WO2016038249A1

WO2016038249A1 - A sensor device for providing marine vessel data

Info

Publication number: WO2016038249A1
Application number: PCT/FI2015/050586
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jussi PYÖRRE; Pyry Åvist
Original assignee: Eniram Oy
Current assignee: Wartsila Finland Oy
Priority date: 2014-09-08
Filing date: 2015-09-08
Publication date: 2016-03-17
Anticipated expiration: 2017-03-08
Also published as: CN107076625A; EP2993116B1; KR101828758B1; JP2017527494A; CA2960431C; JP6190088B1; KR20170080573A; SG11201701811UA; US20170247086A1; EP2993116A1; CA2960431A1; US10081410B2

Abstract

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a sensor device (100A) for providing marine vessel data of a marine vessel without integration to the marine vessel's information systems. The sensor device (100A) comprises a receiver (106) configured to receive at least position and time information relating to the marine vessel; at least one sensor (104) configured to measure marine vessel performance data, the at least one sensor (104) being able to measure the marine vessel performance data when the sensor device (100A) is affixed to the hull structure of the marine vessel; and at least one processor (102) configured to perform frequency analysis of the measured marine vessel performance data and to generate marine vessel data based on the received at least position and time information and the frequency analyzed marine vessel performance data.

Description

A SENSOR DEVICE FOR PROVIDING MARINE VESSEL DATA

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a sensor device for providing marine vessel data.

BACKGROUND

Fuel efficiency is an important factor when operating marine vessels. Only a slight reduction in fuel consumption, for example 1-2%, may produce a sig- nificant monetary reduction in operating costs of a marine vessel. Thus, there is a constant challenge to operate the marine vessel with as low costs as possi^¬ ble in terms of fuel efficiency.

There are several parameters that have an ef- feet on the total fuel efficiency of a marine vessel, for example, speed through water, speed over ground, draught, trim, propeller efficiency, wind direction and velocity, and significant wave height and direc^¬ tion. Most of these parameters are such that they can be somehow measured by the marine vessel itself and that the marine vessel's information systems have this information available. Further, some parameters may require a separate sensor or sensors to be installed in order to be able to record the parameter values. For example, to measure RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) of a propeller, it may be necessary to install a sensor to the propeller shaft or the main engine if the marine vessel cannot provide the RPM information oth^¬ erwise .

If there is a desire to perform a more de^¬ tailed analysis of some or all of these parameters when analyzing, for example, fuel efficiency of a ma^¬ rine vessel, typically one has to have an access to the marine vessel's information systems in order to access the necessary pieces of information. Additionally, as discussed above, it may also be necessary to install new sensors to have the necessary information available .

Integration to the systems of a marine ves^¬ sel, in order to have access to desired parameters of the marine vessel, is a complicated and time consuming task. Since systems of marine vessels usually differ from each other, the integration task is usually also vessel-specific. This means that for each marine ves^¬ sel, the marine vessel has to be inspected thoroughly in order to be able to determine how the integration can be done and what needs to be done. The integration task also requires specific skills from the people im^¬ plementing the integration or even a third party service engineer to visit the ship.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a sensor device for providing marine vessel data of a marine vessel. The sensor device com- prises a receiver for receiving automatic identifica^¬ tion system data sent by the marine vessel; at least one sensor for measuring marine vessel performance da^¬ ta, the at least one sensor being able to measure the marine vessel performance data when the sensor device is affixed to the hull structure of the marine vessel; and a processor for generating marine vessel data based on the received automatic identification system data and the marine vessel performance data, the ma^¬ rine vessel data comprising data relating to the ma- rine vessel performance data measured by the at least one sensor and at least part of the received automatic identification system data.

In one example, the sensor device comprises at least one memory for storing the generated marine vessel data.

In one example, the sensor device comprises a data interface, wherein the at least one processor is arranged to transmit the generated marine vessel data via the data interface to an external device. The data interface may be a wireless transmitter, a wireless transceiver or a port.

In one example, the at least one sensor for measuring marine vessel performance data comprises an acceleration sensor operable to measure vibrations of the hull structure and/or motions of the marine ves^¬ sel .

In one example, the at least one sensor for measuring marine vessel performance data comprises at least one gyroscope operable to measure motions of the marine vessel.

In one example, the at least one sensor for measuring marine vessel performance data comprises at least one inclinometer operable to measure inclination of the marine vessel.

In one example, the sensor device comprises the processor that is configured to analyze the marine vessel performance data measured by at least one sen^¬ sor, and to prepare the data relating to the marine vessel performance data in response to the analysis.

In one example, the sensor device comprises an antenna for receiving a wireless transmission com- prising the automatic identification system data.

In one example, the receiver is configured to receive the automatic identification system data from an antenna external to the sensor device.

In one example, the generated marine vessel data comprises marine vessel performance data measured by the at least one sensor and the received automatic identification system data.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for providing marine vessel data of a marine vessel with a sensor device. The method comprises receiving, with a receiver, automatic identification system data sent by the marine vessel; measuring, with at least one sensor of the sensor device, marine vessel performance data, the at least one sensor being able to measure the marine vessel perfor^¬ mance data when the sensor device is affixed to the hull structure of the marine vessel; and generating, with at least one processor, marine vessel data based on the received automatic identification system data and marine vessel performance data, the marine vessel data comprising data relating to the marine vessel performance data measured by the at least one sensor and at least part of the received automatic identifi^¬ cation system data.

In one example, the method comprises storing the generated marine vessel data in at least one memory of the sensor device.

In one example, the method comprises causing transmission of the generated marine vessel data to an external device via a data interface.

In one example, the method further comprises analyzing the marine vessel performance data measured by at least one sensor, and preparing the data relat- ing to the marine vessel performance data in response to the analysis. In one example, the generated marine vessel data comprises marine vessel performance data measured by the at least one sensor and the received automatic identification system data.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program comprising program code instructions, which when executed by a pro^¬ cessing unit, perform the following: causing receipt of automatic identification system data sent by a ma- rine vessel; causing measurement, with at least one sensor, of marine vessel performance data, the at least one sensor being able to measure the marine ves^¬ sel performance data when the sensor device is affixed to the hull structure of the marine vessel; and gener- ating marine vessel data based on the received auto^¬ matic identification system data and marine vessel performance data, the marine vessel data comprising data relating to the marine vessel performance data measured by the at least one sensor and at least part of the received automatic identification system data.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a sensor device for providing marine vessel data of a marine vessel. The sensor device com^¬ prises a receiver for receiving automatic identifica- tion system data sent by the marine vessel; at least one sensor for measuring marine vessel performance da^¬ ta; and at least one processor for generating marine vessel data based on the received automatic identifi^¬ cation system data and the marine vessel performance data, the marine vessel data comprising data relating to the marine vessel performance data measured by the at least one sensor and at least part of the received automatic identification system data.

In one example, the generated marine vessel data comprises marine vessel performance data measured by the at least one sensor and the received automatic identification system data. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a sensor device for providing marine vessel data of a marine vessel without integration to the marine vessel's information systems. The sensor device comprises a receiver configured to receive at least position and time information relating to the marine vessel, at least one sensor configured to meas^¬ ure marine vessel performance data, the at least one sensor being able to measure the marine vessel perfor- mance data when the sensor device is affixed to the hull structure of the marine vessel, and at least one processor configured to perform frequency analysis of the measured marine vessel performance data and to generate marine vessel data based on the received at least position and time information and the frequency analyzed marine vessel performance data.

In one example, the receiver is configured to receive automatic identification system data sent by the marine vessel, and wherein the at least one pro- cessor is configured to generate the marine vessel da^¬ ta based on the received automatic identification sys^¬ tem data and the frequency analyzed marine vessel per^¬ formance data.

In one example, the sensor device further comprises at least one memory configured to store the generated marine vessel data.

In one example, the sensor device further comprises a data interface, wherein the at least one processor is configured to transmit the generated ma- rine vessel data via the data interface to an external device. In one example, the data interface is a wire^¬ less transmitter, a wireless transceiver or a port.

In one example, the at least one sensor con^¬ figured to measure marine vessel performance data com- prises an acceleration sensor operable to measure vi^¬ brations of the hull structure and/or motions of the marine vessel. In one example, the at least one sensor con^¬ figured to measure marine vessel performance data com^¬ prises at least one gyroscope operable to measure mo^¬ tions of the marine vessel.

In one example, the at least one sensor con^¬ figured to measure marine vessel performance data com^¬ prises at least one inclinometer operable to measure inclination of the marine vessel.

In one example, the at least one processor is configured to analyze the signals measured by at least one of the accelerometer, inclinometer or gyroscope to identify the fundamental frequency in the signals in order to determine speed of rotation of a propeller of the marine vessel or of the main engine.

In one example, the at least one processor is configured to analyze the signals measured by at least one of the accelerometer, gyroscope or inclinometer to identify the main components of the frequency spectrum of the signals by applying a dimensionality reduction method.

In one example, the marine vessel data com^¬ prises at least one of the following marine vessel pa^¬ rameters: time, position, speed over ground, course over ground, true heading, rate of turn, estimated time of arrival, draft, trim, list, pitching, surging, rolling, swaying, yawing, heaving, vibrations in three dimensions, and propeller or engine revolutions per minute .

In one example, the at least one processor is configured to automatically calibrate the inclinometer by mathematically turning the inclinometer to the right position based on the speed over ground, time, pitch and roll information.

In one example, the at least one processor is configured to determine an optimized trim value based on the trim, the draft and the speed over ground in^¬ formation . In one example, the at least one processor is configured to determine an optimized speed over ground value based on the speed over ground, draft and the propeller or engine revolutions per minute.

In one example, the at least one processor is configured to determine the amount of propeller slip based on the speed over ground and the propeller or engine revolutions per minute.

According to another aspect, there is provid- ed a method providing marine vessel data of a marine vessel with a sensor device without integration to the marine vessel's information systems. The method com^¬ prises receiving, with a receiver, at least position and time information relating to the marine vessel, measuring, with at least one sensor of the sensor device, marine vessel performance data, the at least one sensor being able to measure the marine vessel perfor^¬ mance data when the sensor device is affixed to the hull structure of the marine vessel, performing, with at least one processor, frequency analysis of the measured marine vessel performance data, and generat^¬ ing, with the at least one processor, marine vessel data based on the received at least position and time information and the frequency analyzed marine vessel performance data.

In one example, the receiving comprises re^¬ ceiving automatic identification system data sent by the marine vessel, and generating the marine vessel data based on the received automatic identification system data and the frequency analyzed marine vessel performance data.

In one example, the method further comprises storing the generated marine vessel data in at least one memory of the sensor device.

In one example, the method further comprises causing transmission of the generated marine vessel data to an external device via a data interface. In one example, the at least one sensor for measuring marine vessel performance data comprises an acceleration sensor operable to measure vibrations of the hull structure and/or motions of the marine ves- sel .

In one example, the method further comprises analyzing the signals measured by at least one of the accelerometer, inclinometer or gyroscope to identify the fundamental frequency in the signals in order to determine speed of rotation of a propeller of the ma^¬ rine vessel or of the main engine.

In one example, the method further comprises analyzing the signals measured by at least one of the accelerometer, gyroscope or inclinometer to identify the main components of the frequency spectrum of the signals by applying a dimensionality reduction method.

In one example, the method further comprises determining an optimized the speed over ground value based on the speed over ground, draft and the propel^¬ ler or engine revolutions per minute. In one example, the method further comprises determining the amount of propeller slip based on the speed over ground and the propeller or engine revolu^¬ tions per minute.

In one example, the method further comprises automatically calibrating the inclinometer by mathe^¬ matically turning the inclinometer to the right posi^¬ tion based on the speed over ground, time, pitch and roll information.

In one example, the method further comprises determining an optimized trim value based on the trim, draft and speed over ground information.

According to another aspect, there is provid^¬ ed a computer program comprising program code instruc- tions, which when executed by a processing unit, per^¬ form the following: causing receipt of at least posi^¬ tion and time information relating to the marine vessel, causing measurement, with at least one sensor, of marine vessel performance data, the at least one sen- sor being able to measure the marine vessel perfor^¬ mance data when the sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) is affixed to the hull structure of the marine vessel, performing frequency analysis of the measured marine vessel performance data, and generating marine vessel data based on the received at least position and time information and the frequency analyzed marine vessel performance data

It is also possible to combine one or more of the above examples to form a further example of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and constitute a part of this specification, illus^¬ trate embodiments of the invention and together with the description help to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1A is a block diagram illustrating a sensor device according to one example;

Figure IB is a block diagram illustrating a sensor device according to another example;

Figure 1C is a block diagram illustrating a sensor device according to another example;

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a sensor device according to another example; and

Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a method according to one example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1A is a block diagram illustrating a sensor device 100A according to one example of the in^¬ vention. The sensor device 100A comprises a processing unit 102, a sensor or sensors 104 for measuring marine vessel performance data and position and time deter- mining means 106 for acquiring position and time information for the marine vessel connected to the pro^¬ cessing unit 102. In this example, the satellite posi^¬ tioning means 106 comprise for example, Global Posi^¬ tioning System (GPS) . The sensor or sensors 104 is/are able to measure the marine vessel performance data when the sensor device is affixed to the hull struc^¬ ture of the marine vessel. For example, bolting, glu^¬ ing or any other way for affixing the sensor device 100A to the hull structure may be used. In other words, since the sensor device 100A is firmly attached to the hull structure, there is no relative motion be^¬ tween the sensor device 100A and the hull structure, and thus the sensor or sensors 104 sense the motions and vibrations of the marine vessel via the hull structure.

The processing unit 102 is configured to gen^¬ erate marine vessel data. The marine vessel data com- prises data relating to the marine vessel performance data measured by the at least one sensor and data re^¬ ceived with the satellite positioning means 106. In another example, the processing unit 102 is configured to perform frequency analysis of the measured marine vessel performance data and to generate marine vessel data based on the received at least position and time information and the frequency analyzed marine vessel performance data. When frequency analysis is performed by the sensor device, the amount of data to be trans^¬ mitted outside the sensor device is reduced. The data received with the satellite positioning means 106 com^¬ prises, for example, position and time information of the marine vessel. The data relating to the marine vessel performance data measured by the at least one sensor may comprise measured data values as they were measured and/or data after processing at least some of the measured data values first. In another example, the sensor device has a clock and time information is taken from the clock. The marine vessel data may be stored on a memory 112 connected to the processing unit 102. It is evident that the sensor device may store a set of marine vessel data on the memory 112 and it is thus possible to determine changes in vari- ous marine vessel specific parameters by analyzing the set of marine vessel data.

The sensor device 100A may comprise also a data interface 108 connected to the processing unit 102. The data interface 108 may be configured to transmit, for further analysis, the marine vessel data stored in the memory 112. The data interface 108 is, for example, a wireless transmitter or a wireless transceiver (for example, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) transceiver or any mobile or cellular communi- cation network transceiver (for example, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) , Long Term Evolution (LTE) etc.) or a local data transmission port (for example, Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB) etc.) .

The memory 112 may also store information identifying the marine vessel. This information may have been preconfigured to the sensor device 100A.

In another example, the sensor device 100A may not comprise the memory 112. Instead, the pro^¬ cessing unit 102 transmits the marine vessel data di^¬ rectly to the data interface 108 without storing.

Figure IB is a block diagram illustrating a sensor device 100B according to another example of the invention. The sensor device 100B comprises a pro^¬ cessing unit 120, a sensor or sensors 124 sensor for measuring marine vessel performance data, and an auto- matic identification system (AIS) receiver 126 for receiving a wireless transmission comprising automatic identification system data from the marine vessel. The AIS receiver 126 may include an antenna configured to receive the automatic identification system data or the sensor device 100B may include an antenna config^¬ ured to receive the automatic identification system data. In another example, the AIS receiver 126 is con^¬ figured to receive the automatic identification system data from an antenna external to the sensor device 100B.

The processing unit 120 is configured to gen^¬ erate marine vessel data based on the received auto^¬ matic identification system data and marine vessel performance data. The marine vessel data comprises da- ta relating to the marine vessel performance data measured by the at least one sensor and at least part of the received automatic identification system data. The at least part of the received automatic identifi^¬ cation system data comprises, for example, position and time information of the marine vessel. In another example, the sensor device 100B has a clock and time information is taken from the clock. The marine vessel data may also comprise information identifying the ma^¬ rine vessel (for example, International Maritime Or^¬ ganization (IMO) ship identification number or Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)). This identifying information may be taken from the automatic identifi^¬ cation system signal. The data relating to the marine vessel performance data measured by the at least one sensor may comprise measured data values as they were measured and/or data after processing at least some of the measured data values first.

The sensor device 100B may comprise also a data interface 128 connected to the processing unit 120. The processing unit 120 is configured to transmit via the data interface 128 the generated marine vessel data. The data interface 128 is, for example, a wire^¬ less transmitter or a wireless transceiver (for example, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) transceiver or any mobile or cellular communication network transceiver (for example, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) , Long Term Evolution (LTE) etc.) or a local data transmission port (for example, Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB) etc.).

The sensor device 100B may also store infor^¬ mation identifying the marine vessel. This may have been preconfigured to the sensor device 100B. Since the automatic identification system data identifies the marine vessel to which the received data relates to, the sensor device 100B is thus able to make sure that the received automatic identification system data relates to the marine vessel to which the sensor de^¬ vice is affixed. One possibility for identifying the correct marine vessel is to use, for example, signal strength of the AIS signal. The strongest AIS signal relates to the marine vessel to which the sensor de- vice is attached. Yet another possibility is to com^¬ pare the acceleration signal from the acceleration sensor to the data indicating vessel movements in the AIS signals and to determine the correct AIS signal based on the comparison.

The sensor or sensors 124 is/are able to measure the marine vessel performance data when the sensor device is affixed to the hull structure of the marine vessel. For example, bolting, gluing or any other way for affixing or attaching the sensor device 100B to the hull structure may be used. In other words, since the sensor device 100B is firmly attached to the hull structure, there is no relative motion be^¬ tween the sensor device 100B and the hull structure, and thus the sensor or sensors 124 sense the motions and vibrations of marine vessel via the hull struc^¬ ture .

The AIS receiver 126 may receive a wireless transmission comprising an AIS signal from the same marine vessel to which the sensor device 100B is af^¬ fixed. The sensor device 100B may beforehand store in^¬ formation identifying the marine vessel (for example, International Maritime Organization (IMO) ship identi^¬ fication number or Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)) so that it is able to determine that the AIS signal relates to the marine vessel to which it is af^¬ fixed. The AIS signal includes several pieces of in- formation relating to the marine vessel, for example, the vessel's identity, type, position, course, speed, navigational status and other safety-related infor^¬ mation. The sensor device 100B may transmit via the data interface 128 the AIS signal as it was received (in other words, every piece of information contained in the AIS signal) . In another example, the sensor de^¬ vice 100B may select a subset of information included in the AIS signal to be included in the marine vessel data. In one example, the subset includes at least po- sition and time information of the marine vessel.

Figure 1C is a block diagram illustrating a sensor device lOOC according to another example of the invention. The sensor device lOOC of Figure 1C differs from the sensor device 100B of Figure IB that it com^¬ prises also at least one memory 122 connected to the processing unit 120 for storing the marine vessel data generated by the processing unit 120. The memory 122 may act as a cache memory or a long-term memory to which the processing unit 120 stores the marine vessel data before it is later transmitted to an external de^¬ vice via the data interface 128. The memory 122 may be a volatile or non-volatile memory. If the memory 122 is volatile, the marine vessel data remains stored in the memory 122, for example, until the sensor device lOOC is switched off. If the memory 122 is non^¬ volatile, the marine vessel data remains stored in the memory 122 even if the sensor device lOOC is switched off. Thus, in the example of Figure 1C, the processing unit 120 may not instantly transmit the marine vessel data via the data interface 128 but the marine vessel data is stored on the memory 122. If the memory 122 is non-volatile, the sensor device lOOC may store there data relating to a longer time period, for example, several hours or days and only later transmit the stored data.

Normally the AIS signal is intended to assist a vessel's watchstanding officers to track and monitor movements of other vessels and also allow maritime au^¬ thorities to track and monitor movements of vessels. It also identifies and locates vessels by electroni^¬ cally exchanging data with other nearby ships. In the example disclosed in Figure IB and 1C, the AIS signal is received by a sensor device installed in a vessel that is sending the AIS signal. This makes it possible for the sensor device to link the AIS signal with oth^¬ er marine vessel performance data measured by the sen- sor or sensors 124. Since the sensor device 100B has the information included in the AIS signal and meas^¬ urements from one or more sensors, there is no need to make the traditional integration tasks to the marine vessel's information systems. The AIS signal sent by the marine vessel to the sensor device is a strong signal. Therefore, it may not be necessary to install a separate antenna in order to be able to receive the AIS signal. This makes the installation of the sensor device simpler and quicker. Therefore, in one example, it is possible to install the sensor device 100B in^¬ cluding only an internal antenna inside a marine ves- sel because the AIS signal leaks to the interior of the marine vessel via various existing cables.

The data interface 108 and 128 disclosed in Figures 1A, IB and 1C may be a wireless using any suitable radio frequency or frequencies to transmit information to external entities. The wireless trans^¬ mitter may be a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) transmitter or a transmitter that is able to transmit data via any mobile communication network. Alternatively, the transmitter 108, 128 may be a transmitter transmitting information via a wired connection, for example, an Ethernet port, Universal Serial Port (USB) or via any other local interface.

In another example, the data interface 108, 128 may refer to a transceiver that is able to receive and transmit information (for example, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) transceiver or any mobile or cellular communication network transceiver (for example, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) , Long Term Evolution (LTE) etc.) . The data interface 108, 128 may receive a request for marine vessel data stored in the memory. In response to the request the processing unit 102, 120 may be configured to cause the data interface 108, 128 to transmit the marine vessel data. This means that an external entity is able to request or download information from the sen^¬ sor device 100A, 100B, lOOC while the sensor device 100A, 100B, lOOC is operational and in use in a marine vessel .

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a sensor device 200 according to another example. The sensor device 200 comprises a processing unit 202, a sensor or sensors 204 sensor for measuring marine vessel performance data, and a receiver 208 for receiving at least position and time information relating to the marine vessel. The receiver 208 may refer to satellite positioning means, for example, Global Positioning System (GPS) . In another example, the receiver 208 is an AIS receiver for receiving a wireless transmission comprising automatic identification system (AIS) data from the marine vessel. The receiver 208 may include an antenna configured to receive the automatic identi^¬ fication system data or the sensor device 200 may include an antenna configured to receive the automatic identification system data.

The sensor device 200 comprises also a pro- cessing unit 202 configured to generate marine vessel data. If the receiver 208 is an AIS receiver, the ma^¬ rine vessel data comprises data relating to the marine vessel performance data measured by the at least one sensor and at least part of the received automatic identification system data. The data relating to the marine vessel performance data measured by the at least one sensor may comprise measured data values as they were measured and/or data after processing at least some of the measured data values first. In one example, the at least part of the received automatic identification system data comprises at least position and time information of the marine vessel. In other words, position information and possibly also time in^¬ formation is taken from the AIS signal. If the receiv- er 208 refers to satellite positioning means, the ma^¬ rine vessel data comprises data relating to the marine vessel performance data measured by the at least one sensor and at least position and time information of the marine vessel. The time and position information is provided by signals received by the satellite posi^¬ tioning receiver 208. The data relating to the marine vessel performance data measured by the at least one sensor may comprise measured data values as they were measured and/or data after processing at least some of the measured data values first.

The sensor or sensors 204 is/are able to measure the marine vessel performance data when the sensor device is affixed to the hull structure of the marine vessel. For example, bolting, gluing or any other way for affixing the sensor device 200 to the hull structure may be used. In other words, since the sensor device 200 is firmly attached to the hull structure, there is no relative motion between the sensor device 200 and the hull structure, and thus the sensor or sensors 204 sense the motions and vibrations of marine vessel via the hull structure.

If the receiver 208 is an AIS receiver, the

AIS receiver may receive a wireless transmission comprising an AIS signal from the same marine vessel to which the sensor device 200 is affixed. The sensor de^¬ vice 200 may beforehand store information identifying the marine vessel (for example, International Maritime Organization (IMO) ship identification number or Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)) so that it is able to determine that the AIS signal relates to the marine vessel to which it is affixed. The AIS signal includes several pieces of information relating to the marine vessel, for example, the vessel's identity, type, position, course, speed, navigational status and other safety-related information.

Normally the AIS signal is intended to assist a vessel's watchstanding officers to track and monitor movements of other vessels and also allow maritime au^¬ thorities to track and monitor movements of vessels. It also identifies and locates vessels by electroni^¬ cally exchanging data with other nearby ships. In the example disclosed in Figure 2, the AIS signal is re^¬ ceived by a sensor device installed in a vessel that is sending the AIS signal. This makes it possible for the sensor device to link the AIS signal with other marine vessel performance data measured by the sensor or sensors 204. Since the sensor device 200 has the information included in the AIS signal and measure- ments from one or more sensors, there is no need to make the traditional integration tasks to the marine vessel's information systems. The AIS signal sent by the marine vessel to the sensor device is a strong signal. Therefore, it may not be necessary to install a separate antenna in order to be able to receive the AIS signal. This makes the installation of the sensor device simpler and quicker. Therefore, in one example, it is possible to install the sensor device 200 in^¬ cluding only an internal antenna inside a marine ves- sel because the AIS signal leaks to the interior of the marine vessel via various existing cables.

Although not disclosed in Figures 1A, IB, 1C and 2, the sensor devices 100A, 100B, lOOC, 200 may comprise powering means for providing operating power to the device. The powering means may refer to an in^¬ ternal battery or to an interface that receives oper^¬ ating power from an external source.

Figures 1A, IB, 1C and 2 illustrate examples where no integration is required to the vessel's sys- terns in order to have marine vessel performance data available for further analysis. This generates signif^¬ icant cost savings since no vessel-specific integra^¬ tion tasks need to be performed. The earlier required integration to the vessel's systems also required careful planning and trained and skilled persons to perform the integration tasks. With the solution disclosed in Figures 1A, IB, 1C and 2, installation of the sensor device can be performed by a person who need not have profound understanding of the marine vessel's information systems.

The sensor device 100A, 100B, lOOC and 200 disclosed in Figures 1A, IB, 1C and 2 may include at least one accelerometer or three-dimensional accel- erometer. Since the sensor device is affixed to the hull of the marine vessel, the accelerometer is able to sense vibrations in the hull. From the vibrations from the hull sensed by the accelerometer, it is pos^¬ sible to determine, for example, speed of rotation of a propeller of the marine vessel or of the main en^¬ gine. In most vessels, the speed of rotation of the propeller is identical with the speed of rotation of an engine of a marine vessel. Thus, it is possible to determine, based on an analysis of the measurements of the accelerometer, the speed of rotation of a propel^¬ ler and an engine of a marine vessel.

In one example of Figures 1A, IB, 1C and 2, in order to determine the speed of rotation of the propeller, the sensor device may analyze the signals measured by the accelerometer to identify the funda^¬ mental frequency in the signals. The fundamental fre^¬ quency is the RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) of the en- gine or its multiple. One possible method for pitch detection (i.e. find the fundamental frequency) is the Harmonic Product Spectrum (HPS) method. In the method a spectrum is compressed a number of times (downsam- pling) , and it is compared with the original spectrum. It can then be seen that the strongest harmonic peaks line up. The first peak in the original spectrum coin^¬ cides with the second peak in the spectrum compressed by a factor of two, which coincides with the third peak in the spectrum compressed by a factor of three. Hence, when the various spectrums are multiplied to^¬ gether, the result will form a clear peak at the fundamental frequency. It is obvious that the HPS is only one possible method for finding the fundamental fre^¬ quency and also other methods may be used. The speed of rotation of the propeller may also be stored in the memory of the sensor device to be transmitted to or accessed by an external entity.

Further, in one example of the sensor device 100A, 100B, lOOC or 200 disclosed in Figures 1A, IB, 1C and 2, the sensor device 100A, 100B, lOOC and 200 may perform frequency analysis of the signals measured by at least one acceleration sensor of the sensor device 100A, 100B, lOOC or 200. When frequency analysis is performed by the sensor device, the amount of data to be transmitted outside the sensor device is re^¬ duced. The frequency analysis may comprise, for exam- pie, frequency-time analysis, such as Short-Time Fou^¬ rier Transform (STFT) or Discrete Wavelet Transform (WFT) . With the frequency analysis an understanding of frequency components over a short time is received. The frequency analysis is performed, for example, so that motions of a marine vessel can be understood bet^¬ ter and also analyzed.

Further, the frequency analysis may comprise applying a dimensionality reduction method, for example, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) in order to identify the most significant components in the fre^¬ quency domain. The acceleration sensor senses both the direction of earth gravity and motions of acceleration caused by the hull of the marine vessel to different directions. For example, if the marine vessel sways and simultaneously rolls, an acceleration sensor sens^¬ es (1) the inclination, (2) sidewise acceleration of the marine vessel, (3) the centrifugal force caused by rolling and (4) the centrifugal force caused by change in the direction of the marine vessel.

The sensor device 100A, 100B, lOOC or 200 disclosed in Figures 1A, IB, 1C and 2 may include at least one gyroscope. Based on the measurements of a gyroscope, it is possible to determine, for example, roll of the marine vessel. While an accelerometer sees simultaneously acceleration and inclination the gyro^¬ scope sees the real inclination of the marine vessel. The gyroscope senses angular rate of motion. From the angular rate of motion it is also possible to calcu^¬ late inclination by integrating with respect to time. It may be there is a small offset with the gyroscope at the zero position. This can be rectified, for exam- pie, by combining data from the acceleration sensor and the gyroscope using Kalman filtering.

The sensor device 100A, 100B, lOOC and 200 disclosed in Figures 1A, IB, 1C and 2 may include at least one inclinometer. Based on the measurements from an inclinometer, it is possible to determine pitch and/or roll of a marine vessel accurately. If a quasi- static position of the marine vessel is to be deter^¬ mined, the measured signal from the inclinometer can be filtered with a low-pass filter, where the thresh- old frequency is 30-60 seconds. This filtering opera^¬ tion filters out motions. Further, the measurements of the inclinometer may also be used in determining trim of the marine vessel.

In one example, the sensor device is config- ured to analyze the signals measured by at least one of the accelerometer, inclinometer or gyroscope to identify the fundamental frequency in the signals in order to determine speed of rotation of a propeller of the marine vessel or of the main engine. The sensor device may also analyze the signals measured by at least one of the accelerometer, gyroscope or inclinometer to identify the main components of the frequency spectrum of the signals by applying a dimensionality reduction method.

An accelerometer and an inclinometer can be used to measure the same parameters since both of them measure acceleration. One of the main differences is that the accelerometer provides acceleration components separately but they are more inaccurate. Howev^¬ er, acceleration components are usually provided with^¬ in a larger dynamic range. The inclinometer measures inclination more accurately but within a narrower range. Therefore, it is possible to perform RPM meas^¬ urements also with the inclinometer if its bandwidth is high enough. Further, it may be possible to perform a frequency analysis for the data provided by the in- clinometer and get the same or almost the same results than based on accelerometer data. One difference, how^¬ ever, is that the inclinometer does not measure verti^¬ cal acceleration.

The processing unit disclosed in Figure 1A, IB, 1C or 2 may include at least one memory, or there may be at least one memory external to the processing unit, and the at least one memory may comprise one or more computer programs, which when executed by the processing unit, control the operations of the sensor device 100A, 100B, lOOC, 200. It is also possible that the sensor device 100A, 100B, lOOC, 200 comprises more than one processing unit. The processing unit may be any unit (for example, a processor, a microcontroller etc.) that is able to process data and/or control the operations of the sensor device.

In one example of Figure 1A, IB, 1C or 2 the AIS data or the data from the satellite positioning means, for example GPS, may be used for automatic ro^¬ tation calibration of the sensor (inclinometer) . This means that the sensor is mathematically turned to the right position. This is important in order to be able to measure pitch of the marine vessel accurately. The amount of pitch of the marine vessel is much less than the amount of roll of the marine vessel. This results in a "leak" of roll to pitch if the sensor does not exactly align with the longitudinal axis of the marine vessel. In order to make the mathematical correction, knowledge of speed over ground, time, pitch and roll of the marine vessel is needed. Based on speed over ground it is possible to calculate or estimate accel- eration/deacceleration of the marine vessel, which is seen by the inclinometer as change in longitudinal an^¬ gle. This, in turn, can be used to calculate the di^¬ rection where the marine vessel's bow resides. Rota^¬ tion calibration can be fine-tuned based on rolling and pitching of the marine vessel. Rolling of the ma- rine vessel is much stronger than pitching. Using, for example, a two-dimensional Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on the pitch and roll motions it is possible to accurately calculate to which direction the marine vessel rolls.

In one example of Figure 1A, IB, 1C or 2, an external computer may be arranged to connect to the data interface of the sensor device and to store data provided by the data interface on a memory of the ex^¬ ternal computer. The data interface may be a local port (for example, an Ethernet or a USB port) or a wireless data interface, for example, Bluetooth, WLAN etc. The external computer may listen to the data in^¬ terface without sending any data or requests to the sensor device. Alternatively, the external computer may actively request data or directly read data from the memory of the sensor device via the data inter^¬ face. The external computer may also comprise communi^¬ cation capabilities (for example, via a mobile commu^¬ nication network) for transmitting the information re- ceived from the sensor device. Another possibility is that the marine vessel data stored in the external computer is further stored on a portable memory device which is then sent to a desired recipient.

The sensors and the receiver of the sensor device disclosed in Figures 1A, IB, 1C and 2 may pro^¬ vide a plurality of parameters relating to a marine vessel, for example one or more of the following: time

position (latitude & longitude) SOG (speed over ground)

COG (course over ground)

- HDT (true heading)

- ROT (rate of turn)

ETA (estimated time of arrival) draft

trim (pitch)

- list (roll)

pitching, surging, rolling, swaying, yawing, heaving (and their characteristics like period, amplitude, harmonics etc.) vibrations in three dimensions - propeller/engine RPM.

Based on the above described sensor device examples, it can be seen that when the sensors and re^¬ ceiver are arranged in a single sensor device, the sensor device is able provide a very comprehensive view of variables relating, for example, to energy ef^¬ ficiency of the marine vessel. Further, these varia^¬ bles are available without any integration to the sys^¬ tems of the marine vessel.

Based on the information available at the sensor device disclosed in Figures 1A, IB, 1C and 2 it may be possible to, by the sensor device or by an ex^¬ ternal device processing data received from the sensor device, optimize and analyze various factors relating to energy efficiency of a marine vessel. For example, trim may be optimized based on trim, draft and speed information. Further, speed of the marine vessel may be optimized based on speed, draft and RPM infor^¬ mation. The accuracy of trim and speed optimization can be further improved by utilizing the motions in- formation as it provides an indirect indicator of waves encountered by the marine vessel and have impact on optimal trim and speed. If the sensor device uses information provided by satellite positioning means (as disclosed in Figure 1A) , draft information may not be automatically available. Therefore, draft infor^¬ mation may be provided manually when performing trim and speed optimization.

Further, in the course of time, the hull of the marine vessel may accumulate fouling. This causes extra fuel consumption and is, therefore, not desira^¬ ble. Excessive fouling in the hull of the marine ves- sel may be determined, for example, by monitoring the increase of the propeller slip. The amount of propel^¬ ler slip can be calculated from the information pro^¬ vided by the sensor device. If the propeller slip is found to statistically increase, it may provide an in- dication of an increased fouling of the hull. Based on the speed and RPM information it is possible to meas^¬ ure or calculate the propeller slip.

A sensor device disclosed in Figure 1A, IB, 1C or 2 provides a powerful and simple solution for collecting important information relating to a marine vessel. This information may then be sent to an external device for further processing and analysis.

The skilled person also understands that a sensor device disclosed in Figure 1A, IB, 1C or 2 may comprise also other components or elements not dis^¬ closed in the figures.

The examples of Figure 1A, IB, 1C and 2 have described that the data relating to the marine vessel performance data measured by the at least one sensor may comprise measured data values as they were meas^¬ ured and/or data after processing at least some of the measured data values first. This enables implementing different types of sensor devices depending on the needs of a particular implementation. In one implemen- tation it may be necessary to implement only a simple sensor device which is configured to transmit infor^¬ mation received from sensors and a satellite position means/AIS receiver without processing it further before transmission. Further processing may be performed later by an external device. In another implementa^¬ tion, at least some of the received information may be preprocessed with the sensor device before transmis^¬ sion to an exteral entity.

When the sensor device uses an AIS receiver, it is not necessary to use any satellite positioning means with the sensor device. If satellite positioning is used, a satellite positioning receiver needs to be installed to a location where it is possible to re^¬ ceive satellite positioning signals. This means that a sensor device would need an external satellite posi^¬ tioning antenna or that the sensor device has to be installed to an outdoor location in a marine vessel. An outdoor location, however, is problematic, for example, to an inclinometer because the accuracy of the inclinometer suffers or would need accurate tempera^¬ ture calibration. Further, if the sensor device is in- stalled at an outside location, this exposes the sen^¬ sor device to weather fluctuations, which raise manu^¬ facturing costs of the sensor device. When using the AIS signal, it is possible to install the sensor de^¬ vice interior of a marine vessel. Further, the AIS signal conveys also to the interior of the marine ves^¬ sel since existing cabling in the marine vessel carry the AIS signals. Further, when AIS signals are used by the sensor device, it is possible to get more detailed information than when using satellite positioning sig- nals. It is possible, for example, to receive true heading and rate of turn of the marine vessel.

Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a method for providing marine vessel data of a marine vessel with a sensor device. At 300 a receiver re- ceives automatic identification system data sent by the marine vessel. At 302 at least one sensor of the sensor device measures marine vessel performance data. In one example, the at least one sensor is able or configured to measure the marine vessel performance data when the sensor device is affixed to the hull structure of the marine vessel. At 304 at least one processor of the sensor device generates marine vessel data based on the received automatic identification system data and marine vessel performance data. The marine vessel data may comprise data relating to the marine vessel performance data measured by the at least one sensor and at least part of the received au^¬ tomatic identification system data.

Throughout the above description, the term "movement" is to be understood as movement of the ma^¬ rine vessel when its position changes from one place to another. The term "motion" is to be understood to mean the marine vessel's motion relative to its longi^¬ tudinal or transverse, such as inclination etc. Fur^¬ thermore, the term "hull structure" of the marine ves^¬ sel as discussed in the above examples is to be under- stood to refer to any location or structure inside the marine vessel being able to convey motions and vibra^¬ tions of marine vessel to the sensor device.

Example embodiments may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic or a combination of software, hardware and application logic. The exam^¬ ple embodiments can store information relating to various methods described herein. This information can be stored in one or more memories, such as a hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, RAM, and the like. One or more databases can store the information used to implement the example embodiments. The databases can be organized using data structures (e.g., records, tables, arrays, fields, graphs, trees, lists, and the like) included in one or more memories or storage de- vices listed herein. The methods described with re^¬ spect to the example embodiments can include appropri^¬ ate data structures for storing data collected and/or generated by the methods of the devices and subsystems of the example embodiments in one or more databases.

All or a portion of the example embodiments can be conveniently implemented using one or more gen- eral purpose processors, microprocessors, digital sig^¬ nal processors, micro-controllers, and the like, pro^¬ grammed according to the teachings of the example em^¬ bodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the computer and/or software art(s). Appropriate soft- ware can be readily prepared by programmers of ordi^¬ nary skill based on the teachings of the example em^¬ bodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the software art. Thus, the example embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and/or software.

The example embodiments disclosed above can include computer readable medium or memories for hold^¬ ing instructions programmed according to the teachings and for holding data structures, tables, records, and/or other data described herein. In an example embodiment, the application logic, software or an in^¬ struction set is maintained on any one of various con^¬ ventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a "computer-readable medium" may be any media or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. A computer- readable medium may include a computer-readable stor- age medium that may be any media or means that can contain or store the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. A computer readable medium can include any suitable medium that par- ticipates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium can take many forms, includ- ing but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, transmission media, and the like.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any com^¬ bination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of be^¬ ing carried out based on the present specification as a whole, in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of wheth^¬ er such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that the disclosed aspects/embodiments may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifica^¬ tions may be made within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) for providing marine vessel data of a marine vessel without integration to the marine vessel's information systems, the sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) comprising :

a receiver (106, 126, 208) configured to receive at least position and time information relating to the marine vessel;

at least one sensor (104, 124, 204) configured to measure marine vessel performance data, the at least one sensor (104, 124, 204) being able to measure the marine vessel performance data when the sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) is affixed to the hull struc- ture of the marine vessel; and

at least one processor (102, 120, 202) configured to perform frequency analysis of the measured marine vessel performance data and to generate marine vessel data based on the received at least position and time information and the frequency analyzed marine vessel performance data.

2. The sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the receiver (106, 126, 208) is configured to receive automatic identification system data sent by the marine vessel, the automatic identification system data comprising the position and time information, and wherein the at least one proces^¬ sor (102, 120, 202) is configured to generate the ma^¬ rine vessel data based on the received automatic iden- tification system data and the frequency analyzed ma^¬ rine vessel performance data.

3. The sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one memory (112, 122) configured to store the generat- ed marine vessel data.

4. The sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) according to any of claims 1 - 3, further comprising a data interface, wherein the at least one processor (102, 120, 202) is configured to transmit the generat^¬ ed marine vessel data via the data interface to an ex^¬ ternal device.

5. The sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) according to claim 4, wherein the data interface is a wireless transmitter, a wireless transceiver or a port .

6. The sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) according to any of claims 1 - 5, wherein the at least one sensor (104, 124, 204) configured to measure ma^¬ rine vessel performance data comprises an acceleration sensor operable to measure vibrations of the hull structure and/or motions of the marine vessel.

7. The sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) according to any of claims 1 - 6, wherein the at least one sensor (104, 124, 204) configured to measure ma^¬ rine vessel performance data comprises at least one gyroscope operable to measure motions of the marine vessel.

8. The sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) according to any of claims 1 - 7, wherein the at least one sensor (104, 124, 204) configured to measure ma^¬ rine vessel performance data comprises at least one inclinometer operable to measure inclination of the marine vessel.

9. The sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) according to any of claims 6 - 8, wherein the at least one processor (102, 120, 202) is configured to analyze the signals measured by at least one of the accelerom- eter, inclinometer or gyroscope to identify the funda^¬ mental frequency in the signals in order to determine speed of rotation of a propeller of the marine vessel or of the main engine.

10. The sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) according to any of claims 6 - 9, wherein the at least one processor (102, 120, 202) is configured to analyze the signals measured by at least one of the accelerom- eter, gyroscope or inclinometer to identify the main components of the frequency spectrum of the signals by applying a dimensionality reduction method.

11. The sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) according to any of claims 1 - 10, wherein the marine vessel data comprises at least one of the following marine vessel parameters: time, position, speed over ground, course over ground, true heading, rate of turn, estimated time of arrival, draft, trim, list, pitching, surging, rolling, swaying, yawing, heaving, vibrations in three dimensions, and propeller or en^¬ gine revolutions per minute.

12. The sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) according to claim 11, wherein the at least one processor (102, 120, 202) is configured to automatically calibrate the inclinometer by mathematically turning the inclinometer to the right position based on the speed over ground, time, pitch and roll information.

13. The sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) according to any of claims 11 - 12, wherein the at least one processor (102, 120, 202) is configured to determine an optimized trim value based on the trim, the draft and the speed over ground information.

14. The sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) according to any of claims 11 - 13, wherein the at least one processor (102, 120, 202) is configured to determine an optimized speed over ground value based on the speed over ground, draft and the propeller or engine revolutions per minute.

15. The sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) according to any of claims 11 - 14, wherein the at least one processor (102, 120, 202) is configured to determine the amount of propeller slip based on the speed over ground and the propeller or engine revolu^¬ tions per minute.

16. A method for providing marine vessel data of a marine vessel with a sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) without integration to the marine vessel's information systems, the method comprising:

receiving, with a receiver (106, 126, 208), at least position and time information relating to the marine vessel;

measuring, with at least one sensor (104, 124, 204) of the sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200), ma- rine vessel performance data, the at least one sensor (104, 124, 204) being able to measure the marine ves^¬ sel performance data when the sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) is affixed to the hull structure of the marine vessel;

performing, with at least one processor (102, 120,

202), frequency analysis of the measured marine vessel performance data; and

generating, with the at least one processor (102, 120, 202), marine vessel data based on the received at least position and time information and the frequency analyzed marine vessel performance data.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the receiving comprises receiving automatic identifi^¬ cation system data sent by the marine vessel, the au- tomatic identification system data comprising the position and time information, and generating the marine vessel data based on the received automatic identifi^¬ cation system data and the frequency analyzed marine vessel performance data.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising:

storing the generated marine vessel data in at least one memory (112, 122) of the sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) .

19. The method according to any of claims 16

- 18, further comprising: causing transmission of the generated marine vessel data to an external device via a data inter^¬ face .

20. The method according to any of claims 16 - 19, wherein the at least one sensor (104, 124, 204) for measuring marine vessel performance data comprises an acceleration sensor operable to measure vibrations of the hull structure and/or motions of the marine vessel .

21. The method according to any of claims 16

- 20, wherein the at least one sensor (104, 124, 204) for measuring marine vessel performance data comprises at least one gyroscope operable to measure motions of the marine vessel.

22. The method according to any of claims 16

- 21, wherein the at least one sensor (104, 124, 204) for measuring marine vessel performance data comprises at least one inclinometer operable to measure inclina^¬ tion of the marine vessel.

23. The method according to any of claims 20

- 22, further comprising analyzing the signals measured by at least one of the accelerometer, inclinome^¬ ter or gyroscope to identify the fundamental frequency in the signals in order to determine speed of rotation of a propeller of the marine vessel or of the main en^¬ gine .

24. The method according to any of claims 20

- 23, further comprising analyzing the signals measured by at least one of the accelerometer, gyroscope or inclinometer to identify the main components of the frequency spectrum of the signals by applying a dimen^¬ sionality reduction method.

25. The method (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) ac^¬ cording to any of claims 16 - 24, wherein the marine vessel data comprises at least one of the following marine vessel parameters: time, position, speed over ground, course over ground, true heading, rate of turn, estimated time of arrival, draft, trim, list, pitching, surging, rolling, swaying, yawing, heaving, vibrations in three dimensions, and propeller or en^¬ gine revolutions per minute.

26. The method (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) ac^¬ cording to claim 25, further comprising determining an optimized the speed over ground value based on the speed over ground, draft and the propeller or engine revolutions per minute.

27. The method 100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) accord^¬ ing to any of claims 25 - 26, further comprising determining the amount of propeller slip based on the speed over ground and the propeller or engine revolu^¬ tions per minute.

28. The method 100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) accord^¬ ing to any of claims 25 - 27, further comprising automatically calibrating the inclinometer by mathemati^¬ cally turning the inclinometer to the right position based on the speed over ground, time, pitch and roll information.

29. The method (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) ac^¬ cording to any of claims 25 - 28, further comprising determining an optimized trim value based on the trim, draft and speed over ground information.

30. A computer program comprising program code instructions, which when executed by a processing unit, perform the following:

causing receipt of at least position and time in^¬ formation relating to the marine vessel;

causing measurement, with at least one sensor

(104, 124, 204), of marine vessel performance data, the at least one sensor (104, 124, 204) being able to measure the marine vessel performance data when the sensor device (100A, 100B, lOOC, 200) is affixed to the hull structure of the marine vessel;

performing frequency analysis of the measured ma^¬ rine vessel performance data; and generating marine vessel data based on the re^¬ ceived at least position and time information and the frequency analyzed marine vessel performance data.