WO2002103401A1

WO2002103401A1 - A weather information service system and method and a computer program for the implementation of a weather information service system

Info

Publication number: WO2002103401A1
Application number: PCT/FI2002/000527
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pauli Koivuniemi
Original assignee: Pauli Koivuniemi
Priority date: 2001-06-18
Filing date: 2002-06-17
Publication date: 2002-12-27
Also published as: FI20011288A; FI20011288A0

Abstract

A computer-aided weather information service system and weather information service method, particularly for transmitting wind and marine weather data. The weather information service system includes fixed weather station data systems (1), which are located in fixed weather stations, which collect and form wind and marine weather data, and fixed or mobile user data systems (2), which use wind and marine weather data, between which weather station and user data systems data transmission connection can be established over data transmission path (3, 4). The weather information service method includes a wind and marine weather data collection phase (A) into the weather station data system, a data transmission connection establishing phase (B) between the weather station and user data systems, a data transmission connection phase (C) between the weather station and user data systems, and a data transmission connection disconnecting phase (D) between the weather station and user data systems. It is characteristic of the invention that in the wind and marine weather data collection phase (A), real-time wind and marine weather data is continuously collected from sensors (11) connected to the weather station data system (1), the collected wind and marine weather data is stored in the weather station data system (1) memory (12); that in the data transmission connection establishing phase (B), the settings and properties of modem (13) or network adapter connected to the weather station data system (1) fixed network (3) or other terminal (14) are set for data transmission connection, and that connection from the user data system (2) is established to at least one the weather station data system (1); and that in the data transmission connection phase (C) a wind and/or marine weather data query is sent to the weather station data system (1), and as a response to the query, wind and marine weather data is sent to the user. An object of the present invention is also a computer program for implementing a weather information service method and system according to the invention.

Description

A weather information service system and method and a computer program for the implementation of a weather information service system

The present invention is related to distribution of weather information. In more detail, the subject matter of the present invention is a computer-aided weather information service system especially intended for professional seafaring, according to the preamble of Claim 1, and a computer-aided weather information service method especially intended for professional sea- faring, accordmg to the preamble of Claim 7. The subject matter of the present invention is also, and according to the preamble of Claim 10, a computer program for the implementation of a computer-aided weather information service system especially intended for professional seafaring.

Traditionally, weather stations are separate weather stations, which collect wind and marine weather data locally.

When a user, for example a ship or a shipping company or a port or a public authority, requires wind and marine weather data, it must seek wind and marine weather data from differ- ent weather stations. Thus, the problem is that the wind and marine weather data presentation methods of separate weather stations are different and of different contents, and that the information given by individual weather stations is not necessarily real-time, or it is not timed to the same point of time with each other, when it becomes more difficult to acquire a reliable picture of wind and/or marine weather conditions or their development.

One object of the present invention is to eliminate or at least essentially decrease the problems and disadvantages linked to traditional weather stations and the wind and marine weather data acquired by the means of them.

The second object of the invention is to produce a new and inventive weather information service system and method and a computer program for the implementation of a weather information service system and method, in order to enable - collecting exact and real-time information on wind and marine weather conditions, such as wind direction, wind speed, water flow, water level, significant wave height, maximum wave height, air pressure and temperature data,

- transmission of exact wind and marine weather data for user(s) - storing, updating and editing exact wind and marine weather data, and

- presenting exact wind and marine weather data.

The third object of the invention is to enable the sharing of exact wind and marine weather data on wind and marine weather conditions also with civilian and amateur users, and then, at least about wind conditions and wave height. The fourth object of the invention is to strive for meeting the increasing service needs for realtime and exact information on wind and marine weather conditions.

These objects are achieved by the computer-aided weather information service system and method and the computer program mentioned in the beginning. The general characteristic features of the weather information service system are presented in the characterising part of the independent Claim 1 of the enclosed claim array, the characteristic features of the weather information service method are presented in the characterising part of the independent Claim 7 of the enclosed claim array, and the general characteristic features of the computer program are presented in the independent Claim 10 of the enclosed claim array.

Thus, the weather information service system is based on the new and inventive basic idea that

- the weather information service system includes a computer program, the first part of which is stored in the weather station data system, and the second part of which is stored in the user's data system, - each weather station data system continuously collects real-time wind and/or marine weather data from measuring sensors,

- the weather station data system parameterises and tabulates collected wind and marine weather data by the means of the first part of the computer program,

- the weather station data system includes the first set of storing media for storing param- eterised and tabulated wind and or marine weather data into the weather station data sys- tern and the first set of presentation media for presenting the collected wind and/or marine weather data in the weather station data system,

- the weather information service system includes connecting and data transmission devices for the connection between the user's data system and the weather station data system, es- pecially for making a connecting call, for sending a user's query for wind and/or marine weather data to the weather station data system, and for sending wind and/or marine weather data as a response for the wind and/or marine weather data query,

- there is another set of storing media in the user data system for storing the wind and/or marine weather data received from the weather station data system into the user's data system, and another set of presentation media for presenting the wind and/or marine weather data graphically by the means of a graphic user interface controlled by the second part of the computer program.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the communication and data transmission devices include a wireless data transmission path which is advantageously a part of a PLMN or Public Land Mobile Network, such as a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) network or a GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) network or an UMTS (Universal Mobile Communications System) network or other digital mobile network, advantageously applying TDMA (Time-Division Multiple Access) or CDMA (Code-Division Mul- tiple Access) technology, the wireless data transmission path may also be another RF (Radio Frequency) connection or satellite link arranged between the user data system and the weather station data system. Thus, the data transmission path between the user and the weather station data systems is arranged by the means of a wireless interface and a fixed and/or mobile network connected to the telecommunications and/or data transmission connection, after which as a response for the wind and/or marine weather query, the weather station transmits real-time wind and/or marine weather data for the user via the data transmission path.

One must notice that the user data system is not a fixed system, but primarily a mobile system according to the primary aspect of the invention. Therefore, in order to establish the connec- tion and to receive wind and/or marine weather data, the user data system is primarily mobile, that is, a mobile station, when connecting and telecommunications can be arranged by the means of a mobile network data transmission service or a SMS (Short Message Service) message service supplied by mobile network; or a pocket or mobile computer or a computer sys- tern, which is movable with the ship, which is connected to a fixed network or a mobile network via a wireless interface, which may be a wireless interface of a mobile network, or a RF connection or a satellite link.

When the ship is in port or when the user data system receiving weather information is fixed, one is able to use, in addition to wireless connections, also an ordinary fixed circuit-switched or packet-switched telecommunications or data network, when the user data system may be in commumcation with a fixed telecommunications or data network via a switched connection and modem, a fixed xDSL connection and cable modem, or a network adapter, such as an ISDN network adapter.

According to the invention, the wind and/or marine weather data sent by the weather station is stored especially advantageously as binary data in ASCII format in the user data system storage medium. Advantageously, the user data system includes a user interface in order to con- vert the binary data into parameters, or to parameterise it, and to present it graphically andor numerically, that is, as graphics and/or tables, on the user data system display.

In the weather information service system according to the invention, at least the following phases thus occur in the logic control of the computer program part stored in the weather sta- tion data system: collecting wind and marine weather data from the sensors into the weather station data system, storing wind and marine weather data in the memory of the weather station data system, for example on hard disk, and sending wind and marine weather data to the user. Then, important functions are also password verification or controlling with the aid of a weather station data system user information and password directory, and the registration of callers or users. In the weather information service system according to the invention, at least the following occur in the logic control of the computer program part stored in the weather station data system: setting up the modem or network adapter connected to the weather station data system fixed network or the mobile station connected to the mobile network for connection, making a call into the weather station in order to set up a connection between the user and weather station data systems, sending a wind and marine weather data query, and receiving wind and marine weather data, advantageously in data packets. Especially advantageously, the following occur in the logic control of the computer program part stored in the weather station data system: collecting data from sensors into the weather station data system; controlling the validity of collected data; converting the collected data into parameters, that is parameterisation; storing collected data in the weather station memory, for example on hard disk; presenting the collected data on the weather station data system display, advantageously as graphics or tables; controlling, initialising and answering the upcoming connecting call of the modem or network adapter connected to the fixed network or the mobile station connected to the mobile network; controlling user information and password with the aid of the weather station data system user information and password directory; reg- istering and storing of the user information of the user requesting connection; sending required data packets which contain wind and marine weather data; and finally disconnecting the modem line or other connection between the weather station and user.

Especially advantageously, the following occur in the logic control of the computer program part stored in the user data system: setting up the modem or network adapter connected to the fixed network or the mobile station connected to the mobile network and its properties; making a connecting call to the weather station and giving the user information and password of the connection; sending a query on wind and marine weather data; receiving data packets which contain wind and marine weather data; converting received data packets, that is, param- eterisation; storing converted wind and marine weather data on hard disk, advantageously as binary data in ASCII format, in the user data system memory, for example on hard disk; presenting the received wind and marine weather data on the user data system display, advantageously as graphics and tables; setting up of display symbols; and disconnecting.

The weather information service method is based on the new and inventive basic idea that

- in the collecting phase of wind and marine weather data, real-time wind and marine weather data is continuously collected from the sensors connected to the weather station data system, and then stored in the weather station data system memory,

- when the settings and properties of the modem or network adapter connected to the fixed network or of the terminal connected to the mobile network are set in advance, the settings and properties of the modem, network adapter or terminal are initialised with the weather data system program in the connecting phase of data transmission, in the end of data transmission connection, and in the context of a separate maintenance connection, when the system is set into maintenance mode using passwords, and when the modem, network adapter or terminal is ready to serve the next data transmission connection, in the connecting phase of data transmission, a query for wind and marine weather data is sent from the user data system to the weather station data system, and as a response to the user's wind and marine weather data query, wind and marine weather data is sent from the weather station data system to the user.

Especially advantageously in the method accordmg to the invention, user information and user password are sent from the user data system into the weather station data system, which user information and password are controlled in the weather station data system with the aid of the user information and password directory before establishing a connection between the user and weather station data systems.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to the method according to the invention that the wind and/or marine weather data received from the weather station data system by the user data system is stored as binary data, advantageously in ASCII format, in the user data system storage medium, and that in the user data system the binary data is converted into parameters, that is pa- rameterised, and presented on the user data system display, advantageously graphically and or numerically, that is, as graphics and/or tables.

Thus, the computer program for implementing the weather information service system is, on the other hand, based on the new and inventive basic idea that

- the first part of the computer program is stored in the weather station data system,

- the second part of the computer program is stored in the user data system, - in the logic control of the first part of the computer program the weather station data system continuously collects real-time wind and marine weather data, stores wind and marine weather data in the weather station data system memory, and sends wind and marine weather data to the user as the response to the query of wind and marine weather data,

- in the control of the second part of the computer program the user data system sets up the settings and properties of the modem or network adapter connected to the fixed network or of the mobile station connected to the mobile network for data transmission connection. makes a call into the weather station data system, and sends a query for wind and/or marine weather data to the weather station data system.

Especially advantageously in the logic control of the computer program part stored in the weather station data system: wind and marine weather data is collected from the sensors into the weather station data system; wind and marine weather data validity is controlled; wind and marine weather data is converted into parameters, or parameterised; wind and marine weather data is stored in a memory, for example on the weather station hard disk; wind and marine weather data is presented on the weather station data system display, advantageously as graphics and tables; the modem or network adapter connected to the fixed network or the mobile station connected to the mobile network is controlled, initialised, and the upcoming call is answered; passwords are controlled; user information is registered and stored; requested data packets are sent; and the modem line or other connection between the weather station and the user is disconnected.

Especially advantageously in the logic control of the computer program part stored in the user data system: the settings and properties of the mobile network station or the fixed network modem or network adapter for the connection are set up; a connecting call is made from the user data system to the weather station in order to form a connection between the user and weather station data systems, to give user information and password of the connection, and to make a query on wind and marine weather data; wind and marine weather data is received from the weather station; the received wind and marine weather data is converted into parameters, or parameterised; the received wind and marine weather data is stored in the user data system, for example on hard disk, advantageously as binary data in ASCII format; the received wind and marine weather data is presented on the user data system display, advantageously as graphics and tables; the connection between the user and weather station data systems is disconnected.

The invention will now be explained by way of a certain advantageous embodiment, with ref- erence to the accompanying drawings, in which

FIG.l generally illustrates a weather information service system according to the invention, FIG.2 illustrates the functioning of the weather information service system according to the invention in a flow chart and signalling diagram,

FIG.3 illustrates an advantageous model for tabulating parameterised wind and marine weather data, and FIG.4 illustrates the user data system user interface of the weather information service system according to the invention.

Figure 1 generally describes a computer-aided weather information service system according to the invention, especially intended for professional seafaring, for transmitting a wind and marine weather data query between the weather station data system 1 and the user data system 2, which is located on ship 6 which requires wind and marine weather data, over commumcation and/or data transmission devices 3, 4.

In the embodiment accordmg to Figure 1, the communication and/or data transmission devices include two fixed telecommunications networks 3, which both are hereinafter referred to as fixed networks, and which both are advantageously general circuit-switched fixed networks, and mobile phone network 4, which is hereinafter referred to as mobile network, and which is advantageously a GSM, GPRS, UMTS or other most advantageously digital network, which applies, for example TDM (Time-Division Multiplexing) or CDM (Code-Division Multiplex- ing). Telecommunications and data transmission from the mobile network 4 to other networks, such as in Figure 1 to the fixed network 3, and vice versa, is typically routed via mobile station network 4 gateway mobile switching centre GMSC (not illustrated in the figure).

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 1, the data system 1 of both described weather stations is linked both with a fixed connection with the aid of modem 13 or network adapter, such as ISDN adapter, to the fixed network 3 local switching centre 31, which is further in communication with the fixed network 3 higher level group or district switching centre, and with a wireless connection via mobile station 14 to the mobile network 4 base station 41, which is further in communication via the mobile network 4 base station con- troller 42 with the mobile network switching centre 43, which is in communication with gateway switching centre (not illustrated in figure) fixed network group or district switching centre. Thus, the optional fixed or wireless interface to the weather station data system 1 of the required weather station, which belongs to a group of weather stations far away from each other, is arranged via the fixed network 3 or the mobile network 4 to one zone or group switching centre 32 of fixed network 3, when the weather information service system according to the invention may be implemented as a telecommunications network service independ- ent of network operator.

Along with or in addition to the above mentioned communications over the fixed network 3 or the mobile network 4, one may naturally implement other communication arrangements. Such need increases especially when the distance from the mobile network 4 base station 41 in- creases, and the user of wind and marine weather data is no longer in the ordinary coverage area of the mobile network 4. As the wind and marine weather data transmitted by the weather information service system according to the invention is primarily binary data, advantageously in ASCII format, optional or additional communications include radio frequency or RF communications, satellite links 5 and satellite phone systems which are designed for long-range communication.

In the weather information service system described in Figure 1 and according to the invention, the weather station data systems are fixed and located in fixed weather stations, which continuously collect wind and marine weather data from sensors 11, and in which weather station the weather station data system 1 continuously forms real-time wind and marine weather data. The weather station data system 1 includes the first set of storing or storage media 12, for example a hard disk, in order to store collected wind and marine weather data. On the other hand, user data systems 2 are either fixed and/or mobile user data systems, and are located in destinations requiring wind and marine weather data, such as on ships 6.

According to an advantageous embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the weather information service system includes the first set of presentation media 15 for presenting the collected wind and/or marine weather data in the weather station data system 1, such as the computer display illustrated in Figure 1. Furthermore, the weather information service system according to the invention pertains communication and data transmission devices 3, 4 for telecommunications and/or data transmission between the user data system 2 and the weather station data system 1, when a connecting call is first made from the user data system 2 to the weather station data system 1 in order to establish telecommunications and data transmission connection, and after which a wind and marine weather data query is sent from the user data system 2 to the weather station data system 1, after which wind and/or marine weather data is sent from the weather station data system 1 to the user data system as a response to the wind and/or marine weather data query.

As illustrated in Figure 1 and according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the user data system 2 of the weather information service system includes especially advantageously another set of presentation media 21, for example the computer display illustrated in Figure 1, in order to present the wind and marine weather data received from the weather sta- tion 1 in the user data system 2, and another set of storage media 22, such as a hard disk, in order to store the wind and/or marine weather data in the user data system 2.

According to the invention, communication and data transmission media between the weather station data system 1 and the user data system 2 include a data transmission path, which per- tains, according the an advantageous embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 1, a fixed circuit or packet switched telecommunications or data network 3 or an IP network or a PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) 4, with which the user data system 2 communicates via a wireless interface. The mobile network is chosen among a group which pertains GSM, GPRS, UMTS network or another digital mobile station network applying TDMA or CDMA technology. Also a radio frequency RF communication or a satellite link intended for long- range communications may form the data transmission path, especially when the user is located outside the ordinary coverage area of the mobile network.

One must notice that also other users, located in a fixed place, such as a port or a ground sta- tion, may utilise wind and marine weather data collected by the weather station data system. Then, the user does not have to exploit mobile network as a part of the data transmission path, but the user data system 2 can connect directly with fixed network 3 via, for example, modem 13 or network adapter, for example ISDN adapter, or via a fixed communication, for example xDSL connection. As the weather station data system 1 can be located in a fixed place, also the weather station data system 1 may connect with the fixed network 3 via, for example ISDN adapter, or a fixed communication, for example xDSL connection. Then, users in a fixed location do not have to use mobile network as a part of data transmission path in order to acquire wind and marine weather data from the weather station data system 1, but the data transmission path may pass only over the fixed network 3, when telecommunications and/or data transmission can be arranged to be extremely fast, and the problems of slow data transmission, related for example in GSM network, may be avoided.

One must state related to the user data system 2 terminals in the system according to the invention, that the user data system does not necessary have to be a large and powerful computer system, but the terminal may also be a mobile station supporting data or SMS communication or ASCII data presentation or a pocket or mobile computer which has the devices to enable data transmission into fixed and/or mobile network and vice versa. Such movable terminals are especially advantageous when wind and marine weather data collected by the weather station data system is utilised in amateur and civilian use.

Referring to Figure 2, which generally illustrates the functioning of the weather information service system and method controlled by the logic of the computer program according to the invention, which comprises of collecting wind and marine weather data phase A, establishing connection phase B, connection phase C and disconnecting connection phase D.

According to the invention, one part of the computer program is stored in the weather station data system 1, and the second part of the computer program is stored in the user data system 2. Then, as illustrated in Figure 2 and in the weather information service system according to the invention and according to the weather service method according to the invention, the following occur in the logic control of the above mentioned parts stored in the weather station data system 1 and the user data system 2:

- in phase A, wind and marine weather data is collected from sensors 11 into the weather station data system 1, in the weather station data system the collected wind and marine weather data is converted into binary data in ASCII format which is parameterised, tabulated and stored as ASCII format data in the weather station data system 1 storage medium 12, and further the stored ASCII format data and or its graphic presentation may be visualised, if necessary, on the weather station data system 1 presentation medium 15 display depending on the need or the location of presentation medium;

- in phase B, a mobile network 4 terminal 14 or a fixed network 3 modem 13 or network adapter connected to the weather station data system 1 is initialised for data transmission connection, a connecting call is made from the user data system 2 to the weather station data system 1, the calling line or user is registered in the weather station data system 1, user information and password are sent from the user data system 2 to the weather station data system 1, and user information and password sent by the user is controlled or verified from the user and password directory 16 of the weather station data system 1 ;

- in phase C, data transmission connection is established between the user and weather station data systems 1, 2 if the user information and password sent by the user are valid and correct, a query for wind and marine weather data is sent from the user data system 2 to the weather station data system 1, required wind and marine weather data is sent from the weather station data system 1 to the user data system 2, advantageously in data packets, then visualised on the user data system presentation medium 21, such as display, and the received wind and marine weather data is stored in the user data system 2 memory or storage medium 22; and

- in phase D, connection between the user data system 2 and the weather station data system 1 is ended by disconnecting the call.

Thus, in the system and method according to the invention, real-time wind and marine weather data is continuously collected from the sensors 11 connected to the weather station data system 1, which data is stored, advantageously parameterised and tabulated, in the weather station data system 1 memory 12, and the user data system 2 controls the mobile network 4 terminal 14 connected to the user data system 2, such as mobile station or modem, via which connection is made for the weather station data system 1 in order to establish communication between the user and weather station data systems 1, 2. After this, a query for wind and marine weather data is sent from the user data system 2 to the weather station data system 1, as a re- sponse to which the weather station data system 1 sends wind and marine weather data to the user data system, which data is visualised and stored in the user data system 2.

It is especially advantageous that user information and password are sent from the user data system 2 to the weather station data system 1, which information the weather station data sys- tern 1 controls before establishing communication between the user and weather station data systems 1, 2. It is also especially advantageous that wind and marine weather data received in the user data system 2 is converted into parameters, or parameterised, and presented on the user data system 2 display 21, most advantageously by means of graphic user interface 7 (see Figure 4) graphically and numerically, that is, as graphics and tables, and that wind and/or marine weather data received in the user data system 2 is stored as binary data in ASCII format in the user data system 2 storage medium 22.

The computer program accordmg to the invention is intended for the implementation of a computer-aided weather information service system and method especially intended for pro- fessional seafaring, particularly for transmitting wind and marine weather data between fixed weather station data systems 1, which are located in fixed weather stations and which collect and form wind and marine weather data, and many user data systems 2 which are either fixed or mobile and which use wind and marine weather data. The first part of the computer program according to the invention is stored in the weather station data system 1, and the second part of the computer program is stored in the user data system 2.

hi the logic control of the program part stored in the weather station data system 1, the weather station data system 1 continuously collects real-time wind and marine weather data from sensors 11, stores wind and marine weather data in the weather station data system 1 memory 12, and sends wind and marine weather data as a response for wind and marine weather data query. In addition, the computer program part stored in the weather station data system 1 controls passwords and registers both used passwords and users or callers.

In the logic control of the program part stored in the user data system 2, the settings and prop- erties are set for the modem 3 or network adapter connected to the fixed network of the weather station data system 1 or for the mobile network terminal 14, such as a mobile station or a computer, which settings and properties include COM parameters, alarm limits and graphics settings, a call is made to the weather station data system 1 in order to establish connection between the user and weather station data systems 1, 2, after which the user data sys- tern 2 transmits a wind and/or marine weather data query to the weather station data system 1 in order to receive wind and/or marine weather data from the weather station data system 1. In phase A, which is the collecting phase of wind and marine weather data, it is especially advantageous according to the invention that the following occurs in the logic control of the computer program part stored in the weather station data system 1 :

- the validity of collected wind and marine weather data is controlled, and that - collected wind and marine weather data is parameterised and tabulated before it is stored most advantageously as binary data in ASCII format in the weather station data system 1 memory 12 and is presented on the weather station data system 1 display 15, advantageously on the user interface 7 according to Figure 4, as graphics and tables.

Figure 3 illustrates a model for parametrising and tabulating the collected wind and marine weather data, which includes wind direction, wind speed, water flow, water level, significant wave height, maximum wave height, air pressure and temperature, and storing it into the weather station data system 1 memory 12. When the collected wind and marine weather data is stored, most advantageously in ASCII format, parameterised and tabulated, wind and ma- rine weather data can be transmitted over data transmission path from the weather station data system 1 to the user data system 2, for example in data packets, which each may contain requested measuring results a_n-h_n parameterised into certain measuring point(s) of time t„.

Furthermore, in phase B, which is the connecting phase, it is especially advantageous accord- ing to the invention that the following occurs in the logic control of the computer program part stored in the weather station data system 1 :

- modem 14 or network adapter connected to fixed network or terminal connected to the mobile network 4 is controlled in order to answer a connecting query call,

- user information and password received from the user data system 2 are verified, - user calls are registered and stored, for example for future invoicing.

In phase C, which is communication phase, it is also especially advantageous according to the invention that the following occurs in the logic control of the computer program part stored in the weather station data system 1 : - as a response to wind and marine weather data query and after user information and password are verified, the required wind and marine weather data is sent, advantageously in data packets, which each may contain requested measuring results a_n-h_n parameterised into certain measuring point(s) of time t_n.

In phase B, which is connecting phase, it is especially advantageous according to the invention that the following occurs in the logic control of the computer program part stored in the user data system 2:

- after the weather station data system 1 has responded to the connecting call, user information and password are sent to the weather station data system, the validity of which is controlled and verified by the weather station data system 1 with the aid of its user and password directory 16.

In phase C, which is communication phase, it is also especially advantageous that the following occurs in the logic control of the computer program part stored in the user data system 2:

- after the weather station data system 1 has verified user information and password and after the user data system 2 has sent a wind and/or marine weather data query to the weather station data system 1, the user data system 2 receives wind and marine weather data packets, which each may contain requested measuring result(s) a_n-h_n parameterised into certain measuring point(s) of time t_n, and

- if necessary, the received wind and marine weather data is further parameterised and stored or stored as such in the user data system 2 storage medium 22, for example on hard disk, advantageously in ASCII format,

- the received wind and marine weather data is presented in the user data system user interface 7 (see Figure 4), advantageously as graphics and tables.

Referring to Figure 4, which illustrates an example of user interface graphics on the user data system 2 display 21 of the weather information service, according to the present invention, user interface 7. User interface 7 is the user interface of the second part of the computer program stored in the user data system 2, by the means of which one is able to control the visualisation and converting of the wind and marine weather data received from the weather station data system 1. As expressed in Figure 4, this user interface graphics contains four sectors so - that in table sector 71, which is advantageously the upper left sector of the user interface, the instantaneous values, average values and minimum and maximum values of wind speed and direction in different points of time are visualised in table format,

- that selection sector 72, which is advantageously the upper right sector of the user inter- face, contains selection media 73 for different weather stations, such as the examples of

Langnas, Maarianhamina, Turku and Helsinki illustrated in Figure 4,

- that the first graphics section 74, which is advantageously the lower left sector of the user interface, graphically shows the change of average wind speed as the function of time; graphics style can be selected with selection button 75 located on the right side of this lower left sector,

- that the second graphics sector 76, which is advantageously the lower right sector of the user interface, graphically shows the average of wind direction during selected period of time, which period of time can be selected with the selection and display fields 77, which in this example of Figure 4 are the average of compass card readouts of two hours, and the averages of compass card readouts for the first 30 minutes and the last 30 minutes.

The invention was only explained above by way of its certain advantageous embodiment. Thus, this is not to limit the invention at hand to apply to only such an individual embodiment, but as is evident to the professionals of the field, many alternative solutions and variations and equivalent solution models of details are possible within the scope of the protection of the inventive idea, defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A computer-aided weather information service system especially intended for professional seafaring, particularly for transmitting wind and marine weather data, which weather in- formation service system contains many fixed and/or mobile weather station data systems

(1), which are located in fixed and/or mobile weather stations, which collect and form wind and marine weather data, and many fixed and/or mobile user data systems (2), which use wind and marine weather data, between which weather station data system (1) and user data system data transmission connection can be established over optional data transmission path, characterised in that

- weather information service system contains a computer program, the first part of which is stored in the weather station data system (1) and the second part of which is stored in the user data system (2),

- the weather station data system (1) continually collects real-time wind and/or marine weather data from measuring sensors (11),

- the weather station data system (1) parameterises and tabulates collected wind and marine weather data with the means of the first part of the computer program,

- the weather station data system (1) contains the first set of storing media (12) for storing the parameterised and tabulated wind and/or marine weather data into the weather station data system (1), and the first set of presentation media (15) for the optional presentation of collected wind and/or marine weather data in the weather station data system (1),

- weather information service system contains connecting and data transmission devices (3, 13, 4, 14) for communication between the user data system (2) and the weather station data system (1), especially for making a connecting call, for sending a user's query for wind and/or marine weather data into the weather station data system (1), and for sending the wind and/or marine weather data into the user data system (2) as a response for the wind and/or marine weather data query,

- the user data system contains another set of storing media (22) for storing the wind and or marine weather data received from the weather station data system into the user data system (2) and another set of presentation media (21) for the optional presenta- tion of wind and or marine weather data, advantageously with the aid of the graphic user interface controlled by the second part of the computer program.

2. A weather information service system accordmg to Claim 1, characterised in that the user data system (2) sends user information and user password into the weather station data system (1), which user information and password the weather station data system (1) controls before establishing communication between the user and weather station data systems (1, 2).

3. A weather information service system according to Claim 1 and/or 2, characterised in that the communication and data transmission devices (3, 13, 4, 14) include a data transmission path, which is chosen from the group pertaining the following: a fixed circuit or packet switched telecommunications or data network, an IP network, a PLMN, advantageously a GSM, GPRS, UMTS network or other digital mobile network applying TDMA or CDMA technology, a radio frequency connection or a satellite link (5).

4. A weather information service system according to one of Claims 1-3, characterised in that the wind and or marine weather data received from the weather station data system (1) into the user data system (2) is stored as binary data, advantageously in ASCII format, in the user data system (2) storage medium (22), that the binary data is presented and, if necessary, converted in the user data system (2) graphic user interface in order to present wind and marine weather data on the user data system (2) display (21), advantageously graphically and/or numerically, that is, as graphics and/or tables.

5. A weather information service system according to one of Claims 1-4, characterised in that the logic of the computer program part stored in the weather station data system (1) of the weather information service system at least:

- collects wind and marine weather data from sensors (11) into the weather station data system (1), - stores wind and marine weather data in the weather station data system (1) memory

(12), - sends wind and marine weather data to the user, and furthermore advantageously

- controls passwords and registers callers or users, and that the logic of the computer program part stored in the user data system (2)

- sets the settings and properties of a fixed or dial-up connection into fixed network (3), - makes a connecting call to the weather station in order to establish commumcation between the user and weather station data systems (1, 2),

- sends a wind and marine weather data query to the weather station data system (1).

A weather information service system according to Claim 5, characterised in that the following occur in the logic control of the computer program part stored in the weather station data system (1):

- collecting data from sensors (11) into the weather station data system (1),

- controlling validity of collected data,

- converting and parametrising of collected data, - storing collected data into the weather station data system (1) memory (12), for example on hard disk,

- controlling fixed network (3) modem (13) or network adapter and answering upcoming connecting call,

- controlling user information and password of connection, - registering and storing user information of the user requesting connecting,

- sending requested data packets, which contain wind and marine weather data, which data packets each advantageously contain requested measuring result(s) a_n-h_n parameterised into certain measuring point(s) of time t_n,

- disconnecting modem line or other connection between the weather station and user, and that the following occur in the logic control of the computer program part stored in the user data system:

- initialising and setting properties of fixed network 3 modem 13 or network adapter located in the weather station data system or the mobile network 4 terminal 14, - making a connecting call to the weather station and giving user information and password of connection,

- making a wind and/or marine weather data query,

- receiving data packets which contain wind and marine weather data, - converting, or parametrising, received data packets,

- storing converted data on hard disk as binary data, advantageously in ASCII text format, in the user data system memory,

- presenting binary data on the user data system (2) display (21), advantageously graphically and/or numerically, that is, as graphics and/or tables, when advantageously binary data may be converted with the aid of the user data system user interface in order to improve the visualisation on the user data system (2) display (21),

- setting of display symbols,

- ending the call.

A computer-aided weather information service method especially intended for professional seafaring, particularly for transmitting wind and marine weather data, which weather information service method contains a wind and marine weather data collection phase (A) for at least one weather station data system, a data transmission connection establishing phase (B) between at least one weather station data system (1) and at least one user data system (2), a data transmission connection phase (C) between at least one weather station data system (1) and at least one user data system (2), and a data transmission connection disconnecting phase (D) between at least one weather station data system (1) and at least one user data system (2), characterised in that

- in the wind and marine weather data collection phase (A), real-time wind and marine weather data is collected from sensors (11) connected to the weather station data system (1), which data is stored in the weather station data system (1) memory (12),

- in the data transmission connection establishing phase (B), the settings and properties of modem (13) or network adapter pertaining in the weather station data system (1) fixed network or terminal (14) pertaining in mobile network (4) are set for data trans- mission connection, after which a connecting call is made from the user data system

(2) to at least one weather station data system (1), - when the settings and properties of modem (13) or network adapter connected to the weather station data system (1) fixed network (3) or terminal (14) connected to mobile network (4) are set in advance, the settings and properties of the modem, network adapter or terminal are initialised with the weather information service computer pro- gram in data transmission connection establishing phase (B), in the end of data transmission connection and in the context of a separate maintenance connection, when the system is set into maintenance mode using passwords and when the modem, network adapter or terminal is ready to serve the next data transmission connection,

- in the data transmission connection phase (C), a query for wind and or marine weather data is sent from the user data system (2), and as a response to the user's wind and marine weather data query, wind and marine weather data is sent from the weather station data system (1) to the user.

A weather information service method accordmg to Claim 7, characterised in that user information and password are sent from the user data system (2) to the weather station data system (1), that the user information and password are controlled in the weather station data system (1) with the aid of the user information and password directory (16), and that the data transmission connection between the weather station and user data systems (1, 2) is disconnected if the user information and password are not correct.

A weather information service method according to Claim 7 and/or 8, characterised in that the parameterised wind and/or marine weather data received from the weather station data system (1) into the user data system (2) is stored as binary data, advantageously in ASCII format, in the user data system (2) storage medium (22), and that in the user data system (2), the binary data is presented on the user data system (2) display (21), advantageously graphically and/or numerically, that is, as graphics and/or tables, and that when advantageously binary data is converted, if required, with the aid of the user data system graphic user interface in order to improve the visualisation of binary data on the user data system (2) display (21).

A computer program for implementing a computer-aided weather information service system and method especially intended for professional seafaring, particularly for transmitting wind and marine weather data, which weather information service system contains many fixed weather station data systems (1), which are located in fixed weather stations, which collect and form wind and marine weather data, and many either fixed and/or mobile user data systems (2), which use wind and marine weather data, between which weather station data systems (1) and user data systems data transmission connection may be established over data transmission path, and which weather information service method contains a wind and marine weather data collection phase (A) for at least one weather station data system, a data transmission connection establishing phase (B) of at least one weather station data system (1) and at least one user data system (2), a data transmission connection phase (C) of at least one weather station data system (1) and at least one user data system (2), and a data transmission connection disconnecting (D) of at least one weather station data system (1) and at least one user data system (2), characterised in that the first part of the computer program is stored in the weather station data system (1), that the second part of the computer program is stored in the user data system (2), that in the logic control of the first part of the computer program, the weather station data system (1) continuously collects real-time wind and marine weather data from sensors

(11), stores wind and marine weather data in the weather station data system (1) memory (12), and sends wind and marine weather data to the user as a response for wind and marine weather data query, that in the logic control of the second part of the computer program, the user data system (2) sets the settings and properties of the modem (13) or network adapter connected to the weather station data system (1) fixed network (3) or of the mobile terminal (14) connected to mobile network (4) for data transmission connection, makes a call to the weather station data system (1), and sends a wind and marine weather data query to the weather station data system (1).

A computer program according to Claim 10, characterised in that the computer program part stored in the weather station data system (1) controls passwords and registers callers.

A computer program accordmg to Claim 10 and/or 11, characterised in that in the logic control of the computer program part stored in the weather station data system (1):

- wind and marine weather data is collected from sensors (11) to the weather station data system (1), - the validity of wind and marine weather data is controlled,

- the wind and marine weather data is converted and parameterised,

- the wind and marine weather data is stored in the weather station data system (1) memory (12), advantageously on hard disk, - the fixed network (3) modem (13) or network adapter or the mobile network (4) terminal (14) are controlled and the upcoming call is answered,

- the user information and passwords sent by the user data system (2) are controlled,

- the received user information is registered and stored,

- the required wind and marine weather data is sent, advantageously in data packets, and - the modem line or other commumcation between the weather station and the user is disconnected and that in the logic control of computer program part stored in the user data system (2): .

- the settings and properties of the fixed network (3) modem or network adapter connected to the user data system (2) are set, - a connecting call is made to the weather station data system in order to establish communication between the user and weather station data systems and in order to send user information and password of connection and to send a wind and/or marine weather data query,

- wind and marine weather data is received from the weather station data system, - the received wind and marine weather data is stored in the user data system (2) storing medium (22), advantageously as parameterised binary data in ASCII format,

- the received wind and marine weather data is presented on the user data system (2) display (21), advantageously graphically and/or numerically, that is, as graphics and/or tables, and that advantageously binary data is converted, if required, with the aid of the user data system graphic user interface in order to improve the visualisation of binary data on the user data system (2) display (21),

- the communication between the user and weather station data systems is ended. A computer program according to one of Claims 10-12, characterised in that the user interface (7) is the user interface of the first part of the computer program, with the aid of which one is able to control wind and marine weather data visualisation and converting, that advantageously the user interface graphics includes four sectors so that the instanta- neous values, average values and minimum and maximum values of wind speed and direction in different points of time are visualised in the table sector (71), that the selection sector (72) contains selection media (73) for different weather stations, that the first graphics section (74) graphically shows the change of average wind speed as the function of time, and that the second graphics sector (76) graphically shows the average of wind di- rection during selected period of time.