Abstract:
A viewing device comprising: a handheld telescopic rod; a camera attached at a first end of the rod; and an output device mounted on a bottom half of the rod when fully extended, at an end opposite to the first end, the output device displaying images transmitted by the camera.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/653,123 filed on Feb. 16, 2005. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of precision sighting instruments for viewing obstructed areas. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Large warehouse-type stores, such as IKEA, Home Depot, and Rona are quickly developing, not only in North America, but across the world. Most medium to large cities have at least one of these retail establishments where merchandise is kept in bulk in the warehouse and stored in boxes that are stacked on shelves. Consumers can roam the warehouse in search of a large variety of items and take their purchase home instantly, without needing to have it ordered and returning to the store to pick it up. These retail outlets house large goods, such as furniture that needs to be assembled, and smaller goods in large quantities, such as vats of paints or lacquer which are sold in bulk. 
         [0004]    Storage room must be maximized in order to increase profitability. Such retail establishments must wisely use the space they have to maintain a large quantity of stock at all times. For this reason, multiple shelves are stacked one above the other to hold boxes of merchandise. Multiple boxes are put onto pallets, which are raised onto upper shelves using mechanical and electrical lifts. The boxes are usually tagged with bar codes in order to identify the contents therein. 
         [0005]    Employees must regularly conduct inventory checks to confirm what stock remains and verify that nothing has been misplaced, damaged, or stolen. This is done manually by identifying the bar codes on the boxes and cross-checking them with a list of items. For boxes that are placed high-up on the shelves, the boxes must be lowered in order to read the bar codes and then replaced on the shelf. This is a very time-consuming operation that is usually done using lifting machinery. In other instances, the boxes which are lower are positioned such that the code is on the back side or in a hard to reach location. The boxes must be moved to allow someone to access the code and compare it to the information on the data sheets. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,918 describes a precision sighting device for viewing dark recesses as well as obstructed areas in general which are difficult to see with the naked eye. A longitudinally extendable/retractable rod is provided with a focusable light source and directed toward a mirror at an opposite end of the rod. The problem with this device is that in the case of a numerical code, the number appears backwards in the mirror. This makes it difficult for the user to identify the code properly. 
         [0007]    Therefore, there is a need for a device which will allow a user to access hard to reach areas to read information on boxes, while providing the information in an easy to read fashion. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    It is an object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art. 
         [0009]    In accordance with a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a viewing device comprising: a handheld telescopic rod; a camera attached at a first end of the rod; and an output device mounted on a bottom half of the rod when fully extended, at an end opposite to the first end, the output device displaying images transmitted by the camera. 
         [0010]    Preferably, the camera is machine actuated so the user holding the rod can move the camera along at least one axe to position the lens in front of an object in hard to reach areas. 
         [0011]    Also preferably, the display is actually part of a small computer having a screen, where the user can use a stylus to tap selections on menus and to enter printed characters. The unit may also include a small on-screen keyboard which is tapped with the pen. Data is synchronized between the computer on the device and a desktop computer via cable or wireless transmission. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment of the present invention, additional tools may be attached to the extremity of the rod, to be used in conjunction with the camera. For example, a magnet, a clamp, a chemical sensing tool, a microphone, etc. In this embodiment, the camera would serve as the users eye in an attempt at a specific application, such as collecting items, data, molecules, etc. 
         [0013]    In accordance with a second broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for identifying a box in a warehouse, wherein an identifying mark is positioned on said box in a generally obstructed area, the method comprising: extending a retractable rod having a magnifying camera at a first end thereof; positioning the magnifying camera such that the identifying mark is in a field of view of the lens; transmitting an image of the identifying mark to a display at a second end of the rod; and viewing the identifying mark on the display. 
         [0014]    Preferably, the method also comprises the step of matching the identifying mark on the box to a list of items. This can be done manually, by having a paper list to compare to, or directly on the display screen, which is part of a small computer allowing input and storage of data. 
         [0015]    In accordance with a third broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a viewing device comprising: a handheld telescopic rod; a first mirror mounted at a first end of the rod; and a second mirror mounted on the rod below the first mirror, the first mirror reflecting a virtual image of the item onto the second mirror, the second mirror reflecting a true image of the item, wherein the first and the second mirror are angled with respect to each other to provide the true image and allow a user manipulating the device to see the true image in the second mirror. 
         [0016]    Preferably, a light source is directed to the second mirror to illuminate the true image, the mirrors are enlarging mirrors, and a machine actuated control device is present on the rod to control the telescopic rod and the mirrors. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0017]    Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a handheld telescopic video-transmitting device; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a double-mirror telescopic viewing device; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a telescopic video-transmitting device on a mobile base and operated by a cable winch system; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4   a  is a telescopic video-transmitting device on a mobile base and operated by a belt system in the down position; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 4   b  is a telescopic video-transmitting device on a mobile base and operated by a belt system in the up position. 
       
    
    
       [0023]    It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0024]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. A telescopic rod  1  is extendible and retractable. The rod  1  can extend manually or be machine actuated. One way of realizing this feature is as a series of cylindrical members that are inserted one into the other and can be pulled out manually by the user. Alternatively, a series of foldable rod segments can be provided and each time a segment is unfolded, more distance is afforded by the device. Yet another realization is using a mechanism that controls the cylindrical members, such that the rod is extended and retracted by machine actuation. For example, a belting system with coils and springs. Any type of telescopic member found off-the-shelf in hardware stores will do. Other realizations are understood by those skilled in the art. The rod  1  can have one or more pivot points, such as pivot points  5  and  7 , at which it can bend flexibly in order to access recessed areas. 
         [0025]    An output display  2  is attached to the rod  1 . The position of the display  2  on the rod  1  should be low enough for the user to view the display  2  as the rod  1  is being manipulated during the inspection process. Therefore, the display  2  can be positioned anywhere from the end of the rod  1  the user is holding to about the center of the rod  1 . The display  2  should be on a portion of the rod  1  that does not extend telescopically. The display  2  can be pivotally adjustable by the user to a desired position. It can also be positioned parallel to the rod  1  for storing purposes in order to avoid any damages thereto. The display  2  receives images from a camera means  8  mounted to an end of the rod  1 . The camera means  8  can be any type of camera, such as a digital camera, a barcode scanner, or any other type of laser scanning device or camera that can record images. If a digital camera is used, a magnifying lens is added in front of the camera&#39;s viewfinder in order to magnify items that are small, such as bar codes. Cameras that automatically magnify can also be used. For example, a spy camera that enlarges its field of view ×10 could be used. 
         [0026]    The camera  8  can be a wireless camera that transmits images wirelessly to the display  2 . Alternatively, the display  2  and camera  8  can be wired together to transmit the images. The camera  8  may be pivotally mounted to the rod  1  to allow movement along at least one axis. Preferably, the camera  8  is movable along the x and z axes, and is rotable around the y axis. This can be done manually, or using a machine actuated control device  6  to allow the user to control the movement of the camera  8  while manipulating the rod  1 . This device should be at hand level for the user. At this same position on the device, any mechanisms used to control the extension of the rod  1  can also be provided. Near the control device  6  a handle  4  can be provided for the user to manipulate the rod  1 . Independent levers  3  are provided on each side of the handle so that a left-handed or right-handed user can manipulate the rod  1  comfortably. When not in use, both levers  3  can be folded down and aligned with the rod  1 . 
         [0027]    In an alternative embodiment, the camera  8  is a barcode reader. The camera  8  automatically registers the barcode and can be linked to the contents of the box via a look-up table which matches barcodes and content. The look-up table can be displayed on a screen of the output display  2 , which would then require more functions than a standard output display. A small personal computer, such as a PDA (personal digital assistant) can be used to store the information. The user can even check-off the items on the screen of the personal computer as each box is identified using its barcode. The personal computer can be used in the case of a standard camera as well. The user can match the label with information in a database stored in the personal computer and displayed on a screen. 
         [0028]    Reference markers may be provided on the lens or on the display to facilitate such tasks as counting of items when using the device. The reference markers may be provided in color or simply in black, and may be activated by the user to appear on the screen/lens or removed when not needed. 
         [0029]    At a second end of the rod  1 , opposite to the end where the camera  8  is attached, a foothold  10  may be present. This is used to aid the user in resting the second end of the rod  1  on the ground to have stability while capturing an image. The foothold  10  may be pivoted up when not in use and down when used. In a preferred embodiment, a slot  9  is provided in the second end of the rod  1  to store the foothold  10  when not in use. A padding  11  can also be positioned on the bottom of the rod  1  to cushion the rod  1  when it is resting on the ground. 
         [0030]      FIG. 3  illustrates another embodiment for the telescopic rod. The rod may be made up of a first member  20  to which a second member  22  is mounted perpendicularly. The second member  22  moves up and down the first member  20  to the desired height. Movement of the second member  22  is machine actuated, either by hydraulics, pneumatics, pulleys or some alternative mechanism known to a person skilled in the art. In  FIG. 3 , a cable winch system is used to move the horizontal second member  22  up and down the vertical first member  20 . A reel with a steel cable turns in a clockwise direction to lower the second member  22  with the camera  8 , and in the counter-clockwise direction to raise the second member  22  with the camera  8 . The reel can also be mounted to work in the opposite directions. A third member  23  is attached to the first member  20  in order to provide more height to the device, and a hook  24  is provided through which the cable  26  used to raise and lower the second member  22  is passed. The winch cable system is powered by a battery  28  provided on the base  25 . 
         [0031]    In addition, the connection point between the first  20  and second  22  member may be a pivot point, thereby allowing the second member  22  to pivot up and down about an axis perpendicular to the first member  20 . An electric motor  29  is used to rotate the second member  22 , giving the camera  8  more range of motion. The battery  28  can also power this electric motor  29 . 
         [0032]    The first member  20  is provided on a base  25  to ensure stability to the viewing device. The camera  8  is attached to an end of the second member  22 . A set of controls for the rod and the camera  8  can be provided on either the base  25  or the bottom portion of the rod. A display device may also be provided either on the base  25  or the bottom portion of the rod. The base may be mobile thanks to a set of wheels  27  provided underneath, allowing the viewing device to be transported with ease. 
         [0033]    The viewing device may be attached to a small vehicle that can travel in and out of rows in a warehouse. A laptop computer  43  may be provided on the vehicle and connected to the device, thereby acting as the display and providing additional functions for inventory purposes. For example, the data collected may be immediately correlated to a database to update a system. 
         [0034]    A different base is illustrated in  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b . A different actuation mechanism is also shown. A coil or spool  30  is used to control a metallic ribbon  32 . An electric motor  29  exerts a force opposite to that of the spool  30 , which results in the winding/unwinding of the metallic ribbon  32 . The movement of the metallic ribbon  32  causes the shaft  34  on which the camera  8  is fixed to move in and out. The shaft  34  is fixed to another shaft  36  which operates using the same principle in order to move the shaft  34  up and down. A second spool  38  with a belt  39 , and another motor  40  work together to produce the movement. A cable drum  42  is used to guide the belt (or cable) properly. A laptop  43  is on the base  25 .  FIG. 4   a  shows when the camera  8  is at its lowest position, while  FIG. 4   b  shows the shaft  36  extended upwards. 
         [0035]    A lighting system provided with the viewing device can be controlled separately from or in conjunction with the camera mechanism. 
         [0036]    Moreover,  6   t her tools may be provided at the end of the rod in addition to the camera. For example, a clamp can be added to allow the user to grasp items or objects in hard to reach places. The camera and output device are used together with the clamp by the user manipulating the rod. Other tools, such as magnets, or hooks can replace the clamp. Alternatively, a microphone (or any type of audio recording device) can be provided with the camera. In another embodiment, a tool used to collect chemical products from the air can be attached to the end of the rod. The camera is then used to position the tool or read information provided on the tool. 
         [0037]    A method of the present invention is for identifying a box in a warehouse, wherein an identifying mark is positioned on the box in a generally obstructed area. The identifying mark may be a hand-written label, a typed label, a bar code, or any other type of mark on the box which is used to identify the contents of the box. The device is held by the user at a lower portion of the rod. The device should be light enough to be manipulated by an average-sized user. For boxes that are high up, the camera end is pointed upwards. The device can also be used for boxes that are at ground level but where the identifying mark is obstructed from view, for example, by being on the backside of the box. The camera end is pointed and the user can see what is in the field of view of the camera via the display on the rod. The user positions the camera by moving the rod. The opposite end of the rod can rest on the ground while the user moves the camera end. A foothold can be brought down to aid the user in stabilizing the rod. 
         [0038]    Alternatively, the user can position the rod approximately and then use machine actuated controls of the camera to position the view finder of the camera. The controls should be at hand level to minimize hand motion required by the user when manipulating the device. The controls to extend and retract the rod should also be at the same level as any controls used to position the camera. The controls for the telescopic rod can be up, down, and, on, off. The controls for moving the camera can be left, right, up, down, and rotate. 
         [0039]    The user controls the position of the camera until the identifying mark is visible on the display. Pivot points on the rod are also used to position the rod at a desired location. Having the rod flexible allows the user to bend the rod at the pivot points to go behind boxes in recessed areas. 
         [0040]    When the identifying mark is displayed on the output display, the user can match it with a checklist. If the display is actually part of a personal computer, the checklist may be on the display itself, and the user simply needs to use a stylus to check the item on the list. Alternatively, the user can match the identifying mark with an item on a paper checklist. 
         [0041]    In yet another alternative embodiment, the telescopic rod is attached to another telescopic member  15 . This member  15  has a double-mirror arrangement used to see true images of objects. The first mirror  13  reflects a virtual image onto the second mirror  12 . The second mirror shows a true image by reversing the image shown in the first mirror  13 . A light source  14  is provided on the first mirror  13  to illuminate the view and provide a brighter image. The light source  14  may be controlled by the same machine actuated control device  6  that controls the rod  1 . A control button for the light can also be provided at another location on the rod  1 . 
         [0042]    The mirrors  12  and  13  should be minimized in size in order to facilitate the passage of the rod  1  in areas with limited space. However, the mirrors  12  and  13  must be large enough to provide a full image. Enlarging mirrors may be used to enlarge the image. The mirrors are provided on a portion of the rod  1  which is above the pivot point  5 . The user can pivot the second member  15  using machine actuation. The pivot can be activated using the control device  6 . The mirrors  12  and  13  are positioned at an angle to properly reflect the image from the first mirror  13  to the second mirror  12 . The position of the mirrors  12  and  13  can be controlled by machine actuation to bring the mirrors closer together or further apart. The mirrors can be moved about an axis to change their respective angles, or they can be moved with respect to each other while maintaining the angle at which they are positioned. This movement allows the user to pass the rod in areas where there is not a lot of space. Movement of the mirrors may also be done manually. 
         [0043]    The rod  1  shown in  FIG. 2  also has a handle  17  at the end thereof. This handle  17  may be made of rubber or any other type of material which would provide a comfortable and solid grip. 
         [0044]    The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. The scope of the invention is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.