Patent Description:
Generally, when fishing deep-field fish, such as in the case of boat fishing, an electric fishing reel ("fishing reel") has been widely used.

Conventionally, this type of fishing reel is provided with a line-length measuring device that measures the length of a wound or unwound fishing line based on the rotation speed of a spool in order to improve the catch by accurately adjusting the fishing depth, and the values measured by the line-length measuring device appear on an indicator provided on the reel body.

As such a fishing reel, Patent Literature <NUM> discloses a fishing reel including a spool rotatably supported by the side plates of the reel body therebetween, a winding speed detection means that detects the winding speed during the winding operation of a fishing line wound on the spool, and an indicator that displays the values detected by the winding speed detection means.

<CIT> concerns an automated fishing data collection and processing system for automatically collecting real-time data associated with the use of a rod and reel, in combination with real-time environmental and other data, and automatically record the data with minimal or no user input. Electronic components are installed in, on, or with the rod and the reel that automatically collect information and automatically transmit the information via a wired or wireless means to a hand-held communication element, which in turn, combines the information with real-time environmental data and stores the information to a memory device, or transmits the information to a PC or cloud storage using a wired or wireless communication means to create a fishing log of data points.

<CIT> discusses a fishing rod that comprises an accelerometer for measuring the acceleration of the fishing rod. It also describes a reel for a fishing rod which comprises a member that is moved at each cast of a fishing line and a member that rotates when a fishing line is retrieved. The reel further comprises a sensor for detecting the movement of the member moved at each cast and an electrical sensor that detects the rotation of the rotating member.

<CIT> describes a fishing lure for detecting the presence of fish, which includes a fish attractor and an underwater sensor assembly coupled to the fish attractor. The underwater sensor assembly measures and senses underwater environmental characteristics related to fish catching conditions proximate the lure. The sensor assembly transmits signals corresponding to such factors to an above water circuit, which provides an output signal.

<CIT> describes a recreation monitoring platform to identify angling events that includes an angling apparatus, comprising a fishing rod and a reel. An angling event sensing device is adapted to be secured to the fishing rod and comprises at least one sensor to generate data indicative of a parameter of the rod or reel when the rod or reel is in use. A processor is in communication with the angling event sensing device and is programmed to identify an angling event, based on the data indicative of a parameter of the rod or reel.

However, in the fishing reel disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM>, detection values of winding speed are displayed on an indicator provided on the reel body, but are not intended to be transmitted to the outside of the reel. Further, even if the fishing reel information can be displayed, the fishing reel disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM> only displays specific information of the reel though there are a variety of fishing information, such as a lure, fishing images and a fishing environment. There was, therefore, a problem that the information is extremely limited compared with the information generally wanted by fishermen. On the other hand, there was also a problem that providing a variety of fishing information alone is not enough to further improve fishermen's satisfaction with fishing.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the objective thereof is to provide a fishing information management system including a fishing rod at which a fishing reel with a spool capable of winding a fishing line is attached, and that can calculate an evaluation related to catching fish from a variety of fishing information. Other purposes of the present invention will become apparent with reference to this specification in its entirety.

A fishing information management system is provided according to claim <NUM> or claim <NUM>.

In a fishing information management system according to an example, the fishing tools include the fish reel, the fishing rod, the fishing line, and the rig, wherein the rig comprises at least a hook, a weight, an artificial bait, a float, a balance, or a ground bait container.

In a fishing information management system according to an example, the operation environment of the fishing tools is configured to include at least one of the start time of use, the end time of use, the weather condition during use of the fishing tools, or the place of use of the fishing tools.

The operation/environment information detector is configured to include at least a reel operation information detector (reel operation information detecting unit or reel operation information detecting portion) that detects operation information of the fishing reel, and a fishing rod operation information detector (fishing rod operation information detecting unit or fishing rod operation information detecting portion) that detects the operation information of the fishing rod.

In a fishing information management system according to an example, the operation information of a fishing reel is configured to include at least one of a pulled-out amount of a reel's drag, a pulling-out speed of the reel's drag, a spool rotation start point, a spool rotation end point, a spool diameter, a maximum rotation speed of a spool, a rotation speed history of the spool, a brake setting, a motion of a fishing rod, and backlash information.

In a fishing information management system according to an example, the operation information of a fishing rod is configured to include at least one of the speed, the acceleration, the deformation amount, the motion, and the casing method, of the fishing rod.

In a fishing information management system according to an example, hit values related to catching fish are configured to be calculated from at least either of a pulled-out amount of a reel's drag and a pulling-out speed of the reel's drag.

In a fishing information management system according to an example, hit values related to catching fish are configured to be calculated from at least either of the deflection amount and the operation amount of the fishing rod.

According to the invention, it is possible to provide a fishing information management system that includes a fishing rod to which a fishing reel with a spool capable of winding a fishing line is attached, and that can calculate an evaluation related to catching fish from a variety of fishing information.

Components common in the plurality of drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals through the plurality of drawings. It should be noted that each of the drawings is not necessarily scaled for convenience of explanation.

First, a basic configuration of a fishing information management system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG>. The fishing information management system <NUM> includes a fishing reel <NUM> and, like general fishing reels, is configured to wind a fishing line <NUM> on a spool <NUM> so that the fishing line <NUM> can be reeled out from the spool <NUM>, to allow the spool <NUM> to idle (drag function) so that the set value of the tension can be set when a tension equal to or greater than a set value is applied to the fishing line <NUM>, and to enable the adjustment of braking force for preventing backlash upon casting.

Further, the fishing reel <NUM> detects, and transmits to an information processor <NUM>, part or all of the above operations. The details will be described later. Like general fishing rods, a fishing rod <NUM> has the fishing reel <NUM>, and guides the fishing line <NUM>. A user can manipulate the fishing line <NUM> as necessary by operating the fishing rod <NUM>. The fishing rod <NUM> detects, and transmits to the information processor <NUM>, the operation of the fishing rod <NUM>. The details will be described later.

Next, a rig <NUM> is attached to one end of a fishing line <NUM>, and has a hook to be bitten by a fish. In this embodiment, a hook is attached within a lure (artificial bait) <NUM>. Further, various types of rigs are used depending on the targeted fish or fishing method, and a float, a weight, a ground bait container, a balance, and the like are used as necessary. In the present embodiment, an operation detection means such as an acceleration sensor is provided in part of the rig, transmits the operation of the lure <NUM> to the information processor <NUM>, and is waterproofed and sealed in part of the rig together with a power source, storage means and communication means. The reel <NUM>, the fishing rod <NUM> and the rig <NUM> are hereinafter collectively called the "tackle".

The information processor <NUM> accumulates detection results from the respective components constituting the tackle, and calculates hit values related to catching fish. The information processor <NUM> may be, for example, a portable information terminal (smart phone), a personal computer, a wearable device and a fish-finder. Further, a fishing information processor <NUM> may be incorporated in a fishing reel <NUM> or a fishing rod <NUM> to constitute part thereof. Alternatively, part of the fishing information processor <NUM> may be incorporated in the fishing reel <NUM> or the fishing rod <NUM>. Part or all of the information processor <NUM> may also be located in a server (cloud) on the Internet.

A receiver (receiving unit or receiving portion) <NUM> can receive detection results from each tackle. Available communication methods are wireless communication, cable communication, ultrasonic communication, and other various known methods. Using this information, a calculator (calculating unit or calculating portion) <NUM> calculates hit values. Details of the calculation method will be described later. Calculation results are displayed on an indicator (indicating unit or indicating portion) <NUM> and optionally stored in a storage (storing unit or storing portion) <NUM>. Further, the information processor <NUM> may include an information acquisition portion (information acquisition unit) <NUM>. The information acquisition portion <NUM> acquires information on the environment of the fishing place, and is configured to include an environmental information acquisition sensor such as temperature sensor and air pressure sensor, a location sensor such as GPS, a biosensor such as heartbeat sensor, and a camera with which a user can take images. Further, environmental data such as meteorological data (weather, temperature, water depth, tidal circle) of a fishing place may also be acquired through the Internet.

Next, the components of the reel <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> shows the basic configuration when using a double-bearing reel as the fishing reel <NUM>. The spool <NUM> can wind the fishing line <NUM>, and it is possible to wind up the fishing line <NUM> when the spool is rotated forward by an operation portion (operation unit) <NUM>. A clutch <NUM> can select the connection/disconnection of the power transmission to the operating portion <NUM>. In the connected state, a winding can be made by the operation portion <NUM>, and in the disconnected state the spool <NUM> can be freely rotated in the forward and backward directions, so that the fishing line <NUM> can be reeled out. A drag device <NUM> can idle the spool <NUM> when a load equal to or greater than the tension set for the fishing line <NUM> is applied. The operation portion <NUM> is configured, for example, as a handle, and transmits the rotation operation by a user to the spool <NUM> by a transmission mechanism such as a gear, so that the spool <NUM> can be rotated forward. Incidentally, the operation portion <NUM> may be a combination of an operation member such as a lever, and a power source such as a motor. A braking device <NUM> can also exert braking force on the spool. This suppresses the occurrence of backlash upon casting. Said braking force can be set by a braking force setting portion (braking force setting unit) <NUM>.

<FIG> shows another configuration of the reel <NUM>. The reel <NUM> has a detector (detecting unit or detecting portion) <NUM> to detect various operations by a user and the state of the reel. The detection results are sent to a calculator (calculating unit or calculating portion) <NUM>, and are transmitted to the information processor <NUM> via a communication portion (communication unit) <NUM> after arithmetic processing or temporary storage in a storage <NUM> as necessary. The detector <NUM> includes the followings. Some may be omitted due to limitations of costs, sizes and the like. A tension detector (tension detecting unit or tension detecting portion) <NUM> detects a tension acting on the fishing line <NUM>. It can be realized by various techniques known in the art, such as detecting by a strain sensor force acting on the rotation axis of the pulley that guides the fishing line <NUM>.

A spool rotation detector (spool rotation detecting unit or spool rotation detecting portion) <NUM> detects the rotation of the spool <NUM>. It can be realized by known means such as an incremental-type rotation sensor using a photo interrupter. A noncontact type rotation sensor is desirable to achieve smooth rotation of the spool <NUM>. A winding operation detector (winding operation detecting unit or winding operation detecting portion) <NUM> detects the rotation of the operation portion <NUM>. It can be realized by attaching a rotation sensor to the operation portion <NUM>, or a gear or the like that rotates in conjunction with the operation portion <NUM>. The amount of idling by the drag device <NUM> can be calculated by taking the difference between the winding operation detector <NUM> and the spool rotation detector <NUM>.

An unwoundable state detector (unwoundable state detecting unit or unwoundable state detecting portion) <NUM> detects whether or not the fishing line <NUM> can be unwound from the reel <NUM>. The above-described example of the double-bearing reel can be realized by detecting the connection status of the clutch <NUM>. A limit sensor or the like may be attached to part of the member on which the clutch operates. When a spinning-type reel is used as the reel <NUM>, the open/closed state of the veil holding a line guide that guides a fishing line to a spool may be detected.

Further, a set drag force detector <NUM> detects a set tension that is a threshold at which the spool <NUM> idles. It can be realized by, for instance, detecting charging force acting on a friction member in a drag device by a pressure sensor. A set braking force detector (set braking force detecting unit or set braking force detecting portion) <NUM> detects a set value of the braking force for backlash suppression. It can be realized by providing a volume resistance or the like to the braking force setting portion <NUM>. In a type of braking device that sets braking force by computer, the set braking force detector <NUM> can by realized by obtaining a command value to the braking device.

Next, the basic components of the fishing rod <NUM> will be described in detail with reference to <FIG>. The fishing rod <NUM> has a detector <NUM> that detects various operations by a user and the state of the fishing rod <NUM>. The detection results are sent to the calculator <NUM>, and are transmitted to the information processor <NUM> via the communication portion <NUM> after arithmetic processing or temporary storage in the storage <NUM> as necessary. The calculator <NUM>, the communication portion <NUM>, and the storage <NUM> at this time may be shared with the components of the reel <NUM> using a wired connection or the like, or may be dedicated to the fishing rod <NUM>, or may be disposed within the reel <NUM> or on the fishing rod <NUM>.

The detector <NUM> includes the followings. Some may be omitted due to limitations of costs, sizes and the like. A deflection detector (deflection detecting unit or deflection detecting portion) <NUM> detects the deflection (bend) of the fishing rod <NUM>. It can be realized by providing a strain sensor at various portions of the fishing rod <NUM>. Further, the direction detector (direction detecting unit or direction detecting portion) <NUM> can detect the direction in which the fishing rod <NUM> is oriented by detecting the geomagnetic direction. Further, the acceleration detector (acceleration detecting unit or acceleration detecting portion) <NUM> detects the acceleration in the translation direction of the fishing rod <NUM>. It can be realized using a known acceleration sensor such as a piezoresistive method or a capacitance detection method. Further, a speed detector (speed detecting unit or speed detecting portion) <NUM> detects the angular velocity of the fishing rod <NUM> (speed in the rotation direction). It can be realized using a known gyro sensor such as a method for detecting a frequency change of the vibrated piezoelectric element.

Incidentally, a sensor called a nine-axis motion sensor that detects the direction, acceleration and angular velocity of each of orthogonal three axes can be used as the direction detector <NUM>, the acceleration detector <NUM>, and a velocity detector (velocity detecting unit or velocity detecting portion) <NUM>. Hereafter, these are called motion sensors. The attitude and the operation of the fishing rod <NUM> can be obtained by calculating the detection results described above. The motion sensor may be disposed in the reel <NUM>.

Here, an operation/environment information detector <NUM> in the fishing information management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is the generic name for the above-mentioned detector <NUM> in the reel, the detector <NUM> in the fishing rod, the detector attached to the rig, and the information acquisition portion <NUM> in the information processor <NUM>.

When a hook is taken by a fish, the following changes often occur to the tackle.

These can be detected by the operation/environment information detector <NUM>. (<NUM>) can be recognized when the tension detector <NUM> detects that the tension is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, or that the amplitude of a predetermined frequency is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The above (<NUM>) can be recognized by detecting that the pulled-out amount or the pulling-out speed of the drag device is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Further, (<NUM>) can be recognized by detecting by the deflection detector <NUM> that the fishing rod bends a predetermined value or more. Further, (<NUM>) can be recognized by detecting by a motion sensor or the deflection detector <NUM> a predetermined frequency and amplitude. (<NUM>) can be recognized by providing a water pressure sensor or an acceleration sensor on the float. (<NUM>) can be recognized by detecting by the acceleration sensor attached to the rig <NUM> and the tension detector <NUM> a predetermined frequency and amplitude.

When a hook is taken by a fish, a user often performs the following operations.

These can also be detected by the operation/environment information detector <NUM>. (<NUM>) can be recognized from the detection results of the motion sensor. (<NUM>) can be recognized by detecting that the winding operation detector <NUM> becomes in a predetermined condition. (<NUM>) can be recognized by detecting whether or not pictures were taken with camera or by detecting by image-recognition technology whether or not a fish is in the image taken. (<NUM>) can be recognized by a biosensor such as heartbeat sensor attached to a user. Further, an operation button for event recording may be provided on the reel or the fishing rod, so that a user may press said button when catching a fish.

It should be noted that some of these phenomena may occur other than when a fish is caught. For example, some of the above may occur when a hook gets caught on an obstacle such as underwater rock (snagging) or when casting a rig. On the other hand, even when a fish is caught, if the fish is too small, some of the above phenomena may not occur. Therefore, a user can comprehensively judge whether or not a fish is caught by judging each item individually and displaying the list thereof.

Further, a plurality of the items (<NUM>) to (<NUM>) evaluated, and calculated as a value, by a calculator <NUM> in a composite manner increases the value as indices. A first alternative of the comprehensive evaluation is a method of calculating hit values by setting a reliability according to the type of each detector constituting the operation/environment information detector <NUM>, and calculating a weighted average using weights determined according to the reliability.

A second alternative of the comprehensive evaluation is a method of preparing a large number of training data on fishing in advance and calculating hit values by machine learning such as a neural network. The training data are constituted of the detection results of each detector when a fish is caught and when a fish is not caught, respectively. This method makes it possible to distinguish, with high accuracy, when a fish is caught, when a hook is snagged, and when a fishing line is being cast. In particular, since a combination of a plurality of detection means, such as judging from the correlation between the rod operation and the tension change, is effective to distinguish a snagging from a bite, the distinction can be made more accurately than a simple weighted average. On the other hand, the load on the calculator increases with increase in the calculation amount.

Hit values are indicated in percentages depending on the reliability of the result of judging whether a fish is caught. Values of <NUM>% or more are considered to indicate that a fish bites, and the number of fish bites can be estimated by rounding and adding up said values. Further, the sum of hit values for fish caught per unit time (e.g., an hour) can be used as an index of fishability.

Useful information can be provided to users by displaying the hit values calculated as above on an indicator <NUM> by the indication method below. <FIG> and <NUM>(b) show examples displaying the time change in the hit values. In <FIG>, the time on the horizontal axis indicates the time in seconds elapsed from the completion of casting. The vertical axis represents hit values. In this example, the timing on when a fish bites can be displayed in one cast of a lure. Further, other information may also be displayed at the same time. For example, if the length of the unwound fishing line is also displayed (indicated by a broken line in the figure), it may be used to specify the place where a fish bites (the depth of water when a rig is dropped down, or the distance when casting in the horizontal direction).

In <FIG>, the horizontal axis indicates the time on a daily or monthly basis, and the vertical axis indicates hit values obtained per unit time. In this example, it is possible to grasp the timing when a fish is caught.

<FIG> shows an example indicating the relationship between a user's operation and hit values. <FIG> shows the winding speed of a reel on the horizontal axis, and the hit values per unit time of use on the vertical axis. Such a graph is obtained by aggregating use records within a certain period of time (e.g., one month). This example provides the optimum winding speed for fishing. As in this example, the winding speed in each condition can be obtained by changing the plot for each use condition (e.g., for each lure). In this manner, it is possible to display users the optimal operation method for obtaining a catch by calculating hit values and indicating the values in connection with the operation of fishing tools.

Next, <FIG> shows an example indicating the relationship between the fishing environment and hit values. In <FIG>, the horizontal axis represents the tides (indicated with the difference between the low tide and the high tide divided into <NUM> equal parts), and the vertical axis represents hit values obtained per unit time. In this example, the optimum tide for fishing can be obtained. As in this example, the optimum tide in each fishing spot can be grasped by changing the plot for each fishing spot. Incidentally, the horizontal axis is not limited to the above example, and can include water temperature, air temperature, wind speed, weather, time slot, water depth and the like. Further, the operation condition of fishing tools may be combined with the fishing environment to display the relationship with hit values.

Next, the fishing information management system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fishing information management system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to include the fishing reel <NUM>, the fishing rod <NUM>, the rig <NUM> and the fishing information processor <NUM>.

More specifically, the fishing information management system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention has the fishing rod <NUM> to which the fishing reel <NUM> with a spool <NUM> capable of winding a fishing line is attached, and the rig <NUM> being attached to an end of the fishing line <NUM> distal the fishing reel <NUM>, the system <NUM> comprising the operation/environment information detector <NUM>^ that detects information on the operation of the fishing tools and the operation environment when the fishing tools including the fishing reel <NUM>, the rig <NUM> and the fishing rod <NUM> are used, the calculator <NUM> that calculates hit values related to catching fish from information on the operation of the fishing tools, a storage <NUM> that stores the detection values and the hit values, and the indicator <NUM> that displays at least the hit values and optionally the detection values.

The fishing information management system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention makes it possible to provide a fishing information management system including a fishing rod to which a fishing reel with a spool capable of winding a fishing line is attached, and that can calculate an evaluation related to catching fish from various fishing information.

In the fishing information management system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention, the fishing tools include the fishing reel, the fishing rod, the fishing line, and the rig, wherein the rig comprises at least a hook, a weight, an artificial bait, a float, a balance. or a ground bait container.

In the fishing information management system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention, the operation environment of the fishing tools is configured to include at least one of the start time and the end time for the use of the fishing tools, a weather condition when the fishing tools are used, and a location where the fishing tools are used.

The operation/environment information detector is configured to include at least a reel operation information detector <NUM> that detects the operation information of the fishing reel <NUM>, and a fishing rod operation information detector <NUM> that detects the operation information of the fishing rod <NUM>.

In the fishing information management system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention, the operation information of the fishing reel <NUM> is configured to include at least one of a pulled-out amount or a pulling-out speed of a reel's drag, a spool rotation start point, a spool rotation end point, a spool diameter, a maximum rotation speed of a spool, a rotation speed history of the spool, a brake setting, a motion of a fishing rod, and backlash information.

In the fishing information management system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention, the operation information of the fishing rod <NUM> is configured to include at least one of a speed, an acceleration, a deformation amount, and a motion of, and a method of casting, a fishing rod.

In the fishing information management system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention, hit values related to catching fish are configured to be calculated from at least either of a pulled-out amount or a pulling-out speed of a reel's drag. In this manner, an evaluation related to catching fish can be calculated based on appropriate detection values.

In the fishing information management system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention, hit values related to catching fish are configured to be calculated from at least either of the deflection amount and the operation amount of the fishing rod. In this manner, an evaluation related to catching fish can be calculated based on an appropriate detection value.

Claim 1:
A fishing information management system (<NUM>) that has a fishing rod (<NUM>), a fishing reel (<NUM>) with a spool (<NUM>) capable of winding a fishing line (<NUM>) being attached to the fishing rod, and a rig (<NUM>) being attached to an end of the fishing line (<NUM>) distal the fishing reel (<NUM>), the fishing information management system (<NUM>) comprising:
an operation/environment information detector that is configured to detect information on operation and environment of operation of fishing tools when in use including from the fishing reel (<NUM>), the fishing rod (<NUM>) and the rig (<NUM>), wherein the operation/environment information detector includes at least a reel operation information detector (<NUM>) that is configured to detect operation information of the fishing reel (<NUM>), a fishing rod operation information detector (<NUM>) that is configured to detect operation information of the fishing rod (<NUM>), a detector that is attached to the rig (<NUM>) and is configured to detect information from the rig (<NUM>), and an information acquisition portion (<NUM>) configured to acquire information on environment of operation of the fishing tools; and
an information processor (<NUM>) comprising the information acquisition portion (<NUM>) and further comprising:
a receiver (<NUM>) that is configured to receive detection results from the fishing reel (<NUM>), the fishing rod (<NUM>) and the rig (<NUM>);
a calculator (<NUM>) that is configured to calculate hit values related to catching fish from the detected information on the operation of the fishing tools, the hit values being indicated in percentages depending on the reliability of the result of judging whether a fish is caught;
a storage (<NUM>) that is configured to store the detection values and the hit values; and
an indicator (<NUM>) that is configured to display at least the hit values,
wherein a plurality of items for judging whether or not a fish is caught are detected by the operation/environment information detector, comprehensive evaluation of the plurality of the items is performed by the calculator (<NUM>), and in the comprehensive evaluation, a reliability is set according to a type of each detector constituting the operation/environment information detector and configured to detect information on operation and environment of operation of the fishing tools when in use, and a weighted average is calculated using weights according to the reliability, thereby calculating the hit values.