CLOUD STORAGE SYSTEM

Abstract

Systems and methods for storing, analyzing, and remotely accessing fishing related data collected by a fish finder device are described. A fishing data management system is wirelessly connected to the fish finder device by an electronic communication connection. A mobile electronic device may be used to facilitate the electronic communication connection. The communication may be directed to the system wirelessly through a cellular, Bluetooth, or satellite navigation connection. The fishing management system is configured to receive and store data collected by the fish finder, analyze the data, and provide feedback to a user. A method of using the system allows the user to access the stored and analyzed data remotely.

Claims

1. A data processing and storage system for communicating with a fish finder device, the data processing and storage system comprising: an electronic communication connection; and a fishing data management system configured to: sync with the fish finder device via the electronic communication connection; upload and remotely store data collected by the fish finder device; track and analyze the collected data; and provide remote access to the collected data.

2. The data processing and storage system of claim 1 further comprising a non-transitory, computer-readable medium comprising software instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, causes the processor to access the fishing data management system.

3. The data processing and storage system of claim 2, wherein the at least one processor is a processing system of a mobile electronic device.

4. The data processing and storage system of claim 1, wherein the electronic communication connection is a cellular connection.

5. The data processing and storage system of claim 1, wherein the electronic communication connection is a Bluetooth connection.

6. The data processing and storage system of claim 1, wherein the electronic communication connection is a satellite navigation connection.

7. The data processing and storage system of claim 1, wherein the fishing data management system is further configured to permanently erase the collected data locally stored on the fish finder device.

8. A fishing data management system comprising: a communication receiving component for receiving data collected by a fish finder device; a database for storing the collected data; an analytics component for analyzing the collected data; and a feedback component for remotely accessing the stored collected data and the analyzed collected data and providing feedback upon a request.

9. The fishing data management system of claim 8, wherein the fishing data management system syncs with the fish finder device via a non-transitory, computer-readable medium comprising software instructions storable on a mobile electronic device.

10. The fishing data management system of claim 8 further comprising a data tracking component that tracks the collected data.

11. The fishing data management system of claim 8, wherein the collected data represents navigational routes and coordinates.

12. The fishing data management system of claim 8, wherein the collected data is fishing information representing at least one of time of day, tidal levels, weather conditions, depth, fish species, bait, and fish size and weight.

13. The fishing data management system of claim 8 further comprising a fish finding device locating component for providing a location of the fish finding device.

14. The fishing data management system of claim 8, wherein the analytics component is configured to analyze at least one of travel speed, fishing time, fuel consumption, tidal data, or nautical information.

15. The fishing data management system of claim 8 further comprising an updating component for updating the fish finding device with current mapping and nautical information.

16. A computer implemented method for automatically remotely storing and accessing data collected by a fish finder device comprising the steps of: syncing the fish finder device to a fishing data management system; uploading data collected by the fish finder device to the fishing data management system; storing the uploaded collected data in a database of the fishing data management system; accessing the collected data remotely.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the fishing data management system syncs with the fish finder device via a non-transitory, computer-readable medium comprising software instructions storable on a mobile electronic device.

18. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of analyzing the collected data and providing feedback upon a request.

19. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of sharing the collected data.

20. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of erasing the collected data locally stored on the fish finder device if power to the fish finder device is interrupted.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagrammatic view of one embodiment of a data processing and storage system of the present invention for communicating with a fish finder device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram showing a fishing data management system of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of computer implemented method of the present invention for automatically remotely storing and accessing data collected by a fish finder device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They do not intend as an exhaustive description of the invention or do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0019] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a cloud storage system for fish finder data, such as fishing coordinates. The software stores a user's numbers and fish finder locations after input into the system. There is a cloud based storage that allows the user to cancel numbers in the event the fish finder is lost or stolen. The numbers can be easily recovered when the owner accesses their specific cloud account. There is also a method of deleting information stored on the fish finder in the event of a power supply interruption. The data would still be recoverable remotely via the cloud storage system. The system is configured to prevent fish finder locations and collected data from being permanently lost or deleted.

[0020] The system is constructed to automatically sync data from a Fish Finder/GPS system on a boat or ship to the cloud via a connected device, such as a smartphone, or other connected communication device, or through the Fish Finder's/GPS's dedicated wireless connection. This collected data can be viewed and analyzed at any time from any connected device via the system. The system can be designed to integrate with current Fish Finder/GPS systems or potentially integrated into a standalone Fish Finder/GPS.

[0021] The system is configured to sync, track, and store multiple data points remotely for later analysis. Collected data may include detailed route information, speed of travel, fuel consumption, weather, catch weights, and fishing spot location. The global positioning system (GPS) information for every trip will be synced to the system allowing easy access to a previous route, fishing spot or any previously travelled path. The system can store the length of a trip, along with the time of day in addition to the travel speed. Measuring and tracking fuel consumption will help commercial ships streamline routes as well as help smaller boats provide more efficient routes to fishing locations. Current fish finders typically rely on SD cards to store this information. The present invention instantly saves this data remotely.

[0022] The system may include an emergency services connection. With a satellite internet connection, ships are in continuous communication with the system. Fleets may coordinate and information can be synced across the fleet of ships in real time with coordinates and speed, so fleets always know where sister ships are located. In in the event of emergencies the system will show the exact path travelled of any vessel in question with time and date stamps to help emergency services locate a vessel in duress. The system is configured to store any fishing related information collectable by the fish finder device including time of day, tide levels, weather, and vessel location so the user may easily determine the best fishing options saving time and increasing profitability.

[0023] The system is further configured to automatically update the synced fish finder with maps and other nautical information. Information may be shared with other users as desired. The system may also provide an intelligent species search on the fish finder device. The user can access the collected data to determine the best location and time to locate a desired species of fish.

[0024] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a data processing and storage system 100. The data processing and storage system 100 is for use in communicating with a fish finder device 10. The fish finder device 10 may be any commercially available fish finder, fish locator, SONAR system, GPS system, depth finder, water navigation device, or the like. The fish finder device 10 will typically collect data 30 and store the collected data 30 on a local memory 40, such as a SD card, removable memory stick or card, a USB memory device, or the like. The fish finder device 10 communicates via a wireless connection 20.

[0025] The data processing and storage system 100 comprises an electronic communication connection 120 and a fishing data management system 140. The electronic communication connection 120 may be a cellular connection, a Bluetooth connection, or a satellite navigation connection. The data processing and storage system 100 may further comprise a non-transitory, computer-readable medium 110 comprising software instructions 114 that, when executed by at least one processor 116, causes the processor 116 to access the fishing data management system 140. The software instructions 114 may be an App storable and accessible by the processing system 116 of a mobile electronic device 110, such as a smart phone, a smart tablet, a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) device, a NavSat device, a laptop computer, a wirelessly connected mobile device, or the like. A passcode or secure login may be used to protect access to the fish finder device 10 and prevent unauthorized usage.

[0026] With the NavSat connection, the fishing data management system 140 is continuous communication with the fish finder device 10 in real time. The collected data 30 would be accessible remotely from any connected device anywhere allowing the real time tracking and monitoring of ships and analytical data. A cellular connection similarly provides a continuous connection, but at lower cost. The cellular connection may be limited to closer to shore destinations as it is reliant on cell towers. If the real time connection is lost for any reason, the data is instantly synced to the fishing data management system 140 once the connection is reestablished. With the Bluetooth connection, a Bluetooth device, such as a smart phone is synced to the fishing data management system 140. Once synced, the phone would use a cellular connection to transmit data to the fishing data management system 140 and then back to any other connected device at a greatly reduced cost. Even if the Bluetooth device does not have a data connection, all the data is saved locally on the Bluetooth device until it re-established a connection with fishing data management system 140.

[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the fishing data management system 140 comprises a communication receiving component 142. The communication receiving component 142 is configured to sync or otherwise wirelessly connect with the fish finder device 10 via the electronic communication connection 120 through a network 130. The fishing data management system 140 can sync with the fish finder device 10 via the non-transitory, computer-readable medium 112 comprising software instructions 144 storable on a mobile electronic device 110. The communication receiving component 142 uploads the data collected by the fish finder device 10. The fishing data management system 140 further comprises a database 144 for remotely storing the uploaded data collected by the fish finder device 10.

[0028] The fishing data management system 140 further comprises an analytics component 146 for analyzing the data collected by the fish finder device 10. The analytics component 146 can analyze data related to travel speed, fishing time, fuel consumption, tidal data, nautical information, or the like to allow the user to optimize future fishing trips. The fishing data management system 140 further comprises a feedback component 148. The feedback component 148 is configured to access the stored data and the analyzed data from the database 144 and then provide feedback based on the stored data and analyzed data to a remote user upon request. For example, the user could access data related to a prior fishing trip on a smartphone while planning the next trip at home.

[0029] The fishing data management system 140 may further comprise a data tracking component 150 for tracking the collected data. The collected data may be data representing navigational routes or coordinates, other geographical data, or a variety of other fishing information data, such as, but not limited to time of day, tidal levels, weather conditions, depth, fish species, bait, and fish size and weight as discussed supra. The data tracking component 150 used in conjunction with the analytics component 146 allows the user to specifically customize fishing expeditions to match expectations.

[0030] The fishing data management system 140 may further comprise a fish finder device locating component 152 for locating the fish finder device 10. If the fish finder device 10 is lost or stolen, the fish finder device locating component 152 can be used to indicate a current or last known position of the fish finder device 10. The fish finder device locating component 152 may be configured to erase locally stored data 30 on the fish finder device 10 remotely. If the fish finder device 10 is stolen or loses power, the user can remotely access the fish finder device 10 and permanently erase the collected data 30 stored on the local memory 40 or on the fish finder device 10 itself preventing unauthorized access to the collected data 30 once reconnected to the internet.

[0031] The fishing data management system 140 may further comprise an updating component 154 for updating the fish finding device 10. The updating component 154 may be used to automatically update the fish finding device 10 with current mapping and nautical information so that the user is not required to manually update the fish finder device 10. The updating component 154 may also be able to update operating software for the fish finder device 10 using a LTE or Bluetooth connection.

[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a computer implemented method for automatically remotely storing and accessing data collected by a fish finder device 200. The method 200 begins by syncing the fish finder device 10 to a fishing data management system 140 via an electronic communications connection 120 at 202. The electronic communications connection 120 may be a cellular connection, a Bluetooth connection, or a satellite navigation connection. The electronic communications connection 120 may be made through a non-transitory, computer-readable medium 112 comprising software instructions 114 storable on a mobile electronic device 110. The set of software instructions 114 may be in the form of a mobile App loaded on a smart phone.

[0033] Once synced, at 204 data collected by the fish finding device 10 is uploaded to the fishing data management system 140 and stored in a database at 206. The stored data may then be accessed remotely as provided feedback to the user upon request at 212. Alternatively, the stored data may then be analyzed at 208 tracked at 210, or both as desired as discussed supra. After analysis or tracking, the data may then be similarly accessed remotely as provided feedback to the user upon request at 212.

[0034] The method may continue at 214 by allowing the user to share the collected data with other authorized users. Alternatively, the fishing data management system 140 may track the fish finding device 10 in the event it is lost or stolen. If stolen or the power supply to the fish finding device 10 is interrupted, at 218 the fishing data management system 140 instructs the fish finding device 10 to erase the collected data locally stored on the fish finding device 10. The method then ends at 220.

[0035] It is contemplated that the data processing and storage system 100, the fishing data management system 140, and the method for automatically remotely storing and accessing data collected by a fish finder device 200 constructed in accordance with the present invention will be tailored and adjusted by those of ordinary skill in the art to accommodate various levels of performance demand imparted during actual use. Accordingly, while this invention has been described by reference to certain specific embodiments and examples, it will be understood that this invention is capable of further modifications. This application is, therefore, intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the invention following the general principles thereof, and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and fall within the limits of the appended claims.

[0036] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.