Enhanced electronic dive mask system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an enhanced electronic diving mask with various image enhancement hardware and software integrated with a diving mask, whereby images may be enhanced to enable a diver to achieve greater visibility and clearer vision while underwater. Notably, the present invention combines techniques that have previously been used in connection with internal patient surgical procedures, so that medical instrument imaging technology used inside the human body may for the first time be used to afford divers clearer vision, more visibility and greater safety.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIMS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 409,315, filed on Oct. 17, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]The ocean covers 71 percent of the earth's surface. Since the dawn of human existence, people have entered the water to collect food. There are artifacts indicating that the people of Mesopotamia engaged in diving to collect pearl oysters as long as 4,500 years ago. The origins of diving trace back to the being of human history. Over time, divers learned to equalize ear pressure as they descended to deeper depths. Eventually, the desire to go deeper and stay underwater for longer periods of time led to the development of systems for underwater breathing, such as helmets supplied with pressurized air through an attached hose. Today one of the most popular means of underwater exploration is scuba diving, where a diver uses a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba)...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The electronic dive mask (EDM) is a device that helps improve visibility for divers. It can also monitor critical resources, conditions, and threats. This improves safety and awareness for divers and allows them to communicate with other divers and topside resources using different modes.

Problems solved by technology

Underwater divers work in a very difficult environment.

As previously noted, a primary challenge divers must deal with is poor vision.

Poor contrast, lack of light, cloudy water, and water turbulence all contribute to poor visual acuity.

Adding to these challenges is the difficulty of communicating with other divers and topside personnel.

Working underwater is both physically and mentally challenging and characterized by high risk.

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