Ship control method, ship control program, ship control system, and ship

Abstract

To provide a ship control method, a ship control program, a ship control system, and a ship capable of easily improving user convenience related to starting up the device requiring the authentication at its start-up.SOLUTION: A control method of a ship 10 is used for the ship 10 with the devices requiring authentication of identity information at its start-up, and has reading processing, authentication processing, and start-up allowable processing. The read processing reads identification information using each of multiple reading units 21 which are mounted on the hull of the ship 10 and which can read the identification information. The authentication processing authenticates identification information read by the reading processing by referring to the authentication information. The start-up allowable processing makes the device ready to start when the authentication is successful with the identification information read by one of the multiple reading units 21.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control method, a ship control program, a ship control system, and a ship that are provided with a device that requires authentication of identification information when activated. [Background technology]

[0002] As a related art, a boat to which an outboard motor keyless entry control system is applied is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In a boat according to the related art, the keyless entry control system is activated when a user (operator) turns on the ignition while carrying a portable unit. When the keyless entry control system is activated, first, the keyless controller performs a first authentication process between the portable unit and the keyless controller. In the first authentication process, for example, a comparison is made between authentication codes registered in advance in the portable unit and the keyless controller. That is, in the first authentication process, a comparison is made between the portable unit and the keyless controller.

[0003] Furthermore, in the watercraft according to the related art, if the authentication result of the first authentication process is OK, the keyless controller supplies power to an ECM (engine control module) and performs a second authentication process with the ECM. In the second authentication process, authentication codes preregistered in the keyless controller and the ECM are compared. That is, in the second authentication process, a comparison is made between the keyless controller and the ECM. If the authentication result of the second authentication process is OK, the ECM is able to execute control of the engine built into the outboard motor (such as starting the engine). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-74265 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above related technology, the first authentication process is possible by wirelessly communicating between the portable device and the keyless controller, so to start (start) an apparatus such as an outboard motor, the user carrying the portable device must be near the keyless controller and turn on the ignition. Therefore, for example, in cases where the hull of a boat is relatively large, the user must take the trouble to go to the location of the keyless controller with the portable device in order to start a device (such as an outboard motor) that requires authentication when started, which may be inconvenient for some users.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a boat control method, a boat control program, a boat control system, and a boat that can easily improve user convenience regarding the startup of a device that requires authentication upon startup. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A ship control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is used in a ship equipped with a device that requires authentication of identification information when it is started, and includes a reading process, an authentication process, and a start-up permission process. In the reading process, the identification information is read by each of a plurality of reading units mounted on the hull of the ship and capable of reading the identification information. In the authentication process, the identification information read in the reading process is authenticated by referring to authentication information. In the start-up permission process, if authentication is successful using the identification information read by any one of the plurality of reading units, the device is put into a start-up allowed state.

[0008] A ship control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is used in a ship equipped with a device that requires authentication of identification information upon startup, and includes a reading process, an authentication process, and a registration process. In the reading process, the identification information is read by a reading unit that is mounted on the hull of the ship and is capable of reading the identification information. In the authentication process, the identification information read in the reading process is authenticated by referring to authentication information. In the registration process, the identification information is registered as the authentication information. In the registration process, multiple pieces of the authentication information can be registered.

[0009] A marine vessel control program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors to execute the marine vessel control method.

[0010] A vessel control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is used in a vessel equipped with a device that requires authentication of identification information when started up, and includes a plurality of reading units, an authentication unit, and a start-up permission processing unit. The plurality of reading units are mounted on the hull of the vessel and configured to be able to read the identification information. The authentication unit authenticates the identification information by referencing authentication information. When authentication is successful using the identification information read by any one of the plurality of reading units, the start-up permission processing unit places the device in a start-up allowed state.

[0011] A vessel according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the vessel control system and the hull. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a boat control method, a boat control program, a boat control system, and a boat that can easily improve user convenience regarding the startup of a device that requires authentication upon startup. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a ship according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of the vessel control system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ship according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an operation related to the authentication function in the vessel control system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation related to an authentication function in the vessel control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation related to an authentication function in the marine vessel control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the authentication function in the vessel control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an operation related to a registration function in the vessel control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an operation related to a registration function in the vessel control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an operation related to a registration function in the vessel control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a transition state of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal device in relation to a registration function in the marine vessel control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a transition state of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal device in relation to a registration function in the marine vessel control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the registration function in the vessel control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a system configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a vessel control system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are examples of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) [1] Overall structure First, the overall configuration of a vessel 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

[0016] The vessel 10 is a moving body that navigates (sails) on water such as the sea, a lake, or a river. In this embodiment, as an example, the vessel 10 is a "pleasure boat," which is a small vessel used mainly for sports or recreation. In this embodiment, the vessel 10 is configured to operate in response to operation (including remote operation) by a person (pilot), and in particular is a manned type that can be boarded by a person who is a pilot.

[0017] 1, the ship 10 includes a hull 101 and a ship control system 100. The hull 101 includes a drive unit 102 that generates power, and an output section 103 that outputs propulsive force for propelling the hull 101. In addition, the hull 101 further includes various onboard facilities, etc., including a steering device, a steering mechanism, a communication device, an air conditioning device, a lighting device, a power supply device, etc.

[0018] The drive unit 102 has a power source 104 used to propel the hull 101, and a power transmission section 105. The power source 104 generates power (mechanical energy) used to propel the hull 101. The power transmission section 105 includes a transmission provided between the power source 104 and the output section 103, and has a function of receiving power generated by the power source 104 and transmitting this power to the output section 103. In this embodiment, the output section 103 includes a propeller, and receives power generated by the drive unit 102 and rotates the propeller about a rotating shaft (propeller shaft), thereby outputting a propulsive force for moving the hull 101 forward or backward.

[0019] In the present embodiment, as an example, the power source 104 is an engine (internal combustion engine) that generates power by burning fuel. More specifically, the power source 104 is a diesel engine that is driven by using diesel as fuel. However, the power source 104 is not limited to an engine, and may be, for example, a motor (electric motor) that generates power by receiving power (electrical energy). Furthermore, the drive unit 102 may be a hybrid type, and in this case, it has multiple types of power sources 104, such as an engine and a motor. In addition, the motor included in the power source 104 is not limited to a configuration that receives power from a battery, and may be, for example, a configuration that generates power by receiving power from a fuel cell or a solar power generation device. The engine used for the power source 104 is not limited to a diesel engine, and may be, for example, a gasoline engine or a hydrogen engine.

[0020] Furthermore, the power transmission unit 105 has a function of switching whether or not to transmit power from the power source 104 to the output unit 103, that is, between a "transmission state" and a "disconnection state." The "transmission state" is a state in which the power source 104 and the output unit 103 are mechanically connected to each other and power is transmitted from the power source 104 to the output unit 103. When the power transmission unit 105 is in the transmission state, the power source 104 is driven, and the output unit 103 is driven by the power generated by the power source 104. On the other hand, the "disconnection state" is a state in which the power source 104 and the output unit 103 are mechanically disconnected from each other and power is not transmitted from the power source 104 to the output unit 103. Even if the power source 104 is driven when the power transmission unit 105 is in the disconnection state, the power generated by the power source 104 is not transmitted to the output unit 103, and therefore the output unit 103 is not driven.

[0021] The hull 101 is provided with cockpits 106, 107 in which a pilot boards. In this embodiment, as an example, the hull 101 has a cockpit 106 installed at deck height and a cockpit 107 installed on the roof of the cockpit 106. In other words, the hull 101 is provided with a plurality of cockpits 106, 107, including the cockpit 106 which is the first floor and the cockpit 107 which is the second floor. Each of the cockpits 106, 107 is equipped with a maneuvering device, a communication device, an air conditioning device, a lighting device, and the like. The communication device is configured to be able to communicate with another system (including a server, etc.) outside the hull 101, and is able to send and receive data between the other system.

[0022] In this embodiment, the various devices provided on the vessel 10, such as the drive unit 102 (including the power source 104 and the power transmission unit 105), the air conditioning device, and the lighting device, are provided on each of the port and starboard sides of the hull 101. That is, for example, in the case of the drive unit 102, the vessel 10 is provided with a port-side drive unit 102 and a starboard-side drive unit 102. In other words, the multiple devices provided on the vessel 10 are classified into two or more groups G1, G2 (see FIG. 2). Here, as an example, the multiple devices are classified into two groups G1, G2: a (port) group G1 on the port side of the hull 101, and a (starboard) group G2 on the starboard side.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 2, the vessel control system 100 includes a main control unit 1 (represented as "Helm ECU" in the figure), a switch panel 2, a terminal device 3, an engine control unit 51 (represented as "E / G ECU" in the figure), and a drive control unit 52 (represented as "Drive ECU" in the figure). Like the drive unit 102 and other devices, the components of the vessel control system 100 are classified into two groups G1 and G2: a (port) group G1 on the port side of the hull 101, and a (starboard) group G2 on the starboard side. Furthermore, the switch panel 2 and the terminal device 3 are installed in each of the two cockpits 106 and 107. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 2, the vessel control system 100 includes two sets of the main control unit 1, two switch panels 2, two terminal devices 3, engine control units 51, and drive control units 52 corresponding to the groups G1 and G2.

[0024] Here, each component of the vessel control system 100 (main control unit 1, switch panel 2, terminal device 3, engine control unit 51, drive control unit 52, etc.) is configured to be able to communicate with each other via a transmission path 50. In this disclosure, "able to communicate with each other" means that information (data) can be exchanged directly or indirectly via a communication network or a repeater, etc., by an appropriate communication method such as wired communication or wireless communication (communication using radio waves or light as a medium). Each component of the vessel control system 100 can communicate with each other, for example, by a communication method such as CAN (Controller Area Network). The communication means between each component of the vessel control system 100 is not limited to the above examples and can be realized by any appropriate communication means.

[0025] Each of the main control unit 1, the engine control unit 51, and the drive control unit 52 is mainly configured as a computer system having one or more processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and one or more memories such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and executes various processes (information processing). The vessel control system 100 will be described in detail in the section "[2] Configuration of the vessel control system".

[0026] In addition to the above components, the vessel 10 is also provided with various devices of a power supply unit. The power supply unit supplies power for the operation of at least the vessel control system 100.

[0027] [2] Ship control system configuration Next, the configuration of the vessel control system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 3 illustrates one each of the main control unit 1, the switch panel 2, the terminal device 3, the engine control unit 51, and the drive control unit 52 that constitute the vessel control system 100.

[0028] The vessel control system 100 is a component of the vessel 10, and constitutes the vessel 10 together with the hull 101. In other words, the vessel 10 according to this embodiment comprises the vessel control system 100 and the hull 101. As described above, the vessel control system 100 comprises the main control unit 1, the switch panel 2, the terminal device 3, the engine control unit 51, and the drive control unit 52.

[0029] The engine control unit 51 controls the power source 104. The drive control unit 52 controls the power transmission unit 105. In this embodiment, the engine control unit 51 and the drive control unit 52 are provided in each of the groups G1, G2, which are the port side (port side) group G1 and the starboard side (starboard side) group G2 of the hull 101. Thus, the engine control unit 51 of the group G1 controls the power source 104 of the drive unit 102 belonging to the same group G1, and the engine control unit 51 of the group G2 controls the power source 104 of the drive unit 102 belonging to the same group G2. Similarly, the drive control unit 52 of the group G1 controls the power transmission unit 105 of the drive unit 102 belonging to the same group G1, and the drive control unit 52 of the group G2 controls the power transmission unit 105 of the drive unit 102 belonging to the same group G2.

[0030] The main control unit 1 is an integrated controller that controls each side (port side or starboard side) of the hull 101, and is composed of, for example, an electronic control unit (ECU). Therefore, the switch panel 2, terminal device 3, engine control unit 51, and drive control unit 52 that constitute the vessel control system 100 are managed by the main control unit 1 for each group G1, G2. Then, communication between the port and starboard sides is realized by the main control unit 1 of group G1 and the main control unit 1 of group G2 communicating with each other. However, the main control unit 1 may be provided separately from the integrated controller.

[0031] The boat 10 according to this embodiment has an immobilizer function, and allows various functions of the boat 10 to be activated on the condition that authentication (matching) of the identification information is successful. In other words, the boat control system 100 according to this embodiment has a function of authenticating identification information when each device of the boat 10 is activated.

[0032] The vessel control system 100 according to this embodiment is used in a vessel 10 equipped with a device that requires authentication of identification information when started up, and comprises a plurality of reading units 21 (see FIG. 3), an authentication unit 22 (see FIG. 3), and a start-up permission processing unit 11 (see FIG. 3). The plurality of reading units 21 are mounted on the hull 101 of the vessel 10 and are configured to be able to read the identification information. The authentication unit 22 is configured to authenticate the identification information by referring to authentication information. The start-up permission processing unit 11 is configured to put the device into a start-up enabled state when authentication is successful using the identification information read by any one of the plurality of reading units 21.

[0033] In the present embodiment, as an example, the reading unit 21 and the authentication unit 22 are provided in each of the switch panels 2, and the start permission processing unit 11 is provided in the main control unit 1. The "devices requiring authentication of identification information when starting" in the present disclosure include various onboard equipment such as the power source 104 and the power transmission unit 105 of the drive unit 102, the steering device, the steering mechanism, the communication device, the air conditioning device, the lighting device, and the power supply device. The "identification information" in the present disclosure is unique information (ID) represented by letters and numbers, for example, and is stored in the electronic key 4 (see FIG. 2) carried by the user (pilot). In short, in the vessel control system 100 according to the present embodiment, the identification information read from the electronic key 4 is authenticated, and if the authentication is successful, the equipment of the vessel 10 is set to a startable state. In addition, the "startable state" in the present disclosure means a general state in which the device is startable, and includes, for example, an idling state in which the power source 104 is actually started and a state in which the device starts as soon as a specific start operation is performed on the switch panel 2.

[0034] In this embodiment, as an example, the electronic key 4 is an electronic key used by a user (pilot) to start the boat 10, is a passive or active RF tag, and has a memory that stores at least identification information. Here, a plurality of identification information (three identification information, "ID:A", "ID:B", and "ID:C", in FIG. 3) is associated one-to-one with a plurality of electronic keys 4.

[0035] The configurations of the main control unit 1, the switch panel 2 and the terminal device 3 of the vessel control system 100, which are particularly related to authentication of identification information when starting up the devices of the vessel 10, will be described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 3. Although not shown in Fig. 3, the main control unit 1, the switch panel 2 and the terminal device 3 each have a communication module or the like, and are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a transmission path 50.

[0036] The main control unit 1 has a start permission processing unit 11, a registration processing unit 12, and a control processing unit 13. In this embodiment, the main control unit 1 is mainly configured as a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories, and these multiple functional units (start permission processing unit 11, etc.) are realized by the one or more processors executing a ship control program. These multiple functional units included in the main control unit 1 may be distributed across multiple housings, or may be provided in a single housing. Although only one of the two main control units 1 is shown in FIG. 3, the other main control unit 1 also has a similar configuration.

[0037] The start permission processing unit 11 executes start permission processing for various devices such as the drive unit 102 to put the devices into a startable state. The registration processing unit 12 executes registration processing for registering (in the switch panel 2) authentication information used for authenticating identification information. The control processing unit 13 controls the switch panel 2, the terminal device 3, the engine control unit 51, the drive control unit 52, etc., which are under the control of the main control unit 1.

[0038] The switch panel 2 includes a reading unit 21, an authentication unit 22, a registration unit 23, an indicator lamp 24, and a switch 25. In this embodiment, the switch panel 2 includes a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories, and the one or more processors execute a vessel control program to realize functions such as the authentication unit 22. These multiple functional units included in the switch panel 2 may be distributed across multiple housings, or may be provided in a single housing. Although only one of the four switch panels 2 is shown in FIG. 3, the remaining switch panels 2 also adopt a similar configuration.

[0039] The reading unit 21 executes a reading process to read the identification information from the electronic key 4. As an example, the reading unit 21 is a reader constituting an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system, and reads the identification information stored in the electronic key 4 by communicating with the electronic key 4 using a near field communication (NFC) method. The reading unit 21 can read the identification information from the electronic key 4 only when the electronic key 4 is located in a reading area set in the vicinity of the switch panel 2. Therefore, when a user holds the electronic key 4 over the switch panel 2, the reading unit 21 reads the identification information from the electronic key 4.

[0040] The authentication unit 22 executes an authentication process for authenticating the identification information read in the reading process by the reading unit 21 by referring to authentication information. The authentication unit 22 can register one or more pieces of identification information as authentication information. For example, the authentication unit 22 compares the identification information registered (stored) as authentication information with the identification information read by the reading unit 21, and determines that the authentication is successful if the two match. On the other hand, if the identification information registered (stored) as authentication information does not match the identification information read by the reading unit 21, it determines that the authentication is unsuccessful.

[0041] The registration unit 23 registers the identification information as authentication information by storing the identification information in a memory. The indicator light 24 includes, for example, a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode), and performs indication by the lighting state of the light source (on / off / blinking, lighting color, etc.). The switch 25 is a push button switch or the like that accepts an operation by a user (pilot) and outputs an electric signal according to the operation.

[0042] The terminal device 3 includes a display unit 31 and an operation unit 32, and functions as a user interface for outputting and inputting information to a user (pilot). In this embodiment, the terminal device 3 includes a computer system having one or more processors and one or more memories, and the one or more processors execute a vessel control program to realize functions such as displaying various information on the display unit 31. These multiple functional units included in the terminal device 3 may be distributed across multiple housings, or may be provided in a single housing. Although only one of the four terminal devices 3 is illustrated in FIG. 3, the remaining terminal devices 3 also adopt a similar configuration.

[0043] The display unit 31 can display various screens including characters, numbers, figures, etc., and is realized by a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. The operation unit 32 is a part that accepts user operations, and is realized by a mechanical switch including a cursor key, etc. However, this is not limited to the example, and the terminal device 3 may have a touch panel display that serves as both the display unit 31 and the operation unit 32. Furthermore, the terminal device 3 may have a voice output unit in addition to or instead of the display unit 31, and may have a voice input unit in addition to or instead of the operation unit 32. The terminal device 3 may be embodied as a general-purpose device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

[0044] Here, at least some of the components of the vessel control system 100, namely the main control unit 1, the switch panel 2, the terminal device 3, the engine control unit 51, and the drive control unit 52, are included in the vessel 10 devices that require authentication of identification information when started up, similar to the drive unit 102, etc. In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that authentication of identification information is required when starting up the switch panel 2, the terminal device 3, the engine control unit 51, and the drive control unit 52.

[0045] Furthermore, it is not essential that the vessel control system 100 includes the reading unit 21 and the authentication unit 22 as components. For example, the reading unit 21 and the authentication unit 22 may be configured to be able to communicate with the vessel control system 100 and provided separately from the vessel control system 100.

[0046] [3] Ship control method Hereinafter, an example of a control method for the vessel 10 (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "control method") executed mainly by the vessel control system 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 13.

[0047] The control method according to the present embodiment is executed by the main control unit 1 including a computer system, the switch panel 2, the terminal device 3, etc., and in other words, is embodied in a vessel control program. In other words, the vessel control program according to the present embodiment is a computer program for causing one or more processors to execute each process related to the control method of the vessel 10. Such a vessel control program may be executed, for example, by the vessel control system 100 and the terminal device, etc. in cooperation with each other.

[0048] Here, the control method (of the ship 10) according to this embodiment includes a function for authenticating identification information when starting up each device of the ship 10 (hereinafter referred to as the "authentication function"), and a function for registering the identification information as authentication information (hereinafter referred to as the "registration function"). Below, the control method relating to the authentication function and the control method relating to the registration function will be described in turn.

[0049] [3.1] Authentication function First, the authentication function will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0050] In the following, it is assumed that the identification information as authentication information has already been registered in each of the registration units 23 of the multiple (four in this embodiment) switch panels 2. Details will be described in the section "[3.2] Registration function." In this embodiment, multiple pieces of authentication information can be registered in each registration unit 23, but it is assumed that three pieces of authentication information, "A," "B," and "C," are registered in the registration units 23 of all four switch panels 2. Furthermore, the power supply of each unit, including the vessel control system 100, of the vessel 10 is in the "off" state, and the power source 104 of the drive unit 102 and the like are naturally not activated. However, it is assumed that the main control unit 1 and the communication modules of each device (such as the switch panel 2 and the terminal device 3) are in an operable state due to standby current. On this premise, a procedure will be described for a user (pilot) who possesses the electronic key 4 to which the identification information "A" is assigned to activate various devices of the vessel 10.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, the user performs a specific start-up operation on one of the multiple (four in this example) switch panels 2. Here, as an example, it is assumed that the "start-up operation" is the operation of the ignition (power) switch among the switches 25 of the switch panels 2. In FIG. 4, as an example, the switch panel 2 belonging to the (port) group G1 and located in the cockpit 106 is operated, but this is not limited to this example, and the user may operate any switch panel 2. When the start-up operation is performed on any of the switch panels 2, the switch panel 2 enters an authentication waiting state in which authentication of the identification information can be performed. In this state, the power of each unit including the vessel control system 100 is still in the "off" state. The switch panel 2 in the authentication waiting state notifies the user that it is in the authentication waiting state, for example, by flashing the indicator light 24.

[0052] Then, as shown in Fig. 4, the user holds the electronic key 4 to which the identification information "A" is assigned over a switch panel 2 in an authentication waiting state, that is, a switch panel 2 belonging to the (port) group G1 and located in the cockpit 106. As a result, the switch panel 2 in an authentication waiting state communicates with the electronic key 4 via the reading unit 21 and executes a reading process to read the identification information "A" from the electronic key 4. Furthermore, this switch panel 2 executes an authentication process for the read identification information "A" by referring to authentication information in the authentication unit 22. Here, since the identification information "A", "B", and "C" are registered as authentication information in the authentication unit 22, the identification information "A" and the authentication information match, and the authentication unit 22 outputs an authentication result of "authentication successful".

[0053] If the authentication is successful, as shown in FIG. 5, the switch panel 2 that has been successfully authenticated transmits an authentication result signal Si1 indicating the authentication result (authentication success) to the main control unit 1 that belongs to the same group G1. The authentication result signal Si1 may or may not include the identification information "A" used for authentication, as long as it is a signal indicating that the authentication unit 22 has successfully authenticated the identification signal, that is, that the identification information read by the reading unit 21 matches the authentication information. Upon receiving the authentication result signal Si1, the main control unit 1 turns on the power supply of each unit including the vessel control system 100 in the start permission processing unit 11. However, at this time, the start permission processing unit 11 of the main control unit 1 turns on the power supply of only the devices that belong to the same group G1 as the main control unit 1. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 5, only the devices on the port side (including the drive unit 102, etc.) start up, and the power supply of the devices on the starboard side remains "off."

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the start permission processing unit 11 of the main control unit 1 of the group G1 transfers the authentication result signal Si1 as a transfer signal Si2 to a switch panel 2 other than the switch panel 2 that is the source of the authentication result signal Si1. The transfer signal Si2 is a signal indicating that the authentication of the identification signal has been successful in the authentication unit 22, that is, that the identification information read by the reading unit 21 matches the authentication information, similar to the authentication result signal Si1. As a result, the result of the authentication process executed by the switch panel 2 that belongs to the (port) group G1 and is arranged in the cockpit 106 is shared with the other three switch panels 2 via the main control unit 1. Strictly speaking, the communication between the devices that belong to the group G1 and the devices that belong to the group G2 is performed between the main control units 1, so the transfer signal Si2 for the two switch panels 2 that belong to the group G2 is transferred from the main control unit 1 of the group G1 via the main control unit 1 of the group G2.

[0055] As a result, the authentication result of the identification information is shared not only by the switch panel 2 that has read the identification information, but by all of the multiple (four in this case) switch panels 2. Therefore, even if there are multiple (four in this case) reading units 21, it is possible to use the identification information read by one of the reading units 21 to bring the entire vessel control system 100 into the same state as if the authentication of the identification information had been completed (successful). Therefore, the start permission processing unit 11 of the main control unit 1 of group G1 not only actually starts up the devices of group G1, but also brings the devices of group G2 into a start-up-enabled state in which they have been successfully authenticated.

[0056] In this state, as shown in FIG. 6, the user performs an activation operation on any one of the switch panels 2 (two in this case) belonging to the (starboard) group G2. In FIG. 6, as an example, the switch panel 2 belonging to the (starboard) group G2 and arranged in the cockpit 106 is operated, but this is not the only example, and the switch panel operated by the user may be arranged in the cockpit 107. When an activation operation is performed on any one of the switch panels 2 belonging to the group G2, the main control unit 1 belonging to the same group G2 as the switch panel 2 receives the activation operation of the switch panel 2 and turns on the power supply of each unit including the vessel control system 100 in the activation permission processing unit 11. However, at this time, the activation permission processing unit 11 of the main control unit 1 turns on the power supply of only the devices belonging to the same group G2 as the main control unit 1. As a result, in the example of FIG. 6, the devices on the starboard side (including the drive unit 102, etc.) are activated.

[0057] Here, the main control unit 1 of the group G2 may transmit the transfer signal Si2 to the two switch panels 2 belonging to the group G2 after a start operation is performed on any one of the switch panels 2 belonging to the group G2. In this case, the user performs a start operation on any one of the multiple (here, two) switch panels 2 belonging to the group G2, so that the switch panel 2 enters an authentication waiting state. Then, the switch panel 2 in the authentication waiting state transmits an inquiry signal to the main control unit 1 belonging to the same group G2, and the main control unit 1 receiving the inquiry signal transmits a transfer signal Si2 to the two switch panels 2 belonging to the group G2. As a result, the switch panel 2 in the authentication waiting state is considered to have succeeded in the authentication by the authentication unit 22 by receiving the transfer signal Si2 instead of the reading process and the authentication process. The switch panel 2 that has been successfully authenticated transmits an authentication result signal to the main control unit 1 belonging to the same group G2, so that the main control unit 1 receives the authentication result signal and starts up the devices belonging to the same group G2 in the start permission processing unit 11.

[0058] In any case, in the control method according to the present embodiment, when the identification information is read by any one of the multiple reading units 21 and the authentication of the identification information is successful, it is deemed that the authentication of the entire vessel control system 100 is successful. Therefore, when the identification information is read by any one of the multiple reading units 21 and the authentication is successful, it is not necessary to read the identification information again by the other reading units 21 in order to make all the devices startable, and it is also not necessary to authenticate the identification information again. As a result, the user can start all the devices of the vessel 10 by holding the electronic key 4 over the switch panel 2 belonging to one (port) group G1 as in the above example, without holding the electronic key 4 over the switch panel 2 belonging to the other (starboard) group G2.

[0059] In this embodiment, successful authentication of the identification information is required when starting up the various devices of the boat 10, but authentication of the identification information is not required when stopping (powering off) the various devices of the boat 10. Also, in the above example, the user holds up the electronic key 4 assigned with identification information "A" over the switch panel 2, but the same operation occurs even if an electronic key 4 assigned with identification information "B" or identification information "C" is held up. On the other hand, if an electronic key 4 assigned with identification information other than "A", "B", or "C" is held up to the switch panel 2, authentication of the identification information is not successful, and the various devices of the boat 10 will not start up.

[0060] As described above, the control method (of the ship 10) according to this embodiment is used for the ship 10 equipped with a device that requires authentication of identification information when started up, and includes a reading process, an authentication process, and a start-up permission process. In the reading process, the identification information is read by each of the multiple reading units 21 mounted on the hull 101 of the ship 10 and capable of reading the identification information. In the authentication process, the identification information read in the reading process is authenticated by referring to authentication information. In the start-up permission process, if authentication is successful using the identification information read by any one of the multiple reading units 21, the device is put into a start-up allowed state.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the user can start various devices (such as the power source 104 of the drive unit 102) that require authentication of identification information when started up, by having any one of the multiple reading units 21 mounted on the hull 101 of the ship 10 read the identification information. That is, even if the hull 101 of the ship 10 is relatively large, for example, the user can simply have the reading unit 21 that is closest to the user among the multiple reading units 21 read the identification information. This has the advantage of making it easier to improve the convenience for the user when starting up devices that require authentication when started up.

[0062] In the present embodiment, the ship 10 includes a plurality of devices classified into two or more groups G1 and G2. The plurality of devices can be activated in groups G1 and G2. The activation permission process is performed collectively for the two or more groups G1 and G2. In short, the drive unit 102 (including the power source 104 and the power transmission unit 105), the air conditioning device, the lighting device, and other various devices included in the ship 10 are classified into, for example, a port side (port side) group G1 and a starboard side (starboard side) group G2 of the hull 101. The activation permission process is performed collectively for these two or more groups G1 and G2, while the actual activation of each device is performed in groups G1 and G2. Therefore, as described above, while authentication is performed collectively for both groups G1 and G2, it is possible to activate the devices individually in groups G1 and G2, and only the devices on the port side (or starboard side) can be activated.

[0063] Furthermore, the authentication process is executed by each of the multiple authentication units 22 provided corresponding to the multiple reading units 21, and when authentication is successful in any one of the multiple authentication units 22, a notification is sent to the other authentication units 22. For example, as described above, when identification information is read by the reading unit 21 of the switch panel 2 that belongs to the (port) group G1 and is arranged in the cockpit 106, authentication process is executed by the authentication unit 22 of that switch panel 2. Therefore, authentication of the identification information is completed locally, and it is possible to improve security related to authentication compared to when the identification information is transmitted over a public network.

[0064] Furthermore, when a request is made to start up a device that is in an activation-enabled state, the device is activated without performing authentication processing again. In short, as described above, if the devices belonging to the (starboard) group G2 are already in an activation-enabled state, the devices in group G2 can be activated without performing authentication processing again simply by performing an activation operation on the switch panel 2 of group G2. This improves user convenience compared to the case where authentication processing is required multiple times.

[0065] The control method (of the ship 10) related to the authentication function described above can be summarized as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0066] That is, the control method according to this embodiment first determines whether or not an activation operation is performed on any one of the multiple (here, four) switch panels 2 (S1). If an activation operation is not performed (S1: No), the control method repeats the process of step S1. If an activation operation is performed (S1: Yes), the control method determines whether or not the identification information is read (S2). Here, when the user holds the electronic key 4 over the switch panel 2, a reading process is performed by the reading unit 21 (S2: Yes), and the process proceeds to step S3. Since the reading process is not performed until the user holds the electronic key 4 over the switch panel 2 (S2: No), the control method repeats the process of step S2.

[0067] In step S3, the control method executes authentication processing by comparing the identification information with the authentication information. If the authentication is successful (S4: Yes), the process proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if the authentication is unsuccessful (S4: No), the process returns to step S1. In step S5, the start-up permission processing unit 11 of the main control unit 1 actually starts up the devices that belong to the same groups G1 and G2 as the switch panel 2 for which the start-up operation was performed in step S1. Furthermore, the start-up permission processing unit 11 shares the authentication result with the other switch panels 2 by transmitting a transfer signal Si2 indicating the authentication result (S6). At this point, all devices on the ship 10 are in an start-up possible state.

[0068] Then, the control method determines whether or not a startup operation is performed on any one of the multiple (here, two) switch panels 2 that belong to groups G1, G2 different from the switch panel 2 for which the startup operation was performed in step S1 (S7). If a startup operation is not performed (S7: No), the control method repeats the process of step S7. If a startup operation is performed (S7: Yes), the startup permission processing unit 11 of the main control unit 1 actually starts up the devices that belong to the same groups G1, G2 as the switch panel 2 for which the startup operation was performed in step S7 (S8). This ends the series of processes of the control method related to the authentication function.

[0069] The vessel control system 100 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S1 to S8 described above. However, the flowchart shown in Fig. 7 is merely an example, and processes may be added or omitted as appropriate, and the order of processes may be changed as appropriate.

[0070] Furthermore, in the control method relating to the authentication function, it is not essential that multiple pieces of authentication information can be registered. In fact, the user does not need to have a function for registering authentication information.

[0071] [3.2] Registration function Next, the registration function will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0072] In the following, it is assumed that three pieces of authentication information, namely, identification information "A", "B", and "C", are to be registered in each of the registration units 23 of the multiple (four in this embodiment) switch panels 2, starting from a state in which no identification information is registered as authentication information. In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that a maximum of ten pieces of authentication information can be registered in each registration unit 23. Furthermore, the power supply of each unit of the boat 10, including the boat control system 100, is in the "on" state. Under this premise, a procedure will be described for a user (pilot) who possesses three electronic keys 4, each assigned with identification information "A", "B", and "C", to register authentication information.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 8, a user performs a specific mode switching operation on one of a plurality of (four in this example) terminal devices 3. Here, as an example, the "mode switching operation" is an operation of switching the operation mode of the vessel control system 100 to the "registration mode" on the menu screen D1 (see Fig. 11) displayed on the display unit 31 of the terminal device 3 by operating the operation unit 32 of the terminal device 3. In Fig. 8, as an example, the terminal device 3 that belongs to the (port) group G1 and is located in the cockpit 106 is being operated, but this is not limiting and the user may operate any terminal device 3. When the mode switching operation is performed on any of the terminal devices 3, the terminal device 3 transmits a registration request signal Si11 to the main control unit 1 that belongs to the same group G1.

[0074] In response to the registration request signal Si11, the main control unit 1 determines in the registration processing unit 12 whether the vessel control system 100 can be switched to the registration mode. In this embodiment, as an example, the registration condition is that the power supply of both the port and starboard devices of the hull 101 is "on", and it is determined that the vessel control system 100 can be switched to the registration mode. In other words, if the power supply of either the port or starboard device is "off", the registration processing unit 12 determines that the vessel control system 100 cannot be switched to the registration mode.

[0075] Here, the registration processing unit 12 of the main control unit 1 transmits a start request signal Si12 to all of the multiple (four in this example) switch panels 2, and receives responses from each of the multiple switch panels 2 as to whether or not the switch panels 2 can be switched to the registration mode. Strictly speaking, the main control units 1 communicate with each other between the devices belonging to group G1 and the devices belonging to group G2, so the start request signal Si12 for the two switch panels 2 belonging to group G2 is transferred from the main control unit 1 of group G1 via the main control unit 1 of group G2. When the registration processing unit 12 determines that the switch panels 2 can be switched to the registration mode through communication with the multiple switch panels 2, it sets all of the multiple switch panels 2 to a registration waiting state in which identification information can be registered. The switch panels 2 in the registration waiting state may notify the user that they are in an authentication waiting state, for example, by flashing the indicator light 24.

[0076] Then, as shown in Fig. 9, the user holds the electronic key 4, to which the identification information "A" is assigned, over one of the switch panels 2 waiting for registration. In Fig. 9, as an example, the electronic key 4 is held over the switch panel 2 that belongs to the (port) group G1 and is located in the cockpit 106, but this example is not limiting and the user may hold the electronic key 4 over any switch panel 2. When the electronic key 4 is held over any switch panel 2, the switch panel 2 communicates with the electronic key 4 via the reader 21 and executes a read process to read the identification information "A" from the electronic key 4. Furthermore, the switch panel 2 transmits a read signal Si13 including the read identification information "A" to the main control unit 1 that belongs to the same group G1.

[0077] Upon receiving the read signal Si13, the main control unit 1 transmits a registration signal Si14 to all of the multiple (four in this example) switch panels 2 through the registration processing unit 12. The registration signal Si14 is a signal including the same identification information "A" as the read signal Si13. As a result, the identification information read from any one of the multiple switch panels 2 waiting for registration is transferred to all of the multiple switch panels 2 waiting for registration. Strictly speaking, since communication between the devices belonging to group G1 and the devices belonging to group G2 is performed between the main control units 1, the registration request signal Si14 for the two switch panels 2 belonging to group G2 is transferred from the main control unit 1 of group G1 via the main control unit 1 of group G2.

[0078] The multiple switch panels 2 that have received the registration signal Si14 and are waiting for registration each execute a registration process to register (store) the identification information "A" included in the registration signal Si14 in the registration unit 23 as authentication information. As a result, the same identification information "A" is registered as authentication information in the registration units 23 of multiple (four in this case) switch panels 2, as shown in Fig. 10. At this time, the switch panel 2 that has registered the authentication information transmits a completion signal Si15 to the main control unit 1 that transmitted the registration signal Si14. By receiving the completion signal Si15, the main control unit 1 confirms that the registration of the identification information has been completed normally.

[0079] In addition, in this embodiment, while the registration mode is ongoing, after completing the registration of one piece of identification information, it is possible to register the identification information one after another by simply holding the electronic key 4 to which the next identification information is assigned over the switch panel 2. In other words, since the multiple switch panels 2 continue to be in a registration waiting state until the registration mode ends, after completing the registration of the identification information "A", the user registers the identification information "B" as authentication information in the same procedure as above by holding the electronic key 4 with the identification information "B" over any of the switch panels 2. Similarly, after completing the registration of the identification information "B", the user registers the identification information "C" as authentication information in the same procedure as above. As a result, the three pieces of authentication information, "A", "B", and "C", are registered.

[0080] 11 and 12 are explanatory diagrams (screen transition diagrams) showing an example of the transition state of the screen displayed on the display unit 31 of the terminal device 3 in relation to the above-mentioned registration function. Each screen shown here is merely an example, and the display contents, layout, etc. can be changed as appropriate.

[0081] FIG. 11 shows the screen transitions until the registration mode is started. When a mode switching operation is performed on the menu screen D1 shown in FIG. 11 to switch the operation mode of the vessel control system 100 to the "registration mode", the screen of the display unit 31 transitions to a confirmation screen D2. The confirmation screen D2 is a screen that displays a pop-up indicating the conditions under which the registration mode can be switched to (in this embodiment, the power supply for both the port and starboard sides is "on"). When the "OK button" is operated on the confirmation screen D2, the screen of the display unit 31 transitions to a warning screen D3. The warning screen D3 is a screen that displays a pop-up indicating that registration of the key identification number is to begin. When the "OK button" is operated on the warning screen D3, the screen of the display unit 31 transitions to a registration screen D4. The registration screen D4 is a screen that indicates the registration status of the identification number.

[0082] As an example in this embodiment, a maximum of 10 pieces of identification information can be registered as authentication information, and therefore the registration status (registered / unregistered) of the 10 pieces of authentication information from "Key1" to "Key10" is displayed on the registration screen D4. The registration screen D4 shown in Fig. 11 indicates that no authentication information has been registered (unregistered). When the registration screen D4 is displayed on the display unit 31, the switch panel 2 is in a registration waiting state.

[0083] When the electronic key 4 is held over any of the switch panels 2 while the registration screen D4 is displayed and the identification information is successfully registered, the screen of the display unit 31 transitions to a completion screen D5 shown in FIG. 12. The completion screen D5 is a screen that displays a pop-up message indicating that the identification information has been successfully registered. When a certain period of time has elapsed since the completion screen D5 is displayed, the screen of the display unit 31 transitions to a registration screen D6. The registration screen D6 shown in FIG. 12 indicates that the first identification information has been registered as authentication information by displaying "Key1: OK". When the electronic key 4 is held over any of the switch panels 2 while the registration screen D6 is displayed and the identification information is successfully registered, the screen of the display unit 31 transitions again to the completion screen D5. On the other hand, when the registration of all the identification information to be registered is completed, the user operates the back button B1 in the registration screen D6 to end the registration mode.

[0084] Furthermore, when the registration screen D6 is displayed and an already registered electronic key 4 is held over any of the switch panels 2, the screen on the display unit 31 transitions to a duplication error screen D7. The duplication error screen D7 is a screen that displays a pop-up message stating that the read identification information has already been registered. On the other hand, when the registration screen D6 is displayed and the maximum number of authentication information pieces (10 in this embodiment) have already been registered and a new electronic key 4 is held over any of the switch panels 2, the screen on the display unit 31 transitions to an upper limit error screen D8. The upper limit error screen D8 is a screen that displays a pop-up message stating that the maximum number of registered authentication information pieces has been reached.

[0085] In this embodiment, the main control unit 1 only transfers (relays) the identification information read by the reading unit 21, and the identification information is not registered (stored) in the main control unit 1. Therefore, the identification information as authentication information is managed locally, and it is possible to improve the security related to authentication compared to when it is managed by the main control unit 1. However, this is not limiting, and the identification information may be registered (stored) in the main control unit 1.

[0086] As described above, the control method (of the ship 10) according to this embodiment is used in the ship 10 equipped with a device that requires authentication of identification information when started up, and includes a reading process, an authentication process, and a registration process. In the reading process, the identification information is read by the reading unit 21 that is mounted on the hull 101 of the ship 10 and is capable of reading the identification information. In the authentication process, the identification information read in the reading process is authenticated by referring to the authentication information. In the registration process, the identification information is registered as authentication information. In the registration process, multiple pieces of authentication information can be registered.

[0087] According to this embodiment, by registering multiple pieces of authentication information, it is possible, for example, to provide multiple users with electronic keys 4 each assigned with individual identification information. Therefore, for example, even if multiple users share the boat 10, each user can start the boat 10 using their own unique identification information.

[0088] In the present embodiment, in the registration process, the identification information is read by any one of the multiple reading units 21, and the identification information is registered as authentication information. Therefore, even if the hull 101 of the ship 10 is relatively large, for example, the user can have the reading unit 21 that is closest to the user among the multiple reading units 21 read the identification information when registering the authentication information. Particularly in the present embodiment, the identification information read by (the reading unit 21 of) one switch panel 2 is transferred to all of the multiple (four in this case) switch panels 2 belonging to two or more groups G1 and G2, and is collectively registered as authentication information in all the registration units 23 of these multiple switch panels 2.

[0089] Furthermore, when a specific mode switching operation is accepted, a registration mode for executing a registration process is started. Therefore, for example, the user himself can register authentication information by performing a mode switching operation, and can easily add authentication information.

[0090] Furthermore, at the start of the registration process, it is determined whether or not the state of the ship 10 satisfies the registration conditions, and if the registration conditions are met, the registration process is started. In short, as described above, as one example, a registration condition is that the power of both the port and starboard devices of the hull 101 is "on," and the registration process can be started only if the registration conditions are met. Therefore, unless the registration conditions are met, the authentication information cannot be registered, and it is possible to prevent the registration of fraudulent authentication information.

[0091] The control method (of the ship 10) related to the registration function described above can be summarized as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0092] That is, in the control method according to the present embodiment, first, it is determined whether or not a mode switching operation is performed on any one of the multiple (here, four) terminal devices 3 (S11). If a mode switching operation is not performed (S11: No), the control method repeats the processing of step S11. If a mode switching operation is performed (S11: Yes), the control method determines whether or not the registration condition is satisfied (S12). For example, if the registration condition is that the power supply of both the port and starboard devices of the hull 101 is "on", the registration condition is satisfied when the power supply of both the port and starboard devices of the hull 101 is "on" (S12: Yes), and the processing proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the power supply of either the port or starboard device of the hull 101 is "off", the registration condition is not satisfied (S12: No), and the processing of step S12 is repeated.

[0093] In step S13, the control method determines whether or not the identification information is read. When the user holds the electronic key 4 over the switch panel 2, the reading process is performed by the reading unit 21 (S13: Yes), and the process proceeds to step S14. If the user does not hold the electronic key 4 over the switch panel 2, the reading process is not performed (S13: No), and the control method proceeds to step S15. In step S14, the registration processing unit 12 of the main control unit 1 transmits a registration signal Si14 including the identification information to the multiple switch panels 2 waiting for registration, and the registration unit 23 of the switch panel 2 registers the identification information as authentication information. In step S15, the control method determines whether or not the user performs an operation to end the registration mode. If the registration mode is not ended (S15: No), the control method returns the process to step S13. On the other hand, if the registration mode is ended (S15: Yes), the control method ends a series of processes of the control method related to the registration function.

[0094] The vessel control system 100 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S11 to S15 described above. However, the flowchart shown in Fig. 13 is merely an example, and processes may be added or omitted as appropriate, and the order of processes may be changed as appropriate.

[0095] Moreover, in the control method related to the registration function, it is not essential to perform the start-up permission process of putting the device into an start-up enabled state when authentication is successful using the identification information read by any one of the multiple reading units 21. In the first place, it is not essential for the ship 10 to have multiple reading units 21.

[0096] [3.3] Other features The control method (of the boat 10) according to this embodiment further has a function of editing (including deleting, adding, updating, etc.) the authentication information registered in the registration process. This makes it possible to deal with cases where it becomes necessary to edit the registered authentication information due to, for example, loss of the electronic key 4 or a change in user.

[0097] Regarding the erasure of registered authentication information, in this embodiment, multiple pieces of authentication information registered in the registration process are erased at once. In other words, multiple pieces of authentication information can be registered in the registration process, but it is not possible to erase only a portion of the multiple pieces of registered authentication information (individual pieces of authentication information), and they can only be erased at once. With this configuration, since all authentication information is erased, it is necessarily necessary to re-register the authentication information, which can improve security.

[0098] Specifically, when erasing authentication information, the user performs an erasure operation on any one of the multiple (here, four) terminal devices 3. To perform the erasure operation, the identification information must be authenticated, the power of both the port and starboard devices of the hull 101 must be "on," and the registration conditions must be met. The terminal device 3 that receives the erasure operation transmits an erasure request signal to the main control unit 1 that belongs to the same group G1. On receiving the erasure request signal, the main control unit 1 transmits an erasure request signal to all of the multiple (here, four) switch panels 2, causing all of the identification information registered as authentication information in the registration unit 23 of each of the multiple switch panels 2 to be erased.

[0099] The control method (of the boat 10) according to the present embodiment further includes a function of switching to a forced start mode that can turn on the power of a specific device without authenticating the identification information. This allows the power of each device of the boat 10 to be forcibly turned on and the authentication information to be registered, even in a situation where the authentication of the identification information is impossible, such as when all the electronic keys 4 are lost. However, the devices that can be set to an activatable state (a state in which the power can be turned on by a user's operation) in the forced start mode are limited to devices that are not used for propulsion of the hull 101 (non-power source). The forced start mode can be realized, for example, by replacing one of the multiple switch panels 2 with a switch panel 2 in which the authentication function (immobilizer function) of the identification information is disabled. By performing a start operation on the switch panel 2 in which the authentication function (immobilizer function) of the identification information is disabled, some devices can be set to an activatable state without authenticating the identification information.

[0100] That is, in this embodiment, the device includes a power source 104 used to propel the hull 101, and a non-power source. In the forced start mode, which allows the device to be activated without performing authentication processing, only the non-power source of the device is set to an activateable state. Here, the non-power sources include the switch panel 2 and the terminal device 3, etc. In this way, in the forced start mode, it is not possible to activate the power source 104 used to propel the hull 101, so the forced start mode helps to prevent theft and other thefts in which the boat 10 is forcibly moved.

[0101] [4] Variations Below, we will list some modified examples of the embodiment 1. The modified examples explained below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0102] The vessel control system 100 in the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system is mainly composed of one or more processors and one or more memories as hardware. The functions of the vessel control system 100 in the present disclosure are realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-recorded in the memory of the computer system, may be provided via a telecommunications line, or may be recorded and provided on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive that is readable by the computer system. In addition, some or all of the functional units included in the vessel control system 100 may be configured with electronic circuits.

[0103] Furthermore, it is not essential for the vessel control system 100 that at least some of the functions of the vessel control system 100 are concentrated in one housing, and the components of the vessel control system 100 may be distributed across multiple housings. Conversely, the functions distributed across multiple devices (e.g., the switch panel 2 and the terminal device 3) in embodiment 1 may be concentrated in one housing.

[0104] Furthermore, at least a part of the ship control system 100 is not limited to being mounted on the hull 101, but may be provided separately from the hull 101. As an example, if the main control unit 1 of the ship control system 100 is embodied by a server device provided separately from the hull 101, control of the ship 10 (hull 101) by the ship control system 100 becomes possible through communication between the server device and the hull 101 (a communication device thereof). At least a part of the functions of the ship control system 100 may be realized by cloud (cloud computing) or the like.

[0105] The ship 10 is not limited to a pleasure boat, but may be a merchant ship including a cargo ship and a cargo-passenger ship, a work ship including a tugboat and a salvage ship, a special ship including a weather observation ship and a training ship, a fishing boat, a naval vessel, etc. Furthermore, the ship 10 is not limited to a manned type with a pilot on board, but may be an unmanned type ship that can be remotely operated by a person (pilot) or that can be operated autonomously.

[0106] Furthermore, it is not essential that a plurality of authentication units 22 are provided corresponding to a plurality of reading units 21, and for example, there may be only one authentication unit 22. In this case, the identification information read by any one of the plurality of reading units 21 is transmitted to this authentication unit 22, and the authentication process is executed by the authentication unit 22.

[0107] The reader 21 is not limited to a configuration in which it communicates with the electronic key 4 via a short-range wireless communication method to read the identification information, but may be, for example, a configuration in which it communicates with the electronic key 4 via a wired communication method or an optical communication method to read the identification information. Furthermore, the identification information is not limited to information (data) stored in a memory, but may be, for example, optically readable information such as a two-dimensional code.

[0108] Furthermore, the electronic key 4 may be integrated with a mechanical key, or may be a card key, an electronic tag, a dedicated mobile terminal, or a general-purpose information terminal such as a smartphone.

[0109] In addition, it is not essential that the ship 10 has a plurality of devices classified into two or more groups G1, G2. Furthermore, the plurality of devices can be activated in units of groups G1, G2, and it is not essential that the activation permission process is performed collectively for the two or more groups G1, G2. Furthermore, the authentication process is performed by each of the plurality of authentication units 22 provided corresponding to the plurality of reading units 21, and it is not essential that when authentication is successful in any one of the plurality of authentication units 22, a notification is sent to the other authentication units 22. Furthermore, when activation is requested for a device that is in an activation-enabled state, it is not essential that the device is activated without performing another authentication process.

[0110] Furthermore, in the registration process, it is not essential to read the identification information with any one of the multiple reading units 21 and register the identification information as authentication information. Furthermore, it is not essential to start a registration mode for executing the registration process when a specific mode switching operation is accepted. Furthermore, it is not essential to determine whether the state of the boat 10 satisfies the registration condition at the start of the registration process. Furthermore, it is not essential to erase multiple pieces of authentication information registered in the registration process all at once, and the authentication information may be erased individually. Furthermore, in the forced start mode in which the device is made startable without performing the authentication process, it is not essential to make only the non-power source of the device startable.

[0111] (Embodiment 2) The vessel control system 100A according to this embodiment differs from the control method according to the first embodiment in that an authentication unit 62 that authenticates the identification information is provided outside the vessel control system 100A, as shown in Fig. 14. Hereinafter, components similar to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0112] In this embodiment, an authentication unit 62 and a registration unit 63 are provided in an authentication server 6 instead of the switch panel 2. The main control unit 1 of the vessel control system 100A installed in the vessel 10A is configured to be able to communicate with the authentication server 6 via a public network 61, such as a carrier network or the Internet.

[0113] That is, in this embodiment, the identification information read by the reading unit 21 of the switch panel 2 is sent from the main control unit 1 to the authentication server 6, and is authenticated by the authentication unit 62 of the authentication server 6. The authentication unit 62 executes authentication (authentication process) of the identification information by referring to the authentication information registered in the registration unit 63. In addition, the registration unit 63 of the authentication server 6 executes a registration process for registering multiple pieces of identification information as authentication information for one ship 10A.

[0114] 14, it is assumed that the hull 101 has only one cockpit, and one set of the switch panel 2 and the terminal device 3 is provided in each of the (port) group G1 and the (starboard) group G2. However, this is not the only possible configuration, and the switch panel 2 and the terminal device 3 may be provided in each of the two cockpits 106, 107, as in the first embodiment.

[0115] The configuration of the second embodiment can be adopted in appropriate combination with the various configurations (including modified examples) described in the first embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 2 Switch Panel (Device, Non-Power Source) 3 Terminal equipment (equipment, non-power source) 10,10A ship 11. Start-up permission processing section 21 Reading unit 22,62 Authentication section 100,100A Ship Control System 101 Hull 104 Power source (device) G1, G2 Group

Claims

1. Used on ships equipped with devices that require authentication of identity information when activated, a reading process of reading the identification information by each of a plurality of reading units mounted on a hull of the ship and capable of reading the identification information; an authentication process for authenticating the identification information read in the reading process by referring to authentication information; a start-up permission process for allowing the device to be in a start-up enabled state when authentication is successful using the identification information read by any one of the plurality of reading units; the authentication process is executed by each of a plurality of authentication units provided corresponding to the plurality of reading units, and when authentication is successful in any one of the plurality of authentication units, a notification is given to the other authentication units. How to control a vessel.

2. Used in a ship equipped with a device that requires authentication of identification information when activated, a reading process of reading the identification information by each of a plurality of reading units mounted on a hull of the ship and capable of reading the identification information; an authentication process for authenticating the identification information read in the reading process by referring to authentication information; a start-up permission process for setting the device in a start-up enabled state when authentication is successful using the identification information read by any one of the plurality of reading units; A registration process of registering the identification information as the authentication information, In the registration process, a plurality of pieces of authentication information can be registered, At the start of the registration process, it is determined whether or not a state of the ship satisfies a registerable condition, and if the registerable condition is satisfied, the registration process is started. How to control a vessel.

3. In the registration process, the identification information is read by any one of the plurality of reading units, and the identification information is registered as the authentication information. A method for controlling a vessel according to claim 2.

4. The plurality of pieces of authentication information registered in the registration process are erased at once. A method for controlling a ship according to claim 2 or 3.

5. when a specific mode switching operation is received, a registration mode for executing the registration process is started; A method for controlling a ship according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The vessel includes a plurality of the devices classified into two or more groups; The plurality of devices can be activated in units of the group, The startup permission process is performed collectively for the two or more groups. A method for controlling a ship according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. When a request for activation is made for the device in the activation-enabled state, the device is activated without performing the authentication process again. A method for controlling a ship according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The apparatus includes a power source used to propel the vessel and a non-power source; In a forced start-up mode in which the device is set to the start-up possible state without performing the authentication process, only the non-power source of the device is set to the start-up possible state. A method for controlling a ship according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A method for controlling a ship according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A ship control program for execution on one or more processors.

10. Used on ships equipped with devices that require authentication of identity information when activated, A plurality of reading units mounted on the hull of the ship and capable of reading the identification information; a plurality of authentication units provided corresponding to the plurality of reading units, each of which performs authentication on the identification information by referring to authentication information; a start-up permission processing unit that sets the device to a start-up enabled state when authentication is successful using the identification information read by any one of the plurality of reading units, When authentication is successful in any one of the plurality of authentication units, a notification is sent to the other authentication units. Ship control systems.

11. For use in a ship equipped with a device that requires authentication of identification information when activated, A plurality of reading units mounted on the hull of the ship and capable of reading the identification information; an authentication unit that performs authentication of the identification information by referring to authentication information; a start-up permission processing unit that sets the device to a start-up enabled state when authentication is successful using the identification information read by any one of the plurality of reading units; a registration processing unit that executes a registration process to register the identification information as the authentication information, The registration processing unit: A plurality of pieces of authentication information can be registered, At the start of the registration process, it is determined whether or not a state of the ship satisfies a registerable condition, and if the registerable condition is satisfied, the registration process is started. Ship control systems.

12. A ship control system according to claim 10 or 11, The hull, ship.

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