WO2007043041A2

WO2007043041A2 - A flotation device for under water observation

Info

Publication number: WO2007043041A2
Application number: PCT/IL2006/001157
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ehud Gal
Original assignee: O.D.F. Optronics Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-10-11
Filing date: 2006-10-04
Publication date: 2007-04-19
Also published as: IL190605A0; WO2007043041A3

Abstract

The present invention is a portable, compact underwater vision and observation system comprising a command unit (60) and an observation float (10) containing camera assembly (10') and commumcation assembly (101) In preferred embodiments video stream the acquired images are transmitted by the communication assembly (101) from the observation float (10) to the command unit (60).

Description

A FLOTATION DEVICE FOR UNDERWATER OBSERVATION

Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to the field of remote vision and observation. Specifically the invention relates to devices enabling underwater vision and observation.

Background of the Invention

Many people participate in the activities of fishing and underwater observation at a variety of levels. One way of enhancing the level of interest and the enjoyment of fishermen would be to provide an underwater observation assembly that could illuminate and allow observation of the bait area. Such a system could also be used for other activities such as vision and observation of the bottom of boats, control and tracking of divers, and searching for sunken objects. Prior art devices capable of carrying out these functions are generally cumbersome and often are mounted on remotely controlled robotic vehicles.

It is a purpose of the present invention to provide a compact, portable, underwater observation assembly arranged as a float to be attached to, for example, a fishing line.

Further purposes and advantages of this invention will appear as the description proceeds.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention describes a compact, portable vision and observation system which enables underwater observations using a combined assembly which consists of a communication float which floats on the water surface and an underwater observation assembly which contains an imaging sensor (a camera) and illumination means which are remote control able.

The invention is an underwater vision and observation system comprised of a command unit located near the operator of the system and an observation float comprising a camera assembly and a communication assembly. At least the section of the observation float that contains the communication assembly floats on the surface of the water and is attached by a line which is held by or attached to a point near the operator. The line can be a fishing line.

The observation float of the invention may comprise some or all of the following:

(a) a floatable water proof cover;

(b) an optically transparent window;

(c) an energy pack;

(d) an illumination assembly;

(e) a receiver assembly;

(f) a processor; and

(g) buoyancy weights.

In preferred embodiments, the camera assembly and the communication assembly enable transmission of real time video streaming to the command unit.

In one embodiment the camera assembly and the communication assembly are each located in their own individual hermetically sealed section of the observation float. The two individual sections are separable and are connected by a communication and power cord having adjustable length. This allows the camera assembly to be lowered to a predetermined depth while the communications assembly remains floating on the surface of the water. The communication and power cord can be wound around a drum that is turned by a motor that is controlled from the command unit.

In preferred embodiments of the invention the camera assembly can be aimed by remote control using signals sent from the command unit. In some embodiments the illumination means enable illumination at wavelengths known to attract fish.

All the above and other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be further understood through the following illustrative and non-limitative description of preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the appended drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

- Fig. 1 shows schematically a basic embodiment of the observation float of the invention;

- Fig. 2 schematically shows another embodiment of the observation float of the invention;

- Fig. 3 schematically shows an application of the observation float of the invention; and

- Fig. 4 schematically shows an application of the embodiment of the float of the invention in which the camera can be positioned at a predetermined depth.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The observation system of the invention is generally comprised of two components: a command unit located near the operator and an observation float attached to a fishing line. The command unit, in its simplest form comprises only a receiver and display screen capable of displaying images transmitted from the observation float. In more sophisticated embodiments the command unit comprises elements that enable the operator to control various functions of the components of the observation float as described herein. Different embodiments of the observation float are described hereinbelow.

The descriptions herein are schematic descriptions of possible embodiments of the present invention and the figures are intended to provide only a general indication of the main idea of the present invention. In both the figures and the description reference has been made to only the main components of the system for the sake of brevity. Any other components that may be necessary to perform certain functions of the system and their incorporation in the system are well within the knowledge of those skilled in the art. It is to be emphasized that, although only a limited number of embodiments are described in order to illustrate the concept of the invention, the inventor anticipates that the invention can be embodied in many other forms.

Fig. 1 shows schematically a basic embodiment of the observation float 10 of the invention. The components of the float 10 are enclosed within a waterproof cover 12. The cover 12 provides sufficient buoyancy to the float 10 to enable it to float on the surface of the water. Preferably the cover 12 is designed to protect the components inside of it from shocks, e.g. when the float 10 is thrown into the water. Many different types of material e.g. soft or hard plastics or rubber are suitable for the cover 12. The cover 12 can be made of one piece or alternatively, as shown in Fig. 1, in two sections that can be easily separated and reconnected by means of a water proof sealing arrangement 32, thereby allowing access to the internal components of the float 10.

All embodiments of the observation float 10 contain a camera 14. Preferably the camera 14 is a wide field of view lens such as a "Fish Eye" lens. In another preferred embodiment a remotely controllable PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera is used. The cover 12 has an optically transparent window 16 having dimensions suitable to the field of view of the camera 14 and made of a material that transmits light in the wavelength range that the camera operates.

The information acquired by the camera is transmitted by means of a communication assembly comprising a wireless transmitter 18 and an antenna 20 to the remote command unit. An energy pack 22 supplies the energy required for the operation of the electrical components. In preferred embodiments of the invention the camera and communication assembly enable transmission of real time video streaming to the command unit.

The observation float 10 comprises a clip 24 to attach it to a fishing line 26 and one or more additional clips 24 for attaching lines 28 carrying the bait and hooks. Some embodiments of the float 10 may also contain buoyancy weights 30 to stabilize the unit.

Preferred embodiments of the observation float 10 comprise an illumination assembly comprising of one or more light sources 34 e.g. LEDs and an illumination operating switch 36. The light sources 34 provide light to supplement the ambient light enabling the camera to function in low light conditions and even at night.

Also shown in Fig. 1 are an operating (on/off) switch 38, and a socket 40 for connecting to an external power source to recharge batteries in power pack 22. The switches can either be manually activated before the observation float 10 is placed in the water by separating the halves of the cover 12. Alternatively, it is possible to enable operation of the switches by means of an external magnetic switch or wireless and to enable contact-less recharge of the batteries. Embodiments of the communication assembly of float 10 may comprise a receiver unit to enable reception of instructions from the remote command unit and/or a processor unit 44 to handle the two way traffic of signals between the float 10 and the command unit. Processor unit 44 may also fulfill other functions, such as acquiring and processing the visual signals from the camera. Although communication between the two components of the observation system is described in terms of wireless communication, embodiments employing conducting wires to transport the signal traffic between the float and command unit can be easily provided.

Fig. 2 schematically shows another embodiment of the observation float 10' of the invention. In this embodiment, the float is divided into two sections each of which is hermetically sealed within its own cover 12'. The two sections are held together by fastening arrangement 46 which can be activated either manually or remotely from the command unit to separate the sections. The upper section, containing the communication components, remains floating on the surface of the water. The lower section comprising the camera and energy pack can sink below the surface. The two sections of float 10' are connected together by means of communication and power cable 48. Cable 48 is wound around a drum 50, which is rotated by motor 52, e.g. a stepping motor. In this way cable 48 can be controllably unwound, allowing the lower section containing the camera to sink to a known depth below the surface of the water and also rewound to reunite the two sections of float 10'. In the embodiment shown, camera 14 is a remotely controlled PTZ camera whose orientation is adjusted according to commands sent by the operator to the camera servo mechanism 54. In this case, the optical window 16 must be sufficiently large to enable the desired movement of the camera without blocking its field of view.

Fig. 3 schematically shows an application of the observation float 10 of the invention. In this case an individual (not shown) is using a fishing pole 54 to fish from a pier 56. The observation float 10 floats on the water surface, a short length of fishing line 28 with a hook and bait is attached to one side of the float 10 and the fishing line from the fishing pole is attached to the other side of the float 10, which is then thrown into the water. The camera is activated and records the scene within the conically shaped region 58. The images are transmitted wirelessly from the float 10 to the command unit 60. For this application light sources 34, comprising LEDs that transmit light having colors known to attract fish can be used to illuminate the bait. This application of the invention can be used to significantly enhance the level of interest and the amusement of the fishermen.

Fig. 4 schematically shows an application of the embodiment of the float 10' of the invention in which the camera can be positioned at a predetermined depth. In this case the observation float 10' is being used for inspection of the bottom of a boat 54. The camera containing section of float 10' is lowered to the desired depth and pulled into the desired position relative to the boat by means of fishing line 26. Commands are sent by the operator, using command unit 60, to the communication section of float 10' that is floating on the surface of the water near the boat. The control signals for the PTZ camera are transferred to the servomechanism of the camera and the gathered images are sent from the camera back to the command unit 60, thus enabling the operator to observe area 58 of interest to him. In addition to observing the bottom of boats, this embodiment of the invention can be used for other tasks such as control and tracking divers and searching sunken objects.

Although embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be understood that the invention may be carried out with many variations, modifications, and adaptations, without exceeding the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An underwater vision and observation system comprised of a command unit located near the operator of said system and an observation float comprising a camera assembly and a communication assembly, wherein at least the section of said observation float that contains said communication assembly floats on the surface of the water and is attached by a line which is held by or attached to a point near the operator.

2. An underwater vision and observation system according to claim 1, wherein the observation float comprises some or all of the following:

(a) A float able water proof cover;

(b) An optically transparent window;

(c) An energy pack;

(d) An illumination assembly;

(e) A receiver assembly;

(f) a processor; and

(g) buoyancy weights.

3. An underwater vision and observation system according to claim 1, wherein the camera assembly and the communication assembly enable transmission of real time video streaming to the command unit.

4. An underwater vision and observation system according to claim 1, wherein the camera assembly and the communication assembly are each located in their own individual hermetically sealed section of the observation float, wherein said individual sections are separable and connected by a communication and power cord having adjustable length thereby allowing said camera assembly to be lowered to a predetermined depth while said communications assembly remains floating on the surface of the water.

5. An underwater vision and observation system according to claim 4, wherein the communication and power cord is wound around a drum that is turned by a motor that is controlled from the command unit.

6. An underwater vision and observation system according to claim 1, wherein the camera assembly can be aimed by remote control using signals sent from the command unit.

7. An underwater vision and observation system according to claim 1, wherein the line is a fishing line.

8. An underwater vision and observation system according to claim 2, wherein the illumination means enable illumination at wavelengths known to attract fish.