Marine vessel and marine vessel operation support device

A marine vessel includes a hull including a cabin, an imager that images a field-of-view shielded region, which is a region in which a marine vessel operator's field of view is obstructed when the marine vessel operator located on an operation seat provided inside the cabin looks around an outside of the marine vessel in a horizontal direction, and a display provided at a position visible from the operation seat and that displays a field-of-view complement image, which is an image of the field-of-view shielded region captured by the imager.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-050974 filed on Mar. 19, 2019. The entire contents of this application are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a marine vessel and a marine vessel operation support device.

2. Description of the Related Art

A marine vessel including a cockpit is known in general. Such a marine vessel is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-69271, for example.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-69271 discloses a marine vessel in which a cabin is provided in a hull. In this marine vessel, a cockpit is disposed above the cabin. An awning (shading) supported by a plurality of pillars is provided in an upper portion of the cockpit. The marine vessel sails such that the wind passes between the cockpit and the awning in an upward-downward direction.

However, in the marine vessel disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-69271, the wind passes between the cockpit and the awning in the upward-downward direction, and thus the wind (rain when it rains) may blow against a marine vessel operator located in the cockpit. Furthermore, when the marine vessel disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-69271 is used in winter, the temperature of the outside air is relatively low, and thus the wind passes in the vicinity of the cockpit such that the temperature in the vicinity of the cockpit conceivably becomes relatively low.

Therefore, the cockpit may be disposed inside the cabin in order to significantly reduce or prevent the wind from blowing against the marine vessel operator and maintain the temperature in the vicinity of the cockpit at a more appropriate temperature. However, when the cockpit is provided inside the cabin, the marine vessel operator's field of view may be partially obstructed by structural members of the cabin when the marine vessel operator located in the cockpit sees outside of the marine vessel. Therefore, a marine vessel and a marine vessel operation support device that improve visibility to the outside of the marine vessel without a marine vessel operator moving his or her head or body even when a cockpit (operation seat) is disposed inside a cabin are desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide marine vessels and marine vessel operation support devices that each improve marine vessel operator's visibility to the outsides of the marine vessels even when operation seats are provided inside cabins.

A marine vessel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a hull including a cabin, an imager that images a field-of-view shielded region, which is a region in which a marine vessel operator's field of view is obstructed when the marine vessel operator located on an operation seat provided inside the cabin looks around an outside of the marine vessel in a horizontal direction, and a display provided at a position visible from the operation seat and that displays a field-of-view complement image, which is an image of the field-of-view shielded region captured by the imager.

A marine vessel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the imager that images the field-of-view shielded region and the display provided at the position visible from the operation seat and that displays the field-of-view complement image, which is the image of the field-of-view shielded region. Accordingly, the image of the field-of-view shielded region is visually recognized by the marine vessel operator located on the operation seat provided inside the cabin, and thus the marine vessel operator's field of view is complemented. Consequently, even when the operation seat is provided inside the cabin, marine vessel operator's visibility to the outside of the marine vessel is improved without greatly changing the designs or shapes of the cabin and members inside the cabin. Furthermore, the operation seat is provided inside the cabin, and thus blowing of the wind against the marine vessel operator is significantly reduced or prevented, and the temperature adjacent to or in a vicinity of the operation seat is easily maintained at an appropriate temperature.

In a marine vessel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display is preferably located adjacent to or in a vicinity of the operation seat, for example. Accordingly, the marine vessel operator located on the operation seat easily visually recognizes the display provided adjacent to or in a vicinity of the operation seat. Note that “adjacent to or in a vicinity of the operation seat” refers to a position inside the cabin and visible from the operation seat.

In a marine vessel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, the imager preferably images at least a front portion of the field-of-view shielded region, and the display preferably displays the field-of-view complement image including an image of the front portion of the field-of-view shielded region. Accordingly, the marine vessel operator's field of view is complemented when the marine vessel is traveling forward. Consequently, when the marine vessel operator is operating the marine vessel in the cabin and the marine vessel moves forward (during sailing), the marine vessel operator's visibility to the outside of the marine vessel is improved.

The imager preferably images a rear portion of the field-of-view shielded region in addition to the front portion of the field-of-view shielded region, and the display preferably displays the field-of-view complement image including the image of the front portion of the field-of-view shielded region and an image of the rear portion of the field-of-view shielded region, for example. Accordingly, the marine vessel operator's visibility to the outside of the marine vessel not only forward of the hull but also rearward of the hull is improved.

In a marine vessel including the display that displays the field-of-view complement image, the cabin preferably includes a window in front of the operation seat, and the front portion of the field-of-view shielded region preferably includes the region in which the marine vessel operator's field of view is obstructed when the marine vessel operator looks at the outside of the marine vessel in the horizontal direction from a height of a center point of the window in a vertical direction, the center point being located above the operation seat, for example. Accordingly, the field of view of the marine vessel operator located on the operation seat and who is visually recognizing the window is complemented. Consequently, the marine vessel operation of the marine vessel operator is effectively supported when the marine vessel travels forward.

In a marine vessel including the cabin including the window, the imager preferably images a rear portion of the field-of-view shielded region in addition to the front portion of the field-of-view shielded region, the front portion of the field-of-view shielded region preferably includes a first region obstructed by a front shield including a front pillar of the cabin, and the rear portion of the field-of-view shielded region preferably includes a second region obstructed by a rear shield including a rear wall of the cabin, for example. Accordingly, the marine vessel operator's field of view obstructed by the shield of the cabin is complemented. Consequently, the operation seat is provided inside the cabin such that even when the field-of-view shielded region is generated due to components or elements of the cabin, the marine vessel operator's field of view is effectively complemented.

In a marine vessel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sum of angular ranges of the field-of-view shielded region in the horizontal direction around the operation seat in a plan view is preferably about 90 degrees or more and about 360 degrees or less, for example. Accordingly, when the marine vessel operator located on the operation seat looks over in the horizontal direction, the marine vessel operator's field of view is complemented even when the field-of-view shielded region is relatively large (for example, even when the sum of the angular ranges is about 90 degrees or more). Consequently, as compared with a case in which the field-of-view shielded region is relatively small (for example, the sum of the angular ranges is less than about 90 degrees), the marine vessel operation of the marine vessel operator is more effectively supported.

The sum of the angular ranges of the field-of-view shielded region is preferably about 180 degrees or more and about 360 degrees or less, for example. Accordingly, even when the field-of-view shielded region is even larger (when the sum of the angular ranges is about 180 degrees or more), the marine vessel operator's field of view is complemented. Consequently, the marine vessel operation of the marine vessel operator is more effectively supported.

In a marine vessel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sum of angular ranges of the field-of-view shielded region in the horizontal direction around the operation seat in a plan view is preferably about 60 degrees or more and about 180 degrees or less within the field-of-view shielded region forward of the operation seat, for example. Accordingly, even when the front portion of the field-of-view shielded region is relatively large (for example, even when the sum of the angular ranges is about 60 degrees or more), the marine vessel operator's visibility to an area forward of the hull is improved without greatly changing the designs or shapes of front structural members of the cabin and the members provided inside the cabin.

In a marine vessel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sum of angular ranges of the field-of-view shielded region in the horizontal direction around the operation seat in a plan view is preferably about 60 degrees or more and about 180 degrees or less within the field-of-view shielded region rearward of the operation seat, for example. Accordingly, even when the rear portion of the field-of-view shielded region is relatively large (the sum of the angular ranges is about 60 degrees or more), the marine vessel operator's visibility to an area rearward of the hull is improved without greatly changing the designs or shapes of rear structural members of the cabin and the members provided inside the cabin.

In a marine vessel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sum of angular ranges of the field-of-view shielded region in the horizontal direction around the operation seat in a plan view is preferably about 60 degrees or more and about 180 degrees or less within the field-of-view shielded region leftward or rightward of the operation seat, for example. Accordingly, even when the left or right field-of-view shielded region is relatively large (the sum of the angular ranges is about 60 degrees or more), the marine vessel operator's visibility to an area leftward or rightward of the hull is improved without greatly changing the designs or shapes of left or right structural members of the cabin and the members provided inside the cabin.

The sum of the angular ranges of the field-of-view shielded region in the horizontal direction around the operation seat in the plan view is preferably about 120 degrees or more and about 180 degrees or less within the field-of-view shielded region leftward or rightward of the operation seat, for example. Accordingly, even when the left or right field-of-view shielded region is even larger (the sum of the angular ranges is about 120 degrees or more), the marine vessel operator's visibility to the area leftward or rightward of the hull is improved without greatly changing the designs or shapes of the left or right structural members of the cabin and the members provided inside the cabin.

In a marine vessel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display is preferably provided on a shield that generates the field-of-view shielded region, for example. Accordingly, a region in which the shield is located is effectively used.

The display preferably displays the field-of-view complement image including the image of the field-of-view shielded region generated due to the shield on which the display is provided. Accordingly, the marine vessel operator visually recognizes the field-of-view complement image and is able to see through the shield, and thus the marine vessel operator's visibility to the outside of the marine vessel is further improved.

In a marine vessel in which the display is provided on the shield, the display is preferably provided, for example, on a surface of the shield on a side of the operation seat. Accordingly, the display is provided on the surface of the shield on the side of the operation seat while the region in which the shield is provided is effectively used such that the marine vessel operator located on the operation seat more easily recognizes the display.

In a marine vessel according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display is preferably provided, for example, inside the cabin at a position at which the display is viewable by the marine vessel operator located on the operation seat when the marine vessel operator looks at the outside of the marine vessel at least in a forward and horizontal direction. Accordingly, the marine vessel operator who is looking forward visually recognizes the display. Consequently, the visibility, to the outside of the marine vessel, of the marine vessel operator who is operating the marine vessel while looking forward is improved.

The display is preferably provided, for example, over an entire inner periphery of the cabin. Accordingly, the marine vessel operator's field of view is complemented over the entire inner periphery of the cabin. That is, when looking over the entire inner periphery of the cabin, the marine vessel operator visually recognizes an image showing the entire field-of-view shielded region.

A marine vessel operation support device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an imager that images a field-of-view shielded region, which is a region in which a marine vessel operator's field of view is obstructed when the marine vessel operator located on an operation seat provided inside a cabin looks around an outside of a marine vessel in a horizontal direction, and a display provided at a position visible from the operation seat and that displays a field-of-view complement image, which is an image of the field-of-view shielded region captured by the imager.

In a marine vessel operation support device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, even when the operation seat is provided inside the cabin, marine vessel operator's visibility to the outside of the marine vessel is improved.

In a marine vessel operation support device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the display is preferably provided, for example, adjacent to or in a vicinity of the operation seat. Accordingly, the marine vessel operator located on the operation seat easily visually recognizes the display provided adjacent to or in a vicinity of the operation seat.

In a marine vessel operation support device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the imager preferably images at least a front portion of the field-of-view shielded region, and the display preferably displays the field-of-view complement image including an image of the front portion of the field-of-view shielded region, for example. Accordingly, the marine vessel operator's field of view is complemented when the marine vessel is traveling forward. Consequently, when the marine vessel operator is operating the marine vessel in the cabin and the marine vessel moves forward (during sailing), the marine vessel operator's visibility to the outside of the marine vessel is improved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereinafter described with reference to the drawings.

First Preferred Embodiment

The structure of a marine vessel100according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 8. The marine vessel100is a small marine vessel, for example.

As shown inFIG. 1, the marine vessel100includes a hull1, a propulsion device2, and a marine vessel operation support device3. The hull1includes a cabin10at an upper portion thereof. Furthermore, the hull1includes a front deck10ain front of the cabin10, and a rear deck10bbehind the cabin10. As shown inFIG. 2, an operation seat4and a marine vessel operation unit5provided adjacent to or in a vicinity of the operation seat4are provided inside the cabin10. The marine vessel operation unit5includes a steering operator5aand a remote control5b. The steering operator5apreferably is provided on a console5clocated in front of the operation seat4. The front deck10aand the rear deck10bare examples of a “shield”.

In the present specification, the term “front (forward)” refers to a direction indicated by “FWD” in the figures and the forward movement direction (the bow1aside of the hull1) of the marine vessel100. The term “rear (rearward, behind)” refers to a direction indicated by “BWD” in the figures and the reverse movement direction (the stern1bside of the hull1) of the marine vessel100. Furthermore, the term “left (leftward)” refers to a direction indicated by “L” in the figures and a portside1c(seeFIG. 6) of the hull1. The term “right (rightward)” refers to a direction indicated by “R” in the figures and the starboard side1d(seeFIG. 6) of the hull1. A “vertical direction” refers to a direction indicated by “Z” inFIG. 1. The term “upper (upward, above)” refers to a direction indicated by “Z1” inFIG. 1, and the term “lower (downward, below)” refers to a direction indicated by “Z2” inFIG. 1.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the cabin10is box-shaped. The cabin10includes a pair of front pillars12aand12band a pair of rear pillars13aand13bthat support the upper surface11of the cabin10, a front wall14a, a rear wall14b, and a left wall14c, and a right wall14d. The pair of front pillars12aand12b, the pair of rear pillars13aand13b, the front wall14a, the rear wall14b, the left wall14c, and the right wall14dare examples of a “shield”. The pair of front pillars12aand12b, the pair of rear pillars13aand13b, the front wall14a, the rear wall14b, the left wall14c, and the right wall14dare described below as a shield20when these features are not particularly different from one another.

As shown inFIG. 2, the front pillar12aextends in a substantially upward-downward direction in a front left portion of the cabin10. The front pillar12bextends in a direction similar to the substantially upward-downward direction in a front right portion of the cabin10. The front wall14ais provided between the pair of front pillars12aand12bin a horizontal direction (left-right direction).

As shown inFIG. 3, the rear pillar13aextends in a direction similar to the substantially upward-downward direction in a rear left portion of the cabin10. The rear pillar13balso extends in a direction similar to the substantially upward-downward direction in a rear right portion of the cabin10. The rear wall14bis provided between the pair of rear pillars13aand13bin the horizontal direction (left-right direction).

As shown inFIG. 4, the left wall14cis provided between the front pillar12aand the rear pillar13ain a horizontal direction (forward-rearward direction). The right wall14dis provided between the front pillar12band the rear pillar13bin the horizontal direction (forward-rearward direction). Furthermore, the cabin10includes a front window15a, a rear window15b, a left window15c, and a right window15d. A pane of glass is provided in each of the front window15a, the rear window15b, the left window15c, and the right window15d. Thus, the front window15a, the rear window15b, the left window15c, and the right window15dsignificantly reduce or prevent ventilation between the inside and outside of the cabin10and also transmit light from the outside of the hull1into the cabin10(that is, to enable a marine vessel operator to view the outside of the hull1from the inside of the cabin10). Note that W inFIGS. 1-3represents a water surface.

As shown inFIG. 2, the front window15ais provided between the pair of front pillars12aand12bin the left-right direction, in front of the operation seat4, and above the console5c. The front window15ais provided adjacent to or in a vicinity of the front wall14ain the left-right direction. The left window15cis provided between the front pillar12aand the rear pillar13ain the horizontal direction and leftward of the operation seat4. The left window15cis provided adjacent to or in a vicinity of the left wall14c(seeFIG. 4) in the forward-rearward direction. The right window15dis provided between the front pillar12band the rear pillar13bin the forward-rearward direction and rightward of the operation seat4. The right window15dis provided adjacent to or in a vicinity of the right wall14d(seeFIG. 4) in the forward-rearward direction.

As shown inFIG. 3, the rear window15bis provided between the pair of rear pillars13aand13bin the left-right direction and behind the operation seat4(seeFIG. 4). The rear window15bis provided adjacent to or in a vicinity of the rear wall14bin the left-right direction.

The propulsion device2is provided at the stern1b, as shown inFIG. 1. The propulsion force of the propulsion device2is changed based on an operation performed on the marine vessel operation unit5by a marine vessel operator. In addition, the marine vessel100is steered based on an operation performed on the marine vessel operation unit5by the marine vessel operator.

The marine vessel operation unit5changes the direction of a propulsion force generated by the propulsion device2. The marine vessel operation unit5includes the steering operator5a, the remote control5b, and a joystick, for example.

As shown inFIG. 4, a field-of-view shielded region A (a hatched portion inFIG. 4), which is a region in which the marine vessel operator's field of view is obstructed when the marine vessel operator (marine vessel operator's viewpoint Q) located on the operation seat4provided inside the cabin10looks around the outside of the hull1in the horizontal direction, is generated due to a structure (shield20) of the hull1. That is, the field-of-view shielded region A is a region outside (farther than) the shield20as viewed from the marine vessel operator's viewpoint Q. As shown inFIG. 5, the marine vessel operator's viewpoint Q is a point inside the cabin10and located above the operation seat4, at which the marine vessel operator looks at the outside of the hull1in the horizontal direction from the height of a center position C1of the front window15ain the vertical direction. In the following description, the field-of-view shielded region A is simply described as a “region A”.

Specifically, due to the pair of front pillars12aand12band the front wall14a, a front field-of-view shielded region A1(hereinafter referred to as a “region A1”) is generated. Due to the pair of rear pillars13aand13band the rear wall14b, a rear portion of the field-of-view shielded region A2(hereinafter referred to as a “region A2”) is generated. Due to the front pillar12a, the rear pillar13a, and the left wall14c, a left field-of-view shielded region A3(hereinafter referred to as a “region A3”) is generated. Due to the front pillar12b, the rear pillar13b, and the right wall14d, a right field-of-view shielded region A4(hereinafter referred to as a “region A4”) is generated. The region A1is a portion of the region A forward of the position C2of the marine vessel operator's viewpoint Q (operation seat4) in the forward-rearward direction. The region A2is a portion of the region A rearward of the position C2. The region A3is a portion of the region A leftward of the position C3of the marine vessel operator's viewpoint Q (operation seat4) in the left-right direction. The region A4is a portion of the region A rightward of the position C3.

As shown inFIG. 4, in the first preferred embodiment, the sum of angular ranges θ1to θ8of the region A in the horizontal direction around the operation seat4in a plan view is about 90 degrees or more and about 360 degrees or less. That is, the sum of the angular range θ1of the region A1(A3) generated due to the front pillar12a, the angular range θ2of the region A1(A4) generated due to the front pillar12b, the angular range θ3of the region A2(A3) generated due to the rear pillar13a, the angular range θ4of the region A2(A4) generated due to the rear pillar13b, the angular range θ5of the region A1(A3) generated due to the front wall14a, the angular ranges θ6aand θ6bof the region A2(A4) generated due to the rear wall14b, the angular range θ7of the region A2(A3) generated due to the left wall14c, and the angular range θ8of the region A2(A4) generated due to the right wall14daround the marine vessel operator's viewpoint Q is about 90 degrees or more and about 360 degrees or less. Preferably, for example, the sum of the angular ranges θ1to θ8is about 180 degrees or more and about 360 degrees or less.

In the region A1, the sum of the angular ranges θ1, θ2, and θ5is about 60 degrees or more and about 180 degrees or less. In the region A2, the sum of the angular ranges θ3, θ4, θ6a, θ6b, θ7, and θ8is about 60 degrees or more and about 180 degrees or less. In the region A3, the sum of the angular ranges θ1, θ3, θ5, θ6a, and θ7is about 60 degrees or more and about 180 degrees or less. Preferably, for example, the sum of the angular ranges θ1, θ3, θ5, θ6a, and θ7is about 120 degrees or more and about 180 degrees or less. In the region A4, the sum of the angular ranges θ2, θ4, θ6b, and θ8is about 60 degrees or more and about 180 degrees or less. Preferably, for example, the sum of the angular ranges θ2, θ4, θ6b, and θ8is about 120 degrees or more and about 180 degrees or less.

As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, when the marine vessel operator visually recognizes a position below the horizontal direction from the marine vessel operator's viewpoint Q, a region in which the marine vessel operator's field of view is obstructed by the shield20of the cabin10, the front deck10a, and the rear deck10bis defined as a lower field-of-view shielded region A5(hereinafter referred to as a “region A5”). The “horizontal direction” refers to a direction along a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the water surface W.

As shown inFIG. 7, the marine vessel operation support device3is a device that supports the marine vessel operation of the marine vessel operator located on the operation seat4inside the cabin10. Specifically, the marine vessel operation support device3includes an imager6, an image processor30, a display40, and a controller50. In other words, the marine vessel operation support device3displays an image captured by the imager6on the display40when the marine vessel operator operates the marine vessel operation unit5(operates the marine vessel) while being located on the operation seat4to complement the marine vessel operator's field of view (blind spot).

The imager6images the region A (A1to A5). Furthermore, the imager6images at least a portion of each of the regions A1to A5. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 1, the imager6is located on the hull1and is provided outward from the hull1. The imager6images the regions A1to A4by imaging in all directions (the angular range is about 360 degrees) outward from the hull1. That is, the imager6is a single camera or an omnidirectional camera including a plurality of cameras. The imager6images the region A5by imaging from the upper side of the hull1toward the lower side of the hull1. The imager6transmits a captured image P1(images of the regions A1to A5) to the image processor30. InFIG. 1, the imager6is located on an upper portion of the cabin10, but the imager6may be provided at any position on the hull1as long as the region A is imaged.

The image processor30generates a field-of-view complement image P2to be displayed on the display40based on the image P1of the region A captured by the imager6. When the captured image P1is able to be displayed on the display40, the image P1and the field-of-view complement image P2may be the same or substantially the same. Furthermore, the field-of-view complement image P2may include a bird's-eye view image that shows the periphery of the hull1from the upper side toward the lower side in a bird's-eye view.

For example, as shown inFIG. 8, the image processor30generates a front image P21(the image of the region A1), a rear image P22(the image of the region A2), and a left image P23(the image of the region A3), a right image P24(the image of the region A4), a left front image P25(the images of the regions A1and A3) between the left side and the front side, a left rear image P26(the images of the regions A2and A3) between the left side and the rear side, a right front image P27(the images of the regions A1and A4) between the right side and the front side, and a right rear image P28(the images of the regions A2and A4) between the right side and the rear side based on the image P1. That is, the field-of-view complement image P2includes the front image P21, the rear image P22, the left image P23, the right image P24, the left front image P25, the left rear image P26, the right front image P27, and the right rear image P28. The image processor30outputs the generated field-of-view complement image P2to the display40based on a command from the controller50.

The display40is located adjacent to or in a vicinity of the operation seat4. Specifically, the display40is provided inside the cabin10and at a position visible from the operation seat4. The display40is provided inside the cabin10at a position at which the display40is viewable by the marine vessel operator located on the operation seat4when the marine vessel operator looks at the outside of the hull1at least in a forward and horizontal direction. For example, the display40is provided on the operation seat4side of the console5c. The display40includes a first portion41, a second portion42, a third portion43, a fourth portion44, a fifth portion45, a sixth portion46, a seventh portion47, and an eighth portion48. Furthermore, the first portion41, the second portion42, the third portion43, the fourth portion44, the fifth portion45, the sixth portion46, the seventh portion47, and the eighth portion48may be provided as separate displays, or as different display areas of a single display.

For example, the first portion41, the second portion42, the third portion43, the fourth portion44, the fifth portion45, the sixth portion46, the seventh portion47, and the eighth portion48are provided in an annular shape. Specifically, in the display40, the first portion41is provided at an upper portion, the second portion42is provided at a lower portion, the third portion43is provided at a left portion, the fourth portion44is provided at a right portion, the fifth portion45is provided at a portion between the upper side and the left side, the sixth portion46is provided at a portion between the lower side and the left side, the seventh portion47is provided at a portion between the upper side and the right side, and the eighth portion48is provided at a portion between the lower side and the right side.

The display40displays the field-of-view complement image P2. For example, the display40displays the front image P21, the rear image P22, the left image P23, the right image P24, the left front image P25, the left rear image P26, the right front image P27, and the right rear image P28at the same time or at substantially the same time. Specifically, the display40displays the front image P21on the first portion41, displays the rear image P22on the second portion42, displays the left image P23on the third portion43, displays the right image P24on the fourth portion44, displays the left front image P25on the fifth portion45, displays the left rear image P26on the sixth portion46, displays the right front image P27on the seventh portion47, and displays the right rear image P28on the eighth portion48.

The controller50is a control processing circuit including a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory, for example. The controller50controls each portion of the marine vessel operation support device3. The controller50controls the display40to display the field-of-view complement image P2by transmitting a control signal to the image processor30and the display40.

According to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the following advantageous effects are able to be provided.

According to the first preferred embodiment, the marine vessel100includes the imager6that images the region A and the display40provided at the position visible from the operation seat4and that displays the field-of-view complement image P2, which is the image of the region A. Accordingly, the image of the region A is visually recognized by the marine vessel operator located on the operation seat4provided inside the cabin10, and thus the marine vessel operator's field of view is complemented. Consequently, even when the operation seat4is provided inside the cabin10, marine vessel operator's visibility to the outside of the marine vessel is improved without greatly changing the designs or shapes of structural members of the cabin10. Furthermore, the operation seat4is provided inside the cabin10, and thus blowing of the wind against the marine vessel operator is significantly reduced or prevented, and the temperature adjacent to or in a vicinity of the operation seat4is easily maintained at an appropriate temperature.

According to the first preferred embodiment, the display40is located adjacent to or in a vicinity of the operation seat4. Accordingly, the marine vessel operator located on the operation seat4easily visually recognizes the display40provided adjacent to or in a vicinity of the operation seat4.

According to the first preferred embodiment, the imager6images at least the region A1. Furthermore, the display40displays the field-of-view complement image P2including the front image P21of the region A1. Accordingly, the marine vessel operator's field of view is complemented when the marine vessel100is traveling forward. Consequently, when the marine vessel operator is operating the marine vessel100in the cabin10and the marine vessel100moves forward (during sailing), the marine vessel operator's visibility to the outside of the marine vessel is improved.

According to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the imager6images the region A2in addition to the region A1. Furthermore, the display40displays the field-of-view complement image P2including the front image P21of the region A1and the rear image P22of the region A2. Accordingly, the marine vessel operator's visibility to the outside of the marine vessel not only forward of the hull1but also rearward of the hull1is improved.

According to the first preferred embodiment, the front window15ais provided in front of the operation seat4in the cabin10. Furthermore, the region A includes the regions (regions A1to A4) in which the marine vessel operator's field of view is obstructed when the marine vessel operator looks at the outside of the marine vessel in the horizontal direction from the height of the center position C1of the front window15ain the vertical direction above the operation seat4. Accordingly, the field of view of the marine vessel operator located on the operation seat4and who is visually recognizing the front window15ais complemented. Consequently, the marine vessel operation of the marine vessel operator is effectively supported when the marine vessel travels forward.

According to the first preferred embodiment, the region A includes the regions (regions A1to A4) obstructed by the shield20including the front pillars12aand12bof the cabin10and the rear wall14bof the cabin10. Accordingly, the marine vessel operator's field of view obstructed by the shield20of the cabin10is complemented. Consequently, the operation seat4is provided inside the cabin10and, even when the region A is generated due to components or elements of the cabin10, the marine vessel operator's field of view is effectively complemented.

According to the first preferred embodiment, the sum of the angular ranges θ1to θ8of the region A in the horizontal direction around the operation seat4in the plan view is about 90 degrees or more and about 360 degrees or less. Accordingly, when the marine vessel operator located on the operation seat4looks over in the horizontal direction, the marine vessel operator's field of view is complemented even when the region A is relatively large (for example, even when the sum of the angular ranges θ1to θ8is about 90 degrees or more). Consequently, as compared with a case in which the region A is relatively small (for example, the sum of the angular ranges θ1to θ8is less than about 90 degrees), the marine vessel operation of the marine vessel operator is more effectively supported.

According to the first preferred embodiment, the sum of the angular ranges θ1to θ8of the region A is about 180 degrees or more and about 360 degrees or less. Accordingly, even when the region A is even larger (when the sum of the angular ranges θ1to θ8is about 180 degrees or more), the marine vessel operator's field of view is complemented. Consequently, the marine vessel operation of the marine vessel operator is more effectively supported.

According to the first preferred embodiment, the sum of the angular ranges θ1, θ2, and θ5of the region A1in the horizontal direction around the operation seat4in the plan view is about 60 degrees or more and about 180 degrees or less. Accordingly, even when the region A1is relatively large (for example, even when the sum of the angular ranges θ1, θ2, and θ5is about 60 degrees or more), the marine vessel operator's visibility to an area forward of the hull1is improved without greatly changing the designs or shapes of the front structural members (the front pillars12aand12b, the front wall14a, etc.) of the cabin10and the members provided inside the cabin10.

According to the first preferred embodiment, the sum of the angular ranges θ3, θ4, θ6a, θ6b, θ7, and θ8of the region A2in the horizontal direction around the operation seat4in the plan view is about 60 degrees or more and about 180 degrees or less. Accordingly, even when the region A2is relatively large (the sum of the angular ranges θ3, θ4, θ6a, θ6b, θ7, and θ8is about 60 degrees or more), the marine vessel operator's visibility to an area rearward of the hull1is improved without greatly changing the designs or shapes of the rear structural members (the rear pillars13aand13band the rear wall14b) of the cabin10and the members provided inside the cabin10.

According to the first preferred embodiment, the sum of the angular ranges θ1, θ3, θ5, θ6a, and θ7(angular ranges θ2, θ4, θ6b, and θ8) of the region A3(region A4) in the horizontal direction around the operation seat4in the plan view is about 60 degrees or more and about 180 degrees or less. Accordingly, even when the region A3(region A4) is relatively large (the sum of the angular ranges θ1, θ3, θ5, θ6a, and θ7(angular ranges θ2, θ4, θ6b, and θ8) is about 60 degrees or more), the marine vessel operator's visibility to an area leftward or rightward of the hull1is improved without greatly changing the designs or shapes of the left or right structural members (the left wall14cor right wall14d) of the cabin10and the members provided inside the cabin10.

According to the first preferred embodiment, the sum of the angular ranges θ1, θ3, θ5, θ6a, and θ7(angular ranges θ2, θ4, θ6b, and θ8) of the region A3(region A4) in the horizontal direction around the operation seat4in the plan view is about 120 degrees or more and about 180 degrees or less, for example. Accordingly, even when the region A3(region A4) is even larger (the sum of the angular ranges θ1, θ3, θ5, θ6a, and (angular ranges θ2, θ4, θ6b, and θ8) is about 120 degrees or more), the marine vessel operator's visibility to the area leftward or rightward of the hull1is improved without greatly changing the designs or shapes of the left or right structural members of the cabin10and the members provided inside the cabin10.

Second Preferred Embodiment

The structure of a marine vessel200according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference toFIGS. 9 and 10. In the second preferred embodiment, displays241and242are located on a shield20that generates a region A. In the second preferred embodiment, the same or similar structures as those of the first preferred embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The marine vessel200includes a marine vessel operation support device203, as shown inFIG. 9. The marine vessel operation support device203includes an image processor230, the displays241and242, and a controller250.

As shown inFIG. 10, the displays241and242are located on the shield20that generates the region A. The displays241and242display a field-of-view complement image P102including an image of the region A generated due to the displays241and242.

Specifically, the display241is provided on surfaces of a front pillar12aand a front wall14aon the operation seat4side (inside a cabin10). Furthermore, the display241displays the field-of-view complement image P102including a front image P21and a left front image P25of regions A1and A3generated due to the front pillar12aand the front wall14aon which the display241is provided.

The display242is provided on a surface of a front pillar12bon the operation seat4side (inside the cabin10). Furthermore, the display242displays the field-of-view complement image P102including a right front image P27of regions A1and A4generated due to the front pillar12bon which the display242is provided.

The image processor230generates the field-of-view complement image P102. The controller250controls the image processor230to output the field-of-view complement image P102to the displays241and242. The remaining structures of the second preferred embodiment are similar to those of the first preferred embodiment.

According to the second preferred embodiment, the following advantageous effects are able to be provided.

According to the second preferred embodiment, the displays241and242are provided on the shield20that generates the region A. Accordingly, a region in which the shield20is provided is effectively used.

According to the second preferred embodiment, the displays241and242display the field-of-view complement image P102including the image of the region A generated due to the shield20on which the displays241and242are provided. Accordingly, a marine vessel operator visually recognizes the displays241and242provided on the shield20and thus the marine vessel operator visually recognizes the image corresponding to the region A generated due to the shield20. Therefore, the marine vessel operator visually recognizes the field-of-view complement image P102and is able to see through the shield20, and thus marine vessel operator's visibility to the outside of the marine vessel is further improved.

According to the second preferred embodiment, the displays241and242are provided on the surface of the shield20on the operation seat4side. Accordingly, the displays241and242are provided on the surface of the shield20on the operation seat4side while the region in which the shield20is provided is effectively used such that the marine vessel operator located on the operation seat4more easily recognizes the displays241and242. The remaining advantageous effects of the second preferred embodiment are similar to those of the first preferred embodiment.

Third Preferred Embodiment

The structure of a marine vessel300according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference toFIGS. 11 and 12. In the third preferred embodiment, a display340is provided over the entire inner periphery of a cabin10. In the third preferred embodiment, the same or similar structures as those of the first and second preferred embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

As shown inFIG. 11, the marine vessel300includes a hull301including a cabin310and a marine vessel operation support device303. As shown inFIG. 12, no window is provided in the cabin310, and the entire periphery is covered by a wall311. That is, in the third preferred embodiment, all regions outside the cabin310become a field-of-view shielded region A10(hereinafter referred to as a “region A10”). The wall311is an example of a “shield”.

As shown inFIG. 11, the marine vessel operation support device303includes an imager306, an image processor330, the display340, and a controller350. The imager306is provided on a portion of the hull301outside the cabin310and images the entire region A10.

As shown inFIG. 12, the display340is provided over the entire inner periphery of the cabin10. That is, the display340is provided inside the cabin10at a position at which the display340is viewable by a marine vessel operator located on an operation seat4when the marine vessel operator looks at the outside of the hull301at least in a forward and horizontal direction. The display340is provided on the operation seat4side of the wall311that generates the region A10.

The display340displays a field-of-view complement image P202including an image of the region A10. For example, when the marine vessel operator looks at the display340from the operation seat4, an image of a portion of the region A10corresponding to a direction in which the marine vessel operator looks is displayed on a portion of the display340corresponding to the direction in which the marine vessel operator looks. That is, the display340defines and functions as a virtual window. The image processor330generates the field-of-view complement image P202. The controller350controls the image processor330to output the field-of-view complement image P202to the display340. The remaining structures of the third preferred embodiment are similar to those of the first preferred embodiment.

According to the third preferred embodiment, the following advantageous effects are able to be provided.

According to the third preferred embodiment, the display340is provided inside the cabin10at the position at which the display340is viewable by the marine vessel operator located on the operation seat4when the marine vessel operator looks at the outside of the marine vessel at least in the forward and horizontal direction. Accordingly, the marine vessel operator who is looking forward visually recognizes the display340. Consequently, the visibility, to the outside of the marine vessel, of the marine vessel operator who is operating the marine vessel while looking forward is improved.

According to the third preferred embodiment, the display340is provided over the entire inner periphery of the cabin10. Accordingly, the marine vessel operator's field of view is complemented over the entire inner periphery (wall311) of the cabin10. That is, when looking over the entire inner periphery of the cabin10, the marine vessel operator visually recognizes the field-of-view complement image P202showing the entire region A10. The remaining advantageous effects of the third preferred embodiment are similar to those of the first preferred embodiment.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The extent of the present invention is not defined by the above description of the preferred embodiments but by the scope of the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and range equivalent to the scope of the claims are further included.

For example, while the propulsion device is preferably an outboard motor, for example, as shown inFIG. 1, in each of the first to third preferred embodiments described above, the present invention is not restricted to this specific implementation. For example, the propulsion device may alternatively be an inboard motor or an inboard/outboard motor, or a jet propulsion device may alternatively be provided.

While the display(s) is preferably provided, for example, inside the cabin in each of the first to third preferred embodiments described above, the present invention is not restricted to this specific implementation. For example, the display(s) may alternatively be provided outside the front window and at a position visible to the marine vessel operator located on the operation seat.

While at least a portion of each of the regions A1to A5is preferably imaged by the imager in the first preferred embodiment described above, for example, the present invention is not restricted to this specific implementation. For example, any one (only the region A1, for example) of the regions A1to A5may alternatively be imaged by the imager.

While the sum of the angular ranges in the horizontal direction around the operation seat in the plan view is preferably, for example, about 90 degrees or more and about 360 degrees or less within the field-of-view shielded region in each of the first to third preferred embodiments described above, the present invention is not restricted to this specific implementation. That is, the present invention may alternatively be applied to a marine vessel in which the sum of angular ranges is less than about 90 degrees.