Abstract: A dual clutch automated manual transmission includes a first clutch and a second clutch, and a clutch torque capacity command value for a plurality of clutch actuators arranged to drive the first clutch and second clutch based on operation of a by-wire type of clutch lever, wherein the clutch torque capacity of the plurality of clutches is controlled. An operator can adjust a driving force by manually operating the clutch in the transmission in which a clutch operation is controlled automatically, such as an automatic transmission system, automated manual transmission system, or dual clutch automated manual transmission system, thereby improving drivability.

Abstract: In an apparatus for preventing theft of equipment such as outboard motor having a prime mover (engine), a prime mover controller and an authenticator (26) that acquires ID information from an electronic key when the key is brought close thereto by an operator and gives a permission to the prime mover controller to start the prime mover when acquired ID information is determined to correspond with authentication ID information, the permission was given is stored, and the authenticator determines whether the information is stored each time when activated (S12), and gives the permission to the prime mover controller immediately when it is determined that it is stored (S32), thereby enabling to easily restart the prime mover without authentication operation.

Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling operation of an outboard motor having an internal combustion engine to power a propeller and a transmission being selectively changeable in gear position to establish speeds including a first speed and a second speed and transmitting power of the engine to the propeller with a gear ratio determined by established speed, a change amount of throttle opening and a change amount of manifold absolute pressure of the engine are detected, and operation of the transmission is controlled to change the gear position from the second speed to the first speed based on the change amounts of the throttle opening and manifold absolute pressure, thereby enabling to appropriately control the operation of the transmission to suppress the decrease in boat speed even when the resistance of water flow acting on a boat during cruising is increased due to influence of a wave, etc.

Abstract: An electronic pet and a system therewith are provided herein. The electronic pet includes a driving device, a sensing device used to sense light, sound and contact/non-contact stimulations from an external environment, a signal transceiver device used to transceive signals to and from devices other than the electronic pet, and a processor. The pet interaction system includes an electronic pet, a system sensing device used to sense a position of the electronic pet and a physiological status of a user, a dummy, a system signal transceiver device used to transceive signals to and from the electronic pet and the dummy, and a system processor.

Abstract: A monitoring and displaying system for a marine vessel calculates a variable that is equivalent to distance moved by the marine vessel as a function of rotation of the engine crankshaft. The variable is calculated by measuring boat speed and engine speed. In a typical application, the resulting variable is displayed in terms of inches of boat movement for one revolution of the engine crankshaft. This information is provided on a display monitor so that the operator of a marine vessel can continually monitor the effect on this variable by various changes that might be made to the marine propulsion system, such as a change in trim angle.

Abstract: An automated start/stop system for a vehicle comprises an auto-stop module, a diagnostic module, and an auto-start module. The auto-stop module selectively initiates an auto-stop event and shuts down an engine while the vehicle is running. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in a clutch pedal position sensor of the vehicle. The auto-start module, while the vehicle is running and the engine is shut down, selectively initiates an auto-start event after the fault has been diagnosed when current drawn by a starter motor is less than a predetermined maximum starting current.

Abstract: A method is provided including determining a first power level required from a diesel powered system. The first power level corresponds to a first proportion of a maximum power. The method also includes determining an emission output for a mission based on the first power level. The method further includes determining a second power level corresponding to a second proportion of the maximum power, wherein alternate use of the second power level and at least one of the first power level or a third power level results in a lower emission output for the mission, with the overall resulting power being proximate the minimum power required. The method also includes automatically controlling operation of the diesel powered system by using the second power level alternately with at least one of the first power level or the third power level.

Abstract: A ship motion prediction system is described that includes a plurality of surface platforms and a central computer having a communications interface. The platforms each include a propulsion system for movement of the platform, a plurality of sensors operable for gathering sensor data relating to an environment proximate the platform, a processing device communicatively coupled to the propulsion system and the plurality of sensors, and a transceiver communicatively coupled to the processing device. The central computer includes a communications interface, and the processing device is programmed to transmit sensor data to the central computer via the transceiver and the communications interface. The central computer is programmed to transmit commands for operation of the propulsion system to the processing device via the communications interface and transceiver.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an engine management system (EMS) can use a human machine interface (HMI) to modify operating parameters of a set of engine generators controlled by an engine control unit (ECU). The HMI can permits authorized users to adjust a plurality of operating parameters of the engine generators in accordance with an authorization level of the authorized users. The ECU can be a standalone system operable independent of the EMS. A communication network (e.g., ARCnet) can link the EMS to the ECU, wherein the changes of the operating parameters input via the HMI are maintained over a power-cycle of the EMS. Further, changes of the operating parameters input via the HMI can be maintained even when communications over the communication network linking the engine.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for guiding an under-actuated marine surface vessel in tracking a desired trajectory comprises expressing a predetermined vessel trajectory as a set of straight line segments, determining a desired current line segment, and determining the vessel's current position. A cross-track error and the derivative of the cross-track error are then determined. Next, a radius R of the line-of-sight (LOS) circle using a newly introduced exponential function is determined. Intersection points M and N between the LOS circle and the current desired line segment are determined. A desired heading angle is determined as the angle between the line of sight and a predetermined fixed reference line. A drift detection algorithm is built into the proposed guidance scheme to detect situations whereby the ship moves parallel to its desired trajectory for an extended period of time without being able to correct for the cross track error.

Abstract: An automatic trim system for a jet propulsion watercraft is provided. Control electronics are in communication with a steering angle sensor to monitor the steering angle of the watercraft, and evaluate a target setting for the trim taking the steering angle into consideration. Control signals are sent to an appropriate actuating device for adjusting the trim angle accordingly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for orienting a marine vessel enhance available thrust in a station keeping mode. A control device having a memory and a programmable circuit is programmed to control operation of a plurality of marine propulsion devices to maintain orientation of a marine vessel in a selected global position. The control device is programmed to calculate a direction of a resultant thrust vector associated with the plurality of marine propulsion devices that is necessary to maintain the vessel in the selected global position. The control device is programmed to control operation of the plurality of marine propulsion devices to change the actual heading of the marine vessel to align the actual heading with the thrust vector.

Abstract: To perform control of movement of a marine vessel traveling through water during a seismic survey operation, input information relating to factors that affect a speed of the marine vessel is received. The speed of the marine vessel is adjusted in response to the received information relating to the factors that affect the speed of the marine vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for actively deforming, by feedback control, an aerodynamic profile comprising an elastic material, applied to a part of the surface of the aerodynamic profile, said elastic material being in contact with a fluid flow; said elastic material being able to be deformed by one or more shape memory actuators placed in contact with the elastic material, said actuators being controlled by a computer connected to sensors. This method applies notably to a deformation of an aerofoil of a wing of an aircraft in flight, notably subsonic.

Abstract: A method for towing marine geophysical sensor streamers in a body of water includes moving a towing vessel at a selected speed along the surface of the body of water. At least one geophysical sensor streamer is towed by the vessel at a selected depth in the water. A velocity of the streamer in the water is measured at at least one position along the streamer. The selected speed of the towing vessel is adjusted if the measured velocity exceeds a selected threshold.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for a measuring the velocity of a fluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ready system for providing floating dock deflection management systems increasing operations efficiency and providing accurate, safe control to eliminate man-made accidents. This invention also relates to a ready system for providing floating dock deflection management systems providing information to safely operate at least one dry dock without over-stressing the metallurgy of the dry dock.

Abstract: A single lever control for combined control of the throttle of one or more engines, for example of boats, and of a reversing gear mechanism includes a system that alternately couples and uncouples the motion of the lever to the reversing gear driving mechanism and to the members controlling the throttle of the one or more engines as a function of the angular position of the lever.

Abstract: A digital mapping display and related system for fishing, and other applications.

Abstract: A theft deterrent apparatus is used in a marine vessel which includes a propulsion device. The theft deterrent apparatus includes an authentication unit, a fault detection unit arranged to detect a fault of the authentication unit, and an operation control unit arranged to control operation of the propulsion device. When the authentication unit is normal, the operation control unit controls the operation of the propulsion device in accordance with an authentication result of the authentication unit. When a fault has occurred in the authentication unit, the operation control unit controls the operation of the propulsion device without referring to the authentication result of the authentication unit.

Abstract: An outboard motor control device is arranged to control a plurality of outboard motors. The outboard motor control device includes a malfunction determination unit arranged to determine whether any of the outboard motors is malfunctioning in turning angle control, a turning angle control stop unit arranged to stop turning angle control of an outboard motor determined as malfunctioning in turning angle control by the malfunction determination unit, a turning angle range limitation unit arranged to limit a turning angle range of other normally functioning outboard motor according to a turning angle of the outboard motor malfunctioning in turning angle control, and a turning angle control unit arranged to perform turning angle control of the normally functioning outboard motor in the turning angle range limited by the turning angle range limitation unit.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of a computer readable medium having computer instructions stored thereon for operating a vessel are provided. The computer readable medium can include computer instructions for monitoring a DC source; computer instructions for determining the most efficient power source to power a vessel; computer instructions for controlling an AC power source to allow transfer of power solely from the DC power source to power the vessel, transfer of power solely from the AC power source to power the vessel; or transfer of power from both the AC power source and the DC power source to power the vessel; computer instructions to determine when the DC power source is at a predetermined level; and computer instructions for controlling auxiliary devices of the vessel.

Abstract: A method is provided by controlling the operation of a marine vessel subject to porpoising. The method includes sensing an operational characteristic of the marine vessel which is indicative of porpoising of the marine vessel, and responding to the sensing of the operational characteristic with a response that is representative of the operational characteristic of the marine vessel as being indicative of the porpoising of the marine vessel.

Abstract: A steering system includes: a steering wheel; a steering wheel sensor configured to detect an operation angle of the steering wheel; an actuator configured to turn an outboard engine; a plurality of turn angle sensors including a first turn angle sensor configured to detect a turn angle; and a control unit configured to calculate a controlling turn angle, and to drive the actuator to turn the outboard engine in accordance with a difference between the controlling turn angle and the turn angle. If an anomaly of the first turn angle sensor is detected, the control unit continues to drive the actuator based on information from a second turn angle sensor in a normal state, and drives the actuator so as to limit the turn angle of the outboard engine as compared with a case in which the first turn angle sensor is in a normal state.

Abstract: An underwater investigation system may include a host ship, a UUV including a propulsion device and a steering device, and at least one sonar system. The system may further include a guidance controller configured to initiate sonar range measurements between the host ship and the UUV using the at least one sonar system, and estimate a respective UUV position state relative to the host ship at the initiation of at least some of the sonar range value measurements to define a series of successive UUV position state estimates. The guidance controller may be further configured to update UUV position state estimates in the series based upon completion of their respective sonar range measurements, propagate the updates to subsequent UUV position state estimates in the series, and control the propulsion device and the steering device to guide movement of the UUV relative to the host ship based upon the updated position state estimates.

Abstract: The positions and motions of a bow and a stern of the ship are detected using redundant devices and evaluated to automatically perform difficult maneuvers in ports or to generate recommendations for controlling the ship.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the speed of a vessel from an overhead image of the vessel's wake can include the initial step of defining a cusp line for the wake. A representative line segment from the defined cusp line that is suitable for building an image intensity profile for the image can be selected. Once the intensity profile is built along the line segment, the wake wavelength ?cusp from the image intensity profile can be found by measuring the distance between successive points of intensity maxima (or successive intensity minima points) along the line segment. Once ?cusp is found, the vessel speed can be determined from the images according to the formula ?ship=?{square root over (1.352*?cusp)}. The systems and methods can be practiced using any overhead imagery systems that display a vessel's wake, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and electro-optical (EO) overhead imagery systems.

Abstract: A system and method of use is provided that includes: receiving configuration information from an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV); automatically configuring a launch control console (LCC) according to the configuration information; and providing a graphical interface for a user to command the UUV to perform at least one task. The automatic configuration includes formatting commands and the graphical interface to suit a vehicle type and components of the UUV. Other embodiments include: aligning a navigation system in the UUV; selecting a mission; activating components in the UUV corresponding to the mission; and launching the UUV on the mission. Further embodiments include: downloading at least one preset associated with the UUV; modifying the presets; and displaying a status of components and a log of messages on the graphical interface.

Abstract: A marine vessel control apparatus is arranged and programmed to control a propulsion device including an engine and a propulsion device control unit. The marine vessel control apparatus includes a starter switch arranged to be operated by an operator to start the engine, and a main control unit arranged and programmed to receive a start command from the starter switch and to communicate with the propulsion device control unit. The main control unit includes a stand-by unit arranged to, when receiving the start command from the starter switch, stand by until information for determination of a predetermined start permission condition is acquired from the propulsion device control unit, a determining unit arranged to, after the information is acquired, determine if the start permission condition is met, and an engine start command unit arranged to, if the start permission condition is met, provide an engine start command to the propulsion device control unit.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for sensor-based sailboat sails, including a device to detect whether a flow on a sail is attached or separated including a flow separation sensor; a device using data from the separation sensor to trim the sail; a wind history device for storing a history of wind conditions on the sail; a UV-exposure sensor for measuring UV-exposure on the sail; an acceleration sensor to measure an attitude of the sail; a stress or strain sensor to measure stretch and loading of the sail; an energy supply to provide energy to the sensors; and a data display to show data from the sensors to a user.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a plurality of devices, a central controller, and a display device. The central controller is programmed to execute centralized control of the devices. The display device includes a touch panel function. The display device is configured to communicate with the central controller, and to display information regarding watercraft in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) format.

Abstract: A vehicular interface may include an electromechanical interface between a handheld electronic device and subsystems on a vehicular bus or network. In selected embodiments the interface may operate in a “master mode” when a handheld device, such as a tablet computer or smart-phone, is not inserted therein. In this mode the interface may serve as a master controller and accesses and controls various subsystems on a vehicle (such as engine control subsystems, media controllers, navigation systems, sensors and transducers) as a master controller. In one embodiment, when a tablet device is inserted into the interface, the interface may automatically switch to “slave mode” in which it acts as an adapter or interface between the tablet device and the vehicular subsystems. In this mode of operation the user's exclusive interface is through the tablet computer and the tablet computer serves as the master controller for the system.

Abstract: In a watercraft, a storage device stores area information including position information regarding a specified area. A controller compares a current position of a watercraft main body obtained by a global navigation satellite system receiver to the position information related to the specified area. The controller controls the watercraft main body in accordance with a normal mode when the current position of the watercraft main body is within the specified area. The controller controls the watercraft main body in accordance with a limited mode in which at least a portion of a plurality of functions of the watercraft main body are limited in comparison with the normal mode when the current position of the watercraft main body is not within the specified area.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a marine vessel includes a cruise control module operating the marine vessel at a speed and a trim control module positioning an outdrive into a plurality of trim positions. A fuel economy determination module determines a plurality of fuel economies for each of the trim positions and determines an efficient trim position from the plurality of fuel economies for each of the trim positions. An operation control module operates the marine vessel at the efficient trim position. A trim tab position may also be taken into account for efficient operation.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion system includes first and second propulsion devices, a first operation lever arranged to be operated by a marine vessel maneuvering operator to control the first propulsion device, a second operation lever arranged to be operated by the marine vessel maneuvering operator to control the second propulsion device, a first lever position sensor arranged to detect a position of the first operation lever, a second lever position sensor arranged to detect a position of the second operation lever, and a control unit. The control unit is programmed to set a target pivoting speed according to the positions of the first and second operation levers relative to each other and set a target travel speed according to amounts of displacement of the first and second operation levers with respect to neutral positions.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion system includes first and second propulsion devices, a first operation lever arranged to be operated by a marine vessel maneuvering operator to control the first propulsion device, a second operation lever arranged to be operated by the marine vessel maneuvering operator to control the second propulsion device, a first lever position sensor arranged to detect a position of the first operation lever, a second lever position sensor arranged to detect a position of the second operation lever, and a control unit. The control unit is programmed to set a target pivoting speed according to the positions of the first and second operation levers relative to each other and set a target travel speed according to amounts of displacement of the first and second operation levers with respect to neutral positions.

Abstract: A watercraft propulsion device includes an engine, a drive shaft, a propeller shaft, a rotational speed detector, and a controller. The drive shaft transmits power from the engine. The propeller shaft is rotationally driven by power transmitted from the drive shaft. The rotational speed detector detects an engine rotational speed. The controller executes a suppression control to suppress the engine rotational speed when a change rate of the engine rotational speed is equal to or larger than a prescribed value.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a navigation aid device that includes a calculation time setting module for setting two or more calculation points of time for calculating trial information, a ship-concerned information acquisition module for acquiring ship-concerned information including a position of a ship concerned at every predetermined ship-concerned information acquisition time, a ship-concerned trial information calculating module for calculating ship-concerned trial information including the position of the ship concerned at each calculation point of time based on the ship-concerned information acquired at the newest information acquisition time with respect to the calculation point of time.

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: Systems and methods for orienting a marine vessel minimize at least one of pitch and roll in a station keeping mode. A control device having a memory and a programmable circuit is programmed to control operation of the plurality of marine propulsion devices to maintain orientation of a marine vessel in a selected global position and heading. The control device receives at least one of actual pitch and actual roll of the marine vessel in the global position and controls operation of the plurality of marine propulsion units to change the heading of the marine vessel to minimize at least one of the actual pitch and the actual roll while maintaining the marine vessel in the selected global position.

Abstract: A fishfinder data display device is provided. The display device includes a memory for storing fishfinder data obtained by a fishfinder detecting underwater and a location where the fishfinder data is acquired so as to associate the fishfinder data with the location, a display unit for displaying an image created based on the fishfinder data, and a controller, when an operator performs a specifying operation to a predetermined part of the image displayed by the display unit, for reading the location corresponding to the fishfinder data based on the specified predetermined part of the image from the memory, and causing an autopilot device to execute an autopilot operation with the location as a destination.

Abstract: An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for recording seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The AUV includes a body having a flush shape; an intake water element located on the body and configured to take in water; at least one propulsion nozzle located on the body and configured to eject the water from the intake water element for actuating the AUV; at least one guidance nozzle located on the body and configured to eject water to change a traveling direction of the AUV; and a seismic payload located on the body of the AUV and configured to record seismic signals.

Abstract: A controller-executable method provides an electric-only (EV) launch mode in a vehicle having an accelerator pedal, an engine, a motor generator unit (MGU), a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), and a belt alternator starter system adapted for selectively rotating the crankshaft using motor torque from the MGU. Execution of the method uses motor torque from the MGU, while the engine is off, to accelerate the crankshaft to above a calibrated launch speed when a threshold minimum force is applied to the pedal. A designated one of the odd- and even-gear clutches of the DCT are controlled until input torque to the DCT equals a calibrated level. The other DCT clutch may be modulated to dampen drivetrain oscillations. The vehicle launches in the EV launch mode via the designated DCT clutch when the crankshaft speed exceeds an input speed of the DCT. The vehicle and controller are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a start-protection system for an engine of a marine vessel. The engine has gears and a shift actuator for operatively shifting the gears. The system includes a first position sensor disposed to operatively sense whether the engine is in a forward, neutral or a reverse gear position. The first position sensor generates a signal representative of the gear position. The system includes a second position sensor adjacent to a shift control which controls shift functions of the engine. The second position sensor generates a signal representative of the position of the shift control. The system includes processing means. The processing means are configured to receive the signals of the position sensors, determine the gear position and the position of the shift control and enable the engine to start upon determining that both the shift control and the engine are in neutral positions.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for identifying, assessing, and responding to vulnerabilities on a mobile communication device. Information about the mobile communication device, such as its operating system, firmware version, or software configuration, is transmitted to a server for assessment. The server accesses a data storage storing information about vulnerabilities. Based on the received information, the server may identify those vulnerabilities affecting the mobile communication device, and may transmit a notification to remediate those vulnerabilities. The server may also transmit result information about the vulnerabilities affecting the mobile communication device. The server may also store the received information about the device, so that in the event the server learns of new vulnerabilities, it may continue to assess whether the device is affected, and may accordingly notify or remediate the device.

Abstract: A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second waterjets, corresponding first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets. The system comprises a speed control device for providing a first vessel control signal that corresponds to a speed to be provided to the marine vessel, a processor configured to receive the first vessel control signal and that is configured to provide at least one first actuator control signal coupled to the first and second waterjets, and at least one second actuator control signal coupled to the first and second steering nozzles and the first and second reversing buckets. The system any of improves upon turns provided by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, improves upon slowing down or stopping marine vessels as is done by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, and improves upon the controllability of the waterjet propulsed marine vessel at low vessel speeds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding frame (1) which is foldable and or adjustable in height and or displaceable in the longitudinal direction and has adjustable step means (16) and these remain positionally stable when the folding frame (1) is unfolded and if necessary a gas spring (65) coupled with a pressureless switch (64) or quick release means (68) can raise the folding frame (1) at any time. The folding frame (1) optionally has a cover (53) and the step means (16) have rail elements (21), wherein the corresponding folding and displacement of a tender on the folding frame (1) takes place by means of sensors and a controller (18). The folding frame (1) has a rotating folding frame (38) that can be offset and optionally a telescoping gangway (41).

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide for some embodiments infrared camera systems for maritime applications. For example in one embodiment, a watercraft includes a plurality of image capture components coupled to the watercraft to capture infrared images around at least a substantial portion of a perimeter of the watercraft; a memory component adapted to store the captured infrared images; a processing component adapted to process the captured infrared images according to a man overboard mode of operation to provide processed infrared images and determine if a person falls from the watercraft; and a display component adapted to display the processed infrared images.

Abstract: An engine is restarted in response to an idle stop OFF command at t1 so that a gear shift control purpose hydraulic pressure is raised according to a working oil from an engine driven oil pump. An idle stop release time control of the engine is allowed according to a torque down unnecessary determination when a gear shift control purpose hydraulic pressure has reached to a set hydraulic pressure at t2. In a case where this allowance causes an engine torque Te to be raised from a torque down value toward a driving operation corresponding value by a predetermined gradient ?Te1, a command value of a starting frictional element engagement pressure Ps is set to a control maximum value during the idle stop control including during the idle stop release time control.

Abstract: A method of controlling a watercraft having a drive which can be pivoted about a control angle. A maximum adjustable control angle is automatically reduced by a defined gradient with an increasing speed. The drive is configured as a surface drive comprising at least two drive units, and the drive units are adjusted in the vertical direction about a trim angle (T) in a pre-adjustable automatic operating mode (301). During a driving mode in which the maximum speed is reached, once the control angle (?) exceeds a first threshold angle (?—41) which is smaller than the maximum adjustable control angle ?_L), the adjustment of trim angle (T) exits the automatic operating mode (301) and enters a stand-by operating mode (300) in which the trim angle (T) is manually adjusted until the control angle (?) falls below a second threshold control angle (?—42) and the automatic operating mode (301) is re-activated.