Small planing watercraft with imaging device

A small planing watercraft with an imaging device includes: the imaging device incorporated in the small planing watercraft, and capturing an image of surroundings of the small planing watercraft; and a display device incorporated in the small planing watercraft at a location where the display device is recognizable by an operator of the small planing watercraft, and displaying the image of surroundings captured by the imaging device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to small planing watercrafts.

Description of the Background Art

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-132254 discloses a small planing watercraft in which a rearview mirror assembly is fixed to a dock portion in front of a handle.

During sailing of the small planing watercraft, there is a region that is less-visible depending on a position of an operator. It is thus desirable for the operator to be able to more easily recognize surrounding conditions during sailing.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present disclosure to enable an operator to more easily recognize surrounding conditions during sailing of a small planing watercraft.

To solve the above-mentioned problem, a small planing watercraft with an imaging device includes: the imaging device incorporated in the small planing watercraft, and capturing an image of surroundings of the small planing watercraft; and a display device incorporated in the small planing watercraft at a location where the display device is recognizable by an operator of the small planing watercraft, and displaying the image of surroundings captured by the imaging device.

The operator can thereby more easily recognize surrounding conditions during sailing of the small planing watercraft.

Another small planing watercraft includes: a sensor outputting information for determining that part or all of a towed object has been detached; and a device notifying an operator of detachment of the towed object based on an output of the sensor.

In this case, the operator can easily recognize detachment of the towed object.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A small planing watercraft with an imaging device according to an embodiment will be described below.FIGS.1,2, and3are respectively a side view, a plan view, and a rear view illustrating a small planing watercraft with an imaging device30.

The small planing watercraft with the imaging device30includes a small planing watercraft32, and also includes an imaging device50and a display device60both incorporated in the small planing watercraft32. The imaging device50captures an image of surroundings of the small planing watercraft32. The display device60is incorporated in the small planing watercraft32at a location where the display device60is recognizable by an operator P of the small planing watercraft32. For example, the display device60is disposed in front of a seat40to seat the operator P. At this attachment location, the display device60should face rearward, that is to say, be oriented toward a face of the operator P seated on a seat front portion41, for example. The display device60may be attached to the small planing watercraft32so that a display of the display device60opposes the operator P. The image of surroundings captured by the imaging device50is displayed by the display device60. The operator P can thereby easily recognize conditions surrounding the small planing watercraft32during operation. The imaging device50may capture an image in a range to be a blind area for the operator P. For example, the imaging device50may capture an image behind the small planing watercraft32. In this case, the image in the range to be the blind area captured by the imaging device50is displayed by the display device60. By viewing the display device60, the operator P can easily recognize conditions in the range to be the blind area.

The small planing watercraft32is a boat raised by lift when moving forward and planing to slide across a water surface. For example, the small planing watercraft32may have a size for a single person, two to four people, or five or more people. One example of the small planing watercraft32is a personal watercraft (PWC). The small planing watercraft32may be a motorboat. In the present embodiment, an example in which the small planing watercraft32is the PWC will be described.

The small planing watercraft32includes a body34, the seat40, and a handle44. The body34is a structure of the small planing watercraft32to form a space to generate buoyancy in water. The seat40to seat the operator P is disposed on the body34. The handle44is disposed above the body34and in front of the seat40. The operator P can operate the handle44in a state of being seated on the seat40.

More specifically, the body34includes a hull35and a deck36. The hull35is a container-like portion closing on a lower side and opening on an upper side, and capable of floating on the water surface. An opening on the upper side of the hull35is covered with the deck36. A propulsion device to drive the small planing watercraft32forward is incorporated in the body34. The propulsion device includes, for example, a propulsion engine E disposed within the body34, an impeller (not illustrated) driven to rotate by the propulsion engine E (FIG.2), a stator vane (not illustrated), and a nozzle (not illustrated). A water passage to take in water outside the body and jet the water rearward is formed in the body34, and the impeller is disposed within the passage. The impeller is driven to rotate by the propulsion engine E to allow water within the passage to flow beyond the impeller. The stator vane disposed behind the impeller within the passage rectifies a swirling flow behind the impeller to allow water to flow further rearward. The nozzle is disposed at a rear end of the passage, and water flowing from the impeller through the stator vane is compressed by the nozzle, and jetted behind the body34to thereby generate propulsion for the small planing watercraft32. The small planing watercraft32may be driven forward by rotating a screw disposed outside the body. The propulsion engine E may be any engine capable of generating propulsion for the small planing watercraft32. The propulsion engine E may be, for example, an internal combustion engine to generate rotary drive force through fuel combustion or an electrical motor to generate the rotary drive force using electrical energy.

With reference to a position of the operator operating the small planing watercraft32in a planing state, a side in front of the operator is a front side, and a side behind the operator is a rear side. A left side and a right side are determined with reference to a state of the operator facing forward, and, with reference to the operator, a side of the hull35and a side of the deck36are respectively a lower side and an upper side.

A front portion of the deck36is formed to be a bulge portion36athat becomes gradually wider and gradually bulges upward from a front end toward the rear. From a middle portion along the width at a rear end of the bulge portion36aof the deck36, an elongated protruding portion37protruding upward toward a rear end of the deck36is formed. The elongated protruding portion37has a smaller width than the deck36. Portions of the deck36on opposite sides of the elongated protruding portion37are formed to be side floors36cexpanding at a lower location than the elongated protruding portion37. A rear end of the elongated protruding portion37is located in front of the rear end of the deck36. A portion of the deck36behind the elongated protruding portion37is formed to be a rear floor36dexpanding at a lower location than the elongated protruding portion37. For example, baggage is mountable on the rear floor36d. The rear floor36dis one example of a mount on which the baggage is mountable.

The seat40is disposed on the top of the elongated protruding portion37. The seat40is a portion in which the operator P is seated to straddle a saddle. In the present embodiment, the seat40is longer in a fore-aft direction. More specifically, the seat40includes the seat front portion41and a seat rear portion42behind the seat front portion41. The seat front portion41is at a lower location than the seat rear portion42. The operator P is seated on the seat front portion41, and a passenger is seated on the seat rear portion42. A grip39is disposed around a rear portion of the seat rear portion42.

The grip39is an arch curved to protrude rearward. Opposite ends of the grip39are supported by a rear portion of the elongated protruding portion37so that an intermediate portion of the grip39is located apart from the seat rear portion42behind the seat rear portion42. The grip39may be used as a grip to support the body of a person who is trying to ride on the small planing watercraft from behind.

The handle44is disposed in front of the seat40. The handle44is attached to an upper end of a columnar portion43protruding from the deck36. The handle44includes a pair of handle grips45extending laterally from the upper end of the columnar portion43. In a state of being seated on the seat front portion41, the operator P can operate the small planing watercraft32while holding the pair of handle grips45. A position of the operator P to operate the small planing watercraft32is thus a position of being seated on the seat front portion41while facing forward. The operator P in this operating position has a field of view F in a predetermined range around an axis in the fore-aft direction. With reference to the position of the operator P facing forward along the axis in the fore-aft direction, the field of view F is within a range of at most 90° in vertical and horizontal directions, for example. A blind area G may be outside a field of vision of the operator P when the operator P faces forward. The blind area G thus includes a range outside the range of the above-mentioned field of view F. For example, a range behind the operator P is within a range of the blind area G. Furthermore, a range below the body34, for example, a range in water hidden by the body itself from the operator P seated on the seat front portion41is the blind area G. The blind area G herein refers to a range that cannot directly be viewed by the operator P with reference to the operating position. The above-mentioned blind area G may be understood with reference to the operator P of average build (e.g., being 170 cm tall). Regardless of build, the blind area G includes a range directly behind the body34and a range below the body34. The blind area G may further include ranges directly lateral to the seat rear portion42. The blind area G may include a range below a bow of the body34.

The blind area G may be a range that the operator P cannot see directly and through auxiliary mirrors46with reference to the operating position. The pair of auxiliary mirrors46is herein disposed on the body34in front of the seat40. More specifically, the pair of auxiliary mirrors46is disposed on the bulge portion36aof the deck36in front of the handle grips45. The pair of auxiliary mirrors46protrudes on opposite sides of the bulge portion36a, and has reflecting surfaces facing the operator P (rearward). The operator P seated on the seat40can see a range behind the operator P reflected in the reflecting surfaces of the auxiliary mirrors46by viewing the reflecting surfaces while facing forward. For example, a range directly behind the operator P is a range that the operator P cannot see even through the auxiliary mirrors46as the operator P itself or a passenger riding behind the operator P becomes an obstacle. A range directly below the body34cannot be seen depending on the shape and mounting locations on the body of the auxiliary mirrors46. The blind area G thus includes the range directly behind the body34and the range below the body34regardless of whether the auxiliary mirrors46are disposed. The auxiliary mirrors46make ranges obliquely behind the operator P visible to the operator P. For example, ranges that are directly lateral to the seat rear portion42and are not reflected in the above-mentioned auxiliary mirrors46(obliquely downward ranges hidden by the body34and ranges laterally far apart from the body34) are thus included in the blind area G.

The display device60is incorporated in the small planing watercraft32at a location in front of the seat40. For example, the display device60is incorporated in the small planing watercraft32at a location where the display device60is recognizable by the operator P. In the present embodiment, the display device60is located to be recognizable by the operator P seated on the seat front portion41while holding the handle44. For example, the display device60is incorporated in front of the location of the operator P of the small planing watercraft32. In the present embodiment, the display device60is attached to the middle portion along the width at the rear end of the bulge portion36a. A hood36fmay cover the display device60from above. The display device60may be incorporated in the handle44, for example, between the handle grips45. The display device60may be incorporated in a portion below the handle44, for example, in the columnar portion43.

Examples of the display device60include a liquid crystal display or an organic electro-luminescence (EL) display. The display device60displays visual information for the operator P. The operator P can acquire the visual information displayed by the display device60by viewing the display device60while operating the small planing watercraft32.

The imaging device50captures the image of surroundings of the small planing watercraft32. The imaging device50is attached to the small planing watercraft32. The imaging device50may be attached to any portion of the small planing watercraft32, and is attached, for example, to the body34. The imaging device50should be incorporated in the small planing watercraft32at a location where the imaging device50can capture an image including a range to be the blind area G for the operator P of the small planing watercraft32.

In the present embodiment, the imaging device50is incorporated in the small planing watercraft32at a location where the imaging device50can capture an image including a range behind (in particular, directly behind) the seat40to be the blind area G. More specifically, the imaging device50is attached to a rear portion of the body34. Attachment of the imaging device50to the rear portion of the body34contributes to capturing an image behind the seat40by the imaging device50without being obstructed by a structure, a rider, and the like on the body34.

More specifically, the imaging device50is attached to the rear portion of the elongated protruding portion37. In this case, water is less likely to be splashed on the imaging device50because there are the side floors36con left and right sides of the rear portion of the elongated protruding portion37and the rear floor36dbehind the elongated protruding portion37. The imaging device50is attached to an upper portion of the rear portion of the elongated protruding portion37. In this case, the small planing watercraft32is less likely to appear in close-up in the imaging device50because the side floors36cand the rear floor36dare located apart from the imaging device50below the imaging device50. The image of surroundings is thus captured to be as wide as possible.

An example of a structure to attach the imaging device50will be described.FIGS.4and5are each a perspective view illustrating the rear portion of the elongated protruding portion37.

A rearward-facing surface of the elongated protruding portion37is formed to extend gradually downward as it extends rearward. An upward-facing surface extends forward from an upper edge of the rearward-facing surface of the elongated protruding portion37. A middle portion along the width at a rear end of the upward-facing surface is recessed downward, and the imaging device50is fixed to the recess. The seat40is attached to an upper side of the elongated protruding portion37, that is to say, an upper side of the upward-facing surface, but the seat40is not illustrated inFIG.5.

The imaging device50is attached to the small planing watercraft32through a case52as one example of an incorporated portion.

The case52is formed like a case opening in at least one direction. More specifically, the case52includes an attachment plate53, a peripheral wall54, and an attachment piece55. The attachment plate53has a hole53h. The peripheral wall54is formed to extend from a peripheral edge of the attachment plate53to one side along the thickness of the attachment plate53. The peripheral wall54is formed to become gradually wider as it extends apart from the attachment plate53. The peripheral wall54and the attachment plate53are herein formed to have a shape of a truncated pyramid obtained by cutting the top of a pyramid. A portion of the peripheral wall54opposing the attachment plate53is open. The attachment piece55having a plate-like shape extends from a portion of the periphery of the peripheral wall54.

In a state of being disposed on the recess on the upper side of the rear portion of the above-mentioned elongated protruding portion37, the attachment piece55is fixed by an attachment member, such as a bolt55B. In this state, the case52protrudes beyond a portion surrounding the case52of the small planing watercraft32. In this state, an outward-facing main surface of the attachment plate53faces a range behind the body34. The case52is herein in a state of protruding rearward from an upper portion of the rear portion of the elongated protruding portion37.

The seat40disposed on the elongated protruding portion37protrudes rearward from the upper portion of the rear portion of the elongated protruding portion37. A V-shaped space opening rearward when viewed from the side is thus formed between the rear portion of the elongated protruding portion37and the rear portion of the seat40in a vertical direction. The case52is disposed in a valley of the V-shaped space. A portion of the rear portion of the seat40surrounding the case52from above is formed to be a V-shaped recessed groove40V opening downward. The recessed groove40V is formed to become gradually laterally wider as it extends rearward.

The imaging device50includes an imaging element, a lens, and the like. The imaging device50is fixed to a surface of the attachment plate53facing inward of the body in a state of a lens surface to capture an image facing the hole53h. The imaging device50may be fixed to the attachment plate53with an adhesive, a screw, a hook structure, and the like. The case52protects a portion of the imaging device50other than the lens surface. A cable56drawn out from the imaging device50passes through the case52to be drawn out from an opening of the case52, and passes through a hole formed in the upper portion of the elongated protruding portion37to be introduced into the body34. The cable56is a signal transmission medium to transmit a captured image signal acquired by the imaging device50. The cable56is guided into the small planing watercraft32and connected to an image processing device70, which will be described below. The captured image signal acquired by the imaging device50may not necessarily be transmitted by wire. The imaging device50and the image processing device70may be connected through wireless communication meeting a standard such as Bluetooth®, and the captured image signal acquired by the imaging device50may be transmitted to the image processing device70through wireless communication.

As described above, the case52protrudes rearward beyond the upper portion of the rear portion of the elongated protruding portion37. The case52also protrudes rearward beyond the back of the above-mentioned recessed groove40V in the rear portion of the seat40. The back of the recessed groove40V refers to a valley of the recessed groove40V having a maximum depth, that is to say, a front portion of the recessed groove40V. The case52as a portion of the small planing watercraft32in which the imaging device50is incorporated thus protrudes rearward beyond a surrounding portion, that is, the upper portion of the rear portion of the elongated protruding portion37and the back of the recessed groove40V in the rear portion of the seat40. The imaging device50is incorporated in an end of the case52protruding from the body34, so that the surrounding portion is less likely to appear in an imaging range of the imaging device50.

Herein, one portion of the small planing watercraft32is defined as a first portion, and another portion of the small planing watercraft32below the first portion is defined as a second portion. The imaging device50is located between the first portion and the second portion described above. The imaging device50is also located inward of the first portion and the second portion in the fore-aft direction in a moored state. That is to say, the imaging device50is located between the first portion and the second portion to be retracted from leading ends of the first portion and the second portion.

In the present embodiment, the rear portion of the elongated protruding portion37is one example of the second portion. The rear portion of the seat40is one example of the first portion. The imaging device50is located between the rear portion of the elongated protruding portion37as one example of the second portion and the rear portion of the seat40as one example of the first portion. A lower portion of the rear portion of the elongated protruding portion37protrudes rearward beyond the imaging device50. An upper portion of the rear portion of the seat40also protrudes rearward beyond the imaging device50. The imaging device50is thus located inward of (in front of) the rear portion of the elongated protruding portion37and the rear portion of the seat40in the fore-aft direction of the small planing watercraft32. Thus, a lower portion of the imaging device50is covered with the rear portion of the elongated protruding portion37for protection, and an upper portion of the imaging device50is protected by the rear portion of the seat40.

A towing rope attachment portion38is disposed on the rear portion of the above-mentioned elongated protruding portion37below the imaging device50. The towing rope attachment portion38has a shape enabling hooking of a towing rope38R, for example, an annular shape, a U-shape, or a J-shape. A hook at an end of the towing rope38R is hooked or directly tied to the towing rope attachment portion38, so that the towing rope38R is attached to the towing rope attachment portion38. The towing rope38R is a rope to tow a towing target floating on the water surface behind the small planing watercraft32. An example of the towing target includes a player of wakeboarding or water skiing.

If the towing rope attachment portion is located above the imaging device, the towing rope can fall within the imaging range of the imaging device located below the towing rope attachment portion because the towing rope hangs down in a sagging state. In this case, the towing rope is likely to appear in close-up in the image captured by the imaging device50. In contrast, if the towing rope attachment portion38is located below the imaging device50, the towing rope38R can hang down without passing through a range directly behind the imaging device50even in a case where the towing rope38R sags. The towing rope38R is thus less likely to appear in close-up in the image captured by the imaging device50compared with the above-mentioned case.

The towing rope attachment portion38may be located below the imaging device50apart from the imaging device50. This makes an end of the towing rope38R closer to the towing rope attachment portion38less likely to appear in the captured image. The towing rope attachment portion38may be located in front of the imaging device50in the fore-aft direction. This makes the towing rope attachment portion38less likely to appear in the captured image.

A storage37T is disposed on the elongated protruding portion37. The storage37T is disposed on the rear portion of the elongated protruding portion37below the towing rope attachment portion38. The storage37T has an openable and closable receiving space. The towing rope38R may be stored in the storage37T.

A location and an orientation of the imaging device50relative to the small planing watercraft32are set in accordance with the imaging range. In the present embodiment, the imaging device50is set in the rear portion of the elongated protruding portion37to face rearward because the imaging range of imaging device50is a range behind the small planing watercraft32. As one example, the imaging device50may be incorporated in the small planing watercraft32in an orientation to capture an image behind and obliquely above the small planing watercraft32when the small planing watercraft32is in the moored state (seeFIG.1). For example, the imaging device50may be oriented to have an optical axis L along a direction toward the image behind and obliquely above the small planing watercraft32. The optical axis L of the imaging device50is a central axis of the lens, for example. The small planing watercraft32planes with a front portion thereof raised obliquely upward and a rear portion thereof lowered obliquely downward (seeFIG.6) compared with an orientation in the moored state. Thus, in a case where the imaging device50is incorporated in the small planing watercraft32in the orientation to capture the image behind and obliquely above the small planing watercraft32when the small planing watercraft32is in the moored state, the orientation of the imaging device50becomes closer to an orientation to capture an image behind the small planing watercraft32along a horizontal direction when the small planing watercraft32is in the planing state. This can cause the small planing watercraft32to be in a state suitable for capturing of an image of the towing target moving on the water surface behind the small planing watercraft32(seeFIG.6).

When the small planing watercraft32is in the moored state, the imaging device50may not necessarily be in the orientation to capture the image behind and obliquely above the small planing watercraft32, and may be in an orientation to capture the image behind the small planing watercraft32along the horizontal direction, for example.

The imaging device50may have a property of capturing an image in a range having a wider angle in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction when the small planing watercraft32is in the moored state. The property may be achieved by a detection surface of the imaging element in a landscape orientation. For example, the imaging device50has a horizontal angle of view θh in the horizontal direction and a vertical angle of view θv in the vertical direction around the optical axis L, and θh>θv may be satisfied. More specifically, 90°≤θh≤180° and 70°≤θv≤110° are satisfied, and θh>θv may be satisfied. The horizontal angle of view and the vertical angle of view, however, are not limited to those in the above-mentioned ranges. When the small planing watercraft32makes a turn while towing the towing target, the towing target can be displaced from a range directly behind the small planing watercraft32by being swung to the left or to the right. In such a case, the towing target can be continued to fall within the imaging range when the imaging device50has a large horizontal angle of view θh. On the other hand, the small planing watercraft32tilts in a pitch direction upon planing, but an angle of tilt is considered to be obviously smaller than an angle at which the towing target is swung to the left or to the right relative to the small planing watercraft32. The towing target can thus be continued to fall within the imaging range even when the vertical angle of view θv is smaller than the horizontal angle of view θh.

The imaging device50may be incorporated in the small planing watercraft32at a location and in an orientation enabling capturing of an image of at least part of the body34of the small planing watercraft32. In the present embodiment, a lower boundary of the horizontal angle of view θh of the imaging device50is set to pass through the rearmost portion of the deck36of the body34. The rearmost portion of the deck36thus appears in the imaging range of the imaging device50(seeFIG.6). This can cause the display device60to display the image of surroundings and the deck36, and makes it easy for the operator P viewing the display to understand a sense of distance and a positional relationship between a subject in the image of surroundings and the small planing watercraft32.

The above-mentioned rearmost portion of the deck36is the rear floor36don which baggage is mountable. In a case where the baggage is mounted on the rear floor36d, the imaging device50can capture an image of the baggage on the rear floor36d.

The image captured by the imaging device50is displayed by the display device60. The display device60is incorporated at the location where the display device60is recognizable by the operator P. The operator P can thus easily recognize the image captured by the imaging device50during operation. The image captured by the imaging device50may be inverted vertically or horizontally with respect to a center line of the image as necessary, and displayed by the display device60.

FIG.6illustrates an example of display in a state of the small planing watercraft32towing a towed object.FIG.6illustrates a state of the small planing watercraft32towing a player Q of wakeboarding or water skiing as the towed object.

As described above, the display device60is disposed in front of the operator P. A display screen62of the display device60includes a captured image display region63. The captured image display region63is a region to display the image captured by the imaging device50. The imaging device50may capture a still image or a moving image as the captured image. The display device60may display the still image or the moving image. The image displayed in the captured image display region63may be all or part of the image captured by the imaging device50. In a case where the display device60displays the still image, the surrounding conditions are visible to the operator P in real time if still images are sequentially updated.

In the present embodiment, the display device60includes a gauge display region64. The gauge display region64includes a gear position display region64a, a speed display region64b, a trim angle display region64c, an oil level display region64d, a fuel level display region64e, and a battery level display region64f. The captured image display region63is the largest region including a central portion of the display screen62. The gear position display region64a, the speed display region64b, the trim angle display region64c, the oil level display region64d, the fuel level display region64e, and the battery level display region64fare regions arranged outside the captured image display region63and each being smaller than the captured image display region63. The gear position display region64a, the speed display region64b, and the trim angle display region64care herein arranged horizontally from left to right above the captured image display region63. To the right of the captured image display region63, the oil level display region64dand the fuel level display region64eare arranged side by side, and the battery level display region64fis disposed below the oil level display region64dand the fuel level display region64e. A clock display region64gis disposed below the battery level display region64f, but the clock display region64gmay not necessarily be disposed.

The gear position display region64ais a portion to display a gear position of the small planing watercraft32, such as a forward movement position, a stopping position, and a rearward movement position. The speed display region64bis a region to display a sailing speed of the small planing watercraft32. The trim angle display region64cis a region to display a trim angle of the small planing watercraft32. The oil level display region64dis a region to display a level of engine oil in the internal combustion engine. The fuel level display region64eis a region to display a level of fuel (e.g., gasoline) for sailing driving in the internal combustion engine, and the battery level display region64fis a region to display a level of battery to drive auxiliary electrical equipment to operate the internal combustion engine.

The regions are not limited to those in the above-mentioned example, and the display device60may include only the captured image display region63. In a case where the display device60includes the gauge display region64, it is not required to include all the above-mentioned regions64ato64f. The display device60may include some of the regions64ato64f. In this case, the display device60may include at least one of the oil level display region64d, the fuel level display region64e, and the battery level display region64f.

Information displayed by the display device60is not limited to that in the above-mentioned example. The display device60may display rpm of the internal combustion engine, the temperature of a coolant for the internal combustion engine, the temperature of the water surface on which the small planing watercraft32sails, outside air temperature, and the like.

FIG.7is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the small planing watercraft with the imaging device30. The image processing device70is incorporated in the small planing watercraft32. The image processing device70is configured by a typical microcomputer including a CPU71as a processor, ROM, RAM, and the like. The image processing device70performs arithmetic operation in accordance with procedures described in a software program stored in advance. The image processing device70includes a storage device72. The storage device72is configured by nonvolatile memory, such as flash memory. A display program72aas a software program is stored in the storage device72. The storage device72can store captured image data72bacquired through the imaging device50.

The imaging device50is connected to the image processing device70to be capable of transmitting a captured image signal. The image processing device70is connected to the display device60to be capable of transmitting a display signal. The image processing device70performs processing to cause the display device60to display the captured image based on the captured image data acquired by the imaging device50.

A global positioning system (GPS) receiver75to receive a GPS signal may be incorporated in the small planing watercraft32, and connected to the image processing device70to be capable of transmitting the GPS signal. In this case, the image processing device70can identify the location of the small planing watercraft32based on the GPS signal.

The small planing watercraft32may include an operation receiving unit76to input various instructions to the image processing device70, and the operation receiving unit76may be connected to the image processing device70to be capable of inputting various instructions. The operation receiving unit76may be a switch76a(seeFIG.2) disposed around the display device60, for example. The operation receiving unit76may be a switch disposed around the handle44. The operation receiving unit76may be a touch panel incorporated in the display device60.

A sensor and the like to detect various states of the small planing watercraft32may be connected to the image processing device70. For example, a speed detection unit80, a trim detection unit81, a fuel level detection unit82, an oil level detection unit83, and a battery level detection unit84may be connected to the image processing device70. The speed detection unit80is a sensor to detect a speed of the small planing watercraft32, and is, for example, a sensor to measure a pulley fixed to the body and the number of rotations of the pulley. The speed of the small planing watercraft32may be obtained, for example, by an acceleration sensor or based on the GPS signal. The trim detection unit81is a sensor to detect the trim angle of the small planing watercraft32, and is, for example, a gyroscope sensor. The fuel level detection unit82is a sensor to detect the level of the fuel (e.g., gasoline) for sailing driving in the internal combustion engine, and the oil level detection unit83is a sensor to detect the level of the engine oil in the internal combustion engine. The fuel level detection unit82and the oil level detection unit83may be various sensors to detect the amount of liquid, for example, sensors to detect the level based on a location of a floating body in accordance with the location of a liquid surface. The battery level detection unit84is a sensor to detect the level of the battery. The battery level detection unit84is, for example, a sensor to detect a value of a voltage of the battery, and the image processing device70may obtain the level of the battery based on the voltage of the battery.

A lever or a switch for rearward movement and a lever or a switch for stopping are disposed on the small planing watercraft32, and such levers and switches may also be connected to the image processing device70.

The imaging device50is connected to the image processing device70, and thus the image signal can be generated so that the image captured by the imaging device50is displayed in the captured image display region63of the display screen62of the display device60. The speed detection unit80, the trim detection unit81, the fuel level detection unit82, the oil level detection unit83, the battery level detection unit84, and the lever or the switch for rearward movement or stopping are also connected to the image processing device70. The image processing device70can thus display information in accordance with detection states of the detection units80to84and an operation state of the lever or the switch in the gauge display region64(the gear position display region64a, the speed display region64b, the trim angle display region64c, the oil level display region64d, the fuel level display region64e, and the battery level display region64f) of the display screen62of the display device60.

The image processing device70may store at least one of the still image and the moving image captured by the imaging device50in the storage device72as an image storage device. The captured image data72bstored in the storage device72may be transferred to an external terminal device through wired communication or wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth® communication).

The storage device for storing at least one of the still image and the moving image captured by the imaging device50is not required to be the same as the storage device72for storing the display program72a. For example, the image processing device70may have a memory card slot to which an external nonvolatile recording medium, such as flash memory, is detachably attachable, and at least one of the still image and the moving image captured by the imaging device50may be recorded on the external nonvolatile recording medium.

Location data based on the GPS signal may be associated with the captured image data72b. In a case where the captured image data72bis still image data, for example, GPS location information of the small planing watercraft32at a time point when the still image data has been captured may be included. In a case where the captured image data72bis moving image data, for example, GPS log data with which a moving location of the small planing watercraft32is associated for time of the moving image data may be stored.

In the present embodiment, a combination of the imaging device50and the display device60is a surrounding image imaging device for a small planing watercraft90. The surrounding image imaging device for the small planing watercraft90may further include the image processing device70.

According to the small planing watercraft with the imaging device30and the surrounding image imaging device for the small planing watercraft90each having such a configuration, the image of surroundings captured by the imaging device50is displayed by the display device60. The operator P of the small planing watercraft32can view the image of surroundings through the display device60. The operator P can thereby easily understand the surrounding conditions during sailing of the small planing watercraft32.

When the display device60displays at least one of fuel level display information (see the fuel level display region64e), oil level information (see the oil level display region64d), and battery level information (see the battery level display region64f), the operator P can simultaneously recognize conditions of the small planing watercraft32and the surrounding conditions by only viewing the display device60.

When the imaging device50captures the image including the range to be the blind area G, and the display device60displays the image including the range to be the blind area G, the operator P can more easily view the range to be the blind area G.

Especially when the imaging device50captures the image behind the small planing watercraft32, and the display device60displays the image behind the small planing watercraft32, the image behind the small planing watercraft32that is less visible during sailing of the small planing watercraft32can easily be viewed by the operator P.

In a case where the imaging device50faces obliquely upward when the small planing watercraft32is in the moored state, the orientation of the imaging device50becomes closer to an orientation to capture an image in a wide range on the water surface when the small planing watercraft32is oriented to face obliquely upward and forward by planing. This can cause the imaging device50to capture an image in a laterally wide range behind the small planing watercraft32during planing of the small planing watercraft32, and the display device60can display the captured image. This makes the laterally wide range behind the small planing watercraft32visible to the operator P during sailing of the small planing watercraft32.

When the imaging device50has an angle of view wider in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction, the imaging device50and the display device60make the laterally wider range visible to the operator P during planing of the small planing watercraft32.

When at least part of the small planing watercraft32appears in the image captured by the imaging device50, the operator P can view the image of surroundings together with the image of the at least part of the small planing watercraft32. This makes it easy for the operator P to understand the sense of distance and the positional relationship between the subject in the image of surroundings and the small planing watercraft32. When the small planing watercraft32moves rearward or passes through a narrow region, for example, the operator P can perform operation while identifying the positional relationship between the subject and the small planing watercraft32appearing in the image of surroundings.

When the rear floor36don which the baggage is mountable appears in the image captured by the imaging device50, mounting conditions can be identified through the display device60in a case where any baggage is mounted on the rear floor36d. Especially because the rear floor36dis located behind the elongated protruding portion37and is directly less-visible to the operator P, identification of the mounting conditions of the baggage on the rear floor36dduring operation is effective.

The imaging device50is located above the towing rope attachment portion38, so that the towing rope38R is less likely to appear in close-up in the image captured by the imaging device50even if the towing rope38R sags. The surrounding conditions can thus easily be understood.

The imaging device50is located inward in the fore-aft direction between the rear end of the seat40as the first portion and the lower portion of the rear portion of the elongated protruding portion37as the second portion. The imaging device50is thus less likely to be physically impacted, for example, by being hit by an object.

The imaging device50is attached to the rear end of the case52, and is located to protrude rearward beyond portions of the elongated protruding portion37and the seat40surrounding the case52. A portion of the small planing watercraft is thus less likely to appear, and the image of surroundings in a wide range can be captured near the imaging device50.

At least one of the still image and the moving image captured by the imaging device50is stored in the storage device72, and thus surrounding conditions during sailing can be left as data.

Various modifications based on the above-mentioned embodiment will be described.

As a first modification, an example of the small planing watercraft with the imaging device30in which the image of surroundings displayed by the display device60changes depending on a heading direction of the small planing watercraft32will be described. The change of the image of surroundings includes, for example, at least upward, downward, leftward, or rightward shift of the image of surroundings displayed by the display device60and contraction or expansion of a range of the image of surroundings displayed by the display device60.

For example, a case where a display range of the image captured by the imaging device50to be displayed by the display device60is changed and a case where the orientation of the imaging device50is changed so that the imaging device50oscillates at least horizontally or vertically are considered as examples of the change of the image of surroundings displayed by the display device60. The former example will be described first.

FIG.8is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a small planing watercraft with an imaging device according to the first modification.FIG.9is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by an image processing device170according to the modification.FIG.10illustrates the display range according to the modification.

In this example, the image processing device170corresponding to the above-mentioned image processing device70performs processing to control the display range of the image of surroundings to be displayed by the display device60. A sailing behavior detection unit180is connected to the image processing device170. The sailing behavior detection unit180is a sensor to detect a sailing behavior of the small planing watercraft32, for example, a behavior related to the heading direction, such as a right turn and a left turn. The sailing behavior detection unit180may be a rudder angle sensor to detect a rudder angle of the handle44. The sailing behavior detection unit180may be a gyroscope sensor to detect a yaw angular velocity of the body34. A result of detection by the sailing behavior detection unit180is input into the image processing device170, and, based on the result of detection, the image processing device170can determine where the small planing watercraft32is heading straight, making a right turn, or making a left turn. In a case where the sailing behavior detection unit180is the rudder angle sensor, for example, it may be determined that a right turn is being made when a steering angle to make a right turn exceeds or becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined reference right rudder angle, that a left turn is being made when a steering angle to make a left turn exceeds or becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined reference left rudder angle, and that the small planing watercraft32is heading straight when the steering angle is between the reference right rudder angle and the reference left rudder angle.

As for an example of processing performed by the image processing device170, after the start of sailing, the image processing device170causes the display device60to display an image in an initial range in a step S1as shown inFIG.9. The initial range is, for example, a range having a center of the image captured by the imaging device50as a center of the displayed image. The initial range in the step S1may be the same as a central range in a step S3. The initial range may be larger than the central range in the step S3.

In the next step S2, the image processing device170determines whether the small planing watercraft32is heading straight based on the result of detection by the sailing behavior detection unit180. When it is determined that the small planing watercraft32is heading straight, processing proceeds to the step S3.

In the step S3, the image processing device170causes the display device60to display an image in the central range along the width of the image captured by the imaging device50. As illustrated inFIG.10, when the small planing watercraft32is heading straight, the player Q is more likely to be located behind the small planing watercraft32unless the player Q intentionally makes a turn. The display device60is thus caused to display the image in the central range along the width of the image captured by the imaging device50. A display range R1in this case is shown inFIG.10, and the player Q is located within the display range R1. Referring back toFIG.9, processing then returns to the step S2. InFIG.10, the location of the player Q is indicated by circles. A route is indicated by a line LF. After processing in the step S3, processing proceeds to a step S7.

When it is determined that the small planing watercraft32is not heading straight in the step S2, processing proceeds to a step S4. In the step S4, the image processing device170determines whether the small planing watercraft32is making a right turn based on the result of detection by the sailing behavior detection unit180. When it is determined that a right turn is being made, processing proceeds to the step S5.

In the step S5, the image processing device170causes the display device60to display an image in a left range of the image captured by the imaging device50(i.e., a range obliquely to the right of and behind the small planing watercraft32). As illustrated inFIG.10, when the small planing watercraft32is making a right turn, the player Q is more likely to be located to the right of the range directly behind the small planing watercraft32unless the player Q intentionally makes a turn because the player Q continues to head straight by inertia. When the image in the above-mentioned central range is continued to be displayed, the player Q is biased toward a boundary on one side or outside the one side of the display range R1. This can make it difficult to cause the player Q as a whole to appear in the image displayed by the display device60. The display device60is thus caused to display the image in the left range of the image captured by the imaging device50. A display range R2in this case is shown inFIG.10, and the player Q is located within the display range R2. The display device60thereby displays the player Q as a whole. Referring back toFIG.9, processing proceeds to the step S7after processing in the step S5.

When it is determined that a right turn is not being made in the step S4, processing proceeds to a step S6. When it is determined that the small planing watercraft34is not heading straight in the step S2and it is determined the small planing watercraft34is not making a right turn in the step S4during sailing of the small planing watercraft32, the small planing watercraft32is making a left turn. In the step S6, the image processing device170causes the display device60to display an image in a right range of the image captured by the imaging device50(i.e., a range obliquely to the left of and behind the small planing watercraft32). The display device60thereby displays an image in which the player Q appears as in a case of a right turn. Processing then proceeds to the step S7.

In the step S7, the image processing device170determines whether the small planing watercraft32is stopping. Based on a speed signal output from the speed detection unit80(seeFIG.7), for example, it may be determined that the small planing watercraft32is stopping when the speed is 0 or when the speed becomes equal to or lower than or falls below a predetermined reference value. It may be determined whether the small planing watercraft32is stopping based on an output of a GPS sensor, an acceleration sensor, a gear position sensor, and the like.

Processing returns to the step S1when it is determined that the small planing watercraft32is stopping in the step S7, and returns to the step S2when it is determined that the small planing watercraft32is not stopping (i.e., is sailing).

An example of processing performed in a case where the small planing watercraft32is moving rearward will be described below.

For example, a sensor to detect the trim angle of the small planing watercraft32, such as the gyroscope sensor, may be used as the sailing behavior detection unit180to change a range of the image displayed by the display device60based on the captured image upward or downward in accordance with the trim angle of the small planing watercraft32. For example, the display range in the planing state may be at a higher location than the display range in the moored state.

According to the present modification, the display range of the image of surroundings to be displayed by the display device60changes depending on the sailing behavior of the small planing watercraft32, so that the display device60displays an image capturing target (e.g., the player Q of wakeboarding or water skiing) in accordance with the sailing behavior to follow movement of the image capturing target while zooming in the image displayed by the display device60.

In the present modification, the display range of the display device60may change continuously or in steps in accordance with a degree of a turn made by the small planing watercraft32. For example, an equation to calculate a shift amount proportional to the steering angle of the handle44may be described in a program, and the display range of the display device60may be shifted to the right or left by the amount proportional to the steering angle in accordance with a result of calculation based on the equation. Alternatively, a table in which a plurality of ranges into which the steering angle of the handle44is divided are associated with shift amounts may be stored in the storage device72, a shift amount of the display range may be obtained from the detected steering angle based on the table, and the display range of the display device60may be shifted to the right or left by the amount proportional to the steering angle based on the shift amount.

An example in which the image of surroundings changes depending on the sailing behavior has been described above, but the display range of the image of surroundings may be controlled to change regardless of the sailing behavior. In a case where the location of the image capturing target relative to the small planing watercraft32changes, for example, the display range of the image of surroundings to be displayed by the display device60may change in accordance with the location of the image capturing target. For example, the image processing device70may perform image extraction processing based on the captured image to perform face recognition on a player of wakeboarding or water skiing to thereby recognize the location of the player in the captured image. The display range of the image of surroundings to be displayed by the display device60may be changed so that a face of the player is located at the center of the image displayed by the display device60.

Control of the display range of the image of surroundings to be displayed by the display device60may refer to a change in size of a region of the image captured by the imaging device50to be displayed by the display device60. For example, the display device60may display the image captured by the imaging device50after a display magnification thereof is changed. More specifically, in a case where the distance of the image capturing target from the small planing watercraft32changes, for example, a magnification of the image of surroundings displayed by the display device60may be changed in accordance with the distance of the image capturing target. For example, the image processing device70may perform image extraction processing based on the captured image to perform face recognition on the player of wakeboarding or water skiing to thereby detect the distance from the small planing watercraft32to the player based on a size of the face. Alternatively, an optical distance sensor may be used to detect the distance from the small planing watercraft32to the player. The display device60may display the image captured by the imaging device50after the display magnification thereof is changed based on the distance. For example, an image in a wider range may be displayed as the captured image as the distance from the small planing watercraft32to the player decreases, and an image in a range enlarged by increasing the magnification may be displayed as the captured image as the distance increases.

The display range may be changed as described above not only during forward movement but also during stopping of the small planing watercraft32.

An example of image processing performed by the image processing device170is not limited to the above-mentioned example. For example, an image having brightness, saturation, and the like processed in accordance with brightness of surroundings and the like may be displayed by the imaging device50for ease of viewing of the displayed image.

An example in which the orientation of the imaging device50is changed so that the imaging device50oscillates horizontally will be described.FIG.11is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration in a case where the orientation of the imaging device50is changed. In this case, the imaging device50is supported by the small planing watercraft32through an orientation change mechanism151B. The orientation change mechanism151B includes an actuator (herein, a motor) capable of controlling rotation in both forward and reverse directions, for example, and supports the imaging device50so that the imaging device50can rotate around an axis along the vertical direction. A drive force of the actuator is transferred to the imaging device50directly or through a drive force transfer mechanism, such as a gear. Through driving of the orientation change mechanism151B, the imaging device50is supported so that the imaging device50can be driven in both directions around the axis along the vertical direction.

The orientation change mechanism151B is connected to an image processing device170B corresponding to the image processing device70, and controls the orientation of the imaging device50based on an instruction of the image processing device170B. The image processing device170B stores an orientation control program172Ba. The orientation control program172Ba may cause the imaging device50to face directly rearward in the step S3, face obliquely rightward and rearward in the step S5, and face obliquely leftward and rearward in the step S7in the flow (seeFIG.9) following the above-mentioned display program72a.

The orientation of the imaging device may be changed in accordance with a recognized location of the player.

A case where the imaging device50captures an image behind the small planing watercraft32has been described in the above-mentioned example. The imaging device50may capture an image in front of the small planing watercraft32. For example, the imaging device50may capture an image in front of and below the small planing watercraft32that is less-visible to the operator P. In this case, the display range of the display device60may be a range directly in front of the small planing watercraft32when the small planing watercraft32is heading straight. In a case where the small planing watercraft32makes a right turn, for example, the display device60should display an image obliquely to the right of and in front of the small planing watercraft32. In a case where the small planing watercraft32makes a left turn, for example, the display device60should display an image obliquely to the left of and in front of the small planing watercraft32. As described above, the display range of the display device60may be changed by changing a range of the imaging range of the imaging device50to be displayed by the display device60horizontally or by changing the orientation of the imaging device50horizontally. The same applies to description below.

According to this example, the display device60displays the image of surroundings obliquely to the right of and in front of the small planing watercraft32in a case where a right turn is made, and displays the image of surroundings obliquely to the left of and in front of the small planing watercraft32in a case where a left turn is made, for example, in accordance with the heading direction of the small planing watercraft32. The operator P can thereby easily recognize the image of surrounding in accordance with the heading direction.

A case where the small planing watercraft32is moving forward or stopping has been described in the above-mentioned example. The display range of the display device60may be changed also in a case where the small planing watercraft32is moving rearward.

In a case where the imaging device50captures an image behind the small planing watercraft32, for example, the display device60should display an image obliquely to the left of and behind the small planing watercraft32when the small planing watercraft32makes a left turn rearward (the small planing watercraft32moves toward a range behind port). When the small planing watercraft32makes a right turn (the small planing watercraft32moves toward a range behind starboard), for example, the display device60should display an image obliquely to the right of and behind the small planing watercraft32. The operator P can thereby easily recognize the image of surroundings in a direction of rearward movement.

In a case where the imaging device50captures an image in front of the small planing watercraft32, for example, the display device60should display an image obliquely to the left of and in front of the small planing watercraft32when the small planing watercraft32makes a left turn rearward (the small planing watercraft32moves toward the range behind the port). When the small planing watercraft32makes a right turn rearward (the small planing watercraft32moves toward the range behind the starboard), for example, the display device60should display an image obliquely to the right of and in front of the small planing watercraft32. The operator P can thereby easily recognize a side to make a turn relative to the direction of rearward movement of the small planing watercraft32moving rearward.

As for rearward movement, there are two types of watercrafts, namely, a watercraft making a right turn rearward when the handle44is turned to the right and a watercraft making a right turn rearward when the handle44is turned to the left. In a case of the former type, in a case where the display range of the captured image is changed or the orientation of the imaging device50is changed in accordance with an angle of the handle44, the display range should be shifted to the right or the orientation of the imaging device50should be changed to the right when the handle44is turned to the right, and the display range should be shifted to the left or the orientation of the imaging device50should be changed to the left when the handle44is turned to the left. In a case of the latter type, in contrast to the former type, the display range should be shifted to the left or the orientation of the imaging device50should be changed to the left when the handle44is turned to the right, and the display range should be shifted to the right or the orientation of the imaging device50should be changed to the right when the handle44is turned to the left.

In the present modification, the amount of change of the display range of the captured image and an angle of the change of the orientation of the imaging device50may be determined in accordance with at least one of a degree of the turn of the small planing watercraft32(e.g., the angle of the handle44) and the speed of the small planing watercraft32. For example, the amount of change of the display range of the captured image and the angle of the change of the orientation of the imaging device50may increase with increasing angle of the handle44. The amount of change of the display range of the captured image and the angle of the change of the orientation of the imaging device50may increase with increasing speed.

The display range of the display device60may be adjusted vertically. Vertical adjustment can be achieved by adjusting the range of the image captured by the imaging device50to be displayed by the display device60vertically or changing the orientation of the imaging device50so that the imaging device50oscillates vertically as described above.

The small planing watercraft32is oriented upward as the speed of the small planing watercraft32increases, and thus the imaging device50to capture an image behind the small planing watercraft32may be oriented upward or the display range of the captured image behind the small planing watercraft32may be shifted upward to display an image at a farther location. In this case, a focal length may be changed in accordance with the change of the display range of the display device60. For example, the focal length may be set to increase as the display range of the display device60is shifted upward because an image at a farther location is to be observed. In a case where the imaging device50has an optical telescopic function, the magnification may be changed in accordance with a distance to the image capturing target.

FIG.12is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a small planing watercraft with an imaging device according to a second modification.FIG.13is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by an image processing device270according to the modification.FIG.14illustrates an example of display of the display device60according to the modification.

In the present modification, the imaging device50captures an image for determining whether part or all of the towed object has been detached from the small planing watercraft32. The imaging range of the imaging device50may be the same as the range described in the above-mentioned embodiment. That is to say, the imaging device50should capture an image behind the small planing watercraft32to capture an image of the towed object.

When it is determined that the part or all of the towed object has been detached from the small planing watercraft32, the display device60displays notification information notifying detachment.

Determination on whether the part or all of the towed object has been detached from the small planing watercraft32may be made by the image processing device270. In the present embodiment, the captured image data acquired by the imaging device50is provided to the image processing device270. The storage device72of the image processing device270stores a detachment sensing program272c. The image processing device270performs image processing, such as image extraction processing, on the captured image data in accordance with the detachment sensing program272cto determine whether the part or all of the towed object has been detached from the small planing watercraft32. The signal from the speed detection unit80is also provided to the image processing device270. The signal indicating the speed of the small planing watercraft32is output from the speed detection unit80. The speed detection signal is subjected to processing to determine whether the small planing watercraft32is sailing.

An example of processing performed by the image processing device270will be described.

In a step S11, the image processing device270determines whether the small planing watercraft32is traveling based on the speed detection signal from the speed detection unit80. Processing in the step S11is repeated when the determination is negative, and processing proceeds to a step S12when the determination is affirmative. Determination on whether the small planing watercraft32is sailing may be made based on the image captured by the imaging device50. For example, a characteristic shape may be extracted from the captured image, and determination on whether the small planing watercraft32is sailing may be made based on movement of the characteristic shape.

In the step S12, determination on whether there is the towed object is made based on the captured image. In a case where the player Q of wakeboarding or water skiing is assumed as the towed object, image processing to recognize a human face is performed on the captured image. It is determined that there is the towed object when the face is recognized in the captured image. It may be determined that there is the towed object when the face is recognized and the area of the face has a value exceeding a predetermined reference value. In this case, it may be determined that there is the towed object or there is not the towed object when the area of the face has the same value as the predetermined reference value. This suppresses false recognition that there is the towed object in a case where a face that is not the towed object appears at a farther location. When it is determined that there is not the towed object in the step S12, processing returns to the step S11to repeat the above-mentioned processing. When it is determined that there is the towed object, processing proceeds to a step S13. A sensor, such as a load sensor, may be attached to the towing rope attachment portion38, and the determination on whether there is the towed object may be made by sensing a hook attached to the towing rope attachment portion38.

In the step S13, determination on whether the towed object has been detached is made. It may be determined that the towed object has been detached in the step S13, for example, when processing similar to processing performed in the above-mentioned step S12is performed, and it is determined that there is not the towed object. That is to say, in a case where it is determined that there is the towed object in the step S12, and then it is determined that there is not the towed object in the step S13, the towed object once having existed during sailing is lost, and thus it can be determined that the towed object has been detached. When it is determined that the towed object has been detached in the step S13, processing proceeds to a step S14. It may be determined that the towed object has been detached in the step S13when time during which it is determined that there is not the towed object exceeds or becomes equal to or longer than reference time set in advance.

In the step S14, a detachment notification instruction is output. The detachment notification instruction is provided to the display program72a, for example, and a signal to cause the display device60to display detachment notification information is output from the image processing device270through the display program72a.FIG.14illustrates an example of the display screen62of the display device60. In the example ofFIG.14, the captured image is displayed on the display screen62, and characters “FALLEN OVERBOARD!”63M are displayed as the detachment notification information on the captured image. The detachment notification information may be another type of character information or may be a drawing to alert the operator. The operator P can thereby easily recognize detachment of the towed object by viewing the display device60.

When it is determined that the towed object has not been detached in the step S13, processing proceeds to a step S15. In the step S15, the image processing device270determines whether the small planing watercraft32has stopped based on the speed detection signal from the speed detection unit80. When the determination is negative, processing returns to the step S13. When the determination is affirmative, processing returns to the step S11. As described in the step S11, determination on whether the small planing watercraft32has stopped may be made based on the image captured by the imaging device50in the step S15.

According to the present modification, when the small planing watercraft32sails while towing the player Q of wakeboarding or water skiing, the operator P can easily recognize falling overboard of the player Q.

In the present modification, the image captured by the imaging device50is information to notify detachment of the part or all of the towed object. The imaging device50can thus be understood as one example of a sensor to notify detachment of the part or all of the towed object. The image processing device270and the display device60can be understood as a notification processing device notifying the operator P of detachment of the towed object based on an output of the sensor. The present embodiment thus discloses a small planing watercraft including the sensor outputting information for determining that the part or all of the towed object has been detached and the notification processing device notifying the operator of detachment of the towed object based on the output of the sensor.

In this case, the sensor is not limited to the above-mentioned imaging device50. The sensor notifying that the part or all of the towed object has been detached may be an infrared sensor that can be used as a sensor to sense a human body, for example. In this case, the notification processing device may sense the presence or absence of the human body based on an output of the infrared sensor, and may notify detachment of the towed object when the human body is no longer sensed after sensing of the human body.

The sensor may be a wireless receiver to receive a signal from a wireless terminal device accompanying the towed object. In this case, the notification processing device may notify detachment of the towed object based on an output of the wireless receiver as the sensor when reception intensity of the wireless terminal device at the wireless receiver falls below or becomes equal to or smaller than a reference value set in advance.

The sensor may be a load sensor to sense a load applied to the towing rope attachment portion38. In this case, the notification processing device may notify detachment of the towed object based on an output of the load sensor when the load applied to the towing rope attachment portion38falls below or becomes equal to or smaller than a reference value set in advance.

The sensor may be a sensor to sense a state of an internal combustion engine or an engine to be a drive source for sailing of the small planing watercraft32, and output the state. For example, the sensor may sense rpm of the internal combustion engine or a motor. It is considered that, upon detachment of the towed object, a rapid decrease of a load can cause a rapid change of the drive source, such as a rapid increase in rpm. The notification processing device may notify detachment of the towed object based on an output of the sensor when a change in rpm (corresponding to acceleration) as detected per unit time exceeds or becomes equal to or greater than a reference value set in advance.

A notification unit notifying detachment of the towed object is not limited to the above-mentioned display device60, and may be a light emitting unit (e.g., a light emitting diode and a lamp) notifying detachment of the towed object by the presence or absence of light emission, a beeper or a speaker notifying detachment of the towed object by a sound, and the like.

As a third modification, the display device60may display an image while switching between a gauge display priority mode and a captured image display priority mode.

The gauge display priority mode is, for example, a mode including a gauge display region364as illustrated inFIG.15. The gauge display region364is a region to display gauge information on a state of the small planing watercraft32as illustrated for the gauge display region64in the embodiment. Information on at least one gauge should be displayed in the gauge display region364. In an example illustrated inFIG.15, the gauge display region364includes a gear position display region364a, a speed display region364b, a trim angle display region364c, an oil level display region364d, a fuel level display region364e, and a battery level display region364f. The speed display region364bis the largest region including the central portion of the display screen62. The gear position display region364aand the trim angle display region364care arranged horizontally from left to right above the speed display region364b. To the right of the speed display region364b, the oil level display region364dand the fuel level display region364eare arranged side by side, and the battery level display region364fis disposed below the oil level display region364dand the fuel level display region364e. The clock display region64gis disposed below the battery level display region364r, but the clock display region64gmay not necessarily be disposed.

The captured image display priority mode is, for example, a mode including the captured image display region63as illustrated inFIG.6. The captured image display region63is a region to display all or part of the image captured by the imaging device50. InFIG.6, the captured image display region63is the largest region including the central portion of the display screen62.

The above-mentioned gauge display priority mode is a mode in which the gauge display region364is larger than the captured image display region. A size of the captured image display region to be compared is herein a size of the captured image display region in the gauge display priority mode. The gauge display priority mode may or may not include the captured image display region. In a case where the gauge display priority mode does not include the captured image display region, the gauge display region364is larger than the captured image display region because the size of the captured image display region is “0”.FIG.15illustrates an example in which the gauge display priority mode includes a captured image display region363. For example, the captured image display region363is displayed in a corner region (an upper left corner region inFIG.15) of the speed display region364bto be smaller than the speed display region364b. The gauge display region364including the speed display region364band the like is thus larger than the captured image display region363.

The captured image display priority mode is a mode in which the captured image display region63is larger than the gauge display region64. A size of the gauge display region64to be compared is herein a size of the gauge display region in the captured image display priority mode. The captured image display priority mode may or may not include the gauge display region. In a case where the captured image display priority mode does not include the gauge display region, the captured image display region63is larger than the gauge display region because the size of the gauge display region is “0”.FIG.6illustrates an example in which the captured image display priority mode includes the gauge display region64. For example, the gauge display region64is set above and to the right of the captured image display region63. The captured image display region63is displayed in a region including the center of the display screen62to be the largest, and a size of the display region is larger than a total area of the gauge display region64.

Switching between the captured image display priority mode and the gauge display priority mode of the above-mentioned display device60may be achieved by operation on a mode switching receiving unit receiving switching of the display mode. The mode switching receiving unit may be the operation receiving unit76in the above-mentioned embodiment. The mode switching receiving unit may be a touch panel incorporated in the display device60. In any case, the mode switching receiving unit can receive operation to switch the display mode performed by the operator P.

FIG.16is a flowchart showing an example of switching processing performed by the image processing device70according to the present modification.

That is to say, after the start of the image processing device70, the image processing device70causes the display device60to display an image in an initial screen mode in a step S21. The initial screen mode is a display mode set as a mode of an image to be displayed first after the start. The initial screen mode may be the gauge display priority mode or the captured image display priority mode. The initial screen mode may be a mode of an image displayed at the end of previous start of the image processing device70.

In the next step S22, the image processing device70determines whether switching of the mode has been received through the mode switching receiving unit. For example, the image processing device70receives switching of the mode when the operator P operates the operation receiving unit76. Processing in the step S22is repeated when it is determined that switching of the mode has not been received, and processing proceeds to the next step S23when it is determined that switching of the mode has been received. In the step S23, the mode is switched for display. When an image is being displayed in the gauge display priority mode, for example, the mode is switched so that the display device60displays an image in the captured image display priority mode. When an image is being displayed in the captured image display priority mode, for example, the mode is switched so that the display device60displays an image in the gauge display priority mode. Processing then returns to the step S22.

According to this example, a display mode of the display device60is switchable between the gauge display priority mode and the captured image display priority mode by the operation of the operator P on the mode switching receiving unit. The display mode can thus be switched to the gauge display priority mode in a case where the towed object is not towed and can be switched to the captured image display priority mode in a case where the towed object is towed, for example. As described above, a state is switchable between a state in which gauge display is easily visible and a state in which the captured image is easily visible in accordance with a sailing state.

An image may be displayed in the gauge display priority mode in an initial state, and the mode may be switched to the captured image display priority mode when determination on whether towing is being performed is made based on the output of the sensor or the captured image, and it is determined that towing is being performed as described in the above-mentioned second modification. Determination on whether towing is being performed can be made, for example, based on the image captured by the imaging device50.

The mode may be switched to the captured image display priority mode when it is determined that rearward movement is being performed based on the gear position and the like, and may be switched to the gauge display priority mode when it is determined that forward movement is being performed.

An example in which the imaging device50captures an image behind the small planing watercraft32has mainly been described in the above-mentioned embodiment, but an installation location and the imaging range of the imaging device50are not limited to those in the above-mentioned example. As shown as an imaging device450in alternate long and two short dashes lines inFIG.1, the imaging device may be incorporated in the small planing watercraft32at a location where the imaging device450captures an image in water with at least part (e.g., a lens surface) of the imaging device450being immersed in water when the small planing watercraft32is in the moored state. This allows for capturing of the image in water while eliminating the influence of reflection on the water surface, and identification in water using a clear image in water. According to the present modification, the imaging device450can also capture an image in the blind area G below the body34.

Even in a case where the imaging device50is located above the water surface, the clear image in water can be captured while the influence of reflection on the water surface is reduced by applying a polarized light filter to the imaging device50.

The operator P is not required to be seated to operate the small planing watercraft32, and may operate the small planing watercraft32while holding the handle44in a standing position. For example, the small planing watercraft32may not include the seat40.

The imaging device50is not required to be fixed to the body34through the case52. The imaging device50may directly be fixed to the body34. The imaging device50may be disposed to be embedded in the body34without protruding from the body34. In this case, an exterior portion of a portion of the body34in which the imaging device50is disposed may be translucent or transparent to the extent that the imaging device50can capture an image.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the display device to display the captured image and the display device to display various pieces of the gauge information on the small planing watercraft32are the same display device60has been described. However, the display device to display the captured image and the display device to display the gauge information may be different display devices.

The display device60may not be included in the small planing watercraft32, and the captured image data acquired by the imaging device50may be displayed by a mobile terminal or may be stored in a storage medium detachable from the small planing watercraft32.

An example in which the small planing watercraft32mainly uses the internal combustion engine as the drive source has been described in the above-mentioned embodiment. The small planing watercraft32may be a watercraft traveling by being driven by the electrical motor. In this case, in the display device60, the oil level display region64dand the fuel level display region64emay be omitted, and a level of a battery for electrical motor driving may be displayed in the battery level display region64f.

Configurations described in the above-mentioned embodiment and modifications can be combined with each other as appropriate unless any contradiction occurs.

The foregoing description is in all aspects illustrative and does not restrict the present invention. It is understood that numerous modifications not having been described can be devised without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The present disclosure includes the following aspects.

A first aspect is a small planing watercraft with an imaging device including: the imaging device incorporated in the small planing watercraft, and capturing an image of surroundings of the small planing watercraft; and a display device incorporated in the small planing watercraft at a location where the display device is recognizable by an operator of the small planing watercraft, and displaying the image of surroundings captured by the imaging device.

According to the small planing watercraft with the imaging device, the image of surroundings captured by the imaging device is displayed by the display device. The image of surroundings displayed by the display device is recognized by the operator of the small planing watercraft. The operator can thereby more easily recognize surrounding conditions during sailing of the small planing watercraft.

A second aspect is the small planing watercraft with the imaging device according to the first aspect, wherein the display device may be located in front of a location of the operator of the small planing watercraft, and may display at least one of fuel level information, oil level information, and battery level information. In this case, the operator of the small planing watercraft can identify level information of at least one of fuel, oil, and battery, and recognize the image of surroundings through the same display device.

A third aspect is the small planing watercraft with the imaging device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the imaging device is incorporated in the small planing watercraft at a location where the imaging device is capable of capturing an image including a range to be a blind area for the operator of the small planing watercraft. The operator can thereby easily identify the range to be the blind area.

A fourth aspect is the small planing watercraft with the imaging device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the imaging device may be incorporated in the small planing watercraft to be capable of capturing an image behind the small planing watercraft. The image behind the small planing watercraft can thereby easily be identified during sailing of the small planing watercraft.

A fifth aspect is the small planing watercraft with the imaging device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the imaging device may be incorporated in the small planing watercraft in an orientation to capture an image behind and obliquely above the small planing watercraft when the small planing watercraft is in a moored state. A front portion of the small planing watercraft is oriented upward when the small planing watercraft starts sailing. When the imaging device is in the orientation to capture the image behind and obliquely above the small planing watercraft as in the fifth aspect, the image on a water surface in a wide range can be captured during sailing.

A sixth aspect is the small planing watercraft with the imaging device according to the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein the imaging device may have a property of capturing an image in a range having a wider angle in a horizontal direction than in a vertical direction when the small planing watercraft is in a moored state. This makes it easy for the display device to display an image in a horizontally wide range, and makes it easy for the operator to view the image in the horizontally wide range.

A seventh aspect is the small planing watercraft with the imaging device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the imaging device may be incorporated in the small planing watercraft at a location and in an orientation enabling capturing of an image of at least part of a body of the small planing watercraft. In this case, at least part of the body can be displayed in the image of surroundings displayed by the display device. A sense of distance and a positional relationship between a subject in the image of surroundings and the small planing watercraft and the like can thereby easily be understood.

An eighth aspect is the small planing watercraft with the imaging device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the imaging device may be incorporated in the small planing watercraft to be capable of capturing an image of a mount of a body of the small planing watercraft on which baggage is mountable. In this case, the mount can be displayed in the image of surroundings displayed by the display device. The operator can thereby identify conditions of the baggage mounted on the mount.

A ninth aspect is the small planing watercraft with the imaging device according to any one of the fourth to eighth aspects, wherein the imaging device may be incorporated in the small planing watercraft to be located above a towing rope attachment portion. In this case, the towing rope attached to the towing rope attachment portion is less likely to appear in close-up in the image captured by the imaging device.

A tenth aspect is the small planing watercraft with the imaging device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the imaging device is located between a first portion of the small planing watercraft and a second portion of the small planing watercraft below the first portion, and inward of the first portion and the second portion in a fore-aft direction when the small planing watercraft is in a moored state. In this case, physical impact, such as hitting of the imaging device by an object, can be suppressed by the first portion and the second portion.

An eleventh aspect is the small planing watercraft with the imaging device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein a portion of the small planing watercraft in which the imaging device is incorporated protrudes beyond a surrounding portion. In this case, the small planing watercraft is less likely to appear, and the image of surroundings in a wide range is captured.

A twelfth aspect is the small planing watercraft with the imaging device according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the imaging device may be incorporated in the small planing watercraft at a location where the imaging device captures an image in water with at least part thereof being immersed in water when the small planing watercraft is in a moored state. The operator can thereby identify an image in water using a clear image in water.

A thirteenth aspect is the small planing watercraft with the imaging device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects that may further includes an image storage device for storing at least one of a still image and a moving image captured by the imaging device. The still image or the moving image during sailing is thereby stored.

A fourteenth aspect is the small planing watercraft with the imaging device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects that may further includes an image processing device controlling a display range of the image of surroundings to be displayed by the display device. This allows for control of the display range of the image of surroundings to be displayed by the display device to thereby contribute to improvement in visibility.

A fifteenth aspect is the small planing watercraft with the imaging device according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects that may further includes a sailing behavior detection unit detecting a sailing behavior related to a heading direction of the small planing watercraft, wherein the image of surroundings displayed by the display device may change depending on an output of the sailing behavior detection unit. The image of surroundings in accordance with the heading direction is thereby displayed by the display device.

A sixteenth aspect is the small planing watercraft with the imaging device according to any one of the fourth to fifteenth aspects, wherein the imaging device may capture an image for determining whether part or all of a towed object has been detached from the small planing watercraft, and, when it is determined that the part or all of the towed object has been detached from the small planing watercraft, the display device may display notification information notifying detachment. In this case, when the small planing watercraft sails while towing a wakeboard and the like, for example, the operator of the small planing watercraft can easily recognize falling overboard of a rider of the wakeboard.

A seventeenth aspect is the small planing watercraft with the imaging device according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects, wherein a display mode of the display device is switchable between a gauge display priority mode including a gauge display region and a captured image display priority mode including a captured image display region, the gauge display priority mode is a mode in which the gauge display region is larger than the captured image display region, the captured image display priority mode is a mode in which the captured image display region is larger than the gauge display region, and the small planing watercraft may further include a mode switching receiving unit receiving switching of the display mode of the display device. The display mode of the display device can thereby be switched between the gauge display priority mode and the captured image display priority mode when the mode switching receiving unit receives operation.

A surrounding image imaging device for a small planing watercraft according to an eighteenth aspect includes: an imaging device incorporated in the small planing watercraft, and capturing an image of surroundings of the small planing watercraft; and a display device incorporated in the small planing watercraft at a location where the display device is recognizable by an operator of the small planing watercraft, and displaying the image of surroundings captured by the imaging device.

According to the surrounding image imaging device for the small planing watercraft, the image of surroundings captured by the imaging device is displayed by the display device. The image of surroundings displayed by the display device is recognized by the rider of the small planing watercraft. The operator can thereby more easily recognize the surrounding conditions during sailing of the small planing watercraft.

A nineteenth aspect is the surrounding image imaging device for the small planing watercraft according to the eighteenth aspect, wherein the display device is located in front of a location of the operator of the small planing watercraft, and displays at least one of fuel level information, oil level information, and battery level information. The operator of the small planing watercraft can thereby recognize the image of surroundings while identifying level information of a power source.

A small planing watercraft according to a twentieth aspect includes: a sensor outputting information for determining that part or all of a towed object has been detached; and a device notifying an operator of detachment of the towed object based on an output of the sensor.

According to the small planing watercraft, when the small planing watercraft sails while towing the wakeboard and the like, for example, the operator of the small planing watercraft can easily recognize falling overboard of the rider of the wakeboard.