means of which remote control the drive of the board can be controlled. The remote control can be designed such that a thrust support is provided, so that the board is moved once over the paddle and additionally over the thrust support of the drive integrated into the board. Alternatively or additionally, a change in the direction of travel or stabilization of the direction of travel can also be effected by appropriate actuation of the remote control. Accordingly, the remote control is in data connection with the control unit of the board drive.US 2012 / 0126972 A1 discloses a similar solution in which the remote control is integrated into a glove.In an eSUP described in U.S. Pat. No. 2018, 0175052A1, the board drive is driven via a type of smart watch which is fastened to the wrist of the user.The document DE 10 2021 131 067 A1 relates to an eSUP which is designed with an adjustable rudder blade (fin) which is adjustable as a function of the signal of a sensor unit. According to the technical teaching of DE 10 2021 131 067 A1, this sensor unit can be designed such that a rotation, in particular tilting and / or a rolling movement of the board about an axis is detected and then, as a function of this movement, the rudder blade is adjusted such that the driving stability of the board is improved. In one exemplary embodiment, the sensor system is designed with an acceleration sensor integrated into a blade of a paddle of the eSUP, by means of which the force exertion during the paddleing can be detected.A similar solution is described in WO 2020 / 048 566 A1, in which an acceleration sensor or a sensor detecting the pressure force is arranged in a blade of a paddle or rudder, by means of which sensor the muscle force exerted on the paddle can be indirectly detected. Depending on the signal of this sensor, a drive integrated into the board is then controlled, so that the drive power of the drive is effected depending on the acceleration of the paddle and / or the detected pressure force on the paddle.WO 2020 / 043 958 A1 relates to a method for rental vehicles, wherein, after the rental period has elapsed, an extension of the period of use is made possible by the rental person entering a code, this code being provided on request from the rental person. The code can be input via a terminal, an app or the like.EP 3 905 183 A2 describes a system for rental of watercraft in which the actual rental process takes place via Owner terminals and user terminals which are connected to a cloud server via the Internet. The respective watercraft are designed with sensors, via which the respective position and a drive function can be detected, wherein the respective signals are in a data connection with the cloud server via a communication module, so that this information can be called up via the Owner terminal.As stated, in all of these systems, the adjustment of the thrust support or the propulsion of the electric drive unit is effected, so to speak, manually via the user, so that incorrect operation cannot be ruled out in the event of unfavourable conditions.In contrast, the object of the invention is to provide a watercraft, in particular a board, and a fleet of such watercraft, in which safe operation is ensured even when used improperly by the user and the user additionally receives optimized information about the driving state.This object is achieved with respect to the watercraft by the features of claim 1 and with respect to the fleet of watercraft by the features of subordinate claim 14.Advantageous further developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.The watercraft according to the invention is in particular embodied as a board, for example a jetboard, eSUP, undernrater-scotcher, eFoil with an electric drive which can be controlled by a user by means of an actuating device. According to the invention, this actuating device is in a data connection with an on-board computer (computing unit) of the watercraft, which is designed with an IoT board which is designed to transmit sensor signals of a sensor system to a central server (central platform) by means of a communication network, for example a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) or a network protocol, and to receive control signals for the drive via the communication network. This makes it possible to actuate the watercraft via the central server independently of the user's input. The sensor system preferably has at least one position detection sensor, in particular a GPS sensor, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) for detecting in particular the driving speed, the acceleration, the position and the orientation of the vehicle, so that the driving state and the driving range can be detected reliably via this sensor system and can thus be accessed via the central server if the detected data exceed predetermined limit values. Identification of the watercraft is facilitated if an identifier is sent to the central platform via the communication network.For the information of the user, a display for displaying sensor signals, control signals, messages, weather data, etc. is provided, which is in a data connection with the IoT board, so that the user is always informed about the current state of the watercraft. The display can be fixedly mounted / integrated on the board or else provided as an external component. It is particularly preferred if the display is designed as augmented reality glasses. In principle, it is also possible to provide both an integrated display and an additional external display, for example the named augmented reality eyeglasses.The integration of the IoT technology into the watercraft on the one hand improves the operational reliability considerably, since a correction intervention via the central server is made possible if the limit values are exceeded. Furthermore, the user experience (user experience) is significantly improved compared to the conventional solutions, since the user is provided with the usage data in real time and individually personalized, wherein interactive access is enabled both by the user and via the central server.It is preferred to implement the display as an ePa display. Such displays are distinguished in that they have a very low power consumption on the one hand and can also be read very well even in the case of solar radiation. In addition, the watertight configuration of such displays is possible with little effort compared to conventional displays used in laptops or the like.In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, the sensor system implemented by the IoT board is designed with a temperature sensor, via which the watercraft, water and / or ambient temperature can be detected.The sensor system is advantageously alternatively or additionally designed with a pressure sensor for detecting the water pressure, so that, for example, the depth of penetration of the board can be detected during surfing.The actuating device actuatable by the user for actuating the electric drive can be designed as a handle which is held by the user or is articulated, for example, via a cable or a cable on the bow of the watercraft.Alternatively, the adjusting device can also be embodied on a propulsion tool, in particular a paddle, so that accordingly the watercraft can be used either as an eSUP or as a surfboard and either the handle or the propulsion tool is used in the process.As stated in a parallel application by the applicant, further sensors for detecting a characteristic variable representing the blade movement can be provided on the blade or on the shank of the propulsion tool, said sensors likewise being in a data connection with the onboard computer, with the result that the thrust support takes place as a function of the signals of these sensors.These signals can also be reported to the central server via the IoT board and the communication network.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the watercraft is designed as a board with an electric water jet drive, to which at least one cross-jet rudder, preferably two x-shaped cross-jet rudders, are assigned to improve maneuverability, which can be controlled both via the actuating device and via the communication network in order to hold the board in a predetermined position or to move it into a desired position.The board can be designed as an inflatable drop-stitute structure, as a hard board or as a hybrid board.The operational safety of the watercraft is further optimized if a BMS (Battery Management System) of a replaceable battery unit is in a data connection with the IoT board, so that the state of charge can be monitored in a simple manner and, if appropriate, can also be accessed centrally via the server in order to avoid complete emptying of the battery unit during use.In a variant of the invention, the watercraft is designed with a life vest for the user, which life vest is designed, for example, with trackers detectable by the communication network, GPS or radio, in particular mobile radio.Operational safety is further improved if limit values or ranges for the geographical position (geo-fence), the driving state, such as speed, acceleration, angular speed, the battery state of charge, etc., are stored in a memory of the on-board computer and / or of the central server, and if such a limit value is exceeded, the drive unit is activated in such a way that the limit range / limit value is complied with again or the watercraft remains in the access area of a rental station or the like. In geo-fencing, the fleet base or center can, for example, record the drivable area on a map, which is displayed, for example, via the display and / or the augmented reality glasses or the like. If the watercraft then approaches a boundary of the driving range, the speed of the watercraft can then first be throttled via the communication network with the central platform and the central station, so that the user is made aware by this external intervention that he approaches a driving range boundary and must turn off. In the event that the user does not react, the watercraft can be stopped or else turned on. This is important for safety reasons (rocks, depths, currents) and regulatory reasons (float zone, ship zone) in order to improve the acceptance of the system according to the invention by users and also by authorities.According to the invention, it is preferred if the sensor system is integrated into the watercraft. In principle, however, it is also possible to provide suitable conventional watercraft (in particular jet boards, power boards) with an external unit in which the sensor system and also the IoT board or a corresponding hardware component is integrated. In this way, it is possible, for example, to integrate watercraft present on a fleet base into the concept according to the invention.The fleet of watercraft according to the invention has a multiplicity of boards of the above-described type, wherein these are in a data connection with the server / the central platform via the common communication network in the manner of an IoT system, such that central fleet management, fleet monitoring is possible and service of the watercraft, for example remote maintenance or a software update (predictive maintenance), can also be controlled centrally. Remote maintenance is preferably carried out by means of over-the-air updates (OTA updates) via the central station.As a result, it is possible, for example, to adapt the maximum speed of each board individually or for all boards of a fleet base or depending on the respective location (country) via the central platform without the need for individual intervention of the fleet base. In this way, it is also possible to react very quickly to changes in the legal regulations for limiting the maximum travel speed.In addition, it is possible to optimize the driving properties or the efficiency of the propulsion of the watercraft by means of this intervention, since, for example, the power curve of the propulsion can be adjusted centrally via the communication network to the respective use and possible wear of the propulsion or a reduction in the battery capacity.In one embodiment of the invention, the communication network and the central platform are designed such that the electronics of the board must be enabled centrally to enable use by a user. Conversely, to prevent undesired use, the electronics of the board can be locked centrally, so that the platform cannot be started. This prevents abuse from the fleet base or after theft of the board.Advantageous refinements of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. The following are shown: FIG. 1 a shows a highly schematic view of a board according to the invention, embodied with IoT technology and embodied as eSUP, or of a fleet of different boards; FIG. 1 bshows a schematic illustration of a board of the fleet according to FIG. 1 provided for surfing; FIG. 2 is a detailed view of an IoT board and a display of a board according to FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the IoT board of FIG. 2 ; FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the loT technology realized in a board according to the invention; FIG. 5 shows a handle for the alternative control of the electric drive of a board according to the invention according to FIG. 1 b, and FIG. 6 shows a variant in which a display is designed as augmented reality glasses.FIG. 1 ashows a schematic representation of a fleet 1 of watercraft 2, 2 a, 2 b, 2 cwhich are in a data connection with a central platform 8 via a communication network 6 in the manner of an IoT system 4, wherein the central platform can be hosted either locally, as a server group or in a cloud (cloud computing platform). This central platform 8 provides a scalable and flexible infrastructure for storing and processing the data explained in more detail below. The network protocols may be wired or wireless, such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, LoRaWA, where data transmission may be continuous or periodic as needed and bandwidth.In the exemplary embodiment shown, the central platform 8 is also in a data connection via the communication network 6 with at least one fleet base 10, which outputs, in particular gives, boards 2 of the fleet 1 to user 12. In the exemplary embodiment shown, only one fleet base 10 is shown-in principle, it is of course also possible for a plurality of fleet bases 10 to be in a data connection with one another via the central platform 8 and the communication network 6.In the exemplary embodiment shown, central management of fleet 1 is provided via a central station 14, which is likewise part of IoT system 4 via communication network 6 and central platform 8.In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 a, the board 2 is designed as an eSUP board 2, in which the user 12 uses a propulsion tool, for example a paddle 16, to move in the water 7. The basic structure of such a board 2 is described in a parallel application of the applicant, so that only the board elements essential for understanding the invention are explained here.Accordingly, the exemplary embodiment of a board 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 is embodied with a board body 18 embodied in the manner of a hardboard, which is surrounded at least in sections by a shock protection 20 made of an inflatable drop-stitch material. The shock protection 20 is connected in a force-fit and / or form-fit manner to the board body 18 made of sandwich material and can be designed with two air chambers 22, 24, indicated by dashed lines, for improving the operational reliability, which can be inflated independently of one another, so that lift is ensured even in the event of a leak in one air chamber 22 or 24.An electric drive unit 26 is arranged in the board body 18, which can be designed as a water jet drive with a radial pump and an outlet-side compressor scroll, via which a water jet 28 is ejected through an outlet / pressure channel 30, so that the board 2 is moved in the direction of its longitudinal axis (direction of travel) with the aid of this water jet drive 26.In order to bring the board 2 into cornering solely with the aid of the electric drive unit 26, in particular during a slow journey of, for example, 20 km / h, two cross-streamer surfaces 32, 34 indicated by dashed lines are preferably provided, which are designed approximately in the shape of an X on the underside (underwater ship) of the board 2 on a cross-streamer-surface console. These two cross-streamer blades 32, 34 are arranged, for example, to push forward and backward in the 45°, 225°, and 315°, 135° directions. In this case, both cross-streamer surfaces 32, 34 can be designed, for example, with an impeller. Such a system is capable of rotating the board 2 approximately on the central axis, moving it forward and backward, or also sliding it sideways parallel to the direction of travel. The thrust force to be applied for this purpose by the drive unit 26 is low during slow travel, so that the maneuvers can be carried out with low energy expenditure without the need for assistance by the user 12.The power supply of the electric drive unit 26 is effected via a battery / accumulator unit 36, which is likewise integrated into the board body 18 and is indicated by dashed lines and is positioned under a cover, so that it can be replaced with little effort. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this battery unit 36 is positioned approximately in the region in which the user 12 is also standing, so that the weight distribution is balanced.In the field of view of the user 12, a display 38 is formed in the board body 18, on which essential data, such as the local position, the travel speed, the remaining battery capacity, etc., can be read.The display 38 is controlled according to the invention via an IoT board 40 of an on-board computer 42 on which the IoT devices / sensors, etc. explained in more detail below are realized. This IoT board 40 is in data connection via the communication network 6 with the central platform 8 and thus also with the central station 14 and the fleet base 10. Such on-board computers 42 are also used in boards 2 / liquors 1 which are not designed as an IoT system 4.The paddle 16 is formed in a manner known per se with a shank 44, to the board-side end section of which a blade 46 is fastened, which blade is set, as is customary in the case of SUP paddles, with respect to the shank 44 toward the bow of the board 2. The shaft 44 can be designed to be adjustable in length for adaptation to the body size of the user 12. At the end portion of the shaft 44 remote from the blade 46, a handle knob 50 is provided, which is engaged around by a hand 52 of the user 12. In the region of this handle knob 50, a positioning device 54 is arranged on the shaft 44, by means of which a direction of travel and a thrust support can be adjusted by means of the electric drive unit 26. This adjusting device 54 is positioned in such a way that it can be operated by the hand 52, in particular by the thumb 56 of the user 12, without releasing the handle knob 50. As explained in the applicant's parallel application, a sensor system, not shown in FIG. 1, is accommodated in the sheet 46, which sensor system can be embodied, for example, with a bending sensor, a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor.The paddle 16 according to the invention is furthermore designed with a communication module 58 which is in a data connection / radio connection 60 with the on-board computer 42 of the electric drive unit 26, such that the control signals generated by means of the actuating device 54 and the sensor system of the blade 46 are detected via the on-board computer 42, such that the electric drive unit 26 is actuated as a function of these control signals.As explained in the parallel application, the bending sensor is integrated into the blade 46 or the shaft 44 in such a way that after the blade 46 has been immersed in the water, the changes in shape caused by the paddling are registered at the repulsion surface and in the interior of the blade 46 and are communicated to the onboard computer 42. Depending on the intensity and direction of the paddle movement, this then converts the degree of deformation into a forward or rearward thrust of the drive unit 26-in this way it is possible to obtain even only a slight thrust support with slight paddles, while with a more intensive paddle a greater thrust support is predefined by the drive unit 26 via the onboard computer 42.By means of the moisture sensor and the temperature sensor, it is possible to reliably detect the dipping of the blade 46 into the water 7, wherein both sensors operate redundantly. Only when both sensors reach a specific signal value at the same time is this evaluated as a confirmation that the paddle is located in the water-only in this case is the evaluation of the signals of the bending sensor and thus the thrust support activated.In principle, the signals detected via the sensor system of the paddle 16 can also be reported directly to the central platform 8 via the communication network 6, with the result that the drive unit 26 or the battery unit 36 is then actuated via the IoT system 4. In principle, however, this control can also be realized in a supporting manner or as a backup for the usual control by means of the onboard computer 42.As explained, the board 2 shown in FIG. 1 ais embodied with the paddle 16 for use as an eSUP. In the case that the board 2 according to FIG. 1 bis to be used in the manner of a surfboard or an eFoil or underwater scooter, no paddle 16 is required. The drive unit 26 and / or the battery unit 36 are then controlled in a manner known per se (see prior art described at the beginning) via handhelds worn by the user 12, for example a smart watch or the like. Alternatively, a handle 62, which is explained in more detail below and can be embodied with a communication module 58' and an adjusting device 54', can also be used in order to actuate the drive unit 26 by appropriate actuation and thus to select the feed and the direction of travel. It is particularly preferred if the handle 62 is fastened to the bow 48 of the board 2 via a cable 64 or a cable, so that the user 12 can be supported on the board 2 via the handle 62 during surfing and thus the driving stability is improved compared to a solution in which the control of the drive unit 26 takes place via a smart watch or the like.The conversion from an eSUP to a surfboard is then effected simply by replacing the paddle 16 with the handle 62, a corresponding input being effected at the onboard computer 42 or else this conversion being detected automatically via the IoT system 4.In principle, it is also possible to carry such a paddle 16 along for the emergency, so that the user 12 can return to the fleet base 10 under its own force in the event of failure of the drive.The handle 62 and the paddle 16 are each formed with a power supply, for example a small battery or the like, which can be rechargeable via the drive unit 26 and the battery unit 36, respectively.FIG. 2 shows an individual illustration of the display 38 with the IoT board 40, which in this exemplary embodiment is directly contacted with the display 38. In a preferred embodiment, this display 38 is designed as an ePa display, which operates in a very energy-efficient manner and only consumes power when the image displayed on the display 38 changes. Good readability is ensured even in the case of bright sunlight, since these ePa displays essentially emit no light in order to display images but reflect the light-similar to true paper. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the display 38 is designed such that, for example, the state of charge of the battery unit 36, the remaining travel time, the date, the time, the GPS position, weather data or other sensor signals can be displayed, so that the user 12 receives an overview of the current travel situation in real time. In principle, it is also possible to display a conversation with further users or the fleet base 10 via the display 38. As explained in the following, the position of further users and / or a virtual regatta route can also be displayed, which can then be followed by the user.In the exemplary embodiment shown, the display 38 is mounted directly on the IoT printed circuit board 40-in principle, however, a structural separation can also be provided, wherein the two elements are contacted with one another via suitable signal and power supply lines, however.FIG. 3 shows the basic structure of the IoT board 40 of the board computer 42 which communicates with the display 38 as shown in FIG. 2. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the IoT board 40 is furthermore designed with a sensor system 66, which in the specific exemplary embodiment has a GPS sensor 68, an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) 70, a temperature sensor 72 and a pressure sensor 74, the signals of which are in a data connection with the central platform 8 via the communication network 6. As stated at the beginning, the communication network 6, i.e. the specific connection to the central platform 8 (server), can be effected via a mobile radio standard, for example GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication). Alternatively, however, the data connection can also be effected by wire or wirelessly via different network protocols (see the above explanations).Such a communication network 6 (in particular GSM) enables a real-time transmission of the captured data to the central platform 8, which receives this data from the sensor system 66 (IoT devices) and stores it in a database or the like. Various operations can then be carried out via the central platform 8, if appropriate, in order to analyze, filter, aggregate, transform or clean these stored data. This data processing can take place in real time or in a delayed manner, wherein the central platform 8 then represents the processed data in a suitable form in order to make it usable for the user 12 or the sensor system 66. Depending on the result of this evaluation, the central platform 8 or the user 12 can then react to the data, preferably visualized, by triggering or adapting actions, which relate to the board 2 or other systems, centrally or by the user 12. In this way, remote diagnosis of the respective boards 2 is made possible and also the playing of software updates etc. is extremely simple, so that optimized performance of the boards 2 is ensured.The GPS sensor 68 makes it possible to track the movement of the board 2 and its geographical position in real time. This allows users 12 to map their routes and, for example, to record the speed and the accelerations. In the event of an emergency, simple localization of the board 2 is also possible if the user 12 is separated from the board 2. As explained at the beginning, the IoT system 4 according to the invention also enables the definition of virtual boundary areas (geo-fencing), in the event of the user 12 exceeding which it contains an indication that it has moved too far from a predetermined area.The board speed, the board orientation and the gravitational forces acting on the board 2 can be detected with great accuracy via the IMU 70, wherein this can be effected, for example, by a combination of acceleration sensors, gyroscopes and magnetometers. Characteristic values for the performance can also be derived for the user 12 from these data, so that the maneuverability (manuvering skils) and the balance of the user 12 can be improved or trained by appropriate evaluation of these data. All these measures contribute to increased safety when using the board 2, wherein unusual movements which lead to a collision or to a fall can be detected in good time by means of the IMU 70.The temperature sensor 72 controlled via the IoT board 40 is positioned in such a way that it can detect the temperature of the environment as well as of the board 2 itself. Accordingly, useful water condition information can be read out from the signals of the sensor 72. Furthermore, overheating of the electronic board components can also be reliably detected and thus avoided on the basis of the temperature sensor 72.The pressure sensor 74 is designed to detect the water pressure around the board 2 so that the immersion depth of the board 2 can be detected, in particular when rolling down or when performing moves-the wave size and the power of the wave can then be detected from these data so that the users 12 (surfers) can better expect their moves.The basic structure of the IoT system 4 implemented in the above-described board 2 or in the fleet 1 is explained once again with reference to FIG. 4. As explained above, in the described exemplary embodiments, each board 2 has a temperature sensor 72, a pressure sensor 74, an IMU 70, which are each designed in the manner of an IoT device. The parameters detected by this sensor system 66, for example the temperature, the pressure and the movement parameters, can be displayed directly on the display 38 or can be transmitted via the communication network 6, for example a GSM (represented in FIG. 4 by a mobile telephone tower 76) to the central platform 8, for example a server. As explained above, this central platform 8 receives the data from the sensor system 66 and the other IoT devices and stores them in a database or a data lake. As explained, this data can then be processed by the central platform 8 in real time, so that corresponding information is displayed on the display 38 as a function of this data or else an intervention in the control of the drive unit 26 takes place, wherein these correspondingly correct or superimpose the control data predefined on the actuating device 54, 54' by the user 12.The position of the board 2 is detected via the GPS sensor 68 and the GPS system or a corresponding satellite navigation system.FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a handle 62, which can be used with a surfboard 2. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this handle 62 has a handle base 78, on which buttons 80, 82 are designed as adjusting device 54', by means of which the drive power of the drive unit 26 and the direction of travel (via the cross-jet rudders 32, 34) can be preselected or controlled. Of course, instead of these buttons 80, 82, other operating elements can also be provided. The hand 52 of the user 12 engages around the handle base 78, so that the push buttons 80, 82 can be actuated by the thumb 56 and one of the fingers. The handle base 78 merges laterally into two side legs 84, 86, the inside width of which is designed corresponding to a hand width. Arranged approximately parallel to the handle base 78 on the two side legs 84, 86 is a transverse leg 88, on which a fastening flange 90 is provided for fixing the handle 62 to a cable 64 (FIG. 1 ) or the like. Also integrated into this handle 62 is a power supply in the form of a rechargeable battery or the like. In the illustrated embodiment of the handle 62, an emergency shut-off switch 92 is provided on the side arm 84, by means of which switch the drive can be switched off in the event of a fall or the like. The transmission of the specifications set by means of the buttons 80, 82, 92 takes place via the communication module indicated by the reference numeral 58, which transmits the data both to the on-board computer 42 and to the communication network 6, so that these specifications of the user 12 are taken into account when controlling the drive unit 26.FIG. 6 shows a possibility of how the information displayed on the display 38 (for example, remaining capacity of the battery unit, quality of the radio network / communication network, remaining or expired rental time, usage mode (surfing, eSUP), travel speed or weather data such as temperature, vaulting and wind direction) can be displayed in another way. This can in principle be effected via a smart watch-according to the invention it is preferred if these data are displayed with preferably binocular augmented reality (AR) glasses 94, which supplement or even replace the display of the display 38, so that the display integrated into the board 2 could be dispensed with. The user 12 then receives from the fleet base 10 an AR (sun) glasses 94 when the board 2 is output, with the aid of which he can read all relevant information relating to the journey, wherein these are projected directly into the field of view of the user 12. In order to enable this, the AR spectacles 94 are in data connection with the communication network 6 and the board computer or IoT board 40, via which all relevant data can be provided for display by means of the AR spectacles 94. In principle, it is also provided to display virtual regata rates with the aid of the AR spectacles 94, which are then followed by the user 12. In this way, it is possible to perform virtual rules with multiple users 12 located at different locations. It is also possible to have a virtual course travel at a predetermined location several times from the same user 12 or by different users 12 in order to determine a best time, so that a ranking list with the lap times can then be created within a time period, for example 24 hours. In this way, the users 12 are motivated to use the boards 2 according to the invention intensively and then to share them on the Internet.Disclosed are a watercraft, in particular a board, and a fleet of watercraft, wherein a central on-board computer of the watercraft is designed with an IoT board which is designed to transmit sensor signals of a sensor system to a central platform by means of a communication network.List of reference numbers:1 Fleet 2 Board 4 IoT system 6 Communication network 7 Water 8 Central platform 10 Fleet base 12 User 14 Central station 16 Paddles 18 Board body 20 Shock protection 22 Air chamber 24 Air chamber 26 Drive unit 28 Water jet 30 Output channel 32 Cross-jet rudder 34 Cross-jet rudder 36 Battery unit 38 Display 40 IoT board 42 On-board computer 44 Shaft 46 Leaf 48 Bow 50 Handle knob 52 Hand 54 Actuating device 56 Thumb 58 Communication module 60 Radio connection 62 Handle 64 Cable 66 Sensor system 68 GPS sensor 70 IMU 72 Temperature sensor 74 Pressure sensor 76 Mobile radio mast 78 Handle base 80 Button 82 Button 84 Side arm 86 Side arm 88 Cross arm 90 Fastening flange 92 Emergency stop 94 Augmented reality glasses (AR Glasses)References included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedJP 2003 026085 A

[0003] WO 2021 / 190 941 A1

[0004] WO 2019 / 122 225 A1

[0005] WO 2019 / 122 321 A1

[0006] EP 3 277 574 B1

[0006] US 2019,168,851 A1

[0007] WO 2023 / 094 668 A1

[0008] US 2011 / 212 691 A1

[0011] US 2012 / 0126972 A1

[0012] US 20118 017502A1

[0013] DE 10 2021 131 067 A1

[0014] WO 2020 / 048 566 A1

[0015] WO 2020 / 043 958 A1

[0016] EP 3 905 183 A2

[0017]

Claims

Watercraft, in particular board (2), the preferably electrical drive of which can be controlled by a user (12) by means of a setting device (54) which is in a data connection with an onboard computer (42) of the watercraft which is designed with an IoT board (40) or to which an IoT board (40) is assigned, which is designed to transmit sensor signals of a sensor system (66) or other data to a central platform (8) by means of a communication network (6), for example a GSM or a network protocol, and to receive via the communication network (6) control signals for the drive or other data / signals, for example for enabling / disabling the drive control, a software update or data for remote maintenance (over-the-air updates), wherein the sensor system (66) has at least one position detection sensor, in particular a GPS sensor and / or a sensor, in particular an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) (70) for detecting, for example, the travel speed, acceleration, position and orientation of the watercraft, and wherein a display (38) for displaying sensor signals, control signals, messages, weather data or the like is provided in the visual range of the user (12), said display being in a data connection with the IoT board (40).Watercraft according to Claim 1, wherein the sensor system (66) has a temperature sensor (72) for detecting the watercraft, water or ambient temperature.Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor system (66) has a pressure sensor (74) for detecting the water pressure.Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjusting device (54) is formed on a handle (62) held or carried by the user (12).Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, having a propulsion tool, in particular a paddle (16) which is designed with a shaft (44) and at least one blade (46), wherein the actuating device (54) is arranged on the shaft (44), wherein further sensors for detecting a characteristic variable representing the blade movement are preferably provided on the blade (46) or on the shaft (44), said sensors being in a data connection with the onboard computer (42) and optionally also with the IoT board (40).Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, wherein this is designed as a board (2) with an electric water jet drive, to which two cross-jet rudders (32, 34), which are preferably set in an X-shape and which can be controlled both via the setting device (54) and via the communication network (6) in order to hold the board (2) in a predetermined position or to move it into a predetermined position, are preferably assigned.Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the board (2) is designed as an inflatable drop-stitch structure, as a hardboard or as a hybrid board.Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a battery management system (BMS) of a replaceable battery unit (36) is in a data connection with the IoT printed circuit board (40).Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication network (6) and the central platform (8) are designed to enable the watercraft for use or to block it after use and / or to carry out remote maintenance of the watercraft, in particular of the propulsion system or the sensor system (66).Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, having a life vest which is designed with trackers which can be detected by the communication network (6), GPS or radio, in particular mobile radio.Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, wherein limit values or limit ranges for the geographical position, the driving state, such as the speed, the acceleration, the angular speed and / or the battery state of charge, are stored in a memory of the onboard computer (42) or of the central platform (8), and if one of the limit value / limit range is exceeded, the drive unit (26) is actuated via the communication network (6) in such a way that the limit value / limit range is complied with.Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor system (66) is integrated into the watercraft or is attached to a watercraft as an optional unit.Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display (38) is integrated into the watercraft and / or is designed as an external display (38), preferably as augmented reality glasses (AR glasses) (94).Fleet of watercraft, in particular boards (2), according to one of the preceding claims, wherein all watercraft are in a data connection with the central platform (8) via the common communication network (6).

Images