Data format converter, data converter, navigation system, data format conversion method, data conversion method, data format conversion program, and data conversion program

Abstract

[Problem] To achieve outstanding functionality relating to data processing for a moving body. [Solution] A data format converter according to the present invention is provided with an input unit into which data of a first format is inputted, a data conversion unit which generates converted data by converting the data inputted into the input unit, a format conversion unit in which the converted data generated by the data conversion unit is stored in a second format different from the first format, and an output unit which outputs the converted data stored in the second format by the format conversion unit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a data format converter, a data format conversion method, and a data format conversion program. [Background technology]

[0002] Double-ended ships equipped with propulsion devices on both ends of the hull have been used in the past, for example as ships traveling between islands located close to each other. For example, Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication 2007-137270 A) discloses the following double-ended ship. That is, a double-ended ship is equipped with rotatable propulsion devices on both the front and rear ends of the hull, and is characterized by having a reversing device that reverses the front propulsion device so as to generate thrust in the same direction as the propulsion direction of the double-ended ship, and a thrust calculation device that calculates the thrust of the front propulsion device to be a predetermined ratio to the thrust of the rear propulsion device, and controls the front and rear propulsion devices based on this. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-137270 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, in a moving body such as a double-ended ship, a technology has been developed to check the surrounding situation and perform automatic driving control, etc., based on measurement data showing the results of measurements made by various measuring instruments. As an example of such an application, there is a demand for excellent technology related to data processing in a moving body.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a data format converter, a data format conversion method, and a data format conversion program that are capable of achieving excellent functions related to data processing in a mobile object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a data format converter according to one aspect of the present invention is a data format converter for use in a mobile body, and is characterized in that it includes an input unit to which data in a first format is input, a data conversion unit to generate converted data by converting the data, a format conversion unit to store the converted data in a second format different from the first format, and an output unit to output the converted data stored in the second format.

[0007] In this way, the configuration and method have a function of converting input data and stores the converted data in the second format and outputs it, so that the converted data stored in the second format can be provided to a plurality of devices in an integrated manner, thereby realizing an excellent technology for data processing in a mobile object. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize excellent functions related to data processing in a mobile object. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a navigation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the azimuth angle of a ship indicated by the azimuth data received from a azimuth sensor by the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the azimuth angle of the ship indicated by the converted data generated by the data conversion unit in the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the roll angle of the ship indicated by the angle data received from the direction sensor by the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the pitch angle of the ship indicated by the angle data received from the direction sensor by the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a roll angle indicated by converted data generated by a data conversion unit in the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a pitch angle indicated by converted data generated by a data conversion unit in the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the longitudinal ship speed and widthwise ship speed of a ship indicated by ship speed data received from a navigation device by the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the longitudinal ship speed and the widthwise ship speed indicated by the converted data generated by the data conversion unit in the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the wind direction and wind speed indicated by the wind direction and speed data received from an anemometer by the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the wind direction and wind speed indicated by the converted data generated by the data conversion unit in the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart defining one example of an operational procedure when the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention transmits sentence data to a ship instrument. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference characters and their description will not be repeated. In addition, at least some of the embodiments described below may be arbitrarily combined.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a navigation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Referring to FIG. 1, the navigation system 200 includes a data format converter 100, a direction sensor 111, a navigation device 112, an anemometer 113, a tide meter 114, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 115, a radar device 121, a GPS plotter 122, an ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) 123, an autopilot 124, and a control device 131.

[0013] For example, the navigation system 200 is mounted on a ship 1. The ship 1 is an example of a moving body. For example, the ship 1 is a double-ended ship equipped with propulsion devices on the bow and stern sides. By controlling the propulsion device on the bow side and the propulsion device on the stern side, the double-ended ship can generate a thrust in the bow direction to move towards the bow side, and can also generate a thrust in the stern direction to move towards the stern side.

[0014] The direction sensor 111, the navigation device 112, the anemometer 113, the tidal current meter 114, and the GPS receiver 115 are connected to the data format converter 100 via, for example, a serial cable. The direction sensor 111, the navigation device 112, the anemometer 113, the tidal current meter 114, and the GPS receiver 115 are examples of measuring instruments.

[0015] The radar device 121, the GPS plotter 122, the ECDIS 123, and the autopilot 124 are connected to the data format converter 100 via, for example, a serial cable. The radar device 121, the GPS plotter 122, the ECDIS 123, and the autopilot 124 are examples of marine equipment. The navigation system 200 may further include at least one of a fish finder, a sonar, and a communication device as marine equipment.

[0016] The control device 131 and the data format converter 100 are connected via, for example, a USB cable. The control device 131 is, for example, a personal computer.

[0017] The orientation sensor 111 periodically or irregularly measures the traveling direction of the ship 1, for example, the azimuth angle of the bow direction, and generates orientation data indicating the measured azimuth angle of the bow direction. The orientation sensor 111 stores the generated orientation data in a frame F1 of a predetermined format, and transmits the frame F1 to the data format converter 100. The orientation data is data indicating the traveling direction of the ship 1, for example, based on true north or magnetic north.

[0018] Furthermore, the orientation sensor 111 periodically or irregularly measures the roll angle and pitch angle of the ship 1 and generates angle data indicating the measured roll angle and pitch angle. The orientation sensor 111 stores the generated angle data in a frame F2 of a predetermined format and transmits the frame F2 to the data format converter 100. The angle data is data indicating the attitude angle of the ship 1.

[0019] For example, the orientation sensor 111 is a satellite compass fixed to the vessel 1 or a gyro compass fixed to the vessel 1.

[0020] The navigation device 112 measures the speed of the ship 1 periodically or irregularly, and generates ship speed data indicating the measured ship speed. For example, the navigation device 112 generates ship speed data including a longitudinal ship speed, which is the ship speed in the longitudinal direction of the ship 1, and a widthwise ship speed, which is the ship speed in the width direction of the ship 1. The navigation device 112 stores the generated ship speed data in a frame F3 of a predetermined format, and transmits the frame F3 to the data format converter 100. The ship speed data is data indicating the speed of the ship 1, for example, based on the bow direction of the ship 1.

[0021] The anemometer 113 measures wind direction and speed periodically or irregularly, and generates wind direction and speed data indicating the measured wind direction and speed. The anemometer 113 stores the generated wind direction and speed data in a frame F4 of a predetermined format, and transmits the frame F4 to the data format converter 100. The wind direction and speed data is data indicating, for example, wind direction and wind speed relative to the bow direction of the ship 1.

[0022] The tidal current meter 114 measures the direction and speed of a tidal current on a regular or irregular basis, and generates tidal current data indicating the measured tidal current direction and speed. The tidal current meter 114 stores the generated tidal current data in a frame F5 of a predetermined format, and transmits the frame F5 to the data format converter 100. The tidal current data is data indicating, for example, the tidal current direction and speed relative to the bow direction of the ship 1.

[0023] The GPS receiver 115 periodically or irregularly detects the current position of the ship 1 and generates position data indicating the detected current position. The GPS receiver 115 stores the generated position data in a frame F6 of a predetermined format and transmits the frame F6 to the data format converter 100.

[0024] The direction data, angle data, ship speed data, wind direction and speed data, tidal current data, and position data are examples of measurement data that indicate the results of measurements taken by measuring instruments.

[0025] The data format converter 100 periodically or irregularly generates sentence data by storing various measurement data stored in frames received from the direction sensor 111, the navigation device 112, the anemometer 113, the tide meter 114, and the GPS receiver 115 in a format conforming to the NMEA0183 standard, and transmits the generated sentence data to the radar device 121, the GPS plotter 122, the ECDIS 123, and the autopilot 124. The data format converter 100 may be configured to transmit the generated sentence data to at least one of the measurement devices. The data format converter 100 may also be configured to transmit the measurement data received from the measurement device to another measurement device other than the measurement device. Specifically, the data format converter 100 may be configured to transmit the position data received from the GPS receiver 115 to the navigation device 112, the anemometer 113, and the tide meter 114.

[0026] The data format converter 100 is capable of generating corresponding converted data by converting various measurement data from a direction sensor 111, a navigation device 112, an anemometer 113, and a tidal current meter 114, and generating sentence data by storing each of the generated converted data in a format that complies with the NMEA0183 standard.

[0027] More specifically, the control device 131 transmits a switching signal to the data format converter 100 for controlling whether or not the converted data is generated in the data format converter 100. For example, when the thrust direction of the ship 1 is toward the bow, the control device 131 transmits a switching signal to the data format converter 100 indicating that the converted data should not be generated, whereas when the thrust direction of the ship 1 is toward the stern, the control device 131 transmits a switching signal to the data format converter 100 indicating that the converted data should be generated.

[0028] When the data format converter 100 receives a switching signal from the control device 131 indicating that converted data should be generated, it generates corresponding converted data by converting various measurement data from the direction sensor 111, navigation device 112, anemometer 113, and tidal current meter 114, and generates sentence data by storing each generated converted data in a format conforming to the NMEA0183 standard. The data format converter 100 transmits the generated sentence data to the radar device 121, etc.

[0029] The radar device 121 generates a radar image showing the appearance of targets such as other ships located around the ship 1 by transmitting and receiving radio waves via a radar antenna not shown, and displays the generated radar image on a monitor not shown.

[0030] When the GPS plotter 122 receives the sentence data from the data format converter 100, it displays the position of the ship 1 on a map on a monitor (not shown) based on the position data and the like stored in the received sentence data.

[0031] When the ECDIS 123 receives sentence data from the data format converter 100, it displays information such as the direction and speed of the ship 1 together with an electronic chart on a monitor (not shown) based on the various measurement data stored in the received sentence data.

[0032] When the autopilot 124 receives sentence data from the data format converter 100, it automatically operates the rudder so that the vessel 1 navigates along a preset navigation route based on the various measurement data stored in the received sentence data.

[0033] [Data format converter] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] 2, the data format converter 100 includes an input unit 10, a data conversion unit 20, a format conversion unit 30, an output unit 40, and a switching unit 50. The data format converter 100 is used in a moving body such as a ship 1. The input unit 10, the data conversion unit 20, the format conversion unit 30, the output unit 40, and the switching unit 50 are realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

[0035] [Input section] Data in a first format is input to the input unit 10. More specifically, various measurement data in a predetermined format transmitted from a direction sensor 111, a navigation device 112, an anemometer 113, a tidal current meter 114, and a GPS receiver 115 are input to the input unit as data in the first format.

[0036] The input unit 10 includes a receiving unit 11 and buffers 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, and 12E. Hereinafter, each of the buffers 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, and 12E will also be referred to as a buffer 12.

[0037] When the receiving unit 11 receives a frame F1 from the orientation sensor 111, the receiving unit 11 acquires orientation data from the received frame F1 and stores it in the buffer 12A. When the receiving unit 11 receives a frame F2 from the orientation sensor 111, the receiving unit 11 acquires angle data from the received frame F2 and stores it in the buffer 12B. When the receiving unit 11 receives a frame F3 from the navigation device 112, the receiving unit 11 acquires ship speed data from the received frame F3 and stores it in the buffer 12C. When the receiving unit 11 receives a frame F4 from the anemometer 113, the receiving unit 11 acquires wind direction and speed data from the received frame F4 and stores it in the buffer 12D. When the receiving unit 11 receives a frame F5 from the tidal current meter 114, the receiving unit 11 acquires tidal current data from the received frame F5 and stores it in the buffer 12D. When the receiving unit 11 receives a frame F6 from the GPS receiver 115, the receiving unit 11 acquires position data from the received frame F6 and stores it in the buffer 12E.

[0038] [Data conversion section] The data conversion unit 20 is capable of generating converted data by converting the data input to the input unit 10. More specifically, the data conversion unit 20 is capable of generating converted data by converting the measurement data input to the input unit 10.

[0039] For example, the data conversion unit 20 generates converted data by inverting the sign of the value indicated by the measurement data. Alternatively, the data conversion unit 20 generates converted data indicating an azimuth angle obtained by adding 180° to the azimuth angle indicated by the measurement data.

[0040] The data conversion unit 20 includes conversion processing units 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, and 21E. Hereinafter, each of the conversion processing units 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, and 21E will also be referred to as a conversion processing unit 21.

[0041] For example, the switching unit 50 performs switching control to switch whether or not the data conversion unit 20 generates converted data in response to a switching signal received from outside the data format converter 10, such as the control device 131. More specifically, the switching unit 50 receives a switching signal indicating whether the generation of converted data is on or off from the control signal 131, and performs switching control in response to the received switching signal.

[0042] The conversion processing unit 21, while being controlled by the switching unit 50 so as not to generate converted data, periodically or irregularly acquires measurement data from the corresponding buffer 12 in the input unit 10, and outputs the acquired measurement data to the format conversion unit 30.

[0043] On the other hand, when the conversion processing unit 21 in the data conversion unit 20 is controlled by the switching unit 50 to generate converted data, the conversion processing unit 21 periodically or irregularly acquires measurement data from the corresponding buffer 12 in the input unit 10, converts the acquired measurement data to generate converted data, and outputs the generated converted data to the format conversion unit 30.

[0044] (Conversion example 1) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the azimuth angle of a ship indicated by the azimuth data received from a azimuth sensor by the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] 3, for example, orientation data indicating a local heading angle a1 based on true north and a magnetic azimuth angle b1 based on magnetic north are input to the input unit 10 in the data format converter 100 from an orientation sensor 111. In particular, FIG 3 shows a local heading angle a1 based on the bow and a magnetic azimuth angle b1 based on the bow, which indicate the azimuth in the bow direction.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the azimuth angle of the ship indicated by the converted data generated by the data conversion unit in the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to Figure 4, when the conversion processing unit 21A in the data conversion unit 20 is controlled by the switching unit 50 to generate converted data, it acquires azimuth data from the buffer 12A in the input unit 10 and generates converted data D1 indicating an azimuth angle obtained by adding 180° to the azimuth angle of the bow direction indicated by the acquired azimuth data.

[0048] More specifically, the conversion processing unit 21A generates converted data D1 indicating a local orientation angle a2, which is an angle obtained by adding 180° to the local orientation angle a1 indicated by the orientation data, and a magnetic azimuth angle b2, which is an angle obtained by adding 180° to the magnetic azimuth angle b1 indicated by the orientation data. Here, the local orientation angle a2 and the magnetic azimuth angle b1 are azimuth angles that are equal to or greater than 0° and less than 360°. That is, when the value obtained by adding 180° to the local orientation angle a1 exceeds 360°, the conversion processing unit 21A calculates a value obtained by subtracting 360° from the value as the local orientation angle a2, and when the value obtained by adding 180° to the magnetic azimuth angle b1 exceeds 360°, the conversion processing unit 21A calculates a value obtained by subtracting 360° from the value as the magnetic azimuth angle b2.

[0049] The conversion processing unit 21A outputs the generated post-conversion data D1 to the format conversion unit 30.

[0050] (Conversion example 2) Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a roll angle of a ship indicated by angle data received from a direction sensor by the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a pitch angle of a ship indicated by angle data received from a direction sensor by the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] 5 and 6, for example, angle data indicating a roll angle c1 and a pitch angle d1 is input from an orientation sensor 111 to an input unit 10 in the data format converter 100.

[0052] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a roll angle indicated by converted data generated by a data conversion unit in the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a pitch angle indicated by converted data generated by a data conversion unit in the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] 7 and 8, when the conversion processing unit 21B in the data conversion unit 20 is controlled by the switching unit 50 to generate converted data, it acquires angle data from the buffer 12B in the input unit 10 and generates converted data D2 by inverting the positive and negative values ​​indicated by the acquired angle data.

[0054] More specifically, the conversion processing unit 21B generates converted data D2 indicating a roll angle c2, which is a value obtained by inverting the positive and negative of the roll angle c1 indicated by the angle data, and a pitch angle d2, which is a value obtained by inverting the positive and negative of the pitch angle d1 indicated by the angle data.

[0055] The conversion processing unit 21B outputs the generated post-conversion data D2 to the format conversion unit 30.

[0056] (Conversion example 3) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the longitudinal ship speed and widthwise ship speed of a ship indicated by ship speed data received from a navigation device by the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] 9, for example, ship speed data indicating a longitudinal ship speed e1 and a widthwise ship speed f1 are input from a navigation device 112 to an input unit 10 in the data format converter 100.

[0058] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the longitudinal ship speed and the widthwise ship speed indicated by the converted data generated by the data conversion unit in the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to Figure 10, when the conversion processing unit 21C in the data conversion unit 20 is controlled by the switching unit 50 to generate converted data, it acquires ship speed data from the buffer 12C in the input unit 10 and generates converted data D3 by inverting the positive / negative sign of the value indicated by the acquired ship speed data.

[0060] More specifically, the conversion processing unit 21C generates converted data D3 indicating a longitudinal ship speed e2, which is the inverted value of the longitudinal ship speed e1 indicated by the ship speed data, and a widthwise ship speed f2, which is the inverted value of the widthwise ship speed f1 indicated by the ship speed data.

[0061] The conversion processing unit 21C outputs the generated post-conversion data D3 to the format conversion unit 30.

[0062] (Conversion example 4) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the wind direction and wind speed indicated by the wind direction and speed data received from an anemometer by the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] 11, for example, wind direction g1, which is the azimuth angle of the wind direction, and wind direction and speed data indicating the wind speed are input from an anemometer 113 to the input unit 10 in the data format converter 100. In particular, Fig. 11 shows wind direction g1, which is the direction from which the wind comes as seen from the bow of the ship 1.

[0064] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the wind direction and wind speed indicated by the converted data generated by the data conversion unit in the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Referring to Figure 12, when the conversion processing unit 21D in the data conversion unit 20 is controlled by the switching unit 50 to generate converted data, it acquires wind direction and speed data from the buffer 12D in the input unit 10 and generates converted data D4 indicating an azimuth angle obtained by adding 180° to the azimuth angle of the wind direction indicated by the acquired wind direction and speed data.

[0066] More specifically, the conversion processor 21D generates a wind direction g2, which is an angle obtained by adding 180° to the wind direction g1 indicated by the wind direction and speed data, and converted data D4 indicating the wind speed. Here, the wind direction g2 is an azimuth angle equal to or greater than 0° and less than 360°. That is, when the value obtained by adding 180° to the wind direction g1 exceeds 360°, the conversion processor 21D calculates a value obtained by subtracting 360° from the value as the wind direction g2.

[0067] The conversion processing unit 21D outputs the generated post-conversion data D4 to the format conversion unit 30.

[0068] The data input from the anemometer 113 to the input unit 10 is not limited to the wind direction and wind speed data described above. The data input from the anemometer 113 to the input unit 10 may be true data indicating the wind speed minus the movement of the ship and the wind direction ga1, which is the direction from which the wind comes based on the north, or the data input from the anemometer 113 to the input unit 10 may be theoretical data indicating the wind speed minus the movement of the ship and the wind direction gb1, which is the direction from which the wind comes as seen from the bow, or the data input from the anemometer 113 to the input unit 10 may be relative data indicating the apparent wind speed when the ship is moving and the wind direction gc1, which is the direction from which the wind comes as seen from the bow. The wind directions ga1, gb1, and gc1 are examples of the wind direction g1. That is, just as the conversion processing unit 21D calculates the wind direction g2 by adding 180° to the wind direction g1, the conversion processing unit 21D can calculate the wind directions ga2, gb2, and gc2 by adding 180° to the wind directions ga1, gb1, and gc1, respectively.

[0069] (Conversion example 5) For example, the input unit 10 in the data format converter 100 receives, from a tidal current meter 114, tidal current direction j1, which is an azimuth angle based on the bow direction of the ship 1, and tidal current data indicating the tidal current speed.

[0070] When the conversion processing unit 21E in the data conversion unit 20 is controlled by the switching unit 50 to generate converted data, it acquires tidal current data from the buffer 12E in the input unit 10 and generates converted data D5 indicating an azimuth angle obtained by adding 180° to the azimuth angle indicated by the acquired tidal current data.

[0071] More specifically, the conversion processor 21E generates a tidal current direction j2, which is an angle obtained by adding 180° to the tidal current direction j1 ​​indicated by the tidal current data, and converted data D5 indicating the tidal current speed. Here, the tidal current direction j2 is an azimuth angle greater than or equal to 0° and less than 360°. That is, when the value obtained by adding 180° to the tidal current direction j1 ​​exceeds 360°, the conversion processor 21E calculates the value obtained by subtracting 360° from the value as the tidal current direction j2.

[0072] The conversion processing unit 21E outputs the generated post-conversion data D5 to the format conversion unit 30.

[0073] [Format conversion section] The format conversion unit 30 stores the converted data generated by the data conversion unit 20 in a second format different from the first format.

[0074] More specifically, when the format conversion unit 30 receives the corresponding measurement data or the corresponding converted data from each conversion processing unit 21 in the data conversion unit 20, the format conversion unit 30 obtains the position data from the buffer 12E.

[0075] Then, the format conversion unit 30 multiplexes each measurement data or each converted data and the acquired position data. More specifically, the format conversion unit 30 generates sentence data including each measurement data or each converted data and the position data by storing each measurement data or each converted data and the acquired position data in a format conforming to the NMEA0183 standard. The format conforming to the NMEA0183 standard is an example of a second format.

[0076] The format conversion unit 30 outputs the generated sentence data to the output unit 40.

[0077] [Output section] The output unit 40 outputs the converted data stored in the second format by the format conversion unit 30. More specifically, upon receiving the sentence data from the format conversion unit 30, the output unit 40 outputs the received sentence data to marine instruments installed on the ship 1.

[0078] [Operation flow] The data format converter 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a computer including a memory, and an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU in the computer reads out from the memory and executes a program including some or all of the steps of the following flowcharts and sequences. This program can be installed from an external source. This program is distributed in a state stored on a recording medium.

[0079] FIG. 13 is a flowchart defining one example of an operational procedure when the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention transmits sentence data to a ship instrument.

[0080] 13, first, the data format converter 100 receives various measurement data from measurement instruments such as the direction sensor 111, and stores the received measurement data in the buffer 12 (step S102).

[0081] Next, when the switching signal received from the control device 131 indicates generation off (NO in step S104), the data format converter 100 generates sentence data including the various measurement data, for example, by periodically acquiring various measurement data from the buffer 12 and storing the acquired various measurement data in a format conforming to the NMEA0183 standard (step S106).

[0082] Next, the data format converter 100 outputs the generated sentence data to ship equipment such as the autopilot 124 (step S112).

[0083] On the other hand, when the switching signal received from the control device 131 indicates generation on (YES in step S104), the data format converter 100, for example, periodically acquires various measurement data from the buffer 12 and generates various converted data by converting the acquired various measurement data (step S108).

[0084] Next, the data format converter 100 generates sentence data including the various converted data by storing the generated various converted data in a format conforming to the NMEA0183 standard (step S110).

[0085] Next, the data format converter 100 outputs the generated sentence data to ship equipment such as the autopilot 124 (step S112).

[0086] In the data format converter 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the switching unit 50 is configured to perform switching control in response to a switching signal received from the control device 131, but this is not limited to the above. The switching unit 50 may be configured to perform switching control in response to a switching signal received from a switch that can be manually turned on / off, such as a DIP switch. In this case, for example, when the thrust direction of the ship 1 switches from the bow direction to the stern direction, or from the stern direction to the bow direction, a crew member of the ship 1 operates the switch to switch the content of the switching signal transmitted to the switching unit 50.

[0087] In the data format converter 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the format converter 30 is configured to generate sentence data including each measurement data or each converted data and position data by storing the corresponding measurement data or the corresponding converted data received from each conversion processing unit 21 and the position data acquired from the buffer 12E in a format conforming to the NMEA0183 standard, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the format converter 30 may be configured to change the measurement data or the converted data to be stored in a format conforming to the NMEA0183 standard depending on the destination of the sentence data sent by the output unit 40.

[0088] Meanwhile, improved techniques for data processing in mobile objects are desired.

[0089] For example, in the case of moving bodies such as double-ended ships, technologies have been developed to check the surrounding conditions and perform automatic driving control, etc., based on measurement data showing the results of measurements taken by various measuring instruments.

[0090] In such technology, marine equipment such as automatic driving control devices need to perform processing and control using measurement data expressed with the bow direction as the reference when a double-ended ship generates a thrust toward the bow and moves toward the bow, while they need to perform processing and control using measurement data expressed with the stern direction as the reference when a double-ended ship generates a thrust toward the stern and moves toward the stern. Therefore, it is conceivable that each marine equipment converts the measurement data received from the measuring device into data based on the stern direction when the ship is generating thrust toward the stern and moving toward the stern, and performs processing and control using the converted data.

[0091] However, in a configuration in which each ship equipment performs conversion processing on measurement data, if, for example, only some of the ship equipment performs conversion processing on measurement data, problems such as data discrepancies may arise in the navigation system between the ship equipment that has performed conversion processing on measurement data and the ship equipment that has not performed conversion processing on measurement data.

[0092] It is therefore desirable to provide all marine equipment with measurement data that has been converted according to the thrust direction of a double-ended ship in a unified manner.

[0093] In contrast, in a data format converter 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, data in a first format is input to an input unit 10. A data conversion unit 20 generates converted data by converting the data input to the input unit 10. A format conversion unit 30 stores the converted data generated by the data conversion unit 20 in a second format different from the first format. An output unit 40 outputs the converted data stored in the second format by the format conversion unit 30.

[0094] In addition, in a data format conversion method according to an embodiment of the present invention, converted data is generated by converting input data in a first format, and the generated converted data is stored in a second format different from the first format.

[0095] In this way, by having the function of converting input data and storing the converted data in a second format, it is possible to provide, for example, the converted data stored in the second format to multiple devices in a unified manner.

[0096] Therefore, the data format converter and the data format conversion method according to the embodiment of the present invention can realize an excellent technique for data processing in a mobile body.

[0097] In the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention, measurement data indicating the results of measurement by a measuring device mounted on a moving object is input as data to the input unit 10. The data conversion unit 20 converts the measurement data input to the input unit 10 to generate converted data.

[0098] With this configuration, the converted data generated by converting the measurement data can be provided to a plurality of devices in an integrated manner, and the devices can perform processing and control using the measurement data.

[0099] In the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention, the measuring instrument is at least one of a direction sensor, a navigation device, an anemometer, and a tidal current meter.

[0100] With this configuration, converted data generated by converting measurement data indicating the measurement results from various measuring instruments can be provided to multiple instruments in a unified manner, and processing and control can be performed using this converted data in the instruments.

[0101] In addition, in the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention, the measurement data indicates at least one of the heading direction of the moving body, the speed of the moving body, the attitude angle of the moving body, the wind direction, the wind speed, the tidal current direction and the tidal current speed.

[0102] With this configuration, the converted data generated by converting various measurement data can be provided to multiple devices in a unified manner, and the devices can perform processing and control such as automatic driving control using this converted data.

[0103] Furthermore, in the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention, the data conversion section generates converted data by inverting the sign of the value indicated by the data.

[0104] With such a configuration, for example, it is possible to generate converted data in which data expressed based on the bow direction of the ship is converted into data expressed based on the stern direction of the ship.

[0105] Furthermore, in the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention, the data conversion section generates converted data indicating an azimuth angle obtained by adding 180° to the azimuth angle indicated by the data.

[0106] With such a configuration, for example, it is possible to generate converted data in which data indicating the azimuth angle in the bow direction of a ship is converted into data indicating the azimuth angle in the stern direction of the ship.

[0107] Furthermore, in the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention, the switching unit 50 switches whether or not the data conversion unit 20 generates converted data, depending on a switching signal received from outside the data format converter 100.

[0108] With this configuration, for example, a switching signal corresponding to the thrust direction of the ship can be received from a control device 130 outside the data format converter 100, and whether or not to generate data can be switched depending on the thrust direction of the ship in accordance with the received switching signal.

[0109] In the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention, the switching unit 50 receives a switching signal from a device mounted on the moving object.

[0110] With this configuration, for example, a switching signal corresponding to the thrust direction of the ship can be received from an device capable of recognizing the thrust direction of a moving body, and whether or not to generate converted data can be switched depending on the thrust direction of the ship in accordance with the received switching signal.

[0111] In the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention, the moving body is a ship.

[0112] Such a configuration makes it possible to realize an excellent technique for data processing on a ship.

[0113] In the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention, the ship is a double-ended ship.

[0114] With this configuration, for example, it is possible to switch between generating or not generating converted data depending on whether or not a thrust force is generated in the bow direction to move toward the bow, and whether or not a thrust force is generated in the stern direction to move toward the stern.

[0115] In the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention, the output unit 40 outputs the converted data in the second format to vessel instruments installed on the vessel 1.

[0116] With this configuration, the converted data stored in the second format can be provided to a plurality of shipboard instruments in an integrated manner, for example.

[0117] In the data format converter according to the embodiment of the present invention, the marine instrument is at least one of a radar device, a GPS plotter, an ECDIS, a fish finder, a sonar, a communication device, and an autopilot.

[0118] With this configuration, the converted data can be provided to various marine instruments in an integrated manner, and the marine instruments can perform processing and control using the converted data.

[0119] A navigation system 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the data format converter 100, a measuring instrument mounted on a moving body, and a marine instrument mounted on the moving body. The moving body is a ship.

[0120] With this configuration, it is possible to realize an excellent technique for data processing in a navigation system installed on a ship.

[0121] The above-described embodiments should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1 ship 10 Input section 11 Receiving section 12 Buffer 20 Data conversion section 21 Conversion processing section 30 Format conversion section 40 Output section 50 Switching section 100 Data Format Converter 111 Orientation Sensor 112 Navigational Equipment 113 Anemometer 114 Tide current meter 115 GPS receiver 121 Radar Equipment 122 GPS Plotter 123 ECDIS 124 Autopilot 131 Control device 200 Navigation System

Claims

1. A data format converter for use in a mobile object, comprising: an input unit for inputting data in a first format; a data conversion unit that converts the data to generate converted data; a format conversion unit that stores the converted data in a second format different from the first format; an output unit that outputs the converted data stored in the second format, At least one of first measurement data and second measurement data indicating a measurement result by a measuring device mounted on the moving object is input to the input unit as the data, the first measurement data indicates at least one of a speed of the moving body, a roll angle of the moving body, a pitch angle of the moving body, a wind speed, and a tidal current speed; The second measurement data indicates an azimuth angle of at least one of a wind direction and a tidal current direction, The data conversion unit changes a method for generating the converted data in accordance with a type of the data input to the input unit, the data conversion unit generates the converted data by inverting a positive / negative value of the first measurement data when the first measurement data is input to the input unit; The data conversion unit generates the converted data indicating an azimuth angle obtained by adding 180° to the azimuth angle indicated by the second measurement data when the second measurement data is input to the input unit.

2. 2. The data format converter according to claim 1, wherein the measuring device is at least one of a direction sensor, a navigation device, an anemometer, and a tidal current meter.

3. 3. The data format converter according to claim 1, wherein the second measurement data indicates a traveling direction of the moving object in addition to the azimuth angle of at least one of the wind direction and the tidal current direction.

4. The data format converter further comprises:

4. The data format converter according to claim 1, further comprising a switching unit that switches whether or not the converted data is generated by the data conversion unit in response to a switching signal received from an external device.

5. The data format converter according to claim 4 , wherein the switching unit receives the switching signal from a device mounted on the moving object.

6. The data format converter according to claim 1 , wherein the moving body is a ship.

7. The vessel is a double-ended vessel, 7. The data format converter according to claim 6, wherein the data conversion unit generates the converted data based on a traveling direction of the double-ended ship.

8. 8. The data format converter according to claim 6, wherein the output unit outputs the converted data in the second format to a marine instrument installed on the marine vessel.

9. 9. The data format converter according to claim 8, wherein the marine instrument is at least one of a radar device, a GPS plotter, an ECDIS, a fish finder, a sonar, a communication device, and an autopilot.

10. A data format converter according to any one of claims 1 to 9; The measuring device mounted on the moving body; Marine equipment mounted on the movable body, A navigation system, wherein the moving body is a ship.

11. A data converter for use in a mobile body, comprising: an input unit to which measurement data indicating a measurement result by a measuring device mounted on the moving object is input; a data conversion unit that converts the measurement data to generate converted data, the measurement data input to the input unit includes at least one of the first measurement data and the second measurement data, the first measurement data indicates at least one of a speed of the moving body, a roll angle of the moving body, a pitch angle of the moving body, a wind speed, and a tidal current speed; The second measurement data indicates an azimuth angle of at least one of a wind direction and a tidal current direction, The data conversion unit changes a method for generating the converted data in accordance with a type of the measurement data input to the input unit, the data conversion unit generates the converted data by inverting a positive / negative value of the first measurement data when the first measurement data is input to the input unit; The data converter generates the converted data indicating an azimuth angle obtained by adding 180° to the azimuth angle indicated by the second measurement data when the second measurement data is input to the input unit.

12. A data format conversion method in a data format converter, comprising: generating converted data by converting the input data in the first format; storing the generated converted data in a second format different from the first format; the input data includes at least one of first measurement data and second measurement data indicating a measurement result by a measuring device mounted on a moving object using the data format converter; and the first measurement data indicates at least one of a speed of the moving body, a roll angle of the moving body, a pitch angle of the moving body, a wind speed, and a tidal current speed; The second measurement data indicates an azimuth angle of at least one of a wind direction and a tidal current direction, In the step of generating the converted data, a method of generating the converted data is changed depending on a type of the input data; When the input data is the first measurement data, the converted data is data generated by inverting a value indicated by the first measurement data, a data format conversion method, wherein when the input data is the second measurement data, the converted data is data generated by adding 180° to the azimuth angle indicated by the second measurement data.

13. A data conversion method in a data converter, comprising: generating converted data by converting input measurement data, the measurement data indicating a measurement result by a measuring device mounted on a moving body using the data converter; the input measurement data includes at least one of the first measurement data and the second measurement data, the first measurement data indicates at least one of a speed of the moving body, a roll angle of the moving body, a pitch angle of the moving body, a wind speed, and a tidal current speed; The second measurement data indicates an azimuth angle of at least one of a wind direction and a tidal current direction, In the step of generating the converted data, a method of generating the converted data is changed depending on a type of the input measurement data; When the input measurement data is the first measurement data, the converted data is data generated by inverting a value indicated by the first measurement data, a data conversion method in which, when the input measurement data is the second measurement data, the converted data is data generated by adding 180° to the azimuth angle indicated by the second measurement data.

14. A data format conversion program for use in a data format converter, comprising: A process of generating converted data by converting input data in a first format; storing the generated converted data in a second format different from the first format; Run the input data is at least one of first measurement data and second measurement data indicating a measurement result by a measuring device mounted on a moving object using the data format converter, the first measurement data indicates at least one of a speed of the moving body, a roll angle of the moving body, a pitch angle of the moving body, a wind speed, and a tidal current speed; The second measurement data indicates an azimuth angle of at least one of a wind direction and a tidal current direction, In the process of generating the converted data, a method of generating the converted data is changed according to a type of the input data; When the input data is the first measurement data, the converted data is data generated by inverting a value indicated by the first measurement data, a data format conversion program for converting a data format into a data format in which, when the input data is the second measurement data, the converted data is data generated by adding 180° to the azimuth angle indicated by the second measurement data.

15. A data conversion program for use in a data converter, comprising: Executing a process of generating converted data by converting the input measurement data, the measurement data indicating a measurement result by a measuring device mounted on a moving body using the data converter; the input measurement data includes at least one of the first measurement data and the second measurement data, the first measurement data indicates at least one of a speed of the moving body, a roll angle of the moving body, a pitch angle of the moving body, a wind speed, and a tidal current speed; The second measurement data indicates an azimuth angle of at least one of a wind direction and a tidal current direction, In the process of generating the converted data, a method of generating the converted data is changed depending on a type of the input measurement data; When the input measurement data is the first measurement data, the converted data is data generated by inverting a value indicated by the first measurement data, a data conversion program, wherein when the input measurement data is the second measurement data, the converted data is data generated by adding 180° to the azimuth angle indicated by the second measurement data.

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