Electronic device

Abstract

To provide an electronic device with a simple configuration, capable of repelling approaching marine animals with a high probability.SOLUTION: An electronic device 10 includes: an AC converter 40A that converts a DC voltage supplied from a power supply 43 into an AC voltage changing at least at frequency of 5 kHz or more to 500 kHz or less, by a converter 42 and outputs the AC voltage from an output unit 47; two diaphragms 50, each of which has an AC voltage output voltage output from the output unit 47 to be applied to its front surface and an AC voltage reference voltage to be applied to its rear surface, the two diaphragms 50 being arranged such that their front surfaces face in different directions; and a control unit 44 that controls the AC converter 40A to apply output voltages with different waveforms to surfaces of the two diaphragms 50. The electronic device causes each of the diaphragms 50 to generate sound waves into seawater SW to repel dolphins DP.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device. [Background technology]

[0002] The Fisheries Agency has announced that the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which restricts the import into the United States of marine products and processed seafood products caught in fisheries that catch marine mammals such as whales and dolphins as bycatch, will come into effect on January 1, 2026 (see Non-Patent Document 1). Once the MMPA comes into effect, i.e., before two years have passed since the filing of this application, Japanese fishermen will no longer be able to export to the U.S., for example, marine products and processed marine products that have been caught as bycatch of dolphins. As many dolphins inhabit Japanese fishing grounds, dolphin bycatch will become an extremely serious problem for Japanese fishermen from 2026 onwards.

[0003] To solve this problem, for example, a device (dolphin repellent transmitter DDD03H) that randomly emits ultrasonic waves between 5 kHz and 500 kHz to repel dolphins and cetaceans is on the market (see Non-Patent Document 2). According to Non-Patent Document 2, this device is expected to reduce damage to fishing industries by randomly emitting ultrasonic waves in the frequency range of 5 kHz to 500 kHz that dolphins and cetaceans find unpleasant, thereby keeping dolphins and cetaceans away from boats and fishing gear. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Regarding the import restrictions on fishery products under the U.S. Marine Mammals Protection Act, Fisheries Agency [online], November 2023, [Retrieved February 17, 2024], Internet<URL:https: / / www.maff.go.jp / j / shokusan / export / attach / pdf / us_mmpa-3.pdf> [Non-patent document 2] Introducing the Dolphin Deterrent Device (Dolphin Avoidance Transmitter) DDD03H, Marushin Shoten Co., Ltd. [online], [Retrieved February 17, 2024], Internet<URL:https: / / marushin-tuna.co.jp / ddd03.html> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The inventors of the present application have conducted tests to generate ultrasound waves in the ocean, identified improvements to the device disclosed in Non-Patent Document 2, and further repeatedly produced and tested prototypes of new devices, so that Japanese fishermen will be able to eliminate or reduce damage caused by marine mammal bycatch after the MMPA comes into effect in the near future. The specific details of the invention will be described later, but as a result of the testing and research conducted to date, the inventors of the present application have been able to complete the invention of a device that can repel marine animals with a higher probability than the device disclosed in Non-Patent Document 2.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device that has a simple configuration and can repel approaching marine animals with a high probability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The electronic device of the first aspect includes: For electronic devices used in seawater, an AC conversion unit having a power supply, a conversion unit, and an output unit, converting a DC voltage supplied from the power supply into an AC voltage that changes at least at a frequency of 5 kHz to 500 kHz by the conversion unit and outputting the AC voltage from the output unit; At least two diaphragms that vibrate when an AC voltage is applied, the output voltage of the AC voltage output by the output unit being applied to the front surface of each diaphragm, the reference voltage of the AC voltage being applied to the rear surface of each diaphragm, and the front surfaces of the at least two diaphragms being arranged so as to face in different directions from each other; a control unit that controls the AC conversion unit to apply output voltages having different waveforms to the surfaces of the at least two diaphragms; Equipped with Each of the at least two vibrating plates generates sound waves in seawater to repel marine animals.

[0008] The electronic device of the second aspect is An electronic device according to a first aspect, Each output voltage of a different waveform applied to each of the surfaces of the at least two diaphragms includes a portion of the output voltage that varies at a frequency of 14 kHz or more and 20 kHz or less, and a portion of the output voltage that varies at a frequency of 94 kHz or more and 134 kHz or less.

[0009] The electronic device of the third aspect is The electronic device according to the first or second aspect, the AC conversion unit includes a switch circuit that switches an output destination of the output voltage of the AC voltage that it outputs, The control unit controls the switch circuit to switch the output destination of the output voltage output by the output unit, thereby applying the output voltage to each of the surfaces of the at least two diaphragms at different timings.

[0010] The electronic device of the fourth aspect is An electronic device according to any one of the first to third aspects, a cylinder housing the AC converter, the at least two diaphragms, and the control unit; Further provided with one of the at least two diaphragms is disposed at one end of the cylindrical body with its surface facing the one end, and the other diaphragm is disposed at the other end of the cylindrical body with its surface facing the other end, The center of gravity is set at a position shifted toward the one end or the other end from the center of the axial direction of the cylindrical body.

[0011] The electronic device of the fifth aspect is An electronic device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the output unit includes a first output terminal that outputs the output voltage and a second output terminal that outputs the reference voltage, an electric wire having one end connected to one of the first output terminal and the second output terminal, the electric wire being elastically deformable in seawater; Further provided with When the control unit controls the AC conversion unit to pass the output voltage to one of the surfaces of the at least two diaphragms, an AC electric field is formed between the first output terminal and the second output terminal, repelling fish having the organ of Lorenzini. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the electronic device of the first aspect, it is possible to repel approaching marine animals with a high probability using a simple configuration.

[0013] According to the electronic device of the second aspect, the output voltages of different waveforms applied to each surface of the diaphragm can repel approaching dolphins with a higher probability than when the output voltages do not contain portions that change at frequencies between 14 kHz and 20 kHz.

[0014] According to the electronic device of the third aspect, it is possible to achieve lower costs compared to when AC voltages are applied to the surfaces of the diaphragms from separate AC converters.

[0015] The electronic device of the fourth aspect has a higher probability of repelling approaching marine animals than an electronic device that has only one diaphragm and that emits ultrasonic waves downward in seawater.

[0016] According to the electronic device of the fifth aspect, with a simple configuration, it is possible to repel not only marine mammals but also approaching fish having the organ of Lorenzini. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]2 is a block diagram of a circuit board included in the electronic device of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3A] 3 shows an example of basic waveform patterns of a plurality of AC voltages output by the electronic device of the first embodiment. [Figure 3B] 6 is another example of basic waveform patterns of a plurality of AC voltages output by the electronic device of the first embodiment. [Figure 3C] 6 is another example of basic waveform patterns of a plurality of AC voltages output by the electronic device of the first embodiment. [Figure 3D] 6 is another example of basic waveform patterns of a plurality of AC voltages output by the electronic device of the first embodiment. [Figure 3E] 6 is another example of basic waveform patterns of a plurality of AC voltages output by the electronic device of the first embodiment. [Figure 3F] 6 is another example of basic waveform patterns of a plurality of AC voltages output by the electronic device of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining how to use the electronic device of the first embodiment when used for sea fishing. [Figure 5] 1 is a graph showing an example of sound frequency bands for each type of marine mammal. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining how to use the electronic device of the second embodiment when used for sea fishing. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a waveform pattern output by the electronic device of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following describes a first embodiment, a second embodiment, and several modified examples. Please note that in this specification, components having similar functions are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals in each drawing referred to in different embodiments.

[0019] First Embodiment First, the functions, configuration, usage, and effects of the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

[0020] <Functions and Configuration of Electronic Device of First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 10 according to the first embodiment. The electronic device 10 is used in seawater SW and has a function of repelling approaching dolphins DP (an example of a marine animal) (see FIG. 5). The electronic device 10 includes a housing 20 (an example of a cylindrical body), a hook 30, a circuit board 40, and two diaphragms 50 (diaphragm 50A and diaphragm 50B).

[0021] (housing and hook) The housing 20 is, for example, a resin cylinder, and accommodates a circuit board 40 and two diaphragms 50 therein. As an example, the hook 30 is fixed to one end surface of the housing 20 (the surface on one axial end side of the housing 20). The hook 30 has an openable / closable opening / closing part 32, and is configured so that, for example, a fishing line FL (see FIG. 5) can be passed through the opening / closing part 32.

[0022] (circuit board) FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a circuit board 40 that constitutes the electronic device 10. As shown in FIG. The circuit board 40 has a printed wiring board 41, a conversion unit 42, a power supply 43, a control unit 44, a memory unit 45, a waveform selection switch 46, an output unit 47, and an output selection switch 48, which together form an electric circuit. In the first embodiment, the combination of the conversion unit 42, the power supply 43, and the output unit 47 is referred to as an AC conversion unit 40A.

[0023] A circuit pattern (not shown) is printed on the printed wiring board 41. On the printed wiring board 41, a conversion unit 42, a power supply 43, a control unit 44, a memory unit 45, a waveform selection switch 46, an output unit 47, and an output selection switch 48 (an example of a switch circuit) are mounted. The conversion unit 42 is electrically connected to the power supply 43 and the output unit 47, and has a function of converting the DC voltage supplied from the power supply 43 into an AC voltage having an amplitude of less than 100 V and varying at a frequency of 5 kHz to 500 kHz, for example. The AC voltage converted by the conversion unit 42 is output from the output unit 47.

[0024] As an example, power supply 43 is a battery that is detachable from printed wiring board 41. However, as long as it can supply DC voltage to conversion unit 42, it does not have to be detachable and may be a battery that is mounted non-detachably.

[0025] The control unit 44 is electrically connected to the conversion unit 42 and the storage unit 45, and controls the conversion unit 42 so that the DC voltage supplied from the power supply 43 is converted into an AC voltage having one of a plurality of waveform patterns (see FIGS. 3A to 3F) stored in the storage unit 45. The plurality of waveform patterns will be described later. Furthermore, the control unit 44 controls the AC conversion unit 40A to apply output voltages with different waveforms to the surfaces of the two diaphragms 50 (diaphragm 50A and diaphragm 50B).

[0026] The storage unit 45 stores basic waveform patterns of a plurality of types of AC voltages, which will be described later, as AC voltages to be output from the output unit 47. The storage unit 45 also stores methods for combining these basic waveform patterns (the order of combinations, output times, etc.).

[0027] The waveform selection switch 46 is a switch for selecting one of the waveform patterns of AC voltages of a plurality of different types of AC waves stored in the memory unit 45. The waveform selection switch 46 is used when the user selects a waveform pattern.

[0028] Output unit 47 has a first output terminal 47A that outputs an AC voltage and a second output terminal 47B to which a reference voltage (0V) is applied. Two wires (not shown) are connected to each of first output terminal 47A and second output terminal 47B. The wires connected to first output terminal 47A are connected to the front surfaces of diaphragms 50A and 50B, respectively. In contrast, the wires connected to second output terminal 47B are connected to the rear surfaces of diaphragms 50A and 50B, respectively.

[0029] Output selection switch 48 is controlled by control unit 44 and has the function of switching the output destination of the output voltage output by output unit 47. As a result, the output voltage output by output unit 47, i.e., the output voltage output from first output terminal 47A, is output at different timings (switching timings) described below, and is applied to the surfaces of diaphragms 50A and 50B, respectively.

[0030] (2 diaphragms) 1, the two diaphragms 50 (diaphragm 50A and diaphragm 50B) are, for example, circular plates. The two diaphragms 50 are, for example, piezoelectric elements. Therefore, the diaphragms 50A and diaphragm 50B vibrate when an AC voltage is applied thereto.

[0031] 1, diaphragm 50A is disposed at one axial end of housing 20. The front surface of diaphragm 50A faces one axial end of housing 20, and the back surface faces the other axial end. In other words, diaphragm 50A is disposed at one end of housing 20 with its front surface facing that end. In contrast, diaphragm 50B is disposed on the other axial end side of housing 20. The front surface of diaphragm 50B faces the other axial end side of housing 20, and the back surface faces one end side. In other words, diaphragm 50B is disposed on the other end side of housing 20 with its front surface facing the other end side of housing 20.

[0032] As described above, diaphragm 50A and diaphragm 50B are arranged so that their surfaces face in different directions (in the example of FIG. 1, the former faces one end and the latter faces the other end). The two wires (not shown) connected to first output terminal 47A and second output terminal 47B are as described above. Therefore, the AC output voltage output from first output terminal 47A is applied to the front surface of diaphragm 50A and diaphragm 50B, and the reference voltage (0 V, for example) output from second output terminal 47B is applied to the rear surface of each.

[0033] (Multiple types of AC voltage waveform patterns) Next, a description will be given of the multiple types of basic waveform patterns stored in storage unit 45 with reference to Figures 3A to 3F. Figures 3A to 3F each show an example of multiple basic waveform patterns of AC voltages. Here, as described above, control unit 44 controls AC conversion unit 40A to apply the output voltage of the AC voltage output from first output terminal 47A as a waveform pattern to each surface of diaphragm 50A and diaphragm 50B. In this case, control unit 44 is set to combine any of a plurality of basic waveform patterns described below according to user settings to output the combined waveform pattern to diaphragm 50A and diaphragm 50B.

[0034] "What all basic waveform patterns have in common" All basic waveform patterns have the following in common: Each basic waveform pattern shows the waveform (output voltage with respect to time) of the AC voltage applied to the first output terminal 47A relative to the voltage of the second output terminal 47B to which the reference voltage (0V) is applied. As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3F, each basic waveform pattern is a pattern in which the polarity is changed periodically. The amplitude AP of each basic waveform pattern is set to be less than 100V at most, for example. The frequency f of each basic waveform pattern is set to, for example, 5 kHz or more and 500 kHz or less.

[0035] "Singular points of each waveform pattern" The singular points of each waveform pattern are as follows: The basic waveform pattern in FIG. 3A is a sine wave with a period T (=1 / f). The basic waveform pattern in FIG. 3B is a pattern in which a first sine wave with a period T1 (=1 / f1) and a second sine wave with a period T2 (=1 / f2) shorter than the period T1 are output alternately. The basic waveform pattern in FIG. 3C is a pattern in which a first sine wave with an amplitude AP1 and a period T1 and a second sine wave with an amplitude AP2 smaller than the amplitude AP1 and a period T1 are output alternately. The basic waveform pattern in Fig. 3D is a square wave with a period T. The duty of this square wave is configured, for example, so that the output time of the positive polarity is longer than the output time of the negative polarity. The basic waveform pattern in FIG. 3E is a triangular wave with a period T. The basic waveform pattern in FIG. 3F is a pattern in which a sine wave with a period T1 and a triangular wave with a period T1 are output alternately.

[0036] The control unit 44 combines and outputs these basic waveform patterns in accordance with the user's settings (selection by the waveform selection switch 46). However, a program (not shown) may be stored in the storage unit 45 to automatically combine multiple types of basic waveform patterns to generate a waveform pattern. Furthermore, for any waveform pattern, it is preferable that the waveform pattern be set (programmed) to include, for example, (1) a portion of the output voltage that changes at a frequency f of 14 kHz or more and 20 kHz or less, and (2) a portion of the output voltage that changes at a frequency f of 94 kHz or more and 134 kHz or less. As described above, in the first embodiment, it is possible to generate a plurality of types of waveform patterns, and specific waveform patterns will be described later together with the explanation of the effects.

[0037] (supplement) Next, the functions and configuration of the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment will be further described. 1, electronic device 10 accommodates a circuit board 40 and two diaphragms 50 inside housing 20. The center of gravity of electronic device 10 is set, for example, to be shifted toward the other end from the center (middle) in the axial direction of housing 20. Specifically, the center of gravity is set as described above by the relative positions of printed wiring board 41 and multiple mounted components (conversion unit 42, power supply 43, control unit 44, memory unit 45, waveform selection switch 46, output unit 47, and output selection switch 48) that constitute circuit board 40. With this setting, when the electronic device 10 is placed in the seawater SW, the electronic device 10 assumes a posture in which the other end in the axial direction of the housing 20 faces downward. As a result, in the seawater SW, due to the influence of the electronic device 10's own weight, the surface of the diaphragm 50A tends to face upward (toward the sea surface SS) and the surface of the diaphragm 50B tends to face downward (toward the seabed (opposite the sea surface SS)) (see FIG. 4).

[0038] The above is a description of the functions and configuration of the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment.

[0039] <Method of Using the Electronic Device of the First Embodiment> Next, a method of using the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining how to use the electronic device 10 for sea fishing. In this case, the user of the electronic device 10 is, for example, a person who engages in sea fishing (a fisherman (not shown)). When a fish (not shown) is caught on a hook (not shown) of a fishing line FL connected to a fishing rod FR used by a fisherman, the fisherman opens the opening / closing part 32 of the hook 30 of the electronic device 10 to pass the fishing line FL through the opening / closing part 32, and then closes the opening / closing part 32 to pass the fishing line FL through the hook 30. Next, the angler turns on the power supply 43 and releases the electronic device 10. As a result, the electronic device 10 sinks into the seawater SW due to its own weight. When the electronic device 10 sinks into the seawater SW, an AC voltage having a waveform pattern set by the waveform selection switch 46 is output from the output unit 47. The output destination of the AC voltage output from the output unit 47 is changed at a timing determined by the output selection switch 48. As a result, for example, the diaphragm 50A generates ultrasonic waves by combining multiple basic waveform patterns for 10 seconds, and then, while the vibration of the diaphragm 50A is stopped, the diaphragm 50B generates ultrasonic waves by combining multiple basic waveform patterns for 10 seconds. This operation is repeated multiple times (for example, 30 times, for a period of 10 minutes). As a result of the above operation, ultrasonic waves are generated alternately above and below the electronic device 10 in the underwater SW, and the ultrasonic waves are propagated to the underwater SW. Therefore, the dolphins DP near the electronic device 10 receive the ultrasonic waves generated from the electronic device 10. In this situation, as the fisherman reels in the fishing line FL with a reel (not shown) and the fish TN caught on the hook approaches the sea surface, if a dolphin DP approaches targeting the fish TN, the dolphin DP will detect ultrasonic waves propagating near the fish TN with the electronic device 10. Then, depending on the waveform of the ultrasonic waves it detects, the dolphin DP will determine that the waves are not those of the fish TN and will move away from the fish TN. As a result, the dolphin DP will be chased away by the electronic device 10. The above is the description of how to use the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment.

[0040] <Effects of the first embodiment> Next, the effects of the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0041] (First effect) The electronic device 10 of the first embodiment includes an AC conversion unit 40A, two diaphragms 50 (diaphragms 50A and 50B), and a control unit 44 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Control unit 44 controls AC conversion unit 40A to pass output voltages of different waveforms to the surfaces of diaphragms 50A and 50B. Diaphragms 50A and 50B are arranged such that the output voltage of the AC voltage (AC voltage that changes at a frequency of 5 kHz or more and 500 kHz or less) output by output unit 47 is passed to their respective surfaces, and a reference voltage of the AC voltage (0 V, for example) is passed to their respective rear surfaces, and the surfaces face in different directions. Ultrasonic waves have a short wavelength and are therefore more directional than sound waves that humans can hear. In the first embodiment, however, two, i.e., multiple, diaphragms 50A and 50B generate ultrasonic waves facing in different directions. Therefore, according to the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to repel approaching marine animals with a high probability using a simple configuration (in other words, compared to the configuration of the dolphin repellent device of the above-mentioned Non-Patent Document 2).

[0042] (Second effect) The ultrasonic waves generated by the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment during one operation may be set to include a portion of the output voltage that changes at a frequency of 14 kHz or more and 20 kHz or less. Figure 5 is a graph showing an example of the frequency bands of the calls of different species of whales (including dolphins) (source URL: https: / / marushin-tuna.co.jp / ddd03.html). According to this graph, the frequency band between 14 kHz and 20 kHz corresponds to the frequency band of the calls of killer whales (not shown), which are natural enemies of dolphins. According to the experimental research of the inventor of the present invention, it has been found that when dolphins DP receive sound waves in the frequency band of 14 kHz to 20 kHz, they tend to leave the area (move to a place where the reception sensitivity of sound waves in that frequency band is reduced). This is thought to be because the dolphins DP want to avoid the presence of killer whales in their vicinity (to avoid being attacked by killer whales). In the case of the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, the ultrasonic waves generated during one operation include a portion of the output voltage that changes at a frequency between 14 kHz and 20 kHz, so that the dolphin DP that receives ultrasonic waves of that frequency mistakes the electronic device 10 for a killer whale and moves away from the electronic device 10. Therefore, according to the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, the approaching dolphin DP can be repelled with a higher probability than when each output voltage of a different waveform applied to each surface of the diaphragm does not include a portion of the output voltage that changes at a frequency of 14 kHz or more and 20 kHz or less.

[0043] (Third effect) The electronic device 10 of the first embodiment combines an AC conversion unit 40A configured by one circuit board 40 with an output selection switch 48, and generates ultrasonic waves from two diaphragms 50A and 50B. Therefore, according to electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, costs can be reduced compared to when AC voltages are applied to the surfaces of diaphragms 50A and 50B from separate AC converters.

[0044] (Fourth effect) In the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, the output selection switch 48 alternates between outputting the AC voltage to two diaphragms 50A and 50B. Therefore, the direction of ultrasonic wave emission is changed multiple times in one operation. Furthermore, the waveform of the ultrasonic wave emitted again in the same direction is changed to a waveform different from the previous one. As a result, a dolphin DP receiving ultrasonic waves with changed direction and waveform for a certain period of time in a certain location moves away from the electronic device 10, believing that unnatural ultrasonic waves are being emitted. Therefore, according to the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, it is possible to repel approaching marine animals with a higher probability than when ultrasonic waves are not alternately generated from the diaphragms 50A and 50B, which emit ultrasonic waves in different directions.

[0045] (Fifth Effect) The electronic device 10 of the first embodiment is set, for example, so that its center of gravity is shifted toward the other end of the housing 20 from the center (middle) in the axial direction (see FIG. 4). As a result, when the electronic device 10 is placed in seawater SW, the electronic device 10 assumes a posture in which the other end of the housing 20 in the axial direction faces downward. As a result, in the seawater SW, the electronic device 10 is likely to have the surface of the diaphragm 50A facing upward (toward the sea surface SS) and the surface of the diaphragm 50B facing downward (toward the seabed (opposite the sea surface SS)). By the way, since dolphins (DP) are mammals and not fish, they cannot breathe in the seawater (SW) and must come out to the surface (SS) to breathe (lung breathing). Because the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment has the weight relationship described above, it can emit ultrasonic waves to both the dolphins DP below the electronic device 10 and the dolphins DP above it (on the sea surface SS side). Therefore, according to the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, approaching dolphins DP can be repelled with a high probability compared to when only one vibrating plate is used and the vibrating plate emits ultrasonic waves downward in seawater (as an example, the configuration of the dolphin repellent device in Non-Patent Document 2).

[0046] The above is a description of the effects of the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment. The above is a description of the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment.

[0047] Second Embodiment Next, the functions, configuration, usage, and effects of an electronic device 10A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Only the parts of the second embodiment that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0048] <Functions and Configuration of Electronic Device of Second Embodiment> FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device 10A according to the second embodiment. The electronic device 10A of the second embodiment is used in seawater SW and has a function of repelling approaching fish having the organ of Lorenzini in addition to dolphins DP (see FIG. 7). An example of a fish having the organ of Lorenzini is a shark SK (see FIG. 7). In addition to sharks SK, there is also a ray (not shown), for example. The electronic device 10A of the second embodiment differs in that (1) in addition to the configuration of the electronic device 10 of the first embodiment, it is provided with an electric wire 60 connected to either the first output terminal 47A or the second output terminal 47B (see FIG. 6), and (2) the output waveform output from the output section 47 (see FIG. 8).

[0049] (Electric wire) As shown in Fig. 6, for example, one end 60A of the electric wire 60 is connected to the first output terminal 47A. For example, the length of the electric wire 60 is 0.5 m or more and 10 m or less. Nothing is connected to the other end 60B of the electric wire 60. For example, the electric wire 60 is elastically deformable in seawater SW.

[0050] (Output waveform) The output waveform, i.e., the waveform pattern output from the output unit 47 of the electronic device 10A of the second embodiment, is, for example, a waveform pattern PP1 based on a square wave that changes significantly overall, as shown in Fig. 8. However, when each part of the waveform is enlarged, it is found to be a waveform pattern PP2 that vibrates at a smaller amplitude than the square wave and at a frequency corresponding to ultrasonic waves.

[0051] Here, the amplitude APa of the waveform pattern PP1 is set to be, for example, less than a maximum of 100 V. The frequency fa of the waveform pattern PP1 is set to be, for example, 0.01 Hz or more and 100 Hz or less. On the other hand, the amplitude APb of the waveform pattern PP2 is set, for example, to a maximum of less than 10 V. Furthermore, the frequency fb of the waveform pattern PP2 is set, for example, to 5 kHz or more and 500 kHz or less.

[0052] <Method of Using the Electronic Device of the Second Embodiment> The method of using the electronic device 10A of the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment only in that, for example, a waveform pattern such as that shown in FIG.

[0053] <Effects of the second embodiment> When the electronic device 10A is submerged in seawater SW and an AC voltage having a waveform pattern as shown in FIG. 8 is output from the output unit 47, the output destination of the AC voltage output from the output unit 47 is changed at a timing determined by the output selection switch 48. As a result, for example, the diaphragms 50A and 50B alternately vibrate according to the waveform pattern PP2 and emit ultrasonic waves into the seawater SW. As a result, the dolphins DP determine that the received ultrasonic waves are not a reflection from the fish TN and move away from the fish TN. In other words, the dolphins DP approaching the fish TN are chased away by the electronic device 10A. At the same time, an AC electric field is formed by waveform pattern PP1 between one end 60A of electric wire 60 connected to first output terminal 47A and second output terminal 47B. As a result, an AC electric field with amplitude AP less than 100V and period T of 0.2 s to 10.0 s (frequency fa of 0.01 Hz to 100 Hz) is formed between other end 60B of electric wire 60 and second output terminal 47B in seawater SW (near the hooked fish). In this situation, as the fisherman reels in the fishing line FL with a reel (not shown) and the fish TN caught on the hook approaches the sea surface, if a shark SK approaches targeting the fish TN, the shark SK will detect the alternating current electric field formed in the vicinity of the fish TN by the electronic device 10A using the organ of Lorenzini.The shark SK will then determine that the detected alternating current waveform is not an electric field caused by the fish TN and will move away from the fish TN.In other words, the shark SK approaching the fish TN is chased away by the electronic device 10A. As described above, the electronic device 10A of the second embodiment has a simple configuration (simply adding an electric wire 60 to the configuration of the first embodiment and changing the waveform pattern) that can repel not only dolphins DP but also approaching fish with the organ of Lorenzini (sharks SK, as an example).

[0054] The above is the description of the electronic device 10A of the second embodiment.

[0055] <<Multiple Modifications>> As described above, the present invention has been described using the first and second embodiments as examples, but it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the present invention also includes several modified examples, which will be described later.

[0056] For example, in the first embodiment, the waveform selection switch 46 that selects one of the waveform patterns of AC voltage stored in the storage unit 45 is mounted on the printed wiring board 41 (see FIG. 2). However, the waveform selection switch 46 may be configured to receive a wireless selection signal transmitted from an external wireless terminal (not shown) and select one of a plurality of waveform patterns.

[0057] In addition, for example, in the first and second embodiments, the number of the plurality of diaphragms 50 is two. However, the number of diaphragms may be three or more. In this case, it is sufficient that the diaphragms vibrate in different directions from each other.

[0058] Also, for example, in the first and second embodiments, the diaphragm 50A and the diaphragm 50B are described as alternately outputting ultrasonic waves by switching the output destination using the output selection switch 48. However, the output selection switch 48 may be eliminated so that the diaphragms 50A and 50B can output ultrasonic waves simultaneously.

[0059] Also, for example, in the second embodiment, the number of the plurality of diaphragms 50 is two. However, the number of the diaphragm may be one. Even in this case, it is effective in that it is possible to repel the dolphins DP by the ultrasonic waves and the sharks SK by the electromagnetic waves.

[0060] In the second embodiment, the waveform pattern PP1 is based on a rectangular wave that varies significantly overall. However, as long as the amplitude APa and frequency fa of the waveform pattern PP1 are satisfied, the base waveform of the waveform pattern PP1 does not have to be a rectangular wave. For example, it may be a sine wave, a mixed wave of a sine wave and a rectangular wave, or some other wave.

[0061] Furthermore, for example, in the first and second embodiments, the electronic devices 10, 10A are used by being threaded through the line of a fishing rod for so-called pole-and-line fishing. However, the electronic devices 10, 10A may simply be hung on a line (not shown) and placed near a net for fishing such as longline fishing or fixed net fishing. Furthermore, the target of fishing may be squid or the like other than fish. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 10 Electronic equipment 10A electronic equipment 20 Housing (an example of a cylindrical body) 30 Hooks 32 Opening and closing section 40 Circuit Board 40A AC conversion unit 41 Printed wiring board 42 Conversion unit 43 Power supply 44 Control Unit 45 Storage section 46 Waveform selection switch 47 Output section 47A 1st output terminal 47B Second output terminal 48 Output selection switch (an example of a switch circuit) 50 Two diaphragms 50A diaphragm 50B diaphragm 60 Electric wire 60A one end 60B other end AP amplitude DP Dolphin FL Fishing Line FR fishing rod PP1 waveform pattern PP2 waveform pattern SK Shark SS sea level T period f frequency fa frequency fb frequency

Claims

1. For electronic devices used in seawater, an AC conversion unit including a power supply, a conversion unit, and an output unit, converting a DC voltage supplied from the power supply into an AC voltage that changes at least at a frequency of 5 kHz to 500 kHz by the conversion unit and outputting the AC voltage from the output unit; At least two diaphragms that vibrate when an AC voltage is applied, the at least two diaphragms having a front surface to which the output voltage of the AC voltage output by the output unit is applied and a rear surface to which a reference voltage of the AC voltage is applied, the at least two diaphragms being arranged so that the front surfaces face in different directions; a control unit that controls the AC conversion unit to apply output voltages having different waveforms to the surfaces of the at least two diaphragms; Equipped with generating sound waves in seawater from each of the at least two vibrating plates to repel marine animals; electronic equipment.

2. Each output voltage having a different waveform applied to each of the surfaces of the at least two diaphragms includes a portion of the output voltage that changes at a frequency of 14 kHz to 20 kHz and a portion of the output voltage that changes at a frequency of 94 kHz to 134 kHz. The electronic device according to claim 1 .

3. the AC conversion unit includes a switch circuit that switches an output destination of the output voltage of the AC voltage that it outputs, the control unit controls the switch circuit to switch the output destination of the output voltage output by the output unit, and applies the output voltage to each of the surfaces of the at least two diaphragms at different timings. The electronic device according to claim 2 .

4. a cylinder housing the AC converter, the at least two diaphragms, and the control unit; Further provided with one of the at least two diaphragms is disposed at one end of the cylindrical body with its surface facing the one end, and the other diaphragm is disposed at the other end of the cylindrical body with its surface facing the other end, The center of gravity is set at a position shifted toward the one end or the other end from the axial center of the cylindrical body. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the output unit includes a first output terminal that outputs the output voltage and a second output terminal that outputs the reference voltage, an electric wire having one end connected to one of the first output terminal and the second output terminal, the electric wire being elastically deformable in seawater; Further provided with When the control unit controls the AC conversion unit to apply the output voltage to one of the surfaces of the at least two diaphragms, an AC electric field is formed between the first output terminal and the second output terminal, thereby repelling fish having the organ of Lorenzini. The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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