Watercraft Position Authentication Using Engine Data Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing GPS-based positional information systems in watercraft are vulnerable to falsification, making it difficult to determine the authenticity of the reported location, especially when the GPS receiver is transferred to another vessel.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a watercraft with a propulsion device and a communicator, where engine data is used to authenticate the positional information by transmitting it to a server for verification, using unique encryption keys and comparing engine behavior with positional changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If GPS-based positional information is transmitted from watercraft to server, then positional information can be obtained for fishery management, but the positional information can be falsified when GPS receiver is installed in another watercraft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthenticity of positional informationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces engine data as an intermediary verification element. The server receives both positional information and engine data, then verifies authenticity by checking whether the positional information corresponds to actual engine operation patterns. This intermediary verification mechanism prevents falsification without requiring complex cryptographic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring engine data and comparing it with transmitted positional information. The server provides verification feedback to determine whether positional information is genuine based on engine operation patterns, creating a closed-loop authentication system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If engine data transmission is added to verify positional information authenticity, then falsification prevention is improved, but data transmission volume and processing load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefalsification prevention capabilityVSAvoiddata transmission volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transmits only essential engine data parameters (such as engine ID, operation status, and basic operational metrics) rather than complete engine datasets. This partial action approach provides sufficient verification capability while minimizing data transmission volume and processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12597298B2Watercraft positional information managing system, server, and watercraft positional information managing method

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A watercraft positional information managing system in which GPS-based positional information is prevented from being falsified includes a server and a watercraft. The watercraft includes a propulsion device and a communicator to communicate with the server. The communicator includes a position detector to detect positional information of the watercraft. The propulsion device includes an engine and a controller configured or programmed to control the engine. The controller is connected to the communicator and outputs data related to the engine to the communicator. The communicator transmits the data related to the engine and the positional information of the watercraft to the server. The server receives the data related to the engine and the positional information of the watercraft and determines whether or not the positional information of the watercraft is genuine based on the data related to the engine.