Vessel information collection system

Abstract

To provide a vessel information collection system capable of carrying out timely updating of accumulated information while preventing traffic and / or data processing load from becoming excessive.SOLUTION: A vessel information collection system 100 includes an inboard system of a vessel 5 and a server 2. The inboard system includes: a plurality of rigging equipment; an inboard network; and a transmitter 1 capable of communicating with the rigging equipment through the inboard network. The transmitter 1 is capable of communicating with the server 2. The transmitter 1 executes: an information collection process for collecting information of the rigging equipment, use end detection process for detecting use end of the inboard system, and an information transmission process for transmitting the information collected by the information collection process to the server 2. The server 2 registers the information received from the transmitter 1 in storage. The information transmission process includes termination time transmission process for transmitting the collected information to the server 2 in response to detection of use end of the inboard system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a ship information collecting system. The present invention also relates to a communication device and a server used in the ship information collecting system. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a ship having an onboard system used in the ship information collecting system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a ship information collection device that collects various ship information as the ship sails and transmits information useful for the maintenance and design of the ship to a server device on land. Information is transmitted to the server device on land at the following four times: (1) Periodic transmission of ship information (2) Transmitting ship information when an abnormality occurs (3) Transmitting ship information based on instructions from crew members (4) Transmitting ship information upon request from shore [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-113538 A (paragraphs 0060-0061) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] "(1) Periodic transmission of ship information" is performed at a preset time (for example, midnight every day).

[0005] However, if the information gathering system installed on the ship is not operating at the preset time, the ship information will not be transmitted, and there is a risk that the information stored in the server device will not be updated in a timely manner. If the periodic ship information transmission cycle is set to a short time (for example, about 10 minutes), it is expected that the information stored in the server device will be updated in a more timely manner, but this will increase the amount of communication and the data processing load on the server device.

[0006] Therefore, one embodiment of the present invention provides a ship information gathering system that can update accumulated information in a timely manner while preventing excessive communication traffic and / or data processing load, and a communication device and server therefor.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a ship equipped with an onboard system for use in a ship information gathering system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention provides a ship information collection system including an inboard system including a plurality of outfitting devices outfitted on a ship, an inboard network provided inside the ship to which the outfitting devices are connected, and a communication device capable of communicating with the outfitting devices via the inboard network, and a server provided outside the ship and capable of communicating with the communication device. The communication device executes an information collection process for collecting information on the outfitting devices, an end-of-use detection process for detecting an end of use of the inboard system, and an information transmission process for transmitting information collected by the information collection process to the server. The server registers the information received from the communication device in a storage. The information transmission process includes an end-of-use transmission process for transmitting information collected by the information collection process to the server in response to end-of-use detection of the inboard system by the end-of-use detection process.

[0009] According to this configuration, a communication device, which is one of the equipment devices provided in the onboard system, collects information on the other equipment devices via the onboard network and transmits the collected information to a server. The server registers the information received from the communication device in storage. This allows information on the equipment devices equipped on the ship to be automatically stored in the server. The communication device has a function of detecting the end of use of the onboard system, and when it detects the end of use of the onboard system, it executes an end-of-use transmission process and transmits the information collected from the equipment devices up to that point to the server. In this way, when the onboard system is terminated, information on the equipment devices is transmitted to the server, so that the latest information can be stored in the server. This allows the stored information in the server to be updated in a timely manner while preventing excessive communication volume or data processing load.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the communication device classifies information collected by the information collection process into periodic transmission information and end transmission information. The information transmission process further includes a periodic transmission process for transmitting the periodic transmission information to the server at a predetermined periodic transmission cycle while the onboard system is in use. The end transmission process transmits the end transmission information to the server.

[0011] According to this configuration, information classified as periodic transmission information is transmitted to the server at a periodic transmission cycle and stored, and information classified as termination transmission information is transmitted to the server when the onboard system is shut down. For example, the periodic transmission cycle may be set relatively short (e.g., about 10 minutes), and information representing the status of the onboard system in use (i.e., the operating status of the ship while in motion) may be classified as periodic transmission information. This allows information regarding the ever-changing status of the onboard system to be stored in the server while achieving a certain degree of real-time performance. On the other hand, for example, if information that does not require real-time performance is classified as termination transmission information and not periodically transmitted, the amount of communication in the periodic transmission process can be reduced, and the processing load on the server can be reduced accordingly.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment includes a propulsion machine using an engine (internal combustion engine) as a power source. The end transmission information preferably includes one or more of a maximum engine speed, the number of overspeed occurrences, the number of overheating occurrences, the number of hydraulic pressure drops, the number of knock control occurrences, the number of rapid acceleration operations, the number of reverse rotation detections, the operating time for each engine speed range, the number of shift operations, the number of start operations, and a fuel tank capacity.

[0013] According to this configuration, the latest engine-related information can be registered in the server by the end-of-service transmission process. This allows the server to perform a process using the latest engine-related information. For example, the server may perform a process of estimating the engine maintenance time and notifying the user of the estimated maintenance time.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment includes a steering having a steering actuator, and the end-of-service transmission information preferably includes at least one of a driving time for each load range of the steering actuator and a cumulative operating angle of the steering.

[0015] According to this configuration, the latest information related to the steering can be registered in the server by the end transmission process. This allows the server to perform a process using the latest information related to the steering. For example, the server may perform a process of estimating the timing of maintenance of the steering and notifying the user of the estimated maintenance timing.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the equipment includes a propulsion unit using an engine (internal combustion engine) as a power source, and the periodically transmitted information includes one or more of the engine speed, cooling water pressure, total operating time of the engine, fuel consumption rate, fault code, remaining battery charge, boat speed, ignition timing, fuel injection time, fuel pressure, and engine temperature.

[0017] As a result, information related to the engine can be accumulated in the server at regular transmission intervals. Thereby, changes in information during the use of the on-board system can be accumulated in the server. With respect to the information thus accumulated, the server may execute processes such as determining the presence or absence of abnormalities or the necessity of maintenance, estimating the maintenance timing, or notifying the user or the like of the presence or absence of abnormalities, the necessity of maintenance, and / or the maintenance timing.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the end-time transmission information includes information that serves as an index for estimating the maintenance timing (such as inspection and parts replacement) of the outfitting equipment included in the on-board system.

[0019] According to this configuration, the latest information that serves as an index for estimating the maintenance (such as inspection and parts replacement) timing of the outfitting equipment can be accumulated in the server by the end-time transmission process. Thereby, in the server, the process for estimating the maintenance timing can be appropriately performed.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the server executes a notification process for notifying the maintenance timing based on the end-time transmission information. According to this configuration, since the maintenance timing is appropriately estimated based on the information accumulated in the server by the end-time transmission process, the appropriately estimated maintenance timing can be notified to the user or the like. Thereby, the user or the like can take timely measures for maintenance.

[0021] The notification of the maintenance timing may be by email to the user or the like, or may be a notification within an application introduced in the information terminal used by the user or the like. The information terminal may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ship information collection system includes a power supply device for a communication device that maintains power supply to the communication device until at least the end transmission process is completed after the use of the in-ship system ends. According to this configuration, since power supply to the communication device is ensured even after the use of the in-ship system ends, the communication device can reliably execute the end transmission process.

[0023] The power supply device for the communication device may be a built-in power storage device of the communication device. The built-in power storage device may be a battery or a capacitor (such as an electric double layer capacitor). The built-in power storage device may be charged by power from the main battery for the in-ship system. Further, the power supply device for the communication device may be a power holding circuit that maintains the connection between the main battery for the in-ship system and the communication device even after the use of the in-ship system ends.

[0024] One embodiment of the present invention provides a ship information collection system including a plurality of outfitting devices installed on a ship, an in-ship network provided inside the ship to which the outfitting devices are connected, and a communication device capable of communicating with the outfitting devices via the in-ship network, an in-ship system, and a server provided outside the ship and capable of communicating with the communication device. The communication device executes an information collection process for collecting information of the outfitting devices, a use end detection process for detecting the end of use of the in-ship system, and an information transmission process for transmitting the information collected by the information collection process to the server. The server registers the information received from the communication device in a storage.

[0025] One embodiment of the present invention provides a ship including a hull and the in-ship system used in the ship information collection system configured as described above.

[0026] One embodiment of the present invention provides the communication device used in the ship information collection system as described above.

[0027] One embodiment of the present invention provides the server used in the ship information collection system as described above.

[0028] One embodiment of the present invention provides a communication device that is installed on a ship and communicates with a server. The communication device includes a communication interface connected to an inboard network provided in the ship, a wireless communication device for communicating with the server, and a processing device. The processing device is configured or programmed to perform the functions of an information collection unit that collects information of devices equipped on the ship and connected to the inboard network via the communication interface, an end-of-use detection unit that detects an end of use of an inboard system, and an information transmission unit that transmits the information collected by the information collection unit to the server via the wireless communication device.

[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the information transmission unit executes an end-of-use transmission process to transmit information collected by the information collection unit to the server in response to the end-of-use detection unit detecting the end of use of the onboard system.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the processing device further functions as a classification unit that classifies information collected by the information collecting unit into periodic transmission information and termination transmission information, and the information transmitting unit further performs a periodic transmission process to transmit the periodic transmission information to the server at a predetermined periodic transmission cycle during use of the onboard system, and transmits the termination transmission information to the server in the termination transmission process. Effect of the Invention

[0031] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a ship information collecting system capable of updating stored information in a timely manner while preventing excessive communication traffic and / or data processing load, and a communication device and server therefor. Also, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a ship equipped with an onboard system used in the ship information collecting system as described above. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a ship information gathering system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining an example configuration of a ship. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the server. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication device. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a block diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a dealer client. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a block diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a user client. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the communication device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a periodic transmission process of a communication device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a termination process of a communication device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a ship information collecting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ship information collecting system 100 includes a communication device 1 that collects and transmits information of devices equipped on a ship 5, and a server 2 that communicates with the communication device 1. The communication device 1 may be installed on the ship 5. Alternatively, the communication device 1 may be configured as a portable device and may be brought onto the ship 5 by a crew member as necessary.

[0035] The communication device 1 and the server 2 are capable of communicating with each other via a network 4. That is, the communication device 1 and the server 2 are each communicatively connected to the network 4. The network 4 typically includes the Internet 4A. The communication device 1 is communicatively connected to a wireless data communication network 4B such as a mobile phone network, and is communicatively connected to the Internet 4A via the wireless data communication network 4B.

[0036] The server 2 is typically capable of communicating with the client 3. The client 3 may be a client terminal device (hereinafter referred to as a "dealer client 3D") provided in a dealer's office and / or a marina office. The client 3 may also be a mobile terminal device (hereinafter referred to as a "user client 3U") such as a smartphone carried by a user. The dealer client 3D may be configured to be connectable to the Internet 4A via a local area network (not shown) constructed in the office, or may be configured to be connectable to the Internet 4A via a wireless data communication network 4B. The user client 3U is typically configured to be connectable to the Internet 4A via the wireless data communication network 4B. The user client 3U may also be connected to the communication device 1 on board so as to be capable of data communication. In this case, the user client 3U may be connectable to the network 4 via the communication device 1.

[0037] 2 is a block diagram for explaining an example configuration of the ship 5. The ship 5 includes a hull 51 and various devices (outfitting devices) equipped on the hull 51. The outfitting devices typically include input devices (steering devices) for maneuvering, a controller 81 for overall control of the devices equipped on the ship 5, a propulsion unit for providing propulsive force to the hull 51, and a steering device (steering device) for changing the traveling direction of the hull 51. In this embodiment, the communication device 1 is also one of the outfitting devices.

[0038] In this example, the input devices include a steering wheel 52 and a remote control 55 .

[0039] In this example, the propulsion unit includes an outboard motor 60 as an example of a main engine (main propulsion unit). Specifically, one or more outboard motors 60 are disposed at the stern. In this example, a plurality of outboard motors 60 (more specifically, three outboard motors) are mounted side by side on the left and right sides of the stern. In this example, the outboard motors 60 are engine outboard motors that use an engine 61 (internal combustion engine) as a power source to drive a propeller 65. Of course, an electric outboard motor that uses an electric motor as a power source may also be applied. Specifically, the three outboard motors 60 include a central outboard motor 60C disposed in the center, and a port outboard motor 60P and a starboard outboard motor 60S disposed on the left and right sides of the central outboard motor 60C, respectively.

[0040] In this example, the steering device is a steering wheel 70 that steers the outboard motors 60 to the left and right. One steering wheel 70 is provided for each outboard motor 60, and in this example, three steering wheels 70 are provided. The three steering wheels 70 are a central steering wheel 70C, a port steering wheel 70P, and a starboard steering wheel 70S, which correspond to the central outboard motor 60C, the port outboard motor 60P, and the starboard outboard motor 60S, respectively.

[0041] The steering wheel 52 is rotated by the boat operator. The operation angle of the steering wheel 52 is detected by an operation angle sensor 53 and input to a helm ECU (electronic control unit) 54. The remote control 55 is equipped with an accelerator lever 56 that is operated by the boat operator to adjust the direction (forward or reverse) and magnitude of the propulsive force generated by the outboard motor 60. The operation position of the accelerator lever 56 is detected by an accelerator position sensor 57 and input to a remote control ECU 58.

[0042] The outboard motor 60 includes an engine 61, a propeller 65 driven by the engine 61, a shift mechanism 66, and an engine ECU 63. The shift mechanism 66 has a plurality of shift positions, namely, a forward position, a reverse position, and a neutral position. The forward position is a shift position where the propeller 65 is rotated forward by the driving force of the engine 61. The reverse position is a shift position where the propeller 65 is rotated backward by the driving force of the engine 61. The neutral position is a shift position where the power transmission between the engine 61 and the propeller 65 is interrupted. The engine ECU 63 controls the operation of a shift actuator 67 that operates the shift mechanism 66, thereby controlling the direction of the propulsive force. The engine ECU 63 also controls the operation of a throttle actuator 62 that drives a throttle valve of the engine 61, thereby controlling the magnitude of the propulsive force.

[0043] The steering 70 includes a steering actuator 71 and a steering ECU 72 that controls it. The steering actuator 71 generates power for turning the outboard motor 60 left and right about a steering shaft (not shown). This changes the direction of the propulsive force that the outboard motor 60 applies to the hull 51 left and right, thereby changing the traveling direction of the boat 5. The steering 70 may be a unit integrated with the outboard motor 60, or may be a unit separate from the outboard motor 60. Figure 2 shows an example in which the steering 70 is configured as a unit integrated with the outboard motor 60 (for example, built into the outboard motor 60).

[0044] A network for data communication, i.e., an inboard network 77, is constructed on board the ship. In this embodiment, the inboard network 77 includes a ship control CAN (Control Area Network) 75 and a propulsion unit control CAN 76. The inboard network 77 may further include more child networks. The inboard network 77 and various equipment devices connected to the inboard network 77 form an inboard system 80.

[0045] The propulsion unit control CAN 76 is connected to the remote control ECU 58, the helm ECU 54, the engine ECU 63, and the steering ECU 72. Therefore, an output command from the remote control ECU 58 is transmitted to the engine ECU 63 via the propulsion unit control CAN 76. The output command is a signal that commands the direction (forward or reverse) and magnitude of the propulsive force of each outboard motor 60. In addition, a steering command from the helm ECU 54 is transmitted to the steering ECU 72 via the propulsion unit control CAN 76. The steering command is a command signal that corresponds to the operation direction (rotation direction) and operation angle of the steering wheel 52, and is a signal that commands the steering direction and steering angle of the outboard motor 60.

[0046] The remote control ECU 58 is also connected to a vessel control CAN 75. The vessel control CAN 75 is further connected to a controller 81. Therefore, the controller 81 can obtain output command information from the remote control ECU 58.

[0047] In addition, the controller 81 can obtain various information from the equipment connected to the propulsion unit control CAN 76 , more specifically, from the helm ECU 54 , the engine ECU 63 and the steering ECU 72 , via the remote control ECU 58 .

[0048] Therefore, the controller 81 can obtain information on the steering command output by the helm ECU 54. Furthermore, for example, the controller 81 can obtain information on the steering command received by the steering ECU 72 and information on the detection results of the various sensors 73 provided in the steering 70. The sensors 73 include, for example, a steering angle sensor. The steering angle sensor detects the actual steering angle of the outboard motor 60. The steering angle sensor may be a sensor that detects the amount of operation of the steering actuator 71. Furthermore, the controller 81 can obtain various information from the engine ECU 63. For example, the controller 81 can obtain information on the output command received by the engine ECU 63 and information on the detection results of the various sensors 64 provided in the outboard motor 60. The sensors 64 include, for example, a throttle opening sensor, an engine speed sensor, an engine temperature sensor, a cooling water pressure sensor, an oil pressure sensor, a shift position sensor, a fuel pressure sensor, and a fuel remaining amount sensor. The throttle opening sensor is a sensor that detects the opening of a throttle valve. The engine speed sensor is a sensor that detects the rotation speed (number of revolutions) of the engine 61, and may be a crank angle sensor. Engine rotation speed information may be generated by processing the output of the crank angle sensor by the engine ECU 63. The engine temperature sensor may be a sensor that detects the temperature of the cylinder block of the engine 61 (e.g., the temperature of the coolant), or a sensor that detects the exhaust temperature of the engine 61. The coolant pressure sensor detects the pressure of the coolant that cools the engine 61. The oil pressure sensor detects the pressure of the engine oil. The shift position sensor detects the shift position of the shift mechanism 66. The fuel pressure sensor detects the pressure of the fuel supplied to the engine 61. The remaining fuel sensor detects the remaining amount of fuel in the fuel tank.

[0049] The vessel control CAN 75 is further connected to a gauge 82 that displays various information, and a communication device 1. The communication device 1 is a device for transmitting information such as the status of the vessel 5, more specifically, configuration information of the vessel 5 (particularly the inboard system 80), information on failures occurring in the inboard system 80, detection values ​​of sensors, etc., to the server 2 (see FIG. 1).

[0050] The gauge 82 functions as a display device that displays, for example, the remaining fuel, the engine speed and shift position of each outboard motor 60, the remaining battery charge, etc. The remaining battery charge refers to the remaining capacity of a battery 88 that is mounted in the hull 51 to operate a starter motor (not shown) built into the outboard motor 60 to start the engine. The battery 88 discharges when the engine is started, and is charged by a generator (not shown) built into the outboard motor 60 while the engine is running. The gauge 82 may be equipped with an input device 83 such as an input button or a touch panel, and the user may be able to input various commands by operating the input device 83. The input device 83 may be provided separately from the gauge 82.

[0051] In addition to the above, various other equipment devices can be connected to the vessel control CAN 75 so as to be capable of data communication. Third-party equipment devices are typically connected to the vessel control CAN 75 via a gateway 84. FIG. 2 shows a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 85, a fish finder 86, and an autopilot device 87 as examples of third-party equipment devices. The GPS receiver 85 is an example of a GNNS (Global Navigation Satellite System) position detection device, and is a position detection device that detects the position of the vessel 5.

[0052] The pilot's seat where the steering wheel 52 and the remote control 55 are arranged is provided with a main switch 78 that is operated to turn on / off the power to the outboard motors 60 and further start / stop their engines 61. The pilot's seat is also provided with a kill switch 79 (emergency stop switch) for disabling the propulsive force of the outboard motors 60 in an emergency (typically stopping the engines 61). The kill switch 79 has an operating end that is connected to a lanyard cable worn by the pilot, for example, and is activated when the pilot falls into the water to bring about an emergency stop of the engines 61 of the outboard motors 60.

[0053] The communication device 1 is configured to operate by receiving power from a communication device power supply device 89. In this embodiment, the communication device power supply device 89 is built into the communication device 1, but may be provided outside the communication device 1. One example of the communication device power supply device 89 includes a communication device battery or a communication device capacitor (typically an electric double layer capacitor). In this case, the communication device power supply device 89 preferably includes a charging circuit that charges the communication device battery or the communication device capacitor with power from a battery 88 (main battery). The charging circuit may be configured to stop charging the communication device battery or the communication device capacitor when the voltage of the battery 88 falls below a predetermined threshold. Another example of the communication device power supply device 89 is a power supply holding circuit. The power supply holding circuit is configured to hold the power supply from the battery 88 to the communication device 1 even after the power supply to the inboard system 80 is cut off, at least until the completion of a termination process described below. This ensures that the communication device 1 is in an operational state at least during the termination process even after use of the inboard system 80 is terminated. The power supply maintenance circuit may be configured not to cut off the connection between the battery 88 and the communication device 1 even when the inboard system 80 is not in use. The power supply maintenance circuit may also include a cut-off delay circuit that delays cut-off of the connection between the battery 88 and the communication device 1 after the inboard system 80 is no longer in use.

[0054] 3 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the server 2. The server 2 has a basic configuration as a computer. That is, it includes a processor 21, a memory 22, a storage 23, a communication interface 24, and an input / output interface 25, which are connected so as to be able to perform data communication.

[0055] The processor 21 operates according to the programs stored in the memory 22 to realize various functions. Specifically, a function of communicating with the communication device 1 (see FIG. 1), collecting data from the communication device 1, and storing the data in the storage 23 is realized. A function of communicating with the dealer client 3D (see FIG. 1), providing a web page to the dealer client 3D, and providing a web application service on the web page is also realized. In order to provide the web application service, a web application program is provided in the memory 22. A function of communicating with the user client 3U (see FIG. 1), and providing information to an application provided in the user client 3U is also realized. The storage 23 provides a storage area for storing data. The communication interface 24 mediates communication with the network 4. The input / output interface 25 includes an input device 26 such as a keyboard and an output device 27 such as a display, and provides a man-machine interface.

[0056] A database 23D is constructed in the storage 23, and configuration information representing the configuration of the inboard system 80 of each of the multiple ships is stored in the database 23D. The stored configuration information includes configuration information transmitted from the communication device 1 of each of the multiple ships 5. The configuration information includes information on one or more pieces of equipment constituting the inboard system 80. The configuration information of the equipment may be information representing the type (model name), part number, serial number, software name, software version, etc. of the equipment. The configuration information may further include information on at least one (preferably all) of the number, arrangement, and connection state of the equipment. In particular, the configuration information preferably includes information on the type (model name), number, arrangement, and connection state of the outboard motor 60 as the main engine and the steering wheel 70 built into it.

[0057] The database 23D further stores regular transmission information that is periodically transmitted from the communication device 1 of each ship 5. The database 23D also stores termination transmission information that is transmitted from the communication device 1 of each ship 5 when the inboard system 80 of that ship 5 is terminated. That is, the processor 21 receives the regular transmission information and stores it in the database 23D. The processor 21 also receives termination transmission information and stores it in the database 23D.

[0058] The processor 21 executes processing using one or both of the periodic transmission information and the termination transmission information.

[0059] For example, the processor 21 may perform a maintenance timing estimation process to estimate the maintenance timing using the periodic transmission information and / or the end transmission information. The maintenance timing estimation process may include a process to estimate the timing of a service (oil change, etc.) by a dealer, and may include a process to estimate the timing of a part replacement. The processor 21 may further perform a notification process to notify a user (typically the owner), a dealer, etc. of the maintenance timing according to the result of the maintenance timing estimation process. The notification process may include a notification on a web page provided to the dealer client 3D, or may include a notification on an application of the user client 3U. The notification process may also include sending an email to the registered email address of the user and / or the dealer.

[0060] Moreover, the processor 21 may perform a fault diagnosis process using the periodic transmission information and / or the end transmission information. The fault diagnosis process typically includes a process for detecting an abnormality, and preferably includes a notification process for notifying a user or a dealer of the detected abnormality. The notification process may include a notification on a web page provided to the dealer client 3D, as in the case of a notification of the maintenance time, or may include a notification on an application of the user client 3U. The notification process may also include sending an email to an email address registered by the user and / or the dealer. The fault diagnosis process may further include a process for identifying the cause of the abnormality, a process for generating information on measures to eliminate the abnormality, and the like, and the information generated by these processes may be included in the target of the above-mentioned notification process.

[0061] 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the communication device 1. The communication device 1 includes a processor 11, a memory 12, a communication interface 13, and a wireless communication device 14. The processor 11 is a processing device that operates according to a program stored in the memory 12 to realize a plurality of functions. The communication interface 13 is an interface for data communication via the in-ship network 77. The wireless communication device 14 is a device for data communication with the server 2 via the network 4.

[0062] The processor 11 executes a data collection function of collecting information from a plurality of devices equipped in the hull 51 via the in-ship network 77 and storing the information in the memory 12. The collected information includes configuration information of the devices (outfitting devices) equipped in the hull 51. The collected information may also include detection values ​​of various sensors. Specifically, detection values ​​of the sensors 53, 57, 64, 73 connected to the helm ECU 54, the remote control ECU 58, the steering ECU 72, and the engine ECU 63 can be collected. The collected information may further include information generated by the helm ECU 54, the remote control ECU 58, the steering ECU 72, and the engine ECU 63. Such information may include control information (control commands and other data) generated internally by each ECU, failure information (error codes) detected by each ECU, and the like. Switches such as the main switch 78, the kill switch 79, and the start switch may also be regarded as sensors, and their states may be collected as detection values. The processor 11 may further have a fault detection function of monitoring the status of various devices connected to the inboard network 77 and generating fault information (failure information). For example, the status of each ECU may be monitored to detect an interruption in operation due to a momentary drop in the power supply voltage as a fault (instantaneous power outage). The collected information and the generated fault information, etc. are stored in the memory 12. It is not necessary to collect information from all devices connected to the inboard network 77; for example, third-party devices connected via the gateway 84 may be excluded.

[0063] The processor 11 has a function of transmitting all or part of the information that it has collected and / or generated itself and stored in the memory 12 to the server 2 via the wireless communication device 14.

[0064] In this embodiment, the processor 11 functions as an information collecting unit 15 that collects information from the equipment connected to the onboard network 77 via the communication interface 13. One of the functions of the information collecting unit 15 is to execute a system scan to collect configuration information of the equipment connected to the onboard network 77. The processor 11 functions as a scan result transmitting unit 16 that executes scan result transmission, which transmits the scan results, which are information collected by the system scan, to the server 2 via the wireless communication device 14. The server 2 receives the scan results and registers them in the database 23D as configuration information of the onboard system 80.

[0065] The processor 11 stores the information collected by the system scan as the scan result in the memory 12. That is, in this embodiment, the memory 12 is used as a scan result memory.

[0066] The processor 11 executes a system scan when starting up the onboard system 80. The processor 11 also executes a system scan when new equipment is introduced into the onboard network 77, thereby changing the onboard system 80.

[0067] The information collecting unit 15 not only collects information by system scanning, but also collects various information from the equipment via the inboard network 77 while the inboard system 80 is in operation. The processor 11 has a function as a periodic transmission unit 17 that executes periodic transmission to transmit predetermined periodic transmission information to the server 2 at a predetermined periodic transmission cycle while the inboard system 80 is in operation. The periodic transmission cycle may be, for example, about 10 minutes. The periodic transmission information includes information collected by the information collecting unit 15, and includes, for example, operating information that indicates the operating state of the propulsion unit (outboard motor 60). The periodic transmission information is uploaded to the server 2 and stored in the database 23D, and is mainly used for the purpose of investigating after the fact whether or not there is an abnormality, the situation when an abnormality occurs, etc.

[0068] The periodically transmitted information includes an error code as necessary. Specifically, if an error code indicating the presence of an error appears on the inboard network 77 when the inboard system 80 is started up, the error code is included in the periodically transmitted information. Thereafter, if the error code changes while the inboard system 80 is in operation, the changed error code is included in the periodically transmitted information. The transmission of the error code to the server 2 may be performed separately from the periodically transmitted information.

[0069] The processor 11 further functions as a use end detection unit 18 that detects the end of use of the onboard system 80. The processor 11 further functions as a use end transmission unit 19 that executes a use end transmission process to transmit predetermined use end transmission information, among the information collected by the information collecting unit 15, to the server 2 when the use end of the onboard system 80 is detected.

[0070] The end of use detection unit 18 may, for example, monitor information that periodically appears on the inboard network 77, and determine that use of the inboard system 80 has ended when the information no longer appears. For example, while the inboard system 80 is powered on, the engine ECU 63 operates and periodically transmits engine speed data to the inboard network 77. Thus, the end of use detection unit 18 may determine that use of the inboard system 80 has ended when a period during which no engine speed data appears on the inboard network 77 exceeds a certain time.

[0071] The termination transmission unit 19 executes a termination transmission process when the use end detection unit 18 detects the end of use of the onboard system 80. The termination transmission information uploaded to the server 2 by the termination transmission process is accumulated in the database 23D and used as information for estimating the timing of maintenance, information for fault diagnosis, reference information for product development, etc.

[0072] The processor 11 further functions as a classification unit 20 that classifies and extracts information to be included in the periodic transmission information and the end transmission information from the information collected by the information collection unit 15. Then, the classified and extracted information is transmitted to the server 2 by the periodic transmission unit 17 and the end transmission unit 19, respectively. The periodic transmission unit 17 and the end transmission unit 19 are examples of information transmission units.

[0073] 5A is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the dealer client 3D. The dealer client 3D has a basic configuration as a computer. For example, the dealer client 3D may have the form of a clamshell type or tablet type personal computer.

[0074] The dealer client 3D includes a processor 31D, a memory 32D, an input device 33D, a display device 34D, and a communication interface 35D. The processor 31D realizes various functions by executing a program stored in the memory 32D. The input device 33D may be a touch panel on the display screen of the display device 34D. The communication interface 35D mediates data communication with the network 4. The communication interface 35D may perform wired or wireless data communication with the network 4 (see FIG. 1) via a local area network (not shown) provided in an office of a dealer or a marina. The communication interface 35D may also be configured to be connectable to a wireless data communication network 4B (see FIG. 1).

[0075] At least a web browser program is stored in the memory 32D, and by executing this program by the processor 31D, users of the dealer client 3D (dealer staff, marina staff, etc.) can browse web pages provided by the server 2 and use the web application services provided on those web pages.

[0076] The user of the dealer client 3D can display a web page on the display device 34D and receive information provided by the server 2 from the displayed web page. Specifically, information about malfunctions occurring in the customer's ship 5, information regarding the maintenance schedule of the customer's ship 5, etc. can be obtained.

[0077] Also, the memory 32D may store a program (mailer) for receiving e-mails, and by the processor 31D executing this, the user of the dealer client 3D can receive notifications by e-mail sent by the server 2. Thereby, notifications of information about malfunctions occurring in the customer's ship 5, notifications of information regarding the maintenance schedule of the customer's ship 5, etc. can be obtained by e-mail from the server 2.

[0078] Figure 5B is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the user client 3U. The user client 3U has a basic configuration as a computer, and more specifically, has a basic form as a mobile terminal device, and even more specifically, as a smartphone. The user client 3U includes a processor 31U, a memory 32U, an input device 33U, a display device 34U, and a wireless communication interface 35U.

[0079] The processor 31U realizes various functions by executing programs stored in the memory 32U. The input device 33U may be a touch panel on the display screen of the display device 34U. The wireless communication interface 35U mediates data communication with the network 4 (more specifically, the wireless data communication network 4B). The wireless communication interface 35U may be configured to mediate data communication with the in-ship network 77. In this case, the user client 3U can be connected to the network 4 via the in-ship network 77 and the communication device 1 and perform data communication with the server 2.

[0080] The memory 32U stores an application program executable by the processor 31U (so-called native application program), and by the processor 31U executing this, a user of the user client 3U (typically the user or owner of the ship 5) can obtain and display information provided by the server 2 on the screen of the application program. Specifically, the application program allows the user to obtain information on any malfunctions occurring in the ship 5, information regarding the timing of maintenance for the ship 5, and the like.

[0081] The memory 32U may also store a program (mailer) for receiving e-mail, which the processor 31U executes to enable the user of the user client 3U to receive notifications by e-mail sent by the server 2. This enables the user to receive notifications, such as notifications of information about malfunctions occurring in the customer's ship 5 or notifications of information regarding the timing of maintenance for the customer's ship 5, from the server 2 by e-mail.

[0082] Fig. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the communication device 1, and mainly shows an example of a process periodically executed by the processor 11 (see Fig. 4). The communication device 1 monitors the start-up of the inboard system 80, and when the inboard system 80 is started (step S1: YES), executes a process for acquiring information of the equipment connected to the inboard network 77. For example, the communication device 1 may determine that the inboard system 80 has been started up when any of the equipment sends a message to the inboard network 77. More specifically, the communication device 1 may determine that the inboard system 80 has been started up when a message appears in the ship control CAN 75.

[0083] In order to obtain information on the equipment devices connected to the inboard network 77, the communication device 1 obtains the addresses of the equipment devices connected to the ship control CAN 75 (step S2). The address may be obtained by an address claim in which the communication device 1 declares its own address to the inboard network 77 (specifically, the ship control CAN 75). When an address claim is sent to the ship control CAN 75, the equipment devices connected to the ship control CAN 75 are configured to respond by sending an address claim declaring the address that they intend to use. In this way, the communication device 1 can obtain the addresses of the equipment devices connected to the ship control CAN 75 by sending an address claim to the ship control CAN 75.

[0084] The communication device 1 then executes a system scan. Specifically, the communication device 1 sends a configuration information transmission request to each equipment device connected to the inboard network 77 (more specifically, the ship control CAN 75) with the acquired address as the destination. In response to the request, the destination equipment device transmits its configuration information to the communication device 1. The communication device 1 receives the configuration information and stores it in the memory 12. In this way, the configuration information of the equipment devices is acquired (step S3). By executing the same process for all acquired addresses (step S4), the configuration information of all equipment devices connected to the inboard network 77 is acquired.

[0085] The collection of information from the equipment connected to the propulsion control CAN 76 (the helm ECU 54, the engine ECU 63, and the steering ECU 72) is performed by the remote control ECU 58. That is, when the remote control ECU 58 receives a configuration information transmission request, it not only transmits its own configuration information to the communication device 1, but also collects configuration information of the equipment connected to the propulsion control CAN 76 and transmits it to the communication device 1. In this way, the configuration information of all the equipment connected to the inboard network 77 is collected. The configuration information acquired by this system scan is the scan result, and data representing the scan result is called scan result data. The scan result data also includes the configuration information of the communication device 1 itself.

[0086] The communication device 1 reads the previous scan result data from the memory 12, and by comparing the previous scan result data with the current (latest) scan result data, determines whether the previous and current scan results match or do not match (step S5). If the previous scan result data is not stored in the memory 12, it is determined that they do not match. If the current scan result is different from the previous scan result (step S5: NO), the communication device 1 stores the current scan result data in the memory 12 (step S6), and further transmits the current scan result data to the server 2 (step S7).

[0087] During the operation of the shipboard system 80, the communication device 1 collects the information sent by the outfitting equipment to the shipboard network 77 and stores it in the memory 12 (function of the information collection unit 15 in step S8). Then, the communication device 1 executes a periodic transmission process (step S9) for periodically transmitting predetermined periodic transmission information among the collected information. The communication device 1 monitors whether the use of the shipboard system 80 continues, that is, whether it is in operation (step S10: use end detection process, function of the use end detection unit 18). During the operation of the shipboard system 80, the information collection process (step S8) and the periodic transmission process (step S9: information transmission process) are continued. When the end of use of the shipboard system 80 is detected (step S10: YES), the communication device 1 executes an end process. The end process includes an end-time transmission process (information transmission process) for transmitting predetermined end-time transmission information among the information collected by the information collection process (step S8).

[0088] As described above, the detection of whether the shipboard system 80 is in operation (in use) (step S10) can be performed, for example, by monitoring information that periodically appears on the shipboard network 77. For example, during the period when the power of the shipboard system 80 is turned on, the engine ECU 63 operates and periodically sends engine speed data to the shipboard network 77. Therefore, the communication device 1 may determine that the use of the shipboard system 80 has ended when the period during which the engine speed data does not appear on the shipboard network 77 exceeds a certain time.

[0089] Fig. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the periodic transmission process (step S9 in Fig. 6) performed by the communication device 1 while the inboard system 80 is in operation. The communication device 1 transmits periodic transmission information to the server 2 every time a periodic transmission cycle (e.g., 10-minute cycle) occurs (step S21: YES). More specifically, the communication device 1 classifies and extracts information that is predetermined as periodic transmission information from the information stored in the memory 12 by the information collection process (step S8 in Fig. 6) (step S22: function of the classification unit 20), and transmits the extracted information as periodic transmission information to the server 2 (step S23: function of the periodic transmission unit 17).

[0090] The periodically transmitted information includes operation information of the outboard motor 60, more specifically, engine operation information. The engine operation information includes, for example, information on operation time for each of a plurality of predetermined rotation speed ranges. The engine operation information may also include the number of times the engine has been in an overspeed state, the number of times it has been in an overheat state, the number of times it has been in a low oil pressure state, the number of times it has been in a non-king control state, the number of times it has been in a reverse rotation state, and the like. The periodically transmitted information may further include information on detection values ​​of various sensors. The communication device 1 periodically executes a process of collecting engine operation information and detection values ​​of various sensors from the equipment via the inboard network 77 (an example of an information collection process). The period of this process is shorter than the periodic transmission period.

[0091] Examples of periodically transmitted information are as follows. Any of the information can be used for fault diagnosis, product development, etc. Additionally, the information with "estimated maintenance time" in parentheses is an example of information that can be used to estimate the maintenance time.

[0092] Required rudder angle, Actual rudder angle, Steering wheel angle, Fuel pressure feedback value, Engine RPM (Estimated maintenance time), Intake pressure, Outboard motor trim angle, Oil pressure, Cooling water pressure (Estimated maintenance time), Cooling water temperature, Total operating time (Estimated maintenance time), Shift position (Forward / Reverse / Neutral), Fuel consumption rate (Estimated maintenance time), Fuel tank type, Fuel tank level, Remaining fuel, Battery voltage, Target heading deviation, Ship speed over water, Fresh water tank level, Waste water tank level, Generator fuel tank level, Fault code (Estimated maintenance time), Remaining battery charge (Estimated maintenance time), Ship speed over ground (Estimated maintenance time), Water depth, Sea Water temperature, boat pitch angle, boat roll angle, target rudder angle, target heading deviation, target course, steering current value, steering voltage value, ignition timing (estimated maintenance time), throttle opening, fuel injection time (estimated maintenance time), lever angle (accelerator opening), shift lever position, fuel pressure (estimated maintenance time), ISC (idle speed control) target opening, required shift position, ISC opening, ISC target RPM, required throttle opening, atmospheric pressure, intake air temperature, cam timing, TPS (throttle position sensor) voltage, engine temperature (estimated maintenance time), steering motor duty value, joystick angle.

[0093] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the termination process (step S11 in FIG. 6) executed by the communication device 1 upon detecting the end of use of the inboard system 80. When the end of use of the inboard system 80 is detected (step S10 in FIG. 6: YES), the communication device 1 transmits termination transmission information to the server 2. More specifically, the communication device 1 classifies and extracts information that is predetermined as termination transmission information from the information stored in the memory 12 by the information collection process (step S8 in FIG. 6) (step S31: function of the classification unit 20), and transmits the extracted information as termination transmission information to the server 2 (step S32: function of the termination transmission unit 19). After that, the communication device 1 may transition to a sleep mode, which is a power saving mode (step S33). The termination transmission information mainly includes information that serves as an index for estimating the maintenance timing.

[0094] Examples of information to be sent at the end of the process are as follows. All of the information can be used for fault diagnosis, product development, etc. Additionally, the information with "estimated maintenance time" in parentheses is an example of information that can be used to estimate the maintenance time.

[0095] Fuel tank capacity, usage time by steering load (estimated maintenance time), cumulative steering operation angle (estimated maintenance time), maximum engine speed (estimated maintenance time), number of overspeed occurrences (estimated maintenance time), number of overheat occurrences (estimated maintenance time), number of hydraulic pressure drops (estimated maintenance time), number of knock control occurrences (estimated maintenance time), number of sudden acceleration operations (estimated maintenance time), number of reverse rotation detections (estimated maintenance time), operation time by speed (estimated maintenance time), number of shift operations (estimated maintenance time), number of start operations (estimated maintenance time). The information on the fuel tank capacity, together with the information on the remaining fuel amount included in the periodically transmitted information, can be used by the user (typically the owner of the boat 5) to determine whether or not refueling is required before the next use of the boat 5 (a type of maintenance in a broad sense). Refueling may be performed, for example, by staff at the marina where the boat 5 is moored.

[0096] Fig. 9 is a flowchart for explaining an example of processing in the server 2, and mainly shows processing periodically executed by the processor 21 (see Fig. 3). The server 2 receives scan result data from the communication device 1 of the ship 5 (step S41), and accumulates the received scan result data in the storage 23 (step S42). The server 2 also receives periodic transmission information from the communication device 1 (step S43), and registers the received periodic transmission information in the database 23D (step S44). The server 2 also receives end transmission information from the communication device 1 (step S45), and registers the received end transmission information in the database 23D (step S46).

[0097] The server 2 further executes a fault diagnosis process based on the information registered in the database 23D (step S47). If an abnormality is found by the fault diagnosis process (step S48: YES), the server 2 executes an abnormality notification process to notify the abnormality (step S49). The abnormality notification process may include one or more of display on a web page provided by the server 2, notification by an application of the user client 3U, sending an email to a dealer or a user (or an owner), and the like.

[0098] The server 2 further executes a process of estimating the maintenance time based on the information registered in the database 23D (step S50). The server 2 further judges whether the maintenance time is approaching (step S51), and if the maintenance time is approaching, executes a maintenance time notification process (step S52). The maintenance time notification process may include one or more of display on a web page provided by the server 2, notification by an application of the user client 3U, sending an email to the dealer or user (or owner), and the like. Whether the maintenance time is approaching may be determined, for example, by comparing a value serving as an index for estimating the maintenance time with a threshold value.

[0099] As described above, in this embodiment, the inboard system 80 is configured by connecting a plurality of equipment devices to the inboard network 77, and the plurality of equipment devices includes the communication device 1. The communication device 1 can communicate with other equipment devices via the inboard network 77, and can also communicate with the server 2 provided outside the ship 5. In this embodiment, the communication device 1 executes a system scan to collect information on the plurality of equipment devices, and transmits the scan results to the server 2. Furthermore, while the inboard system 80 is in operation, the communication device 1 executes an information collection process to collect information from the equipment devices connected to the inboard network 77. A part of the collected information is transmitted to the server 2 by a periodic transmission process, and another part of the collected information is transmitted to the server 2 by an end transmission process. The server 2 receives the information transmitted from the communication device 1 and registers it in the storage 23.

[0100] The communication device 1 has a function of detecting the end of use of the inboard system 80, and when it detects the end of use of the inboard system 80, it executes a termination transmission process and transmits the information collected from the outfitting equipment up to that point to the server 2. In this way, when the inboard system 80 is terminated, the information of the outfitting equipment is transmitted to the server 2, so that the latest information can be stored in the server 2 even if the amount of regularly transmitted information is reduced. This allows the stored information in the server 2 to be updated in a timely manner while preventing excessive communication volume or data processing load.

[0101] Furthermore, the communication device 1 classifies the collected information into periodic transmission information and end transmission information, and transmits them to the server 2 by periodic transmission processing and end transmission processing, respectively. Therefore, by setting the periodic transmission cycle to a relatively short time (for example, about 10 minutes) and classifying the status of the inboard system 80 in use (i.e., information representing the operating status of the ship 5 while in motion) as periodic transmission information, it is possible to accumulate information that changes from moment to moment in the server 2 while realizing a certain degree of real-timeness. On the other hand, for example, if information that does not require real-timeness is classified as end transmission information and not periodically transmitted, it is possible to reduce the amount of communication in the periodic transmission processing, and accordingly the processing load on the server 2 can be reduced.

[0102] The end-of-transmission information preferably includes one or more of the maximum engine speed, the number of overspeed occurrences, the number of overheat occurrences, the number of hydraulic pressure drops, the number of knock control occurrences, the number of rapid acceleration operations, the number of reverse rotation detections, the operating time for each engine speed range, the number of shift operations, the number of start operations, and the fuel tank capacity. As a result, the latest engine-related information can be registered in the server 2 by the end-of-transmission process, so that the server 2 can perform processing using the latest engine-related information. Specifically, the server 2 can estimate the engine maintenance time by the maintenance time estimation process, and can notify the user, etc., of the estimated engine maintenance time.

[0103] In addition, it is preferable that the end transmission information includes one or more of the driving time for each load range of the steering actuator and the cumulative steering operation angle. This allows the server 2 to perform processing using the latest information related to steering. For example, the server 2 can estimate the maintenance time for the steering in the maintenance time estimation processing and notify the user, etc. of the estimated maintenance time.

[0104] On the other hand, the periodically transmitted information preferably includes one or more of engine speed, cooling water pressure, total engine operating time, fuel consumption rate, fault code, remaining battery charge, boat speed, ignition timing, fuel injection time, fuel pressure, and engine temperature. This allows engine-related information to be accumulated in the server 2 at regular transmission intervals. This allows changes in information during use of the inboard system 80 to be accumulated in the server 2. For the information accumulated in this manner, the server 2 can execute processes such as determining whether or not there is an abnormality or whether or not maintenance is required, estimating the timing of maintenance, and notifying the user, etc., of the presence or absence of an abnormality, the necessity of maintenance, and / or the timing of maintenance.

[0105] The completion transmission information preferably includes information serving as an index for estimating the timing of maintenance (inspection, part replacement, etc.) of the outfitting equipment included in the inboard system 80. As a result, the completion transmission allows the server 2 to accumulate the latest information serving as an index for estimating the timing of maintenance (inspection, part replacement, etc.) of the outfitting equipment. As a result, the server 2 can appropriately perform processing for estimating the maintenance timing.

[0106] In this embodiment, the server 2 executes a notification process to notify the maintenance timing based on the completion transmission information. Therefore, since the maintenance timing is appropriately estimated based on the information accumulated in the server 2 by the completion transmission, the appropriately estimated maintenance timing can be notified to the user, owner, dealer, etc. This allows the user, etc. to take measures for maintenance in a timely manner.

[0107] For comparison, consider a case where information serving as an index for estimating the maintenance time is transmitted from the communication device 1 to the server 2 when the inboard system 80 is started (when use begins) rather than when use of the inboard system 80 is ended. In this case, even if the user, etc. should be notified of the maintenance time when use of the inboard system 80 is ended, the user, etc. may not be notified until the inboard system 80 is next started. In particular, leisure boats are rarely used at the same frequency throughout the year, and may be used frequently in the summer (on-season) and hardly used in the winter (off-season). In the worst case, even if the maintenance time should be notified at the end of the on-season, the maintenance time may be notified at the beginning of the next on-season, and the use of the boat may be restricted for maintenance. The above embodiment that performs the end-of-season transmission process can solve this problem.

[0108] As another comparative example, consider a case where the end transmission process is not performed, and information required to estimate the maintenance time is transmitted from the communication device 1 to the server 2 by the periodic transmission process. In this case, the amount of information (communication volume) transmitted to the server 2 by the periodic transmission process increases, and the processing load on the server 2 increases. The above embodiment in which the end transmission process is performed can alleviate this problem.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication device power supply unit 89 maintains the supply of power to the communication device 1 even after use of the inboard system 80 has ended. More specifically, the communication device power supply unit 89 maintains the supply of power to the communication device 1 at least until the end of the shutdown transmission process. Therefore, the supply of power to the communication device 1 is ensured even after use of the inboard system 80 has ended, so that the communication device 1 can reliably execute the shutdown transmission process.

[0110] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be embodied in other forms.

[0111] In addition, in the above embodiment, an outboard motor is given as an example of a propulsion unit, but the propulsion unit provided on the boat may have various configurations, such as an inboard motor, an inboard-outboard motor, a water jet, or the like.

[0112] In addition, various design modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1: communication device, 2: server, 3D: dealer client, 3U: user client, 4: network, 4A: internet, 4B: wireless data communication network, 5: ship, 11: processor, 12: memory, 13: communication interface, 14: wireless communication device, 15: information collection unit, 16: scan result transmission unit, 17: periodic transmission unit, 18: end of use detection unit, 19: end of use transmission unit, 20: classification unit, 21: processor, 22: memory, 23: storage, 23D: database, 24: communication interface, 25: input / output interface, 60: outboard motor, 61: engine, 63: engine ECU, 64: sensors, 65: propeller, 66: shift mechanism, 70: steering, 71: steering actuator, 72: steering ECU, 80: inboard system, 81: controller, 88: battery, 89: power supply unit for communication device, 100: ship information collection system

Claims

1. An onboard system including a plurality of equipment devices to be equipped on a ship, an onboard network provided on the ship and to which the equipment devices are connected, and a communication device capable of communicating with the equipment devices via the onboard network; a server provided outside the ship and capable of communicating with the communication device; The communication device executes an information collection process to collect information on the equipment, an end-of-use detection process to detect an end of use of the onboard system, and an information transmission process to transmit the information collected by the information collection process to the server, The server registers the information received from the communication device in a storage device; A ship information collection system, wherein the information transmission process includes an end-of-use transmission process that transmits information collected by the information collection process to the server in response to the end of use of the onboard system being detected by the end-of-use detection process.

2. The communication device classifies the information collected by the information collection process into periodic transmission information and termination transmission information, the information transmission process further includes a periodic transmission process of transmitting the periodic transmission information to the server at a predetermined periodic transmission interval while the onboard system is in use; The vessel information gathering system according to claim 1 , wherein the termination transmission process transmits the termination transmission information to the server.

3. The equipment includes a propulsion machine powered by an engine, The ship information collection system of claim 2, wherein the termination transmission information includes one or more of maximum engine speed, number of over-revving occurrences, number of overheating occurrences, number of hydraulic pressure drops, number of knock control occurrences, number of sudden acceleration operations, number of reverse rotation detections, operating time for each engine speed range, number of shift operations, number of starting operations, and fuel tank capacity.

4. The equipment includes a steering having a steering actuator; 4. The vessel information gathering system according to claim 2, wherein the end transmission information includes at least one of a driving time for each load range of the steering actuator and a cumulative operating angle of the steering.

5. The equipment includes a propulsion machine powered by an engine, A ship information collection system as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the regularly transmitted information includes one or more of the engine speed, cooling water pressure, total operating time of the engine, fuel consumption rate, fault code, remaining battery charge, ship speed, ignition timing, fuel injection time, fuel pressure, and engine temperature.

6. A ship information collection system as described in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the termination transmission information includes information that serves as an indicator for estimating the maintenance timing of the outfitting equipment included in the onboard system.

7. The vessel information collecting system according to claim 6 , wherein the server executes a notification process for notifying a maintenance time based on the end transmission information.

8. A ship information collection system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a power supply device for the communication device that maintains power supply to the communication device after use of the onboard system has ended, at least until the end transmission process has been completed.

9. An onboard system including a plurality of equipment devices to be equipped on a ship, an onboard network provided on the ship and to which the equipment devices are connected, and a communication device capable of communicating with the equipment devices via the onboard network; a server provided outside the ship and capable of communicating with the communication device; The communication device executes an information collection process to collect information on the equipment, an end-of-use detection process to detect an end of use of the onboard system, and an information transmission process to transmit the information collected by the information collection process to the server, The server registers the information received from the communication device in a storage device.

10. The hull and A ship comprising: an onboard system used in the ship information collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The communication device used in the vessel information gathering system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. The server used in the ship information gathering system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. A communication device that is installed on a ship and communicates with a server, a communication interface connected to an on-board network provided on the ship; a wireless communication device for communicating with the server; a processing device; The processing device includes: an information collecting unit that collects information of devices equipped on the ship and connected to the ship's in-ship network via the communication interface; an end-of-use detection unit for detecting an end of use of the onboard system; an information sending unit for sending information collected by the information collecting unit to the server via the wireless communication device.

14. The communication device according to claim 13, wherein the information transmitting unit executes an end-of-use transmission process to transmit information collected by the information collecting unit to the server in response to the end-of-use detection unit detecting an end of use of the onboard system.

15. The processing device further functions as a classification unit that classifies the information collected by the information collecting unit into periodic transmission information and end transmission information; The communication device described in claim 14, wherein the information transmission unit further executes a periodic transmission process to transmit the periodic transmission information to the server at a predetermined periodic transmission cycle during use of the onboard system, and transmits the periodic transmission information to the server in the termination transmission process.

Images