METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING AN OUTBOARD ENGINE

Abstract

A method for providing an outboard engine to a client includes providing the client with an outboard engine core having an engine and an electronic management module, the electronic management module being adapted to run at least one of a plurality of software. Each of the plurality of software (i) is adapted to control at least one engine operating parameter during operation of the engine, and (ii) corresponds to at least one engine operation mode selected from a list of engine operation modes. The method also includes providing the client with the list of engine operation modes, requesting from the client a selection of at least one engine operation mode, and allowing the client to activate at least one of the plurality of software corresponding to the selection on the electronic management module. A system for providing an outboard engine to a client is also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/578,350, filed Dec. 21, 2011, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a method and a system for providing an outboard engine.

BACKGROUND

Outboard engine manufacturers typically offer outboard engine models in a wide range of maximum allowed power outputs expressed in terms of maximum horsepower (HP). Some manufacturers offer about twenty five (25) different outboard engine models with maximum allowed power outputs ranging from fifteen (15) HP up to three hundred (300) HP. Other manufacturers offer about twice this number of different outboard models with maximum allowed power outputs ranging from two point five (2.5) HP up to three hundred (300) HP.

However, many engines of different outboard engine models within a given range of maximum allowed power outputs are almost identical from a mechanical perspective, the different software used to control their respective operating parameters being responsible for different maximum allowed power outputs of the engine and related performance characteristics. For example, outboard engine models having respective maximum allowed power outputs of 225 HP, 250 HP and 300 HP may have the same internal combustion engine, gear box, etc., and differ only by the specific software used to control their respective operating parameters, including their respective maximum allowed power outputs. Therefore, a manufacturer offering twenty-five (25) different outboard engine models may in fact only manufacture ten (10) different engine cores (which comprises the outboard engines core components including the engine itself and an electronic management module used to control the operating parameters of the engine) on which different software are used.

Offering a wide range of different outboard engine models is advantageous to the customer who will more likely find a specific model that suits his or her needs. However, it may be more problematic to outboard engine retailers and boat manufacturers who must keep large inventories of outboard engine models if they are to quickly meet their customers' needs. Keeping large inventories can be costly for both retailers and boat manufacturers since it require large storage spaces. It can also represent a significant financial risk since some models may turn out to be less popular than expected in given markets. Therefore, retailers and boat manufacturers may end up with large amounts of unsold outboard engine models when newer models are launched. Furthermore, financing large inventories can represent a financial burden in itself

In view of the above, there is a need for a method and system to aid outboard engine manufacturers, outboard engine retailers and boat builders to more conveniently and efficiently provide a wide range of outboard engine models while keeping relatively low inventories.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.

The present invention provides a method and system for providing an outboard engine to a client, such as a retailer or boat manufacturer, that allows such client to keep relatively low inventories of engine cores, while offering a wide range of outboard engine models to customers by only having to install on the electronic management module of a generic engine core the specific software used to control the operating parameters of the generic engine core so as to provide for the specific operating parameters of the outboard engine model purchased by a customer. Other characteristics of a given outboard engine model (including its aesthetic characteristics, its midsection length and/or its gear box rotation direction) may also be added to a generic engine core to meet all the characteristics of a specific outboard engine model purchased by a customer.

In one aspect, a method of providing an outboard engine to a client is provided, the method comprising providing the client with an outboard engine core. The outboard engine core comprises an engine and an electronic management module connected to the engine. The electronic management module is adapted to run at least one of a plurality of software. Each of the plurality of software is adapted to control at least one engine operating parameter during operation of the engine, and each of the plurality of software corresponds to at least one engine operation mode selected from a list of engine operation modes. The method of providing an outboard engine to a client further comprises providing the client with the list of engine operation modes, requesting from the client a selection of at least one engine operation mode from the list of engine operation modes, and allowing the client to activate at least one of the plurality of software corresponding to the selection on the electronic management module.

In an additional aspect, the at least one engine operating parameter is power output, the at least one engine operation mode corresponds to a maximum allowed power outputs of the engine, and the selection includes a maximum allowed power output of the engine.

In a further aspect, the maximum allowed power outputs of the engine are expressed in terms of maximum horsepower.

In an additional aspect, the method of providing an outboard engine to a client further comprises allowing the client to install the at least one of the plurality of software on the electronic management module.

In a further aspect, the at least one of a plurality of software is selected from a software library and the method of providing an outboard engine to a client further comprises providing the client with a secured electronic connection to a database comprising the software library.

In an additional aspect, the method of providing an outboard engine to a client further comprises allowing the client to download the at least one of the plurality of software corresponding to the selection.

In a further aspect, the at least one of a plurality of software is selected from a software library, and the method of providing an outboard engine to a client further comprises storing the software library in the electronic management module, restricting access to the software library, and allowing the client to access the at least one of the plurality of software corresponding to the selection.

In an additional aspect, the method of providing an outboard engine to a client further comprises providing the client with an access code, wherein access to the at least one of the plurality of software corresponding to the selection is provided to the client upon entry of the access code on one of the electronic management module and an electronic management module interface device.

In a further aspect, the method of providing an outboard engine to a client further comprises providing the client with a list of aesthetic packages, requesting from the client a selection of at least one aesthetic package from the list of aesthetic packages, and providing the client with the at least one aesthetic package selected by the client.

In an additional aspect, the aesthetic packages comprise cowling panels adapted to be connected to the outboard engine core.

In a further aspect, the method of providing an outboard engine to a client further comprises providing the client with at least one aesthetic package corresponding to the selection.

In an additional aspect, the at least one aesthetic package comprises cowling panels adapted to be connected to the outboard engine core.

In a further aspect, the method of providing an outboard engine to a client further comprises providing the client with at least one aesthetic package corresponding to the one of the maximum allowed power outputs of the engine.

In an additional aspect, the method of providing an outboard engine to a client further comprises providing the client with a list of midsection length options, requesting from the client a selection of at least one midsection length option, and providing the client with at least one midsection extension package corresponding to the at least one midsection length option selected by the client.

In a further aspect, the method of providing an outboard engine to a client further comprises providing the client with a list of gear box rotation direction options, requesting from the client a selection of at least one gear box rotation direction option, and providing the client with at least one gear box rotation direction package corresponding to the gear box rotation option selected by the client.

In another aspect, a method of providing an outboard engine to a customer is provided, the method comprising obtaining an outboard engine core from one of an outboard engine manufacturer and a market intermediary. The outboard engine core comprises an engine and an electronic management module connected to the engine. The electronic management module is adapted to run at least one of a plurality of software. Each of the plurality of software is adapted to control at least one engine operating parameter during operation of the engine, and each of the plurality of software corresponding to at least one engine operation mode selected from a list of engine operation modes. The method of providing an outboard engine to a customer further comprises providing the customer with the list of engine operation modes, requesting from the customer a selection of at least one engine operation mode from the list of engine operation modes, obtaining at least one of the plurality of software corresponding to the selection, and activating the at least one software of the plurality of software corresponding to the selection on the electronic management module.

In a further aspect, the at least one engine operating parameter is power output, the at least one engine operation mode corresponds to a maximum allowed power outputs of the engine, and the selection includes a maximum allowed power output of the engine.

In an additional aspect, the method of providing an outboard engine to a customer further comprises installing the at least one of the plurality of software on the electronic management module.

In an additional aspect, the at least one of a plurality of software is selected from a software library, and the method of providing an outboard engine to a customer further comprises using a secured electronic connection to connect to a database, the database comprising the software library.

In a further aspect, the method of providing an outboard engine to a customer further comprises downloading from the database the at least one of the plurality of software corresponding to the selection.

In an additional aspect, the at least one of a plurality of software is selected from a software library, and the software library is stored in the electronic management module. The method of providing an outboard engine to a customer further comprises accessing the at least one of the plurality of software corresponding to the selection.

In a further aspect, the method of providing an outboard engine to a customer further comprises obtaining an access code from one of an outboard engine manufacturer and a market intermediary, wherein access to the at least one of the plurality of software corresponding to the selection is allowed upon entry of the access code on one of the electronic management module and an electronic management module interface device.

In yet another aspect, a system is provided for providing an outboard engine to a client comprising an outboard engine core to be provided to a client. The outboard engine core comprises an engine and an electronic management module connected to the engine and adapted to run at least one of a plurality of software selected from a software library. The system also comprises a database adapted to be electronically connectable to the electronic management module. The database comprises the software library. Each software of the software library is adapted to be run on the electronic management module to control at least one engine operating parameter during operation of the engine according to at least one engine operation mode. The database has restricted access such that the client is only provided access to at least one specific software corresponding to a given engine operation mode to be selected by the client.

In an additional aspect, the at least one engine operating parameter is power output, and the at least one engine operation mode corresponds to maximum allowed power outputs of the engine.

In a further aspect, the system further comprises a secured electronic connection to the database.

In an additional aspect, the software library is stored in the electronic management module.

In a further aspect, access to the at least one specific software corresponding to a given engine operation mode is provided to the client upon entry of an access code on one of the electronic management module and an electronic management module interface device.

For purposes of this application, terms used to locate elements on an outboard engine or their spatial orientation, such as “forwardly”, “rearwardly”, “front”, “back”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “up”, “down”, “above”, and “below”, are as they would normally be understood by a person operating a boat having the outboard engine mounted to its transom in its normal operation position.

Embodiments of the present invention each have at least one of the above-mentioned object and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present invention that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.

Additional and/or alternative features, aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a left side elevation view of a marine outboard engine;

FIG. 2 is a left side elevation view of the marine outboard engine of FIG. 2 with the cowling removed to reveal an engine of the marine outboard engine;

FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view taken from a top, front, left side of a cowling and a portion of the engine of the marine outboard engine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of providing an outboard engine to a client;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of providing an outboard engine to a customer;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a system for providing an outboard engine according to the method of FIG. 4;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description will refer to a marine outboard engine. However, it is contemplated that some aspects of the method and system described therein could be adapted for providing a marine inboard engine.

FIG. 1 illustrates a marine outboard engine 10 having a cowling 100 protecting an engine 12 (shown schematically). The engine 12 is a V-type, six-cylinder, internal combustion engine. It is contemplated that other types of engines could be used. An exhaust system 14 (shown schematically), is connected to the engine 12. The exhaust system 14 is partially surrounded by the cowling 100. The engine 12 is coupled to a vertically oriented driveshaft 18 (shown schematically). The driveshaft 18 is coupled to a drive mechanism 20 (shown schematically), which includes a transmission 22 (shown schematically) and a bladed rotor, such as a propeller 24 mounted on a propeller shaft 26. The propeller shaft 26 is generally perpendicular to the driveshaft 18, but could be at other angles. The drive mechanism 20 could also include a jet propulsion device, turbine or other known propelling device. The bladed rotor could also be an impeller. A stern bracket 28 is connected to the cowling 100 via the swivel bracket 30 for mounting the marine outboard engine 10 to a watercraft. The stern bracket 28 can take various forms, the details of which are conventionally known. The swivel bracket 30 partly houses a steering shaft (not shown) of the marine outboard engine 10.

The gear case 32 houses the lower end of the driveshaft 18, the drive mechanism 20, the transmission 22 and a portion of the propeller shaft 26. It is contemplated that in different embodiments, the transmission 22, which may also be referred to as a gear box, may be either of the standard rotating type or counter-rotating type. A counter-rotating transmission is provided to balance the rotation torques generated by multiple outboard engines mounted to a same boat.

FIG. 2 illustrates the outboard engine 10 without the cowling 100. The engine 12 is part of the core 50 of the outboard engine 10. A lower portion 52 of a midsection (only the lower portion 52 identified) is defined between the core 50 and the gear case 32. The lower portion of the midsection 52 comprises a portion of the exhaust system 16 and driveshaft 18. It is contemplated that in different embodiments, the length of the lower portion of the midsection 52 can be varied by using extension parts (not shown). The length of the lower portion of the midsection 52 is typically chosen as a function of the height at which the outboard engine 10 is mounted on a watercraft with regard to the watercraft's floatation line so as to ensure that the drive mechanism 20 is properly submerged when the outboard engine 10 is in use. It is common for an outboard engine having a particular power designation to be provided in several versions, each having a lower portion of the midsection 52 of a different length. Typically, outboard engines are offered in 20, 25 or 30 inches versions to accommodate transoms of varying heights. As shown in FIG. 1, the lower portion of the midsection 52 is covered by a cover 54 (removed in FIG. 2).

The core 50 of the outboard engine 10 comprises at least the engine 12 and an electronic management module (EMM) 60 (shown schematically). The EMM 60 is connected to the engine 12 and is adapted to run at least one software adapted to control at least one engine operating parameter during operation of the engine 12. In various embodiments, the EMM 60 may be disposed adjacent to the engine 12 and housed within the cowling 100, or in a remote location. In one embodiment (not shown), the EMM 60 is disposed in a control board of a watercraft (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 3, the cowling 100 comprises panels 120, 130, 140 and 150 removably connected to a central support structure 105 that is fixedly connected to the engine 12 and is therefore part of the core 50 of the outboard engine 10. By ‘fixedly connected’, one should understand that the central support structure 105 is a semi-permanent structure. While it is possible to disconnect the central support structure 105 from the outboard engine 10 for specific purposes such as specific maintenance operations, during routine use of the outboard engine 10 and many routine maintenance operations, the central support structure 105 stays fixed to the outboard engine 12. The panels 120, 130, 140 and 150 form at least in part the outer surface of the cowling 100. An assembly of the panels 120, 130, 140, 150 and the central supporting structure 105 form the cowling 100. Because the panels 120, 130, 140 and 150 are removable from the central support structure 105, the panels 120, 130, 140, 150 can be provided separately from the core 50 of the outboard engine 10.

It is contemplated that in different embodiments, the cowling 100 could comprise more or less panels than the panels 120, 130, 140 and 150, and that some could not be external panels of the cowling 100. It is also contemplated that in different embodiments, the central support structure 105 could be entirely covered by the panels 120, 130, 140, 150. For example, the central support structure 105 could be one or more beams at least partially surrounding the engine 12 and external panels could connect to the beams such that they cover both the engine 12 and the beams. It is also contemplated that in yet other embodiments, some or all of the panels 120, 130, 140, 150 could themselves support other panels.

The cowling 100 is the most visible part of the outboard engine 10. Panels 120, 130, 140 and 150 can be provided in various colours and various designs can be applied thereto to provide outboard engines such as outboard engine 10 with various looks, while having essentially the same core 50. In various embodiments, panels 120, 130, 140 and 150 may also display various indications, such as the maximum allowed power output of the engine 12, and/or trademarks used by a manufacturer or retailer of outboard engines or watercrafts. In FIG. 3, panel 130 displays a visual designation “150” (reference numeral 131) that indicates that the maximum power output of the engine 12 is 150 HP.

The electronic management module (EMM) 60 (shown schematically in FIG. 2) is of the type usually used for controlling engines such as engine 12. As schematically shown in FIG. 2, the EMM 60 comprises at least a central processing unit (CPU) 62 and a computer memory 64 used to store the software and/or data used to control the operation of engine 12. In the embodiment described in FIG. 4, the computer memory 64 is flash memory. In other embodiments, the computer memory 64 may be any suitable computer readable storage medium.

A first port (not shown) is used to connect the EMM 60 to the engine 12. A second port (not shown), such as a USB port, is used to connect the EMM 60 to an interface, a computer or any form of electronic network in order to upload and/or download software and/or data on the EMM 60. In other embodiments, the second port may be any other suitable port allowing appropriate connection between the EMM 60 and an interface, a computer, or any form of electronic network. It is also contemplated that in other embodiments, the second port may be replaced by a suitable transmitter/receptor device allowing the EMM 60 to be wirelessly connected to an interface, a computer, or any form of electronic network.

A plurality of software may be loaded and run on the EMM 60 to control different operating parameters during operation of the engine 12. These software are selected from a software library comprising all the software developed for controlling different operating parameters during operation of the engine 12. Different software libraries comprising different software are developed for different models of engines such as engine 12.

Different software of a given software library are adapted to control the maximum allowed power output of the engine 12 and, depending on the particular software selected, the engine 12 will have a given maximum allowed power output, such as 125 HP, 150 HP or 175 HP. In different embodiments, other software run on the EMM 60 may be used to control other operating parameters of the engine 12. In one embodiment the software run on the EMM 60 may also set performance curve of the engine 12, set the engine 12 battery charging map, control the fuel injection timing, set the engine ignition timing, control the throttle, and/or set an oil map which manages how much oil is sent in various engine components of the engine 12 under given operation conditions. It will be appreciated that an engine operating parameter such as the maximum allowed power output may be controlled in a variety of ways, including via the control of a combination of other operating parameters. It is contemplated that while engine operating parameters such as those described above are often related to the maximum allowed power output of an engine, in different embodiments, they could also be controlled independently in order to adapt an engine's performance to particular operating conditions. As an example, it is contemplated that in certain embodiments, the EMM 60 of an engine 12 may run a software that would not only set the maximum allowed power output of the engine 12, but also set the engine's performance specifically for towing a water skier, or for fishing. It will also be appreciated that various other control parameters, such as the calibration of the throttle lever and other “by wire” controls could similarly be set by a given software installed on an EMM 60. As such, it is also contemplated that in certain embodiments, the EMM 60 may run software that optimizes acceleration or fuel efficiency.

As shown in FIG. 4, a method of providing an outboard engine 200 to a client comprises a first step 202 of providing the client with the core 50 of an outboard engine 10. It is contemplated that in various embodiments, the person implementing the method shown in FIG. 4 may be an outboard engine manufacturer and the client may be, for example, (i) a market intermediary, such as an outboard engines dealer or a watercraft manufacturer (also referred to as a boat builder), (ii) a client of such market intermediary, such as a customer or end user, (iii) a customer or end user dealing directly with the person implementing the method, or (iv) a combination of more than one of those persons or entities acting together. In a first embodiment, only the core 50 is provided. Advantageously, a plurality of similar cores 50 would be provided at the same time to a market intermediary or watercraft manufacturer.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the gear case 32, and cowling 100 are provided separately from the core 50, and it is possible to obtain at least one extension kit to adjust the length to the lower portion of the midsection 52 so as to allow the client to customize an outboard engine 10 to a particular client's or customer's needs, as the case may be (see further steps below). It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the core 50 may be provided with a standard midsection having a lower portion of standard length, a standard gear box 32, and/or a standard cowling 100, or a combination of those three, and that such standard parts may, or may not, be later changed or modified to be better adapted to a client's needs.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the EMM 60 of the core 50 is provided without the software used to control one or more operating parameters of the engine 12. It is also contemplated that in other embodiments, the EMM 60 may be provided with a standard software package comprising some or all of the software needed to operate the engine 12 in accordance with a given operation mode, and that said standard software package may be later upgraded and/or complemented with other software in order to customize the operation and/or performances of engine 12 to meet a client's needs. It is contemplated that one or more of the software package can later be activated to customize the operation and/or performances of engine 12 to meet a client's needs. For example, it is contemplated that a core 50 which can operated at maximum power outputs of 225 HP, 250 HP or 300 HP could be provided with the software corresponding to 225 HP and can be later upgraded to 250 HP or 300 HP.

As shown in FIG. 4, a second step 204 of the method 200 comprises providing a client with a list of engine operation modes related to a given model of core 50. Each engine operation mode corresponds to a set up of at least one operating parameter, such operating parameter being controlled by at least one corresponding software or software package. Each software related to a specific engine operation mode is selected from a software library comprising a selection of software developed for operating a given model of core 50. As an example, it is contemplated that in one embodiment, a given engine operation mode may be related to a software package that, once installed on the EMM 60 of an engine 12, will set the maximum allowed power output of said engine 12 to 200 HP. As another example, it is contemplated that another engine operation mode may similarly set the maximum allowed power output of the engine 12 to 200 HP and in addition set other operating parameters such as to make the engine 12 easier to operate and provide improved performance when towing a water skier.

Providing a client with a list of engine operation modes may be done in many different ways according to different embodiments. According to one embodiment, the list of engine operation modes may be provided in a booklet when a core 50 is provided to a client. According to another embodiment, the list may be displayed on a sticker disposed on the core 50, or on an information sheet provided along with the core 50. According to another embodiment, the list may be displayed on a web site maintained by an outboard manufacturer, such a web site being either publicly available or accessible only to market intermediaries having been provided with a unique identifier and user code. According to yet another embodiment, the list may be stored on the EMM 60 and accessed by a client using an appropriate interface connected to the EMM 60 through port 68. Such access to the list may be restricted and only allowed to a client having been provided with a unique identifier and user code, and access to the list may only be allowed once. Alternatively, access to the list may be allowed multiple times, as will be discussed in further detail below.

As shown in FIG. 4, a third step 206 of the method 200 comprises requesting from the client to whom the core 50 has been provided a selection of at least one engine operation mode from the list of engine operation modes. Requesting from the client a selection of at least one engine operation mode may be done in many different ways according to different embodiments and should be understood to include any manner of communicating to the client that an engine operation mode should be chosen. As an example, according to one embodiment, the booklet providing the list of engine operation modes may comprise instructions, one of which being a request to the client to select at least one engine operation mode from the list. As another example, according to another embodiment, the request to the client to select at least one engine operation mode may be displayed on a sticker disposed on the core 50, which may be convenient if the list of engine operation modes is displayed on such sticker. As another example, according to another embodiment, such request may be made on a web site maintained by an outboard manufacturer, which may be convenient if the list is displayed on such web site, which may or may not be publicly available, as discussed above. According to yet another embodiment, the request to select at least one engine operation mode may be made to the client when he or she accesses a list of engine operation modes stored on the EMM 60 using an appropriate interface as discussed above. It is contemplated that requesting that the client select at least one engine operation mode may be done implicitly when the client is presented with the list of engine operation modes and understands that he has to select at least one of them to configure an outboard engine according to a client's needs. In any event, it is contemplated that requesting a selection of at least one engine operation mode from the client may be formulated in the form of a formal or informal request, a proposed option or a suggestion made to improve the performance of the outboard engine or to customize such performance to a particular client's needs. It is also contemplated that selection made by the client may well be, in fact, a selection made by the client's own client or customer, which may, or may not, be the end user of the outboard engine 10. It is also contemplated that in an embodiment wherein the core 50 is provided with standard software which may be upgraded and/or complemented with other software and the client or it's own client or customer selects the standard software rather than one of the upgrades available, step 206 will nonetheless be performed and the selection from the client will result in no additional software to be provided by the manufacturer.

A fourth step 208 of the method 200 comprises activating or installing (or allowing a client to activate or to install) on the EMM 60 at least one software of the software library corresponding to the selection of engine operation mode made by the client. In one embodiment, the software library is kept on a server controlled by the manufacturer or by a subcontractor of the manufacturer, and can be accessed by the client through either a private or public computer network such as the internet. Access to the software library, or only to the necessary software, is secured such that only a client having been provided with an unique identifier (user name) and unique access code can access the software library. Both or one of the unique identifier and unique access code can be provided to the client either when the client requires access to the software library to the manufacturer in order to set up an outboard engine according to a client's preferences, or at any other convenient time. The unique access code or both the unique identifier and access code can be related only to one specific core 50, such that the client can only access the software library once in relation to such specific core 50 and not be allowed to download software from the software library thereon on different occasions but only once. Similarly, it is contemplated that the downloaded software be tied to the specific core 50 and is not operable on any other core.

In another embodiment, it is contemplated that the software library is encrypted on the EMM 60 (i.e. “locked”) and can only be accessed (or “unlocked”) once by the client using a unique identifier and access code or secure key provided by the manufacturer in one of the various ways contemplated above. It is also contemplated that in an embodiment wherein the core 50 is provided with standard software and the client or the client's client or customer selects the standard software rather than one of the upgrades available, the client has still been allowed to install at least one software from the software library in accordance with step 208. Once the selected software has been installed (whether it is downloaded, unlocked or otherwise enabled), the customer is not able to independently install another software at a later date without authorization from the manufacturer. However, it is contemplated that the customer may be able to subsequently return to the dealer, manufacturer or another party associated therewith and install one or more of the plurality of software. This may be advantageous if, for example, the customer subsequently purchases a larger boat and wishes to use a higher output outboard engine therewith. Rather than having to purchase a second outboard engine, the customer may purchase an upgrade of the engine core they already own.

It is contemplated that in other embodiments, steps 202 to 206 may be performed in a different order.

As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the method 200 may also comprise a step 209 comprising providing the client with an aesthetic package comprising a cowling 100 made of panels such as panels 120, 130, 140 and 150, having a particular design, and/or color(s), and/or a visual designation displaying information related to the outboard engine 10, such as the engine 12 maximum allowed power output and/or a particular engine operation mode, corresponding to the particular engine operation mode selected by the client. As an example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the aesthetic package provided corresponds to the maximum allowed power output of the engine 12 selected by the client and comprises a cowling 100 designed to distinguish an outboard engine 10 of a particular manufacturer having an engine 12 with such maximum allowed power output from other outboard engine manufactured by this same manufacturer but having a different maximum allowed power output.

It also contemplated that in another embodiment, the aesthetic package comprising a cowling 100 may be selected by the client from a list of aesthetic packages to which access is provided by the manufacturer in the same way as the engine operation modes list. Such aesthetic packages may correspond to engine operation modes of the engine operation modes list, or alternatively may correspond to a specific color or design selected by the client or end user. According to such an embodiment, the method 200 comprises a step 210 of providing the client with a list of aesthetic packages, a step 212 of requesting from the client a selection of at least one aesthetic package from the list, and a step 214 of providing the client with the at least one aesthetic package selected. It is contemplated that in different embodiments, more than one aesthetic package may be selected by a client for installation to a same core 50.

It is also contemplated that in different embodiments, some cowling panels such as panels 120, 130, 140, and 150 are provided with the core 50 and that only some cowling panels such as panels 120, 130, 140, and 150 are provided later as part of a given aesthetic package. It is contemplated that the aesthetic package may comprise panels having a specific coloration or design, or decals and/or stickers to be applied to the cowling 100 that correspond to a selected engine operation mode or to a selection made by the client.

As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the method 200 may also comprise a step 216 comprising providing the client with a list of midsection length options, a step 218 comprising requesting from the client a selection of at least one midsection length option, and a step 220 comprising providing the client with at least one midsection package corresponding to the at least one midsection length option selected by the client. As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the method 200 may also comprise a step 222 comprising providing the client with a list of gear box rotation direction options, a step 224 comprising requesting from the client a selection of at least one gear box rotation direction option, and a step 226 comprising providing the client with at least one gear case 32 corresponding to the gear box rotation option selected by the client.

It is contemplated that in different embodiments, steps 210, 212, 216, 218, 222, and 224 inclusively may be performed in a manner similar to steps 204 and 206 discussed above.

It is also contemplated that in different embodiments, any or all of steps 209 to 226 may be omitted, which would be the case when, as an example, the core 50 is provided to a client with a standard midsection having a standard length, and/or a standard gear case 32, and/or a standard cowling 100, each of which could, at the manufacturer's or client's choice, be replaced later by the client with special packages or upgrades.

As shown in FIG. 4, a first group of steps comprising steps 204, 210, 216 and 222 (steps comprising providing the client with a list or different lists of options), a second group of steps comprising steps 206, 212, 218 and 224 (steps comprising requesting a selection from the client), and a third group of steps comprising steps 208, 209, 214, 220 and 226 (steps comprising installing a software or providing the client with elements corresponding to its selection(s)) are respectively performed concurrently. It is also contemplated that in different embodiments, the first, second and third groups of steps may be performed consecutively in various orders. It is also contemplated that in different embodiments, step 202 may be performed either (i) concurrently with anyone of the steps of the first, second and/or third groups of steps, or (ii) after anyone of steps 204 to 208, 210 and 212, 216 and 218, or 222 and 224.

In one embodiment, the method 200 also comprises a first payment step (not shown) comprising receiving payment from the client for the core 50, and a second payment step (not shown) comprising receiving payment from the client for the software, lower portion of the midsection 52 extension kit (if needed), gear case 32 and cowling 100 selected by the client before such items are provided to the client according to steps and/or 208, 209, 214, 220 and 226.

It is also contemplated that in different embodiments, different payment structures may be implemented. As an example, the core 50 may be financed by the outboard manufacturer and all payments received by the manufacturer only once all items selected by the client have been provided to him or the final outboard engine sold to an end user. It is also contemplated that either of the first and second payment steps, or both of them, may be performed before or after any step shown in FIG. 4 and that one or a plurality of payments may be paid/received after or before any step of methods 200.

While the methods and system disclosed herein have been described and shown with reference to particular steps performed in a particular order, it will be understood that these steps may be combined, sub-divided, or re-ordered to form an equivalent method without departing from the teachings of the present.

Turning to FIG. 5, the method 200 discussed above will be considered from the perspective of a market intermediary. In this embodiment, the method 300 comprises a step 302 comprising obtaining a core 50 of an outboard engine 10. It is contemplated that in various embodiments, the person implementing the method shown in FIG. 5 may be a market intermediary, such as an outboard engines dealer or a watercraft manufacturer. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the core 50 is obtained from an outboard engines manufacturer, but it is contemplated that in other embodiments, a core 50 could be provided by another source, such as another market intermediary. Advantageously, a plurality of similar cores 50 are obtained through a single transaction (i.e. either purchased or obtained via a given financing program used by the outboard engines manufacturer) at the same time.

As shown in FIG. 5, the method 300 also comprises a step 304 comprising receiving from an outboard engine manufacturer a list of engine operation modes, and a step 305 comprising providing such a list, or a portion thereof, to a customer. It is contemplated that this step could be performed according to the various embodiments described regarding step 204.

The method 300 also comprises a step 306 comprising requesting from a customer a selection of at least one engine operation mode from the list of engine operation modes, and a step 308 comprising providing such selection to the outboard engine manufacturer. The various embodiments described regarding step 206 provide examples of technical solutions for performing steps 306 and 308.

As shown in FIG. 5, the method 300 also comprises a step 310 comprising accessing at least one software corresponding to the engine operation mode selected by the customer, and a step 312 comprising activating or installing such software on the EMM 60 of a core 50 to be provided to the customer.

It is contemplated that in other embodiments, steps 302 to 312 may be performed in a different order.

As shown in FIG. 5, the method 300 may comprise steps corresponding to steps 209 to 214 when considered from the market intermediary's perspective. In one embodiment, a step 314 comprises obtaining an aesthetic package comprising cowling panels from the manufacturer, and a step 316 comprises assembling the aesthetic package to the core 50. In another embodiment, the method 300 comprises a step 318 comprising obtaining a list of aesthetic packages from a manufacturer, a step 320 comprising providing such list, or a portion(s) thereof to a customer, a step 322 comprising requesting the customer to make a selection of at least one aesthetic package, a step 324 comprising forwarding such selection to the manufacturer, a step 326 comprising obtaining the selected aesthetic package from the manufacturer, and a step 328 comprising assembling such aesthetic package to the core 50.

The method 300 may also, according to different embodiments, comprise steps corresponding to steps 216 to 226. In one embodiment, method 300 comprises a step 330 comprising obtaining a list of midsection length options from a manufacturer, a step 332 comprising forwarding such list, or portion(s) thereof to a customer, a step 334 comprising requesting the customer to make a selection of at least one midsection length option, a step 336 comprising forwarding such selection to the manufacturer, a step 338 comprising obtaining the selected midsection components corresponding to the midsection length option selected by the customer from the manufacturer, and a step 340 comprising assembling such midsection components to the core 50. In another embodiment, method 300 comprises a step 344 comprising obtaining a list of gear box rotation direction options from a manufacturer, a step 346 comprising forwarding such list, or portion(s) thereof to a customer, a step 348 comprising requesting the customer to make a selection of at least one gear box rotation direction option, a step 350 comprising forwarding such selection to the manufacturer, a step 352 comprising obtaining the gear case 32 corresponding to the gear box rotation direction option selected by the customer from the manufacturer, and a step 354 comprising assembling such gear case 32 to the core 50.

As shown in FIG. 5, a first group of steps comprising steps 304, 318, 330 and 344, a second group of steps comprising 305, 320, 332 and 346, a third group of steps comprising steps 306, 322, 334 and 348, a fourth group of steps comprising steps 308, 324, 336 and 350, a fifth group of steps comprising steps 314, 326, 338 and 352, and a sixth group of steps comprising steps 316, 328, 340 and 354 are respectively performed concurrently. It is also contemplated that in different embodiments, the first to the sixth groups of steps may be performed consecutively in various orders. It is also contemplated that in different embodiments, step 302 may be performed either (i) concurrently with anyone of the steps of the first to sixth groups of steps, or (ii) after anyone of steps 304 to 308, 318 to 324, 330 to 336 or 344 to 350.

In one embodiment, the method 300 comprises a first step (not shown) comprising paying a manufacturer for a core 50, and a second payment step (not shown) comprising paying a manufacturer for the software, lower portion of the midsection 52 extension kit (if needed), gear case 32 and cowling 100 selected by the client before such items are received by the market intermediary.

It is also contemplated that in different embodiments, different payment structures may be implemented. As an example, the core 50 may be financed by the outboard manufacturer and all payments received by the manufacturer only once all items selected by the market intermediary have been provided to him or the final outboard engine sold to an end user. It is also contemplated that either of the first and second payment steps, or both of them, may be performed before or after any step shown in FIG. 5 and that one or a plurality of payments may be paid/received after or before any step of methods 300.

As shown in FIG. 6, in one embodiment, a system for providing an outboard engine 400 comprises an outboard engine core 50 and a database 402 adapted to be electronically connectable to the EMM 60 of the core 50. In one embodiment, the database 402 is maintained on a remote computer or server (not shown), which in other embodiments is a remote computer system (not shown), and is accessed via a secured electronic connection through either a private or public communication network 406, which in one embodiment is the internet.

The database 402 comprises a software library 408. Each software 410 of the software library 408 is adapted to be run on an EMM 60 to control at least one engine operating parameter during operation of the engine 12 of an outboard engine 10 according to at least one engine operation. In another embodiment (not shown), the database 402 may also comprise an engine operation modes list (not shown), each engine operation mode of such list corresponding to at least one software 410 of the software library 408.

The database 402 has restricted access such that a client is only provided access to the specific software 410 corresponding to a given engine operation mode. The description of the methods 200 and 300 comprises examples of ways for providing restricted access to software 410.

It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the database 402 may be loaded on the EMM 60 before the core 50 is provided to a client. Access to the database 402 is restricted such that a client is only provided access to the specific software 410 corresponding to a given engine operation mode. The description of the methods 200 and 300 comprises examples of ways for providing restricted access to software 410 when they are already loaded on the EMM 60 before the core 50 is provided to a client.

Modifications and improvement to the above described embodiments may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1.-22. (canceled)

23. An outboard engine supply system comprising:

an outboard engine core to be provided to a client, the outboard engine core comprising: an engine, and an electronic management module connected to the engine and configured to run at least one of a plurality of software selected from a software library; and

a database configured to be electronically connectable to the electronic management module, the database comprising the software library, each software of the software library being configured to be run on the electronic management module to control at least one engine operating parameter during operation of the engine according to at least one engine operation mode, and the database restricting access to at least one specific software corresponding to a given engine operation mode selected by the client.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein:

the at least one engine operating parameter is power output; and

the at least one engine operation mode corresponds to maximum allowed power outputs of the engine.

25. The system of claim 23, further comprising:

a secured electronic connection to the database.

26. The system of claim 23, wherein:

the software library is stored in the electronic management module.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein access to the at least one specific software corresponding to a given engine operation mode is provided to the client upon entry of an access code on one of the electronic management module and an electronic management module interface device.