Watercraft information collecting system

Abstract

To provide a watercraft information collecting system that is suitable for information collection related to a watercraft.SOLUTION: An onboard system includes: a plurality of outfitting devices mounted on a watercraft 5; an onboard network to which the outfitting devices are connected; and a communicator 1 capable of communicating with the outfitting devices via the onboard network. A watercraft information collecting system 100 includes: the onboard system; and a server 2 which is provided outside the watercraft, and is capable of communicating with the communicator. The communicator executes: system scanning for collecting information of the plurality of outfitting devices; and scanning result transmission for transmitting a scanning result that is information collected by system scanning, to the server. The server registers the scanning result received from the communicator, and collects at least either positional information of the watercraft or information related to a stage of distribution of the watercraft.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an information sharing system including an in-vehicle system that collects vehicle configuration information and a server that communicates with the in-vehicle system. The server collates the vehicle configuration information acquired by communication from the in-vehicle system with the vehicle state management information. This provides a mechanism for securely sharing new secret information between the server and the automobile without pre-storing secret information in the automobile.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 does not describe anything regarding information collection related to ships.

[0005] Therefore, an embodiment of the present invention provides a ship information collection system suitable for collecting information related to ships. An embodiment of the present invention also provides a communication device and a server suitable for use in the ship information collection system. Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention provides a ship having an in-ship system used in the ship information collection system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] 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 in 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. The communication device executes a system scan for collecting information of the plurality of outfitting devices and a scan result transmission for transmitting a scan result, which is the information collected by the system scan, to the server. The server registers the scan result received from the communication device and collects at least one of the position information of the ship and information regarding the distribution stage of the ship.

[0007] In this configuration, the in-ship system is configured by connecting a plurality of outfitting devices to the in-ship network. The communication device can communicate with the outfitting devices via the in-ship network and can also communicate with a server provided outside the ship. In this embodiment, the communication device executes a system scan for collecting information of the plurality of outfitting devices and transmits the scan result to the server. The server registers the scan result received from the communication device. The server further collects at least one of the position information of the ship and information regarding the distribution stage of the ship.

[0008] The position information of the ship can be used, for example, to identify the area where the ship is actually used, and thus can be used as reference information for the development and design of outfitting devices. The information regarding the distribution stage can be used, for example, as reference information for the production management and distribution management of outfitting devices.

[0009] Since the scan results obtained by the system scan are registered in the server, for example, the scan results can be evaluated in the server. In this case, even if a service - specific tool not included in the in - ship system is not connected to the in - ship network, the system scan can be performed and the evaluation of the system scan can be carried out. Therefore, if the in - ship system is properly constructed and, accordingly, the evaluation of the scan results is good, the diagnostic work performed by connecting the service - specific tool can be omitted. Thereby, the labor and time for diagnosing the in - ship system can be reduced.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the ship information collection system further includes a distribution stage specifying unit for specifying the distribution stage of the ship. The server collects information on the distribution stage specified by the distribution stage specifying unit. With this configuration, the distribution stage of the ship is specified and the specified information is collected by the server. The information on the distribution stage thus collected can be used, for example, as reference information for the production management and distribution management of outfitting equipment.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of outfitting devices includes a position detection device. The distribution stage specifying unit includes a shipment determination unit that determines that the ship has been shipped when the position detection device detects a position that is a predetermined distance or more away from the initial position detected by the position detection device when the communication device first executes the system scan.

[0012] Since the position detection device is one of the outfitting devices, it detects the position of the in - ship system, that is, the position of the ship. The place where the communication device first executes the system scan is the place where the in - ship system is constructed, that is, the place where the ship is built, typically a boatbuilder's factory. Therefore, if a movement of a predetermined distance (for example, several kilometers) from the initial position (boatbuilder's factory) when the first system scan is executed is detected, it can be determined that the ship has been shipped from the boatbuilder.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the communication device further performs position information transmission for transmitting the position information detected by the position detection device to the server. The server executes the function of the shipping determination unit. That is, in this case, the server acquires the position information of the ship from the communication device.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the communication device acquires the position information detected by the position detection device and executes the function of the shipping determination unit. In this case, the communication device transmits the determination result by the shipping determination unit to the server. The server acquires the determination result as information regarding the distribution stage.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of outfitting devices includes a propulsion device. The distribution stage specifying unit includes a customer delivery determination unit that determines that the ship has been delivered to a customer when the cumulative operation time of the propulsion device exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0016] Before the ship is built and delivered to the customer, a test run of the propulsion device is performed as necessary. Of course, the operation time is a short time compared to the operation time after it is delivered to the customer and starts to be used. Therefore, if the cumulative operation time of the propulsion device exceeds a predetermined threshold value (for example, 10 hours), it can be determined that the ship has been delivered to the customer.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the communication device further performs operation time information transmission for transmitting the operation time information of the propulsion device to the server. The server executes the function of the customer delivery determination unit. In this case, at the server, it is determined whether or not the delivery to the customer has been made.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the communication device acquires the operation time information of the propulsion device and executes the function of the customer delivery determination unit. In this case, the communication device transmits the determination result of customer delivery, that is, information on whether or not the delivery to the customer has been made, to the server. The server acquires the determination result as information representing the distribution stage.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the communication device compares the scan result of the previous system scan with the scan result of the latest system scan, and does not execute the scan result transmission when the two scan results match, and executes the scan result transmission when the two scan results do not match. The plurality of outfitting devices includes a propulsion device. When the cumulative operation time of the propulsion device exceeds a predetermined threshold, the communication device transmits the latest scan result to the server regardless of whether it matches the previous scan result.

[0020] With this configuration, if the new scan result and the previous scan result do not match, the scan result is transmitted to and stored in the server. The server may perform an evaluation of the new scan result. On the other hand, if the new scan result and the previous scan result match, the scan result transmission is omitted, and thus the accumulation and other processing of the scan result in the server are not executed. In this way, the loads on the communication device and the server can be reduced.

[0021] On the other hand, when the cumulative operation time of the propulsion device exceeds a predetermined threshold, the latest scan result is transmitted to the server regardless of whether it matches the previous scan result. Thereby, the server can obtain the information of the outfitting device at the time when the cumulative operation time of the propulsion device exceeds the threshold. By setting the threshold to an appropriate value (for example, about 10 hours), the server can obtain the information of the outfitting device after the ship is delivered to the customer. By checking this, it is possible to confirm whether a properly configured ship has been delivered to the customer.

[0022] For example, the communication device may be configured to execute a system scan when detecting the startup of the in-ship system. Thereby, the scan result stored in the server can be kept up-to-date.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the server attaches a label for identifying a distribution stage to the scan result received from the communication device. With this configuration, by searching using the label as a key, the scan results at each stage of distribution can be examined. The distribution stage refers to stages such as not yet shipped, shipped, and delivered to the customer. In particular, by attaching a label indicating that it has been delivered to the customer, the configuration information of the ship delivered to the customer can be easily extracted and examined.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of outfitting devices include a propulsion device, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) position detection device, and a cellular base station position detection device. Then, based on a predetermined determination condition, position information generated by either the GNSS position detection device or the cellular base station position detection device is selected and stored in the server. The determination condition includes at least one of a condition related to the operation time of the propulsion device and a condition related to the customer's consent for position information collection.

[0025] According to this configuration, based on the determination condition, position information generated by either the GNSS position detection device or the cellular base station position detection device can be collected and stored in the server. The GNSS position detection device can detect the exact position of the ship. In contrast, the cellular base station position detection device can only detect that the ship is located within the communication range of the cellular base station with which communication has been established, so the position detection accuracy is lower than that of the GNSS position detection device.

[0026] For example, if the cumulative operation time of the propulsion unit is less than a predetermined threshold value, the position information detected by the GNSS position detection device may be accumulated in the server, and when the cumulative operation time of the propulsion unit reaches the threshold value, the position information detected by the cellular base station position detection device may be accumulated in the server. For example, by setting the threshold value to an appropriate value (for example, about 10 hours), accurate position information can be collected before delivery to the customer, while inaccurate position information can be collected after delivery to the customer. Also, when the customer consents to the collection of accurate position information, the position information detected by the GNSS position detection device may be accumulated in the server, and when the customer does not consent to the collection of accurate position information, the position information detected by the cellular base station position detection device may be accumulated in the server. In this way, the collection of position information can be appropriately performed while respecting the customer's intention.

[0027] One embodiment of the present invention provides the communication device used in the aforementioned ship information collection system.

[0028] One embodiment of the present invention provides the server used in the aforementioned ship information collection system.

[0029] One embodiment of the present invention provides a ship including a hull and the in-ship system used in the aforementioned ship information collection system.

Advantages of the Invention

[0030] According to the present invention, a ship information collection system suitable for collecting information related to ships is provided. Also, according to the present invention, a communication device and a server suitable for use in a ship information collection system are provided. Furthermore, according to the present invention, a ship having an in-ship system used in a ship information collection system is provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031]

Figure 1

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a ship information collection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The ship information collection system 100 includes a communication device 1 that collects and transmits information on devices installed 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. Further, the communication device 1 may be configured as a portable device and may be a device brought onto the ship 5 by a crew member as needed.

[0034] The communication device 1 and the server 2 can communicate with each other via the network 4. That is, the communication device 1 and the server 2 are communicatively connected to the network 4, respectively. 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, for example, and is communicatively connected to the Internet 4A via the wireless data communication network 4B. The wireless data communication network 4B includes a cellular base station 40 capable of wireless communication with the communication device 1.

[0035] The server 2 can typically communicate with the client 3. The client 3 may be a client terminal device (hereinafter referred to as the "dealer client 3D") provided in the dealer's office and / or the marina office. Also, the client 3 may be a mobile terminal device such as a smartphone carried by the user (hereinafter referred to as the "user client 3U"). 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 the 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. Also, the user client 3U may be communicatively connected to the communication device 1 within the ship. In this case, the user client 3U may be connectable to the network 4 via the communication device 1.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the ship 5. The ship 5 includes a hull 51 and various devices (outfitting devices) outfitted on the hull 51. The outfitting devices typically include input devices (steering devices) for ship operation, a controller 81 for overall control of the devices outfitted on the ship 5, a propulsion machine that applies propulsion 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.

[0037] The input devices include, in this example, the steering wheel 52 and the remote controller 55.

[0038] The propulsion device includes, in this example, an outboard motor 60 as an example of the main engine (main propulsion device). Specifically, one or more outboard motors 60 are arranged at the stern. In this example, a plurality of (more specifically, three) outboard motors 60 are attached side by side on the left and right at the stern. In this example, the outboard motor 60 is an engine outboard motor that drives a propeller 65 using an engine 61 (internal combustion engine) as a power source. Of course, an electric outboard motor using an electric motor as a power source may be applied. The three outboard motors 60 specifically include a center outboard motor 60C arranged in the center, and a port outboard motor 60P and a starboard outboard motor 60S arranged on the left and right thereof, respectively.

[0039] The steering device is, in this example, a steering 70 that steers the outboard motor 60 left and right. One steering 70 is provided for each outboard motor 60, and in this example, three steerings 70 are provided. The three steerings 70 are a center steering 70C, a port steering 70P, and a starboard steering 70S that respectively correspond to the center outboard motor 60C, the port outboard motor 60P, and the starboard outboard motor 60S.

[0040] The steering wheel 52 is rotated by the 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 controller 55 includes an accelerator lever 56 that is operated by the operator to adjust the direction (forward or backward) and magnitude of the propulsion 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 controller ECU 58.

[0041] 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 that cuts off the power transmission between the engine 61 and the propeller 65. 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. Further, the engine ECU 63 controls the operation of a throttle actuator 62 that drives the throttle valve of the engine 61, thereby controlling the magnitude of the propulsive force.

[0042] The steering 70 includes a steering actuator 71 and a steering ECU 72 that controls it. The steering actuator 71 generates power for rotating the outboard motor 60 left and right around a steering shaft (not shown). Thereby, the direction of the propulsive force applied by the outboard motor 60 to the hull 51 changes left and right, and the traveling direction of the ship 5 changes. The steering 70 may be a unit integrated with the outboard motor 60 or a unit separate from the outboard motor 60. FIG. 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).

[0043] Inside the ship, a network for data communication, that is, an in-ship network 77 is constructed. In this embodiment, the in-ship network 77 includes a ship control CAN (Control Area Network) 75 and a propulsion control CAN 76. The in-ship network 77 may further include more sub-networks. The in-ship network 77 and various shipboard equipment connected to the in-ship network 77 constitute an in-ship system 80.

[0044] The propulsion control CAN76 is connected to the remote control ECU58, the helm ECU54, the engine ECU63, and the steering ECU72. Therefore, the output command from the remote control ECU58 is transmitted to the engine ECU63 via the propulsion control CAN76. The output command is a signal that commands the direction (forward or reverse) and magnitude of the propulsion force of each outboard motor 60. Also, the steering command from the helm ECU54 is transmitted to the steering ECU72 via the propulsion control CAN76. The steering command is a command signal corresponding 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.

[0045] The remote control ECU58 is also connected to the ship control CAN75. The ship control CAN75 is further connected to a controller 81. Therefore, the controller 81 can obtain information on the output command from the remote control ECU58.

[0046] Also, the controller 81 can obtain various information from the outfitting equipment connected to the propulsion control CAN76, more specifically, the helm ECU54, the engine ECU63, and the steering ECU72, via the remote control ECU58.

[0047] Therefore, the controller 81 can obtain the information of the steering command output by the helm ECU 54. Further, for example, the controller 81 can obtain the information of the steering command received by the steering ECU 72 and the detection result information of 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 operating amount of the steering actuator 71. Further, the controller 81 can obtain various information from the engine ECU 63. For example, the controller 81 can obtain the information of the output command received by the engine ECU 63 and the detection result information of various sensors 64 provided in the outboard motor 60. The sensors 64 include, for example, a throttle opening sensor, an engine rotation speed sensor, and an engine temperature sensor. The throttle opening sensor is a sensor that detects the opening of the throttle valve. The engine rotation 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 (for example, the temperature of the cooling water) or a sensor that detects the exhaust temperature of the engine 61.

[0048] The vessel control CAN 75 is further connected with a gauge 82 for displaying various information and a communicator 1. The communicator 1 is a device for transmitting information such as the situation of the vessel 5, more specifically, the configuration information of the vessel 5 (especially the in-ship system 80), the failure information occurring in the in-ship system 80, the detection values of the sensors, etc. to the server 2 (see FIG. 1).

[0049] The gauge 82 has functions of a display device that displays, for example, the remaining fuel level, the engine speed and shift position of each outboard motor 60, the remaining battery level, and the like. The remaining battery level is the remaining capacity of the battery 88 mounted on the hull 51 to operate a starter motor (not shown) built into the outboard motor 60 for engine starting. The battery 88 discharges when starting the engine and is charged by a generator (not shown) built into the outboard motor 60 during engine operation. The gauge 82 may be provided with an input device 83 such as an input button or a touch panel, and various commands may be input by the user operating the input device 83. The input device 83 may be provided separately from the gauge 82.

[0050] In addition to these, various ship equipment can be connected to the ship control CAN 75 so as to enable data communication. Third-party ship equipment is typically connected to the ship 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 ship equipment. The GPS receiver 85 is an example of a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) position detection device and is a position detection device that detects the position of the ship 5.

[0051] The steering wheel 52 and the remote control 55 are arranged at the helm station, and a main switch 78 is provided for turning on / off the power of the outboard motor 60 and further starting / stopping its engine 61. Also, the helm station is provided with a kill switch 79 (emergency stop switch) for invalidating the propulsion force of the outboard motor 60 (typically stopping the engine 61) in an emergency. The kill switch 79 is provided with an operating end coupled to, for example, a lanyard cable worn by the operator, and operates when the operator falls into the water to emergency stop the engine 61 of the outboard motor 60.

[0052] The communication device 1 is configured to operate by receiving power supply from a power supply device 89 for a communication device. The power supply device 89 for a communication device is built in the communication device 1 in this embodiment, but may be provided outside the communication device 1. One example of the power supply device 89 for a communication device includes a battery for a communication device or a capacitor for a communication device (typically an electric double layer capacitor). In this case, the power supply device 89 for a communication device preferably includes a charging circuit that charges the battery for a communication device or the capacitor for a communication device with the power from the battery 88 (main battery). The charging circuit may be configured to stop charging the battery for a communication device or the capacitor for a communication device when the voltage of the battery 88 becomes less than a predetermined threshold value. Another example of the power supply device 89 for a communication device is a power holding circuit. The power holding circuit may be configured not to disconnect the connection between the battery 88 and the communication device 1 even when the in-ship system 80 is not in use.

[0053] Figure 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, and they are connected so as to be capable of data communication.

[0054] The processor 21 operates according to the program 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 it in the storage 23 is realized. Further, based on the stored information, a function of evaluating the in-ship system 80 and generating an evaluation result is realized. Also, 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 realized. In order to provide the web application service, the memory 22 is provided with a web application program. Also, a function of communicating with the user client 3U (see FIG. 1) and providing information to the application included in the user client 3U is 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.

[0055] A database 23D is constructed in the storage 23, and configuration information representing the configuration of the in-ship system 80 of each of a plurality of ships is stored in the database 23D. The stored configuration information includes the configuration information transmitted from the communication device 1 of each ship 5 with respect to the plurality of ships 5. The configuration information includes information on one or more outfitting devices constituting the in-ship system 80. The configuration information of the outfitting device may be information representing the type (model name) of the outfitting device, part number, serial number, software name, software version, etc. The configuration information may further include information on at least one (preferably all) of the number, arrangement, and connection state of the outfitting devices. In particular, the configuration information preferably includes information on the type (model name), number, arrangement, and connection state of the outboard engine 60 as the main engine and the steering 70 incorporated therein.

[0056] In the database 23D, requirement information (operating conditions) for appropriately operating various outfitting devices that can be installed on the ship 5 is registered with respect to the outfitting devices. The requirement information includes, for example, hardware requirements and / or software requirements that are essential or acceptable when installing each device. The hardware requirements are, for example, requirements (model name, part name, etc.) of other devices that must be or are acceptable to be provided in the in-ship system 80 together with each device. The software requirements are, for example, software (software name, software version, etc.) that is essential or acceptable in other devices provided in the in-ship system together with each device.

[0057] When the processor 21 receives the configuration information of the in-ship system 80 from the communication device 1, it evaluates the in-ship system 80 and forms an evaluation result by searching for the corresponding requirement information from the database 23D. More specifically, it determines the compatibility of a plurality of outfitting devices constituting the in-ship system 80 and generates an evaluation result including the system compatibility determination result. When there are no problems with the compatibility of the plurality of outfitting devices and it is confirmed that each outfitting device operates properly, the system compatibility determination result is "qualified". When there is any problem and there is a possibility that any outfitting device does not operate properly, the system compatibility determination result is "unqualified". The processor 21 transmits the system compatibility determination result to the communication device 1 via the communication interface 24. When the system compatibility determination result is unqualified, the processor 21 may generate information on the cause of the non-conformance and / or information on countermeasures for eliminating the cause of the non-conformance and transmit that information to the communication device 1.

[0058] The database 23D further stores the periodic transmission information that is periodically transmitted from the communication device 1 of each ship 5. That is, the processor 21 receives the periodic transmission information and stores it in the database 23D. The processor 21 executes processing using the periodic transmission information. For example, the processor 21 may perform failure diagnosis processing using the periodic transmission information. The failure diagnosis processing typically includes processing for detecting an abnormality, and preferably further includes notification processing for notifying the detected abnormality to the user or the dealer. The notification processing may include notification on a web page provided to the dealer client 3D, or may include notification on the application of the user client 3U. Further, the notification processing may include sending an email to the registered email address of the user and / or the dealer. The failure diagnosis processing may further include processing for identifying the cause of the abnormality, processing for generating information on measures for eliminating the abnormality, etc., and the information generated by these processes may be included in the target of the above-described notification processing.

[0059] The periodic transmission information may include position information. The position information is information representing the position of the ship 5, and a typical example is the position information detected by the GPS receiver 85. Another example of the position information is the position information of the cellular base station 40 with which the communication device 1 is communicating. The periodic transmission information may include the operation time information of the outboard motor 60. The operation time information is, briefly, information representing the operation time of the engine 61 of the outboard motor 60. The operation time information may be the total operation time since the engine 61 was started. Also, the operation time information may be the cumulative operation time obtained by accumulating the past total operation time of the engine 61. Separate from the periodic transmission information, the position information and / or the operation time information may be transmitted from the communication device 1 to the server 2.

[0060] The database 23D may further store information regarding the distribution stage of the ship 5. The distribution stage is, for example, stages such as not yet shipped, shipped, and delivered to the customer. Not yet shipped typically corresponds to the case where the ship 5 is in the factory of the boat builder who constructs it. Shipped typically corresponds to the case where the shipment from the boat builder's factory is completed. The ship 5 shipped from the boat builder is typically delivered to the dealer. Delivered to the customer typically corresponds to the state where the ship 5 has been delivered from the dealer to the customer.

[0061] In the database 23D, the customer can further operate the applications introduced into the user client 3U to register various information. For example, the customer can register consent / disagreement information regarding collecting the accurate position information of the ship 5 by the server 2. The accurate position information is specifically the position information generated by the GPS receiver 85.

[0062] FIG. 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 communicator 14. The processor 11 is a processing device that realizes a plurality of functions by operating according to the program stored in the memory 12. The communication interface 13 is an interface for data communication via the in-ship network 77. The wireless communicator 14 is a device for data communication with the server 2 via the network 4.

[0063] Processor 11 executes a data collection function that collects information from a plurality of devices installed on the hull 51 via the in-ship network 77 and stores it in the memory 12. The information collected includes the configuration information of the devices (fitting equipment) installed on the hull 51. Also, the information collected may include the detection values of various sensors. Specifically, the detection values of sensors 53, 57, 64, 73 connected to the helm ECU 54, remote control ECU 58, steering ECU 72, and engine ECU 63 can be collected. The information collected may further include the information generated by the helm ECU 54, remote control ECU 58, steering ECU 72, and 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, etc. Switches such as the main switch 78, kill switch 79, and start switch may also be regarded as sensors, and their states may be collected as detection values. Processor 11 may further have a failure detection function that monitors the states of various devices connected to the in-ship network 77 and generates failure information (fault information). For example, the states of each ECU may be monitored, and an interruption in operation due to a momentary drop in the power supply voltage may be detected as a failure (momentary power interruption). The collected information, generated failure information, etc. are stored in the memory 12. It is not necessary to collect information from all the devices connected to the in-ship network 77. For example, third-party devices connected via the gateway 84 may be excluded.

[0064] Processor 11 has a function of causing all or part of this collected and / or information generated by itself and stored in the memory 12 to be transmitted by the wireless communicator 14 towards the server 2.

[0065] In this embodiment, the processor 11 has a function as an information collecting unit 15 that collects information from the equipment connected to the inboard 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 inboard network 77. The processor 11 has a function as a scan result transmitting unit 16 that executes scan result transmission, which transmits the scan result, which is information collected by the system scan, to the server 2 via the wireless communication device 14. The server 2 receives the scan result and registers it in the database 23D as configuration information of the inboard system 80. The server 2 further evaluates the inboard system 80 based on the configuration information and transmits the evaluation result to the communication device 1. The functions of the processor 11 include a function as an evaluation result receiving unit 17 that executes evaluation result reception, which receives the evaluation result from the server 2 via the wireless communication device 14. As described above, the evaluation result includes a system compatibility judgment result, and if the system compatibility judgment result is unsuccessful, includes information on the reason and / or how to deal with the reason.

[0066] The processor 11 stores the information collected by the system scan as the scan result in the memory 12. The processor 11 also stores the evaluation result (system compatibility determination result) received from the server 2 in the memory 12.

[0067] 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.

[0068] In addition to collecting information through system scanning, the information collection unit 15 collects various information from the outfitting equipment via the in-ship network 77 even during the operation of the in-ship system 80. The processor 11 functions as a periodic transmission unit 18 that executes periodic transmission to transmit predetermined periodic transmission information to the server 2 at a predetermined periodic transmission cycle during the operation of the in-ship system 80. The periodic transmission cycle may be, for example, about 10 minutes. The periodic transmission information includes the information collected by the information collection unit 15 and includes, for example, operation information indicating the operation 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 retrospectively investigating the presence or absence of abnormalities, the situation at the time of abnormality occurrence, etc. The operation information includes the above-described operation time information in this embodiment.

[0069] The periodic transmission information includes an error code as necessary. Specifically, when an error code indicating the presence of an error appears in the in-ship network 77 at the time of startup of the in-ship system 80, the error code is included in the periodic transmission information. Thereafter, if there is a change in the error code during the operation of the in-ship system 80, the changed error code is included in the periodic transmission information. The transmission of the error code to the server 2 may be executed separately from the periodic transmission.

[0070] In addition, the periodic transmission information includes the aforementioned position information. The communication device 1 can acquire the position information from the GPS receiver 85 via the in-ship network 77 and include it in the periodic transmission information. Further, the communication device 1 has a function as a cellular base station position detection unit 19 (cellular base station position detection device) that acquires the position information of the cellular base station 40 during communication establishment from the cellular base station 40. The communication device 1 can include the acquired position information of the cellular base station in the periodic transmission information as the position information of the ship 5. The communication device 1 selects the highly accurate position information detected by the GPS receiver 85 or the position information of the cellular base station 40 with lower accuracy based on a command from the server 2 or based on a predetermined determination condition, and includes the selected position information in the periodic transmission information. The determination condition includes, for example, one or both of a condition regarding the cumulative operation time of the engine 61 and a condition regarding the customer's consent for the acquisition of accurate position information.

[0071] FIG. 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 desktop type, clamshell type, or tablet type personal computer.

[0072] 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 data communication with the network 4 (see FIG. 1) wired or wirelessly via a local area network (not shown) provided in an office such as a dealer or a marina. Further, the communication interface 35D may be configured to be connectable to the wireless data communication network 4B (see FIG. 1).

[0073] The memory 32D stores at least the program of the web browser, and when the processor 31D executes this program, the user of the dealer client 3D (dealer staff, marina staff, etc.) can view the web pages provided by the server 2 and use the web application services provided on the web pages.

[0074] The user of the dealer client 3D can display the web page on the display device 34D and receive information provided from the server 2 from the displayed web page. Specifically, the user can obtain the configuration information of the customer's ship 5 or the information about the faults occurring in the customer's ship 5.

[0075] Also, the memory 32D may store a program (mailer) for receiving e-mails, and when the processor 31D executes this program, the user of the dealer client 3D can receive notifications by e-mails sent by the server 2. Thereby, notifications of information about faults occurring in the customer's ship 5 can be obtained by e-mails from the server 2.

[0076] FIG. 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.

[0077] The processor 31U realizes various functions by executing the 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 can perform data communication with the server 2.

[0078] The memory 32U stores application programs (so-called native application programs) executable by the processor 31U. By the processor 31U executing these programs, the user of the user client 3U (typically the user or owner of the ship 5) can obtain and display the information provided by the server 2 on the screen of the application program. Specifically, information regarding the state of the ship 5 (for example, the position of the ship 5, the remaining fuel amount, failure information) and the like can be obtained by the function of the application program.

[0079] Further, the memory 32U may store a program (mailer) for receiving e-mails. By the processor 31U executing this program, the user of the user client 3U can receive notifications by e-mails sent by the server 2. Thereby, notifications of information on failures occurring in the customer's ship 5 and the like can be obtained by e-mails from the server 2.

[0080] The user client 3U may be equipped with a function to register with the server 2 by indicating consent or non-consent regarding collecting and storing the accurate position information of the ship 5 in the server 2. Such consent or non-consent may also be registrable by means other than using the user client 3U. For example, it may be possible to register the consent or non-consent with the server 2 by an operator at the dealer operating the dealer client 3D according to the customer's request.

[0081] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the communication device 1, and shows an example of a process mainly periodically executed by the processor 11 (see FIG. 4). The communication device 1 monitors the startup of the in-ship system 80, and when the in-ship system 80 starts up (step S1: YES), it executes a process for acquiring information on the outfitting devices connected to the in-ship network 77. For example, the communication device 1 may determine that the in-ship system 80 has started up when any outfitting device sends a message to the in-ship network 77. More specifically, the communication device 1 may determine that the in-ship system 80 has started up when a message appears on the ship control CAN 75.

[0082] To acquire information on the outfitting devices connected to the in-ship network 77, the communication device 1 acquires the addresses of the outfitting devices connected to the ship control CAN 75 (step S2). The acquisition of the addresses may be performed by an address claim in which the communication device 1 declares its own address to the in-ship network 77 (specifically, the ship control CAN 75). The outfitting devices connected to the ship control CAN 75 are configured to send an address claim declaring the address they intend to use in response to an address claim sent to the ship control CAN 75. In this way, the communication device 1 can acquire the addresses of the outfitting devices connected to the ship control CAN 75 by sending an address claim to the ship control CAN 75.

[0083] Next, the communication device 1 executes a system scan. Specifically, the communication device 1 transmits a configuration information transmission request to each outfitting device connected to the in-ship network 77 (more specifically, the ship control CAN 75), using the acquired address as the destination. In response to the request, the outfitting device at the destination transmits the 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 outfitting device is acquired (step S3: function of the information collection unit 15). By executing the same process for all the acquired addresses (step S4), the configuration information of all the outfitting devices connected to the in-ship network 77 is acquired.

[0084] The collection of information from the outfitting devices (the helm ECU 54, the engine ECU 63, and the steering ECU 72) connected to the propulsion control CAN 76 is delegated 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 the configuration information of the outfitting devices connected to the propulsion control CAN 76 and transmits it to the communication device 1. In this way, the configuration information of all the outfitting devices connected to the in-ship network 77 is collected. The configuration information obtained by this system scan is the scan result, and the data representing the scan result is called scan result data. The scan result data includes the configuration information of the communication device 1 itself.

[0085] 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 not (step S5). If the previous scan result data is not stored in the memory 12, the determination is 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 S9: function of the scan result transmission unit 16).

[0086] On the one hand, when the current scan result matches the previous scan result (step S5: YES), the communication device 1 checks whether data representing the system compatibility determination result (system compatibility determination result data) is stored in the memory 12. If the system compatibility determination result data is stored in the memory 12 and the system compatibility determination result data indicates passing (step S7: YES), the communication device 1 does not transmit the scan result data to the server 2. That is, if it has been determined that the compatibility of the outfitting devices constituting the in-ship system 80 is appropriate, since the in-ship system 80 is properly constructed, the communication device 1 does not transmit the scan result data to the server 2. In this case, the communication device 1 does not need to store the current scan result data in the memory 12. Of course, it is also possible to store the current scan result data in the memory 12.

[0087] However, in this embodiment, even when the current scan result matches the previous scan result (step S5: YES) and the proper determination of the compatibility of the outfitting devices has been completed (step S7: YES), the latest scan result may be transmitted to the server 2. Specifically, the communication device 1 obtains the cumulative operation time (total cumulative operation time) of the outboard engine 60 and compares the cumulative operation time with a predetermined threshold value (step S8). If the cumulative operation time is less than the threshold value (step S8: NO), the communication device 1 does not execute the transmission of the scan result data to the server 2. If the cumulative operation time has reached the threshold value (step S8: YES), the communication device 1 transmits the latest scan result data to the server 2 (step S9). The predetermined threshold value is preferably set to a value (for example, about 10 hours) that is considered to be a value when the delivery to the customer of the ship 5 is completed, taking into account the time of trial operation and the like. Thereby, the configuration information of the in-ship system 80 in the state delivered to the customer can be transmitted to and accumulated in the server 2. In the ship 5 equipped with a plurality of outboard engines 60, in step S8, the maximum value of the cumulative operation times of the engines 61 of the plurality of outboard engines 60 may be compared with the threshold value.

[0088] On the one hand, while the shipboard system 80 is operating, the communication device 1 collects information sent by the outfitting equipment to the shipboard network 77 and stores it in the memory 12 (step S10: function of the information collection unit 15). Then, the communication device 1 executes a periodic transmission process (step S11: function of the periodic transmission unit 18) for periodically transmitting predetermined periodic transmission information among the collected information.

[0089] The communication device 1 monitors whether the shipboard system 80 is still in use, that is, whether it is operating (step S12). While the shipboard system 80 is operating, the information collection process (step S10) and the periodic transmission process (step S11) are continued. When it is detected that the use of the shipboard system 80 has ended (step S12: YES), the communication device 1 executes an end process (step S13). The end process may include a transition to the sleep mode (power saving mode).

[0090] The detection of whether the shipboard system 80 is operating (in use) (step S12) 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.

[0091] Although illustration is omitted, when communication device 1 receives system compatibility determination result data from server 2, it stores the data in memory 12 (function of evaluation result receiving unit 17). Communication device 1 further transmits the system compatibility determination result data to gauge 82. Thereby, gauge 82 displays the system compatibility determination result on the screen. For example, gauge 82 displays that the system scan is incomplete immediately after in-ship system 80 is constructed and immediately after a change is made to in-ship system 80. This display may be a pop-up display of a message such as "Please execute a system scan." Such a display is mainly for the purpose of transmitting information to the work personnel of boat builders or dealers. Gauge 82 continues the display until system compatibility determination result data indicating passing is written.

[0092] When communication device 1 writes the system compatibility determination result data received from server 2 to gauge 82 and the system compatibility determination result data indicates passing, gauge 82 erases the above display (for example, the pop-up display). On the other hand, when the system compatibility determination result data indicates failure, gauge 82 displays that fact. When the system compatibility determination result data includes information representing the cause of the failure and / or a countermeasure against the cause, that information may also be displayed together. The boat builder or dealer is equipped with a service - specific tool for diagnosing the in - boat system 80. The service - specific tool typically has the form of a personal computer and functions as a diagnostic device by operating a dedicated application. By connecting the service - specific tool to the in - boat network 77, the system scan as described above can be performed using the service - specific tool. The service - specific tool is further equipped with a communication function for communicating with the server 2. Therefore, by using the service - specific tool, similar to the communication device 1, a system scan, transmission of the scan results to the server 2, and reception of the system compatibility determination results can be performed. The service - specific tool may have not only such functions but also, for example, a function of downloading the latest software of the outfitting equipment from the server and installing it on the corresponding outfitting equipment.

[0093] Figure 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the periodic transmission process (step S11 in FIG. 6) performed by the communication device 1 during the operation of the in - boat system 80. Every time the periodic transmission cycle (for example, a 10 - minute cycle) arrives (step S21: YES), the communication device 1 transmits the periodic transmission information to the server 2. More specifically, from the information stored in the memory 12 by the information collection process (step S10 in FIG. 6), the information predetermined as the periodic transmission information is classified and extracted (step S22), and the extracted information is transmitted to the server 2 as the periodic transmission information (step S23).

[0094] The periodic transmission information includes the operation information of the outboard engine 60, more specifically, the engine operation information. The engine operation information includes, for example, the information on the operation time for each of a plurality of preset rotation speed ranges, the information on the total operation time since the engine start, and the like. The engine operation information may further include the number of over-rotation occurrences, the number of overheat occurrences, the number of low oil pressure occurrences, the number of non-kicking control operations, the number of reverse rotation occurrences, and the like. The periodic transmission information may further include the information on the detection values of various sensors. The communication device 1 periodically executes a process of collecting the engine operation information and the detection values of various sensors from the ship equipment via the in-ship network 77 (step S10 in FIG. 6). The period of this process is shorter than the periodic transmission period.

[0095] In this embodiment, the periodic transmission information includes position information. The position information is the accurate position information generated by the GPS receiver 85 or the position information of the cellular base station with which communication has been established with the communication device 1 (approximate position information). Which position information should be selected follows the command from the server 2. In the initial state of the communication device 1, since no command from the server 2 has been received, it may be set to transmit the accurate position information generated by the GPS receiver 85 to the server 2 as the default option.

[0096] Note that when the in-ship system 80 is shut down, the communication device 1 enters the sleep mode (step S13 in FIG. 6), and no periodic transmission process is performed during the sleep mode. However, even during the sleep mode, the communication device 1 may communicate with the server 2 at a period longer than the periodic transmission period, for example, and transmit the position information to the server 2.

[0097] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the process in the server 2, and mainly shows the process periodically executed by the processor 21 (see FIG. 3). The server 2 receives the 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).

[0098] In the database 23D constructed within the storage 23, requirement information that describes the requirements for properly operating each of the outfitting devices is stored. The requirement information typically includes essential requirement information that describes the essential requirements for properly operating the device. Requirements include, for example, information on other outfitting devices that should be provided in the same shipboard system and information on the software of the outfitting device.

[0099] The server 2 searches the database 23D based on the scan result data (step S43). Then, the server 2 determines whether the compatibility of the plurality of outfitting devices that make up the shipboard system 80 is qualified or unqualified by determining whether the requirement information for each outfitting device is satisfied (step S44). The determination result is transmitted to the communication device 1 as system compatibility determination result data (step S45).

[0100] When the compatibility determination is unqualified, it is preferable for the server 2 to identify the requirement information that has become unqualified and transmit the requirement information to the communication device 1 as non-conformance cause information. The non-conformance cause information may include information on a countermeasure method for eliminating the cause instead of or in addition to the information on the cause of non-conformance. As described above, the cause of non-conformance and / or its countermeasure method may be displayed on the gauge 82 of the shipboard system 80. For example, a message such as "The ROM information of the engine ECU is old. Please perform ECU rewriting." may be displayed on the gauge 82.

[0101] Also, when new software is available in any of the outfitting devices that make up the shipboard system 80, the server 2 may notify the communication device 1 of this. In this case, it is preferable for the server 2 to preliminarily determine that the compatibility determination will be qualified even if the new software is introduced. When the communication device 1 receives a notification that new software is available, it is preferable to display it on the gauge 82. Thereby, it is possible to encourage the user or operator to use the new software.

[0102] The introduction (installation) of new software into the outfitting equipment can be performed by connecting a service dedicated tool to the in-ship network 77. The communication device 1 may have a function of downloading new software from the server 2. And, for example, the gauge 82 and the input device 83 may be used as a man-machine interface so that the software introduction operation (installation operation) to the corresponding outfitting equipment can be performed.

[0103] In addition, for each ship 5, the server 2 registers in the database 23D the status regarding the consent to collect accurate position information. The status is, for example, any one of "consent" indicating that the customer has consented to the collection of accurate position information, "disagreement" indicating that the customer has stated that they do not consent to the collection of accurate position information, and "blank" indicating that the customer has not responded. The server 2 checks this status (step S46), and if it is "consent", it instructs the communication device 1 to add the latest position information (GPS position information) generated by the GPS receiver 85 to the periodic transmission information (step S47). If the status is "disagreement", the server 2 obtains the position information (cellular base station position information) of the cellular base station 40 during communication establishment from the cellular base station 40 and instructs the communication device 1 to add it to the periodic transmission information (step S49). When the status is "blank", the server 2 further makes a determination based on the cumulative operation time (step S48). The cumulative operation time refers to the total cumulative operation time obtained by the communication device 1 from the engine ECU 63 and transmitted to the server 2. That is, it is the cumulative operation time of the outboard engine 60 since the in-ship system 80 was constructed. In a ship 5 equipped with a plurality of outboard engines 60, the maximum value of the cumulative operation times of the engines 61 of the plurality of outboard engines 60 may be used. The server 2 calculates the cumulative operation time and compares it with a predetermined threshold value (for example, 10 hours). That is, when the status is "blank", the cumulative operation time and the threshold value are compared. If the cumulative operation time is less than the threshold value (step S48: NO), the server 2 instructs the communication device 1 to add the GPS position information to the periodic transmission information (step S47). On the other hand, when the status is "blank" and the cumulative operation time is equal to or greater than the threshold value (step S48: YES), the server 2 instructs the communication device 1 to add the cellular base station position information to the periodic transmission information (step S49). The comparison between the cumulative operation time and the threshold value is made for the purpose of determining whether the ship 5 has been delivered to the customer. By appropriately setting the threshold value, it is possible to determine whether the ship 5 has been delivered to the customer based on the cumulative operation time, and based on the determination result, appropriate position information can be selected and transmitted to the server 2.

[0104] In addition, the server 2 receives periodic transmission information from the communication device 1 (step S50), and registers the received periodic transmission information in the database 23D (step S51). For example, the server 2 executes a failure diagnosis process based on the information registered in the database 23D. When an abnormality is found by the failure diagnosis process, the server 2 may execute an abnormality notification process for notifying the abnormality. 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, email transmission to a dealer or a user (or owner), etc.

[0105] The server 2 also performs a distribution stage specifying process (steps S52 to S57: function as a distribution stage specifying unit) for specifying the distribution stage of the ship 5. Specifically, the server 2 executes a shipment determination process (steps S52 to S54: function as a shipment determination unit) and a customer delivery determination process (steps S55 to S57: function as a customer delivery determination unit).

[0106] When the shipment determination process is not completed (step S52: NO), the server 2 compares the initial position represented by the position information when the first system scan was performed on the ship 5 with the current position represented by the latest position information received from the communication device 1 thereafter (step S53). Then, when the current position is separated from the initial position by a predetermined distance (for example, several kilometers) or more (step S53: YES), the server 2 determines that the ship 5 has been shipped, and registers distribution stage data indicating "shipped" in the database 23D (step S54). A GPS receiver 85, which is one of the outfitting devices constituting the in-ship system 80, detects the position of the in-ship system 80, that is, the position of the ship 5. The place where the communication device 1 first executes the system scan is the place where the in-ship system 80 is constructed, that is, the place where the ship 5 is built, typically a boat builder's factory. Therefore, if a movement of a predetermined distance (for example, several kilometers) is detected from the initial position (boat builder's factory) detected by the GPS receiver 85 when the first system scan is executed, it can be determined that the ship 5 has been shipped from the boat builder.

[0107] When the customer delivery determination is incomplete (step S55: NO), the server 2 executes the customer delivery determination process. The customer delivery determination process is performed based on the cumulative operation time. That is, the server 2 accumulates the total operation time received from the communication device 1 to obtain the cumulative operation time. This cumulative operation time is compared with a predetermined threshold value (for example, 10 hours) (step S56). If the cumulative operation time is less than the predetermined threshold value (step S56: NO), the server 2 determines that it is before delivery to the customer. When the cumulative operation time reaches the predetermined threshold value (step S56: YES), the server 2 determines that the ship 5 has been delivered to the customer and registers the distribution stage data indicating "customer delivered" in the database 23D (step S57). During the period from when the ship 5 is built until it is delivered to the customer, a test run of the outboard motor 60 (especially the engine 61) is executed as necessary. Of course, the operation time is a very short time compared to the operation time after it is delivered to the customer and starts to be used. Therefore, if the cumulative operation time of the outboard motor 60 reaches a predetermined threshold value (for example, 10 hours), it can be determined that the ship 5 has been delivered to the customer. In the ship 5 equipped with a plurality of outboard motors 60, the customer delivery determination may be made by comparing the maximum value of the cumulative operation time of the engines 61 of the plurality of outboard motors 60 with the threshold value.

[0108] As described above, when the cumulative operation time of the outboard motor 60 reaches a predetermined threshold value (for example, 10 hours) (step S8: YES in FIG. 6), the communication device 1 transmits the latest scan result data to the server 2 (step S9 in FIG. 6), and the server 2 receives this and registers it in the database 23D (steps S41 - S42 in FIG. 8). The transmission and registration of the latest scan result data in this case are executed even if it matches the immediately previous scan result data (step S5: YES in FIG. 6) or if the compatibility determination is incomplete (step S7: YES in FIG. 6). Therefore, when the server 2 determines that the cumulative operation time of the outboard motor 60 has reached a predetermined threshold value (for example, 10 hours) and the ship 5 has been delivered to the customer, the server 2 attaches a label of "customer delivered" to the latest scan result data of the ship 5 (step S58 in FIG. 8).

[0109] As described above, in this embodiment, a plurality of outfitting devices are connected to the in-ship network 77 to form the in-ship system 80. The communication device 1 can communicate with other outfitting devices via the in-ship 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 a plurality of outfitting devices and transmits the scan result to the server 2. Therefore, even without connecting a service-specific tool that does not form part of the in-ship system 80 to the in-ship network 77, a system scan can be performed and the evaluation result of the system scan can be obtained. Therefore, if the in-ship system 80 is properly constructed and, accordingly, the evaluation of the scan result is good, the diagnostic work performed by connecting a service-specific tool can be omitted. In this way, the labor and time for diagnosing the in-ship system 80 can be reduced.

[0110] In this embodiment, in addition to registering the scan result received from the communication device 1, the server 2 further collects the position information of the ship 5 and information regarding the distribution stage of the ship 5. The position information of the ship 5 can be used, for example, to identify the area where the ship 5 is actually used, and thus can be used as reference information for the development and design of outfitting devices. The information regarding the distribution stage can be used, for example, as reference information for the production management and distribution management of outfitting devices.

[0111] In this embodiment, the distribution stage is specified in the server 2.

[0112] Specifically, when the server 2 detects a movement of a predetermined distance (for example, several kilometers) from the initial position (the boat builder's factory) when the first system scan is executed, using the position information received from the communication device 1, the server 2 determines that the ship 5 has been shipped from the boat builder. The server 2 registers "shipped" as distribution stage data in the database 23D. This registered distribution stage data can be viewed, for example, using the dealer client 3D. Thereby, the dealer can know that the ship 5 has been shipped. The server 2 may perform a notification process for notifying the dealer of "shipped", for example. The notification process may be a notification on the web page provided by the server 2 or an email transmission to the dealer.

[0113] Also, in this embodiment, when the cumulative operation time of the outboard engine 60 exceeds a predetermined threshold value (for example, 10 hours) using the operation time information acquired by the server 2 from the communication device 1, the server 2 determines that the ship 5 has been delivered to the customer, and registers "delivered to customer" as distribution stage data in the database 23D. This registered distribution stage data may be used, for example, for the purpose of confirmation by the manufacturer of the outfitting equipment such as the outboard engine 60. For example, the manufacturer of the outfitting equipment can check whether the ship 5 has been delivered to the customer in a state where the in-ship system 80 is properly constructed by examining the scan result data of the ship 5 delivered to the customer. For example, it can be checked whether the delivery to the customer has been made in a state where the latest software has been introduced into the outfitting equipment.

[0114] In this embodiment, the communication device 1 stores the scan result in the memory 12 (an example of a scan result memory). The communication device 1 compares the new scan result, which is the information newly collected by the system scan, with the previous scan result stored in the memory 12. If the new scan result and the previous scan result do not match, the new scan result is transmitted to the server 2, and the server 2 performs an evaluation of the new scan result. On the other hand, if the new scan result and the previous scan result match, the scan result transmission is omitted, and thus the evaluation of the scan result at the server 2 is not performed either. In this way, while reducing the loads on the communication device 1 and the server 2, the diagnostic work performed by connecting the service dedicated tool can be reduced.

[0115] Also, the communication device 1 stores the evaluation result received from the server 2 in the memory 12 (an example of an evaluation result memory). When the evaluation result is not stored in the memory 12, the communication device 1 performs scan result transmission regardless of whether the information newly collected by the system scan matches the previous information stored in the memory 12. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the situation where the evaluation of the scan result by the server 2 remains unfinished. Therefore, it is possible to reliably evaluate whether the in-ship system 80 is properly constructed.

[0116] In this embodiment, the server 2 determines the compatibility of a plurality of outfitting devices, generates an evaluation result including the determination result (system compatibility determination result), and transmits it to the communication device 1. Thereby, since the compatibility of the plurality of outfitting devices constituting the in-ship system 80 is evaluated, it is possible to determine whether each outfitting device operates properly based on the evaluation result.

[0117] Also, in this embodiment, when the cumulative operation time of the outboard engine 60 exceeds a predetermined threshold, the communication device 1 transmits the latest scan result to the server 2 regardless of whether it matches the previous scan result. As a result, the server 2 can obtain information on the outfitting equipment at the time when the cumulative operation time of the outboard engine 60 exceeds the threshold. By setting the threshold to an appropriate value (for example, about 10 hours), the server 2 can obtain information on the outfitting equipment after the ship 5 has been delivered to the customer. By examining this, it is possible to confirm whether the ship 5 in an appropriately configured state has been delivered to the customer.

[0118] Also, in this embodiment, the server 2 attaches a label for identifying the distribution stage to the scan result received from the communication device 1. More specifically, a label of "delivered to customer" is attached to the latest scan result data. As a result, by searching using the label as a key, it is possible to extract and examine the scan results of the ship 5 that has been delivered to the customer.

[0119] Also, in this embodiment, based on a predetermined determination condition, either the accurate position information (GPS position information) generated by the GPS receiver 85 or the cellular base station position information (cellular base station position information) with which communication has been established between the communication device 1 is collected by the server 2. Specifically, when the status of the customer's consent regarding the collection of accurate position information is "consent", the GPS position information is collected, and when the status is "disagreement", the cellular base station position information is collected. In this way, it is possible to appropriately collect position information while respecting the customer's intention. Further, when the status is "blank" (not answered), if the cumulative operation time of the outboard engine 60 is less than a predetermined threshold, the GPS position information is collected, and when the cumulative operation time of the outboard engine 60 reaches the threshold, the cellular base station position information is collected. By setting the threshold to an appropriate value (for example, about 10 hours), accurate position information can be collected before delivery to the customer, while less accurate position information can be collected after delivery to the customer.

[0120] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention, and shows another example of the periodic transmission process of the communication device 1. In the above-described embodiment, the determination of which of the GPS position information and the cellular base station position information to collect is made by the server 2, but this determination may be made by the communication device 1. FIG. 9 shows an example of the process in the communication device 1 in this case.

[0121] Whenever the periodic transmission period (for example, a 10-minute period) arrives (step S21: YES), the communication device 1 transmits periodic transmission information to the server 2. More specifically, information predetermined as periodic transmission information is classified and extracted from the information stored in the memory 12 by the information collection process (step S10 in FIG. 6) (step S22A), and the extracted information is transmitted to the server 2 as periodic transmission information (step S23: function of the periodic transmission unit 18).

[0122] When communication with the server 2 is established in the communication device 1, status information regarding consent to the collection of accurate position information is provided from the server 2. The server 2 provides the status to the communication device 1 when communication with the communication device 1 is first established, and thereafter, when the registration of the status is updated, provides the latest status information to the communication device 1. The communication device 1 may request the transmission of status information when communication with the server 2 is established.

[0123] The communication device 1 checks the status (step S24). If it is "agreement", it selects the latest position information (GPS position information) generated by the GPS receiver 85 as the periodic transmission information (step S25), and adds the position information to the periodic transmission information (step S28). If the status of the communication device 1 is "disagreement", it selects the position information (cellular base station position information) of the cellular base station 40 during communication establishment (step S27), and adds the position information to the periodic transmission information (step S28). When the status of the communication device 1 is "blank", it further makes a determination based on the cumulative operation time (step S26). The communication device 1 calculates the cumulative operation time and compares it with a predetermined threshold (for example, 10 hours). That is, when the status is "blank", the cumulative operation time is compared with the threshold. If the cumulative operation time is less than the threshold (step S26: NO), the communication device 1 selects the GPS position information (step S25) and adds it to the periodic transmission information (step S28). On the other hand, when the status is "blank" and the cumulative operation time is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S26: YES), the communication device 1 selects the cellular base station position information (step S27) and adds it to the periodic transmission information (step S28). In the ship 5 equipped with a plurality of outboard motors 60, the determination in step S26 may be made using the maximum value of the cumulative operation times of the engines 61 of the plurality of outboard motors 60.

[0124] Similar to the above case, the comparison between the cumulative operation time and the threshold is made for determining whether the ship 5 has been delivered to the customer. By appropriately setting the threshold, it is possible to determine whether the ship 5 has been delivered to the customer based on the cumulative operation time, and based on the determination result, appropriate position information can be selected and transmitted to and collected by the server 2.

[0125] In addition to such processing, both the GPS position information and the cellular base station position information may be transmitted from the communication device 1 to the server 2, and the server 2 makes a determination based on a predetermined determination condition (see steps S46 to S49 in FIG. 8), and selects and collects any one of the position information. Also, the transmission process of the position information from the communication device 1 to the server 2 may be performed separately from the periodic transmission process.

[0126] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a third embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example in which the distribution stage specifying process is executed by the communication device 1. In the above-described embodiment, the distribution stage specifying process (steps S52 to S57 in FIG. 8) is executed in the server 2. However, this process may be performed by the communication device 1, and the data of the specified distribution stage may be transmitted from the communication device 1 to the server 2 and registered in the database 23D in the server 2. An example of the process in the communication device 1 in this case is shown in FIG. 10, and mainly shows the process (function as a distribution stage specifying unit) executed by the processor 11.

[0127] The distribution stage specifying process executed by the communication device 1 includes a shipment determination process (steps S31 to S33: function as a shipment determination unit) and a customer delivery determination process (steps S35 to S37: function as a customer delivery determination unit).

[0128] When the shipment determination process is not completed (step S31: NO), the communication device 1 compares the initial position represented by the position information when the first system scan is performed on the ship 5 with the current position represented by the latest position information generated by the GPS receiver 85 thereafter (step S32). Then, when the current position is separated from the initial position by a predetermined distance (for example, several kilometers) or more (step S32: YES), the communication device 1 determines that the ship 5 has been shipped (step S33) and transmits distribution stage data representing "shipped" to the server 2 (step S34).

[0129] When the customer delivery determination is not completed (step S35: NO), the communication device 1 executes the customer delivery determination process. The customer delivery determination process is performed based on the cumulative operation time. That is, the communication device 1 accumulates the total operation time obtained from the engine ECU 63 to obtain the cumulative operation time. This cumulative operation time is compared with a predetermined threshold value (for example, 10 hours) (step S36). If the cumulative operation time is less than the predetermined threshold value (step S36: NO), the communication device 1 determines that it is before delivery to the customer. When the cumulative operation time reaches the predetermined threshold value (step S36: YES), the communication device 1 determines that the ship 5 has been delivered to the customer (step S37), and transmits the distribution stage data indicating "customer delivered" to the server 2 (step S38). In the ship 5 equipped with a plurality of outboard motors 60, the customer delivery determination may be made by comparing the maximum value of the cumulative operation times of the plurality of outboard motors 60 with the threshold value.

[0130] As described above, some embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, the present invention can also be implemented in other forms as exemplified below.

[0131] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an outboard motor is cited as an example of the propulsion device. However, the configuration of the propulsion device provided on the ship can be in various forms such as an inboard motor, an in-outboard motor, a water jet, and the like.

[0132] Also, although not described in the above-described embodiment, the communication between the communication device 1 and the server 2 may be performed via one or more relay servers. In this case, the collection or use of the position information may be performed in any of the relay servers. In that case, it is preferable that the permission or non-permission of the collection or use of the position information follows the determination conditions as described above (refer to steps S46 to S49 in FIG. 8).

[0133] Regarding the customer's consent for collecting accurate location information, for example, for the purpose of pre-delivery inspection to the customer, etc., it may be registered in the server 2 as a temporary consent status. In this case, the temporary consent is preferably registered as a status with a predetermined deadline, and the status is preferably changed to blank when the deadline arrives.

[0134] In addition, various design changes can be made within the scope of the matters described in the claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0135] 1: Communication device, 2: Server, 3: Client, 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 communicator, 15: Information collection unit, 16: Scan result transmission unit, 17: Evaluation result reception unit, 18: Regular transmission unit, 19: Cellular base station location detection unit, 21: Processor, 22: Memory, 23: Storage, 23D: Database, 24: Communication interface, 40: Cellular base station, 51: Hull, 52: Steering wheel, 55: Remote control, 58: Remote control ECU, 60: Outboard motor, 61: Engine, 63: Engine ECU, 70: Steering, 72: Steering ECU, 77: In-ship network, 80: In-ship system, 81: Controller, 85: GPS receiver, 100: Ship information collection system

Claims

1. An in-ship 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, including a server provided outside the ship and capable of communicating with the communication device, wherein the communication device executes a system scan for collecting information of the plurality of outfitting devices and a scan result transmission for transmitting a scan result, which is information collected by the system scan, to the server, and the server registers the scan result received from the communication device and collects at least one of the position information of the ship and information regarding the distribution stage of the ship, a ship information collection system.

2. The ship information collection system according to claim 1, further including a distribution stage identification unit for identifying the distribution stage of the ship, wherein the server collects information on the distribution stage identified by the distribution stage identification unit.

3. The plurality of outfitting devices include a position detection device, and the distribution stage identification unit includes a shipment determination unit that determines that the ship has been shipped when the position detection device detects a position that is a predetermined distance or more away from an initial position detected by the position detection device when the communication device first executes a system scan, the ship information collection system according to claim 2.

4. The communication device further executes position information transmission for transmitting the position information detected by the position detection device to the server, and the server executes the function of the shipment determination unit, the ship information collection system according to claim 3.

5. The communication device acquires the position information detected by the position detection device and executes the function of the shipment determination unit, the ship information collection system according to claim 3.

6. The plurality of outfitting devices include a propulsion device, and the distribution stage identification unit includes a customer delivery determination unit that determines that the ship has been delivered to a customer when the cumulative operation time of the propulsion device exceeds a predetermined threshold, the ship information collection system according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. The communication device further executes operation time information transmission for transmitting the operation time information of the propulsion device to the server, and the server executes the function of the customer delivery determination unit, the ship information collection system according to claim 6.

8. The communication device acquires the operation time information of the propulsion device and executes the function of the customer delivery determination unit, and the ship information collection system according to claim 6.

9. The communication device compares the scan result of the previous system scan with the scan result of the latest system scan. When the two scan results match, the scan result transmission is not executed. When the two scan results do not match, the scan result transmission is executed. The plurality of outfitting devices include a propulsion device. When the cumulative operation time of the propulsion device exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the communication device transmits the latest scan result to the server regardless of whether it matches the previous scan result, according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The ship information collection system described.

10. The server attaches a label for identifying the distribution stage to the scan result received from the communication device, according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The ship information collection system described.

11. The plurality of outfitting devices include a propulsion device, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) position detection device, and a cellular base station position detection device. Based on a predetermined determination condition, the position information generated by either the GNSS position detection device or the cellular base station position detection device is selected and stored in the server. The determination condition includes at least one of a condition related to the operation time of the propulsion device and a condition related to the customer's consent to position information collection, according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The ship information collection system described.

12. The communication device used in the ship information collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The server used in the ship information collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

14. The hull, The ship includes the in-ship system used in the ship information collection system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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