Communications – electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices – Underwater system
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-18
2001-01-30
Lobo, Ian J. (Department: 3662)
Communications, electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices
Underwater system
C367S910000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06181644
ABSTRACT:
ORIGIN OF THE INVENTION
The invention described herein was made in the performance of official duties by an employee of the Department of the Navy and may be manufactured, used, licensed by or for the Government for any governmental purpose without payment of any royalties thereon.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to underwater imaging systems, and more particularly to an underwater imaging system that is integrated with a scuba diver's facemask.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Underwater imaging by scuba divers for purpose of search and recovery, video and photographic documentation, underwater mine reconnaissance and/or research has relied on hand-held video cameras, still cameras or sonar devices. However, the hand-held devices tend to be large and bulky, and typically incorporate a display that can be difficult to see underwater. Further, the divers hand or hands are constantly preoccupied with manipulating the imaging device. Still further, the diver must align the device's field-of-view with his own line-of-sight in order to image an area of concern.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an underwater imaging system.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a hands-free underwater imaging system for use by a scuba diver.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a underwater imaging system that presents the diver with easily viewed images.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an underwater imaging system that provides a scuba diver with good quality images regardless of water visibility.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more obvious hereinafter in the specification and drawings.
In accordance with the present invention, an underwater imaging system is based on a scuba facemask having a viewing portion through which a user can see. The facemask fixes the viewing portion in front of the user's eyes to define a user field-of-view. The user field-of-view changes when the user moves his head. An imager (e.g., sonar, video camera, digital camera, etc.) having an imaging field-of-view generates image data of an area in the imaging field-of-view. The image is coupled to the facemask such that the imaging field-of-view at least partially overlaps the user field-of-view. A display is mounted in the user field-of-view and is coupled to the imager for displaying images to the user based on the image data.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3784805 (1974-01-01), Rolle
patent: 3800273 (1974-03-01), Rolle
patent: 5293351 (1994-03-01), Noponen
patent: 5420828 (1995-05-01), Geiger
Gilbert Harvey A.
Lobo Ian J.
Peck Donald G.
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of
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