Navigation information generating device, navigation information generating method, program, and navigation information generating system

Abstract

To provide a service that can support a formation of a navigation plan for a sailing management division.SOLUTION: A navigation information generating device 4 comprises: a sea route condition acquisition unit 31 that acquires sea route condition information including at least one of departure point position information which is information about a position of a departure point of a ship, departure date / time information which is information regarding a departure date / time from the departure point, arrival point position information which is information about a position of an arrival point, and arrival date / time information which is information about an arrival date / time at the arrival point; an output ratio acquisition unit 32 for acquiring output ratio information indicating an output ratio of a propulsion capacity of the ship during navigation; and a navigation information generating unit 24 that generates navigation information based on the sea route condition information and the output ratio information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a navigation information generating device, a navigation information generating method, a program, and a navigation information generating system. [Background technology]

[0002] The tasks related to determining the routes of ships transporting cargo are primarily carried out by the company that transports the cargo requested by the shipper (hereinafter referred to as the operator) and the captain of the ship.

[0003] In order to execute transportation plans with shippers, the operator's operation management department creates a shipping schedule based on overall profitability and prepares sailing instructions. An operation schedule is a list of ports of call from departure to arrival, the dates and times of arrival and departure, and the ship's speed between ports. The operator's operation management department sends the sailing instructions, including the shipping schedule, to the captain of the ship that will be transporting the cargo, instructs the captain to prepare a route plan, and then reviews and approves the route plan prepared by the captain.

[0004] The captain, who is responsible for the operation of a ship, is responsible for ensuring the safety of the ship and managing and supervising the crew. Based on the navigation instructions, the captain creates a route plan including a route chart showing each waypoint from departure to arrival, the arrival date and time, and the main engine RPM between waypoints, and operates the ship according to the plan to transport cargo.

[0005] In recent years, the technologies of weather routing and optimal routing, which optimize routes taking into account safety and economy in response to weather and sea condition information, have been attracting attention.

[0006] For example, there is a technology in which operational data collected by an operation monitoring system is input into an in-service ship analysis system, which outputs data such as the latest estimated performance information, and this data, along with data on weather predicted for the route, is input into an optimal route calculation system to calculate data such as information on navigation plans for the optimal route (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0007] Furthermore, when optimizing a route, there is a technology that enables the search for a route with the minimum fuel consumption by varying the main engine speed, and also makes ocean current data variable, while searching for a route using any weather, sea conditions, and ocean current data that corresponds to each location and time on the route (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-286230 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4934756 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] General-purpose systems using these technologies are provided for ship crews, and the parameters used indicate ship operating conditions, such as main engine RPM, and are intended for use by users with a certain level of knowledge about ships. Meanwhile, there is a demand for services that can support the development of navigation plans for the ship's operation management department, which creates navigation plans. However, the staff in the ship's operation management department may not have experience working at sea.

[0010] Furthermore, in recent years, there has been a global demand for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, not only from the perspective of cost reduction but also from the perspective of environmental conservation. When it is desired to operate with low fuel consumption, it would be preferable if the operator could instruct the ship to operate with low fuel consumption by using a method that can be easily recognized even by someone without knowledge of ships, such as specifying the load on the main engine (e.g., "operate to the destination at 60% MCR") rather than the main engine speed.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the above problem, that is, to provide a navigation information generating device, a navigation information generating method, a program, and a navigation information generating system that can provide a service that can support the development of navigation plans for operation management departments that do not have specialized knowledge about ships. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A navigation information generating device according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by having a route condition acquisition unit that acquires route condition information including at least one of departure point position information, which is information regarding the position of the departure point of a ship; departure date and time information, which is information regarding the date and time of departure from the departure point; arrival point position information, which is information regarding the position of the arrival point; and arrival date and time information, which is information regarding the date and time of arrival at the arrival point; an output ratio acquisition unit that acquires output ratio information indicating the output ratio of the propulsion capacity of the ship while sailing; and a navigation information generation unit that generates navigation information based on the route condition information and the output ratio information.

[0013] A navigation information generation method according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized by including a route condition information acquisition step for acquiring route condition information including at least one of departure point position information, which is information relating to the position of the departure point of the ship; departure date and time information, which is information relating to the date and time of departure from the departure point; arrival point position information, which is information relating to the position of the arrival point; and arrival date and time information, which is information relating to the date and time of arrival at the arrival point; a power ratio information acquisition step for acquiring power ratio information indicating the output ratio of the propulsive capacity of the ship while sailing; and a navigation information generation step for generating navigation information based on the route condition information and the power ratio information.

[0014] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer of a navigation information generating device to execute processing characterized by including a route condition information acquisition step of acquiring route condition information including at least one of departure point position information, which is information regarding the position of the departure point of the ship; departure date and time information, which is information regarding the date and time of departure from the departure point; arrival point position information, which is information regarding the position of the arrival point; and arrival date and time information, which is information regarding the date and time of arrival at the arrival point; a power ratio information acquisition step of acquiring power ratio information indicating the output ratio of the propulsive capacity of the ship while sailing; and a navigation information generation step of generating navigation information based on the route condition information and the power ratio information.

[0015] A navigation information generation system according to one aspect of the present invention is a navigation information generation system including a navigation information generation device that generates navigation information related to the navigation of a ship, and an information processing device that acquires navigation information and presents it to the ship's crew, wherein the navigation information generation device has a route condition acquisition unit that acquires route condition information including at least one of departure point position information, which is information about the position of the ship's departure point, departure date and time information, which is information about the date and time of departure from the departure point, arrival point position information, which is information about the position of the arrival point, and arrival date and time information, which is information about the date and time of arrival at the arrival point, an output ratio acquisition unit that acquires output ratio information indicating the output ratio of the propulsive capacity of the ship while sailing, and a navigation information generation unit that generates navigation information based on the route condition information and the output ratio information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a service that can support the creation of navigation plans for operation management departments that do not have specialized knowledge about ships. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a navigation information generating system 1. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a navigation information generating device 4. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a flight schedule registration screen. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a route search menu screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a route search result confirmation menu screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a route search result confirmation map display screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a route search result confirmation table display screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a route search result confirmation composite display screen. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a navigation information generation process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining presentation of a recommended output rate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] [One embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a navigation information generating system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] The navigation information generation system 1 is a system used to create operation schedules. The navigation information generation system 1 is composed of a ship form model information database 2, a weather information providing device 3, a navigation information generation device 4, an information processing device 5, and a network 6. The ship form model information database 2 to the information processing device 5 can exchange information with each other via the network 6. These do not need to be separate devices, and may be composed of devices with multiple functions.

[0020] The ship model information database 2 stores information about ships for determining routes. Specifically, for each ship ID (identification) associated with a representative ship model determined by the size and specifications of the ship, etc., the ship model information database 2 stores data including, for example, information on the estimated performance of the ship and a hull motion model (hereinafter referred to as ship information when there is no need to distinguish them individually).

[0021] The weather information providing device 3 is a server or the like that stores weather-related information necessary for navigation. The weather information providing device 3 stores information such as weather, sea state, and ocean current (hereinafter referred to as weather information when there is no need to distinguish them individually).

[0022] The navigation information generating device 4 is a device used by the operation management department of an operator who transports the cargo requested by the shipper. The navigation information generating device 4 acquires the ship information and weather information corresponding to the information (hereinafter referred to as input information) input by the operator in charge of the operation management department (hereinafter appropriately referred to as the user) to the navigation information generating device 4 from the ship model information database 2 and the weather information providing device 3, respectively. Then, the navigation information generating device 4 generates navigation information regarding the navigation of the ship based on the input information, ship information, and weather information. The navigation information generating device 4 causes the generated navigation information to be displayed and output on the display unit 12 (Figure 2) and presents it to the user. The navigation information generating device 4 can supply the generated navigation information to the information processing device 5 via the network 6.

[0023] Here, the ship information and weather information are described as being supplied to the navigation information generating device 4 from the ship model information database 2 and the weather information providing device 3 via the network 6, but the navigation information generating device 4 can also store these information internally.

[0024] The information processing device 5 is a device used by crew members who actually perform navigation duties on board the ship. The information processing device 5 outputs navigation information supplied from the navigation information generating device 4 and presents it to crew members performing navigation duties. The information processing device 5 also supplies necessary information to the navigation information generating device 4 as appropriate. Here, the information processing device 5 will be described as being installed on the ship or held by crew members of the ship.

[0025] <Configuration of navigation information generating device 4> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the navigation information generating device 4.

[0026] The input unit 11 is a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a touch panel, etc. The display unit 12 is a display, etc. The storage unit 13 is a hard disk, a RAM (Random Access Memory) disk, a non-volatile memory, etc. The communication unit 14 is a network interface, etc.

[0027] The control unit 15 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, and controls each unit. The control unit 15 functions as an input information acquisition unit 21, a ship information acquisition unit 22, a weather information acquisition unit 23, and a navigation information generation unit 24.

[0028] The input information acquisition unit 21 displays an input screen (described later) on the display unit 12, acquires input information entered on the input screen, and supplies the acquired input information to the ship information acquisition unit 22, the weather information acquisition unit 23, and the memory unit 13 as appropriate. The input information acquisition unit 21 has a route condition acquisition unit 31, a power ratio acquisition unit 32, and a ship shape acquisition unit 33.

[0029] When departure point location information, which is information about the location of the departure point of the ship, departure date and time information, which is information about the date and time of departure from the departure point, arrival point location information, which is information about the location of the arrival point, and arrival date and time information, which is information about the date and time of arrival at the arrival point, etc. are input into the input screen (hereinafter, such information about departure and arrival will be referred to as route condition information as appropriate), the route condition acquisition unit 31 acquires the input route condition information and supplies it as appropriate to the weather information acquisition unit 23 and the storage unit 13. It is also preferable that the route condition acquisition unit 31 be able to acquire information about waypoints as well.

[0030] When output ratio information indicating the output ratio of the propulsive capacity of the ship underway is input to the input screen, the output ratio acquisition unit 32 acquires the input output ratio information and supplies it to the storage unit 13. The output ratio information is, for example, a value indicating what percentage of the maximum continuous output of the propulsive capacity that the ship's engine can safely use continuously (hereinafter referred to as MCR (Maximum Continuous Rating)) at which the ship should sail.

[0031] When a vessel ID for specifying a representative vessel form model is input into the input screen, the vessel form acquisition unit 33 acquires the vessel ID as vessel form information and supplies it to the vessel information acquisition unit 22.

[0032] The ship information acquisition unit 22 acquires ship information, including, for example, information on the estimated performance of the ship and a hull motion model, to which the ship ID supplied from the ship form acquisition unit 33 is assigned, from the ship form model information database 2 via the communication unit 14 and supplies the information to the memory unit 13.

[0033] The weather information acquisition unit 23 identifies possible navigation areas and navigation periods based on the route condition information supplied by the route condition acquisition unit 31, and acquires weather information including information on the weather, sea conditions, ocean currents, etc. of the area during that period from the weather information providing device 3 via the communication unit 14 and supplies it to the memory unit 13.

[0034] The input information (route condition information, power ratio information, and hull shape information) acquired by the input information acquisition unit 21, the ship information acquired by the ship information acquisition unit 22, and the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 23, which are supplied to the storage unit 13, are stored in association with each other in the storage unit 13. Specifically, a unique operation schedule ID is assigned to each piece of information and stored.

[0035] The navigation information generating unit 24 generates navigation information for each flight schedule ID based on the information stored in the storage unit 13.

[0036] When input information includes departure point location information, departure date and time information, arrival position information, power ratio information, and ship ID (hereinafter, this information will be collectively referred to as information A), and the generation of navigation information is specified based on the input information to which a specified operation schedule ID has been assigned, as well as ship information and weather information obtained based on the input information, the navigation information generation unit 24 calculates the date and time at which a ship having the propulsion capacity indicated by the ship ID will arrive at the arrival point indicated by the arrival position information, along with the route, when it navigates from the departure point indicated by the departure point location information at the date and time indicated by the departure date and time information at the power ratio indicated by the power ratio information, and generates navigation information including these.

[0037] For example, when conditions such as wind direction, wind speed, wave direction, wave height, and tidal current are predetermined, when a ship with certain performance is operating, the way these external forces are received is determined by the ship's performance. Therefore, the navigation information generation unit 24 calculates the forces acting on the ship indicated by the ship information under conditions such as the wind direction, wind speed, wave direction, wave height, and tidal current indicated by the meteorological information. Then, the navigation information generation unit 24 calculates the propulsive force and rudder force of the ship that balance the calculated forces acting on the sailing ship, and calculates the output of the engine to obtain the corresponding propulsive force in consideration of the propeller efficiency. Depending on the speed of the ship, the external forces received by the ship change, and accordingly, the required engine output also changes. However, the navigation information generation unit 24 calculates the sailing speed at the corresponding output when sailing at a specified output ratio of the ship's propulsion ability. The navigation information generation unit 24 calculates the arrival date and time based on the calculated sailing speed.

[0038] In this way, the navigation information generation unit 24 can generate navigation information using ship information, specifically, the external forces acting on the ship and the way they are affected, the propeller efficiency, and the ship's inherent performance such as the rudder force. Any method can be used for the calculation method of these information by the navigation information generation unit 24. For example, the technology described in Japanese Patent No. 4934756 can be used.

[0039] The navigation information includes, for example, as information necessary for ship operation, in addition to information that can be expressed using texts and tables of route information such as the latitude and longitude and arrival time of each waypoint (hereinafter referred to as WP (way point)), and the set rotation speed of the main engine, a route map showing the fuel consumption, the arrival date and time of each waypoint from departure to arrival, and the main engine rotation speed between waypoints. Further, the navigation information preferably includes, as reference information for confirming the validity of the route information, information on the wind direction and speed at the WP, the direction and speed of the tidal current at the WP, and the direction and height of the waves at the WP, and information on pitching, rolling, and heaving at the WP as information related to the ship's motion (safety). Also, when information on the transit point is also acquired by the route condition acquisition unit 31, the navigation information includes information such as the arrival time of the transit point.

[0040] As input information, departure location information, arrival location information, arrival date and time information, output ratio information, and a ship ID (hereinafter, these pieces of information are collectively referred to as information B) are input, and when generation of navigation information is specified based on the input information to which a predetermined operation schedule ID is assigned, and the ship information and weather information obtained based on the input information, the navigation information generation unit 24 calculates the departure date and time for a ship having the propulsion ability indicated by the ship ID to arrive at the arrival location indicated by the arrival location information at the date and time indicated by the arrival date and time information when sailing at the output ratio indicated by the output ratio information from the departure location indicated by the departure location information, calculates the route together with this, and generates navigation information including this.

[0041] The navigation information generation unit 24 calculates the departure date and time in the same manner as when calculating the arrival date and time from the above-described information A.

[0042] The navigation information is displayed on the display unit 12 or supplied to the information processing device 5 via the network 6. The navigation information supplied to the information processing device 5 is displayed on a display unit (not shown) of the information processing device 5.

[0043] <Example of input screen> (Example of operation schedule registration screen) FIG. 3 is an example of an operation schedule registration screen as an input screen. This registration screen includes a ship ID selection BOX 41, a departure location position and time input BOX 42, an arrival location position and time input BOX 43, an output ratio input BOX 44, and an operation schedule registration button 47. Further, it is preferable that the operation schedule registration screen further includes a via location position and time input BOX 45 and a map display unit 46 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0044] The ship ID selection BOX 41 is a drop-down list box for selecting a ship ID indicating a representative ship shape model.

[0045] The departure location position and time input BOX 42 is a field for inputting the position information of the departure location and the departure time information.

[0046] The arrival location time input box 43 is a field for inputting the location information of the arrival location and the arrival time information.

[0047] The output ratio input box 44 is a field for inputting the output ratio with respect to the propulsion ability of the ship during navigation. The output ratio input box 44 has a selection box 51 and an output ratio input box 52. The selection box 51 is a drop-down list box for selecting which value the output ratio is specified for. The output ratio input box 52 is a field for inputting the numerical value of the output ratio.

[0048] The waypoint location time input box 45 is a field for inputting the location information of the waypoint and the waypoint time information.

[0049] On the map display unit 46, a map for confirming the departure location, the arrival location, or the waypoint is displayed. Note that it may be possible to input the position information corresponding to the mouse cursor into the text cursor display location by selecting a point on the map with the mouse cursor while the text cursor is displayed at any input location of the departure location time input box 42, the arrival location time input box 43, or the waypoint location time input box 45.

[0050] The operation schedule registration button 47 is a button for registering the information input in each of the above-described boxes. It is preferable that the operation schedule registration button 47 is in an inactive state until sufficient necessary information among the ship ID, the location information and date / time information of the departure location and the arrival location, and the output ratio information is input, and becomes active when these information are input.

[0051] When the operation schedule registration button 47 is operated and the information entered in each box is registered, the ship type acquisition unit 33 (Fig. 2) of the input information acquisition unit 21 acquires the information selected in the ship ID selection BOX 41 and supplies it to the ship information acquisition unit 22. The ship information acquisition unit 22 acquires the ship information assigned to the ship ID supplied from the ship type acquisition unit 33 from the ship type model information database 2 via the communication unit 14 and supplies it to the storage unit 13.

[0052] The ship type acquisition unit 33 (Fig. 2) of the input information acquisition unit 21 acquires the output ratio information entered in the output ratio input BOX 44 and supplies it to the storage unit 13.

[0053] The route condition acquisition unit 31 of the input information acquisition unit 21 acquires the route condition information entered in the departure point position and time input BOX 42, the arrival point position and time input BOX 43, and the via point position and time input BOX 45, and supplies it to the weather information acquisition unit 23 and the storage unit 13. The weather information acquisition unit 23 specifies the area where navigation is possible and the navigation period based on the route condition information supplied by the route condition acquisition unit 31, and acquires weather information including information such as the weather, sea state, and ocean current of that area during that period from the weather information providing device 3 via the communication unit 14 and supplies it to the storage unit 13.

[0054] The input information (route condition information, output ratio information, and ship type information) acquired by the input information acquisition unit 21, the ship information acquired by the ship information acquisition unit 22, and the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 23, which are supplied to the storage unit 13, are stored in the storage unit 13 with a unique operation schedule ID assigned.

[0055] (Example of route search menu screen) Fig. 4 is a route search menu screen displayed when the operation schedule registration button 47 on the operation schedule registration screen shown in Fig. 3 is operated. The route search menu screen allows the search of a route to be specified from the registered operation schedule.

[0056] The route search menu screen includes a flight schedule table 61, a route search start button 62, a search result confirmation button 63, a back button 64, and a help button 65. The flight schedule table 61 is provided with check buttons 67-1 to 67-8 (hereinafter, when not individually distinguished, they will be simply referred to as check buttons 67, and the same applies to other cases) for selecting the flight schedule ID for which the route search is to be performed. The route search menu screen can also be provided with buttons for entering other information or for issuing other commands.

[0057] The flight schedule table 61 is a table for displaying information stored in the storage unit 13 for each flight schedule ID.

[0058] The route search start button 62 is a button for specifying the start of a search for a route of a checked sailing schedule ID among the check buttons 67. When the route search start button 62 is operated, the navigation information generation unit 24 reads information related to the specified sailing schedule ID from the storage unit 13, and generates navigation information related to the navigation of the ship based on this information.

[0059] The example in Figure 4 shows that the input information includes departure point location information, departure date and time information, arrival location information, output ratio information, and ship ID input information (information A), as well as ship information and weather information obtained based on that input information, all of which are assigned an operation schedule ID and registered.

[0060] The search result confirmation button 63 becomes active after the navigation information generation unit 24 has finished generating the navigation information. When the search result confirmation button 63 is operated, the navigation information generation unit 24 displays and outputs a route search result confirmation menu screen, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0061] The back button 64 is a button selected by the user when returning the display to the previous display screen. The help button 65 is a button selected by the user when checking how to use the device.

[0062] <Example display of flight information output screen> (Example of route search result confirmation menu screen) Figure 5 is an example of a route search result confirmation menu screen that is displayed when the search result confirmation button 63 on the route search menu screen shown in Figure 4 is operated.

[0063] The route search result confirmation menu screen is composed of a route search result list table 71, a map display button 72, a table display button 73, a composite display button 74, a return button 64, and a help button 65. The route search result list table 71 is provided with check buttons 74-1 to 74-8 for selecting the route ID for which route search is to be performed. Since the return button 64 and the help button 65 have the same functions as those described with reference to Figure 4, detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. In addition, other information can be described on the route search result confirmation menu screen, and buttons for instructing other operations can also be provided.

[0064] The route search result list table 71 is a table showing the route search results, and has items of route ID, operation schedule ID, departure place, arrival place, departure time, arrival time, and output ratio. The route ID is an ID assigned to distinguish multiple route flight information generated for one operation schedule. The arrival time is calculated by the flight information generation unit 24.

[0065] The map display button 72 is a button for instructing to display and output the search results of the checked route ID using the route search result confirmation map display screen described later with reference to Figure 6 among the check buttons 74.

[0066] The table display button 73 is a button for instructing to display and output the search results of the checked route ID using the route search result confirmation table display screen described later with reference to Figure 7 among the check buttons 74.

[0067] The composite display button 74 is a button for instructing to display and output the search results of the checked route IDs among the check buttons 74 using the route search result confirmation composite display screen described later with reference to FIG. 8.

[0068] (Example of route search result confirmation map display screen) FIG. 6 is an example of a route search result confirmation map display screen that is displayed when the map display button 72 shown in FIG. 5 is operated.

[0069] The route search result confirmation map display screen includes a map display area 81, a table display button 73, a composite display button 74, a PDF output button 82, a return button 64, a send button 83, a display time change bar 84, ship icons 85-1, 85-2, a wind speed display tab 86, a wave height display tab 87, and an air pressure display tab 88. Since the return button 64, the table display button 73, and the composite display button 74 have the same functions as those described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, their descriptions are omitted. Needless to say, other information may be described on the route search result confirmation map display screen, or buttons for instructing other operations may be provided.

[0070] The map display area 81 is an area for displaying a map showing a route together with information on wind speed, wave height, or air pressure based on the generated navigation information. The display of the map display area 81 can be changed by switching the selection of the wind speed display tab 86, the wave height display tab 87, and the air pressure display tab 88 described later. [[ID=I5]]

[0071] The PDF output button 82 is a button for instructing the display output or print output in PDF format of the displayed information or the navigation information described in a predetermined format.

[0072] The send button 83 is a button for instructing the transmission of the displayed information or the navigation information described in a predetermined format to the information processing device 5.

[0073] The display time change bar 84 is used to change the date and time of the information displayed in the map display area 81.

[0074] The ship icon 85 indicates the position of the ship at the date and time specified by the display time change bar 84. In addition, the date and time of the information displayed in the map display area 81 may be changed by selecting the ship icon 85 and moving it along the route trajectory.

[0075] The wind speed display tab 86 is a button for commanding the display of the wind speed and wind direction at each WP along with the route in the map display area 81.

[0076] The wave height display tab 87 is a button for commanding the display of the wave height at each WP along with the route in the map display area 81.

[0077] The atmospheric pressure display tab 88 is a button for commanding the display of the atmospheric pressure and isobars around each WP along with the route in the map display area 81.

[0078] (Example of route search result confirmation table display screen) Figure 7 is an example of a route search result confirmation table display screen that is displayed when the table display button 73 shown in Figure 5 is operated. The route search result confirmation table display screen includes a table display area 91, a map display button 72, a composite display button 74, a PDF output button 82, a back button 64, a send button 83, and route ID selection tabs 92 and 93. The back button 64, the map display button 72, the composite display button 74, the PDF output button 82, and the send button 83 have the same functions as those explained using Figures 4 to 6, so their explanation will be omitted. In addition, the route search result confirmation table display screen can be provided with buttons for entering other information and for issuing other operations.

[0079] The table display area 91 is an area that displays a table in which flight information related to the selected route ID is described. The table display area 91 has items including, for example, the date and time during operation, the coordinates of the WP corresponding to that date and time, ship speed, rotation speed, direction of travel, wind speed, wave height, air pressure, etc.

[0080] The route ID selection tabs 92 and 93 are tabs for selecting the route ID to be displayed in the table display area 91.

[0081] (Example of the route search result confirmation composite display screen) FIG. 8 is an example of a route search result confirmation composite display screen displayed when the composite display button 74 shown in FIG. 5 is operated. The route search result confirmation composite display screen includes a composite information display area 101, a map display button 72, a table display button 73, a PDF output button 82, a return button 64, and a transmission button 83. Since the map display button 72, the table display button 73, the PDF output button 82, the return button 64, and the transmission button 83 have the same functions as those described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7, the description thereof is omitted. In addition, other information can be described on the route search result confirmation composite display screen, and buttons for instructing other operations can be provided.

[0082] The composite information display area 101 is an area for displaying information in a plurality of formats on one screen, rather than just a map or just a table. In the composite information display area 101 of FIG. 8, in addition to the route map, a graph of the cumulative fuel consumption and a graph related to the hull motion indicating the degree of safe operation are displayed. However, other information may be displayed in the composite information display area 101, and the display content may be appropriately set by the user.

[0083] <Flight information generation process> Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9, the flight information generation process of the flight information generation device 4 will be described.

[0084] In step S1, the input information acquisition unit 21 (Fig. 2) of the control unit 15 causes the display unit 12 to display the operation schedule registration screen (Fig. 3). When information is input by the user on the operation schedule registration screen and the operation schedule registration button 47 is operated, the input information acquisition unit 21 acquires the input information (route condition information, output ratio information, and ship shape information) input on the operation schedule registration screen, and supplies the acquired information to the ship information acquisition unit 22, the weather information acquisition unit 23, and the storage unit 13 as appropriate.

[0085] In step S2, the ship information acquisition unit 22 acquires ship information including, for example, information on the estimated performance of the ship and the hull motion model, to which the ship ID supplied from the ship shape acquisition unit 33 of the input information acquisition unit 21 is assigned, from the ship shape model information database 2 via the communication unit 14, and supplies it to the storage unit 13.

[0086] Based on the route condition information supplied by the route condition acquisition unit 31 of the input information acquisition unit 21, the weather information acquisition unit 23 identifies the area where navigation is possible and the navigation period, and acquires weather information including information on the weather, sea state, ocean current, etc. of that area during that period from the weather information providing device 3 via the communication unit 14, and supplies it to the storage unit 13.

[0087] In step S3, the input information acquired by the input information acquisition unit 21, the ship information acquired by the ship information acquisition unit 22, and the weather information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 23 are stored in the storage unit 13 with a unique operation schedule ID assigned thereto. When these information are stored in the storage unit 13, the input information acquisition unit 21 displays a route search menu screen (Fig. 4) on the display unit 12.

[0088] In step S4, when the route search start button 62 on the route search menu screen (Fig. 4) is operated, the navigation information generation unit 24 generates navigation information based on the information assigned with the service schedule ID specified by the check button 67 on the route search menu screen and stored in the memory unit 13. Then, when the search result confirmation button 63 on the route search menu screen is operated, the navigation information generation unit 24 displays the route search result confirmation menu screen (Fig. 5) corresponding to the generated navigation information on the display unit 12. The navigation information generation unit 24 displays screens (Figs. 6 to 8) corresponding to each button on the route search result confirmation menu screen on the display unit 12. When the send button 83 on the screens of Figs. 6 to 8 is operated, the navigation information generation unit 24 supplies the displayed information or navigation information written in a predetermined format to the information processing device 5 via the communication unit 14. Thereafter, the processing ends.

[0089] [Other embodiments] (Recommended output ratio) In the examples of information A and information B described above, the user determines the power output ratio and inputs it as input information, but the navigation information generating device 4 can also calculate the power output ratio that minimizes fuel consumption on a specified route. For example, when there is a waiting time offshore at a port of entry, and navigation information is to be regenerated from the current position to the date and time when the port of entry is available, the navigation information generating device 4 can generate power output ratio information that indicates the output ratio of the ship's propulsion capacity for navigation based on the route conditions that minimizes fuel consumption.

[0090] The calculation of the output ratio may be performed by an output ratio calculation unit (not shown) that is separately provided in the control unit 15 of the navigation information generating device 4, or the input information acquisition unit 21 and the navigation information generating unit 24 may be configured to have the functions of the output ratio calculation unit and perform the calculation.

[0091] As shown in the shipping schedule registration screen of Figure 10, when a ship ID is entered in the ship ID selection box 41, departure point location information and departure date and time information are entered in the departure point location time input box 42, and arrival point location information and arrival date and time information are entered in the arrival point location time input box 43, but no output ratio information is entered in the output ratio input box 44, and the operation schedule registration button 47 is operated, the input information acquisition unit 21 causes the ship information acquisition unit 22 to acquire ship information and the weather information acquisition unit 23 to acquire weather information, and supplies this together with the input route condition information to the memory unit 13 and the navigation information generation unit 24.

[0092] The navigation information generation unit 24 calculates the power output ratio that minimizes fuel consumption based on the route condition information, ship information, and weather information at that time, and can display corresponding information in a display window 111, including a message such as, for example, "The power output ratio that minimizes fuel consumption corresponding to the departure date and time and the arrival date and time is XX% of the MCR," as shown in Figure 10.

[0093] The relationship between ship speed and fuel consumption is shown in the following equations (1) and (2), and based on these, the fuel consumption required for navigation can be calculated, and the power ratio that will minimize fuel consumption on a specified route can be calculated. Fuel consumption = engine power × sailing time × fuel consumption rate (1) Engine power = resistance × ship speed / propulsive efficiency (2)

[0094] The user refers to the display window 111 and inputs information into the output ratio input BOX 44. Alternatively, the calculated recommended output ratio value may be automatically entered into the output ratio input BOX 44. The output ratio information input by the user or automatically entered is acquired by the output ratio acquisition unit 32 and stored in the storage unit 13 together with other information for each unique operation schedule ID. The storage unit 13 may also store various calculation results obtained when calculating the recommended output ratio so that they can be used when generating flight information. Also, when a value smaller than the recommended output ratio is input, that is, when an output ratio that cannot achieve the specified departure point location, departure date and time, arrival point location, and arrival date and time is input, information corresponding to a display window including a warning message for the input value may be displayed.

[0095] Here, it is assumed that the flight information generation unit 24 calculates the output ratio, but it is not limited thereto.

[0096] [Supplementary Explanation of Embodiment] The above-described embodiments all show preferred specific examples of the present invention. The numerical values, components, arrangement positions and connection form orders of the components, processing orders in the flowchart, etc. shown in the embodiments are examples and not intended to limit the present invention. Also, each figure is not necessarily drawn precisely.

[0097] The above-described series of processes can be executed by hardware or by software. When the series of processes is executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed from a program recording medium into a computer in which the program is incorporated into dedicated hardware, or an information processing device 5 such as a general-purpose personal computer that can execute various functions by installing various programs.

[0098] The program executed by the computer may be a program that processes in chronological order according to the order described in this specification, or may be a program that processes in parallel or at the required timing, such as when called.

[0099] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0100] [summary] The contents of the above-described embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0101] (1) The above-mentioned navigation information generating device 4 a route condition acquisition unit 31 that acquires route condition information including at least one of departure point position information, which is information about the position of the departure point of the ship, departure date and time information, which is information about the date and time of departure from the departure point, arrival point position information, which is information about the position of the arrival point, and arrival date and time information, which is information about the date and time of arrival at the arrival point; an output rate acquisition unit (32) that acquires output rate information indicating an output rate of the propulsive capacity of the ship while it is sailing; a navigation information generating unit (24) that generates navigation information based on the route condition information and the output ratio information; It has.

[0102] With this configuration, the user of the information processing device 5, a person in charge of the operation management department, can generate navigation information by inputting route condition information and power output ratio information. For example, a parameter expressed as a ratio, such as the percentage of the maximum continuous power of the ship's propulsion capacity at which the ship will sail, is a value that is easily linked to a reduction in fuel consumption for a person in charge of the operation management department who is not familiar with ship propulsion. This allows even a person in charge of the operation management department who does not have specialized knowledge about ships to easily create a navigation plan that takes fuel consumption into consideration.

[0103] (2) In addition, in the navigation information generating device 4, The output ratio information is a value indicating what percentage of the maximum continuous output of the ship's propulsion capacity is required for navigation.

[0104] With this configuration, the user of the information processing device 5, ie, the person in charge of the operation control department, can easily create a route plan that takes fuel consumption into consideration.

[0105] (3) Furthermore, the navigation information generating device 4 The navigation information generation unit 24 generates navigation information by further utilizing ship information including information on estimated ship performance and a ship motion model, and meteorological information including information on weather, sea conditions, and ocean currents predicted for the route based on the route condition information.

[0106] With this configuration, navigation information can be generated according to weather conditions and ship performance, and navigation information can be generated based on more accurate predictions of navigation conditions.

[0107] (4) Furthermore, the navigation information generating device 4 generating power ratio information indicating an output ratio of the propulsion capacity of the vessel for navigation based on the route condition information, which minimizes fuel consumption; The navigation information generating unit 24 generates navigation information using a value based on the generated output ratio information.

[0108] With this configuration, navigation information can be generated based on information on the output ratio of the propulsive capacity of the ship that minimizes fuel consumption.

[0109] For example, when there is a waiting time offshore at the port of arrival and navigation information is to be regenerated from the current position to the port of arrival on the date and time when the port of arrival is available, the navigation information generating device 4 can generate output ratio information that indicates the output ratio of the ship's propulsion capacity for navigation based on the route conditions that will result in the least fuel consumption.

[0110] (5) Further, the navigation information generation device 4 includes, in the navigation information, the rotational speed of the main engine of the ship for navigation based on the route condition information.

[0111] Since the navigation information includes the rotational speed of the main engine of the ship, which is a major parameter for ship operation, it is useful for the crew who actually perform navigation operations on board the ship using the navigation information.

Explanation of Signs

[0112] 1…Navigation information generation system, 2…Ship shape model information database, 3…Weather information providing device, 4…Navigation information generation device, 5…Information processing device, 13…Storage unit, 21…Input information acquisition unit, 22…Ship information acquisition unit, 23…Weather information acquisition unit, 24…Navigation information generation unit, 31…Route condition acquisition unit, 32…Output ratio acquisition unit, 33…Ship shape acquisition unit

Claims

1. In a navigation information generation device that generates navigation information related to the navigation of a ship, a route condition acquisition unit that acquires route condition information including at least one of departure point position information which is information on the position of the departure point of the ship, departure date and time information which is information on the departure date and time from the departure point, arrival point position information which is information on the position of the arrival point, and arrival date and time information which is information on the arrival date and time at the arrival point; an output ratio acquisition unit that acquires output ratio information indicating the output ratio of the propulsion ability of the ship during navigation; a navigation information generation unit that generates the navigation information based on the route condition information and the output ratio information A navigation information generation device characterized by comprising.

2. In the navigation information generation device according to Claim 1, the output ratio information is a value indicating what percentage of the continuous maximum output of the propulsion ability of the ship is used for navigation. A navigation information generation device characterized by this.

3. In the navigation information generation device according to Claim 1, the navigation information generation unit further uses information on the estimated performance of the ship and ship information including a hull motion model, and weather information including information on weather, sea state, and ocean current predicted on the route based on the route condition information to generate the navigation information. A navigation information generation device characterized by this.

4. In the navigation information generation device according to Claim 1, generate the output ratio information indicating the output ratio of the propulsion ability of the ship for navigation based on the route condition information with the least fuel consumption, and the navigation information generation unit generates the navigation information using a value based on the generated output ratio information. A navigation information generation device characterized by this.

5. In the navigation information generation device according to Claim 1, the navigation information includes the rotational speed of the main engine of the ship for navigation based on the route condition information. A navigation information generation device characterized by this.

6. A navigation information generation method executed by a navigation information generation device that generates navigation information related to the navigation of a ship, a route condition information acquisition step of acquiring route condition information including at least one of departure point position information which is information on the position of the departure point of the ship, departure date and time information which is information on the departure date and time from the departure point, arrival point position information which is information on the position of the arrival point, and arrival date and time information which is information on the arrival date and time at the arrival point; An output ratio information acquisition step of acquiring output ratio information indicating an output ratio of the propulsion ability of the ship during navigation; A navigation information generation step of generating the navigation information based on the route condition information and the output ratio information A navigation information generation method characterized by including the above.

7. In a computer of a navigation information generation device that generates navigation information related to the navigation of a ship, A route condition information acquisition step of acquiring route condition information including at least one of departure point position information which is information about the position of the departure point of the ship, departure date and time information which is information about the departure date and time from the departure point, arrival point position information which is information about the position of the arrival point, and arrival date and time information which is information about the arrival date and time at the arrival point; An output ratio information acquisition step of acquiring output ratio information indicating an output ratio of the propulsion ability of the ship during navigation; A navigation information generation step of generating the navigation information based on the route condition information and the output ratio information A program for executing a process characterized by including the above.

8. A navigation information generation system including a navigation information generation device that generates navigation information related to the navigation of a ship, And an information processing device that acquires the navigation information and executes a process of presenting it to the crew of the ship The navigation information generation system is characterized by including: A route condition acquisition unit that acquires route condition information including at least one of departure point position information which is information about the position of the departure point of the ship, departure date and time information which is information about the departure date and time from the departure point, arrival point position information which is information about the position of the arrival point, and arrival date and time information which is information about the arrival date and time at the arrival point; An output ratio acquisition unit that acquires output ratio information indicating an output ratio of the propulsion ability of the ship during navigation; A navigation information generation unit that generates the navigation information based on the route condition information and the output ratio information A navigation information generation system characterized by having the above.

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