JP2026004540A - Communication terminal, program and method - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a technology that facilitates fishing decisions while efficiently sharing information within a fishing fleet.
[Solution] For sensing, each ship in the fleet is equipped with at least one of a position information acquisition device that acquires the ship's position, a fish finder, a sonar, and a camera that captures images of the ship. The communication terminal is equipped with a processor, a memory, and a display, and the processor executes the following steps: a first step of receiving sensed information received from each ship by the information processing device, a second step of displaying sensed information for at least some of the ships in the fleet on the display based on the received information, and a third step of displaying sensed information for the specified ships by receiving an operation from a user to designate each ship to be displayed on the display.
[Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

Application for application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act has been filed December 27, 2018 website (https://isana.lighthouse-frontier.tech/, https://peraichi.com/landing_pages/view/nldts, and https://scrapbox.io/Lighthouse-Official/), September 5, 2019 website (https://www.facebook.com/Lighthouse.Frontier/), September 17, 2019 website (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLEex_3zbY8, The present invention has been disclosed on the following websites: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRCM-KLIUO0, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUyGxF_rCXw, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4pGdpukXTk, and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkmMNUfuF8c), a website dated September 22, 2019 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm1PQvRpZ_I), and four other websites. On December 27, 2018, the claimed invention was made public by providing a customer with a communication terminal capable of running the application.

This disclosure relates to a communication terminal, a program, and a method.

There are various ways to fish, and some fishermen operate fleets, with multiple boats assigned to different roles. Each boat in the fleet is equipped with various equipment, such as fish finders, depending on its role. Traditionally, when taking actions such as setting nets, information detected by each boat is shared between boats via radio or network, and communication is carried out between personnel on the boats.

For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-006217 describes a ship-to-ship communication system for fishing fleets, such as purse seine fleets consisting of net boats, fish finders, and carrier vessels, to support their operations. When a fish finder boat discovers a school of fish, it compresses the fish finder's image into image information using an image conversion means such as a digital camera, and notifies the net boat of this information along with location information, ocean information, and weather information via a mobile communications network.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-006217

However, ship-to-ship communication systems like those in Patent Document 1 do not share information within a fleet in real time. Instead, only when a fish finder vessel discovers a school of fish does it compress the fish finder images on the fish finder vessel into image information and share it with a fishing boat. As a result, whether or not to share fish finder images and other information depends on the judgment of the fish finder vessel, which can result in communication loss and the inability to reliably share useful information. Therefore, there is a need for technology that enables more efficient information sharing within a fleet and makes fishing decisions easier.

The purpose of this disclosure is to provide technology that facilitates fishing decisions while efficiently sharing information within fishing fleets.

According to one embodiment, a communications terminal capable of communicating with an information processing device that receives, from each vessel, information sensed by the vessels in a fleet. To perform sensing, the vessels in the fleet are equipped with at least one of a position information acquisition device that acquires the vessel's position, a fish finder, a sonar, and a camera that captures images of the vessel. The communications terminal includes a processor, memory, and a display. The processor executes the following steps: a first step of receiving, from the information processing device, the sensed information received from each vessel; a second step of displaying, on the display, a nautical chart, an image showing the position of each vessel in the fleet on the nautical chart, and information sensed by at least some of the vessels in the fleet, based on the received information; and a third step of displaying the information sensed by the specified vessels by accepting, from a user, an operation to designate each vessel to be displayed on the display.

In one embodiment, a program is provided to be executed by a computer having a processor. The computer is capable of communicating with an information processing device that receives information sensed by each vessel in a fleet of fishing vessels from each vessel. The vessels in the fleet are equipped with at least one of a position information acquisition device that acquires the vessel's position, a fish finder, a sonar, and a camera that captures images of the vessel's onboard environment for sensing purposes. The program causes the processor to execute the following steps: a first step of receiving, from the information processing device, the sensed information received from each vessel; a second step of displaying, on a display, a nautical chart, an image showing the position of each vessel in the fleet on the nautical chart, and information sensed by at least some of the vessels in the fleet based on the received information; and a third step of receiving from a user an operation to designate each vessel to be displayed on the display, and displaying the information sensed by the designated vessel.

According to one embodiment, a method is provided that is executed by a computer having a processor. The computer is capable of communicating with an information processing device that receives sensed information from each vessel in a fleet of fishing vessels. The vessels in the fleet are equipped with at least one of a position information acquisition device that acquires the vessel's position, a fish finder, a sonar, and a camera that captures images of the vessel's onboard environment for sensing purposes. The method includes the following steps: a first step in which the processor receives, from the information processing device, the sensed information received from each vessel; a second step in which, based on the received information, the processor displays on a display a nautical chart, an image showing the position of each vessel in the fleet on the nautical chart, and information sensed by at least some of the vessels in the fleet; and a third step in which the processor receives from a user an operation to designate each vessel to be displayed on the display, thereby displaying the information sensed by the designated vessel.

This disclosure enables efficient information sharing within fishing fleets while facilitating fishing decisions.

1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a fleet operation support system 1. FIG. A block diagram of a communication terminal 10 that constitutes the fleet operation support system 1 of the first embodiment. A figure showing the functional configuration of the server 20 that constitutes the fleet operation support system 1 of the first embodiment. A diagram showing the data structures of a ship information database 281 and a sensing result database 282 stored in the server 20. 10 is a flowchart for sharing sensing results within a fleet using the fleet operation support system 1 of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the communication terminal 10 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of the communication terminal 10 according to the first embodiment. A figure showing the functional configuration of the server 20 that constitutes the fleet operation support system 1 of the second embodiment. A figure showing the data structures of a ship information database 281B and a sensing result database 282B stored in a server 20B of the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of providing a function for managing hull risk by the fleet operation support system of the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of an example of providing a function for supporting the operation of a fleet by the fleet operation support system of the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a process for providing a function for managing the fishing method or catch volume of a fishery product by the fleet operation support system of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen of a communication terminal 10 according to the second embodiment.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical components are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions of them will not be repeated.

<Overview>
The following describes a fleet operation support system 1 that supports the operation of a fishing fleet.

First Embodiment
<1 Overall configuration of fleet operation support system 1>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a fleet operation support system 1.

The fleet management support system 1 is a system for supporting the management of a fishing fleet consisting of multiple vessels by sharing information sensed by each vessel. As shown in FIG. 1, the fleet management support system 1 includes communication terminals 10 and sensing devices mounted on multiple vessels 30A, 30B, and a server 20 capable of communicating with each vessel. The sensing devices on each vessel include a fish finder 11, sonar 12, position information acquisition device 13, and camera 14. The vessels 30A, 30B and the server 20 are connected to each other via a network 80 so that they can communicate with each other. The network 80 is configured as a wired or wireless network.

The communication terminal 10 is a device installed on a ship for displaying information shared within the fleet. Examples of the communication terminal 10 include mobile terminals that are operated by each user and are compatible with mobile communication systems, such as smartphones and tablets. The communication terminal 10 may also be, for example, a wearable device or a PC (Personal Computer).

The communication terminal 10 is communicatively connected to the server 20 via the network 80. The communication terminal 10 is connected to the network 80 by communicating with communication devices such as a wireless base station compatible with communication standards such as 5G and LTE (Long Term Evolution), and a wireless LAN router compatible with wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standards such as IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 802.11.

The sensing equipment installed on each vessel is a device for acquiring information useful for fishing, and includes at least one of a fish finder 11, sonar 12, location information acquisition device 13, and camera 14. Each of the above sensing devices is communicatively connected to server 20 via network 80.

The fish finder 11 is a device mounted on a boat that searches for schools of fish by emitting ultrasonic waves into the sea below the boat and capturing the reflected waves. The fish finder 11 captures underwater conditions like a radar image, and displays the distribution and density of fish schools, the sea surface, the topography of the seabed, the water depth, and other information on the screen in different shapes, intensities, and colors.

Sonar 12 is a device installed on a ship that emits ultrasonic waves into the ocean around the ship and detects schools of fish by capturing the reflected waves. Sonar 12 captures underwater conditions like a radar image, and displays images of schools of fish and the ocean floor on a screen in different shapes, intensities, and colors.

The position information acquisition device 13 is a sensor mounted on the ship that detects the ship's position, such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) module. A GPS module is a receiving device used in a satellite positioning system. A satellite positioning system receives signals from at least three or four satellites and detects the current position of the ship on which the GPS module is mounted based on the received signals.

Camera 14 is a device installed on a boat to capture images of what is happening on board. For example, camera 14 may be installed on top of a fishing boat to capture images of the net being let out and reeled in, as well as the catch.

Note that the sensing equipment installed on each ship is not limited to the above devices, but may also include water temperature sensors that measure seawater temperature, anemometers that measure wind direction and speed, etc.

The server 20 is a device that manages information received from each ship. The server 20 is a computer connected to the network 80.

As shown in FIG. 1, the server 20 includes a communication IF 22, an input/output IF 23, memory 25, storage 26, and a processor 29.

The communication IF 22 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals so that the server 20 can communicate with external devices. The input/output IF 23 functions as an interface with an input device for accepting input operations from the user and an output device for presenting information to the user. The memory 25 is used to temporarily store programs and data processed by the programs, and is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The storage 26 is a storage device for saving data, such as a flash memory or HDD (Hard Disc Drive). The processor 29 is hardware for executing the instruction set written in the program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

<1.1 Configuration of communication terminal 10>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a communication terminal 10 constituting the fleet management support system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2 , the communication terminal 10 includes multiple antennas (antenna 111, antenna 112), wireless communication units (first wireless communication unit 121, second wireless communication unit 122) corresponding to each antenna, an operation reception unit 130 (including a touch-sensitive device 131 and a display 132), a voice processing unit 140, a microphone 141, a speaker 142, a storage unit 170, and a control unit 180. The communication terminal 10 also includes functions and configurations not specifically shown in FIG. 2 (e.g., a battery for storing power, a power supply circuit for controlling the supply of power from the battery to each circuit, a position information sensor such as a GPS module, etc.). As shown in FIG. 2 , the blocks included in the communication terminal 10 are electrically connected via a bus or the like.

The antenna 111 emits signals emitted by the communication terminal 10 as radio waves. The antenna 111 also receives radio waves from space and provides the received signals to the first wireless communication unit 121.

The antenna 112 emits signals emitted by the communication terminal 10 as radio waves. The antenna 112 also receives radio waves from space and provides the received signals to the second wireless communication unit 122.

The first wireless communication unit 121 performs modulation and demodulation processing and the like for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 111 so that the communication terminal 10 can communicate with other wireless devices. The second wireless communication unit 122 performs modulation and demodulation processing and the like for transmitting and receiving signals via the antenna 112 so that the communication terminal 10 can communicate with other wireless devices. The first wireless communication unit 121 and the second wireless communication unit 122 are communication modules that include a tuner, an RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) calculation circuit, a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) calculation circuit, a high-frequency circuit, and the like. The first wireless communication unit 121 and the second wireless communication unit 122 perform modulation and demodulation and frequency conversion of wireless signals transmitted and received by the communication terminal 10, and provide the received signals to the control unit 180.

The operation reception unit 130 has a mechanism for receiving input operations from the user. Specifically, the operation reception unit 130 is configured as a touch screen and includes a touch-sensitive device 131 and a display 132.

Touch-sensitive device 131 accepts input operations by the user of communication terminal 10. Touch-sensitive device 131 detects the user's touch position on the touch panel, for example, by using a capacitive touch panel. Touch-sensitive device 131 outputs a signal indicating the user's touch position detected by the touch panel to control unit 180 as an input operation.

The display 132 displays data such as images, videos, and text under the control of the control unit 180. The display 132 is realized, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

The audio processing unit 140 modulates and demodulates audio signals. The audio processing unit 140 modulates the signal provided by the microphone 141 and provides the modulated signal to the control unit 180. The audio processing unit 140 also provides the audio signal to the speaker 142. The audio processing unit 140 is realized, for example, by a processor for audio processing. The microphone 141 accepts audio input and provides an audio signal corresponding to the audio input to the audio processing unit 140. The speaker 142 converts the audio signal provided by the audio processing unit 140 into audio and outputs the audio externally from the communication terminal 10.

The storage unit 170 is configured, for example, with flash memory, and stores data and programs used by the communication terminal 10. In one aspect, the storage unit 170 stores ship information 171.

Ship information 171 is information about each ship within the fleet operation support system 1. Ship information 171 includes the ship name, the ship's role, the ship's operating history, and information about the sensing equipment installed on the ship. Details will be provided below.

The control unit 180 controls the operation of the communication terminal 10 by reading the program stored in the storage unit 170 and executing the commands contained in the program. The control unit 180 is, for example, an application that has been pre-installed on the communication terminal 10. By operating in accordance with the program, the control unit 180 performs the functions of an input operation reception unit 181, a transmission/reception unit 182, a data processing unit 183, and an information display unit 184.

The input operation reception unit 181 performs processing to receive user input operations on an input device such as the touch-sensitive device 131. Based on information about the coordinates where the user has touched the touch-sensitive device 131 with their finger, the input operation reception unit 181 determines the type of operation, such as whether the user's operation is a flick operation, a tap operation, or a drag (swipe) operation.

The transmission/reception unit 182 performs processing to enable the communication terminal 10 to send and receive data to and from external devices such as the server 20 in accordance with a communication protocol.

The data processing unit 183 performs calculations according to a program on the data received as input by the communication terminal 10, and outputs the calculation results to memory, etc.

The information display unit 184 performs processing such as displaying information received by the communication terminal 10 from the server 20 on the display 132. The information display unit 184 changes the display content based on the user's specifications. For example, the information display unit 184 displays fish finder images and location information for one ship (or multiple ships) specified by the user.

<1.2 Functional configuration of server 20>
3 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the server 20 functions as a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, and a control unit 203.

The communication unit 201 performs processing that enables the server 20 to communicate with external devices.

The memory unit 202 stores data and programs used by the server 20. The memory unit 202 stores a ship information database 281, a sensing result database 282, etc.

The ship information database 281 is a database for storing information about each ship in the fleet operation support system 1. Details will be provided below.

The sensing result database 282 is a database for storing information sensed by each ship, such as each ship's location information, fish finder image information, and camera images. Details will be provided below.

The control unit 203 performs the functions shown as various modules by having the server 20's processor perform processing according to the program.

The reception control module 2031 controls the process by which the server 20 receives signals from external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

The transmission control module 2032 controls the process by which the server 20 transmits signals to external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

The multiple ship display module 2033 controls the process of displaying information sensed by multiple ships in the fleet on the display of the communication terminal 10. For example, the server 20 receives fish finder images acquired by each ship's fish finder from each ship via the communication unit 201, and displays the fish finder images of the multiple ships on the display of the communication terminal 10, synchronized at the time of acquisition.

The ship designation reception module 2034 controls the process of receiving commands to designate a specific ship from the communication terminal 10. Specifically, the communication terminal 10 receives an operation from the user to designate a specific ship and transmits the contents of the command to the server 20, and the ship designation reception module 2034 receives the command to designate that ship.

The designated vessel display module 2035 controls the display of information sensed by a vessel designated by the user on the display of the communication terminal 10. For example, if a user designates a fish finder vessel, the display of the communication terminal 10 used by the user will display location information sensed by the fish finder vessel, fish finder images, sonar images, camera images, etc.

<2 Data Structure>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data structures of the ship information database 281 and the sensing result database 282 stored in the server 20.

As shown in Figure 4, each record in the ship information database 281 includes the items "ship name," "role," "operation history," and "onboard equipment."

The item "ship name" is information indicating the name of each ship in the fleet.
It is the name.

The "role" item is information indicating the role each ship plays in the fleet's operations. The roles of a ship may be recorded as, for example, a "search ship" that searches for schools of fish, a "net boat" that captures schools of fish, and a "transport ship" that stores the catch on ice and unloads it at the fishing port.

The "Operation History" item shows the operation information of each vessel, for example, recording the time and location of the operation.

The "Onboard Equipment" item is information indicating the sensing equipment installed on each vessel. For example, if the research vessel "Daiichi Maru" is equipped with a GPS, fish finder, sonar, and camera, it would be recorded as "GPS, fish finder, sonar, camera."

The server 20 updates the ship information database 281 in accordance with the operation of each ship.

Each record in the sensing result database 282 includes the following items: "Ship Name," "Date and Time," "Location Information," "Fish Finder Footage," "Sonar Footage," "Camera Image," etc.

The "Ship Name" item is information used to identify each ship within the fleet.

The "Date and Time" item is information indicating the date and time when the sensing results were obtained. For example, the server 20 receives and stores the sensing results obtained by the sensing equipment on each ship at a predetermined time interval (e.g., every minute).

The "Location Information" item shows the history of location information for each ship acquired at the time of sensing. For example, the server 20 records GPS coordinates consisting of latitude and longitude as location information.

The "Fish Finder Images" item shows the history of images acquired by each ship's fish finder and displayed on the fish finder screen. On each ship, the fish finder screen displays the results of the fish finder's sensing in real time as an image. The fish finder images include the distribution and density of fish schools, the sea surface, the seabed topography, and the water depth, each of which is displayed in a different shape, intensity, and color.

The "Sonar Images" item shows the history of images acquired by each ship's sonar and displayed on the sonar screen. On each ship, the sonar screen displays the results of sonar sensing in real time as images. Sonar images include images of schools of fish and the seabed, each displayed in different shapes, intensities, and colors.

The "Camera Images" item shows the history of images captured by the cameras on each ship, capturing the onboard situation. On each ship, the camera outputs images of the onboard situation in real time.

The location information, fish finder images, sonar images, and camera images sensed by each ship are sequentially transmitted to server 20 via communication with server 20. Server 20 accumulates the above information and transmits the accumulated information to communication terminals 10 within the fleet. This allows the sensing results sensed by each ship at any time to be shared among the ships in near real time.

<3 Operation>
Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 5, the process of sharing information within a fleet by the fleet operation support system 1 will be described.

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the process for sharing information sensed by each vessel constituting a fleet within a fleet using the fleet management support system 1 in the first embodiment. In the following example, we will explain the process of sharing and displaying sensing results acquired by sensing devices installed on each vessel, such as fish finders 11, sonar 12, location information acquisition devices 13, and cameras 14, on the communication terminals 10 installed on each vessel via the server 20. Note that the sensing devices are not limited to the fish finders 11, sonar 12, location information acquisition devices 13, and cameras 14, and can be any device that can acquire information useful for fishing.

In step S521, the server 20 receives sensing results acquired by the sensing equipment on each boat from each boat and stores them in the memory unit. The sensing results here refer to information useful for fishing, such as fish finder images, sonar images, location information, and camera images acquired by sensing equipment such as the fish finder 11, sonar 12, location information acquisition device 13, and camera 14 installed on each boat. The sensing equipment on each boat (such as the above-mentioned fish finder 11) transmits the sensing results to the server 20 via communication with the server 20.

In step S522, the server 20 transmits information (sensing results of each ship) for sharing the sensing results of multiple ships among each ship to the communication terminal 10.

In step S511, the communication terminal 10 receives the sensing results of multiple ships from the server 20 and displays them on the display. Specifically, based on the information received from the server 20, the communication terminal 10 displays on the display a nautical chart, an image showing the position of each ship on the nautical chart, and information sensed by each ship for at least some of the ships in the fleet.

The nautical chart displays the waterway conditions in the area where the fleet is located, such as water depth, bottom sediment, coastal topography, and navigational aids. The image showing the position of each ship is, for example, a ship-shaped icon, and presents the position of each ship on the nautical chart to the user. Each ship may also be displayed with a different image.

The communication terminal 10 also divides the display into multiple areas to display the sensing results of multiple ships, and displays the sensing results of each ship in each area. For example, if a fleet consists of three ships, the display is divided into three columns, and each column displays the sensing results of one ship. In this way, the sensing results of the three ships are shared within the fleet in real time, with the time synchronized.

In step S512, the communication terminal 10 accepts from the user an operation to select a ship from among the ships displayed on the display. For example, in step S511, the sensing results of three ships are simultaneously displayed on the display, and then in step S512, the communication terminal 10 accepts from the user an operation to select a ship from these three ships.

In step S523, in response to an operation to designate a ship, the server 20 transmits the sensing results of the specified ship to the communication terminal 10. The sensing results of a specified ship transmitted by the server 20 in step S523 may be more detailed information than the sensing results of the same ship transmitted in step S523, or may be the same information. If the same information is transmitted as the sensing results of the same ship transmitted in step S523, step S523 may not be performed.

In step S513, the communication terminal 10 receives and displays the sensing results for the specified ship. In this way, the display of the communication terminal 10 displays the sensing results for only the ship specified by the user.

The above series of processes completes the process of sharing the information sensed by each ship within the fleet.

The above process allows the sensing results of each ship to be shared within the fleet in real time, and also allows the user to display only the sensing results of the ship they wish to view. Therefore, by aggregating and sharing the sensing results of each ship, it is possible to provide useful information for determining fishing grounds and support fleet operations.

<4 Screen example>
6 and 7 are diagrams showing example screens of the communication terminal 10 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the following example screens, the sensing results include fish finder images, sonar images, location information, and camera images acquired by sensing devices such as the fish finder 11, sonar 12, location information acquisition device 13, and camera 14 mounted on each boat.

The example screen (A) in Figure 6 shows a situation in which sensing results from multiple ships are aggregated and displayed on a single screen and shared within the fleet in real time.

As shown in screen example (A), the display screen of the user's communication terminal 10 is divided into multiple columns, with each column displaying information for one ship. Additionally, for each ship, the ship name and sensing results for that ship are displayed. For example, in screen example (A), the screen of the communication terminal 10 is divided into three columns, with information for ships "1st Circle," "2nd Circle," and "3rd Circle" displayed in each column. For example, the third column displays the ship name "3rd Circle," an image showing the location information for the 3rd Circle, and a sonar image of the 3rd Circle.

The communication terminal 10 may change the display mode of the screen depending on the number of ships in the fleet or user settings. For example, the communication terminal 10 may change the number of columns on the screen from three to two based on user settings.

The communication terminal 10 may also change the type of sensing results displayed on the screen at the user's discretion. For example, at the user's discretion, the first column may display fish finder images and sonar images for the ship "Daiichi Maru," and the third column may display location information and sonar images for the ship "Daisan Maru."

Furthermore, by designating a specific ship in advance, the communication terminal 10 displays the designated ship differently from other ships. For example, as shown in screen example (A), if the user designates the ship "Third Maru" in advance, when multiple ships are displayed on the display, the ship "Third Maru" is marked with a star to make it easier to distinguish from other ships.

This allows the sensing results of each vessel in the fleet to be efficiently shared within the fleet in real time. Furthermore, information that was previously only roughly understood through wireless communication, such as fish finder footage, sonar footage, location information, and camera images, can now be viewed visually in real time.

As a result, sensing data from multiple vessels in a fleet can be aggregated on a single screen and shared in real time, making it easy to understand at a glance. This eliminates communication problems during purse seine and trawl fishing, and makes it easier to determine fishing grounds and operate the vessels.

Screen example (B) in Figure 6 shows the screen displaying the sensing results of a specified ship. The sensing results of multiple ships are displayed simultaneously on the display in screen example (A), and when one of these ships is selected, the screen transitions to screen example (B).

As shown in screen example (B), the sensing results for one specified vessel are displayed on the user's communication terminal 10. For example, if a user wants to check the fish finder screen of a search vessel (circle 1), and selects circle 1 on screen example (A), the left half of the screen in screen example (B) will display the current positions of each vessel in the fleet on a nautical chart, while the right half will display sonar and fish finder images of circle 1 in real time. The communication terminal 10 may also highlight the position of the specified vessel on the nautical chart.

This allows users to view only the sensing results of the ship they want to see in detail on the display, and share those sensing results in a way that makes them easy for users to view.

The example screen (A) in Figure 7 shows a situation in which the track of each ship during a specified time period is displayed according to the position information acquired by each ship. The start and end points of the specified time period may be preset times (e.g., departure time or current time), or may be any time specified by the user.

For example, as shown in the example screen (A) of Figure 7, the display of the communication terminal 10 shows the current position of each ship and its track over the past three hours on a nautical chart. The current longitude and latitude coordinates of each ship are also displayed.

This allows the real-time position of each ship in the fleet to be shared, as well as the routes taken during operations to be shared and recorded. Furthermore, by visualizing the position and route of each ship, information that was previously only roughly understood through radio communications can now be viewed in real time. Furthermore, because each ship's route is continually recorded on the map, it is possible to avoid re-searching areas that other ships have already passed through.

The screen example (A) in FIG. 7 also displays the following information:
(i) The communication terminal 10 receives an operation from a user to specify a predetermined point on the ship's wake, and displays information sensed by that ship at the time corresponding to that point. For example, as shown in the example screen (A) of Figure 7, in response to a user's operation to specify a predetermined point B1 on the wake, the server 20 compares the sensing result database 282 to associate the position information of point B1 with the information sensed by the ship that passed point B1, and displays to the user the time when the ship passed point B1, as well as fish finder images, sonar images, camera images, etc. at that time.

This allows the sensing results to be recorded, allowing sensing information to be checked at any point along the ship's track, providing useful information for operations.

(ii) When the communication terminal 10 receives an operation from the user to specify a specific point on the nautical chart, it highlights the point and displays it in association with information sensed by each ship. For example, as shown in the example screen (A) of Figure 7, if the user specifies B2, a known fishing ground, the point B2 is marked with a star to make it easy to identify, and is also displayed in association with the tracks of each ship.

This allows you to register the location you want to check in advance, display the location and the information sensed when each vessel is operating near that location, and make use of the records of sensing results.

This allows you to use the recorded sensing results to check the ship's track at any time in the past and review information on past operations.

Screenshot (B) in Figure 7 shows the stage at which a catch record for a given vessel is created.

As shown in screen example (B) of Figure 7, the communication terminal 10 receives an operation from the user to create a fishing record for a specific vessel, and then associates the fishing record with the sensing results of that vessel, and records and displays information related to the fishing. For example, in screen example (B), the user inputs into the communication terminal 10 as a fishing record that they caught fish at point C1. At this time, the communication terminal 10 marks point C1 with a fish mark to make it easier to distinguish from other points.

The information entered by the user when creating a fishing record includes, for example, the vessel name, time of fishing, type of catch, weight, quantity (fish), unit price, fishing gear, etc. The server 20 automatically associates the location where the fishing took place by matching the vessel name and time of fishing with the sensing result database 282. The user may also directly enter the location where the fishing took place as part of the fishing record.

This makes it easy to record fishing results, linking and saving the catch and sensing results for each fishing day, and reviewing them at any time.

The communication terminal 10 may also display on the nautical chart the track for a specified time period from the time the catch was recorded so that it is displayed differently from other tracks. For example, as shown in the example screen (B) of Figure 7, the track between point C1 where the catch was recorded and point C2 one hour from the time the catch was recorded is displayed in a specified color so that it is displayed differently from other tracks.

This makes it easy to check the boat's path leading up to the catch and record it as useful information for future fishing operations.

<Summary>
As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to efficiently share information within a fishing fleet and support the operation of the fleet.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment, an example was described in which sensing results are shared within a fishing fleet while supporting the operation of the fleet. In the second embodiment, a technology is described in which various information related to the operation of fishing vessels is accumulated and specific functions are provided in response to user requests.

The specific functions include the following:
(i) The specific function is a function to reduce the risk associated with the operation of the ship. The risk associated with the operation of the ship is a function of risk management for the ship or risk management for the crew.
(ii) The specific function is a function for assisting the navigation of a fleet. The function for assisting the navigation of a fleet is a function for automatically navigating a ship or a function for providing at least one of a nautical chart and a seabed map.
(iii) The specific function is a function for managing at least one of the methods for catching fish, the amount of fish caught, and distribution. These will be described in detail later.

The second embodiment allows for the accumulation of various information related to fishing vessel operations and the provision of specific functions in response to user requests.

<Configuration>
<1 Overall configuration of fleet operation support system 1>
The configuration of the fleet management support system and the configuration of the communication terminal 10 according to the second embodiment are the same as those shown in Figures 1 and 3, and therefore will not be described repeatedly. The configuration of the server 20B according to the second embodiment will be described below.

<1.1 Configuration of Server 20B>
Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 20B. As shown in Fig. 8, the server 20B functions as a communication unit 201B, a storage unit 202B, and a control unit 203B.

The communication unit 201B performs processing that enables the server 20B to communicate with external devices.

The memory unit 202B stores data and programs used by the server 20B. The memory unit 202B stores the ship information database 281B, the sensing result database 282B, etc.

The ship information database 281B is a database for storing information about each ship in the fleet operation support system 1. Details will be provided below.

The sensing result database 282B is a database for storing sensing results obtained by each ship, such as each ship's position information, fish finder image information, and camera images. Details will be provided below.

The control unit 203B performs the functions shown as various modules by having the processor of the server 20B perform processing according to the program.

The reception control module 2031B controls the process by which server 20B receives signals from external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

The transmission control module 2032B controls the process by which server 20B transmits signals to external devices in accordance with a communication protocol.

The sensing result storage module 2033B controls the process of storing the sensing results sensed by each ship. For example, the server 20B stores the location information, fish finder images, sonar images, camera information, etc. sensed by each ship in the storage unit 202B via the communication unit 201.

The request reception module 2034B controls the process of receiving commands from the user to request the provision of a specific function. Specifically, the communication terminal 10 receives an operation from the user to request the provision of a specific function, and transmits the contents of the request to the server 20B. The request reception module 2034B receives the request.

The function provision module 2035B controls the process of providing functions requested by the user. Specifically, the server 20B provides the functions requested by the user to the user's terminal based on the sensing results stored in the memory unit. For example, if the user requests a function to manage hull risks, the server 20B detects whether an abnormality has occurred on each ship based on the sensing results sensed on each ship, and transmits the detection results to the user's terminal.

<2 Data Structure>
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the data structures of the ship information database 281B and the sensing result database 282B stored in the server 20B.

As shown in Figure 9, each record in the ship information database 281B includes the items "Ship Name," "Subscription," and "Home Port," among others.

The item "ship name" is information indicating the name of each ship in the fleet.
It is the name.

The "Specifications" item is information showing the main specifications of each ship. For example, specifications include the ship's length, width, depth, planned gross tonnage, maximum payload, and maximum displacement.

The "Home Port" item indicates the port where each ship is based.

Each record in the sensing result database 282B includes the following items: "Vessel Name," "Date and Time," "Location Information," "Fish Finder Footage," "Camera Images," "Exhaust Temperature," "Wind Direction and Speed," and "Catch Record."

The "Ship Name" item contains information indicating the name of each ship in the fleet.

The "Date and Time" item is information indicating the date and time when the sensing results were obtained. For example, server 20B receives and stores the sensing results obtained by the sensing equipment on each ship every minute. Examples of sensing equipment here include fish finders, location information acquisition devices, cameras, exhaust thermometers, and wind direction and speed meters.

The "Location Information" item shows the real-time location information of each ship. GPS coordinates consisting of latitude and longitude may be recorded as location information.

The "Fish Finder Images" item is real-time footage acquired by each ship's fish finder and displayed on the fish finder screen. The fish finder images show the distribution and density of fish schools, the sea surface, the seabed topography, and the water depth in different shapes, intensities, and colors.

The "Camera Images" item is a real-time image of the situation on board captured by cameras on each ship.

The "Exhaust Temperature" item is information indicating the exhaust temperature of each ship. For example, the exhaust temperature is measured in real time by an exhaust temperature sensor attached near the exhaust port of the ship's engine.

The "Wind Direction and Speed" item provides information showing the wind direction and speed at the time each ship is sailing. Wind direction and speed are measured in real time using an anemometer attached to the ship.

The "Catch Record" item is information showing the catch record of each vessel. The catch record may be information entered by the fisherman, information obtained from camera images taken when reeling in the net, or information obtained from a device that weighs the catch.

Sensing results from each ship are transmitted in real time to server 20B via communication with server 20B, which accumulates and updates the above information.

<3 Operation>
10, 11, and 12, a process of providing a specific function requested by a user based on sensing results stored in the server by the fleet operation support system 1 will be described. Here, the specific function is (i) a function for reducing risks associated with ship operation, (ii) a function for supporting fleet navigation, or (iii) a function for managing at least one of the fishing method for catches, the amount of catch, and distribution.

Example 1
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process flow for providing a function for managing risks to the hull as a function for reducing risks associated with the operation of a ship.

In step S1021, server 20B receives sensing results acquired by the sensing equipment of each boat from each boat and stores them in memory unit 202B. The sensing results here refer to information useful for fishing, such as fish finder images, sonar images, location information, camera images, exhaust temperature, wind direction and speed, etc., acquired by sensing equipment such as fish finders, sonar, location information acquisition devices, cameras, exhaust thermometers, and wind direction and speed meters installed on each boat. The sensing equipment of each boat communicates with server 20B to transmit the above sensing results to server 20B.

In step S1011, the communication terminal 10 accepts a request from the user for a function for managing hull risk. The communication terminal 10 presents multiple specific functions to the user, and when the user selects a function for managing hull risk, the communication terminal 10 accepts the request and transmits a request to the server 20B to provide the function for managing hull risk.

In step S1022, the server 20B receives a request for a function for managing the risk of the hull from the communication terminal 10, and then extracts and processes sensing results related to managing the risk of the hull from the sensing results stored in the memory unit 202B.

For example, one risk for a ship's hull is the occurrence of an abnormality in the hull. Server 20B extracts the exhaust temperature of each ship as a parameter associated with detecting an abnormality in the hull and compares it with a preset threshold. In other words, if the ship's exhaust temperature differs from the expected temperature, server 20B determines that some abnormality has occurred in the hull or in each piece of equipment installed on the ship. If the exhaust temperature of each ship stored in memory unit 202B exceeds the threshold, server 20B checks the sensing result database 282B to identify the ship in which the abnormality has occurred. Alternatively, server 20B may extract exhaust temperature as a parameter for detecting an abnormality, and use machine learning techniques to calculate the degree of deviation of each ship's exhaust temperature stored in memory unit 202B from a preset normal value.

In step S1023, server 20B transmits the result of the abnormality detection to communication terminal 10 based on the associated sensing results. For example, in step S1022, if server 20B determines, based on the exhaust temperature stored in memory unit 202B, that the exhaust temperature has exceeded a threshold and an abnormality has occurred, server 20B transmits the result of the abnormality detection to each communication terminal 10 in the fleet. Server 20B may also transmit the degree of deviation of the exhaust temperature from the normal value to each communication terminal 10 in the fleet.

In step S1012, the communication terminal 10 receives and displays the results of the abnormality detection from the server 20B.

The above series of processes completes the process of providing functionality for managing risks to the ship based on the sensing results stored on the server.

Here, server 20B may refer to another parameter sensed by each ship to detect an abnormality in the hull. For example, server 20B may detect an abnormality in each ship based on the ship's discharged water temperature parameter. For example, if the discharged water temperature is abnormally high or low compared to the temperature expected when operating the hull, it will detect that some abnormality has occurred in the hull (for example, a specific device installed on the hull is not operating normally). In other words, server 20B detects an abnormality in the hull by comparing the discharged water temperature with a preset threshold value.

Server 20B may also detect an abnormality in each ship based on the operating time of each device on the hull and the operating sounds generated when each device is operating. For example, server 20B may detect an abnormality based on at least one of the operating time of the engine as a device on the hull and the operating sounds generated when the engine is running. Server 20B compares the operating time of the engine (such as the cumulative operating time of the engine or the continuous operating time of the engine) with a preset threshold value to determine the possibility of an abnormality occurring in the engine. Server 20B also detects an abnormality in the engine by comparing the sensing results of the operating sounds of the engine with the operating sounds when the engine is running normally and determining the degree of match.

Furthermore, the server 20B may detect that an abnormality has occurred in the hull based on the following sensing results.
・Oil pressure, engine RPM, battery voltage, remaining fuel, errors in fishing equipment such as fish finders, and ship status information (maintenance history, failure rate, etc.)
Based on the sensing results of each ship, server 20B detects that an abnormality has occurred in the hull and notifies the communication terminal 10 of each ship that makes up the fleet. For example, in the above example, server 20B may detect that some abnormality has occurred in the hull if the decrease in remaining fuel is greater than expected for the convoy's navigation. This makes it easy for each ship that makes up the convoy to share information that an abnormality has occurred in the ship, and can urge the crew of each ship to operate the convoy under the assumption that an abnormality has occurred in the hull.

Server 20B also detects the generation of smoke by performing image recognition based on images of the hull (images taken by a camera installed on the hull), images of the equipment mounted on the hull, etc. Server 20B may detect that an abnormality has occurred in the hull due to the generation of smoke. In other words, server 20B detects that an abnormality has occurred in the hull due to the equipment mounted on the hull entering an abnormal state and generating smoke.

Furthermore, the server 20B may detect an abnormality occurring in the hull based on the images taken by each ship by capturing the following as the subject of the images:
- Images of instruments such as pressure gauges and tachometers Cameras (or communication terminals 10 equipped with cameras) are installed to photograph these instruments mounted on the hull, and server 20B monitors the values of the instruments by performing image recognition on the images photographed by these cameras. If the values of the instruments indicate abnormal values, server 20B detects an abnormality in the hull.

As a result, the results of anomaly detection can be displayed and shared in real time on each ship in the fleet, in response to user requests. This allows for early detection of hull anomalies, utilizing sensing results, in response to user requests, and supports fleet operations.

Figure 10 explains the flow of providing functions for managing risks to a ship using the example of detecting anomalies in the ship's hull, but functions for reducing risks associated with ship operation are not limited to this and further examples include the following:

Example 2
When the risk associated with the operation of a ship is risk management of the hull, the information processing device (server 20B) identifies the hull insurance to be provided to each ship based on at least one of the sensing results sensed on each ship, information regarding the performance of each ship, and information regarding the operating history of each ship, and transmits the hull insurance information to the user's terminal.

For example, when server 20B determines that the exhaust temperature stored in memory unit 202B has exceeded a threshold and an abnormality has occurred, it identifies the ship on which the abnormality occurred, and, based on information about the ship's performance or operational history, identifies hull insurance that covers damage that may occur due to the abnormality, and transmits the hull insurance information to the ship's terminal.

This allows sensing results to be utilized to provide appropriate hull insurance information for each ship in response to user requests.

Furthermore, if the risk associated with ship operation is risk management of the ship's hull, server 20B detects that each ship has collided with some kind of object and notifies communication terminal 10, etc. For example, based on cameras, acceleration sensors, etc. mounted on each ship, server 20B detects that a ship has collided with another ship and is moving in a manner that differs from normal navigation. Each ship may collide with another ship or land. Each ship may also run aground. Each ship may also collide with objects (floating objects, etc.) floating on or in the sea, such as driftwood, ice blocks, buoys, and fixed nets. Server 20B detects that each ship has collided with a ship based on cameras, acceleration sensors, position information sensors, etc. mounted on each ship.

In addition, to manage risks to the hull, server 20B detects whether each ship has capsized or is on the verge of capsizing based on the sensing results of each ship, and notifies communication terminal 10, etc. For example, server 20B detects, based on the output of an acceleration sensor or the like mounted on the ship, that the ship is tilting to an extent that would not be expected under normal navigation.

In addition, server 20B determines the possibility of damage to the fishing net when it is cast as a risk associated with ship operation, and notifies communication terminal 10, etc. of the determination result. Depending on the sea area, there is a risk that the fishing net may be damaged when it is cast. For example, if there is an artificial object such as a sunken ship on the seabed, the fishing net may be damaged if it comes into contact with the artificial object. Server 20B updates the seabed map based on the sensing results of each ship, and based on the seabed map (for example, due to the presence of an artificial object such as a sunken ship on the seabed), determines for each sea area the possibility of the fishing net being damaged if it comes into contact with the artificial object. As a result, server 20B notifies communication terminal 10, for example, of sea areas in which it is not advisable to cast a fishing net within the sea area in which each ship is located (or in sea areas near each ship).

The server 20B may also determine the timing for each vessel to fish based on oceanographic information (wave height, ocean wind, tidal currents, etc.), and notify the communication terminal 10, etc. of the determination result. For example, based on the predicted wave height in a certain fishing ground, it may determine that fishing is unlikely to occur at times when it is highly dangerous to fish, as it would be difficult for each vessel to navigate safely in that sea area, and therefore it would be better not to fish.

Furthermore, if the mesh size of a fishing net is too small compared to the size and quantity of fish caught in an area, a large number of fish will become caught in the net, which could cause it to tear. In other words, by comparing evaluation parameters based on the size and quantity of fish with thresholds, server 20B can evaluate the likelihood of the fishing net tearing when cast in an area. Server 20B predicts the size and quantity of fish that will be caught in each area based on the sensing results of each vessel (for example, information on past fishing results in each area). Based on the prediction results, server 20B can notify communication terminal 10 of information on areas where it is acceptable to cast the fishing net, and information on areas where the likelihood of the fishing net being damaged when cast exceeds a certain value.

Example 3
When the risk associated with ship operation is risk management for crew members, the information processing device (server 20B) provides at least one of a function for managing the health and labor of crew members on each ship to the user's terminal. The information processing device (server 20B) stores at least images captured by cameras capturing images of the ship's interior in a storage unit 202B as sensing results for each ship, and identifies the health and labor conditions of crew members on each ship based on the captured images and transmits the identified results to the user's terminal. The information processing device also identifies the labor conditions based on whether the crew members' movements on board are predetermined actions.

For example, when server 20B receives a request for crew risk management functions from communication terminal 10, it extracts images captured by cameras on board each ship from the sensing results stored in memory unit 202B, analyzes the movements of each crew member using machine learning techniques, and identifies the health and working conditions of each crew member. For example, by generating a trained model based on camera images taken when the crew member's health and working conditions are deteriorating (or images taken by cameras when the crew member's health and working conditions are good), it is possible to evaluate whether the crew member's health and working conditions are appropriate based on the camera images on each ship and the trained model. Furthermore, for example, it extracts and analyzes camera images to determine whether the movements of each crew member are appropriate at the time of reeling in the net. Server 20B transmits the results of this analysis and identification to communication terminal 10 for display.

Here, server 20B may determine whether the crew's level of fatigue exceeds a certain level as a measure of the crew's health and work status, and notify communication terminal 10 or the like of the determination result. For example, server 20B may store sensing results (camera images, etc.) of the crew's movements when they are not experiencing accumulated fatigue, as well as sensing results of the crew's movements when they are experiencing a high level of accumulated fatigue (and generate a trained model based on this information), allowing server 20B to evaluate the crew's level of fatigue based on the sensing results for each ship.

Similarly, the server 20B may determine whether a crew member is sick and notify the communication terminal 10, etc., of the determination result.

Server 20B may also detect the occurrence of a work-related accident as a crew member's working condition and notify the communication terminal 10 or the like of the detection result. Serious work-related accidents include a crew member falling (falling) overboard from a ship or getting caught in a fishing net. Server 20B detects crew members based on sensing results such as images captured by cameras on each ship, detects that the crew member has fallen overboard or is caught in a fishing net, and notifies the communication terminal 10 or the like of the detection result.

This allows users to utilize sensing results to understand the health and working conditions of crew members on each ship and manage crew risks, according to their needs.

In addition to these, the server 20B may manage the status of the crew of each ship based on the following information.
Personnel availability rate Personnel wages For example, the server 20B can identify the crew availability rate based on the number of days that the crew is engaged in fishing.

Example 4
11 is a flowchart of an example of providing a function for assisting in the operation of a fleet of ships. In this example, the function for assisting in the operation of a fleet of ships is a function for automatically navigating ships.

In step S1121, server 20B receives sensing results acquired by the sensing equipment of each boat from each boat and stores them in memory unit 202B. The sensing results here refer to information useful for fishing, such as fish finder images, sonar images, location information, camera images, exhaust temperature, wind direction and speed, etc., acquired by sensing equipment such as fish finders, sonar, location information acquisition devices, cameras, exhaust thermometers, and wind direction and speed meters installed on each boat. The sensing equipment of each boat communicates with server 20B to transmit the above sensing results to server 20B.

In step S1111, the communication terminal 10 accepts a request from the user for a function for automatically navigating the ship. The communication terminal 10 presents multiple specific functions to the user, and when the user selects a function for automatically navigating the ship, the communication terminal 10 accepts the request and sends a request to the server 20B to provide the function for automatically navigating the ship.

In step S1122, after receiving a request from the communication terminal 10 for a function for automatically navigating the ship, the server 20B extracts and processes sensing results related to the function for automatically navigating the ship from the sensing results stored in the memory unit 202B.

For example, server 20B extracts wind speed data, wind direction data, ship speed data, the ship's current position information, and the location of the home port from the sensing results stored in memory unit 202B, and determines the optimal route that will reduce fuel consumption.

In step S1123, server 20B transmits information for automatically navigating the ship to communication terminal 10 based on the relevant sensing results. For example, in step S1122, server 20B determines the optimal route that can reduce fuel consumption based on the sensing results stored in memory unit 202B, and then in step S1123, server 20B generates the optimal route and transmits it to communication terminal 10.

In step S1112, the communication terminal 10 receives and displays information for automatically navigating the ship from the server 20B.

The above series of processes completes the process of providing functionality for automatic ship navigation based on the sensing results stored on the server.

As a result, information for automatically navigating the ship in response to the user's request is generated in real time and displayed to the user. This makes it possible to provide information for automatically navigating the ship in response to the user's request, utilizing sensing results.

Figure 11 explains the flow of providing functions to assist in the operation of a fleet, using the example of automatically navigating a ship, but functions to assist in the operation of a fleet are not limited to this and further include the following processes.

Example 5
The function for assisting in the navigation of the fleet is to provide at least one of a nautical chart and a seabed map, and the information processing device (server 20B) updates at least one of the nautical chart and the seabed map based on the sensing results obtained on each ship, and transmits at least one of the updated nautical chart and the seabed map to the user's terminal (communication terminal 10).

For example, server 20B updates a seabed map by extracting data on the state of the seabed based on fish finder images and sonar images stored in memory unit 202B, and transmits the updated seabed map to communication terminal 10. Alternatively, server 20B updates a nautical chart by extracting data on the nautical chart based on the ship's past trajectory, and transmits the updated nautical chart to communication terminal 10.

This allows nautical charts or seabed maps to be provided in response to user requests, utilizing sensing results. Here, server 20B updates nautical charts and seabed maps based on the results of sensing carried out by each ship at any time, and can therefore provide communication terminal 10 with nautical charts and seabed maps based on the most recent sensing results.

In addition to the above examples, as a function to assist in fleet operation, server 20B may predict the fleet's fuel consumption (i.e., the cost factor of fuel costs for sailing the fleet) based on information such as the tides and wind speed of the sea area, predict the fish catch in the sea area, and notify communication terminal 10, etc. of the fleet's navigation method (fleet navigation route, navigation speed, etc.) based on information such as other fleets fishing in the sea area. For example, if there are multiple competitors fishing in a certain fishing ground (if there are multiple fleets), for a specific fishing ground, server 20B may suggest a navigation method to the user of communication terminal 10, etc., based on the expected catch by arriving at the fishing ground earlier than other fleets (e.g., the expected catch if there are no competitors) and the amount of fuel consumed to arrive at the fishing ground earlier (increasing the fleet's navigation speed may consume a large amount of fuel). For example, a communication terminal 10 or the like may display multiple navigation patterns on a screen, including the catch (i.e., expected revenue) and fuel consumption (i.e., expected cost), and accept a navigation pattern specification from the user. In this case, the communication terminal 10 or the like may control the navigation of each boat so that it automatically navigates based on the navigation method accepted by the user. In other words, the server 20B can suggest to the fisherman a navigation method that maximizes profits based on the catch and fuel consumption.

In addition, as a function to support the navigation of the fleet, weather information and sea condition information (wave height, sea wind, water temperature, etc.) may be provided to communication terminals 10, etc. For example, as sea condition information, water temperature information may be referenced when predicting fishing grounds. Furthermore, if server 20B provides tidal current information (tidal current prediction results) as sea condition information to communication terminals 10, etc., it may be possible to propose or determine the navigation method for each ship based on the tidal current information. For example, server 20B may reference tidal current information so that each ship can quickly reach a slower speed that is advantageous for fishing.

<Other examples of functions to support fleet operation>
The server 20B may provide a function for outputting instructions from one of the ships in the fleet to the other ships as a function for assisting in the operation of the fleet.

Such instructions include sending navigation instructions from the communication terminal 10 of one of the ships in the fleet to each ship in the fleet. For example, suppose a user on one of the ships in the fleet specifies instructions on the communication terminal 10, such as a target point (point information) to which the ship should move, a route (line information) to which the ship should navigate, and a speed at which the ship should navigate, on a nautical chart. The instructions are sent from the communication terminal 10 of that ship to server 20B, which then notifies each ship in the fleet. This allows the instructions from a ship to be accurately shared among each ship. Each ship may set automatic navigation, etc., based on the instructions received in this way.

Such instructions also include sending instructions regarding the timing of fishing to each vessel in the fleet from the communication terminal 10 of one of the vessels. For example, suppose a user on one of the vessels in the fleet specifies instructions regarding the timing of fishing, such as when to cast a net or when to haul up a net, on the communication terminal 10. This allows the instructions from a vessel to be shared with each vessel, and the timing of casting the nets to be shared through text information, audio, video, etc.

Example 6
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a process for providing functionality for managing the fishing method or amount of fish caught.

In step S1121, server 20B stores information about the sea area and information about the fishing method or catch volume of a specific fish caught in that sea area based on the results of sensing on each ship in memory unit 202B. Note that communication terminal 10 may accept input of information about the catch volume (such as which sea area and how much was caught) from the user and transmit the accepted information about the catch volume to server 20B, thereby allowing server 20B to manage information about the catch volume for each sea area.

For example, server 20B stores information about the area where fishing took place and information about the fishing method or catch volume used to catch a particular fish in that area, based on location information sensed by each boat, camera images taken when reeling in the net, or information obtained by a device for weighing the catch, for the catches caught in a single fishing operation.

In step S1211, the communication terminal 10 accepts a request from the user for a function for managing the fishing method or catch volume of the catch. The communication terminal 10 presents multiple specific functions to the user, and when the user selects a function for managing the fishing method or catch volume of the catch, the communication terminal 10 accepts the request and sends a request to the server 20B to provide the function for managing the fishing method or catch volume of the catch.

In step S1222, server 20B receives a request from communication terminal 10 for a function to manage the fishing method or catch volume of fish caught, and then extracts and processes information about the sea area and information about the fishing method or catch volume used to catch a specific fish in that sea area from memory unit 202B.

In step S1123, server 20B determines whether the fishing method or catch volume in each sea area is appropriate and transmits the determination result to the user's terminal. The criteria for the determination may be, for example, the fisheries resource management measures in the sea area where the fishing took place.

In step S1112, the communication terminal 10 receives and displays from the server 20B the determination result as to whether the fishing method in each sea area is appropriate.

Furthermore, the control unit 203B of server 20B may certify that the fishing method or catch volume in each sea area is appropriate based on the determination results. For example, server 20B manages information on the fishing methods and catch volumes permitted in each sea area in memory unit 202B, and determines whether the fishing method and catch volume of a vessel are appropriate (whether they are within the permitted range) based on the sensing results of each vessel. Note that in addition to verifying that the catch volume is appropriate, server 20B may also certify the catch (such as MSC (registered trademark): Marine Stewardship Council certification, Fisheries Ecolabel certification, Marine Ecolabel (registered trademark) certification, etc.). Server 20B may certify that the catch was legitimately caught in each sea area, and may also provide users with functions for performing this certification and consulting services for obtaining certification. For example, server 20B may certify the catch based on photographed images of the catch.

The above series of processes completes the process of providing functionality for managing the fishing method or catch volume of fish.

As a result, the user is shown the results of a judgment as to whether the fishing method or catch volume in each sea area is appropriate, in response to the user's request. This makes it possible to manage the fishing method or catch volume of fish catches while utilizing the sensing results, in response to the user's request.

Figure 11 explains the process for managing the fishing method or catch volume of fish catches, but this is not limited to this, and further examples include the following processes.

Example 7
If the specific function is for managing the distribution of fish catches, the information processing device (server 20B) stores information on the catches of each vessel in storage unit 202B and provides the information on the catches to the user's terminal in association with each fishing port. A control unit 203B of server 20B provides information on the type and quantity of fish caught as information on the catches to the user's terminal (for example, the terminal of a user who purchases fish), and accepts an operation to purchase the fish from the user's terminal.

For example, server 20B stores information about each vessel's catch in memory unit 202B and transmits the information about the catch to each fishing port. Users at each fishing port use their communication terminal 10 to input operations to purchase the catch at an auction.

This makes it possible to utilize sensing results and facilitate the distribution of fish catches in response to user requests. In other words, by providing catch information from each vessel to server 20B, it becomes possible to accept operations to purchase the fish from the user's terminal, making it possible to purchase fish while each vessel is returning to port (i.e., before the fish from each vessel arrives at the fishing port). Here, server 20B may notify multiple users of the fish information. Each user's terminal may accept the user's designated bidding price for the fish. This may allow the fish to be auctioned before it arrives at the fishing port. This may shorten the time it takes for each vessel to deliver the fish to the user who purchases it. Server 20B may also manage information on the fish caught by each vessel, the fisherman who caught the fish, the purchaser who purchased the fish, and the trader who acquired the purchased fish through secondary distribution. For example, server 20B may record information about each distributor involved in the process from fish caught by fishermen to consumption by consumers, and manage this information using blockchain technology. By providing an environment for each distributor to purchase fish (for example, a screen for processing fish purchases), server 20B can manage which secondary distributors the fish caught by fishermen passed through before reaching the end consumer, providing end consumers with traceability as to which fisherman caught the fish.

<4 Screen example>
13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of the communication terminal 10 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 13 illustrates a process for providing a specific function to the user's terminal based on the sensing results stored in the storage unit 202B of the server 20B in response to receiving a request for the specific function from the user.

Screen example (A) in Figure 13 shows a situation in which multiple specific functions are presented to the user. As shown in screen example (A) in Figure 13, the display of the communication terminal 10 is divided into two areas B1 and B2, with the name of the ship being displayed in area B1 and a "function list" showing the available functions being presented to the user in area B2.

The "function list" includes hull risk management functions, crew risk management functions, automatic navigation functions, nautical chart creation functions, fishery management functions, and catch distribution management functions. By selecting any of the functions, a request for that function is accepted. For example, if a user selects the "hull risk management" function, the display screen of the communication terminal 10 will transition to screen example (B). Note that regardless of the user's operation to select any of the above functions, the communication terminal 10 may provide the user with a specific function (display a screen for using a specific function).

Screen example (B) in Figure 13 shows a situation in which hull risk management functions are provided to a user in response to a user request. As shown in screen example (B), area B3 displays a notification generated based on sensing results stored in the server, and this notification is a notification regarding hull risk. For example, screen example (B) notifies the user that the ship's exhaust temperature has exceeded the normal value, indicating a hull risk related to an engine abnormality. In this way, the communication terminal 10 provides hull risk management functions. Screen example (B) also includes a button B4 for returning to the "Function List" screen shown in screen example (A).

Screen example (C) in Figure 13 shows a situation in which the automatic navigation function is provided to the user in response to the user's request. When the user selects the "automatic navigation" function in screen example (A), the display screen of the communication terminal 10 transitions to screen example (C).

As shown in screen example (C), area B5 displays notifications generated based on sensing results stored on the server, and these notifications are information for automatically navigating the ship. For example, screen example (C) generates an optimal route that reduces fuel consumption based on wind speed data, wind direction data, ship speed data, the ship's current position information, and the location of the home port stored in the memory unit, and presents information about this route to the user. Screen example (C) also includes button B4 for returning to the "Function List" screen shown in screen example (A).

Screen example (D) in Figure 13 shows a situation in which the fish catch management function is provided to the user in response to the user's request. When the user selects the "fish catch management" function in screen example (A), the screen of the communication terminal 10 transitions to screen example (D).

As shown in screen example (D), area B6 displays the results of a judgment as to whether the fishing method or catch volume in each sea area is appropriate, based on the sensing results stored on the server. For example, each vessel senses the fishing gear used for the catch, the fishing method, the operating period and location, and the size of the catch, and stores this information on the server. This information is then used to judge whether the catch is appropriate, and the judgment results are displayed to the user. Screen example (D) also includes a button B4 for returning to the "Function List" screen shown in screen example (A).

<Summary>
As described above, according to the second embodiment, various information relating to the operation of a fishing boat can be accumulated, and specific functions can be provided according to the needs of the user.

<Modification>
Based on the sensing results obtained by each vessel as described above, the server 20B may provide the information and analysis results of the information as information useful for the management of the fishing business operator. The server 20B may provide a function for providing the information useful for the management to users in a viewable manner, a function for managing the information useful for the management, and a function for analyzing the information. In other words, the server 20B may provide management information by providing a function for users to specify specific information and compare it with various data sensed by the navigation of each vessel (such as the fishing vessel's operating hours, fuel consumption, number of crew members, and other information).

Furthermore, server 20B generates a trained model by treating the sensing results from each of these vessels as time-series data. Server 20B may use this trained model to provide consulting services for fishing activities to fishing business operators. Furthermore, a business providing consulting services may provide consulting services for fishing activities based on the various sensing results managed by server 20B.

<Additional Notes>
The matters explained in the above embodiments will be supplemented below.

(Appendix 1) A communication terminal (10) capable of communicating with an information processing device (20) that receives information sensed by each vessel (1A, 1B) that is engaged in fishing in a fleet, and each vessel that constitutes the fleet is equipped with at least one of a position information acquisition device (13) that acquires the vessel's position for sensing purposes, a fish finder (11), a sonar (12), and a camera (14) that captures images of the vessel's condition, and the communication terminal (10) is equipped with a processor, memory, and a display, and the processor: A communication terminal (10) that executes the following steps: a first step (S531) of receiving sensed information received from each ship from the information processing device; a second step (S531) of displaying on the display, based on the received information, information sensed by at least some of the ships in the fleet; and a third step (S532, S533) of receiving an operation from the user to designate each ship to be displayed on the display, and displaying the information sensed by the designated ship.

(Appendix 2) A communication terminal described in (Appendix 1) that displays the track of each ship during a specified time period based on the position information sensed by each ship.

(Appendix 3) A communications terminal as described in (Appendix 2) that accepts an operation from the user to specify a specific point on the track of each ship displayed on the display, thereby displaying information sensed by that ship at the time corresponding to that point.

(Appendix 4) A communication terminal as described in (Appendix 1) or (Appendix 2), in which, in the second step, a specific ship is designated in advance, and the designated ship is displayed differently from other ships.

(Appendix 5) A communications terminal described in any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 4) that, by specifying a specific location on a nautical chart, displays the location in association with information sensed by each ship.

(Appendix 6) A communications terminal as described in (Appendix 1) that accepts operations from a user to create a fishing record for a specified vessel.

(Appendix 7) A communication terminal as described in (Appendix 6) that displays the location where a fishing catch was recorded differently from other locations on a nautical chart.

(Appendix 8) A communication terminal as described in (Appendix 6) that displays on a nautical chart a track for a specified time period from the time a catch was recorded, in a manner that makes it different from other tracks.

10 Communication terminal, 20 Server, 30A, 30B Ship, 11 Fish finder, 12 Sonar, 13 Location information acquisition device, 14 Camera, 281 Ship information database, 281 Sensing result database

Claims (10)

A communication terminal,
The communication terminal is capable of communicating with an information processing device that receives information sensed by each vessel engaged in fishing in the fleet from each vessel,
In order to perform the sensing, the ships constituting the fleet are equipped with at least one of a position information acquisition device that acquires the position of the ship, a fish finder, a sonar, and a camera that captures images of the situation on board the ship,
the communication terminal comprises a processor, a memory, and a display;
The processor:
a first step of receiving the sensed information received from each ship by the information processing device from the information processing device;
a second step of displaying, on the display, information sensed by at least some of the ships in the fleet based on the received information;
and a third step of displaying information sensed by the designated ship by accepting an operation from the user to designate each ship to be displayed on the display. The communication terminal described in claim 1 displays the track of each ship during a specified time period based on position information sensed by each ship. By accepting an operation from a user to specify a predetermined point on the track of each ship displayed on the display,
3. The communication terminal according to claim 2, wherein the communication terminal displays information sensed by the ship at the time corresponding to the point. The communication terminal of claim 1 or 2, wherein in the second step, a specific ship is designated in advance, and the designated ship is displayed differently from other ships. A communication terminal described in any one of claims 1 to 4, which, by specifying a specific point on a nautical chart, displays the point in association with information sensed by each ship. The communication terminal described in claim 1 accepts operations from a user to create a fishing record for a specified vessel. The communication terminal of claim 6, wherein the location where the fishing record was made is displayed differently from other locations on the nautical chart. The communication terminal of claim 6, wherein the nautical chart displays a track for a predetermined time period from the time the catch was recorded, so that the track is displayed differently from other tracks. A program to be executed by a computer having a processor,
The computer is capable of communicating with an information processing device that receives information sensed by each vessel engaged in fishing in the fleet from each vessel;
In order to perform the sensing, the ships constituting the fleet are equipped with at least one of a position information acquisition device that acquires the position of the ship, a fish finder, a sonar, and a camera that captures images of the situation on board the ship,
The program causes the processor to:
a first step of receiving the sensed information received from each ship by the information processing device from the information processing device;
a second step of displaying, on a display, a nautical chart, an image showing the position of each ship in the fleet on the nautical chart, and information sensed by each ship for at least some of the ships in the fleet, based on the received information;
and a third step of displaying information sensed by the designated ship by accepting an operation from the user to designate each ship to be displayed on the display. 1. A computer-implemented method comprising:
The computer is capable of communicating with an information processing device that receives information sensed by each vessel engaged in fishing in the fleet from each vessel;
In order to perform the sensing, the ships constituting the fleet are equipped with at least one of a position information acquisition device that acquires the position of the ship, a fish finder, a sonar, and a camera that captures images of the situation on board the ship,
The method further comprises the processor:
a first step of receiving the sensed information received from each ship by the information processing device from the information processing device;
a second step of displaying, on a display, a nautical chart, an image showing the position of each ship in the fleet on the nautical chart, and information sensed by each ship for at least some of the ships in the fleet, based on the received information;
a third step of displaying information sensed by each designated ship by accepting an operation from a user to designate each ship to be displayed on the display.