Watercraft Communication Control for Low-Battery Data Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Watercraft batteries run out of power when communicating with a server without shore power supply.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that reduces data traffic in low power mode by sending only critical data to the server when shore power is unavailable, using a controller to manage battery power and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the watercraft continues to communicate with the server through the communication device without shore power, then communication functionality is maintained, but the battery will run out of electric power
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the communication mode based on power availability. When shore power is detected, the system operates in normal mode with full communication functionality. When shore power is unavailable, the system automatically switches to power-saving mode, reducing communication frequency and data transmission volume to prevent battery depletion while maintaining essential communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes operational parameters of the communication device based on power source detection. In normal power mode, the system uses standard communication intervals and data volumes. In power-saving mode, the system modifies transmission intervals, reduces data payload size, and prioritizes essential communications, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining communication reliability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the watercraft is electrified with shore power, then the battery can be charged and communication can continue without concerns about running out of electric power, but the system complexity increases due to power management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service power management through automatic detection and mode switching. The controller continuously monitors the presence of shore power and automatically transitions between normal and power-saving modes without user intervention. This automated approach simplifies the user interface while maintaining the necessary power management functionality, balancing system capability with operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a watercraft includes a device system, a communication device, a controller, a first battery, and an electric power receiver. The communication device performs wireless communication with a server. The first battery provides electric power to the communication device. The electric power receiver is installed in the watercraft, connected to the first battery, and operable to receive shore power. The controller is configured or programmed to send device data to the server in a normal electric power mode when the first battery is connected to the shore power. The controller is configured or programmed to send the device data to the server in a low electric power mode when a low electric power condition, including a condition that the first battery is not connected to the shore power, is satisfied. The controller is configured or programmed to reduce data traffic of the device data to be sent to the server in the low electric power mode compared to when in the normal electric power mode.