Patent ID: 7354321
Filing Date: 2008-04-08
Classification: B63H,G05D

Abstract:
1. A system for controlling operation of an outboard motor mounted on a stern of a boat and having an internal combustion engine, comprising: a steering actuator for steering the outboard motor to right and left directions relative to the boat; a throttle actuator for moving a throttle valve of the engine to regulate an engine speed; a shift actuator for driving a shift mechanism to change a shift position of the outboard motor; an operation unit for allowing an operator to input an operator command from at least among a steering command to steer the outboard motor, an engine speed regulation command to regulate the engine speed, and a shift position change command to change the shift position of the outboard motor; a device for detecting an actual position of the boat on a traveling course and for allowing the operator to input a desired course position; a controller for executing an autopilot navigation by controlling operation of the steering actuator, the throttle actuator and the shift actuator based on the detected actual position of the boat and the inputted desired course position, such that the boat is automatically navigated; wherein the controller suspends the autopilot navigation, if the engine speed regulation command is inputted by the operator when the autopilot navigation is in progress.