AU2023203257A1 - Electric device, electric field barrier forming device and magnetic field barrier forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic device 10 for repelling fish with Lorenzini organs includes (1) a generator 40A having a power supply 43 and output terminals 47, for converting a DC voltage supplied from the power supply 43 to an AC voltage and outputting the AC voltage from the output terminals 47, and (2) a power switch 48 that forms an electric circuit together with the generator 40A to turn on and off the output from the power supply 43, and that causes the power supply 43 to supply a DC voltage when the first output terminal 47A and the second output terminal 47B are electrically connected via the seawater SW. 10 32 30 20 47A 0A 47B 50A, 50 50A2 FIG. 1

Description

32 30

20

47A 0A 47B

50A, 50

50A2

FIG. 1

TITLE ELECTRIC DEVICE, ELECTRIC FIELD BARRIER FORMING DEVICE AND MAGNETIC FIELD BARRIER FORMING DEVICE

[Foreign Application Priority Data 1] Nov. 29, 2022 (JP) 2022-190861

[IPC] A0IM 29/24

[DAS Code] E5D5

[Foreign Application Priority Data 2] Apr. 12, 2023 (JP) 2023-065269

[IPC] A0IM 29/24

[DAS Code] CC9B

[Inventor]

[Address] 950-3 Makishima-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan

[Name] Satoshi Nagoya

[Applicant]

[Address] 950-3 Makishima-cho, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan

[Name] NAGOYA General Incorporated Association

DESCRIPTION CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2022 190861 filed on Nov. 29, 2022 and Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2023-065269 filed on Apr. 12, 2023. The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2022 190861 and Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2023-065269 are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] JP2006-149275A discloses a shark repelling device for fishing that repels sharks that flock to caught fish. This shark repelling device for fisheries includes a first electrode placed in the seawater near a fishing boat, a second electrode placed in the seawater at a predetermined distance from the first electrode, and a power supply for applying a DC voltage such that one of the first electrode and the second electrode is a positive electrode and the other is a negative electrode. A DC pulse having a voltage of 600 V and a pulse width of 0.5 msec. is applied to each of the first electrode and the second electrode while the polarity is alternately switched twice per second. As a result, sharks approaching fishing boats are given an electrical shock, which can drive them away.

[0003] In the case of the fishery shark repelling device above, a DC voltage of 600 V is applied to the first electrode or the second electrode. Therefore, for example, an electric shock that stimulates the Lorenzini organ can be applied to a shark located at several tens of meters or more from each electrode. However, it is not possible to apply an electric shock sufficient to stimulate the Lorenzini organ in close vicinity, such as within 1 m from each electrode. In addition, when humans and sharks around the first electrode or the second electrode directly contact both electrodes and form a current path, humans may be electrocuted.

SUMMARY

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] One of the purposes of this embodiment is to provide an electronic device capable of repelling approaching fishes having Lorenzini organs without electrocuting humans and fishes having Lorenzini organs.

Means Used to Solve the Above-Mentioned Problems

[0005] An electronic device, for repelling fish with Lorenzini organs, of the first aspect includes (1) a generator having a power supply and output terminals including a first output terminal and a second output terminal, for converting a DC voltage supplied from the power supply to an AC voltage having an amplitude of less than 100V and outputting the AC voltage from the output terminals and (2) a power switch that forms an electric circuit together with the generator to turn on and off the output from the power supply, and that causes the power supply to supply a DC voltage when the first output terminal and the second output terminal are electrically connected via the seawater.

[0006] An electronic device, for repelling fish with Lorenzini organs, of the second aspect includes (1) a generator having a power supply and output terminals including a first output terminal and a second output terminal, for converting a DC voltage supplied from the power supply to an AC voltage having an amplitude of less than 100V and outputting the AC voltage from the output terminals, (2) at least one electric wire, one or each of which is connected to one or both of the first output terminal and the second output terminal, and (3) a power switch that forms an electric circuit together with the generator and the at least one electric wire to turn on and off the output from the power supply, and that causes the power supply to supply a DC voltage when the first output terminal and the second output terminal are electrically connected via the seawater.

[0007]

An electronic device of the third aspect has the following features on the premise of the electronic device of the second aspect. The at least one electric wire is two electric wires each having one end connected to each of the first output terminal and the second output terminal and each of the two electric wires is configured to be attached to each of both human legs.

[0008] An electronic device of the fourth aspect has the following features on the premise of the electronic device of the second aspect. The electronic device of the third aspect, further includes a housing having an opening, the housing accommodates the generator and the power switch therein and the at least one electric wire passes through the opening, and a hook fixed to the housing and that passes through a fishing line.

[0009] An electronic device of the fifth aspect has the following features on the premise of the electronic device of the second aspect. A waveform of an AC voltage output by the generator is a composite waveform in which a plurality of types of AC waveforms are superimposed.

[0010] An electronic device of the sixth aspect has the following features on the premise of the electronic device of the fifth aspect. The plurality of types of AC waveforms differ from each other in all or at least one of amplitude, period, and phase.

[0011] An electronic device of the seventh aspect has the following features on the premise of the electronic device of the second aspect. The generator further includes a storage that stores a plurality of patterns of AC voltage, which is output from the output terminals, having different waveforms and a selecting switch for selecting one of the plurality of patterns of AC voltage stored in the storage.

[0012] An electronic device of the eighth aspect has the following features on the premise of the electronic device of the seventh aspect. The selecting switch can receive a wireless selective signal from the outside and can select one of the plurality of patterns of AC voltage.

[0013]

An electronic device of the nineth aspect has the following features on the premise of the electronic device of the seventh aspect. The power switch has an electrical current sensor, and is configured to supply a DC voltage from the power supply when the electrical current sensor detects an electrical current flowing between the first output terminal and the second output terminal, and the selecting switch selects one of the plurality of patterns of AC voltage stored in the storage according to the magnitude of the electrical current detected by the electrical current sensor.

[0014] An electric field barrier forming device, for forming an electric field barrier for repelling fish having Lorenzini organs, of the first aspect includes (A) an electronic device group comprising a plurality of electronic devices, each of which is the electronic device of any one of the second to the nineth aspect described above, wherein: (Al) the at least one electric wire of each electronic device is a pair of electric wires each having one end connected to each of the first output terminal and the second output terminal; (A2) both the other ends of the plurality of pairs of electric wires are respectively arranged along a vertical or substantially vertical direction in the seawater; and (A3) all the other ends of the plurality of pairs of electric wires are arranged side by side in a direction crossing the vertical or substantially vertical direction and (B) a group controller that controls waveforms of AC voltages output from generators of the plurality of electronic devices, wherein the group controller controls at least one waveform and at least one phase among the waveforms of each AC voltage output by each generator to a waveform or phase different from other waveforms or phases.

[0015] An electric field barrier forming device, for forming an electric field barrier for repelling fish having Lorenzini organs, of the second aspect includes (A) an electronic device group comprising a plurality of electronic devices, each of which is the electronic device of any one of the second to the nineth aspect described above, wherein: (Al) the at least one electric wire of each electronic device is a pair of electric wires each having one end connected to each of the first output terminal and the second output terminal; (A2) the other ends of the plurality of electric wires connected to either one of the first output terminal and the second output terminal are arranged so as to gather at one point in the seawater, and the other ends of the plurality of electric wires connected to the other of the first output terminal and the second output terminal are arranged apart from each other so as to form a circumference outside the one point; and, (B) a group controller that controls waveforms of AC voltages output from generators of the plurality of electronic devices, wherein the group controller controls at least one waveform and at least one phase among the waveforms of the AC voltages output from each generator to a waveform or phase different from other waveforms or phases.

[0016] According to the electronic devices ofthe first aspect and the second aspect, it is possible to drive off approaching fishes having Lorenzini organs without electrocuting humans and fishes having Lorenzini organs around them.

[0017] According to the electronic device of the third aspect, it is possible to reduce the possibility of a person stepping on a ray on the seabed when walking in the seawater.

[0018] According to the electronic device of the fourth aspect, it is possible to reduce the possibility of a shark biting a fish caught by a human using a fishing rod.

[0019] According to the electronic device of the fifth and sixth aspect, compared to the case where the waveform of the AC voltage output by the generator is a simple AC waveform, it is possible to repel approaching fishes having Lorenzini organs. Further, compared to the case where the waveform of the AC voltage output from the generator is a simple AC waveform, it is possible to drive away multiple species of fish having Lorenzini organs that have approached.

[0020] According to the electronic device of the seventh aspect, it is possible to select a waveform pattern for driving away multiple species of fish having Lorenzini organs that have approached.

[0021] According to the electronic device of the eighth aspect, it is possible to operate from the sea to change the waveform pattern capable of driving off approaching fish of multiple species having Lorenzini organs.

[0022] According to the electronic device of the ninth aspect, multiple species of fish having Lorenzini organs can be repelled by estimating the seawater temperature according to the magnitude of the detected current and using the pattern selected from the patterns stored in the storage.

[0023] According to the electric field barrier forming device of the first and second aspect, compared to the case where the waveforms of the AC voltages output by all the generators have the same pattern, it is possible to repel fishes having Lorenzini organs that have approached the electric field barrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] These drawings illustrate certain aspects of some of the embodiments of the present invention and should not be used to limit or define the invention.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to this embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a circuit board included in an electronic device of this embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 3A is an example of waveform patterns of a plurality of AC voltages output by an electronic device of this embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 3B is another example of waveform patterns of a plurality of AC voltages output by an electronic device of this embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 3C is another example of waveform patterns of a plurality of AC voltages output by an electronic device of this embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 3D is another example of waveform patterns of a plurality of AC voltages output by an electronic device of this embodiment.

[0031]

FIG. 3E is another example of waveform patterns of a plurality of AC voltages

output by an electronic device of this embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 3F is another example of waveform patterns of a plurality of AC voltages

output by an electronic device of this embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a usage example when the electronic device of the present embodiment is used for sea fishing.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a usage example when an electronic device of this embodiment is used for underwater walking.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an electric field barrier forming apparatus of this embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a case in which an electric field barrier forming device of this embodiment is used in a fish farming net.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining another case in which an electric field barrier forming device of this embodiment is used in a fish farming net.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a circuit board included in a modified electronic device.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an electronic device according to a modified embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a magnetic field generated near a coil when current is flowing through an electric wire.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a case in which a magnetic field barrier forming device of a modified embodiment is used in a fish farming net.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] An electronic device 10 of the present embodiment (see FIGS. 1 and 2), an electric field barrier forming apparatus 100 of the embodiment (see FIG. 6), and multiple variants thereof will be described below. In this specification, it should be noted that in each drawing referred to in different embodiments, etc., the same reference numerals or similar reference numerals are given to components having similar functions.

[0043] ELECTRIC DEVICE First, the electronic device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings for its configuration, functions, usages, and effects.

[0044] Configuration and Function FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the electronic device 10. The electronic device 10 is used with a part or all of it placed under water SW, and has a function of repelling fish having Lorenzini organs such as sharks SK and rays RY (see FIGS. 5, 7, etc.). ). The electronic device 10, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a housing 20, a hook , a circuit board 40, and an electric wire 50A.

[0045] Housing and Hook The housing 20 is, for example, a resin-made cylinder having a base with an opening 22 formed at one end. The housing 20 accommodates the circuit board 40 therein, and an electric wire 50A (details of which will be described later) connected to the circuit board 40 passes through the opening 22. The hook 30 is fixed to the end of the housing 20 opposite to the opening 22. The hook 30 has an opening/closing mechanism 32 that can be opened and closed, and is configured, for example, so that the fishing line FL (see FIG. 4) is passed through the opening/closing mechanism 32.

[0046] Circuit board FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the circuit board 40 included in the electronic device 10. The circuit board 40 has a printed wiring board 41, a converter 42, a power supply 43, a controller 44, a storage 45, a selecting switch 46, output terminals 47 and a power switch 48. These constitute an electric circuit as a whole. In this specification, the components other than the power switch 48 on the circuit board 40 are referred to as a generator 40A.

[0047] A circuit pattern (not shown) is printed on the printed wiring board 41. The converter 42, the power supply 43, the controller 44, the storage 45, the selecting switch 46, the output terminals 47 and the power switch 48 are mounted on the printed wiring board 41.

[0048] The converter 42 is electrically connected to the power supply 43 and the output terminals 47, and has a function of converting a DC voltage supplied from the power supply 43 into an AC voltage having an amplitude of less than OOV. The AC voltage converted by the converter 42 is output from the output terminals 47.

[0049] The power supply 43 is, for example, a battery detachable from the printed wiring board 41.

[0050] The controller 44 is electrically connected to the converter 42 and the storage , and a plurality of waveform patterns in which a DC voltage supplied from the power supply 43 is stored in the storage 45 (see FIGS. 3A to 3F). The converter 42 is controlled so as to be converted into an AC voltage having one of the waveform patterns. The plurality of waveform patterns mentioned above will be described later.

[0051] The storage 45 stores, as an AC voltage to be output from the output terminals 47, waveform patterns of AC voltages of a plurality of types of AC waves having different waveforms.

[0052] The selecting switch 46 is a switch for selecting one of the waveform patterns of AC voltages of a plurality of types of AC waves having different waveforms stored in the storage 45.

[0053]

The output terminals 47 have a first output terminal 47A for outputting an AC

voltage and a second output terminal 47B to which a reference voltage (OV) is applied. In FIG. 1, as an example, the electric wire 50A is connected to the first output terminal 47A, but the reverse is also possible.

[0054] The power switch 48 configures an electric circuit together with the generator A and the electric wire 50A to turn the output from the power supply 43 on and off. The power switch 48 is configured to supply a DC voltage from the power supply 43 when the first output terminal 47A and the second output terminal 47B are electrically connected via the seawater. Specifically, the power switch 48 has an electrical current sensor (not shown). When the first output terminal 47A and the second output terminal 47B are electrically connected to each other, the electrical current sensor detects a weak current flowing between the first output terminal 47A and the second output terminal 47B, thereby causing the power supply 43 to supply a DC voltage.

[0055] Next, a plurality of waveform patterns stored in the storage 45 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3F. FIGS. 3A-3F each show a diagram of one example of waveform patterns of a plurality of AC voltages.

[0056] Common point of all waveform patterns (pattern of output voltage vs. time) Each waveform pattern shows the waveform of the AC voltage applied to the first output terminal 47A with respect to the voltage of the second output terminal 47B to which the reference voltage (OV) is applied.

[0057] The common points of all waveform patterns are as follows: As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3F, each waveform pattern is a pattern that periodically changes polarity; As an example, the amplitude AP of each waveform pattern is set to be less than 100 V at maximum; and, As an example, the period T of each waveform pattern is set to 0.2s or more and 1O.Os or less.

[0058]

Singularity of each waveform pattern The unique points of each waveform pattern are as follows: The waveform pattern in FIG. 3A is a sine wave; The waveform pattern in FIG. 3B is a waveform pattern in which a first sine wave with a period TI and a second sine wave with a period T2 shorter than the period TI are alternately output; The waveform pattern in FIG. 3C is a waveform pattern in which a first sine wave with amplitude API and period TI and a second sine wave with amplitude AP2 smaller than amplitude API and period TI are alternately output; The waveform pattern in FIG. 3D is a rectangular wave with period T. The duty cycle of this rectangular wave is, for example, configured such that the positive polarity output time is longer than the negative polarity output time; The waveform pattern in FIG. 3E is a triangular wave with a period T; and, The waveform pattern in FIG. 3F is a waveform pattern in which a sine wave with period Ti and a triangular wave with period TI are alternately output.

[0059] Electrical wire The electric wire 50A is connected at its one end 50AI to the first output terminal 47A, as shown in FIG. 1. The length of the electric wire 50A is, for example, between 0.5m and 10m. In the case of the electronic device 10 in FIG. 1, an AC electric field is formed between the other end 50A2 of the electric wire 50A and the second output terminal 47B by applying an AC voltage from the converter 42. The above is the description of the configuration and functions of the electronic device 10 of this embodiment.

[0060] Usages Next, the usages of the electronic device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4, 5, etc.

[0061] The first example A first example of how to use the electronic device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a usage example when the electronic device 10 is used for sea fishing. In this case, the electronic device 10 is used by a sea fishing person (an angler (not shown)).

[0062] When a fish TN is hooked on the fish hook (not shown) of the fishing line FL connected to the fishing rod FR, the angler moves the hook 30 from the opening/closing mechanism 32 of the electronic device 10 to the inside of the hook 30.

[0063] The angler then lets go of the electronic device 10. As a result, the electronic device 10 sinks in the seawater SW due to its own weight. When the electronic device is submerged in the seawater SW, the electrical current sensor of the power switch 48 detects a weak current flowing between the first output terminal 47A and the second output terminal 47B, and a direct current is supplied from the power supply 43 to the converter 42. Along with this, the generator 40A is activated, and an AC waveform having a preset waveform pattern is output from the output terminals 47.

[0064] As a result, an alternating electric field, which has an amplitude AP being less than lO0V and a period T between 0.2s and 10.0s, is formed between the other end 50A2 of the electric wire 50A and the second output terminal 47B (in the vicinity of the fish hooked) in the seawater SW.

[0065] In this situation, when the angler winds up the line FL with a reel (not shown) and the shark SK approaches, aiming at the fish TN associated with the fish hook approaching sea surface SS, the Shark SK's Lorenzini organs detect an alternating electric field formed in the vicinity of fish TN by the electronic device 10. Then,the shark SK judges that it is not the electric field by the fish TN depending on the detected AC waveform, and moves away from the fish TN. That is, the electronic device 10 drives away the shark SK. The above is the explanation of the first example of usage.

[0066] The second example A second example of how to use the electronic device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a usage example when the electronic device 10 is used for walking in the seawater SW. In this case, a person who uses the electronic device 10 is, for example, a person who submerges the lower half of the body in the seawater SW and engages in sea fishing.

[0067] First, before entering the seawater SW, the angler holds the housing 20 by hooking the hook 30 near his waist, for example, and fixes the electric wire 50A to the right leg and the electric wire 50B to the left leg using bands 60. Specifically, the angler fixes one end 50A2 of the electric wire 50A to the right leg with a band 60A and the other end 50B2 of the electric wire 50B to the left leg with the band 60B. Then, when the angler enters the seawater SW, the electrical current sensor of the power switch 48 detects a weak current flowing between the first output terminal 47A and the second output terminal 47B, and a direct current is supplied from the power supply 43 to the converter 42. Along with this, the generator 40A is activated, and an AC waveform having a preset waveform pattern is output from the output terminals 47.

[0068] As a result, an alternating electric field, which has an amplitude AP less than 100V and a period T between 0.2s and 10.0s, is formed between the first end 50A2 of the electric wire 50A and the second end 50B2 of the electric wire 50B in the seawater

SW.

[0069] Then, the ray RY decides that it is not the electric field caused by a fish depending on the detected AC waveform, and moves away. In other words, the electronic device 10 drives away the ray RY.

[0070] The above is the explanation of the second example of usage. The above is the description of usages of the electronic device 10 of this embodiment.

[0071] Effects Next, the effects of the electronic device 10 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0072]

First effect In the shark repelling device disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document (JP2006-149275A), a DC voltage of 600V is applied to one of the first electrode and the second electrode. When a DC voltage of this magnitude is applied to one of the first electrode and the second electrode, it is difficult for the shark SK and ray RY around these electrodes to feel the electric field generated between these electrodes.

[0073] However, in the electronic device 10, the amplitude AP of the AC voltage to be output is set to less than 1OOV (for example, approximately 10V). As a result, the shark SK and the ray RY in the vicinity of the output terminals 47 are more likely to react with their Lorenzini organs. Also, humans and fishes having Lorenzini organs in the vicinity of the output terminals 47 will not be electrocuted.

[0074] Therefore, if the electronic device 10 of the present embodiment is used, the approaching shark SK or ray RY (that is, the fish having Lorenzini organs) can be driven away without electrocuting humans and fish having Lorenzini organs around it. (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0075] Second effect The electronic device 10 of this embodiment includes a power switch 48 that turns on and off the output from the power supply 43 that supplies power to the generator 40A (see FIG. 2). The power switch 48 is configured to supply a DC voltage from the power supply 43 when the first output terminal 47A and the second output terminal 47B are electrically connected via the seawater SW. The electronic device 10 is automatically turned off in the atmosphere and automatically turned on in the seawater SW.

[0076] Therefore, the electronic device 10 does not cause an electric shock to the user in the atmosphere. The electronic device 10 automatically starts operating in the usage environment.

[0077]

Third effect

The electronic device 10 of this embodiment includes a housing 20 having an opening 22 and a hook 30 fixed to the housing 20 having the opening 22 and an opening/closing mechanism 32, in addition to the circuit board 40 which is a basic configuration (see FIGS. 1 and 4).

[0078] Using these configurations, the electronic device 10 can be attached to the fishing line FL (see FIG. 4).

[0079] Therefore, the electronic device 10 of the present embodiment can reduce the possibility of the shark SK biting the fish TN caught by a person using the fishing rod FR.

[0080] Fourth effect In the second example of usage (see FIG. 5), the electric wire 50A is attached to the first output terminal 47A, and the electric wire 50B is attached to the second output terminal 47B.

[0081] For example, when an angler walks in the seawater SW while holding the housing 20 by hooking the hook 30 near his waist and fixing the electric wire 50A to the right leg and the electric wire 50B to the left leg using the bands 60, an AC electric field is formed in the vicinity of both legs of the angler (in the vicinity of the seabed SB).

[0082] In this case, the ray RY judges from the detected AC waveform that it is not an electric field caused by a fish, and moves away.

[0083] Therefore, according to the electronic device 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the possibility of an angler stepping on the ray RY on the seabed SB when walking in the seawater SW.

[0084] Fifth effect As described above, the electronic device 10 of the present embodiment can form an AC electric field in the seawater SW by outputting from the output terminals 47, for example, like the waveform pattern shown in FIG. 3B (a waveform pattern of a composite wave with two or more different periods T).

[0085] Here, it is said that sharks SK, rays RY, and other fishes that have Lorenzini organs respond to an electric field that is formed by vibrating the body of the fish that serves as their prey due to actions such as breathing.

[0086] So, they have a high possibility of determining that an unnatural electric field

is being formed in the case of outputting the waveform pattern shown in FIG. 3B, compared with the case of outputting the waveform pattern of the single sine wave

shown in FIG. 3A. Moreover, according to actual test research by the inventor, this tendency is observed.

[0087] Therefore, when outputting a waveform pattern of a composite wave with two or more different periods T, compared to when outputting an AC wave with a single period (a sine wave as an example), the approaching shark SK or ray RY (fish with Lorenzini organs) can be repelled (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0088] Sixth effect As described above, the electronic device 10 of this embodiment can form an AC electric field in the seawater SW, for example, like the waveform pattern shown in FIG. 3C, by a waveform pattern in which a first sine wave with an amplitude API and a second sine wave with an amplitude AP2 smaller than the amplitude API are alternately output (two or more different amplitudes AP) composite wave waveform pattern) is output from the output terminals 47.

[0089] Sharks SK and rays RY have a high possibility of determining that an unnatural electric field is being formed in the case of outputting the waveform pattern shown in FIG. 3C, compared with the case of outputting the waveform pattern of the single sine wave shown in FIG. 3A. Moreover, according to actual test research by the inventor, this tendency is observed.

[0090] Therefore, when outputting a waveform pattern of a composite wave with two or more different amplitudes AP, compared to outputting an AC wave of a single period (a sine wave as an example), the approaching shark SK or ray RY (fish with Lorenzini organs) can be repelled (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0091] Seventh effect As described above, the electronic device 10 of the present embodiment can form an alternating electric field in the seawater SW, for example, like the waveform pattern shown in FIG. 3F, by outputting a waveform pattern in which a sine wave with a period TI and a triangular wave with a period TI are alternately output (a waveform pattern of a composite wave of two or more different waveforms) from the output terminals 47.

[0092] Shark SK, ray RY, etc. are likely to be judged to have an unnatural electric field. In the case of outputting the waveform pattern shown in FIG. 3F. Moreover, according to actual test research by the inventor, this tendency is observed.

[0093] Therefore, by outputting a waveform pattern of a composite wave of two or more different waveforms, approaching sharks SK and rays RY (fishes having Lorenzini organs) are repelled (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0094] Eighth effect As described above, the electronic device 10 of this embodiment includes the selecting switch 46 (see FIG. 2). A user of the electronic device 10 can output the selected waveform pattern from the output terminals 47 by selecting one of the AC voltage waveform patterns of a plurality of types of AC waves having different waveforms stored in the storage 45 by operating the selecting switch 46.

[0095] It is said that the approaching sharks SK and Ray RY comprehensively judge the situation in the seawater by sight, smell, etc. in addition to Lorenzini organs. If the same waveform pattern is continuously output, it is thought that the shark SK and the ray RY become accustomed to the waveform pattern detected by Lorenzini organs (according to the inventor's test research, this tendency can be seen).

[0096] Therefore, by switching the waveform pattern using the electronic device 1, the user can repel sharks SK and rays RY (fishes having Lorenzini organs) in the long term.

[0097] The above is the description of the effects of the electronic device 10 of the present embodiment. Also, the above is the description of the electronic device 10 of the present embodiment.

[0098] Electric field barrier forming device Next, the electric field barrier forming apparatus 100 (see FIG. 6) of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings for its configuration and function, as well as its usage and its effects. The electric field barrier forming apparatus 100 is an application of the electronic device 10 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0099] Configuration and Function FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the electric field barrier forming apparatus 100 to which the electronic device 10 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is applied. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a usage example when the electric field barrier forming device 100 is used in a fish farming net FN. Furthermore, FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining another usage example when the electric field barrier forming device 100 is used in a fish farming net FN.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 6, the electric field barrier forming apparatus 100 includes a housing 110, an electronic device group 120, and a group controller 130. The electric field barrier forming apparatus 100 has a function of forming an electric field barrier by arranging the other ends 50A2 and 50B2 of the electric wires 50A and 50B in the seawater SW at predetermined intervals (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

[0101] Housing

As will be described later, the housing 110 accommodates therein a plurality of integrally constructed generators 40A and the group controller 130.

[0102] Electronic equipment group The electronic device group 120 is part of the electronic device 10 described above (hereinafter referred to as basic unit). In other words, the electronic device group 120 is composed of a plurality of basic units. Each basic unit includes the generator 40A and a pair of wires 50A, 50B connected to the generator 40A. In this embodiment, the plurality of generators 40A are configured integrally for convenience. Further, the other ends 50A2 and 50B2 of the plurality of electric wires 50A and 50B are arranged at predetermined intervals in the seawater SW (see FIGS. 6, 7 and 8).

[0103] Group controller The group controller 130 has a function of controlling the waveform of the AC voltage output from each generator 40A that constitutes the electronic device group 120.

[0104] Examples of specific control methods are as follows. First example The group controller 130 selects any one of the waveform patterns of FIGS. 3A to 3F, which is any one of the pluralities of waveform patterns stored in each storage , to be output to each basic unit. In this case, the waveform patterns output by each basic unit have respectively different phases. Group controller 130, for example, controls the phases of each of the other ends 50A2 and 50B2 of each basic unit so as to increase in order of arrangement in seawater.

[0105] Second example For example, the group controller 130 causes each basic unit to output different waveform patterns each other among the plurality of waveform patterns stored in each storage 45.

[0106] Third example The group controller 130 causes each basic unit to output two types of waveform patterns among the plurality of waveform patterns stored in each storage 45. In this case, the group controller 130 causes one of all the basic units to output one waveform pattern (for example, the waveform pattern in FIG. 3D), and causes all the remaining basic units to output another waveform pattern (the waveform pattern in FIG. 3A). Then, group controller 130 changes the basic unit that outputs the waveform pattern of FIG. 3D, for example, in the order in which the other ends 50A2 and 50B2 of each basic unit are arranged.

[0107] Fourth example The group controller 130 causes each basic unit to output two types of waveform patterns among the plurality of waveform patterns stored in each storage 45. In this case, the group controller 130 causes one of all the basic units to output one waveform pattern (for example, the waveform pattern in FIG. 3F), and causes all the remaining basic units to output another waveform pattern (the waveform pattern in FIG. 3D). Then, group controller 130 randomly changes the basic unit that outputs the waveform pattern of FIG. 3F, for example.

[0108] Fifth example The group controller 130 causes each basic unit to output a plurality of waveform patterns stored in each storage 45. In this case, group controller 130 changes the waveform pattern output by at least one of all the basic units at a predetermined timing. The determined timing may be a fixed period, or may be randomly changed timing such as 10s, 40s, 2s, 50s, and so on.

[0109] As described above, the group controller 130 controls at least one waveform and at least one phase among the waveforms of the AC voltages output by the generators A to have a waveform or phase different from other waveforms or phases.

[0110] The above is the description of the configuration and function of the electric field barrier forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment.

[0111] Usages and Effects Next, the usages and effect of the electric field barrier forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0112] First usage example and its effect The first usage example and its effect will be described with reference to FIG

6. For example, the electric field barrier forming device 100 is arranged in the seawater SW near a coast used as a beach (not shown) so as to partition the beach side and the distant seaside. Specifically, both the other ends 50A2 and 50B2 of the pair of electric wires 50 included in each electronic device 10 are arranged to overlap each other in the vertical direction in the seawater SW, and the other ends 50A2 and 50B2 of the plurality of pairs of electric wires 50 are arranged side by side in a cross direction crossing the vertical direction. Then, when each basic unit of the electric field barrier forming device 100 is controlled by the group controller 130 to output an AC voltage, in the seawater SW an electric field barrier for the alternating voltage (with an amplitude AP of less than 100V and a period T of 0.2s or more and 10.Os or less) is formed. Even if sharks SK approaches the fish TN in the vicinity of the electric field barrier, it judges that the detected AC waveform is not the electric field of the fish TN and moves away from the fish TN. As a result, the electric field barrier formed by the electric field barrier forming apparatus 100 drives off sharks SK.

[0113] Second usage example and its effect The second usage example and its effect will be described with reference to FIG

7. For example, the other ends 50A2 and 50B2 of the plurality of electric wires A and 50B are arranged so as to surround the entire circumference of the cylindrical fish farming net FN. Specifically, each of the other ends 50A2 is arranged in the vicinity of the upper end of the peripheral surface of the fish culture net FN over the entire circumference at predetermined intervals, and each of the other ends 50B2 is arranged in the vicinity of the lower end of the peripheral surface of fish culture net FN over the entire circumference at predetermined intervals. Then, when each basic unit of the electric field barrier forming device 100 is controlled by the group controller 130 to output an AC voltage, the AC voltage electric field barrier (amplitude AP is less than 100V and period T is between 0.2s and 10.0s) is formed on the peripheral surface of the fish farming net FN. Even if a shark SK approaches the fish TN in the vicinity of the electric field barrier, it judges that the detected AC waveform is not the electric field of the fish TN and moves away from the fish TN. As a result, the electric field barrier formed by the electric field barrier forming apparatus 100 drives off sharks SK.

[0114] Third usage example and its effect The third usage example and its effect will be described with reference to FIG

7. For example, all the other ends 50A2 of the plurality of electric wires 50A of each basic unit are placed in the center of the bottom surface (circle) of the cylindrical fish farming net FN, and the other ends 50B2 of the plurality of electric wires 50B are arranged at defined intervals along the circular periphery of the bottom surface. From another point of view, one other end 50A2 of each pair of electric wires 50 is arranged so as to converge at one point on the seawater SW, and the other ends 50B2 are separated from each other and placed so as to form a circumference outside the one point. Then, when each basic unit of the electric field barrier forming device 100 is controlled by the group controller 130 to output an AC voltage, the AC voltage electric field barrier (amplitude AP is less than 100V and period T is 0.2s or more and 10.Os or less) is formed on the bottom surface of the fish farming net FN. Even if sharks SK approaches the fish TN in the vicinity of the electric field barrier, it judges that the detected AC waveform is not the electric field of the fish TN and moves away from the fish TN. As a result, the electric field barrier formed by the electric field barrier forming apparatus 100 drives off sharks SK.

[0115] Supplement In addition, since the group controller 130 can set the output pattern of the electronic device group 120 as in the first to fifth examples of the control method described above, it is possible to drive away the sharks SK and the rays RY in the long term and drive away multiple species of sharks SK and rays RY. The above is the description of the usages and effects of the electric field barrier forming apparatus 100 of the present embodiment.

[0116] Multiple variants As described above, the present invention has been described by exemplifying the above-described embodiments, but it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the present invention also includes multiple modifications below.

[0117] For example, in the above description, the selecting switch 46 for selecting one of the AC voltage waveform patterns stored in the storage 45 is mounted on the printed wiring board 41 (see FIG. 2). However, as shown in FIG. 9, the selecting switch 46 may receive a wireless selection signal SN transmitted from an external wireless terminal RD to select one of a plurality of waveform patterns. According to this variant, a user on the sea or on land can remotely change the output of the electronic device 10. This variant may also be applied to the electric

field barrier forming apparatus 100.

[0118] Further, for example, in another variant, the selecting switch 46 may be modified to automatically select one of the pluralities of waveform patterns stored in the storage 45 according to the magnitude of the current detected by the electrical current sensor of the power switch 48. Here, the magnitude of the detected current is due to the temperature of the seawater SW. In general, the types of fish present in the seawater SW differ depending on the temperature of the seawater SW. Therefore, the temperature of the seawater SW is estimated from the detected current, the type of fish present is further estimated from the temperature of the seawater SW, and the output voltage is controlled so as to forming an AC electric field different from the electric field generated by the fish is formed. Such control of the output voltage can more effectively repel sharks SH and the like.

[0119] Further, in the electronic device 10 of the embodiment, the electric wire 50A is attached to the first output terminal 47A (see FIG. 1). However, even if the electric wires 50A and 50B are not attached to either the first output terminal 47A or the second output terminal 47B, the electric wire 50A is an essential component because a current can flow through both terminals in seawater SW. For example, the electronic device of this variant may be provided on a wrist (including a wristwatch) attached to the arm.

[0120] Further, for example, in the second example of usage of the electronic device , it is assumed that the person using the electronic device 10 is an angler who submerges the lower half of the body in the seawater SW (see FIG. 5). However, the person using the electronic device 10 may be, for example, a surfer or the like.

[0121] Further, for example, in the electric field barrier forming apparatus 100

described above, the second example (see FIG. 7) and the third example (see FIG. 8) have been separately described. However, these combinations may be variations of the electric field barrier device 100.

[0122] Further, for example, in the electric field barrier forming apparatus 100 described above, the other ends 50A2 and 50B2 of the plurality of electric wires 50A and 50B are arranged to surround the entire circumference of the fish farming net FN. However, multiple wires 50A, 50B may be part of the fish farming net FN.

[0123] The electric wire 50A may be as shown in FIG. 10. The coil 52A (the solenoid 52A) is formed in a part of the electric wire 50A. Although the number of turns N of coil 52A is 4 in FIG. 10, this is only an example. The electric wire 50A is, for example, a string-like member that is elastically deformable in the seawater SW. Since the coil 52A is formed on the electric wire 50A, an alternating magnetic field (a magnetic field different from the magnetic field generated by the earth) synchronized with the alternating current I is formed around the coil 52A according to the right-hand screw rule (Fig. 11). Since the electric wire 50A is a string-like member that can be elastically deformed in the seawater SW, the axial direction of the magnetic field around the coil 52A is changed by moving in the seawater SW. As a result, the shark SK and ray RY

in the vicinity of the coil 52A detect the generated alternating magnetic field by Lorenzini organs, causing confusion in judgment of the magnetic field received from the earth.

Also, two or more coils 52A may be formed in a part of the electric wire 50A. FIG. 12 shows an example in which two coils 52A are formed. Furthermore, as shown in FIGs. 12 and 13, the electronic device of this modification may be applied to the electric field barrier forming device of FIGs. 6 to 8 to form a magnetic field barrier forming device.

Claims (11)

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An electronic device for repelling fish with Lorenzini organs, comprising: a generator having a power supply and output terminals including a first output terminal and a second output terminal, for converting a DC voltage supplied from the power supply to an AC voltage having an amplitude of less than 100V and outputting the AC voltage from the output terminals; at least one electric wire, one or each of which is connected to one or both of the first output terminal and the second output terminal; and, a power switch that forms an electric circuit together with the generator and the at least one electric wire to turn on and off the output from the power supply, and that causes the power supply to supply a DC voltage when the first output terminal and the second output terminal are electrically connected via seawater, wherein a waveform pattern of the AC voltage output from the output terminals by the generator is a composite wave pattern obtained by superimposing a plurality of types of AC waveforms, and is any one of (1) a first waveform pattern in which a unit wave having a first period and a unit wave having a second period shorter than the first period are alternately output; (2) a second waveform pattern in which a first amplitude unit wave and a second amplitude unit wave having an amplitude smaller than the first amplitude unit wave are alternately output; and, (3) a third waveform pattern in which a unit wave of the first waveform and a second unit wave of a different unit wave from the unit wave of the first waveform are alternately output.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one electric wire is two electric wires each having one end connected to the first output terminal and another end connected to the second output terminal, and each of the two electric wires is configured to be attached to each of both human legs.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising: a housing having an opening, wherein the housing accommodates the generator and the power switch therein, and wherein the at least one electric wire passes through the opening; and, a hook fixed to the housing and that passes through a fishing line.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the generator further comprises: a storage that stores a plurality of patterns of AC voltage, which are output from the output terminals, and which have different waveforms; and, a selecting switch for selecting one of the plurality of patterns of AC voltage stored in the storage.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the selecting switch is capable of receiving a wireless selective signal from the outside and selecting one of the plurality of patterns of AC voltage.

6. The electronic device according to claim 4, wherein the power switch has an electrical current sensor, and is configured to supply a DC voltage from the power supply when the electrical current sensor detects an electrical current flowing between the first output terminal and the second output terminal; and the selecting switch selects one of the plurality of patterns of AC voltage stored in the storage according to the magnitude of the electrical current detected by the electrical current sensor.

7. An electric field barrier forming device for forming an electric field barrier for repelling fish having Lorenzini organs, the electric field barrier forming device comprising: an electronic device group comprising a plurality of electronic devices, each of which is the electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: (1) the at least one electric wire of each electronic device is a pair of electric wires each having one end connected to each of the first output terminal and the second output terminal; (2) both the other ends of the plurality of pairs of electric wires are respectively arranged along a vertical or substantially vertical direction in the seawater; and (3) all the other ends of the plurality of pairs of electric wires are arranged side by side in a direction crossing the vertical or substantially vertical direction; and, a group controller that controls waveforms of AC voltages output from generators ofthe plurality ofelectronic devices, wherein the group controller controls at least one waveform and at least one phase among the waveforms of each AC voltage output by each generator to a waveform or phase different from other waveforms or phases.

8. An electric field barrier forming device for forming an electric field barrier for repelling fish having Lorenzini organs, the electric field barrier forming device comprising: an electronic device group comprising a plurality of electronic devices, each of which is the electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: (1) the at least one electric wire of each electronic device is a pair of electric wires each having one end connected to each of the first output terminal and the second output terminal; (2) the other ends of the plurality of electric wires connected to either one of the first output terminal and the second output terminal are arranged so as to gather at one point in the seawater, and the other ends of the plurality of electric wires connected to the other of the first output terminal and the second output terminal are arranged apart from each other so as to form a circumference outside the one point; and, a group controller that controls waveforms of AC voltages output from generators ofthe plurality ofelectronic devices, wherein the group controller controls at least one waveform and at least one phase among the waveforms of the AC voltages output from each generator to a waveform or phase different from other waveforms or phases.

9. An electronic device for repelling fish with Lorenzini organs, comprising: a generator having a power supply and output terminals including a first output terminal and a second output terminal, for converting a DC voltage supplied from the power supply to an AC voltage and outputting the AC voltage from the output terminals; at least one electric wire, one or each of which is connected to one or both of the first output terminal and the second output terminal, and at least one or more coils are formed; and, a power switch that forms an electric circuit together with the generator and the at least one electric wire to turn on and off the output from the power supply, and that causes the power supply to supply a DC voltage when the first output terminal and the second output terminal are electrically connected via the seawater.

10. A magnetic field barrier forming device for forming a magnetic field barrier for repelling fish having Lorenzini organs, the magnetic field barrier forming device comprising: an electronic device group comprising a plurality of electronic devices, each of which is the electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: (1) the at least one electric wire of each electronic device is a pair of electric wires each having one end connected to each of the first output terminal and the second output terminal; (2) both the other ends of the plurality of pairs of electric wires are respectively arranged along a vertical or substantially vertical direction in the seawater; and (3) all the other ends of the plurality of pairs of electric wires are arranged side by side in a direction crossing the vertical or substantially vertical direction; and, a group controller that controls waveforms of AC voltages output from generators ofthe plurality ofelectronic devices.

11. A magnetic field barrier forming device for forming a magnetic field barrier for repelling fish having Lorenzini organs, the magnetic field barrier forming device comprising: an electronic device group comprising a plurality of electronic devices, each of which is the electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: (1) the at least one electric wire of each electronic device is a pair of electric wires each having one end connected to each of the first output terminal and the second output terminal; (2) the other ends of the plurality of electric wires connected to either one of the first output terminal and the second output terminal are arranged so as to gather at one point in the seawater, and the other ends of the plurality of electric wires connected to the other of the first output terminal and the second output terminal are arranged apart from each other so as to form a circumference outside the one point; and, a group controller that controls waveforms of AC voltages output from generators ofthe plurality ofelectronic devices.