Underwater exploration helmet having XR glasses mounted therein and operation method thereof

Abstract

Disclosed are an underwater exploration helmet having XR glasses mounted therein and an operation method thereof. The present invention includes: an XR execution module for generating XR data; an XR display for displaying the XR data generated by the XR execution module; a GPS module for generating GPS position information in real time; and a GPS signal wireless transmission module for generating in real time a GPS wireless signal including the GPS position information generated by the GPS module in real time and transmitting in real-time the GPS wireless signal generated in real time, wherein the XR data includes at least one of a current depth, a current water temperature, dive time, and a remaining air amount. According to the underwater exploration helmet having XR glasses mounted therein and the operation method thereof described above, the XR glasses are configured to be mounted in the underwater exploration helmet to display data such as a remaining air amount of an air tank, a water depth, a water temperature, dive time, and available dive time, enabling convenient exploring without frequently checking a diving computer or checking a gauge during diving.

Description

XR glass-equipped underwater exploration helmet and its operating method

[0001] The present invention relates to an underwater exploration helmet and an operating method thereof, and more particularly, to an underwater exploration helmet equipped with XR glass and an operating method thereof.

[0002] Divers explore underwater equipped with air tanks and diving computers.

[0003] Divers can visually monitor dive time, depth, water temperature, and remaining air volume through a dive computer attached to their wrist or other device. The remaining air volume in the air tank is transmitted to the dive computer via a transmitter, and the regulator can also be manually adjusted to control the breathing rate of the oxygen mask.

[0004] Likewise, underwater exploration often involves checking and adjusting various pieces of equipment. During this process, if currents are strong or balance is lost, neutral buoyancy can be lost, causing the diver to float higher.

[0005] Meanwhile, underwater exploration often requires a variety of tasks, including rescue operations, underwater structure inspections, and underwater structure construction. Furthermore, in highly turbid waters, it's difficult to visually inspect the diving computer.

[0006] In difficult underwater exploration processes such as structural work, underwater structure inspection, and underwater structure construction, divers need a means to more conveniently check various equipment and work conveniently and freely.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an underwater exploration helmet equipped with XR glasses.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating an underwater exploration helmet equipped with XR glasses.

[0009] An underwater exploration helmet equipped with XR glasses according to the purpose of the present invention described above may be configured to include an XR execution module that generates XR data; and an XR display that displays the XR data generated by the XR execution module.

[0010] Here, the XR data may be composed of at least one of the current water depth, the current underwater temperature, the diving time, and the remaining air amount.

[0011] And it can be configured to further include a GPS module that generates GPS location information in real time.

[0012] And it may be configured to further include a GPS signal wireless transmission module that generates a GPS wireless signal including GPS location information generated in real time by the GPS module in real time and transmits the GPS wireless signal generated in real time.

[0013] A method for operating an underwater exploration helmet equipped with XR glasses according to another purpose of the present invention described above may be configured to include a step in which an XR execution module generates XR data; and a step in which an XR display displays the XR data generated by the XR execution module.

[0014] Here, the XR data may be composed of at least one of the current water depth, the current underwater temperature, the diving time, and the remaining air amount.

[0015] According to the above-described XR glass-equipped underwater exploration helmet and its operating method, by equipping the XR glass on the underwater exploration helmet and configuring it to display data such as the remaining air amount of the air tank, water depth, water temperature, diving time, and diving time possible, it is possible to conveniently explore without having to frequently check the diving computer or gauges during diving.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an underwater exploration helmet equipped with XR glasses according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an underwater exploration helmet equipped with XR glasses according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a left side / right side view of an underwater exploration helmet equipped with XR glasses according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a front / back view of an XR display according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an operation method of an underwater exploration helmet equipped with XR glasses according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and detailed descriptions of specific embodiments for carrying out the invention are provided. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Throughout the description of each drawing, similar reference numerals have been used to designate similar components.

[0022] Terms such as first, second, A, and B may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related items described herein or any of multiple related items described herein.

[0023] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0024] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0026] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an underwater exploration helmet equipped with XR glasses according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an underwater exploration helmet equipped with XR glasses according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a left side view / right side view of an underwater exploration helmet equipped with XR glasses according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a front view / back view of an XR display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] First, referring to FIG. 1, an XR glass-equipped underwater exploration helmet (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sonar module (101), a sonar image output module (102), a sonar automatic control module (103), a depth sensor (104), a temperature sensor (105), a remaining air amount receiving module (106), a diving time measuring module (107), an air consumption rate calculating module (108), a diving time calculating module (109), a DSMB (delayed surface marker buoy) position receiving module (110), an SMB position tracking module (111), an XR (extended reality) execution module (112), an XR display (113), a micro projector (114), an alarm reference storage module (115), an alarm voice output module (116), an ascent rate calculating module (117), an ascent rate guidance module (118), a bone conduction earphone module (119), a BCD dry suit (buoyancy control device dry suit) automatic control module (120), It may be configured to include a video camera module (121), a video storage module (122), a video transmission module (123), an eye detection sensor (124), an emergency signal transmission module (125), a GPS module (126), a GPS signal wireless transmission module (127), and a battery module (128).

[0029] Below, the detailed configuration is explained.

[0030] The sonar module (101) can be configured to detect the user's surroundings using sound waves and generate a sonar image.

[0031] The sonar image output module (102) can be configured to output the sonar image generated by the sonar module (101) in real time.

[0032] The sonar automatic control module (103) can control the sonar module (101) to adjust the sonar scanning angle and sonar detection distance in real time depending on whether a surrounding obstacle is detected by the sonar image.

[0033] In general, in the case of a sonar module (10), when the angle of irradiation of the sonar sound wave is wide, the clarity of the sonar image decreases, and when the angle of irradiation of the sonar sound wave is narrow, the clarity of the sonar image increases.

[0034] If no surrounding obstacles are detected at all within the current user's viewing angle range, the sonar automatic control module (103) can control the sonar scanning angle to first quickly detect the presence of surrounding obstacles by widening the sonar scanning angle, and if there are surrounding obstacles, to narrow the sonar scanning angle to detect surrounding obstacles in more detail.

[0035] Meanwhile, a change in the user's gaze angle can be detected by a 3D acceleration sensor (not shown) equipped in an XR glass-equipped underwater exploration helmet (100). At this time, the sonar automatic control module (103) can determine the degree of change in the user's gaze angle, and if it is determined that the change in the gaze angle is within a predetermined range and there is little change, that is, if it is determined that a specific direction is being gazed at for a predetermined period of time or longer, the sonar scanning angle can be narrowed to increase the clarity of the sonar image. Otherwise, if the user changes the gaze direction while looking around in various directions, the sonar scanning angle can be controlled to be widened. This has the advantage of allowing the user to conveniently explore without having to change the sonar irradiation angle every time.

[0036] The depth sensor (104) can be configured to detect the current water depth.

[0037] The temperature sensor (105) can be configured to detect the current underwater temperature.

[0038] The residual air volume receiving module (106) can be configured to receive the residual air volume of the air tank in real time from the transmitter (10). The residual air volume receiving module (106) can receive the residual air volume in real time by wire, sonic wave, or ultrasonic wave.

[0039] The diving time measurement module (107) can be configured to measure the current diving time in real time. The diving time measurement module (107) can measure the diving time based on the water depth of the depth sensor (104).

[0040] The air consumption rate calculation module (108) can be configured to calculate the air consumption rate in real time using the remaining air amount received in real time from the remaining air amount receiving module (106) and the current diving time measured in real time from the diving time measuring module (107).

[0041] The diving time calculation module (109) can be configured to calculate the diving time in real time using the remaining air amount received in real time from the remaining air amount receiving module (106) and the air consumption rate calculated in real time from the air consumption rate calculation module (108).

[0042] The DSMB location receiving module (110) may be configured to receive DSMB location information in real time from the DSMB (20). Here, unlike conventional DSMBs, the DSMB (20) may be equipped with a GPS device (not shown) to enable real-time confirmation of its current location. The current location of the DSMB (20) may frequently change due to currents and may deviate significantly from its original location.

[0043] The DSMB location tracking module (111) can be configured to track the DSMB location in real time using the DSMB location information received in real time from the DSMB location receiving module (110). Through the DSMB location tracking module (111), the user can also confirm underwater that he or she is significantly deviating from the original location.

[0044] The XR execution module (112) can be configured to generate XR data using the sonar image output in real time from the sonar image output module (102), the current water depth detected in real time from the depth sensor (104), the current underwater temperature detected in real time from the temperature sensor (105), the remaining air amount received in real time from the remaining air amount receiving module (106), the diving time measured in real time from the diving time measuring module (107), the air consumption rate calculated in real time from the air consumption rate calculating module, the diving time calculated in real time from the diving time calculating module, the DSMB location information received in real time from the DSMB location receiving module, and the DSMB location tracked in real time from the DSMB location tracking module.

[0045] The XR display (113) can be configured to display XR data generated by the XR execution module (112). Since the user can visually check data such as water depth, water temperature, and diving time that can be checked through a conventional diving computer (not shown) through the XR display (113), both hands are freed up, and the user can focus on underwater exploration work, thereby increasing efficiency and preventing safety accidents. In addition, the situation where neutral buoyancy is lost during underwater exploration and the user cannot maintain a position can be reduced.

[0046] Here, the XR display (113) is attached to the front of the XR glass-equipped underwater exploration helmet (100) as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and can be positioned so that the user can see it with the naked eye.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 4, it can be seen that the user can visually check the underwater area through the XR display (113) and simultaneously check sonar images or other diving computer data on the XR display (113).

[0048] Meanwhile, an operation button (100d) is provided for operation of the XR display (113).

[0049] The microprojector (114) can be configured to output XR data generated by the XR execution module (112) to the user's eyes in the form of a beam. Since the XR data is directly irradiated to the eyes, there is an advantage in that the clarity of the XR data is increased.

[0050] The alarm criteria storage module (115) may be configured to store predetermined alarm criteria in advance. Here, the alarm criteria may be configured to specify whether the current water depth, current underwater temperature, remaining air volume, diving time, air consumption rate, possible diving time, DSMB position, etc. are outside of a predetermined criteria range.

[0051] The alarm voice output module (116) may be configured to output in real time each alarm voice for the current water depth detected in real time by the water depth sensor (104), the current underwater temperature detected in real time by the temperature sensor (105), the remaining air amount received in real time by the remaining air amount receiving module (106), the diving time measured in real time by the diving time measuring module (107), the air consumption rate calculated in real time by the air consumption rate calculating module (108), the diving time calculated in real time by the diving time calculating module (109), and the DSMB position tracked in real time by the DSMB position tracking module (111) according to the alarm criteria stored in advance in the alarm criteria storage module (115).

[0052] This allows users to accurately recognize current dangerous situations.

[0053] The ascent speed calculation module (117) can be configured to calculate the user's ascent speed in real time based on the current water depth detected in real time by the depth sensor (104). The ascent speed calculation module (119) can calculate the user's ascent speed by tracking the current water depth in real time.

[0054] When ascending too quickly after a dive, the pressure drop during ascent can cause the nitrogen and oxygen in the blood to boil, creating bubbles. This can cause serious bodily harm and, in severe cases, even death. Therefore, ascending to the surface should be done very slowly, often pausing for a while. However, divers often fail to properly control their ascent speed, and this can be extremely dangerous if the current is too strong or neutral buoyancy is lost, causing rapid resurfacing.

[0055] The ascent speed guidance module (118) can be configured to output a guidance voice in real time regarding the ascent speed calculated in real time by the ascent speed calculation module (117). The user can easily determine whether the ascent speed is appropriate through the guidance voice.

[0056] The bone conduction earphone module (119) can be configured to output an alarm sound output in real time from the alarm sound output module (116) and a guidance sound output in real time from the ascent speed guidance module (118). By transmitting sound through bone conduction, the user can accurately hear voices or sounds underwater without being disturbed by various underwater noises. Meanwhile, divers must be able to easily detect ambient sounds underwater to prevent safety accidents. Another advantage of bone conduction sound transmission is that it is relatively easy to detect underwater sounds occurring in the surroundings without missing them.

[0057] On the other hand, in addition to the bone conduction earphone module (119), an internal speaker module (not shown) may be additionally provided.

[0058] The internal speaker module (not shown) can be configured to output an alarm voice output in real time from the alarm voice output module (116) and a guidance voice output in real time from the rising speed guidance module (118).

[0059] The BCD dry suit automatic control module (120) can be configured to determine whether the ascent speed calculated in real time from the ascent speed calculation module (117) is above a predetermined standard.

[0060] And the BCD dry suit automatic control module (120) can be configured to automatically remotely control the buoyancy of the BCD dry suit (30) so that the ascent speed is maintained below a predetermined standard according to the above judgment result. That is, if the ascent speed is too fast, the buoyancy can be adjusted to remain in the current position or to remain by diving a little deeper. Specifically, the BCD dry suit automatic shut-off module (120) is configured to adjust the supply amount of air supplied from the air tank to the BCD dry suit (30), and the opening and closing of the supply valve can be remotely driven through wired communication, sonic communication, or ultrasonic communication.

[0061] When divers ascend from deep water, they primarily utilize the buoyancy of the BCD dry suit (30). The BCD dry suit automatic control module (120) can automatically adjust the buoyancy by increasing, maintaining, or decreasing the buoyancy of the BCD dry suit (30) through wired, sonic, or ultrasonic communication, and the ascent process itself, which can take several tens of minutes, can be safely ascended by relying on the automatic control of the BCD dry suit automatic control module (120).

[0062] Specifically, the BCD dry suit automatic control module (120) may be configured to control the amount of air supplied from the air tank to the BCD dry suit (30). The BCD dry suit automatic control module (120) may be configured to increase buoyancy by opening an air injection valve that injects air into the BCD dry suit (30) and to decrease buoyancy by opening an air discharge valve that discharges air from the BCD dry suit (30).

[0063] Note that the diver's inhalation valve, which supplies air from the air tank to the diver's mask, operates independently of the air inlet valve and air exhaust valve, and the air tank's main valve must be constantly open or partially open and closed. This is because the diver must be continuously supplied with air through the diver inhalation valve, independent of the opening and closing of the air inlet valve and air exhaust valve.

[0064] The video camera module (121) may be configured to generate video data in real time. The video camera module (123) may be a camera that operates underwater, such as a GoPro.

[0065] The video camera module (123) can be mounted on the stand (100c) of FIG. 4.

[0066] The video storage module (122) can be configured to store video data generated in real time from the video camera module (121).

[0067] The video transmission module (123) can be configured to transmit video data stored in the video storage module (122) in real time. The video data can be transmitted over the surface via an ultra-short baseline (USBL) (40).

[0068] The eye detection sensor (124) may be configured to detect in real time whether the user's eyes are exposed. The eye detection sensor (124) may be provided inside the XR glasses. The eye detection sensor (124) may detect that the user's eyes are not exposed when the user is unconscious and has their eyes closed.

[0069] If the user's eyes are not exposed as a result of real-time detection by the eye detection sensor (124), the emergency signal transmission module (125) may be configured to generate and transmit an emergency signal in real time. The emergency signal may be transmitted above the water surface via the ultra-short baseline (USBL) (40).

[0070] The GPS module (126) can be configured to generate GPS location information in real time.

[0071] The GPS module (126) can receive GPS satellite signals only above the water surface. When the user surfaces above the water surface, GPS location information can be generated in real time.

[0072] The GPS signal wireless transmission module (127) can be configured to generate a GPS wireless signal including GPS location information generated in real time by the GPS module (126) in real time and transmit the GPS wireless signal generated in real time in real time.

[0073] This allows users who surface to announce their location.

[0074] Meanwhile, the GPS module (126) can be attached to the back of the XR glass-equipped underwater exploration helmet (100). As shown in FIG. 3, it can be mounted in the part where the battery (128) is mounted. When divers lose consciousness underwater and float to the surface, their backs usually face the surface. Accordingly, when the GPS module (126) is attached to the back of the XR glass-equipped underwater exploration helmet (100), even if the user loses consciousness, the GPS satellite signals can be properly received without difficulty, and GPS wireless signals can also be transmitted without difficulty.

[0075] The GPS signal wireless transmission module (127) can be configured to generate a GPS wireless signal including GPS location information generated in real time by the GPS module (126) in real time and transmit the GPS wireless signal generated in real time in real time.

[0076] The battery module (128) may be configured to supply power.

[0077] The battery module (128) is mounted on the back of the XR glass-equipped underwater exploration helmet (100), as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and can supply power for the operation of other components. Here, most of the electronic processing devices (100a) except for the XR display (113), battery (128), and sonar module (101) can be attached to the upper part of the sonar-equipped underwater exploration helmet (100).

[0078] Meanwhile, in Fig. 3, the interface module (100b) is configured for wired connection with USBL (30) or DSMB (20).

[0079] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an operation method of an underwater exploration helmet equipped with XR glasses according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to Fig. 5, the XR execution module (112) generates XR data (S101).

[0081] Next, the XR display (113) displays XR data generated by the XR execution module (112) (S102).

[0082] Here, the XR data may consist of at least one of current depth, current underwater temperature, dive time, and remaining air quantity.

[0083] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. XR execution module that generates XR data; An underwater exploration helmet equipped with XR glasses, comprising an XR display displaying XR data generated from the above XR execution module.

2. In paragraph 1, the XR data is, An underwater exploration helmet equipped with XR glasses, characterized by at least one of current depth, current underwater temperature, dive time, and remaining air volume.

3. In paragraph 2, An XR glasses-equipped underwater exploration helmet characterized by further comprising a GPS module that generates real-time GPS location information.

4. In paragraph 3, An XR glass-equipped underwater exploration helmet characterized in that it further includes a GPS signal wireless transmission module that generates a GPS wireless signal including GPS location information generated in real time by the GPS module and transmits the GPS wireless signal generated in real time.

5. The XR execution module generates XR data; A method of operating an XR glasses-equipped underwater exploration helmet, comprising the step of displaying XR data generated by said XR execution module.

6. In paragraph 5, the XR data is, A method of operating an XR glass equipped underwater exploration helmet, characterized in that it comprises at least one of current depth, current underwater temperature, dive time, and remaining air quantity.

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