Vessel Propulsion Output Permission Control to Prevent Stranding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing management systems for vessel propulsion apparatuses, such as those described in Patent Literature 1, fail to provide effective usage management, leading to issues like vessels becoming stranded at sea and increased theft risk, as they do not account for the unique operational requirements and security needs of marine vessels.
Innovation Solution
A usage management system for vessel propulsion apparatuses that includes a use rights management server, user terminal device, and a controller to manage the operation of the prime mover in permission and non-permission modes based on use rights information, ensuring appropriate output limits and preventing unauthorized use or theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the vessel propulsion apparatus is completely disabled when use permission is not provided, then theft prevention is improved, but the vessel becomes stranded at sea which creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational state of the prime mover between two modes: permission mode (full output enabled) and non-permission mode (output limited to predetermined level). This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by allowing the vessel to remain operational in a limited capacity when permission is not provided, preventing stranding while still preventing theft through output restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the output parameter of the prime mover based on permission status. In non-permission mode, the output is limited to a predetermined level that allows basic vessel operation for safety reasons, while in permission mode, full output is permitted. This parameter change enables the vessel to remain seaworthy while preventing unauthorized high-power operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the prime mover output is limited to predetermined level in non-permission mode, then theft prevention is improved, but the vessel cannot return to port if stranded far from land
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic control over the prime mover output based on permission status, allowing the vessel operator to request permission when needing to travel beyond the predetermined output range. This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to changing operational needs while maintaining security constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a permission request mechanism where the user terminal can communicate with the server to obtain use permission. This feedback loop allows the vessel to transition from non-permission mode to permission mode when legitimate needs arise, resolving the contradiction between output limitation and operational flexibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If use permission management system is implemented, then theft prevention and unauthorized operation control are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a user terminal device as an intermediary between the operator and the prime mover control system. The terminal device communicates with the server and relays permission status to the controller, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining security. This intermediary approach reduces the complexity burden by distributing functions across multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The user terminal device serves multiple functions: it acts as a communication interface with the server, a local storage for permission status, and a control interface for requesting permission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive security management.
Data Source
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AI summary
A usage management system for vessel propulsion apparatuses includes a use rights management server and a user terminal device. A controller of a vessel propulsion apparatus operates a prime mover in a permission mode to permit an output exceeding a predetermined limit output if use permission is provided from the user terminal device, and operates the prime mover in a non-permission mode to prohibit an output exceeding the predetermined limit output if use permission is not provided from the user terminal device. The user terminal device enters an active state to allow issuance of use permission if a use-permission notification is received from the use rights management server, and enters a non-active state to prohibit issuance of use permission if a use-permission notification is not received from the use rights management server. The use rights management server refers to use rights information concerning the vessel propulsion apparatus, and transmits a use-permission notification or a use-non-permission notification in accordance with use rights information.