Abstract:
An apparatus equipped with an electronic camera, lensed optics, and a visual display in communication with the optics. An analog or digital video signal is conveyed to an operator of the apparatus through the visual display. The apparatus includes an embedded processor to track the orientation and position of the apparatus. Orientation and position information of the apparatus is used to dynamically recalculate display information. In addition, the apparatus may be in communication with a remote device having digital camera optics. Orientation and position information of the apparatus may be conveyed to the remote device to alter the orientation and position of the associated electronic camera optics. Accordingly, data conveyed to the operator of the apparatus is in relation to the orientation and position of the apparatus and/or the associated orientation and position of the remote device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Technical Field  
         [0002]     This invention relates to an apparatus for remote communication. More specifically, the apparatus is adapted to convey information pertaining to the operator with respect to the locale of the apparatus and/or a remote device in communication with the apparatus.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Prior Art  
         [0004]     Portable computing apparatus, such as laptop computers and personal digital apparatus, are commonly used for remote computing needs and communication with computer systems and networks. A person utilizing such apparatus can enter data into the apparatus as long as the apparatus has an input device and source of power.  
         [0005]     Many known portable computing apparatus also contain communication electronics, such as a modem, which enable the operator to send and receive data to and from the apparatus and other computer systems or networks. Most modems require the operator to physically connect their apparatus to a telecommunication link. However, recently developments for communication apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving data from a remote device through a wireless connection include radio frequency transceivers. Accordingly, portable computing apparatus, which enable operators to remotely communicate with other devices and transmit data to and receive data from other devices, is common in the art.  
         [0006]     There are several apparatus that enable remote communication. For example, laptop computers enable people to do computing from a relatively compact personal computer and transmit data through a connection to a network or other computer system. Similarly, personal digital apparatus with communications hardware enable users to do remote computing on a more limited basis and to transmit files to remote device through a communications connection to a computer network. However, neither the laptop nor the personal digital apparatus is designed to account for the physical environment of the unit in which the embedded processor is housed, and to communication the physical environment to the operator. In addition, laptops, personal digital apparatus, and similar computing apparatus are not generally designed to enable wireless communication with another remote device other than computer apparatus or enable bi-directional communication with such apparatus. Accordingly, what is desired is an embedded processor, which can be worn on a body part of the user, that enables remote wireless communication with a remote device while accounting for the physical environment and positioning of the processor.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     This invention comprises a control unit for remote communication.  
         [0008]     In a first aspect of the invention, an operator control apparatus is provided with digital camera optics in communication with a visual display. The optics are adapted to provide a digital video signal. In addition, an embedded processor adapted to track change to orientation and position of the apparatus is provided. The embedded processor recalculates data to be displayed based on the change.  
         [0009]     In a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for remote communication. A digital video signal is provided to a visual display through digital camera optics. Change in orientation and position of an apparatus in communication with the visual display is tracked, and data to be displayed is recalculated based on the change of the apparatus.  
         [0010]     In a third aspect of the invention, an article in a computer-readable signal-bearing medium is provided. Means in the medium are provided for a digital video signal in communication with a visual display. In addition, means in the medium are provided for tracking orientation and position of an apparatus in communication with the visual display and for projecting orientation and position data of the apparatus to the visual display.  
         [0011]     Other features and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, taken-in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the operator control unit according to the preferred embodiment of this invention, and is suggested for printing on the first page of the issued patent.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is a flow diagram illustrating the local situational awareness mode.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of a graphical user interface with data overlay.  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram illustrating the remote situational awareness mode.  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating the birds eye map mode.  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  is a flow diagram illustrating the first person map mode.  
         [0018]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the operator control unit with a tethered computation device. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
     Overview  
       [0019]     An apparatus for conveying local and/or remote information to an operator is provided. The positioning of the apparatus may control the information conveyed to the operator. An embedded processor of the control unit computes the position and orientation of the apparatus and gathers data associated therewith. In addition, the apparatus may communicate with a remote device. The orientation of the apparatus may be used to control the orientation of the remote device, and associated data gathered from the remote device and transmitted to the apparatus. Accordingly, the position and orientation of the apparatus control the data gathered and conveyed to the operator.  
       Technical Details  
       [0020]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the control unit  10  is in the physical form representative of a binocular. The control unit  10  may be hand held, or worn around a body part of the operator with a strap  5 . The control unit  10  has a case  12  adapted to house internal components, such as sensors and I/O apparatus. Data processing is performed by a computation device  20  that is shown embedded to the control unit  10 . However, in an alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the computation unit  20  may be tethered to the control unit  10  by a signal and power cable  22 . The computation unit  20  includes a computer with an embedded processor. Preferably, the embedded processor includes a wireless communication apparatus to enable communication between the embedded processor and a remote device. The case  12  has a proximal end  14  and a distal end  16 . A set of ear pieces  32 ,  36  are mounted adjacent to the proximal end  14  for receipt of auditory data. External sound sources are damped by pliable material  34 ,  38  on the earpieces  32 ,  36 , respectively, resulting in enhanced clarity of presentation of the auditory data to the operator. The control unit  10  has a directional microphone  40  to detect auditory data conveyed to the earpiece. Similarly, a set of eyepieces  42 ,  46  are mounted adjacent to the proximal end  14  for receipt and presentation of visual data to the operator. External light sources are shielded from the display using pliable material  44 ,  48  that conforms to the operator&#39;s face. Within the pliable material  44 ,  48  of eyepieces  42 , 46  are pressure sensors (not shown) indicating proximity of the operators face with respect to the control unit. Both the ear and eye pieces are adapted to receive data in stereo format. In addition, the control unit  10  includes a light sensor  50 , a light amplification sensor array  52 , digital video camera optics (not shown), an infra-red amplification sensor array  54  to convey visual data to the operator through the eyepieces  42 ,  46 , and lens optics  82  and  84  to provide a magnified analog display to the operator. Accordingly, the control unit  10  includes apparatus for conveying auditory and visual information to an operator of the unit.  
         [0021]     In addition to conveying information to the operator of the unit, input apparatus are provided to collect data as well as enable communication between the operator and the unit, and/or between the operator and a remote device. A set of input devices  60  and  70  are provided on each lateral side of the control unit  10 . The input devices preferably include additional input devices  62 ,  64 , and  66 , and  72 ,  74 , and  76 , shown in the form of tactile pushbuttons. Each of the input devices is mapped to a set of corresponding logical states in the control unit and/or a remote device. A logical state may correspond to activation of one or more actuators on the remote device. One or more of the input devices may be in the form of a proportional input device, such as a proportional input grip, as shown in  FIG. 1 . Each proportional input grip is preferably enclosed within neoprone boots (not shown) to protect the components of the proportional input grip from dust and moisture. Other materials may be used to insulate the proportional input grips from dust, moisture, electromagnetic interferences, and any other condition that would affect communication and operation of the proportional input grip. In addition, the boots function as a seal between the input device and the control unit case  12 .  
         [0022]     Each proportional input grip  60 ,  70  has a proximal end  61 ,  71  and a distal end  69 ,  79 , respectively. The distal ends of the proportional input grips extend from a surface of the case  12  and may be actuated by the operator. Similarly, the proximal ends  61 ,  71  of the proportional input grips  60 ,  70  are connected to electronic circuits that reside within an interior section of the case  12 . As the proportional input grip is revolved around its center axis, a signal is produced that corresponds to the degree of actuation. The signal is preferably in the form of a voltage output that preferably ranges from 0 to 5 volts, but may be calibrated for a lesser or greater output. As the proportional input grip  60 ,  70  is rotated about its axis, a proportional voltage is output to the associated electronic circuit. Alternatively, the proportional input grip may use optical motion detection, wherein an optical signal would be digitized at an analog to digital converter bypassing any electronic circuits. Actuation of the proportional input grip  60 ,  70  may be communicated to a respective logical state or motor of the remote device controlling direction, velocity and/or illumination for any apparatus adapted to receive the variable input. The signal from the circuit board associated with the proportional input device  60 ,  70  is processed by an analog to digital converter to digitize the data into a computer readable format. Following the digitizing process, the processed data is streamed to a communication port of the embedded processor. The radial proportional input grip motion described for the proportional input devices  60 ,  70  may be replaced by any other proportional movement that would be necessary to control the remote device. However, actuation of the proportional input grip is not limited to communication with a remote device. The proportional input grip may also be used to communicate with the visual display. Accordingly, the proportional input device functions as an input device in communication with the control unit  10  to provide a proportional signal to the embedded processor of the control unit and/or a remote device.  
         [0023]     As with the proportional input devices  60 ,  70 , the tactile buttons  62 ,  64 ,  66 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76  convey information from the operator to a circuit board associated therewith, which transmits the data to an analog-digital converter. Wired communication electronics are integrated into the analog-digital converter to digitize the data into a computer readable format and to communicate data received from the input device to the embedded processor or streamed to a communication port of the embedded processor. The tactile buttons may be used to communicate with either the visual display or the remote device, or both. Functionality associated with the tactile pushbuttons may include, switching modes of operation, switching proximity sensors, and navigation within a graphical user interface. Pressure sensors in the proportional input device, known in the art as “dead man” switches, control communication signals between the control unit  10  and the remote device. For example, a release of one of the pressure sensors sends a communication signal to the remote device to enter a safe state. Whereas, when the pressure sensor is engaged, communication between the control unit  10  and the remote device can be achieved. In a preferred embodiment, the tactile pushbuttons are separated by a silicone rubber membrane to prevent moisture and dust from entering the case  12 . However, the membrane may be comprised of an alternative material that provides protection of the interior section of the case and associated circuit board(s) from damage due to dust, moisture, and environmental weather conditions. Accordingly, actuation of the tactile pushbuttons enables an operator of the unit to communicate a variety of signals to the embedded processor for local or remote communication.  
         [0024]     The hardware components of the control unit  10  may be used to visually convey data from a remote device to an operator of the unit  10 . Visual data are displayed to the operator on the visual display as seen through the eyepieces  42  and  46 . There are four modes of operation for visual display, including a local situational awareness (LSAM), remote situational awareness (RSAM), first person map (FPMM), and bird&#39;s eye map (BEMM). The control unit  10  includes several apparatus to operate in each of these modes. For example, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor (not shown) is provided to convey the location of the control unit  10  to the embedded processor of the control unit. An electronic compass (not shown) and an electronic accelerometer (not shown) are provided to convey direction with respect to North and angle with respect to the Horizon, respectively, to the embedded processor of the control unit  10 . Similarly, all position and orientation information gathered by the remote device are conveyed to the embedded processor of the control unit. In addition, a rangefinder  56  is provided both on the control unit  10  and the remote device. The rangefinder conveys distance to a specific object or location by calculating a range to objects of interest. In one embodiment, the rangefinder may be in the form of an electromagnetic signal. Accordingly, the apparatus of the control unit includes tools to collect appropriate data to enable the four modes of operation.  
         [0025]      FIG. 2  is a flow diagram  100  illustrating process of conveying data to an operator utilizing the local situational awareness mode (LSAM) of the control unit  10 . When the control unit  10  is operated in the local situational awareness mode (LSAM), the operator can enhance his/her vision of immediate surroundings through video data from the light amplification sensor array  52 , lens optics  82  and  84 , or both. The first step in entering the local situational awareness mode is for the embedded processor of the control unit  10  to receive global position data from the GPS sensor of the control unit  102 . Thereafter, the embedded processor of the control unit  10  receives global orientation data from the electronic accelerometer and electronic compass of the control unit  104 . Upon receiving the data at steps  102  and  104 , the processor calculates position and orientation of the control unit  106 . Following receipt and calculation of control unit position data, object of interest data is received  108 . The location of the object(s) of interest  110  is calculated relative to the control unit  10 . Thereafter, infra-red sensor array data is collected and received  112 , and the location of the infra-red sources are calculated relative to the location of the control unit  114 . Information gathered by the remote device or any other source(s) relative to the object of interest is displayed in a transparent overlay form relative to the actual position of the object(s) of interest with respect to the position and orientation of the control unit  116 . Such information may include infra-red source data. Accordingly, the local situational awareness mode (LSAM) receives and calculates data with respect to an object of interest and conveys the data to the control unit with respect to the position and orientation of the control unit.  
         [0026]     The overlay information gathered in the local situation awareness mode of operation can indicate the location of objects of interest which are not directly visible to the operator. In addition, the overlay information provides information about objects which are visible to the operator.  FIG. 3  is a panoramic view  120  of a visual display in the local situational awareness mode (LSAM). There are two noted objects of interest, object  125  which is not directly visible to the operator, and object  130  which is visible to the operator. The distance of the objects of interest  125   a  and  130   a  to the control unit are noted adjacent to each object. In this example, the objects of interest are 200 meters and 27 meters, respectively. Infra-red sensor data  132  is displayed relative to the actual location of the infra-red source. The data overlay display may optionally include telemetry data from the remote device as transparent text  134  and/or graphics display  136 . Global orientation data  138  and position information  140  may also be provided in the display. In addition, standard map symbols representing conventional objects are represented, as well as grid lines  144  and  146 , representing topographical information. For example, a railway line  142  is shown. Accordingly, in the local situational awareness mode (LSAM), an operator of the control unit may enhance his/her vision of his/her surroundings through video data from the light amplification sensor array of the control unit and/or through lens optics of the control unit.  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram  160  illustrating process of conveying data to an operator utilizing the remote situational awareness mode (RSAM) of the control unit. When the control unit  10  is operated in the remote situational awareness mode (RSAM), the operator requests a change in orientation of a camera in communication with the remote device. The camera gathers data and communicates that data to the control unit. In the remote situational awareness mode (RSAM), a change in the orientation of the control unit corresponds to new orientation data for the camera of the remote device. The first step in entering the remote situational awareness mode (RSAM) is to calculate the orientation of the control unit  162 . Thereafter, any change in orientation from the prior position data of the control unit is calculated  164 . The change in the orientation of the control unit is transmitted to the remote device  166 . Following transmission of the orientation change, the remote device modifies the orientation and/or position of it&#39;s camera to reflect the changes communicated from the control unit  168 . Thereafter, the control unit receives a video signal from the remote device  170 , and displays the video signal to the operator  172 . The purpose of the remote situational awareness mode (RSAM) is to convey a change in the positioning of the remote device and associated camera. The orientation of the control unit  10  directly controls the orientation of the video sensors on the remote device. The combination of sending orientation changes and receiving video signal(s) is a form of bi-directional communication between the control unit and the remote device. The bi-directional communication between the control unit and the remote device is interactive by it&#39;s nature. The orientation and position of the video sensor on the remote device are mapped to coincide with the orientation and position of the control unit  10 . Accordingly, the new orientation of the camera of the remote device enables the remote device to transmit data from a new orientation and to focus on changes in objects of interest or on new objects of interest.  
         [0028]      FIG. 5  is a flow diagram  180  illustrating the process of conveying map data to an operator utilizing the birds eye map mode (BEMM). The purpose of this mode is to provide three dimensional map data to the control unit visible to the operator through the visual display. Following initiation of the birds eye map mode, the embedded processor of the control unit  10  receives global position data from the GPS sensor of the control unit  182 . Thereafter, the embedded processor of the control unit  10  receives global orientation data from the electronic accelerometer and electronic compass of the control unit  184 . Upon receiving the data at steps  182  and  184 , the processor calculates position and orientation of the control unit  186 . Following receipt and calculation of control unit position data, object of interest data is received  188 . The location of the object(s) of interest is calculated relative to the control unit  190 . Map data is retrieved from a data storage medium in communication with the embedded processor of the control unit  191 . Thereafter, a new three dimensional map is created and sent to the visual display of the control unit for use by the operator  192 . Information gathered by the remote device or any other source(s) relative to the object of interest is displayed in an overlay form relative to the actual position of the objects of interest with respect to the position and orientation of the control unit  194 . In the BEMM, the control unit  10  displays three dimensional map data to the operator as if the operator were a set distance above his/her current position, or that of the position of the remote device, i.e. looking down. The map information is displayed with proper orientation to north together with the current location of the control unit  10  and the remote device. In this mode, as the operator orients and changes the control unit  10 , the map data changes accordingly. Preferably, terrain detail is displayed as a wireframe, and natural and artificial objects are displayed using standardized coded map symbols. Map data is stored in persistent memory and may be updated by satellite data and remote pilot vehicles. Accordingly, the birds eye map mode (BEMM) is intended to retrieve and convey map data based upon orientation of the control unit.  
         [0029]      FIG. 6  is a flow diagram  200  illustrating the process of obtaining location for object&#39;s of interest in a first person map mode (FPMM). Global position data is obtained from a GPS sensor associated with the remote device  202 . Thereafter global orientation data is obtained from an electronic compass associated with the control unit  204 . The position and orientation of the remote device is recalculated from a prior calculation based upon readings obtained from the associated GPS sensor, electronic accelerometer, and electronic compass  206 . Similarly, data associated with any objects of interest must be obtained  208 . Thereafter, the location of the objects of interest is re-calculated based upon any new position data obtained from the remote device  210 . Following step  210 , infra-red sensor array data is collected  212  and calculated relative to the position of the infra-red sources  214 . Once all of the data from the remote device and objects of interest are obtained, three dimensional graph data for a specific orientation and position is calculated  216 . Map data is retrieved from a data storage medium in communication with the embedded processor of the control unit  218 . Thereafter, a map is made visible to the operator of the control unit through the visual display  220 . The map is preferably a three dimensional map with data projected as transparent overlay graphics. The project data includes infra-red source data, objects of interest, global position and orientation data, map data, and remote device data.  
       Advantages Over the Prior Art  
       [0030]     The embedded processor of the control unit tracks orientation and position of the control unit  10 . Positioning of the control apparatus is conveyed to digital camera optics in communication with the embedded processor. Since the control unit  10  is adapted to be placed against the eyes and/or ears of the operator during use, the position and orientation of the control unit  10  is directly related to the orientation and position of the head of the operator of the control unit  10 . The orientation and position information of the control unit may be projected onto the visual display of the control unit. In addition, the orientation and position of the control unit  10  may be conveyed to the remote device and the associated digital camera optics to position the camera associated with the remote device in accordance with the orientation and position of the control unit  10 . Communication of orientation and position data enhances interactivity between the control unit and the remote device, aside from the environment of the remote device. In addition, the embedded processor may create a wireframe to give shape to the terrain and synthetic graphics to represent physical items in the noted relative locations, thus producing synthetic vision. The use of a wireframe and/or synthetic graphics timely conveys map, terrain, and shape data to the visual display.  
       Alternative Embodiments  
       [0031]     It will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, the control unit may be designed to communicate with a variety of remote device. For example, the remote device may be in an electronic or mechanical form with logical states mapped to corresponding input devices and motors of the control unit. The remote device may include a camera that captures live video to provide live video feedback to the control unit. In addition, the control unit may be used to download topographical and/or geographical data independent of or in conjunction with the various modes of operation. The visual display may be in the form of a liquid crystal display, or an alternative medium that enables viewing by the operator while maintaining the integrity of the control unit. Similarly, the wireless communication electronics may be in the form of wireless communication electronics in communication with the embedded processor of the control unit, or an alternative communication electronics that enables wireless communication of data between the embedded processor and a corresponding wireless communication apparatus remote from the control unit. In addition, the scope of the invention should not be limited to the input devices described together with the control unit. Alternative input devices that enable communication of data between the control unit and the remote device may be employed. Accordingly, the scope of protection of this invention is limited only by the following claims and their equivalents.