Underwater capturing device

Abstract

To provide an underwater capturing device which can capture an underwater image of an underwater object when the underwater object is captured by using a drone, and can acquire information on the location of the drone when the object has been caught using the drone.SOLUTION: An underwater capturing device includes: a floating portion; a machine body movable underwater; a cable connecting the floating portion and the machine body; a capturing portion capable of capturing an underwater object; an imaging portion capable of imaging an underwater image; and a location information acquisition portion capable of acquiring location information on the machine body. The machine body can be disposed nearly right below the floating portion via the cable by self-weight. The capturing portion is fitted to the machine body. The imaging portion is installed at a position where it can image at least the capturing portion in the machine body. The location information acquisition portion can acquire location information on the machine body when at least the capturing portion captures the object. The location information includes information on the latitude and the longitude of the machine body and underwater depth information of the machine body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an underwater capture device for capturing an object in water.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a fishing system using an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) as an unmanned aircraft for fishing has been known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the fishing system using the unmanned aircraft described in Patent Document 1 above, since the unmanned aerial vehicle flying over the water detects a fish school from above the water and drops a fishing line into the water from above the water, the unmanned aerial vehicle cannot necessarily detect a fish school in deeper water. Also, when a fish gets caught on the fishing line dropped into the water, the fishing line is separated from the unmanned aerial vehicle, so it is not possible to capture an underwater image when a fish gets caught on the fishing line or accurately obtain the position information (latitude, longitude, depth) when a fish gets caught on the fishing line. For this reason, there was room for improvement as a fishing system using an unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an underwater capture device that can detect and capture an object (for example, a fish) in water using an unmanned aerial vehicle, capture an underwater image when the object is captured, and acquire the position information of the unmanned aerial vehicle when the object is captured.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, an underwater capture device according to an example of the present invention includes a floating part that can float and move on the water surface, a body that can move underwater, a cable that connects the floating part and the body, a capture part that can capture an object underwater, an imaging part that can capture an underwater image, and a position information acquisition part that can acquire the position information of the body. The body can be arranged substantially directly below the floating part via the cable due to its own weight. The capture part is attached to the body. The imaging part is provided at a position on the body where at least the capture part can be imaged. The position information acquisition part can acquire at least the position information of the body when the capture part captures the object. The position information of the body includes information on the latitude and longitude of the body and information on the depth of the body underwater.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the underwater capture device according to an example of the present invention, since the imaging part is provided at a position on the body where at least the capture part can be imaged, the underwater image that the imaging part can image includes the capture part. Therefore, the imaging part can image the underwater image when the capture part captures the object, and can acquire the position information of the body when the capture part captures the object.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, an embodiment will be described in which the underwater capture device 1 acquires an underwater image including the object 2 and position information when the mechanism part 17 captures the object 2. In the second embodiment, an embodiment will be described in which the acquired underwater image is accumulated and utilized.

[0010] (First Embodiment) First, with reference to FIG. 1, an overview of the underwater capture device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the underwater capture device 1 according to the first embodiment. The underwater capture device 1 according to the first embodiment is used as a fishing device (fishing tackle) for a fisherman to fish.

[0011] (Overview of Underwater Capture Device) As shown in FIG. 1, the underwater capture device 1 according to the first embodiment includes a fishing rod 11 held by a fisherman, a control device 12 operated by the fisherman, a reel 13 operated by the fisherman, a float 15, an underwater drone 16, a cable 14 connecting the control device 12 to the float 15 and the underwater drone 16, and a mechanism part 17 attached to the underwater drone 16 for capturing an object 2 (for example, a fish).

[0012] The fishing rod 11 is held by a fisherman and is provided with a fastener 111 for holding the cable 14. Details of the holding of the cable 14 will be described later.

[0013] The control device 12 is detachably attached to the lower end of the fishing rod 11 so as to be operable by the fisherman, and includes a display unit 125 and an operation unit 126. An image based on image information etc. transmitted from the underwater drone 16 is displayed on the display unit 125, and the operation unit 126 is used for the fisherman to remotely operate the float 15 etc. Note that the control device 12 may be integrally attached to the fishing rod 11 at the lower end of the fishing rod 11.

[0014] The reel 13 is attached above the control device 12 on the fishing rod 11 so as to be operable by the fisherman, and is used for the fisherman to wind up the cable 14 extending into the water. Note that the reel 13 may be provided separately from the fishing rod 11 instead of being arranged on the fishing rod 11.

[0015] The cable 14 is a waterproof communication cable, and for example, it may be composed of a tether cable. The cable 14 communicably connects the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 with the control device 12. Specifically, one end of the cable 14 is connected to the underwater drone 16, and the cable 14 and the float 15 are connected at a position of length Lmax from one end of the cable 14 connected to the underwater drone 16 toward the other end. Then, the underwater drone 16 is disposed substantially directly below the float 15 by applying a load vertically downward (in the Z direction shown in FIG. 1) to the cable 14 connected to the float 15 floating on the water due to its own weight, and at this time, the depth of the underwater drone 16 becomes Lmax.

[0016] In addition, the length of the cable 14 connecting the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 is configured to be adjustable by an adjustment unit 156 (described later) of the float 15. Specifically, the adjustment unit 156 is configured to be able to wind up and store a part of the cable 14 and to be able to pay out a part of the wound-up cable 14. When a part of the cable 14 is wound up by the adjustment unit 156, the length of the cable 14 connecting the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 (i.e., the depth of the underwater drone 16) becomes shorter. Therefore, the underwater drone 16 is configured to have a variable depth with its maximum depth being Lmax.

[0017] Also, a part of the cable 14 extending from the control device 12 to the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 is provided so as to be wound around the fishing rod 11 to which the control device 12 is attached by a fastener 111. Specifically, the fastener 111 is formed in a ring shape having a ring hole larger than the outer diameter of the cable 14, and the cable 14 is inserted through the ring hole of the fastener 111. Note that the fastener 111 may be provided at a plurality of locations on the fishing rod 11. In this way, by the fastener 111 provided on the fishing rod 11, the cable 14 extends from the control device 12 so as to wind around the fishing rod 11 and is connected to the float 15 and the underwater drone 16. Also, since the ring hole of the fastener 111 is larger than the outer diameter of the cable 14, the cable 14 is not fixed by the fastener 111, and when the cable 14 is wound up by the reel 13, the cable 14 is wound up along the fishing rod 11. Note that the fastener 111 is not limited to the above-described shape as long as it holds the cable 14 so as to wind around the fishing rod 11 and is configured such that the cable 14 is wound up along the fishing rod 11 by the reel 13.

[0018] In this way, since the cable 14 is connected to the float 15 and the underwater drone 16, when the cable 14 is wound up (drawn in by hand) by the operation of the angler's reel 13, the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 will also be drawn in towards the angler. Further, by winding up or paying out a part of the cable 14 with the adjusting unit 156 (described later), the depth of the underwater drone 16 can be adjusted.

[0019] Note that the communication between the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 and the control device 12 is not limited to wired communication using the cable 14, and wireless communication may also be used. In this case, the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 are connected by a cable without a communication function, and the control device 12 may control the float 15 by wireless communication to control the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 connected by the cable 14.

[0020] The float 15 floats on the water and can be visually recognized by the angler as a landmark. It is composed of a waterproof housing, a driving unit 155 that drives the housing, and an adjusting unit 156 (described later). Further, the float 15 is remotely controlled from the outside by the control device 12 operated by the angler. Since the float 15 floats on the water, it can be visually recognized on the water even when the angler does not operate the control device 12.

[0021] The underwater drone 16 can move underwater and is composed of a waterproof housing, an imaging unit 165 and a lighting unit 166 that are attached to the housing and are waterproofed. The housing of this underwater drone 16 is formed in a substantially spherical shape to be miniaturized and lightened. This is to make it easier for the angler to throw the underwater drone 16 into the water by throwing, but the shape of the underwater drone 16 is not limited to this. As long as it is a shape that is easy for the angler to throw, for example, it may be a shape like a plastic bottle that is easy for the angler to hold with one hand and throw. In addition, the shape of the underwater drone 16 may be a streamlined shape that is not easily affected by the water flow.

[0022] In the first embodiment, the float 15 floating on the water operates by being remotely controlled from the outside, and the underwater drone 16 connected to the float 15 via the cable 14 operates in conjunction with the operation of the float 15. In this way, the underwater drone 16 is indirectly operated by operating the float 15, and the advantages thereof will be described. For comparison, consider a configuration in which the underwater drone 16 connected to the cable 14 operates directly in the water without the float 15. In this configuration, when the underwater drone 16 operates violently in the water unintentionally due to the influence of the water flow, its operating range extends not only in the horizontal direction (XY direction shown in FIG. 1) but also in the depth direction (Z direction shown in FIG. 1). Therefore, control in three axial directions is required, and it becomes difficult to maintain normal operation and posture. On the other hand, when the underwater drone 16 is indirectly operated by operating the float 15 as in the first embodiment, since the float 15 floats on the water, even if it operates unintentionally under the influence of the water flow, its operating range is difficult to extend in the depth direction (Z direction) even if it extends in the horizontal direction (XY direction shown in FIG. 1). More specifically, the cable 14 connecting the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 has a vertically upward force applied by the buoyancy of the float 15 and a vertically downward force applied by the weight of the underwater drone 16, so that the forces are antagonistic in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is difficult to be affected by the water flow in the depth direction (Z direction). For this reason, in the first embodiment, by controlling the horizontal movement of the float 15, it is made difficult to be affected by the water flow, and the horizontal movement (XY direction) of the underwater drone 16 arranged directly below the float 15 via the cable 14 is made to be interlocked with the movement of the float 15, and the length of the cable 14 between the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 can be adjusted, so that the movement of the underwater drone 16 in the depth direction (Z direction) can be controlled.

[0023] In the first embodiment as described above, the underwater drone 16 operates in conjunction with the float 15. However, in addition to the float 15 being remotely controllable from the outside, the underwater drone 16 may also be operable by being remotely controlled from the outside. In such a configuration, for example, first, the float 15 is remotely operated to move the underwater drone 16 to an approximate location, and then the position of the underwater drone 16 is more precisely controlled by remotely operating the underwater drone 16.

[0024] The imaging unit 165 is provided near the center of the front surface of the housing of the underwater drone 16 and images the area around the front of the underwater drone 16. The lighting unit 166 is in the vicinity of the imaging unit 165 and is provided, for example, on the front surface of the housing and above the imaging unit 165 to illuminate the imaging range of the imaging unit 165.

[0025] The device 17 is attached to the underwater drone 16 via the rigid member 171 and is configured to be able to capture an object 2 in the water (for example, a fish). As the device 17, for example, a fishing hook or a lure may be used. Also, the device 17 is attached so as to be included in the imaging range of the imaging unit 165. More specifically, since the device 17 is connected to the underwater drone 16 via the rigid member 171 (for example, a rod-shaped plastic member or a metal member), it is configured such that the positional relationship with the underwater drone 16 is less likely to change even under the influence of the water flow. As a result, even if the device 17 included in the imaging range of the imaging unit 165 has some displacement due to the water flow, it will not fall out of the imaging range. For this reason, the imaging unit 165 can image the scene where the device 17 captures the object 2. Note that the device 17 may be integrally formed with the underwater drone 16 or may be detachably attached. Also, in the following description, an image in which the scene where the device 17 captures the object 2 is imaged among the underwater images captured by the imaging unit 165 may be referred to as an "underwater capture image".

[0026] In the first embodiment, since a part of the cable 14 is provided so as to crawl on the fishing rod 11, when the cable 14 is pulled and a load is applied to the cable 14, the fishing rod 11 can also be interlocked with the load. Further, the cable 14 is provided so as to crawl on the fishing rod 11 and can also be wound up by the reel 13. For this reason, when the mechanism 17 attached to the underwater drone 16 captures the object 2, a load is applied to the underwater drone 16 and the float 15, and as a result, when a load is applied to the cable 14, the fishing rod 11 is interlocked with the load and the fishing rod 11 is deformed. The angler can recognize that the object 2 has been captured by the deformation of the fishing rod 11, and by operating the fishing rod 11 and the reel 13 to pull or bend the cable 14, the positional relationship between the mechanism 17 attached to the underwater drone 16 and the object 2 captured by the mechanism 17 can be adjusted, and so-called hooking can be performed. Therefore, in the first embodiment, while performing remote-controlled fishing using the float 15 and the underwater drone 16, it is possible to obtain the same feeling as normal fishing (fishing with only the fishing rod 11), and the interest of fishing can be improved.

[0027] Next, with reference to FIG. 2, an outline of the control device 12, the float 15, and the underwater drone 16 in the underwater capture device 1 will be described. FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of the control device 12, the float 15, and the underwater drone 16 in the underwater capture device 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0028] (Outline of the control device) The control device 12 is attached to the fishing rod 11 and houses a power supply unit 121, a communication unit 122, a control unit 123, and a storage unit 124 as shown in FIG. 2. Further, the control device 12 has a display unit 125, an operation unit 126, and a sensor unit 127.

[0029] The power supply unit 121 supplies power to each functional unit that constitutes the control device 12. As the power supply unit 121, a battery such as a primary battery, a secondary battery, or a fuel cell may be used, or power may be supplied to the control device 12 from the outside via a power cable, or power may be supplied to the control device 12 from the buoy 15 or the underwater drone 16 via the cable 14.

[0030] The communication unit 122 is controlled by the control unit 123 to perform wired communication with the buoy 15 and the underwater drone 16 via the cable 14. Thereby, the control device 12 can transmit and receive data to and from the buoy 15 and the underwater drone 16. In the first embodiment, the communication unit 122 performs wired communication via the cable 14, but it may be wireless communication, or may be capable of wireless communication with other devices (for example, a server device).

[0031] The control unit 123 is connected to each functional unit that constitutes the control device 12, and by controlling each functional unit, it displays an image and various information on the display unit 125, and also transmits an operation signal based on an operation on the operation unit 126 to the buoy 15. The control unit 123 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls each functional unit that constitutes the control device 12 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 124.

[0032] The storage unit 124 is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM stores a program executed by the control unit 123 (CPU). The RAM stores various detection information and the like detected by the sensor unit 127.

[0033] The display unit 125 is used for the angler to check the environment around the underwater drone 16, and may be configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display. Detection information detected by the position detection unit 157 (described later) of the float 15, information of the underwater image captured by the imaging unit 165 of the underwater drone 16, and various detection information detected by the sensor unit 167 (described later) of the underwater drone 16 are transmitted from the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 to the control device 12 via the cable 14. By being controlled by the control unit 123, the underwater image captured by the imaging unit 165 is displayed on the display unit 125, and, if necessary, the position information of the float 15 and the detection information around the underwater drone 16 can be displayed on the display unit 125. Note that the transmission of information from the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 to the control device 12 is assumed to be performed in real time, but may also be performed periodically.

[0034] The operation unit 126 is used for the angler to remotely operate the float 15 and the underwater drone 16, and may include, for example, a cross key or a stick controller for controlling the moving direction of the float 15, an operation button for controlling the propulsion force of the float 15, an operation button for adjusting the length of the cable 14 by the adjustment unit 156 (described later) of the float 15, an operation button for switching the ON / OFF of the lighting unit 166 of the underwater drone 16, etc. When an operation on the operation unit 126 is performed, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is controlled by the control unit 123 and transmitted to the float 15 and the underwater drone 16. As a result, the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 can operate according to the operation on the operation unit 126 of the angler.

[0035] The sensor unit 127 is provided, for example, on the side surface of the housing of the control device 12, and detects various information related to the control device 12. As the sensor unit 127, for example, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a position sensor, etc. may be combined and configured to detect the position information and attitude (orientation) information of the control device 12 (which can also be said to be the position information and attitude (orientation) information of the fishing rod 11 to which the control device 12 is attached). Such detected information may be displayed on the display unit 125 by the control unit 123. Further, such detected information may be stored in the storage unit 124 (RAM) and be transmissible to an external device (for example, an external server) by wireless communication. By doing so, the external device can accumulate the position information and attitude (orientation) information of the control device 12 (that is, the position information and attitude (orientation) information of the fishing rod 11). When there are a plurality of control devices 12 (that is, fishing rods 11), a plurality of position information of the fishing rod 11 (more specifically, the position and orientation of the fishing rod 11 when it bends) can be accumulated, which can be useful for grasping popular points for the angler and the direction of setting up fishing.

[0036] In the first embodiment, the display unit 125 and the operation unit 126 are integrally configured (configured as the control device 12), but they may be provided separately. For example, the display unit 125 may be configured as a head-mounted display worn by the angler, the operation unit 126 may be attached to the fishing rod 11, and the cable 14 may connect the operation unit 126 to the float 15 and the underwater drone 16.

[0037] (Overview of the Float) The float 15 is configured to operate according to various control signals transmitted to the float 15 when an angler using the underwater capture device 1 operates the operation unit 126 of the control device 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the float 15 houses a power supply unit 151, a communication unit 152, a control unit 153, and a storage unit 154 in a waterproof housing. Further, the float 15 has a drive unit 155, an adjustment unit 156, and a position detection unit 157 on the housing.

[0038] The power supply unit 151 supplies power to each functional unit that constitutes the buoy 15. As the power supply unit 151, a battery such as a primary battery, a secondary battery, or a fuel cell may be used, or power may be supplied to the buoy 15 from the outside via a power cable, or power may be supplied to the buoy 15 from the control device 12 via the cable 14.

[0039] The communication unit 152 is controlled by the control unit 153 and performs wired communication with the control device 12 via the cable 14. Thereby, the buoy 15 can transmit and receive data to and from the control device 12. Note that the buoy 15 may be capable of wired communication with the underwater drone 16 via the cable 14. In the first embodiment, the communication unit 152 performs wired communication via the cable 14, but it may be wireless communication, and it may also be capable of wireless communication with other devices (for example, a server device).

[0040] The control unit 153 is connected to each functional unit that constitutes the buoy 15, controls each functional unit to control the operation of the buoy 15 and the length of the cable 14 between the buoy 15 and the underwater drone 16 (that is, the depth of the underwater drone 16), and also transmits various signals to the control device 12. The control unit 153 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and controls each functional unit that constitutes the buoy 15 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 154.

[0041] The storage unit 154 is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM stores a program executed by the control unit 153 (CPU). The RAM stores various detection information (specifically, latitude information and longitude information) detected by the position detection unit 157 and information on the length of the cable 14 between the buoy 15 and the underwater drone 16 (that is, depth information of the underwater drone 16).

[0042] The drive unit 155 is controlled by the control unit 153 to propel the float 15 and change the propulsion direction. As the drive unit 155, for example, it may be configured to include a propeller provided behind the float 15 and an actuator for rotating the propeller. The control unit 153 controls the drive unit 155 based on an operation signal generated when the operation unit 126 of the control device 12 is operated. Thereby, the float 15 can be operated according to the operation on the operation unit 126 of the angler.

[0043] The adjustment unit 156 is controlled by the control unit 153 to adjust the length of the cable 14 connecting the float 15 and the underwater drone 16. As the adjustment unit 156, for example, it may be configured to include a cable adjustment mechanism that winds up the cable 14 when the motor rotates clockwise and pays out the cable 14 when the motor rotates counterclockwise, and a cable storage mechanism for storing the wound-up cable 14. The control unit 153 controls the adjustment unit 156 based on an operation signal generated when the operation unit 126 of the control device 12 is operated. Thereby, the length of the cable 14 connecting the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 (i.e., the depth of the underwater drone 16) can be adjusted according to the operation on the operation unit 126 of the angler.

[0044] The position detection unit 157 is provided, for example, on the side surface or the upper surface of the float 15, and detects the position information of the float 15. As the position detection unit 157, for example, it may be composed of a GPS sensor as a position positioning sensor. Even if it is a GPS sensor using artificial satellites, since it is located on the water, it can preferably detect the position of the float 15 compared to the case where it is located underwater. The position information of the float 15 detected by the position detection unit 157 includes latitude information and longitude information. In addition, since the underwater drone 16 is located substantially directly below the float 15 due to its own weight, the latitude information and longitude information of the float 15 substantially coincide with the latitude information and longitude information of the underwater drone 16. Thus, in the first embodiment, instead of the underwater drone 16 located underwater, a GPS sensor is provided on the float 15 floating on the water, so that the position information can be preferably detected, and based on the latitude information and longitude information of the float 15, the latitude information and longitude information of the underwater drone 16 can be obtained.

[0045] Note that the depth information of the underwater drone 16 adjusted by the adjustment unit 156, and the latitude information and longitude information of the float 15 detected by the position detection unit 157 (and thus, it can also be said to be the latitude information and longitude information of the underwater drone 16) may be transmitted by the control unit 153 to the control device 12 via the cable 14 in real time or periodically. By doing so, the latitude information, longitude information, and depth information as the position information of the underwater drone 16 can be displayed on the display unit 125 of the control device 12. In addition, the position information of this underwater drone 16 may be stored in the storage unit 154 (RAM) and can be transmitted to an external device (for example, an external server) by wireless communication.

[0046] (Overview of Underwater Drone) The underwater drone 16 is connected via a float 15 and a cable 14, and operates underwater in conjunction with the float 15 that operates when a fisherman using the underwater capture device 1 operates the operation unit 126 of the control device 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the underwater drone 16 houses a power supply unit 161, a communication unit 162, a control unit 163, and a storage unit 164 in a waterproof housing. Further, the underwater drone 16 has an imaging unit 165, an illumination unit 166, and a sensor unit 167 on the housing.

[0047] The power supply unit 161 supplies power to each functional unit constituting the underwater drone 16. As the power supply unit 161, a battery such as a primary battery, a secondary battery, or a fuel cell may be used, or power may be supplied to the underwater drone 16 from the outside via a power cable, or power may be supplied to the underwater drone 16 from the control device 12 via the cable 14.

[0048] The communication unit 162 is controlled by the control unit 163 to perform wired communication with the control device 12 via the cable 14. Thereby, the underwater drone 16 can transmit and receive data to and from the control device 12. Note that the underwater drone 16 may be capable of wired communication with the float 15 via the cable 14. In the first embodiment, the communication unit 162 performs wired communication via the cable 14, but it may be wireless communication, or may be capable of wireless communication with another device (for example, a server device).

[0049] The control unit 163 is connected to each functional unit constituting the underwater drone 16, controls the attitude and operation of the underwater drone 16 by controlling each functional unit, and transmits various signals to the control device 12. The control unit 163 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls each functional unit constituting the underwater drone 16 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 164.

[0050] The memory unit 164 is composed of a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM stores programs executed by the control unit 163 (CPU). The RAM stores various detection information detected by the sensor unit 167 and image information captured by the imaging unit 165.

[0051] The imaging unit 165 is controlled by the control unit 163 to image the front periphery of the underwater drone 16 as described above. The imaging unit 165 may be composed of, for example, a waterproof camera that captures still images and moving images. The image information captured by the imaging unit 165 is transmitted by the control unit 163 to the control device 12 via the cable 14. As a result, the underwater image captured by the imaging unit 165 can be displayed on the display unit 125 of the control device 12.

[0052] The lighting unit 166 is controlled by the control unit 163 to illuminate the imaging range of the imaging unit 165 as described above. The lighting unit 166 may be composed of, for example, a halogen lamp or an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

[0053] The sensor unit 167 is provided, for example, on the side surface of the housing of the underwater drone 16, and detects the position and attitude information of the underwater drone 16 and various information in the water in which the underwater drone 16 moves. The sensor unit 167 may be composed of, for example, a combination of a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a flow velocity sensor, a fish school detection sensor, etc., to detect the attitude information of the underwater drone 16, the surrounding water temperature information, water flow information, etc., and also detect the surrounding fish schools. These detection information may be transmitted by the control unit 163 to the control device 12 via the cable 14. By doing so, the information around the underwater drone 16 can be displayed on the display unit 125 of the control device 12.

[0054] Incidentally, the image information captured by the imaging unit 165 and the detection information detected by the sensor unit 167 may be stored in the storage unit 164 (RAM) and transmitted to an external device (e.g., an external server) by wireless communication. By doing so, the external device can accumulate information around the underwater drone 16 and utilize it for grasping the underwater environment.

[0055] Also, the control unit 163 may automatically control the attitude of the underwater drone 16 based on a program stored in the storage unit 164 (ROM) according to the detection information detected by the sensor unit 167 (e.g., the attitude information of the underwater drone 16, the information of the water flow, etc.). By doing so, when the underwater drone 16 operates in conjunction with the float 15, its attitude can be automatically and appropriately maintained. Note that a flight controller can be used for this automatic control.

[0056] (Remote capture process) Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the remote capture process executed by the control unit 153 (CPU) of the float 15 in FIG. 2 will be described. The remote capture process includes the process until the float 15 operates based on the remote operation of the operation unit 126 by the angler, the underwater drone 16 arranged directly below the float 15 operates in conjunction, the object 2 is captured by the mechanism unit 17 attached to the underwater drone 16, and an underwater capture image is acquired. Also, the remote capture process shown in FIG. 3 is for explaining the characteristic process in the first embodiment and does not exclude other processes necessary in the process for the angler to remotely operate the float 15 for fishing.

[0057] In step S1, the control unit 153 determines whether the power of the float 15 is ON, that is, whether power is supplied by the power supply unit 151. If it is determined that the power is ON (step S1; YES), the process proceeds to step S2. If it is determined that the power is not ON (i.e., switched to OFF) (step S1; NO), the process ends.

[0058] In the process of step S1, when the power supply of the float 15 is turned on, it is assumed that the power supply of the underwater drone 16 is also turned on in conjunction. When the power supply of the underwater drone 16 is turned on, the control unit 163 of the underwater drone 16 acquires the information of the underwater image captured by the imaging unit 165, the position and attitude information of the underwater drone 16 detected by the sensor unit 167, and the surrounding detection information, and stores them in the storage unit 164 (RAM). In addition, the control unit 163 transmits these information to the control device 12 via the cable 14. The control device 12 (more specifically, the control unit 123) receives these information, and based on this information, displays the underwater image around the front of the underwater drone 16 on the display unit 125, and also displays the detection information around the underwater drone 16. The information of the underwater image captured by the imaging unit 165 is transmitted to the control device 12 in real time, so that the underwater image is updated and displayed on the display unit 125 in real time.

[0059] In step S2, the control unit 153 determines whether it has received a movement signal for instructing the movement control of the float 15 from the control device 12. This movement signal is transmitted from the control device 12 based on the operation (hereinafter referred to as the movement operation) of the angler to control the movement direction of the float 15 on the operation unit 126. If it is determined that the movement signal has been received (step S2; YES), the process proceeds to step S3. If it is determined that the movement signal has not been received (step S2; NO), the process proceeds to step S4.

[0060] In step S3, the control unit 153 controls the movement of the float 15. Specifically, the control unit 153 controls the drive unit 155 based on the movement signal to move the float 15 on the water in the horizontal direction (in the XY direction shown in FIG. 1).

[0061] In step S4, the control unit 153 determines whether it has received an adjustment signal for instructing adjustment of the length of the cable 14 between the float 15 and the underwater drone 16. This adjustment signal is transmitted from the control device 12 based on an operation (hereinafter referred to as a length adjustment operation) by the angler to adjust the length of the cable 14 with respect to the operation unit 126. If it is determined that the adjustment signal has been received (step S4; YES), the process proceeds to step S5. If it is determined that the adjustment signal has not been received (step S4; NO), the process proceeds to step S6.

[0062] In step S5, the control unit 153 adjusts the length of the cable 14. Specifically, the control unit 153 controls the adjustment unit 156 based on the adjustment signal to adjust the length of the cable 14 between the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 (that is, the depth of the underwater drone 16).

[0063] Note that by the processes of steps S3 and S5, the movement of the float 15 in the horizontal direction (XY direction shown in FIG. 1) is controlled, and the length of the cable 14 connecting the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 is adjusted. As a result, the movement of the underwater drone 16 in the horizontal direction (XY direction shown in FIG. 1) disposed substantially directly below the float 15 via the cable 14 is controlled, and the depth of the underwater drone 16 (Z direction shown in FIG. 1) is adjusted. For this reason, the imaging range (XYZ directions) of the imaging unit 165 provided in the underwater drone 16 also changes, and the position (XYZ directions) of the mechanism unit 17 attached to the underwater drone 16 also changes. In this way, based on the operation of the operation unit 126, the float 15 moves and the length of the cable 14 is adjusted, so that the underwater image around the front of the underwater drone 16 changes and the position of the mechanism unit 17 also changes, and this change in the underwater image is displayed on the display unit 125. However, even if the underwater image displayed on the display unit 125 changes, the mechanism unit 17 continues to be displayed as a part of the underwater image. Therefore, the angler can remotely operate the float 15 while checking the underwater image around the front of the underwater drone 16 displayed on the display unit 125, search for the target object 2 (fish) to be fished, and attempt to capture the target object 2 with the displayed mechanism unit 17.

[0064] In addition, the control unit 153 may control the drive unit 155 based on the detection information (latitude information and longitude information) detected by the position detection unit 157 to automatically move the float 15 to a preset destination (set latitude information and longitude information). By doing so, the angler can move the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 to the set destination without being aware of it.

[0065] Further, when the angler remotely operates the float 15 by performing a movement operation and a length adjustment operation on the operation unit 126 and as a result the object 2 is displayed on the display unit 125 (specifically, when the control unit 163 determines that the object 2 is included in the underwater image captured by the imaging unit 165 by a known image determination technique or the like), a predetermined notification signal is transmitted from the control unit 163 that controls the imaging unit 165 to the control device 12, thereby notifying that the object 2 has been detected. Note that this notification may be a predetermined notification display on the display unit 125, or may be to vibrate the operation unit 126 or cause the display unit 125 to emit light. By doing so, it is possible to notify the angler that the object 2 has been detected around the underwater drone 16.

[0066] Also, when the angler detects the object 2 and then the fishing device 17 captures the object 2 (specifically, when the control unit 163 determines that the underwater image captured by the imaging unit 165 is an underwater capture image by a known image determination technique or the like), similarly, a predetermined notification signal is transmitted to the control device 12, thereby notifying that the object 2 has been captured. Note that this notification may be a predetermined notification display on the display unit 125, or may be to vibrate the operation unit 126 or cause the display unit 125 to emit light. By doing so, it is possible to notify the angler that the object 2 has been captured by the fishing device 17. Note that the notification that the object 2 has been captured by the fishing device 17 may be executed in a different manner from the notification that the object 2 has been detected around the underwater drone 16.

[0067] In step S6, the control unit 153 determines whether a capture signal has been received. This capture signal is a signal transmitted from the control device 12 to the buoy 15 based on the notification that the object 2 has been captured by the control device 12. Further, when the underwater drone 16 is configured to be communicable with the buoy 15, if the control unit 163 determines that the underwater image captured by the imaging unit 165 is an underwater capture image, this capture signal may be transmitted from the underwater drone 16 to the buoy 15. If it is determined that the capture signal has been received (step S6; YES), the process proceeds to step S7. If it is determined that the capture signal has not been received (step S6; NO), the process ends.

[0068] In step S7, the control unit 153 stores the position information of the underwater drone 16. Specifically, the control unit 153 stores the latitude information and longitude information of the buoy 15 detected by the position detection unit 157 in the storage unit 154 as the latitude information and longitude information of the underwater drone 16 located directly below. Further, the control unit 153 stores the length of the cable 14 between the buoy 15 and the underwater drone 16 adjusted by the adjustment unit 156 in the storage unit 154 as the depth information of the underwater drone 16. Further, the control unit 153 transmits the position information (longitude information, latitude information, depth information) of the underwater drone 16 stored in the storage unit 154 to the control device 12.

[0069] As described above, information on the underwater image captured by the imaging unit 165 is transmitted in real time from the control unit 163 of the underwater drone 16 to the control device 12. And since the gimmick unit 17 is always included in the imaging range of the imaging unit 165 no matter how the underwater drone 16 moves underwater by controlling the float 15, the imaging unit 165 can image the scene (underwater capture image) where the gimmick unit 17 captures the object 2. Also, based on the capture signal (i.e., based on the fact that the object 2 has been captured), the position information of the underwater drone 16 is transmitted from the control unit 153 of the float 15 to the control device 12. For this reason, when the object 2 is captured, the control device 12 can acquire the position information of the underwater drone 16 at that time and the information of the underwater capture image. Therefore, when the object 2 is captured, a corresponding display corresponding to the position information of the underwater drone 16 can be displayed on the display unit 125 of the control device 12 so as to overlap the underwater capture image being displayed in real time. Also, when the object 2 is captured, the control device 12 can also associate the underwater capture image being displayed in real time with the position information of the underwater drone 16 and store it in the storage unit 124 as recording information. For this reason, the angler can confirm the position information of the underwater drone 16 when the object 2 is captured, along with the state when the object 2 is captured. And since the position of the underwater drone 16 and the position of the object 2 are approximate, when the object 2 is captured, it becomes possible to accurately confirm and record the position of the object 2 at that very moment.

[0070] In addition, when an underwater captured image associated with the position information of the underwater drone 16 is stored in the storage unit 124 of the control device 12 as recording information, this recording information may be transmitted to an external device (for example, an external server) by wireless communication. Also, this transmission timing may be the timing when the target object 2 is captured, that is, the timing when the underwater captured image is stored in association with the position information of the underwater drone 16, or may be any timing after the target object 2 is captured. By doing so, the external device can accumulate the underwater captured image and its position information, so it can grasp at which position in the water the target object 2 was actually captured and what the type of the target object 2 is. Therefore, it becomes possible to grasp detailed accuracy information as the place where the target object 2 was actually captured (for example, a fish hit) instead of rough accuracy such as a spot in an onshore fishing ground and provide it to the fisherman. Note that this detail will be described later in the second embodiment.

[0071] Also, in the above description, it has been assumed that the position information of the underwater drone 16 is transmitted to the control device 12 based on the capture signal (i.e., based on the fact that the object 2 has been captured). However, it is not limited to this, and the position information of the underwater drone 16 may be transmitted to the control device 12 in response to the angler's request. Specifically, based on a predetermined operation on the operation unit 126, a predetermined request signal is transmitted from the control device 12 to the float 15, and based on the request signal, the position information of the underwater drone 16 is transmitted from the control unit 153 to the control device 12. In this way, the control device 12 can acquire the position information of the underwater drone 16 and the information of the underwater image based on the angler's predetermined operation. Therefore, the angler can remotely control the float 15 while checking the underwater image displayed on the display unit 125, and at a desired timing including when the object 2 is displayed in the underwater image, display a corresponding display corresponding to the position information of the underwater drone 16 so as to be superimposed on the underwater image being displayed in real time. Also, the control device 12 can, in response to the angler's predetermined operation, associate the underwater image being displayed in real time with the position information of the underwater drone 16 and store it in the storage unit 124 as recording information. In this way, when an underwater image associated with the position information of the underwater drone 16 is stored in the storage unit 124 as recording information, this recording information may be made transmissible to an external device (e.g., an external server) by wireless communication. By doing so, the external device can accumulate the underwater image and its position information, which can be used to understand the underwater environment.

[0072] In addition, when displaying a corresponding display corresponding to the position information of the underwater drone 16 so as to be superimposed on the underwater image or the underwater capture image, this corresponding display may be displayed with character information indicating the position information, or may be displayed with a schematic diagram corresponding to the position information (e.g., color display according to the depth range, etc.).

[0073] Also, in the first embodiment, based on the determination that the engaging part 17 has captured the object 2, the position information of the underwater drone 16 is stored, and the underwater captured image is stored in association with the position information. Therefore, the angler can automatically store the position information of the underwater drone 16 when the object 2 is captured, together with the state when the engaging part 17 captures the object 2, without having to check whether the engaging part 17 has captured the object 2 on the display unit 125. Further, such automatic storage is not limited to the case where the engaging part 17 captures the object 2. For example, it may be when the object 2 is displayed on the display unit 125, or the angler may be able to preset the conditions for automatically storing the underwater image in association with the position information of the underwater drone 16.

[0074] Also, in the first embodiment, the underwater images (including the underwater captured images) associated with the position information of the underwater drone 16 are recorded in the storage unit 124 of the control device 12, but it is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 153 of the float 15 may receive the information of the underwater image captured by the imaging unit 165 and store the information of the underwater image in the storage unit 154 in association with the position information of the underwater drone 16. Further, the control unit 163 of the underwater drone 16 may receive the position information of the underwater drone 16 from the float 15 and store the information of the underwater image captured by the imaging unit 165 in the storage unit 164 in association with the position information.

[0075] (Overview of Fishing) Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the overview of fishing performed using the underwater capture device 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the overview of fishing using the underwater capture device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 4(A), the angler first sets up the underwater capture device 1. Specifically, the angler inserts the cable 14 through the ring hole of the fastener 111 of the fishing rod 11 to connect the fishing rod 11 and the cable 14. One end of the cable 14 is connected to the control device 12, and the other end of the cable 14 is connected to the underwater drone 16. A float 15 is attached to a predetermined position of the cable 14 (the position where the length to the underwater drone 16 is Lmax). Also, the control device 12 connected to the cable 14 is attached to the lower end of the fishing rod 11. Further, the reel 13 is attached to the fishing rod 11, and the trigger part 17 is attached to the underwater drone 16. Note that the trigger part 17 may be integrally attached to the underwater drone 16 in advance. Then, the angler activates (turns on the power) the float 15, the underwater drone 16, and the control device 12. Thereby, the acquisition of the captured image by the imaging unit 165 of the underwater drone 16 is started, and the acquisition of the detection information by the sensor unit 167 is started. Since the underwater drone 16 is formed in a spherical shape so that it is easy for the angler to throw, the angler throws the underwater drone 16 towards the water. As a result, the underwater drone 16 is dropped into the water, and the float 15 connected to the underwater drone 16 by the cable 14 is also dropped onto the water. After that, the angler moves the underwater drone 16 by moving the float 15 by performing a movement operation on the operation unit 126 of the control device 12. Also, the angler adjusts the depth of the underwater drone 16 by performing a length adjustment operation and moves the underwater drone 16 to a desired location (for example, the fishing point).

[0077] Note that the movement of the float 15 (and thus the movement of the underwater drone 16) is not limited to being based on the angler's operation. It may automatically move based on the detection information detected by the sensor unit 167 of the underwater drone 16 (for example, the information detecting a fish school), the detection information detected by the position detection unit 157 of the float 15 (latitude information and longitude information), or based on the preset position information of the destination.

[0078] Next, as shown in FIG. 4(B), as a result of moving the underwater drone 16 by moving the float 15, when an object 2 (for example, a fish) is imaged by the imaging unit 165 of the underwater drone 16, the angler operates the operation unit 126 of the control device 12 to move the float 15 in order to capture the object 2 by the mechanism unit 17, thereby moving the underwater drone 16 and causing the mechanism unit 17 attached to the underwater drone 16 to track the object 2 so as to capture the object 2. During this tracking, since the surrounding underwater image including the mechanism unit 17 and the object 2 is displayed in real time on the display unit 125 of the control device 12, the angler can track the object 2 while checking this underwater image.

[0079] In the first embodiment, the underwater drone 16 is moved by remotely operating the float 15. However, in addition to remotely operating the float 15, the underwater drone 16 may also be controllable to move by remote operation. At this time, the angler may control the movement of the underwater drone 16 by remotely operating the float 15 until the object 2 is imaged by the imaging unit 165 (that is, until the object 2 is found), and after the object 2 is found, remotely operate the underwater drone 16 so that the mechanism unit 17 captures the object 2 and track the object 2. Further, this tracking may be such that the underwater drone 16 automatically tracks based on the detection information detected by the sensor unit 167 of the underwater drone 16 or the information of the underwater image imaged by the imaging unit 165.

[0080] Next, as shown in FIG. 4(C), when the engaging portion 17 captures the object 2, the angler performs hooking using the fishing rod 11 and the reel 13. Specifically, as described above, when the engaging portion 17 captures the object 2, a load is applied to the underwater drone 16 and the float 15, and as a result, when a load is applied to the cable 14, the load is linked to the fishing rod 11 and the fishing rod 11 bends. The angler adjusts the positional relationship between the engaging portion 17 attached to the underwater drone 16 and the object 2 captured by the engaging portion 17 by performing hooking in response to this bending, so that the captured object 2 does not separate (escape) from the engaging portion 17. At this time, based on the fact that the object 2 has been captured, an underwater capture image is stored in association with the position information of the underwater drone 16 (that is, it can be said to approximate the position information of the object 2).

[0081] Thereafter, the angler winds up the cable 14 using the reel 13, pulls in the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 connected to the cable 14, and pulls in the object 2 captured by the engaging portion 17 to lift the object 2. When pulling in the object 2, not only may the cable 14 be wound up using the reel 13, but the operating portion 126 of the control device 12 may also be operated to pull in the float 15.

[0082] By the way, it has been conventionally known among fishermen to record an image of the caught fish and transmit the image via SNS (Social Network Service) after catching the fish. However, in such a case, only when the fish can actually be caught, the image of the caught fish can be recorded. When the fish escapes, the position information at the time of capturing the object 2 and the image including the object 2 at that time cannot be recorded. For this reason, there is a problem that the position information where the object 2 can be captured and the type of the object 2 cannot always be accurately grasped. On the other hand, in the first embodiment described above, when the mechanism unit 17 captures the object 2, the scene can be recorded as an underwater capture image. Therefore, even if the hooking operation fails later and the capture of the object 2 by the mechanism unit 17 ends in failure (when the fish escapes), it is possible to record at which position in the water the object 2 was captured. As described above, in the first embodiment, regardless of whether the object 2 can actually be captured and pulled onto the land (that is, whether the fish can be caught), the underwater capture image can be recorded in association with the position information of the underwater drone 16. Therefore, regardless of the skill level of the hooking operation, the position information where the object 2 can be captured and the type of the object 2 can be confirmed and recorded.

[0083] As described above, according to the first embodiment, since the imaging unit 165 of the underwater drone 16 is provided at a position where the mechanism unit 17 can be imaged, it is possible to image the state when the mechanism unit 17 captures the object 2 (for example, the type of the mechanism and the type of the fish as the object 2). Also, as the position information of the underwater drone 16 when the mechanism unit 17 captures the object 2 (which can also be said to be the position information of the object 2), latitude information, longitude information, and depth information can be obtained. For this reason, it is possible to obtain information on at which position in the water the object 2 of what type was captured by the mechanism unit 17 of what type.

[0084] In addition, the display unit 125 capable of displaying an underwater image can display the underwater captured image when the mechanism unit 17 captures the object 2, and when displaying the underwater captured image, it can be displayed so as to superimpose a corresponding display corresponding to the position information of the underwater drone 16 on the underwater captured image. Therefore, the angler can confirm, just by checking the underwater captured image on the display unit 125, the state when the mechanism unit 17 captures the object 2 (for example, the type of the mechanism and the type of the fish as the object 2, etc.) and the position information of the underwater drone 16 at that time.

[0085] Also, based on the latitude information and longitude information of the float 15 detected by the position detection unit 157 provided on the float 15 on the water surface, the latitude information and longitude information of the underwater drone 16 arranged directly below the float 15 can be acquired, and based on the length of the cable 14 between the float 15 adjusted by the adjustment unit 156 and the underwater drone 16, the depth information of the underwater drone 16 can be acquired. Therefore, the position information of the underwater drone 16 located underwater (which can also be said to be the position information of the object 2) can be suitably acquired.

[0086] In addition, since a part of the cable 14 is provided so as to crawl on the fishing rod 11, when the cable 14 is pulled and a load is applied to the cable 14, the fishing rod 11 can also be interlocked with the load. Therefore, when the mechanism unit 17 attached to the underwater drone 16 captures the object 2, a load is applied to the underwater drone 16, and as a result, when a load is applied to the cable 14, the fishing rod 11 is interlocked with the load and the fishing rod 11 is deformed (for example, bends). Therefore, the angler can adjust the positional relationship between the mechanism unit 17 and the object 2 captured by the mechanism unit 17 by operating the fishing rod 11 (for example, performing hooking) according to the load applied to the fishing rod 11, so that the captured object 2 does not leave (escape) from the mechanism unit 17. In this way, even when the angler captures the object 2 using the underwater drone 16, the angler can obtain a feeling of capturing the object 2 by operating the fishing rod 11 while feeling the load of the object 2 through the fishing rod 11 held, so that the interest of fishing can be enhanced.

[0087] In addition, a reel 13 capable of winding the cable 14 is attached to the fishing rod 11. Therefore, not only can the cable 14 be moved by operating the float 15 using the operation unit 126, but the cable 14 can also be wound using the reel 13. Thus, for example, when the object 2 is captured, by manually pulling in the cable 14 using the reel 13, as a result of pulling in the float 15 and the underwater drone 16, the object 2 captured by the setting part 17 can be pulled in, so that a feeling of having manually pulled it in (lifted it) can be obtained, and the enjoyment of fishing can be enhanced.

[0088] Moreover, the storage unit 124 of the control device 12 stores the position information and attitude (orientation) information of the fishing rod 11 as detection information detected by the sensor unit 127. Therefore, for example, the orientation and position information of the fishing rod 11 when the object 2 is captured can be grasped, and thus it can be utilized as information for capturing the object 2. Although these pieces of information are stored in the storage unit 124 of the control device 12, when the display unit 125 and the operation unit 126 are not integrally configured as the control device 12 (when they are separately configured), these pieces of information may be stored in the storage unit of the display unit 125 or may be stored in the storage unit of the operation unit 126.

[0089] In addition, the display unit 125 and the operation unit 126 are integrally configured as the control device 12. Therefore, when configuring the underwater capture device 1, the display unit 125 and the operation unit 126 can be easily attached to the fishing rod 11.

[0090] The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described first embodiment and may be modified as in the following modification examples. Also, a plurality of modification examples may be combined without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0091] (Modification example) In the above-described first embodiment, the underwater capture device 1 is applied to a fishing device (fishing tackle) for a fisherman to fish, but it may also be applied to other underwater devices. Specifically, it may be applied to an underwater exploration device that explores and captures underwater organisms, or it may be applied to an underwater cleaning device that explores underwater garbage and cleans the underwater by capturing the garbage. When the underwater capture device 1 is applied to uses other than fishing in this way, the underwater capture device 1 may not include a fishing rod 11 or a reel 13, and may be composed of a control device 12, a float 15, an underwater drone 16 (and the attached mechanism 17), and a cable 14. Further, the cable 14 is used to connect the float 15 and the underwater drone 16, and the control device 12, the float 15, and the underwater drone 16 may communicate wirelessly. At this time, the mechanism 17 may be composed of not only a fishing hook or a lure but also a remotely operable arm or the like. Further, even when the underwater capture device 1 does not include the fishing rod 11 in this way, the state (underwater capture image) in which the object 2 is captured by the mechanism 17 can be stored in association with the position information of the underwater drone 16, and the underwater capture image can be visually recognized on the display unit 125.

[0092] Also, in the configuration of the underwater capture device 1 in the above-described first embodiment, the control device 12 (operation unit 126 and display unit 125) does not necessarily have to be an essential configuration. When the underwater capture device 1 does not include the configuration of the control device 12, remote operation of the float 15 and display of the underwater image on the display unit 125 are not possible. However, the angler can move to a desired fishing point, for example, by boat, drop the underwater drone 16 into the water by throwing it from the boat, and operate the fishing rod 11 to adjust the position of the underwater drone 16 connected to the cable 14. Even in such a case, based on the fact that the imaging unit 165 has captured a scene where the mechanism 17 has captured the object 2 (specifically, it has been determined that the underwater image captured by the imaging unit 165 is an underwater capture image by a known image determination technique or the like), the position information of the underwater drone 16 is stored, and an underwater capture image associated with the position information of the underwater drone 16 is stored (for example, stored in the storage unit 164 or stored in the storage unit 154). Even in this way, the imaging unit 165 can capture the state (underwater capture image) when the mechanism 17 captures the object 2, and the position information (latitude information, longitude information, depth information) of the underwater drone 16 when the mechanism 17 captures the object 2 can be obtained. At this time, although the underwater capture device 1 does not have a display unit for displaying the underwater capture image, the underwater capture image and the position information of the underwater drone 16 may be transmitted to an external device (for example, a smartphone owned by the angler or an external server), and the underwater capture image and the position information of the underwater drone 16 may be viewable on the external device.

[0093] Also, in the above-described first embodiment, the float 15 is provided with an adjustment unit 156, and the length of the cable 14 connecting the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 is adjusted. However, if the underwater drone 16 is provided with an adjustment unit, the adjustment unit of the underwater drone 16 may adjust the length of the cable 14 based on a length adjustment operation on the operation unit 126.

[0094] Also, in the above-described first embodiment, the float 15 may be provided with an imaging unit (underwater camera) capable of imaging underwater. Specifically, the imaging unit is attached to the bottom surface of the float 15 at a position where the cable 14 and the underwater drone 16 connected to the cable 14 can be imaged. Since the imaging unit of the float 15 attached in this way can image the degree of deflection of the cable 14, for example, when the cable 14 is deflected and does not extend in the vertical direction, it can be determined that the underwater drone 16 is operating unintentionally in the Z direction due to the water flow. Then, the adjustment unit 156 can wind up the cable 14 to eliminate the deflection of the cable 14 and control the underwater drone 16 to be appropriately arranged substantially directly below the float 15. In addition, since the imaging unit of the float 15 can image the underwater drone 16 from above, it can also provide an overview perspective of the state until the triggering unit 17 of the underwater drone 16 captures the object 2, which can enhance the interest of fishing.

[0095] Also, in the above-described first embodiment, the imaging unit 165 of the underwater drone 16 may be configured to be able to change the imaging direction based on an operation on the operation unit 126. In this way, the imaging range of the imaging unit 165 can be changed without changing the position of the underwater drone 16. However, since it is preferable that the triggering unit 17 is included in the imaging range of the imaging unit 165, for example, until the object 2 is detected, the imaging direction of the imaging unit 165 is changed. After the object 2 is detected, based on a predetermined operation on the operation unit 126, the imaging direction of the imaging unit 165 may return to the initial position (the position where the triggering unit 17 is included in the imaging range) so that the underwater capture image when the triggering unit 17 captures the object 2 can be imaged. Alternatively, the position of the triggering unit 17 may be configured to change so that the triggering unit 17 is included in the imaging range of the imaging unit 165 in accordance with the change in the imaging direction of the imaging unit 165.

[0096] In the above-described first embodiment, the length of the cable 14 between the float 15 and the underwater drone 16 is stored as the depth information of the underwater drone 16. However, the depth information of the underwater drone 16 is not limited to being obtained by the length of the cable 14. For example, the float 15 may be equipped with an underwater sonar, and the depth information may be obtained by measuring the distance to the underwater drone 16 (i.e., the depth of the underwater drone 16) with the underwater sonar.

[0097] In the above-described first embodiment, when an underwater captured image is captured by the imaging unit 165, the position information of the underwater drone 16 is obtained (stored). However, at this time, information about the lure or bait used as the mechanism unit 17 may also be stored. By doing so, when the object 2 is captured underwater, it is possible to record what kind of mechanism unit 17 was used, which can be useful for future fishing.

[0098] In the above-described first embodiment, the illumination unit 166 may be used as the mechanism unit 17. For example, when capturing an object 2 that preferably reacts to light (e.g., squid), the underwater light as the illumination unit 166 can be used as a mimic bait as the mechanism unit 17.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, the mechanism unit 17 may be configured to be detachable from the underwater drone 16, and a plurality of types may be interchangeable according to the type of the object 2. In this case, the mechanism unit 17 may be configured so that it can be easily detached and attached (e.g., configured to be attachable / detachable with one touch).

[0100] In the above-described embodiment, the underwater drone 16 may be provided with a storage unit for storing an attractant (e.g., bait) for attracting the object 2, and the attractant stored in the storage unit may be discharged near the underwater drone 16 by a remote operation of the angler (e.g., operation of the operation unit 126). By doing so, it is possible to create an environment in which it is easier to capture the object 2.

[0101] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 163 of the underwater drone 16 may be configured to identify the detected fish species. Specifically, the control unit 163 may be configured to identify the fish species of the object 2 based on a known image determination technique from an underwater image including the object 2 (fish) captured by the imaging unit 165. Further, the fish species of the object 2 may be notified to the control device 12. By doing so, it is possible to capture the fish as the object 2 after identifying the fish species.

[0102] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the mechanism unit 17 may include a weight sensor. In this case, when the mechanism unit 17 captures the object 2, it becomes possible to grasp the weight of the captured object 2. And this weight information may be stored in association with the underwater capture image. By doing so, it is possible to record the position information when the object 2 is captured and the weight information of the object 2 in association with the underwater capture image.

[0103] As described above, the first embodiment and the modification example of the present invention have been described. The first embodiment and the modification example of the present invention include various configurations shown below.

[0104] That is, a floating part (e.g., float 15) that can float and move on water, a body (e.g., underwater drone 16) that can move underwater, a cable (e.g., cable 14) that connects the floating part and the body, a capturing part (e.g., device 17) that can capture an underwater object (e.g., object 2), an imaging part (e.g., imaging part 165) that can capture an underwater image, and a position information acquisition part (e.g., position detection part 157, adjustment part 156) that can acquire the position information of the body. The underwater capturing device (e.g., underwater capturing device 1) is such that the body can be disposed substantially directly below the floating part via the cable due to its own weight. The capturing part is attached to the body, the imaging part is provided at a position on the body where at least the capturing part can be imaged, the position information acquisition part can acquire the position information of the body at least when the capturing part captures the object, and the position information of the body includes the information of the latitude and longitude of the body and the information of the depth of the body underwater. With such a configuration, since the imaging part is provided at a position on the body where at least the capturing part can be imaged, the underwater image that the imaging part can capture includes the capturing part. Therefore, the imaging part can capture the underwater image when the capturing part captures the object and can acquire the position information of the body when the capturing part captures the object.

[0105] It is provided with a display part (e.g., display part 125) that can display the underwater image. The display part can display, as the underwater image, an underwater capturing image when the capturing part captures the object. When displaying the underwater capturing image, a corresponding display corresponding to the position information of the body detected by the position information acquisition part can be added to (e.g., superimposed on) the underwater capturing image and displayed. With such a configuration, just by checking the underwater capturing image, it is possible to check the state when the capturing part captures the object and the position information of the body at that time.

[0106] A length control unit (adjustment unit 156) capable of controlling the length of the cable, and a detection unit (position detection unit 157) capable of detecting information on the latitude and longitude of the floating part are provided. The position information acquisition unit can acquire information on the latitude and longitude of the aircraft disposed directly below the floating part based on the detection information of the detection unit, and can acquire information on the depth of the aircraft disposed directly below the floating part based on the length of the cable controlled by the length control unit. According to such a configuration, the information on the latitude and longitude of the aircraft in water is acquired based on the information on the latitude and longitude of the floating part on the water surface, and the information on the depth of the aircraft is acquired based on the length of the cable between the aircraft and the floating part. Therefore, the position information of the aircraft can be suitably acquired.

[0107] (Second Embodiment) Next, with reference to FIG. 5, an information processing system according to the second embodiment will be described. The information processing system shown in FIG. 5 is configured to include a server 3, m control devices 12-1 to 12-m (m is an arbitrary integer value of 1 or more), and n user terminals 4-1 to 4-n (n is an arbitrary integer value of 1 or more).

[0108] The server 3 is managed by a provider of a fishing information presentation service. The fishing information presentation service is a service that presents fishing information via the Web, an application program, or the like, and is a service to which the information processing system according to the second embodiment is applied. Although the details of the fishing information presentation service will be described later, a characteristic of this service is that, as fishing information, an underwater capture image when the object 2 is captured by the setting part 17 (for example, an underwater image capturing the state of a fish caught on a fishing hook) is presented.

[0109] Each of the control devices 12-1 to 12-m is the control device 12 described in the first embodiment, and is used by each of m fishermen who perform fishing using the underwater capture device 1 as described in the first embodiment. As described in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the storage unit 124 of the control device 12 stores underwater capture images associated with the position information of the underwater drone 16. Therefore, each of the m fishermen can provide an underwater capture image as fishing information using the control device 12. Thus, in the second embodiment, each of the m fishermen who perform fishing using the underwater capture device 1 can be said to be a provider of fishing information.

[0110] The user terminals 4-1 to 4-n are portable terminal devices such as smartphones, and are used by each of n demanders of fishing information. That is, the n demanders of fishing information can receive the provision of fishing information by operating each of the user terminals 4-1 to 4-n to request fishing information. Note that the provider of fishing information and the demander of fishing information are not necessarily different, and may be the same.

[0111] Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to individually distinguish each of the control devices 12-1 to 12-m, these will be collectively referred to as the "control device 12". Similarly, when it is not necessary to individually distinguish each of the user terminals 4-1 to 4-n, these will be collectively referred to as the "user terminal 4".

[0112] Also, the server 3, the control device 12, and the user terminal 4 are interconnected via a predetermined network N such as the Internet.

[0113] (Fishing Information Presentation Service) Next, the outline of the fishing information presentation service will be briefly described. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the fishing information presentation service is provided via an application program installed in the control device 12 or the user terminal 4, but it may also be provided via a website managed by the server 3.

[0114] First, an angler who fishes using the underwater capture device 1 described in the first embodiment provides fishing information as a provider of fishing information by using a fishing information presentation service. Specifically, the provider of fishing information starts an application program of the fishing information presentation service installed in the control device 12 and transmits the fishing information to the server 3. The fishing information includes the underwater capture image stored in the storage unit 124 of the control device 12 and the position information of the underwater drone 16 when the underwater capture image was captured.

[0115] By the way, as described in the first embodiment, although the position information of the underwater drone 16 is stored when the underwater capture image is captured, the position of the object 2 when the underwater capture image is captured (that is, when the object 2 is captured by the catching unit 17) and the position of the underwater drone 16 are approximate. Therefore, the position information of the underwater drone 16 can also be said to be the position information of the object 2. Therefore, it can also be said that the fishing information transmitted to the server 3 includes the underwater capture image including the object 2 when the object 2 is captured and the position information of the object 2 at that time.

[0116] The server 3 is managed by the administrator of the fishing information presentation service and collects and manages the fishing information transmitted from the provider of fishing information. Specifically, the server 3 manages the underwater capture image as fishing information in association with its position information (the position information of the underwater drone 16), and can display the underwater capture image at the corresponding position on the map by combining it with a predetermined map application program.

[0117] A person in need of fishing information can install an application program for a fishing information presentation service on the user terminal 4, start the program, and perform predetermined communication with the server 3 to receive fishing information from the server 3. On the user terminal 4 that has received the fishing information in this way, a fishing information presentation screen is displayed, and the person in need of fishing information can view the fishing information. Although the details of the fishing information presentation screen will be described later with reference to FIG. 9, it includes an overall screen in which dot displays indicating the positions where underwater capture images were taken on a map are made, and a detailed screen in which an underwater capture image is pop-up displayed by aligning a cursor with a predetermined dot display on the overall screen.

[0118] In this way, in the fishing information presentation service, fishing information including an underwater capture image (that is, an underwater image when the object 2 is captured by the engaging portion 17) is received from the provider of the fishing information, and these information are accumulated and managed. Then, by presenting a fishing information presentation screen to the person in need of fishing information, underwater capture images taken at various positions can be presented in association with those positions.

[0119] Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the server 3 in the information processing system of FIG. 5 will be described. FIG. 6 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the server 3 in the information processing system of FIG. 5.

[0120] (Hardware Configuration of Server 3) The server 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, a bus 34, an input / output interface 35, a storage unit 36, and a communication unit 37.

[0121] The CPU 31 executes various processes according to a program recorded in the ROM 32 or a program loaded from the storage unit 36 to the RAM 33. In the RAM 33, data and the like necessary for the CPU 31 to execute various processes are appropriately stored.

[0122] The CPU 31, ROM 32, and RAM 33 are interconnected via a bus 34. An input / output interface 35 is also connected to this bus 34. A storage unit 36 and a communication unit 37 are connected to the input / output interface 35.

[0123] The storage unit 36 is composed of a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like and stores various data. The communication unit 37 controls communication with other devices (such as the control device 12 and the user terminal 4 in the example of FIG. 5) via a network N including the Internet, a mobile phone network, a LAN (Local Area Network), or the like.

[0124] Note that the hardware configurations of the control device 12 and the user terminal 4 are basically the same as the configuration of the server 3, except that they have an input unit for inputting information and a display unit for displaying information. Therefore, the description of their hardware configurations is omitted.

[0125] Through the cooperation of the various hardware and various software of such a server 3, control device 12, and user terminal 4, a series of processes (hereinafter referred to as fishing information presentation processes) for presenting fishing information to the demanders of fishing information among the processes executed by the server 3 can be executed.

[0126] Next, regarding the functional configurations of the server 3, control device 12, and user terminal 4 when executing the above-described fishing information presentation process, an explanation will be given. FIG. 7 shows an example of the functional configuration required for the fishing information presentation process executed by the server 3, control device 12, and user terminal 4 of FIG. 5.

[0127] (Functional Configuration of Control Device 12) First, the functional configuration of the control device 12 will be described. The CPU 123 (control unit 123 in the first embodiment) of the control device 12 functions as a fishing information transmission control unit 1231. As described in the first embodiment, the storage unit 124 of the control device 12 stores underwater capture images associated with the position information of the underwater drone 16. The fishing information transmission control unit 1231 receives a fishing information transmission instruction from the provider of fishing information via the operation unit 126, and executes control for transmitting the underwater capture image as fishing information to the server 3 via the communication unit 120.

[0128] Note that the above-described fishing information may include not only the underwater capture image but also various information that can be acquired by the underwater capture device 1 described in the first embodiment. For example, it may include the position information and attitude (orientation) information of the control device 12 (i.e., the position information and attitude (orientation) information of the fishing rod 11) when the underwater capture image is captured (i.e., when the engaging unit 17 captures the object 2), or detection information detected by the sensor unit 167 when the underwater capture image is captured.

[0129] (Functional Configuration of Server 3) Next, the functional configuration of the server 3 will be described. The CPU 31 of the server 3 functions as a fishing information acquisition unit 311, a fishing information management unit 312, and a request acquisition unit 313. In addition, a fishing information DB 360 is provided in the storage unit 36 of the server 3.

[0130] The fishing information acquisition unit 311 acquires the fishing information transmitted from the control device 12 and notifies the fishing information management unit 312 of the information.

[0131] The fishing information management unit 312 collects and manages the notified fishing information. This fishing information is stored in the fishing information DB 360 of the server 3. In addition, the fishing information management unit 312 creates an analysis result of the fishing information based on the fishing information (and position information) stored in the fishing information DB 360, and also creates a fishing information presentation screen for presenting the underwater capture image at the corresponding position on the map corresponding to the position information.

[0132] The acquisition section 313 acquires the request information transmitted by the fishing information request control section 411 of the user terminal 4 described later, and notifies the fishing information management section 312 of the information. Note that this request information is information indicating which fishing information among the fishing information collected and managed by the fishing information management section 312 is requested to be presented. As the request information, for example, information requesting that a specific object 2 (specific fish) be imaged among the underwater capture images as fishing information, or information requesting that an image be captured within a specific range (for example, Japan, Kanto region) among the underwater capture images as fishing information is included. Based on this request information, the fishing information management section 312 extracts the corresponding fishing information, creates a fishing information presentation screen including the extracted fishing information, and executes control for transmitting it to the user terminal 4 via the communication section 37.

[0133] (Functional configuration of the user terminal 4) Next, the functional configuration of the user terminal 4 will be described. The CPU 41 of the user terminal 4 functions as a fishing information request control section 411 and a fishing information display control section 412.

[0134] The fishing information request control section 411 receives a fishing information request instruction from a fishing information requester via the input section 43 (typically a touch panel), and executes control for transmitting request information for requesting fishing information to the server 3 via the communication section 42.

[0135] The fishing information display control section 412 executes control for displaying a fishing information presentation screen on the display section 44 (typically a liquid crystal display) based on the fishing information transmitted from the fishing information management section 312.

[0136] (Fishing information presentation process) Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the fishing information presentation process executed by the CPU 31 of the server 3 having the functional configuration of FIG. 7 will be described. Note that the fishing information presentation process shown in FIG. 8 is for explaining the characteristic process in the second embodiment, and does not exclude other processes necessary in the process of presenting fishing information.

[0137] In step S1, the fishing information acquisition unit 311 determines whether it has received the fishing information transmitted from the fishing information transmission control unit 1231 of the control device 12. If it is determined that the fishing information has been received (step S1; YES), the process proceeds to step S2. If it is determined that the fishing information has not been received (step S1; NO), the process proceeds to step S3.

[0138] In step S2, the fishing information management unit 312 stores the fishing information acquired by the fishing information acquisition unit 311 in the fishing information DB 360. Note that this fishing information includes the underwater capture image and the position information of the underwater drone 16 when the underwater capture image was captured. Also, as described above, the position information of the underwater drone 16 can also be referred to as the position information of the target object 2. Therefore, it can be said that this fishing information includes the underwater capture image including the target object 2 when the target object 2 was captured and the position information of the target object 2 at that time.

[0139] In step S3, the request acquisition unit 313 determines whether it has received the request information transmitted from the fishing information request control unit 411 of the user terminal 4. If it is determined that the request information has been received (step S3; YES), the process proceeds to step S4. If it is determined that the request information has not been received (step S3; NO), the process ends.

[0140] In step S4, the fishing information management unit 312 creates a fishing information presentation screen including the fishing information corresponding to the request information based on the request information acquired by the request acquisition unit 313. Specifically, the fishing information management unit 312 first extracts the fishing information that matches the request information (for example, the range is Japan) from the fishing information stored in the fishing information DB 360. Then, a fishing information presentation screen is created in which the underwater capture image as the extracted fishing information is displayed at the corresponding position on the map in association with the position information, and is transmitted to the fishing information display control unit 412 of the user terminal 4. As a result, the fishing information presentation screen can be displayed on the display unit 44 of the user terminal 4.

[0141] (Fishing Information Display Screen) Next, with reference to FIG. 9, an overview of the fishing information display screen displayed on the user terminal 4 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the overview of the fishing information display screen according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9(A) shows the entire screen of the fishing information display screen, and FIG. 9(B) shows the detailed screen of the fishing information display screen.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 9(A), on the entire screen, dot display indicating the position where the underwater capture image was taken (the position of the underwater drone 16) is performed on the map. More specifically, according to the request (request information) of the fishing information requester, the underwater capture image to be displayed is extracted. For example, when the request of the fishing information requester is "Target range: Japan" and "Type of target 2: all fish species", among the underwater capture images stored in the server 3, the corresponding underwater capture image is extracted. Then, the position on the map corresponding to the position information (latitude, longitude) associated with the extracted underwater capture image is dot-displayed. Therefore, by visually recognizing this entire screen, the fishing information requester can grasp the overall situation of at which points the underwater capture image was taken (in other words, at which points the target 2 was captured by the setting part 17) within the target range he / she requested. Note that the depth at which the underwater capture image was taken may be suggested by the color of the dot display.

[0143] In addition, the fishing information requester can switch and display to the detailed screen shown in FIG. 9(B) by, for example, performing a pinch-out operation on the entire screen shown in FIG. 9(A) to enlarge and display a partial area.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 9(B), in the detailed screen, since a part of the entire screen is enlarged, a person in need of fishing information can align a predetermined cursor with a part of the dot display indicating the position of the underwater capture image. When the predetermined cursor is aligned in this way, the underwater capture image corresponding to the position where the cursor is aligned is pop-up displayed on the right side of the screen. And since the position information of latitude information, longitude information, and depth information is associated with this underwater capture image, a corresponding display (for example, character display indicating the position information) corresponding to the position information is displayed so as to overlap a part of the pop-up displayed underwater capture image. Therefore, since a person in need of fishing information can check the underwater capture image at a specific point by this detailed screen, it is possible to check at which point and how the object 2 was captured by the setting part 17, or what kind of setting part 17 it was at that time.

[0145] In this way, in the second embodiment, based on the underwater capture image provided by the fisherman and the position information where the underwater capture image was taken, the fishing information presentation screen is presented, so that it is possible to check how the object 2 was captured at which point, which can be useful for future fishing.

[0146] By the way, conventionally, as an application that provides information useful for fishermen, there are those that provide information on fishing spots sent by fishermen, information on fish caught, and the like. However, for example, the information on fishing spots is information on land-based fishing spots and not the underwater position information when a fish actually gets hooked on a fishing hook. Therefore, there is a problem that it is not known where to drop the fishing hook in reality. Also, it is conceivable to provide the position information on the boat and the information on the fish by fishing on the boat and transmitting the information on the fish caught. However, in such a case, there is a problem that it is not known at what depth the fish was caught, and when the fish could not be caught, the information on the fish cannot be provided. On the other hand, in the above-described second embodiment, the underwater capture image when the object 2 is captured by the setting part 17 in water and the position information at that time are cumulatively stored in the server 3 and displayed as a fishing information presentation screen. Therefore, regardless of whether a fish was actually caught or not, it is possible to grasp at which position in the water the object 2 is likely to be captured by the setting part 17 (that is, whether a fish is likely to get hooked), and it is possible to provide more practical information to the fishermen, which can be used to enhance the interest in fishing.

[0147] Also, from the perspective of the provider of fishing information, when fishing is carried out using the underwater capture device 1 and the object 2 is captured, even if the fish cannot actually be caught, the underwater capture image can be obtained. Therefore, even a fisherman with a low fishing proficiency (for example, hooking technique) can transmit the state when the object 2 is captured in water to the server 3. As a result, even a fisherman with a low fishing proficiency can enhance the interest in fishing and can arouse new fishing demands.

[0148] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the server 3 acquires, as fishing information, an underwater capture image including the object 2 when the object 2 is captured and the position information of the object 2 at that time (accurately, the position information of the underwater drone 16), stores the underwater capture image in the fishing information DB 360 in association with the position information, and can generate a fishing information presentation screen for presenting the underwater capture image at the corresponding position on the map corresponding to the position information. Therefore, it is possible to grasp at which position in the water the object 2 is likely to be captured, which can be used to enhance the interest in fishing.

[0149] In addition, since the rigging part 17 when the object 2 is captured is also displayed in the underwater capture image, by checking the underwater capture image displayed on the fishing information presentation screen, it is possible to check which object 2 could be captured at which rigging part 17.

[0150] In addition, a corresponding display (for example, character display indicating the position information) corresponding to the position information is superimposed on the underwater capture image that is pop-up displayed on the fishing information presentation screen. Therefore, it is possible to immediately check at which position the object 2 displayed in the underwater capture image was captured.

[0151] In addition, since underwater capture images as fishing information are accumulated in the server 3 from a plurality of fishing information providers, it is possible to grasp the state of fish in the water without the need for large-scale equipment such as a research underwater drone.

[0152] The second embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described second embodiment and may be modified as in the following modification examples. Also, a plurality of modification examples may be combined without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0153] (Modification example) In the above-described second embodiment, it is assumed that the control device 12 (more specifically, the underwater capture device 1) used in the first embodiment is used. That is, the second embodiment is assumed to be used in combination with the first embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, in the second embodiment, a provider of fishing information who has obtained an underwater capture image and position information at that time by other methods (for example, diving, etc.) without using the underwater capture device 1 of the first embodiment may transmit the underwater capture image and position information to the server 3 using his or her own terminal or the like.

[0154] Further, in the above-described second embodiment, fishing information (such as an underwater capture image) is transmitted to the server 3 based on the operation of the control device 12 by the provider of the fishing information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be automatically transmitted from the control device 12 to the server 3. Specifically, for example, it may be automatically transmitted at the timing when the object 2 is captured, or it may be automatically transmitted at a desired setting timing after the object 2 is captured by a preset setting for the control device 12 by the fisherman.

[0155] Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the provider of the fishing information transmits the fishing information to the server 3 using the control device 12. As described above, in the second embodiment, since an application program for a fishing information presentation service is installed in the control device 12 in which the underwater capture image is stored, the provider of the fishing information can immediately transmit the underwater capture image to the server 3 (for example, immediately after recording the underwater capture image) using the same control device 12. However, the provider of the fishing information may not use the control device 12, but may transmit the underwater capture image stored in the storage unit 124 of the control device 12 to, for example, his or her own mobile terminal, and then install an application program for a fishing information presentation service in his or her own mobile terminal, and transmit the underwater capture image from his or her own mobile terminal to the server 3.

[0156] Also, in the above-described second embodiment, the underwater capture images may be displayed for each category on the fishing information presentation screen. For example, based on the position information stored in the fishing information DB360 of the server 3, the underwater capture images may be classified by depth, and the corresponding underwater capture images for each depth may be displayed.

[0157] Further, based on the position information of the float 15 described in the first embodiment, the movement trajectory of the float 15 may be recorded, and the information on the movement trajectory may be transmitted to the server 3 as fishing information. By doing so, it may be possible to display the movement trajectory of the float 15 until the object 2 is captured on the fishing information presentation screen.

[0158] Note that points may be given to the provider of the fishing information according to the number of times the fishing information is provided, etc. These points may be available for use in the fishing information presentation service or may be available for use in an external service. Also, when providing the fishing information, it may be linked with an SNS (Social Network Service).

[0159] Also, the fishing information presentation process shown in FIG. 8 is merely an example, and within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention, for example, the order of each step may be changed, other steps may be added, or a part of the steps may be omitted.

[0160] As described above, the second embodiment and the modified example of the present invention have been described. The second embodiment and the modified example of the present invention include various configurations shown below.

[0161] That is, an information processing apparatus (e.g., server 3) includes an acquisition means (e.g., fishing information acquisition unit 311) that acquires position information of an object in water when the object is captured, and an underwater capture image including the object; a storage means (e.g., fishing information DB 360) that stores the underwater capture image acquired by the acquisition means in association with the position information; and a generation means (e.g., fishing information management unit 312) that generates a presentation screen (e.g., fishing information presentation screen) for presenting the underwater capture image stored in the storage means at a corresponding position on a map corresponding to the position information. According to such a configuration, it is possible to grasp at which position in water an object is likely to be captured, which is useful for enhancing the interest in fishing.

[0162] The underwater capture image includes the object (e.g., object 2) and a device (e.g., device 17) for capturing the object. According to such a configuration, it is possible to confirm which object was captured by which device.

[0163] When generating the presentation screen, the generation means superimposes a corresponding display corresponding to the position information at a predetermined position of the underwater capture image. According to such a configuration, it is possible to immediately confirm at which position the object displayed in the underwater capture image was captured.

[0164] The present invention can also be applied to an information processing method and an information processing program.

[0165] Although the present invention has been described above, the above description is merely an exemplification of the present invention, and various improvements and modifications may be added. Also, the effects described in this embodiment merely list the preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited thereto.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0166] 1 Underwater capture device 11 Fishing rod 111 Fastening tool 12 Control device 121 Power supply unit 122 Communication unit 123 Control unit (CPU) 124 Memory unit 125 Display unit 126 Operation unit 127 Sensor unit 13 Reel 14 Cable 15 Float 151 Power supply unit 152 Communication unit 153 Control unit 154 Memory unit 155 Driving unit 156 Adjustment unit 157 Position detection unit 16 Underwater drone 161 Power supply unit 162 Communication unit 163 Control unit 164 Memory unit 165 Imaging unit 166 Lighting unit 167 Sensor unit 17 Fixture unit 2 Object 3 Server 4 User terminal

Claims

1. A floating part that can float and move on water, A body that can move in water, A cable that connects the floating part and the body, A capturing part that can capture underwater objects, An imaging part that can capture underwater images, An underwater capturing device including a position information acquisition part that can acquire the position information of the body, wherein The body can be arranged substantially directly below the floating part via the cable due to its own weight, The capturing part is attached to the body, The imaging part is provided on the body at a position where at least the capturing part can be imaged, The position information acquisition part can acquire the position information of the body at least when the capturing part captures the object, The position information of the body includes information on the latitude and longitude of the body and information on the depth of the body in water. An underwater capturing device.

2. Comprising a display part that can display the underwater image, The display part, As the underwater image, can display an underwater capturing image when the capturing part captures the object, When displaying the underwater capturing image, a corresponding display corresponding to the position information of the body detected by the position information acquisition part can be added to and displayed on the underwater capturing image. The underwater capturing device according to Claim 1.

3. A length control part that can control the length of the cable, A detection part that can detect information on the latitude and longitude of the floating part, and is provided with, The position information acquisition part, Based on the detection information of the detection part, can acquire information on the latitude and longitude of the body arranged directly below the floating part, Based on the length of the cable controlled by the length control part, can acquire information on the depth of the body arranged directly below the floating part. The underwater capturing device according to Claim 2.

Images