Operator warning support system and operator warning support method

Abstract

In this boat operator warning assistance system 100, a control unit 15 of a small boat 10 is configured to be able to communicate with a communication unit 14 of the small boat 10 on the basis of activation of an engine 11, and also configured to perform control to transmit, via the communication unit 14, an activation signal S for activating a warning application 60 to an information terminal 20 on which the warning application 60 is installed, said warning application 60 issuing a prescribed warning on the basis of location information P1 of the small boat 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vessel operator warning support system and a vessel operator warning support method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, small vessels configured to be communicable with an information terminal are known. Such small vessels are disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-67263.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-67263 describes a jet boat (small vessel) configured to be communicable with a mobile terminal (information terminal). The jet boat described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-67263 is configured to instruct the mobile terminal to transmit a rescue signal when the vessel operator falls into the water and rescue of the vessel operator is necessary.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Although not described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-67263, a warning application that gives a predetermined warning based on the position information of a jet-propelled boat (small ship) may be installed on a portable terminal (information terminal) capable of communicating with a conventional jet-propelled boat (small ship) such as that described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-67263. The predetermined warning based on the position information of the jet-propelled boat is for the purpose of improving the manners when the operator operates the jet-propelled boat. However, even if a warning application is installed on the portable terminal, the operator may forget to start the warning application on the portable terminal. In this case, when the operator operates the jet-propelled boat, a predetermined warning for the purpose of improving the manners when the operator operates the jet-propelled boat cannot be given to the operator. For this reason, when operating a jet-propelled boat (small ship), a configuration that can suppress the operator from forgetting to start a warning application that gives a predetermined warning based on the position information of the jet-propelled boat on a portable terminal (information terminal) capable of communicating with the jet-propelled boat is desired.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an operator warning support system and an operator warning support method capable of suppressing an operator from forgetting to start a warning application that gives a predetermined warning based on the position information of a small ship on an information terminal capable of communicating with the small ship when the operator operates the small ship.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, an operator warning support system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a small ship including an engine, a control unit, and a communication unit, and an information terminal configured to be communicable with the communication unit of the small ship and having a warning application installed thereon that gives a predetermined warning based on the position information of the small ship. The control unit of the small ship is configured to perform control to transmit, via the communication unit, a start signal for starting the warning application to the information terminal based on the engine being started.

[0008] As described above, the operator warning support system according to the first aspect of the present invention is configured such that the control unit of the small ship is communicable with the communication unit of the small ship based on the engine being started, and an information terminal installed with a warning application for issuing a predetermined warning based on the position information of the small ship is controlled to transmit a start signal for starting the warning application to the information terminal via the communication unit. Thereby, when the engine of the small ship is started, a start signal for starting the warning application can be transmitted to an information terminal installed with a warning application for issuing a predetermined warning based on the position information of the small ship. That is, even when the warning application is not started on the information terminal when the engine of the small ship is started, the warning application can be started on the information terminal. As a result, when the operator operates the small ship, it is possible to prevent the operator from forgetting to start a warning application that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information of the small ship on the information terminal that can communicate with the small ship.

[0009] In the operator warning support system according to the first aspect, preferably, the warning application is an application for warning the operator of the small ship at least one of the small ship exceeding the restricted speed in a speed limit area where the speed of the small ship is restricted and the small ship entering a restricted area where entry of the small ship is prohibited. With this configuration, when the operator operates the small ship, it is possible to prevent the operator from forgetting to start an application for warning the operator of the small ship at least one of the small ship exceeding the restricted speed in the speed limit area and the small ship entering the restricted area.

[0010] In the operator warning support system according to the first aspect, preferably, the control unit of the small ship is configured to perform control to determine whether the engine has been started based on the engine speed. With this configuration, for example, it is possible to reliably determine whether the engine has actually started based on the engine speed, unlike the case of determining whether the engine has started based on, for example, the fact that the switch to start the engine has been pressed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the transmission of a start signal for starting the warning application to the information terminal when the engine has not been started.

[0011] In the operator warning support system according to the first aspect, preferably, the information terminal is configured to start the warning application when it receives the start signal and when the current position of the information terminal is on water. With this configuration, the information terminal can suppress starting the warning application on the information terminal even when the start signal is transmitted from the small ship but the current position of the small ship or the information terminal is on land. That is, the information terminal can suppress starting the warning application on the information terminal even when the start signal is transmitted from the small ship but the operator is not operating the small ship. As a result, it is possible to suppress starting the warning application on the information terminal when there is no need to start the warning application on the information terminal.

[0012] In this case, preferably, the information terminal is configured to be able to acquire the position information of the information terminal by means of a satellite positioning system. Even when a start signal is transmitted from a small ship, if it is determined based on the position information of the information terminal that the information terminal is on land, the warning application is configured not to be started. With this configuration, the information terminal can easily determine whether the information terminal is on land based on the position information of the information terminal acquired by the satellite positioning system. That is, the information terminal can easily determine whether to start the warning application. As a result, when there is no need to start the warning application on the information terminal, it is possible to easily suppress the start of the warning application on the information terminal. In addition, since the information terminal (especially a portable information terminal) often has the function of a satellite positioning system (such as GPS), in that case, there is no need to newly install software for the satellite positioning system or the like on the information terminal.

[0013] In the operator warning support system according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the control unit of the small ship is configured to be able to acquire the position information of the small ship by means of a satellite positioning system. Even when the engine is started, if it is determined based on the position information of the small ship that the small ship is on land, the control is configured to not transmit a start signal to the information terminal. With this configuration, the control unit of the small ship can easily determine whether the small ship is on land based on the position information of the small ship acquired by the satellite positioning system. That is, the control unit of the small ship can easily determine whether to transmit a start signal for starting the warning application to the information terminal. As a result, when there is no need to start the warning application on the information terminal, it is possible to easily suppress the start of the warning application on the information terminal.

[0014] In the operator warning support system according to the first aspect, preferably, the small ship includes a jet propulsion unit that generates thrust by the driving force of the engine, and the control unit of the small ship estimates that the propulsion unit is in the water based on the load applied to the engine even when the engine is started. When it is determined that the small ship is on land, control is configured not to transmit a start signal to the information terminal. With this configuration, the control unit of the small ship can easily determine whether the small ship is on land by estimating that the jet propulsion unit is in the water based on the load applied to the engine. That is, the control unit of the small ship can easily determine whether to transmit a start signal for starting the warning application to the information terminal. As a result, when there is no need to start the warning application on the information terminal, it is possible to easily suppress starting the warning application on the information terminal.

[0015] In the operator warning support system according to the first aspect, preferably, the control unit of the small ship is configured to perform control to transmit a start signal to the information terminal via Bluetooth (registered trademark) through the communication unit based on the engine being started. With this configuration, the start signal can be easily transmitted from the communication unit of the small ship to the information terminal by Bluetooth, which is optimal for short-distance communication.

[0016] In the operator warning support system according to the first aspect, preferably, when the warning application is not activated on the information terminal, the control unit of the small ship is configured to perform control to limit the output of the engine or the speed of the small ship. Here, even if the warning application is installed on the information terminal, when the operator operates the small ship, the warning application may not function. The case where the warning application does not function includes, for example, when the power of the information terminal is not turned on, when the communication between the communication unit of the small ship and the information terminal is not established, when the warning application is not activated, and the like. In addition, when the warning application is not activated, even if the small ship transmits an activation signal to activate the warning application to the information terminal, if the warning application is not normally activated on the information terminal, or if the operator (intentionally or unintentionally) stops the warning application that was activated on the information terminal, and so on. If the warning application does not function when the operator operates the small ship, the warning application installed on the information terminal for the purpose of improving the manner when the operator operates the small ship and giving a predetermined warning based on the position information of the small ship cannot be effectively utilized. For this reason, a configuration that enables the warning application that gives a predetermined warning based on the position information of the small ship to function on the information terminal that the small ship can communicate with when the operator operates the small ship is desired. On the other hand, if configured as described above, when the warning application is not activated on the information terminal, the output of the engine or the speed of the small ship can be limited. That is, when the warning application is not activated on the information terminal, in order to cancel the limitation of the output of the engine or the speed of the small ship, the operator can be prompted to activate the warning application on the information terminal. As a result, when the operator operates the small ship, the warning application that gives a predetermined warning based on the position information of the small ship can function on the information terminal that the small ship can communicate with.

[0017] In a configuration where the control unit of a small ship performs control to limit the engine output when a warning application is not activated on the information terminal, preferably, the control unit of the small ship is configured to perform control to limit the engine speed so as to limit the engine output when the warning application is not activated on the information terminal. With this configuration, by limiting the engine speed, the engine output can be easily limited. As a result, when the operator steers the small ship, a warning application that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information of the small ship can be easily made to function on the information terminal that the small ship can communicate with.

[0018] In a configuration where the control unit of a small ship performs control to limit the engine output when a warning application is not activated on the information terminal, preferably, the control unit of the small ship is configured to perform control to limit the maximum engine output to a value that is about 40% or more and about 70% or less of the maximum output when the engine output is not restricted, when the warning application is not activated on the information terminal. With this configuration, compared to the case of restricting the maximum engine output to a value greater than about 70% of the maximum output when the engine output is not restricted, the engine output can be more greatly restricted. That is, when the warning application is not activated on the information terminal, the operator can be more strongly urged to activate the warning application on the information terminal. As a result, when the operator steers the small ship, a warning application that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information of the small ship can be surely made to function on the information terminal that the small ship can communicate with.

[0019] In the operator warning support system according to the first aspect, preferably, the information terminal includes a touch panel. When a warning application is being displayed on the touch panel, if the touch panel continuously receives a first operation of drawing a figure clockwise and a second operation of drawing a figure counterclockwise, the touch panel is configured to lock and unlock the screen transition. Here, when the operator operates a small ship, water droplets may adhere to the information terminal. In this case, when a warning application is being displayed on the touch panel, if the water droplets move on the touch panel due to their own weight, wind pressure, etc., the touch panel may be misrecognized as being operated by the operator. In this case, the screen of the warning application displayed on the touch panel may unintentionally transition to another screen. Therefore, a configuration that can suppress the screen of the warning application displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal from unintentionally transitioning to another screen is desired. On the other hand, if configured as described above, when a warning application is being displayed on the touch panel, the touch panel can be locked and unlocked for screen transition only when a continuous operation of a first operation of drawing a figure clockwise and a second operation of drawing a figure counterclockwise is performed on the touch panel. It is considered that it is almost impossible for the water droplets adhering to the touch panel to continuously move in a clockwise figure-drawing movement and a counterclockwise figure-drawing movement. That is, since the movement of the operator's finger in the first operation and the second operation for locking and unlocking the screen transition of the touch panel is a movement that is unlikely to occur in the water droplets adhering to the touch panel, it is possible to suppress the touch panel from being misrecognized as being operated by the operator when a warning application is being displayed on the touch panel. As a result, it is possible to suppress the screen of the warning application displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal from unintentionally transitioning to another screen.

[0020] In a configuration where, when the information terminal is displaying a warning application on the touch panel and the touch panel successively receives a first operation of drawing a figure clockwise and a second operation of drawing a figure counterclockwise, the screen transition of the touch panel is locked and unlocked, preferably, when the information terminal is displaying a warning application on the touch panel, and the touch panel successively receives a first operation and a second operation of drawing figures of different sizes, the information terminal is configured to lock and unlock the screen transition of the touch panel. With this configuration, compared to the case where figures of the same size are drawn in the first operation and the second operation, the movement of the operator's finger in the first operation and the second operation is less likely to occur in water droplets on the touch panel, so it is possible to further suppress the misrecognition that the touch panel has been operated by the operator. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the unintentional transition of the screen of the warning application displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal to another screen.

[0021] In a configuration where, when the information terminal is displaying a warning application on the touch panel and the touch panel successively receives a first operation of drawing a figure clockwise and a second operation of drawing a figure counterclockwise, the screen transition of the touch panel is locked and unlocked, preferably, when the information terminal is displaying a warning application on the touch panel, and the touch panel successively receives a first operation of drawing a circle and a second operation of drawing a circle, the information terminal is configured to lock and unlock the screen transition of the touch panel. With this configuration, compared to the case where the first operation and the second operation draw figures other than a circle (for example, a quadrilateral, a triangle, etc.), since the number of strokes of the figures drawn in the first operation and the second operation is reduced, the operation burden on the operator for locking and unlocking the screen transition of the touch panel can be reduced.

[0022] In a configuration where the information terminal locks and unlocks the screen transition of the touch panel when the touch panel successively receives a first operation of drawing a figure clockwise and a second operation of drawing a figure counterclockwise while the warning application is being displayed on the touch panel, preferably, when the touch panel successively receives the first operation and the second operation adjacent to the first operation so as to draw an eight-shaped figure while the warning application is being displayed on the touch panel, the information terminal is configured to lock and unlock the screen transition of the touch panel. With this configuration, by drawing an eight-shaped figure with the first operation and the second operation, the number of strokes of the figure drawn in the first operation and the second operation can be made 1. Therefore, compared with the case where an eight-shaped figure is not drawn with the first operation and the second operation, the operation burden on the operator for locking and unlocking the screen transition of the touch panel can be reduced.

[0023] Also, in order to achieve the above object, a method for assisting a ship operator according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a step in which a control unit of a small ship including an engine, a control unit, and a communication unit determines whether the engine has been started, and when the control unit of the small ship determines that the engine has been started, a control step of transmitting, via the communication unit, a start signal for starting a warning application to an information terminal configured to be communicable with the small ship and having the warning application installed thereon that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information of the small ship.

[0024] According to the second aspect of the present invention, the operator warning support method is, as described above, when the control unit of the small ship determines that the engine of the small ship has started, it is configured to be communicable with the communication unit of the small ship, and a warning application that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information of the small ship is installed on the information terminal. It includes a step of performing control to transmit a start signal for starting the warning application to the information terminal via the communication unit. As a result, similar to the operator warning support system according to the first aspect, when the engine of the small ship starts, even if the warning application is not started on the information terminal, the warning application can be started on the information terminal. As a result, similar to the operator warning support system according to the first aspect, when the operator operates the small ship, it is possible to prevent the operator from forgetting to start a warning application that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information of the small ship on the information terminal that can communicate with the small ship.

[0025] In the operator warning support method according to the second aspect, preferably, a step of determining whether the warning application is started on the information terminal, and when the control unit of the small ship determines that the warning application is not started on the information terminal, performing control to limit the output of the engine or the speed of the small ship. With this configuration, similar to the operator warning support system according to the first aspect, when the warning application is not started on the information terminal, in order to cancel the limitation of the engine output or the speed of the small ship, the operator can be prompted to start the warning application on the information terminal. As a result, similar to the operator warning support system according to the first aspect, when the operator operates the small ship, it is possible to enable a warning application that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information of the small ship on the information terminal that can communicate with the small ship.

[0026] In the method for assisting a ship operator according to the second aspect, preferably, when a warning application is being displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal, a step of determining whether the touch panel has continuously received a first operation of drawing a figure clockwise and a second operation of drawing a figure counterclockwise, and when the touch panel has continuously received the first operation and the second operation while the warning application is being displayed on the touch panel, a step of locking and unlocking the screen transition of the touch panel. With this configuration, similar to the ship operator warning support system according to the first aspect, the movement of the operator's finger in the first operation and the second operation for locking and unlocking the screen transition of the touch panel is a movement that is less likely to occur on the water droplets on the touch panel. Therefore, when a warning application is being displayed on the touch panel, it is possible to suppress the misrecognition that the touch panel has been operated by the operator. As a result, similar to the ship operator warning support system according to the first aspect, it is possible to suppress the screen of the warning application displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal from unintentionally transitioning to another screen by the operator.

[0027] In addition, in this application, the following configurations are also conceivable.

[0028] (Additional item 1) That is, the operator warning support system includes a small ship including an engine, a control unit, and a communication unit, and an information terminal configured to be able to communicate with the communication unit of the small ship and having a warning application installed thereon that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information of the small ship. The control unit of the small ship is configured to perform control to limit the output of the engine or the speed of the small ship when the warning application is not activated in the information terminal. As described above, when the operator operates the small ship, a configuration that can surely enable a warning application that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information of the small ship to function in the information terminal that can communicate with the small ship is desired. Therefore, if configured as described above, when the warning application is not activated in the information terminal, the output of the engine or the speed of the small ship can be limited. That is, when the warning application is not activated in the information terminal, in order to cancel the limitation of the output of the engine or the speed of the small ship, the operator can be prompted to activate the warning application in the information terminal. As a result, when the operator operates the small ship, a warning application that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information of the small ship can surely function in the information terminal that can communicate with the small ship.

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide an operator warning support system and an operator warning support method that can suppress the operator from forgetting to activate a warning application that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information of the small ship in the information terminal that can communicate with the small ship when the operator operates the small ship.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030]

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[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, a vessel operator warning support system 100, a small vessel 10, and a vessel operator warning support method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0033] (Overall Configuration of Vessel Operator Warning Support System) As shown in FIG. 1, the vessel operator warning support system 100 includes a small vessel 10 and an information terminal 20. The small vessel 10 and the information terminal 20 are configured to be communicable with each other.

[0034] (Configuration of Small Vessel) As shown in FIG. 2, the small vessel 10 is a water jet propulsion boat (water motorcycle). That is, the small vessel 10 is a personal watercraft. The small vessel 10 includes an engine 11 and a jet propulsion type propulsion unit 13 that generates thrust by the driving force of the engine 11. Note that FWD and BWD in FIG. 2 indicate the front and rear of the small vessel 10, respectively.

[0035] The engine 11 includes a crankshaft 11a, and the engine 11 is configured to obtain a driving force for rotating the crankshaft 11a by burning a mixture of air sucked through an intake passage (not shown) provided with a throttle valve (not shown) and fuel in a combustion chamber.

[0036] The propulsion unit 13 is configured to take in water into the water channel 12 having an opening provided on the lower surface at the rear of the small ship 10 by being driven by the engine 11, and to inject the taken-in water from a nozzle 13c located at the rear end of the small ship 10. As a result, the small ship 10 is propelled.

[0037] Specifically, the propulsion unit 13 includes a drive shaft 13a, an impeller 13b, a nozzle 13c, a deflector 13d, and a reverse gate (bucket) 13e.

[0038] The drive shaft 13a extends in the front-rear direction, the front end is connected to the crankshaft 11a, and the rear end is disposed within the water channel 12. An impeller 13b is fixed near the rear end of the drive shaft 13a.

[0039] The impeller 13b is configured to generate a flow toward the nozzle 13c within the water channel 12 by rotating together with the drive shaft 13a.

[0040] The nozzle 13c is disposed at the most downstream position of the water channel 12 where the impeller 13b is disposed. The nozzle 13c has a function as a water discharge port (injection port). That is, the nozzle 13c is configured to inject water to generate propulsion force. A deflector 13d and a reverse gate 13e are installed on the nozzle 13c.

[0041] The deflector 13d is configured to be rotatable in the left-right direction about an axis extending in the up-down direction. That is, the deflector 13d is configured to be able to change the direction of the water injected from the nozzle 13c in the left-right direction.

[0042] The reverse gate 13e is configured to be rotatable in the up-down direction about an axis extending in the left-right direction. That is, the reverse gate 13e is configured to be able to change the direction of the water injected from the nozzle 13c in the front-rear direction.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the small ship 10 includes a communication unit 14. The communication unit 14 is configured to be communicable with the information terminal 20 via Bluetooth. The communication unit 14 is configured to be communicable with GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) satellites 41. The GNSS satellites 41 are artificial satellites that constitute part of the satellite positioning system 40.

[0044] The small ship 10 includes a control unit 15. The control unit 15 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 15 controls the driving of the engine 11. The control unit 15 is configured to be able to acquire the position information P1 of the small ship 10 by the satellite positioning system 40 via the communication unit 14.

[0045] (Configuration of Information Terminal) As shown in FIG. 3, the information terminal 20 is, for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal. That is, the information terminal 20 includes a touch panel 21. A screen such as a warning application 60 is displayed on the touch panel 21. As shown in FIG. 1, the information terminal 20 is attached to the small ship 10 by a bracket 16 arranged in front of the seat where the operator 90 sits. The details of the warning application 60 will be described later.

[0046] The information terminal 20 includes a communication unit 22. The communication unit 22 is configured to communicate with the communication unit 14 of the small ship 10 via Bluetooth. The communication unit 22 is configured to communicate with the GNSS satellite 41. The information terminal 20 is configured to obtain the position information P2 of the information terminal 20 by means of the satellite positioning system 40 via the communication unit 22. The communication unit 22 is configured to communicate with the cloud server 30 via the Internet 50 according to a communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The latest information and the like of the warning application 60 (see FIG. 3) are stored in the cloud server 30. The information terminal 20 is configured to obtain the latest information such as the warning application 60 from the cloud server 30 via the Internet 50.

[0047] The information terminal 20 includes a control unit 23 and a storage unit 24. The control unit 15 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. A program used for control by the control unit 15 is stored in the storage unit 24. A warning application 60 (see FIG. 3) for giving a predetermined warning based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10 is stored in the storage unit 24. That is, the warning application 60 is installed in the information terminal 20.

[0048] (Details of the warning application) As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the warning application 60 is an application for warning the operator 90 (see FIG. 1) of the small ship 10 that the small ship 10 has exceeded the speed limit in the speed limit area A1 and that the small ship 10 has entered the restricted area A2 where entry of the small ship 10 is prohibited. Information such as map information and the position information of the small ship 10 is displayed on the screen of the warning application 60. The map information includes land, water areas, the speed limit area A1, the restricted area A2, and the like.

[0049] In FIG. 3, on the screen of the warning application 60, it shows a state where the small ship 10 is exceeding the speed limit in the speed limit area A1. That is, in FIG. 3, on the screen of the warning application 60, it shows a state where an icon 61 for warning the operator 90 (see FIG. 1) that the small ship 10 is exceeding the speed limit in the speed limit area A1 is displayed. Also, in FIG. 4, on the screen of the warning application 60, it shows a state where the small ship 10 has entered the prohibited entry area A2. That is, in FIG. 4, on the screen of the warning application 60, it shows a state where an icon 62 for warning the operator 90 that the small ship 10 has entered the prohibited entry area A2 is displayed. Note that the warning to the operator 90 may be made by voice on the information terminal 20, or may be made by voice on the small ship 10, or icons, messages, etc. may be displayed on a display unit (not shown) on the small ship 10.

[0050] (Control for automatically starting a warning application when an operator operates a small ship in a ship operation warning support system) As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 is configured to perform control to transmit a start signal S for starting the warning application 60 (see FIG. 3) to the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 14 (by Bluetooth) based on the fact that the engine 11 has been started. Specifically, the control unit 15 determines whether the engine 11 has been started. And when the control unit 15 determines that the engine 11 has been started, it performs control to transmit a start signal S for starting the warning application 60 to the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 14 configured to be communicable with the information terminal 20 by Bluetooth.

[0051] The control unit 15 of the small ship 10 is configured to perform control to determine whether the engine 11 has been started based on the rotational speed of the engine 11. Specifically, the small ship 10 includes a rotational speed detection unit 17 that detects the rotational speed of the crankshaft 11a (see FIG. 2). Then, the control unit 15 uses the rotational speed of the crankshaft 11a detected by the rotational speed detection unit 17 as the rotational speed of the engine 11, and determines that the engine 11 has been started when the rotational speed of the crankshaft 11a becomes greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0052] When the information terminal 20 receives the start signal S and the current position of the information terminal 20 is on water, it is configured to start the warning application 60 (see FIG. 3). Specifically, even when the start signal S is transmitted from the small ship 10, if the information terminal 20 determines based on the position information P2 of the information terminal 20 that it is on land, the information terminal 20 is configured not to start the warning application 60. Specifically, the control unit 23 of the information terminal 20 determines whether it has received the start signal S. Then, when the control unit 23 determines that it has received the start signal S, it determines whether the current position of the information terminal 20 is on water based on the position information P2 of the information terminal 20 acquired by the satellite positioning system 40. And when the control unit 23 determines that the current position of the information terminal 20 is not on water (is on land), it performs control not to start the warning application 60.

[0053] Even when the engine 11 of the small ship 10 has been started, if the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 determines based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10 that the small ship 10 is on land, it is configured to perform control not to transmit the start signal S to the information terminal 20. Specifically, when the control unit 15 determines that the engine 11 has been started, it determines whether the small ship 10 is on water based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10 acquired by the satellite positioning system 40. And when the control unit 15 determines that the small ship 10 is not on water (is on land), it performs control not to transmit the start signal S for starting the warning application 60 (see FIG. 3) to the information terminal 20.

[0054] Even when the engine 11 is started, if the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 determines that the small ship 10 is on land by estimating that the propulsion unit 13 (see FIG. 2) is in the water based on the load applied to the engine 11, it is configured to perform control not to transmit the start signal S to the information terminal 20. Specifically, when the jet propulsion type propulsion unit 13 is in the water and when it is not in the water, the rotational speed of the engine 11 (the rotational speed of the crankshaft 11a) with respect to the intake air amount of the engine 11 is significantly different. That is, the load applied to the engine 11 is significantly different when the jet propulsion type propulsion unit 13 is in the water and when it is not in the water). Therefore, the small ship 10 includes an intake air amount detection unit 18 that detects the intake air amount of the engine 11. Then, when the control unit 15 determines that the engine 11 has been started, based on the intake air amount of the engine 11 detected by the intake air amount detection unit 18 and the rotational speed of the engine 11 (the rotational speed of the crankshaft 11a) detected by the rotational speed detection unit 17, it estimates whether the propulsion unit 13 is in the water. And when the control unit 15 estimates that the propulsion unit 13 is not in the water (on land), it performs control not to transmit the start signal S for starting the warning application 60 (see FIG. 3) to the information terminal 20.

[0055] (Control flow for automatically starting a warning application when an operator operates a small ship in a ship operation warning support system) As shown in FIG. 5, in step S11, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 determines whether the engine 11 has been started based on the rotational speed of the engine 11. And when the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 determines that the engine 11 has been started, it proceeds to step S12. Also, when the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 determines that the engine 11 has not been started, it returns to step S11.

[0056] Next, in step S12, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 determines whether the small ship 10 is on the water based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10 and the load applied to the engine 11. And when the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 determines that the small ship 10 is on the water, it proceeds to step S13. Also, when the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 determines that the small ship 10 is not on the water (is on land), it returns to step S11.

[0057] Next, in step S13, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 performs control to transmit a start signal S for starting the warning application 60 to the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 14. And the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 returns to step S11.

[0058] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, in step S21, the control unit 23 of the information terminal 20 determines whether it has received a start signal S for starting the warning application 60. And when the control unit 23 of the information terminal 20 determines that it has received the start signal S, it proceeds to step S22. Also, when the control unit 23 of the information terminal 20 determines that it has not received the start signal S, it returns to step S21.

[0059] Next, in step S22, the control unit 23 of the information terminal 20 determines whether the current position of the information terminal 20 is on the water. And when the control unit 23 of the information terminal 20 determines that the current position of the information terminal 20 is on the water, it proceeds to step S23. Also, when the control unit 23 of the information terminal 20 determines that the current position of the information terminal 20 is not on the water, it returns to step S21.

[0060] Next, in step S23, the control unit 23 of the information terminal 20 performs control to start the warning application 60. And the control unit 23 of the information terminal 20 returns to step S21.

[0061] (Control for prompting the operator to start a warning application when the operator operates a small ship in a ship operation warning support system) As shown in FIG. 1, when the warning application 60 (see FIG. 3) is not activated in the information terminal 20, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 is configured to perform control to limit the output of the engine 11. Specifically, when the warning application 60 is not activated in the information terminal 20, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 is configured to perform control to limit the rotational speed of the engine 11 so as to limit the output of the engine 11. Specifically, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 determines whether or not the warning application 60 is activated in the information terminal 20. For example, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 transmits a signal for confirming the activation of the warning application 60 to the information terminal 20, and determines whether or not the warning application 60 is activated in the information terminal 20 based on the information returned from the information terminal 20. Then, when the warning application 60 is not activated in the information terminal 20, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 performs control to limit the rotational speed of the engine 11.

[0062] When the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 performs control to limit the rotational speed of the engine 11, the control unit 15 performs control to limit the rotational speed of the engine 11 and at the same time performs control to notify the operator 90 that the control to limit the rotational speed of the engine 11 is being performed because the warning application 60 is not activated in the information terminal 20. The notification to the operator 90 may be made by displaying an icon, a message, etc. on the touch panel 21 in the information terminal 20, may be made by voice in the information terminal 20, may be made by displaying an icon, a message, etc. on a display unit (not shown) in the small ship 10, or may be made by voice in the small ship 10.

[0063] Note that when the warning application 60 is not activated in the information terminal 20, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 is configured to perform control to limit the maximum output (maximum rotational speed of the engine 11) of the engine 11 to a value that is about 40% or more and about 70% or less of the maximum output when the output (rotational speed of the engine 11) of the engine 11 is not restricted.

[0064] (Control flow for prompting the operator to start a warning application when the operator operates a small ship in a ship operation warning support system) As shown in FIG. 7, in step S31, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 determines whether or not the warning application 60 is started in the information terminal 20. If the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 determines that the warning application 60 is started in the information terminal 20, it returns to step S31. If the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 determines that the warning application 60 is not started in the information terminal 20, it proceeds to step S32.

[0065] Next, in step S32, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 performs control to limit the output (engine speed) of the engine 11. Specifically, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 performs control to limit the maximum output (maximum engine speed) of the engine 11 to a value that is about 40% or more and about 70% or less of the maximum output when the output (engine speed) of the engine 11 is not restricted. Then, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 returns to step S31.

[0066] (Control for locking or unlocking screen transition of a warning application in a ship operation warning support system) As shown in FIG. 8, when the information terminal 20 is displaying the warning application 60 on the touch panel 21 and the touch panel 21 successively receives a first operation 71 of drawing a figure clockwise and a second operation 72 of drawing a figure counterclockwise, the touch panel 21 is configured to lock and unlock the screen transition. Specifically, when the information terminal 20 is displaying the warning application 60 on the touch panel 21, the control unit 23 of the information terminal 20 determines whether the touch panel 21 has successively received a first operation 71 of drawing a figure clockwise and a second operation 72 of drawing a figure counterclockwise. And when the control unit 23 of the information terminal 20 determines that the first operation 71 and the second operation 72 have been successively received, the control unit 23 locks and unlocks the screen transition of the touch panel 21. For example, when after the first operation 71, the operator 90 does not lift the finger from the screen and the second operation 72 is performed within less than 1 second, the control unit 23 of the information terminal 20 determines that the first operation 71 and the second operation 72 have been successively received.

[0067] When the information terminal 20 is displaying the warning application 60 on the touch panel 21 and the touch panel 21 successively receives a first operation 71 and a second operation 72 of drawing a figure with a size different from that of the first operation 71, the touch panel 21 is configured to lock and unlock the screen transition. Also, when the information terminal 20 is displaying the warning application 60 on the touch panel 21 and the touch panel 21 successively receives a first operation 71 of drawing a circle and a second operation 72 of drawing a circle, the touch panel 21 is configured to lock and unlock the screen transition. Note that in the information terminal 20, the second operation 72 of drawing a figure counterclockwise is configured to draw a figure smaller than the first operation 71 of drawing a figure clockwise. Also, in the information terminal 20, the second operation 72 of drawing a figure counterclockwise is configured to draw a concentric circle with the first operation 71 of drawing a figure clockwise.

[0068] (Control flow for locking or unlocking the screen transition of the warning application in the ship operator warning support system) As shown in FIG. 9, in step S41, the control unit 23 of the information terminal 20 determines whether the touch panel 21 of the information terminal 20 has successively received a first operation 71 of drawing a figure clockwise and a second operation 72 of drawing a figure counterclockwise while the warning application 60 is being displayed on the touch panel 21. Then, when the control unit 23 of the information terminal 20 determines that the touch panel 21 has successively received the first operation 71 and the second operation 72, it proceeds to step S42. Also, when the control unit 23 of the information terminal 20 determines that the touch panel 21 has not successively received the first operation 71 and the second operation 72, it returns to step S41. Note that the first operation 71 and the second operation 72 are operations of drawing figures with different sizes from each other. Also, both the first operation 71 and the second operation 72 are operations of drawing a circle.

[0069] Next, in step S42, the control unit 23 of the information terminal 20 locks and unlocks the screen transition of the touch panel 21. Then, the control unit 23 of the information terminal 20 returns to step S41.

[0070] (Effect of the Structure of the Embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0071] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 is configured to be communicable with the communication unit 14 of the small ship 10 based on the fact that the engine 11 has been started, and a warning application 60 that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10 is installed on the information terminal 20. The control unit 15 is configured to perform control to transmit a start signal S for starting the warning application 60 to the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 14. As a result, when the engine 11 of the small ship 10 is started, a start signal S for starting the warning application 60 can be transmitted to the information terminal 20 on which the warning application 60 that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10 is installed. That is, even when the warning application 60 is not started on the information terminal 20 when the engine 11 of the small ship 10 is started, the warning application 60 can be started on the information terminal 20. As a result, when the operator 90 operates the small ship 10, it is possible to prevent the operator 90 from forgetting to start the warning application 60 that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10 on the information terminal 20 that can communicate with the small ship 10.

[0072] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, the warning application 60 is an application for warning the operator 90 of the small ship 10 that the small ship 10 has exceeded the speed limit in the speed limit area A1 where the speed of the small ship 10 is restricted, and that the small ship 10 has entered the prohibited entry area A2 where entry of the small ship 10 is prohibited. As a result, when the operator 90 operates the small ship 10, it is possible to prevent the operator 90 from forgetting to start the application for warning the operator 90 of the small ship 10 that the small ship 10 has exceeded the speed limit in the speed limit area A1 and that the small ship 10 has entered the prohibited entry area A2.

[0073] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 is configured to perform control to determine whether or not the engine 11 has been started based on the rotational speed of the engine 11. Thereby, for example, unlike the case of determining whether or not the engine 11 has been started based on the fact that a switch for starting the engine 11 has been pressed, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not the engine 11 has actually been started based on the rotational speed of the engine 11. As a result, when the engine 11 has not been started, it is possible to suppress transmitting a start signal S for starting the warning application 60 to the information terminal 20.

[0074] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, the information terminal 20 is configured to start the warning application 60 when the information terminal 20 receives the start signal S and the current position of the information terminal 20 is on water. Thereby, even when the start signal S is transmitted from the small ship 10, the information terminal 20 can suppress starting the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20 when the current position of the information terminal 20 is on land. That is, even when the start signal S is transmitted from the small ship 10, the information terminal 20 can suppress starting the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20 when the operator 90 is not operating the small ship 10. As a result, it is possible to suppress starting the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20 when there is no need to start the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20.

[0075] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, the information terminal 20 is configured to be able to acquire the position information P2 of the information terminal 20 by the satellite positioning system 40. And, even when the activation signal S is transmitted from the small ship 10, if the information terminal 20 determines that the information terminal 20 is on land based on the position information P2 of the information terminal 20, the information terminal 20 is configured not to activate the warning application 60. Thereby, the information terminal 20 can easily determine whether the information terminal 20 is on land based on the position information P2 of the information terminal 20 acquired by the satellite positioning system 40. That is, the information terminal 20 can easily determine whether to activate the warning application 60. As a result, when there is no need to activate the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20, it is possible to easily suppress the activation of the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20. Also, since the information terminal 20 (especially the portable information terminal 20) often has the function of the satellite positioning system 40 (such as GPS), in that case, there is no need to newly install software for the satellite positioning system 40 in the information terminal 20.

[0076] Also, in the first embodiment, as described above, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 is configured to be able to acquire the position information P1 of the small ship 10 by the satellite positioning system 40. And, even when the engine 11 is started, if the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 determines that the small ship 10 is on land based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10, the control unit 15 is configured to perform control not to transmit the activation signal S to the information terminal 20. Thereby, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 can easily determine whether the small ship 10 is on land based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10 acquired by the satellite positioning system 40. That is, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 can easily determine whether to transmit the activation signal S for activating the warning application 60 to the information terminal 20. As a result, when there is no need to activate the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20, it is possible to easily suppress the activation of the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20.

[0077] Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the small ship 10 includes a jet propulsion unit 13 that generates thrust by the driving force of the engine 11. And, when the engine 11 is started, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 is configured to perform control not to transmit the activation signal S to the information terminal 20 when it is determined that the small ship 10 is on land by estimating that the propulsion unit 13 is in the water based on the load applied to the engine 11. Thereby, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 can easily determine whether the small ship 10 is on land by estimating that the jet propulsion unit 13 is in the water based on the load applied to the engine 11. That is, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 can easily determine whether to transmit the activation signal S for activating the warning application 60 to the information terminal 20. As a result, when it is not necessary to activate the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20, it is possible to easily suppress activating the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20.

[0078] Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 is configured to perform control to transmit the activation signal S to the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 14 by Bluetooth based on the fact that the engine 11 has been started. Thereby, the activation signal S can be easily transmitted from the communication unit 14 of the small ship 10 to the information terminal 20 by Bluetooth, which is optimal for short-distance communication.

[0079] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 is configured to perform control to limit the output of the engine 11 when the warning application 60 is not activated in the information terminal 20. Here, even if the warning application 60 is installed in the information terminal 20, there may be cases where the warning application 60 does not function when the operator 90 operates the small ship 10. When the warning application 60 does not function, for example, when the power of the information terminal 20 is not turned on, when the communication between the communication unit 14 of the small ship 10 and the information terminal 20 is not established, when the warning application 60 is not activated, and so on. In addition, when the warning application 60 is not activated, even if the small ship 10 transmits an activation signal S to activate the warning application 60 to the information terminal 20, if the warning application 60 is not normally activated in the information terminal 20, or if the operator 90 (intentionally or unintentionally) stops the warning application 60 that was activated in the information terminal 20, and so on. If the warning application 60 does not function when the operator 90 operates the small ship 10, the warning application 60 installed in the information terminal 20 for the purpose of improving the manner when the operator 90 operates the small ship 10 and performing a predetermined warning based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10 cannot be effectively utilized. For this reason, when the operator 90 operates the small ship 10, a configuration that can surely make the warning application 60 that performs a predetermined warning based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10 function in the information terminal 20 that can communicate with the small ship 10 is desired. In order to solve such problems, the above configuration was considered. As a result, when the warning application 60 is not activated in the information terminal 20, the output of the engine 11 can be limited. That is, when the warning application 60 is not activated in the information terminal 20, in order to release the limitation of the output of the engine 11, the operator 90 can be prompted to activate the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20.As a result, when the operator 90 steers the small ship 10, a warning application 60 that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10 can surely function on the information terminal 20 with which the small ship 10 can communicate.

[0080] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, when the warning application 60 is not activated in the information terminal 20, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 is configured to perform control to limit the rotational speed of the engine 11 so as to limit the output of the engine 11. Thereby, by limiting the rotational speed of the engine 11, the output of the engine 11 can be easily limited. As a result, when the operator 90 steers the small ship 10, a warning application 60 that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10 can easily function on the information terminal 20 with which the small ship 10 can communicate.

[0081] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, when the warning application 60 is not activated in the information terminal 20, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 is configured to perform control to limit the maximum output of the engine 11 to a value that is about 40% or more and about 70% or less of the maximum output when the output of the engine 11 is not limited. Thereby, the output of the engine 11 can be more greatly limited as compared with the case where the maximum output of the engine 11 is limited to a value greater than about 70% of the maximum output when the output of the engine 11 is not limited. That is, when the warning application 60 is not activated in the information terminal 20, the operator 90 can be more strongly urged to activate the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20. As a result, when the operator 90 steers the small ship 10, a warning application 60 that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10 can surely function on the information terminal 20 with which the small ship 10 can communicate.

[0082] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, the information terminal 20 includes the touch panel 21. And when the warning application 60 is being displayed on the touch panel 21 of the information terminal 20, if the touch panel 21 continuously receives a first operation 71 of drawing a figure clockwise and a second operation 72 of drawing a figure counterclockwise, it is configured to lock and unlock the screen transition of the touch panel 21. Here, when the operator 90 operates the small ship 10, water droplets may adhere to the information terminal 20. In this case, when the warning application 60 is being displayed on the touch panel 21, the water droplets on the touch panel 21 may move due to their own weight, wind pressure, etc., and the touch panel 21 may be misrecognized as being operated by the operator 90. In this case, the screen of the warning application 60 displayed on the touch panel 21 may unintentionally transition to another screen by the operator 90. For this reason, a configuration that can suppress the screen of the warning application 60 displayed on the touch panel 21 of the information terminal 20 from unintentionally transitioning to another screen by the operator 90 is desired. To solve such a problem, the above configuration is considered. As a result, only when a continuous operation of the first operation 71 of drawing a figure clockwise and the second operation 72 of drawing a figure counterclockwise is performed on the touch panel 21 while the warning application 60 is being displayed on the touch panel 21, the lock and unlock of the screen transition of the touch panel 21 can be performed. It is considered that it is almost impossible for the water droplets adhering to the touch panel 21 to continuously move in a clockwise figure-drawing movement and a counterclockwise figure-drawing movement. That is, the movement of the operator 90's finger in the first operation 71 and the second operation 72 for locking and unlocking the screen transition of the touch panel 21 is a movement that is unlikely to occur in the water droplets adhering to the touch panel. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the touch panel 21 from being misrecognized as being operated by the operator 90 while the warning application 60 is being displayed on the touch panel 21. As a result, it is possible to suppress the screen of the warning application 60 displayed on the touch panel 21 of the information terminal 20 from unintentionally transitioning to another screen by the operator 90.

[0083] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, when the information terminal 20 is displaying the warning application 60 on the touch panel 21 and the touch panel 21 successively receives a first operation 71 and a second operation 72 that draws a figure with a size different from that of the first operation 71, the touch panel 21 is configured to lock and unlock the screen transition. Thereby, compared with the case where the first operation 71 and the second operation 72 draw figures of the same size, the movement of the operator 90's finger in the first operation 71 and the second operation 72 becomes a movement that is less likely to occur on the water droplets on the touch panel 21, so that it is possible to further suppress the misrecognition that the touch panel 21 has been operated by the operator 90. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the screen of the warning application 60 displayed on the touch panel 21 of the information terminal 20 from unintentionally transitioning to another screen by the operator 90.

[0084] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, when the information terminal 20 is displaying the warning application 60 on the touch panel 21 and the touch panel 21 successively receives a first operation 71 that draws a circle and a second operation 72 that draws a circle, the touch panel 21 is configured to lock and unlock the screen transition. Thereby, compared with the case where the first operation 71 and the second operation 72 draw figures other than a circle (for example, a rectangle, a triangle, etc.), since the number of strokes of the figures drawn in the first operation 71 and the second operation 72 is reduced, it is possible to reduce the operation burden on the operator 90 for locking and unlocking the screen transition of the touch panel 21.

[0085] (Effect of the method of the embodiment) In the method of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0086] In this embodiment, as described above, when the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 determines that the engine 11 of the small ship 10 has started, it is configured to be communicable with the communication unit 14 of the small ship 10, and a warning application 60 that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10 is installed on the information terminal 20. A step S13 is provided for performing control to transmit a start signal S for starting the warning application 60 to the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 14. Thereby, similar to the structure of the above embodiment, even when the warning application 60 is not started on the information terminal 20 when the engine 11 of the small ship 10 is started, the warning application 60 can be started on the information terminal 20. As a result, similar to the structure of the above embodiment, when the operator 90 operates the small ship 10, it is possible to prevent the operator 90 from forgetting to start the warning application 60 that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10 on the information terminal 20 that can communicate with the small ship 10.

[0087] Also, in this embodiment, as described above, the step S13 of performing control to transmit the start signal S is that the small ship 10 has exceeded the restricted speed in the speed limit area A1 where the speed of the small ship 10 is restricted, and the small ship 10 has entered the restricted entry area A2 where entry of the small ship 10 is prohibited. This is a step of transmitting a start signal S for starting the warning application 60 to warn the operator 90 of the small ship 10. Thereby, similar to the structure of the above embodiment, when the operator 90 operates the small ship 10, it is possible to prevent the operator 90 from forgetting to start the warning application 60 for warning the operator 90 of the small ship 10 that the small ship 10 has exceeded the restricted speed in the speed limit area A1 and that the small ship 10 has entered the restricted entry area A2.

[0088] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, step S11 of determining whether or not the engine 11 has been started is a step in which the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 determines whether or not the engine 11 has been started based on the rotational speed of the engine 11. Thus, similar to the structure of the above embodiment, for example, different from the case of determining whether or not the engine 11 has been started based on the fact that a switch for starting the engine 11 has been pressed, it is possible to surely determine whether or not the engine 11 has actually been started based on the rotational speed of the engine 11. As a result, similar to the structure of the above embodiment, it is possible to suppress transmitting a start signal S for starting the warning application 60 to the information terminal 20 when the engine 11 has not been started.

[0089] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, step S21 of determining whether or not the information terminal 20 has received the start signal S, step S22 of determining whether or not the current position of the information terminal 20 is on water when the information terminal 20 has received the start signal S, and step S23 of starting the warning application 60 when the information terminal 20 determines that the current position of the information terminal 20 is on water are provided. Thus, similar to the structure of the above embodiment, even when the start signal S is transmitted from the small ship 10, the information terminal 20 can suppress starting the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20 when the operator 90 does not operate the small ship 10. As a result, similar to the structure of the above embodiment, it is possible to suppress starting the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20 when there is no need to start the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20.

[0090] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, the step S23 of starting the warning application 60 is a step of not starting the warning application 60 when the information terminal 20 determines that it is on land based on the position information P2 of the information terminal 20 even when a start signal S is transmitted from the small ship 10. Thereby, similar to the structure of the above embodiment, the information terminal 20 can easily determine whether to start the warning application 60. As a result, similar to the structure of the above embodiment, when there is no need to start the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20, it is possible to easily suppress the information terminal 20 from starting the warning application 60. Also, similar to the structure of the above embodiment, since the information terminal 20 (especially the portable information terminal 20) often has the function of the satellite positioning system 40 (such as GPS), in that case, there is no need to newly install software for the satellite positioning system 40 in the information terminal 20.

[0091] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, the step S13 of performing control to transmit the start signal S is a step of performing control not to transmit the start signal S to the information terminal 20 when the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 determines that the small ship 10 is on land based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10 even when the engine 11 is started. Thereby, similar to the structure of the above embodiment, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 can easily determine whether to transmit the start signal S for starting the warning application 60 to the information terminal 20. As a result, similar to the structure of the above embodiment, when there is no need to start the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20, it is possible to easily suppress the information terminal 20 from starting the warning application 60.

[0092] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, in step S13 of performing control to transmit the activation signal S, when the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 determines that the engine 11 has started and estimates that the propulsion unit 13 is in the water based on the load applied to the engine 11, and thus determines that the small ship 10 is on land, the control unit 15 does not transmit the activation signal S to the information terminal 20. As a result, similar to the structure of the above-described embodiment, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 can easily determine whether to transmit the activation signal S for starting the warning application 60 to the information terminal 20. Consequently, similar to the structure of the above-described embodiment, when there is no need to start the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20, it is possible to easily suppress the activation of the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20.

[0093] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, in step S13 of performing control to transmit the activation signal S, when the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 determines that the engine 11 has started, the control unit 15 transmits the activation signal S to the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 14 by Bluetooth. As a result, similar to the structure of the above-described embodiment, the activation signal S can be easily transmitted from the communication unit 14 of the small ship 10 to the information terminal 20 by Bluetooth, which is optimal for short-distance communication.

[0094] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, there are provided step S31 of determining whether or not the warning application 60 is activated in the information terminal 20, and step S32 in which the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 performs control to limit the output of the engine 11 when it is determined that the warning application 60 is not activated in the information terminal 20. Thereby, similar to the structure of the above embodiment, when the warning application 60 is not activated in the information terminal 20, in order to cancel the limitation of the output of the engine 11, the operator 90 can be prompted to activate the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20. As a result, similar to the structure of the above embodiment, when the operator 90 operates the small ship 10, the warning application 60 that gives a predetermined warning based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10 can be made to function in the information terminal 20 with which the small ship 10 can communicate.

[0095] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, step S32 of performing control to limit the output of the engine 11 is a step in which the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 performs control to limit the rotational speed of the engine 11 when the warning application 60 is not activated in the information terminal 20. Thereby, similar to the structure of the above embodiment, by limiting the rotational speed of the engine 11, the output of the engine 11 can be easily limited. As a result, similar to the structure of the above embodiment, when the operator 90 operates the small ship 10, the warning application 60 that gives a predetermined warning based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10 can be easily made to function in the information terminal 20 with which the small ship 10 can communicate.

[0096] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, in step S32 of performing control to limit the output of the engine 11, when the warning application 60 is not activated in the information terminal 20 by the control unit 15 of the small ship 10, the maximum output of the engine 11 is set to about 40% or more and about 70% or less of the maximum output when the output of the engine 11 is not limited. This enables, as in the structure of the above-described embodiment, when the warning application 60 is not activated in the information terminal 20, the operator 90 to be more strongly urged to activate the warning application 60 in the information terminal 20. As a result, as in the structure of the above-described embodiment, when the operator 90 operates the small ship 10, the warning application 60 that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10 can be surely made to function in the information terminal 20 capable of communicating with the small ship 10.

[0097] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, when the warning application 60 is being displayed on the touch panel 21 of the information terminal 20, step S41 of determining whether the touch panel 21 has successively received a first operation 71 of drawing a figure clockwise and a second operation 72 of drawing a figure counterclockwise, and step S42 of locking and unlocking the screen transition of the touch panel 21 when the touch panel 21 has successively received the first operation 71 and the second operation 72 while the warning application 60 is being displayed on the touch panel 21 are provided. This enables, as in the structure of the above-described embodiment, the movement of the operator 90's finger in the first operation 71 and the second operation 72 for locking and unlocking the screen transition of the touch panel 21 to be a movement that is less likely to occur on water droplets adhering to the touch panel 21, so that it is possible to suppress the touch panel 21 from being erroneously recognized as having been operated by the operator 90 while the warning application 60 is being displayed on the touch panel 21. As a result, as in the structure of the above-described embodiment, it is possible to suppress the screen of the warning application 60 displayed on the touch panel 21 of the information terminal 20 from unintentionally transitioning to another screen by the operator 90.

[0098] Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, in step S42 of locking and unlocking the screen transition of the touch panel 21, when the information terminal 20 is displaying the warning application 60 on the touch panel 21 and the touch panel 21 successively receives a first operation 71 and a second operation 72 that draws a figure having a size different from that of the first operation 71, this is a step of locking and unlocking the screen transition of the touch panel 21. Thus, similar to the structure of the above-described embodiment, compared with the case where the first operation 71 and the second operation 72 draw figures of the same size, the movement of the operator 90's finger in the first operation 71 and the second operation 72 becomes a movement that is less likely to occur in the water droplets on the touch panel 21, so it is possible to further suppress the touch panel 21 from being erroneously recognized as being operated by the operator 90. As a result, similar to the structure of the above-described embodiment, it is possible to further suppress the screen of the warning application 60 displayed on the touch panel 21 of the information terminal 20 from unintentionally transitioning to another screen by the operator 90.

[0099] Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, in step S42 of locking and unlocking the screen transition of the touch panel 21, when the information terminal 20 is displaying the warning application 60 on the touch panel 21 and the touch panel 21 successively receives a first operation 71 of drawing a circle and a second operation 72 of drawing a circle, this is a step of locking and unlocking the screen transition of the touch panel 21. Thus, similar to the structure of the above-described embodiment, compared with the case where the first operation 71 and the second operation 72 draw figures other than a circle (for example, a rectangle, a triangle, etc.), since the number of strokes of the figures drawn in the first operation 71 and the second operation 72 is reduced, it is possible to reduce the operation burden on the operator 90 for locking and unlocking the screen transition of the touch panel 21.

[0100] [Modification Example] The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the above-described embodiment, and further includes all changes (modification examples) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0101] For example, in the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the second operation 72 of drawing a figure counterclockwise is configured to draw a figure smaller than the first operation 71 of drawing a figure clockwise. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, like the information terminal 220 of the first modification example shown in FIG. 10, the second operation 272 of drawing a figure counterclockwise may be configured to draw a figure larger than the first operation 271 of drawing a figure clockwise.

[0102] Also, in the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the second operation 72 of drawing a figure counterclockwise is configured to draw concentric circles with the first operation 71 of drawing a figure clockwise. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, as in the second modification example shown in FIG. 11, when the information terminal 320 is displaying the warning application 60 on the touch panel 21 and the touch panel 21 successively receives the first operation 371 and the second operation 372 adjacent to the first operation 371 so as to draw a figure in the shape of an eight, the information terminal 320 may be configured to lock and unlock the screen transition of the touch panel 21. That is, the step of locking and unlocking the screen transition of the touch panel 21 may be the step of locking and unlocking the screen transition of the touch panel 21 when the information terminal 20 is displaying the warning application 60 on the touch panel 21 and the touch panel 21 successively receives the first operation 371 and the second operation 372 adjacent to the first operation 371 so as to draw a figure in the shape of an eight. In this case, by drawing a figure in the shape of an eight with the first operation 371 and the second operation 372, the number of strokes of the figure drawn in the first operation 371 and the second operation 372 can be made 1. Therefore, compared with the case where a figure in the shape of an eight is not drawn with the first operation 371 and the second operation 372, the operation burden on the operator 90 for locking and unlocking the screen transition of the touch panel 21 can be reduced.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which when the information terminal 20 is displaying the warning application 60 on the touch panel 21 and the touch panel 21 successively receives a first operation 71 of drawing a circle and a second operation 72 of drawing a circle, the touch panel 21 is configured to lock and unlock the screen transition. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, as in the third modification example shown in FIG. 12, when the information terminal 420 is displaying the warning application 60 on the touch panel 21 and the touch panel 21 successively receives a first operation 471 of drawing a triangle and a second operation 472 of drawing a triangle, the touch panel 21 may be configured to lock and unlock the screen transition. Alternatively, as in the fourth modification example shown in FIG. 13, when the information terminal 520 is displaying the warning application 60 on the touch panel 21 and the touch panel 21 successively receives a first operation 571 of drawing a quadrilateral and a second operation 572 of drawing a quadrilateral, the touch panel 21 may be configured to lock and unlock the screen transition.

[0104] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which when the information terminal 20 is displaying the warning application 60 on the touch panel 21 and the touch panel 21 successively receives a first operation 71 and a second operation 72 of drawing a figure having a different size from the first operation 71, the touch panel 21 is configured to lock and unlock the screen transition. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, when the information terminal is displaying the warning application on the touch panel and the touch panel successively receives a first operation and a second operation of drawing a figure having substantially the same size as the first operation, the touch panel may be configured to lock and unlock the screen transition.

[0105] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which when the information terminal 20 is displaying the warning application 60 on the touch panel 21 and the touch panel 21 continuously receives a first operation 71 of drawing a figure clockwise and a second operation 72 of drawing a figure counterclockwise, the touch panel 21 is configured to lock and unlock the screen transition. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, when the information terminal is displaying the warning application on the touch panel and the touch panel receives an operation other than the above-described first operation and second operation, the touch panel may be configured to lock and unlock the screen transition.

[0106] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which when the warning application 60 is not activated in the information terminal 20, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 performs control to limit the maximum output of the engine 11 to a value of about 40% or more and about 70% or less of the maximum output when the output of the engine 11 is not restricted. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, when the warning application is not activated in the information terminal, the control unit of the small ship may be configured to perform control to limit the maximum output of the engine to a value of less than about 40% of the maximum output when the output of the engine is not restricted.

[0107] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which when the warning application 60 is not activated in the information terminal 20, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 is configured to perform control to limit the output of the engine 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, even when the warning application is not activated in the information terminal, the control unit of the small ship may be configured not to perform control to limit the output of the engine.

[0108] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 is configured to perform control to transmit a start signal S to the information terminal 20 via the communication unit 14 by Bluetooth based on the fact that the engine 11 has been started. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit of the small ship may be configured to perform control to transmit a start signal to the information terminal via a communication standard other than Bluetooth through the communication unit based on the fact that the engine has been started.

[0109] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 is configured to perform control not to transmit the start signal S to the information terminal 20 when it is determined that the small ship 10 is on land by estimating that the propulsion unit 13 is in the water based on the load applied to the engine 11 even when the engine 11 has been started. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit of the small ship may be configured to perform control to transmit a start signal to the information terminal even when it is determined that the small ship is on land by estimating that the propulsion unit is in the water based on the load applied to the engine when the engine has been started. Further, the control unit of the small ship may transmit information regarding the load applied to the engine to the information terminal, and the information terminal may be configured to determine whether the small ship is on land based on the information regarding the load applied to the engine.

[0110] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which even when the engine 11 is started, if the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 determines that the small ship 10 is on land based on the position information P1 of the small ship 10, the control unit 15 does not transmit the start signal S to the information terminal 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, when the engine is started, the control unit of the small ship may be configured to perform control to transmit a start signal to the information terminal even if it is determined that the small ship is on land based on the position information of the small ship. Further, the control unit of the small ship may transmit the position information of the small ship to the information terminal, and the information terminal may be configured to determine whether the small ship is on land based on the position information of the small ship.

[0111] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which even when the start signal S is transmitted from the small ship 10, if the information terminal 20 determines that the information terminal 20 is on land based on the position information P2 of the information terminal 20, the warning application 60 is not started. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, when the start signal is transmitted from the small ship, the information terminal may be configured to start the warning application even if it is determined that the information terminal is on land based on the position information of the information terminal.

[0112] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which when the warning application 60 is not started in the information terminal 20, the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 performs control to limit the output of the engine 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, as shown in the fifth modification example shown in FIG. 14, when the warning application is not started in the information terminal, the control unit of the small ship may be configured to perform control to limit the speed of the small ship (step S632). Further, when the warning application is not started in the information terminal, the control unit of the small ship may be configured not to perform control to limit the output of the engine, the speed of the small ship, or the like.

[0113] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the control unit 15 of the small ship 10 is configured to perform control for determining whether or not the engine 11 has been started based on the rotational speed of the engine 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the control unit of the small ship may be configured to perform control for determining whether or not the engine has been started based on information other than the rotational speed of the engine.

[0114] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the warning application 60 is an application for warning the operator 90 of the small ship 10 that the small ship 10 has exceeded the speed limit in the speed limit area A1 and that the small ship 10 has entered the restricted area A2 where entry of the small ship 10 is prohibited. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the warning application may be an application for warning the operator of the small ship that the small ship has exceeded the speed limit in the speed limit area or that the small ship has entered the restricted area where entry of the small ship is prohibited, either one of them.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the small ship 10 is a water jet propulsion boat (water motorcycle). However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the small ship may be a pleasure boat or the like.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0116] 10 Small ship 11 Engine 12 Propulsion unit 14 Communication unit 15 Control unit 20, 220, 320, 420, 520 Information terminal 21 Touch panel 40 Satellite positioning system 60 Warning application 71, 271, 371, 471, 571 First operation 72, 272, 372, 472, 572 Second operation 100 Operator warning support system A1 Speed Limit Area A2 Prohibited Entry Area P1 Position Information (of Small Vessel) P2 Position Information (of Information Terminal) S Start Signal

Claims

1. A small ship including an engine, a control unit, and a communication unit, and an information terminal configured to be communicable with the communication unit of the small ship and having installed thereon a warning application that issues a predetermined warning based on the position information of the small ship, wherein the control unit of the small ship is configured to perform control to transmit, via the communication unit, a start signal for starting the warning application to the information terminal based on the fact that the engine has been started, a ship operator warning support system.

2. The warning application is an application for warning at least one of the fact that the small ship has exceeded a speed limit in a speed limit area where the speed of the small ship is restricted and the fact that the small ship has entered a restricted entry area where entry of the small ship is prohibited, to the ship operator of the small ship, the ship operator warning support system according to claim 1.

3. The control unit of the small ship is configured to perform control to determine whether or not the engine has been started based on the rotational speed of the engine, the ship operator warning support system according to claim 1.

4. The information terminal is configured to start the warning application when the start signal is received and the current position of the information terminal is on water, the ship operator warning support system according to claim 1.

5. The information terminal is configured to be able to acquire position information of the information terminal by a satellite positioning system, and even when the start signal is transmitted from the small ship, if it is determined that the information terminal is on land based on the position information of the information terminal, the information terminal is configured not to start the warning application, the ship operator warning support system according to claim 4.

6. The control unit of the small ship is configured to be able to acquire the position information of the small ship by a satellite positioning system, and even when the engine has been started, if it is determined that the small ship is on land based on the position information of the small ship, the control unit is configured to perform control not to transmit the start signal to the information terminal, the ship operator warning support system according to claim 1.

7. The small ship includes a jet propulsion unit that generates thrust by the driving force of the engine, When the control unit of the small ship determines that the small ship is on land by estimating that the propulsion unit is in the water based on the load applied to the engine even when the engine is started, the control unit is configured to perform control not to transmit the start signal to the information terminal. The operator warning support system according to claim 1.

8. The control unit of the small ship is configured to perform control to transmit the start signal to the information terminal via the communication unit by Bluetooth (registered trademark) based on the fact that the engine has been started. The operator warning support system according to claim 1.

9. When the warning application is not started on the information terminal, the control unit of the small ship is configured to perform control to limit the output of the engine or the speed of the small ship. The operator warning support system according to claim 1.

10. When the warning application is not started on the information terminal, the control unit of the small ship is configured to perform control to limit the rotational speed of the engine so as to limit the output of the engine. The operator warning support system according to claim 9.

11. When the warning application is not started on the information terminal, the control unit of the small ship is configured to perform control to limit the maximum output of the engine to a value that is about 40% or more and about 70% or less of the maximum output when the output of the engine is not limited. The operator warning support system according to claim 9.

12. The information terminal includes a touch panel. When the touch panel continuously receives a first operation of drawing a figure clockwise and a second operation of drawing a figure counterclockwise while the warning application is being displayed on the touch panel, the touch panel is configured to lock and unlock the screen transition. The operator warning support system according to claim 1.

13. The information terminal is configured to lock and unlock the screen transition of the touch panel when the touch panel continuously receives the first operation and the second operation that draws a figure with a size different from that of the first operation while the warning application is being displayed on the touch panel. The ship operator warning support system according to claim 12.

14. The information terminal is configured to lock and unlock the screen transition of the touch panel when the touch panel continuously receives the first operation of drawing a circle and the second operation of drawing a circle while the warning application is being displayed on the touch panel. The ship operator warning support system according to claim 12.

15. The information terminal is configured to lock and unlock the screen transition of the touch panel when the touch panel continuously receives the first operation and the second operation adjacent to the first operation so as to draw a figure in the shape of an eight while the warning application is being displayed on the touch panel. The ship operator warning support system according to claim 12.

16. A step in which the control unit of a small ship including an engine, a control unit, and a communication unit determines whether the engine has been started; A step in which, when the control unit of the small ship determines that the engine has been started, the control unit is configured to communicate with the communication unit of the small ship, and transmits a start signal for starting the warning application to an information terminal in which a warning application for issuing a predetermined warning based on the position information of the small ship is installed via the communication unit. A ship operator warning support method comprising the steps of:

17. A step of determining whether the warning application is activated on the information terminal; A step in which, when the control unit of the small ship determines that the warning application is not activated on the information terminal, the control unit performs control to limit the output of the engine or the speed of the small ship. The ship operator warning support method according to claim 16.

18. A step of determining whether the touch panel has continuously received a first operation of drawing a figure clockwise and a second operation of drawing a figure counterclockwise while the warning application is being displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal; When the warning application is being displayed on the touch panel, the step of locking and unlocking the screen transition of the touch panel when the touch panel successively receives the first operation and the second operation, the ship operator warning support method according to claim 16, comprising the step.

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