Abstract: A ship steering device capable of steering a hull in an intended direction by correcting an unintended rotation that occurs during an oblique sailing operation regardless of the type and size of the hull. A ship steering device is provided with an elevation angle sensor for detecting the elevation angle ? of a hull, a hull speed sensor for detecting the speed V of the hull, a storage means storing the relation among the elevation angle ? of the hull, the speed V of the hull, and a correction value K, and a calculation means serving as a correction value determination means, and an operation amount by which a joystick is operated such that the hull does not turn in the state in which the hull is obliquely sailed is determined by the calculation means and used as the correction value K.

Abstract: A flexible and reconfigurable sport and ski watercraft power control system that not only distributes power but also wirelessly distributes power management to multiple nodes on the watercraft, typically via CAN network and typically to nodes in the helm, bow and stern areas, for driving and controlling ballast and trim motors as well as other powered subsystems that affect the operation, motion and attitude of the watercraft.

Abstract: A trolling motor control system that includes a main controller configured interface with a trolling motor is provided. The main controller is configured to control the output power and directional heading of the trolling motor. In at least one embodiment, the main controller has an electronic interface configured to establish a two-way day data connection between the main controller and an electronic GPS-equipped mapping device. This two-way connection allows the main controller to use data stored on the GPS-equipped mapping device to execute functions of the trolling motor control system. It also allows functions of the trolling motor control system to be executed via controls on the GPS-equipped mapping device.

Abstract: A stable operation performance of a shift operation apparatus is ensured by allowing the shift lever to be stably recognized using a specific shift stage even in the case where the shift lever has stopped ambiguously between the two neighboring shift stages, and to exactly recognize by judging more exactly which one of the other shift stages, such as + stage and N stage, has been selected even in the case where sensor errors of a sensor for sensing whether the M stage or a manual mode has been selected occur.

Abstract: Drive-by-wire control systems and methods for a marine engine utilize an input device that is manually positionable to provide operator inputs to an engine control unit (ECU) located with the marine engine. The ECU has a main processor that receives the inputs and controls speed of the marine engine based upon the inputs and a watchdog processor that receives the inputs and monitors operations of the main processor based upon the inputs. The operations of the main processor are communicated to the watchdog processor via a communication link. The main processor causes the watchdog processor to sample the inputs from the input device at the same time as the main processor via a sampling link that is separate and distinct from the communication link. The main processor periodically compares samples of the inputs that are simultaneously taken by the main processor and watchdog processor and limits the speed of the engine when the samples differ from each other by more than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The invention concerns an underwater vehicle equipped with electrochemical means of electrical power generation, characterised in that it comprises a data processing unit (2) with inputs connected to sensors (4) of a parameter selected from amongst temperature, pressure, and hydrogen concentration, water in the area of the vehicle, and the electrochemical means of the engine, and with outputs connected to means (5) of transmitting signals to transmit signals authorising (or not authorising) an operator to approach the vehicle, depending on whether the sensed value of the parameter of the electrochemical means is in a predetermined range around the value of the parameter corresponding to water in the area of the underwater vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are for facilitating shift changes in a marine propulsion device having an internal combustion engine and a shift linkage that operatively connects a shift control lever to a transmission for effecting shift changes amongst a reverse gear, a neutral gear and a forward gear. A position sensor senses position of the shift linkage. A speed sensor senses speed of the engine. A control circuit compares the speed of the engine to a stored engine speed and modifies, based upon the position of the shift linkage when the speed of the engine reaches the stored engine speed, a neutral state threshold that determines when the control circuit ceases reducing the speed of the engine to facilitate a shift change.

Abstract: A control device controls the operating state of each of a plurality of propulsion machines arranged in parallel in a marine vessel. Control devices are connected to each other by a communication line through which operating information of the propulsion machine is mutually transmitted and received. The control device includes a unit which determines the installation position of a corresponding propulsion machine, a unit which determines the connection state of another propulsion machine connected to the communication line, and a unit which determines a propulsion machine as a control reference from among a plurality of control devices. The propulsion machine as a control reference is switched to a propulsion machine which is arbitrarily designated by an operator or a propulsion machine which has the highest priority as a control reference.

Abstract: Dynamic positioning systems and methods for controlling thrusters of a vessel. A dynamic positioning system includes a controller configured to predict position and heading of the vessel and efficiently control the the thrusters based on the predicted position and heading.

Abstract: A method for controlling a ship propulsion system including a surface propeller, in which the desired capacity is interpreted as the target rotational value, the rotational speed control deviation is calculated from the desired rotational value and the actual rotational value of the internal combustion engine and an injection quantity for the rotational control of the internal combustion engine is determined using the rotational speed control deviation on a rotational speed controller. The trim position of the surface propeller is controlled by an arrangement controller in accordance with the capacity reserve of the internal combustion engine and the actual trim position and the effective rotational speed, the trim position being determined from the rotational speed control deviation.

Abstract: A vehicle apparatus, a platoon travel control system and a method for selecting a lead vehicle using the vehicle apparatus and the platoon travel control system. Specifically, charges for platoon travel of surrounding vehicles is calculated based on input charge calculation conditions and the calculated charges are output by matching the conditions with images of surrounding vehicles. Additionally, a vehicle selected by the user is designated as a lead vehicle, thereby performing a platoon travel procedure.

Abstract: An ice alert system includes an ice floe monitoring system, and an ice floe forecast system operatively connected to the ice floe monitoring system. The ice floe forecast system is configured to determine a hazardous ice condition. An evacuation system is operatively connected to the ice floe forecast system. The evacuation system is configured and disposed to determine, in response to the hazardous ice condition, a safe harbor location, and a navigational course from an original anchor point to the safe harbor location.

Abstract: In a marine propulsion control system for controlling a set of propulsion units carried by a hull of a vessel, cavitation typically occurs on the propulsion unit with reverse gear engaged, and in a triple propulsion unit installation the normally idle center propulsion unit can be used to increase the reverse thrust and thereby limit the RPM of propulsion units in reverse, so that the cavitation effect is limited, and simultaneously allow for higher forward thrust on the third propulsion unit, thus increasing the total thrust for the vessel.

Abstract: A method of controlling a ship as well as to a ship, where the ship includes at least one data collecting unit configured to collect operational data of the ship, at least one control computer for controlling an operation aspect of the ship, at least one window facing a view used in the control, and at least one actuating unit for actuating a control aspect of the ship. The at least one window includes a touch screen on which operational data obtained from the data collecting unit is presented and via which a control command can be entered for controlling the ship.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of very high current integrated power systems and defines a system where an alternating current inductive generator (13), controlled by a generator voltage regulator (14), is coupled to alternating current inductive load (11), controlled by an alternating current inductive load controller (12), all controlled by a supervisory control and data acquisition system (17) with externally adjustable power rate constraints (21) that define a new anticipatory mode integrated power system (10).

Abstract: A turning progress display apparatus is provided. The turning progress display apparatus includes an azimuth information acquiring module configured to acquire azimuth information that is at least one of information of an orientation of a movable body, information of a traveling direction of the movable body, and information that changes cooperating with a change of the orientation of the movable body, a progress calculating module configured to calculate a progress of the turn based on the azimuth information acquired by the azimuth information acquiring module and a target value of the azimuth information, and a display unit configured to display the turning progress calculated by the progress calculating module.

Abstract: In one aspect a system for acoustic testing comprises a plurality of acoustic sensors mounted to a plurality of vehicles, a control system to control the plurality of vehicles, and a data acquisition system to receive data generated by the plurality of acoustic sensors in response to noise from a noise source proximate the plurality of vehicles. Other aspects may be described.

Abstract: A method and system for detaching one or more compartments attached to a watercraft in response to a detected event, the method including detecting an event with respect to a compartment attached to the watercraft and causing, in response to detecting the event, a release of one or more attaching members that attach the compartment to the watercraft.

Abstract: Systems and methods are for controlling shift in a marine propulsion device. A shift sensor outputs a position signal representing a current position of a shift linkage. A control circuit is programmed to identify an impending shift change when the position signal reaches a first threshold and an actual shift change when the position signal reaches a second threshold. The control circuit is programmed to enact a shift interrupt control strategy that facilitates the actual shift change when the position signal reaches the first threshold, and to actively modify the first threshold as a change in operation of the marine propulsion device occurs.

Abstract: A computer 11 of a ship monitoring device 1 arranges one kind of transmission data between, two consecutive start control codes and two consecutive termination control codes. The computer 11 also arranges information indicating a type of the transmission data between the transmission data and the start control codes and between the termination control codes and the transmission data. In this way, the transmission data is transmitted in form of packet data. Therefore, transmission data in information communication between ships and sensed information in information, communication of fenders can be easily distinguished from each other. In addition, a type of information transmitted as the transmission data can be easily identified.

Abstract: A system and method are for diagnosing a fault state of a shift linkage in a marine propulsion device. A control lever is movable towards at least one of a maximum reverse position and a maximum forward position. A shift linkage couples the control lever to a transmission, wherein movement of the control lever causes movement of the shift linkage that enacts a shift change in the transmission. A shift sensor outputs a position signal representing a current position of the shift linkage. A control circuit diagnoses a fault state of the shift linkage when after the shift change the position signal that is output by the shift sensor is outside of at least one range of position signals that is stored in the control circuit.

Abstract: An unmanned underwater vehicle incorporates a structure having an integral scintillating material for a radiation detector and detection electronics connected to the radiation detector for measurement of the scintillation. A communication system is employed for transmission of scintillation measurement to a remote facility and a navigation control system provides for autonomous operation of the unmanned underwater vehicle or remote operation through the communications system.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a first axle, a second axle, an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, and a torque transfer device. The first axle is coupled to first and second wheels. The second axle is coupled to third and fourth wheels. The electric motor drives the first axle in a first direction and a second direction at different times. The internal combustion engine drives a transmission output shaft in one direction. The torque transfer device selectively drives the second axle in the first direction in response to rotation of the transmission output shaft in the one direction. The torque transfer device also selectively drives the second axle in the second direction in response to rotation of the transmission output shaft in the one direction.

Abstract: A ship is disclosed which can include a hull, at least one propulsion unit having a propulsion engine, transmission, at least one propeller connected via the transmission to the propulsion engine, and an oscillation sensor situated in a vicinity of the at least one propeller in order to sense cavitation of the at least one propeller. A control unit can control the propulsion engine, the oscillation sensor being connected to the control unit, whereby the output signal of the oscillation sensor is analyzed in the control unit to detect and indicate that a worse degree cavitation is emerging on a display unit at the navigation bridge and/or regulate the rotation speed and/or the power of the propulsion engine.

Abstract: A unique method for automatically monitoring, trimming, and adjusting or synchronizing multi-propeller drives of a boat to remain aligned with each other in the desired trim positions during operation. In each instance that a driver or operator activates all of the stern drives at the same time to adjust or synchronize the trim, the position of each of the propeller drives is monitored by the system. If any of the propeller drives are found not to be in alignment or out of synchronization with one another, the system will automatically make the appropriate adjustments in the necessary propeller drive(s) to synchronize all of the stern drive into the same desired trim positions. An automatic calibration process is also provided to ensure that the system has, and is using, accurate position data.

Abstract: A jet propelled watercraft includes a vessel body, a jet propulsion mechanism, an engine, at least one switch, and an emergency contact unit. The at least one switch includes an engine stop switch, a lanyard switch, and a rollover switch. The engine stop switch is configured to stop the engine in response to manual operation. The lanyard switch is configured to stop the engine in response to detachment of a lanyard. The rollover switch is configured to stop the engine in response to rollover of the vessel body. The emergency contact unit includes a determination portion and an instruction portion. The determination portion determines whether or not rescue is required based on the status of the at least one switch when the engine has been stopped. The instruction portion instructs transmission of a distress signal to a predetermined emergency contact when the determination portion has determined that rescue is required.

Abstract: A vessel monitoring and control system. Data indicative of operational conditions for vessel systems is transmitted from the vessel to one or more remote sites and commands are received from the one or more remote sites for controlling the vessel systems. Multiple transmitting and receiving components are available on the vessel for communicating with a variety of different communications systems at the remote sites.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a physical change of a marine structure includes a complex optical measuring instrument configured to detect a behavior and structural change of the marine structure by using at least one optical sensor by means of optical fiber Bragg grating.

Abstract: A vessel display system includes a display device, an autopilot screen display unit displaying on the display device an autopilot screen for an autopilot mode, an automatic berthing control screen display unit displaying on the display device an automatic berthing control screen for an automatic berthing mode of automatically controlling a propulsion device and a steering mechanism to make the vessel berth at a berthing target position, a destination approach condition judging unit judging whether or not a predetermined destination approach condition, indicating that the vessel has come close to the destination, is satisfied, and a screen transition control unit automatically making the display on the display device transition from the autopilot screen to the automatic berthing control screen when the destination approach condition judging unit judges that the destination approach condition is satisfied.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sea state prediction and autonomous navigation in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes a method of predicting a future sea state including generating a sequence of at least two 3D images of a sea surface using at least two image sensors, detecting peaks and troughs in the 3D images using a processor, identifying at least one wavefront in each 3D image based upon the detected peaks and troughs using the processor, characterizing at least one propagating wave based upon the propagation of wavefronts detected in the sequence of 3D images using the processor, and predicting a future sea state using at least one propagating wave characterizing the propagation of wavefronts in the sequence of 3D images using the processor. Another embodiment includes a method of autonomous vessel navigation based upon a predicted sea state and target location.

Abstract: A system for a watercraft includes memory, a communications module, and a throttle control module. The memory includes a first mapping of measured accelerator position to desired throttle opening. The communications module selectively downloads a second mapping of the measured accelerator position to the desired throttle opening to the memory. The throttle control module generates the desired throttle opening based on the measured accelerator position and a selected one of the first and second mappings. A throttle actuator module opens a throttle valve based on the desired throttle opening.

Abstract: A robotic mechanical fin, having a motor housing containing a plurality of rib rotation motors, rib spars, and a plurality of ribs, mechanically movable and communicatively coupled to the plurality of rib rotation motors and shafts, where the plurality of ribs are rotationally coupled to and actuated by the plurality of rib rotation motors and shafts. The mechanical fin further includes a flexible fin casing, within which the ribs reside, forming the complete actively controlled curvature robotic propulsion and steering apparatus. The mechanical fin, is connected to a plurality of control electronics circuits and a computer processor programmed with actuation code that when executed by the computer processor causes automated actuation of simultaneous propulsion and steering maneuverability of the actively controlled curvature, robotic, mechanical fin.

Abstract: An automatic timing measurement system provides a measure of time of passage of a watercraft through a prescribed course. Inertial or other estimates augmented by GPS speed/position measurements are used to track position of a watercraft. Position estimates are used to allow the locations of prescribed courses to be mapped and memorized. The passage of a watercraft through mapped courses is automatically detected for the purpose of measuring and reporting time of passage of the watercraft past key points in the course, and the speed of the apparatus may be modified if necessary at certain points in the mapped course. A measure of accuracy of driver steering can be provided along with the ability to automatically steer the watercraft through the course if “steer-by-wire” mechanism is available. GPS speed control is augmented with a secondary velocity measurement device that measures speed over water to provide real-time compensation for water current.

Abstract: By obtaining an atmospheric pressure learning value by applying filtering to an estimated atmospheric pressure found from an estimated atmospheric pressure map in an atmospheric pressure learning region matched in advance, and by constantly updating this atmospheric pressure learning value, stable and highly reliable atmospheric pressure estimation can be achieved. Also, a pre-set parameter value or the last atmospheric pressure learning value is used as the initial atmospheric pressure value and an unstable intake pressure value at the engine start in a battery-less state is not used. Hence, it becomes possible to provide an estimated atmospheric pressure with which high drivability is achievable by fully exploiting the engine performance as soon as the engine is started.

Abstract: A vehicle operable with human muscle power and/or motor power, e.g., an electric bicycle, includes: a crank drive through which a rider torque generated by a rider is introduced; an electrical drive system that can additionally apply a driving torque; and a control unit configured to shut off the electrical drive system when the rider torque is not present. The control unit encompasses a monitoring device which ensures that when the rider torque falls below a predetermined value, the electrical drive system continues to be operated for a specified time span, the duration of the time span being variable as a function of a pedaling frequency.

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.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a plurality of watercraft operating devices arranged to adjust an amount and/or a direction of a propulsive force or a resistance provided to a prescribed position of the watercraft, operation devices arranged to operate the plurality of watercraft operating devices, actuators arranged to actuate the respective watercraft operating devices, and a control unit arranged to control an operation amount of each of the actuators based on an operational state of the operation devices.

Abstract: A guidance output device, which outputs guidance for improving fuel economy when an energy wasting operation is detected in a construction machine that is provided with an exhaust gas purifying device for an internal combustion engine, includes a regeneration process determining unit that determines whether a regeneration process is in progress in the exhaust gas purifying device. It also includes a guidance output restriction unit that restricts an output of the guidance for energy saving by the guidance output unit when the regeneration process determining unit determines that the regeneration process is in progress in the exhaust gas purifying device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dumping material onto an underwater bottom or installation, such as a pipeline. The device comprises a vessel, provided with a fall pipe through which the material is dumped on the underwater bottom; a steering device adapted to control the motion of the fall pipe relative to the underwater bottom; first monitoring means adapted to monitor the state of the underwater bottom; second monitoring means adapted to monitor the position of the steering device; and computing means adapted to compute, control signals for moving the steering device. The invention also relates to a method for dumping material onto an underwater bottom or installation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are for controlling shift in a marine propulsion device. A shift sensor outputs a position signal representing a current position of a shift linkage. A control circuit is programmed to identify an impending shift change when the position signal reaches a first threshold and an actual shift change when the position signal reaches a second threshold. The control circuit is programmed to enact a shift interrupt control strategy that facilitates the actual shift change when the position signal reaches the first threshold, and to actively modify the first threshold as a change in operation of the marine propulsion device occurs.

Abstract: A system includes a fluid reservoir containing a first fluid, a pair of fluidic channels in fluidic connection with the fluid reservoir, a counter-fluid reservoir having a second fluid that is non-miscible with the first fluid, and a pump connected to the fluid reservoir. The pump is configured to pump the first fluid from the fluid reservoir into the pair of fluidic channels. When contained in a vehicle, the system allows for control of the vehicle's orientation. The system may use sensor input to determine when to actuate the pump. Each fluidic channel may have a cross-section that varies along its length. The fluidic channels may be geometrically symmetric about the fluid reservoir. The system may be incorporated into a vehicle to control the vehicle's orientation.

Abstract: A novel privacy control-adjustable vehicle monitoring system and a related method of operation provide a dynamically-adjustable access grant or denial of privacy-sensitive vehicle information to a vehicle monitoring personnel based on a driver's response to an electronic request made by the vehicle monitoring personnel. In one embodiment, vehicle information is categorized into a mandatory disclosure dataset and a privacy-adjustable dataset, wherein the mandatory disclosure dataset is disclosed to the vehicle monitoring personnel at all times, while the privacy-adjustable dataset is accessible if the driver grants access via a driver's user interface on an onboard vehicle user interface, or on a mobile electronic device. Furthermore, a special wild card mode visible to the driver enables the vehicle monitoring personnel to access an entire set of vehicle information for a limited period per access and for a limited number of accesses per period, based on a pre-arranged consent with the driver.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system, method, and apparatus for collecting sensor data by a remote vehicle. The method involves determining, by at least one first processor, at least one scene to collect by using information in a demand map. The method further involves configuring, by at least one processor, a field of view for at least one sensor associated with the remote vehicle to collect at least one scene. Further, the method involves collecting, by at least one sensor, at least one scene.

Abstract: Technologies are provided for underwater measurements. A system includes an underwater vessels including: a plurality of sensors disposed thereon for measuring underwater properties; and a programmable controller configured to selectively activate the plurality of sensors based at least in part on underwater pressure. A user may program at what pressure ranges certain sensors are activated to measure selected properties, and may also program the ascent/descent rate of the underwater vessel, which is correlated with the underwater pressure.

Abstract: A steering control system for ski boat with an inboard motor and a single, non-steerable propeller. The control system augments the traditional aft rudder with a forward rudder (located immediately in front of the propeller), and controls one or both rudders to improve steering when backing and in low forward speed conditions. The control system may control only the forward rudder, while the pre-existing controls operate the aft rudder, or optionally controls both rudders. The rudder angle control algorithm calculates proportional rudder angles based on helm and throttle settings, or optimal rudder angles based on more sensed conditions including the operator's helm and throttle controls, the ski boat's direction and speed, propeller RPM and thrust direction, and each rudder's angle. An electronic controller sends control signals to the rudders to achieve the optimal rudder angles.

Abstract: A marine propulsion control system for controlling a set of propulsion units carried, by a hull of a vessel is based on the recognition that simultaneous control of yaw and sway movements can be achieved through a control system for a set of propulsion units where two propulsion units achieve yaw movement and two propulsion units achieve a sway movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for reducing load and frequency variations in the power distribution of a dynamically positioned vessel. The system comprising a consumer load control being connected to at least one power generator and at least one thruster, the consumer load control being adapted to monitor the available power in the system, from said at least one power generator and, the power consumption from said at least one thruster as well as other power consumers in the system.

Abstract: A status calculating apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes three or more antennas disposed at different positions on a movable body, each antenna receiving positioning signals, correlators for calculating carrier wave phase differences for every antenna based on correlation of the positioning signals with a replica signal, carrier wave phase measurement value calculating modules for calculating carrier wave phase measurement values, a baseline vector calculating module for calculating baseline vectors based on the carrier wave phase measurement values, and an attitude angle calculating module for calculating a yaw angle for every baseline vector and calculating a representative yaw angle based on the plurality of calculated yaw angles.

Abstract: Wakeboat hull control systems and methods are provided to monitor the orientation of the wakeboat hull in the surrounding water, and to automatically control wakeboat ballast components to achieve or maintain desired hull orientations. Systems and methods are provided to measure, store, and recall hull orientation. Systems and methods are also provided to enable automated action to improve the safety, automation, performance, convenience, and marketing advantage of wakeboat ballast systems.

Abstract: When an information display layout is created, a touch panel device displays information display areas icons. A user can create the information display layout by dragging the icons to the information display areas. After the drag operation, information corresponding to the icons is displayed in the respective information display areas.