AT520891B1 - Dive computer and method for generating images for a dive computer and computer program for carrying out this method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dive computer, a method for generating images for a dive computer, a computer program for executing the method and a method for displaying images on a dive computer. The dive computer has an image selection device for selecting an image from a series of images to be displayed on a display device when using the dive computer under water. This makes it possible to display different images on the dive computer without the computer having to have significant computing power available for this purpose. Important additional information can be displayed to a diver in a simple manner. The respective images are preferably selected partially or fully automatically by the dive computer.

Description

description

DIVE COMPUTER AND METHOD FOR GENERATING IMAGES FOR A DIVE COMPUTER, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR CARRYING OUT SUCH METHOD

The present invention relates to a dive computer and a method for generating images for a dive computer and a computer program for executing this method.

Dive computers have been used for several decades to protect a diver from oxygen poisoning. The dive computers record the dive depth over time and calculate the remaining dive time.

One would like to transmit more information about the dive on the dive computer to a diver by means of the dive computer. Construction programs are known, with which corresponding two-dimensional projections can be generated from a three-dimensional technical plan and displayed on a display device. However, these programs require considerable computing power and also a large screen so that the corresponding representations can be generated in a practical way.

[0004] Dive computers are typically small devices worn on the wrist. Dive computers must capture depth and time information very precisely, as errors generated during this process could put a diver in a life-threatening situation. Dive computers must therefore perform these functions extremely reliably. One is therefore forced to make a dive computer simple and reliable. In addition, the small construction volume of a dive computer does not allow the integration of large computing capacity, which allows the processing of three-dimensional image data. In principle, there are already small computers with a display device and high computing power. Such small computers are z. B. small smartphones. However, due to the complex processor architecture, these have a correspondingly complex operating system. It is therefore extremely difficult to integrate such a complex operating system into a dive computer and at the same time ensure the necessary reliability of the dive computer. It should also be taken into account here that dive computers, in contrast to mobile phones, are not mass-produced items for which the development of a separate operating system can make economic sense.

[0005] With the "Mares Icon HD Air" there is a dive computer on the market which is able to store several images or images from maps. In the operating instructions (https://www.scubadoctor.com.au/downloads /computermanuals/Mares_Icon_HD_Net_Ready_Air_Integrated.pdf, accessed 10/11/2107) it is disclosed that before the dive it is possible to select a single image, a so-called "Linked Map". This single image can be displayed briefly (10 s) during the diving process.

[0006] WO 2008 144 244 A2 discloses an underwater location and navigation method, the map data being kept ready in a “diver area system” worn by the diver during the diving process. When diving, the position of the diver can be entered on the map and displayed.

In the not yet published German patent application DE 10 2016 206 2014.6, a diving device for determining the position under water, as well as a transmission device, a system consisting of at least two transmission devices and such a diving device, and a corresponding method are described. The transmitting devices generate a sound signal in which the location and time of sound generation are encoded. The diving device can use these sound signals to determine the distance from the transmitter devices. The position of the transmitting devices is known or can be determined using a radio navigation device. From this, the underwater position of the diving device can be derived.

A scanning device is known from the German patent application DE 10 2016 111 238 A1

for scanning the bottom of bodies of water for the automatic generation of underwater maps. The scanning device comprises an immersion body, a camera arranged in the immersion body for generating image data describing the ground, a referencing device that generates referencing information that is assigned to the image data so that the position of the section of the ground represented in the respective image data is defined.

In the German patent application DE 10 2016 111 239 1, a method for generating 3D data of an object, in particular for generating underwater maps, is described. This procedure includes the following steps:

- Providing two-dimensional images of the surface of the object, such as the bottom of a body of water, together with reference information,

- Providing a three-dimensional height map of a predetermined area of the object or the bottom of a body of water, and

- Mapping of the two-dimensional image data as a texture on the three-dimensional height map using the reference information.

With the present invention, a dive computer is to be created with which a diver can also be provided with image information about his dive.

Another object of the invention is to create a method for generating series of images of a dive, which can be displayed on a dive computer.

Another object of the invention is to provide a computer program for carrying out this method.

The subjects of the independent claims solve one or more of the aforementioned objects. Advantageous configurations are specified in the respective dependent claims.

The dive computer according to the invention comprises a display device for displaying a two-dimensional graphic image, a memory for storing a series of images and an image selection device for selecting an image to be displayed from the series of images on the display device when using the dive computer under water.

The images of the image series representing specific points of a dive are generated outside of the dive computer, loaded onto the dive computer and displayed on the display device of the dive computer by means of the image selection device. As a result, no computing power, which is necessary for processing such image data, has to be provided on the dive computer. The image selection device displays the desired image in the series of images on the dive computer. The design of the dive computer by the display device and the image selection device is simple and does not affect the reliability of the dive computer.

A two-dimensional image of the series of images is generated from three-dimensional data or a three-dimensional model that represents the bottom of the body of water. An image is defined by the point of view, the line of sight, and the field of view. The viewpoint is where you are when looking down the line of sight at the bottom of the body of water and seeing the respective image of the bottom of the body of water. The field of view defines the size of the area of the bottom of the body of water that you can see. With a camera, the field of view can be changed by means of a zoom lens. The field of view is preferably defined with an angular range, e.g. B. indicates the width extension or the height extension of the field of view. Usually, the width extensions and the height extension of a field of view are in a specific relationship to one another. An image generated from the three-dimensional data of the ground is thus defined by the location of the viewpoint, the direction of the line of sight and the size of the field of view.

The images in the series of images are preferably linked to metadata. The metadata describe properties of one or more images in the series of images, which are used to select one or more images in the series of images by the image selection device.

The metadata can include, for example, the point of view, the line of sight and/or the field of view. The metadata can alternatively or additionally include other data, such as e.g. B include the depth at the viewpoint, the average dive time to reach the viewpoint and/or additional information that is superimposed on the respective image when it is displayed on the dive computer. Such additional information can B. be a warning, such. B. a warning of a strong current or an indication of a landmark or a predetermined sign that marks the function of a spot in the image. Such functions can e.g. B. be that you should appear at this location or continue to dive, that there is a special place, such as. B. a hot underwater spring or a reference to certain fauna or flora. Such additional information can also be assigned to the images of the image series separately from the metadata if this additional information is not used to select one or more images using the image selection device.

The metadata can also include information with which images of the series of images are combined into groups, for example a subset of the images of the series of images are marked as a point of view or location, so that this subset of images the diver when this location is reached Water is offered for viewing.

[0019] Further examples are explained below of how such metadata is compared with corresponding sensor data in order to carry out an automatic selection of a single image or of a plurality of images by means of the selection device.

The individual images or groups of images can also be assigned locations that differ from the point of view of the respective image. These locations are the locations on a diving route that intersect or are close to an optical axis of a virtual camera with which the image was taken at the viewpoint in the line of sight. This optical axis thus runs from the point of view in the viewing direction. Since this location is on a diving route, this location can also be referred to below as a diving location, which is part of the metadata. It can definitely make sense for the diver to look at an image at a diving location, where the diving location differs from the point of view of the respective image, provided the diver sees a section of the subsoil in the image that he can also see from this diving location.

The image selection device can e.g. B. include a button on the dive computer, when pressed one of the images in the series is displayed. This operating button can be operated by the diver. A specific image in the series of images can be selected by pressing the actuating button. This can e.g. B. be designed such that with a specific actuation of the operating button, the next image in the series of images and with another button the previous image in the series of images is displayed on the dive computer.

The image selection device can also include a location sensor, an image of the series of images to be displayed being displayed as a function of location information determined by the location sensor. Depending on the location sensor, a corresponding image can be displayed automatically on the dive computer or one or more images can be suggested to the diver for display, which the diver can then select using the actuating button.

The location sensor can be a depth sensor, in particular a pressure sensor. The individual images of the image series are preferably linked to depth information, so that the images are automatically displayed or suggested depending on the depth information.

The location sensor can also include a sensor for detecting two- or three-dimensional location coordinates under water. A diving device with such a location sensor is known from the initially mentioned DE 10 2016 106 214.6, to which reference is hereby made in its entirety. With such a dive computer, it is expedient if the individual images in the series of images are linked to corresponding location information, ie to two-dimensional or three-dimensional location coordinates. The dive computer can use the location information recorded with the location sensor and a previously stored description of a

Generate dive route navigation information and display it on the display device. This navigation information can B. include information on how far the diver deviates from the predetermined dive route, in which direction he deviates and / or in which direction he has to dive to get to the dive route and / or in which direction he dives along the dive route Has. This navigation information can be linked to the images in the series of images, so that when the corresponding points on the dive route are reached or when the corresponding areas of the dive route are reached, the corresponding image is displayed on the dive computer.

The dive computer preferably has a compass in order to display a compass direction on the dive computer, with the images in the series of images containing corresponding directional information with regard to the images. The directional information can e.g. B. be represented by one or more arrows in each image, which indicate the cardinal direction of the viewing direction. Since the compass can also be used to display the real points of the compass, the diver can use the dive computer and the displayed images to quickly and easily assign the representation of the environment displayed on the dive computer to the correct direction.

The image selection can also take place automatically, depending on the depth, position, direction or elapsed dive time, with several images being available in the image series for the specific point along the dive route or for a specific area along the dive route, each of which has a different have line of sight. These images thus show an image of the bottom of the body of water as seen from the respective point or area of the dive route when looking in the appropriate direction. The dive computer is usually worn on the wrist like a wristwatch. The viewing direction is the direction in which a "fictitious clock hand" of a corresponding wristwatch would point when it is at 12 o'clock. In other words, the compass determines the 12 o'clock direction of the dive computer and automatically the image is selected whose viewing direction, starting from the respective point or area of the dive route, deviates at least from this measured viewing direction of the dive computer.

As a result, a diver holding the dive computer in his field of vision can see a representation of the bottom of the body of water on the dive computer, which roughly corresponds to the bottom of the body of water in his line of sight. If the diver turns around a vertical axis, the compass automatically detects the changed viewing direction and the corresponding image is displayed by the image selection device.

This is a significant advantage over conventional dive computers, since you have to orientate yourself in three-dimensional space when diving—unlike on land. For example, there is an Austrian mountain lake with a famous diving route, where access to this diving route is only possible at a certain point. The diver must surface at this point after completing the diving process. Under water, this dive route is difficult to see. A stone pyramid was piled up under water to mark this entrance. Depending on whether you have not yet reached this entrance on the way back from the dive route or have already dived past it, it is more to the east or more to the west of the diver. Corresponding images can be prepared with the dive computer according to the invention, on which the stone pyramid or the access to the dive route itself are marked. Depending on the position of the diver in relation to this access or the pyramid and in which direction he is looking, the corresponding image is displayed on the dive computer so that the diver can easily find both the pyramid and the access itself by scans the corresponding areas with his eyes, with a corresponding change in the viewing direction automatically displaying the corresponding image on the dive computer. Of course, this applies not only to such an entrance or a specific marking under water, but to any point of interest under water. This can be marked in advance in one or more of the images so that the diver can find it more easily using the dive computer.

This is particularly advantageous when visibility under water is limited

be it due to low light or murky water, as it is then not easy to see the relevant points of interest immediately. However, they are easily seen on the dive computer, which can be placed close to the eyes.

To display the images, it is advantageous if the dive computer has a backlight with which the respective image can be displayed brightly on the dive computer. It can be expedient for the background lighting to be controllable in such a way that the brightness is only increased when viewing the image, in order to achieve good visibility of the image on the one hand and to keep the power consumption of the dive computer low on the other. The brightness of the display of the dive computer can be adjusted, for example, by a button that can be operated by the diver, or it can be increased automatically for a predetermined period of time when a predetermined point or area or a predetermined depth along the diving route is reached. This predetermined point or area or depth corresponds to the location or depth of viewpoint of one of the images which is therefore to be displayed on the dive computer.

A method according to the invention for generating images for such a dive computer comprises the steps of - loading a three-dimensional underwater map, - defining a dive route, - generating at least one two-dimensional image along the dive route and/or at least one overview view, and - transmitting the or of the images on a dive computer.

This method is preferably carried out on a computer system independent of the dive computer, in particular a laptop, tablet or smartphone.

When generating an image, the point of view, the viewing direction and the field of view are defined in each case. It can be expedient to generate all images with the same, uniform field of view and to select only the location of the point of view and the viewing direction to generate the respective images.

The diving route can be defined in several sections, wherein the three-dimensional underwater map can be rotated and/or zoomed and/or shifted between the definition of two sections. The computer systems on which this method can be carried out usually have display devices for displaying two-dimensional images, so that the three-dimensional underwater map is displayed on the display device by a two-dimensional projection. The two-dimensional projection of the three-dimensional underwater map, which is displayed on the display device, is referred to below as an overview display.

Rotating and/or zooming and/or shifting the three-dimensional underwater map means that the two-dimensional U overview display on the display device is changed accordingly, so that a different section of the three-dimensional subsurface of the body of water is visible on the display device. This makes it possible to define dive routes that cannot be displayed on a single two-dimensional underwater map. For example, dive routes can be defined that lead around a wreck or a rock formation or extend into an underwater cave. These can only be represented in sections with several two-dimensional representations. Such a diving route can be drawn or defined without interruption in the three-dimensional underwater map.

This makes it possible, even in complex shaped diving areas, which are mostly of interest, to completely define a diving route and to transmit corresponding images in the form of one or more overview views or other two-dimensional images along the diving route to the diving computer and to view them there during the represent the diving process. An overview view is a copy of an overview display which is designed to be displayed on the display device of a dive computer. When creating the overview

A copy of an overview display is created, with the size and/or the resolution of this image being adapted for display on the display device of a dive computer. possibly the file format is also converted to a file format suitable for display on the display device of the dive computer.

The overview view or the overview views thus show a two-dimensional projection of the three-dimensional underwater map, in which at least a section of the dive route is shown, and which are suitable for display on a display device of a dive computer. The images along the dive route show views of the bottom that can be seen while diving along the dive route.

The combination of using a three-dimensional underwater map to define the diving route and generating one or more two-dimensional images (overview and/or images along the diving route) make it possible to completely plan a diving route in diving areas with complex shapes and the diving plan accordingly transfer to the dive computer. The dive plan can consist of only one or more overview views. The dive plan preferably includes one or more overview views and/or one or more two-dimensional images along the dive route.

One or more markers, in particular depth markers, can be generated along the dive route. The images can be provided with additional information. This additional information can include text, markers, arrows, etc. Preferably, there are predetermined icons for particular points of interest, such as an exit, a turn, a hot spot, etc.

The images can be transferred to the dive computer along with a description of the dive route.

[0041] A predetermined sequence of the images in the image series can preferably be defined. The images are then displayed sequentially underwater in the order specified on the dive computer. As explained above, several alternative images, which in particular show the bottom of the body of water in the viewing direction, can also be provided at specific points or areas of the dive route. The series of images can thus include a series of individual images or a series of groups of images or a series of a combination of individual images and groups of images.

[0042] A change of image or group of images is preferably triggered by a change of location or after a predetermined time has elapsed, which was detected by the location sensor and/or the clock.

The groups of alternative images thus include images that each have the same or similar point of view and differ only in the direction of view and/or in the field of view, or each have the same or similar direction of view and only differ in the point of view and/or in the distinguish field of view. The alternative images in a group preferably have the same or similar point of view, with the alternative images each showing different images in different viewing directions, so that the diver is shown the corresponding images in the different viewing directions on the dive computer at the location where he is currently located can become. For example, it can be expedient to provide two images with different fields of view in a predetermined viewing direction, with the bottom of the body of water being displayed in a narrow angular range in one field of view and in a large angular range in another field of view. This corresponds to images recorded with a different zoom setting. In the case of a narrow angular range of the field of view, a small area of the background is shown greatly enlarged compared to a representation with a field of view with a large angular range.

A computer program for executing such a method comprises - an image editor for displaying a two-dimensional projection of three-dimensional image data of an underwater landscape and for defining a diving route, - a snapshot module for generating a two-dimensional snapshot

freely selectable points based on the diving route and freely selectable viewing direction of the underwater landscape defined by the three-dimensional image data, and

- A transmission module for transmitting the two-dimensional snapshots as a series of images to a dive computer.

[0045] The image editor is preferably designed to generate a description of a diving route.

The invention is explained in more detail by way of example with reference to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawings. The drawings show in:

[0046] FIG. 1 shows a method for generating a dive plan schematically in a block diagram,

Figure 2a-2g each a view of a three-dimensional representation of the bottom of a body of water during the individual steps for generating the diving

plan, [0048] FIG. 3 schematically shows a dive computer in a block diagram, and [0049] FIG. 4 shows a method for displaying images of a predetermined series of images

on a dive computer.

The present invention includes a method for generating a dive plan and a method for displaying one or more images showing the dive plan or specific views along a dive route defined by the dive plan. The invention also includes a computer program for generating the dive plan and a dive computer that is designed to display the images.

The method for generating a dive plan is carried out using a corresponding computer program on a commercially available computer, in particular a laptop, tablet or smartphone. The computer should have a graphic display device, a computing unit, sufficient data storage and an input unit.

The basic steps carried out with this computer program are: - starting the computer program (step S1),

- selection of a three-dimensional representation of the bottom of a predetermined body of water (step S2),

- selecting a planning mode (step S3), and

- Creation of a dive plan (step S4).

The dive plan includes at least one overview view 1 of the dive route, which includes a two-dimensional representation of the three-dimensional representation of the bottom of the body of water together with a linear representation of the dive route 3 (FIG. 1). Optionally, the dive plan can also include a depth profile 4 of the dive route, in which the depth profile along the dive route 3 is plotted. This depth profile 4 can be calculated using the planned diving route 3 and the three-dimensional representation of the bottom of the body of water. If the dive route is actually dived, then this depth profile can be replaced by a depth profile that was actually dived and measured with a depth sensor contained in the dive computer 6 . It is also possible to record a corresponding temperature profile 5 with a temperature sensor and to combine it with the depth profile 4 in a pictorial representation.

As will be explained in more detail below, the dive plan can also include one or more detailed views along the dive route 3 .

The dive plan can be loaded onto a dive computer 6, on which the overview view of the dive route and, if present, the depth profile 4 and/or one or more of the detailed views can be displayed. Preferably, only one display or one profile or view is displayed on the dive computer 6 in each case.

The dive plan can also be loaded into an electronic logbook 7 . Was the

If the dive route is actually submerged, then the dive plan can be supplemented by the measured depth profile 4 and the measured temperature profile 5 . The dive plan stored in the electronic logbook 7 can be transferred to a social medium 8 from the logbook 7 or directly from the computer program for generating the dive plan.

If a specific diving area is selected in step S2, then a three-dimensional representation of the bottom of the diving area is displayed on the computer screen (FIG. 2a). In this display, a user can choose between different views, which show the bottom of the body of water in a colored, lifelike view, in a false-color representation, with the different colors being assigned to specific depths and represented in a false-color view. For this purpose, three icons 11, 12 and 13 are provided, which can be used to switch between the respective views.

The view that can be selected with the icon I1 shows the bottom of the body of water, with the zero line (=water line) being drawn in. This allows you to see the shore area and estimate how far underwater you are along the dive route. The view that can be selected with icon 12 shows the bottom of the body of water in a lifelike representation. The false color display (Icon 13) shows the depth of the background in a color code.

The icon 14 can be used to switch to a mode in which the representation of the bottom of the body of water can be rotated and/or zoomed (FIG. 2b). In this way, both the viewing direction and the field of view with which the bottom of the body of water is displayed can be changed. This mode of rotating and zooming the view can be switched on and off at any time.

An icon 15 (“PLAN”) can be used to switch to a planning mode (FIGS. 2c-2g).

The planning mode has four basic functions for creating the dive plan. The three basic functions are drawing the dive route F1, moving parts of the dive plan, such as images of a hot spot, specific markers or the drawn dive route, and creating depth markers. These functions can be invoked by corresponding function icons F1 (draw the dive route), F2 (move the components of the dive plan), F3 (create depth markers) and F4 (create detail views). The planning mode thus forms an image editor with which the images or image files can be generated and edited.

[0062] It is also possible during the planning mode that the three-dimensional representation of the diving area can be rotated and/or zoomed and/or shifted. Since the three-dimensional representation of the diving area is usually displayed on a two-dimensional display device, rotating and/or zooming and/or shifting means that the point of view with the viewing direction and/or the field of view with which the three-dimensional data or the three-dimensional model of the Diving areas are considered to generate a two-dimensional projection of the three-dimensional image data can be changed.

[0063] This makes it possible for a diving route to be drawn that cannot be represented on a two-dimensional map or in a two-dimensional representation of the diving area. If, for example, you circumnavigate a rock formation or a wreck under water or dive into an underwater cave, then a section of the dive route is always covered in a two-dimensional representation of the diving area and is therefore not visible. Since the diving route is generated in a three-dimensional model of the diving area, all sections of the diving route can be generated or drawn without interruption by rotating and/or zooming and/or moving the three-dimensional model of the diving area.

[0064] If the diving route is completely defined, then one or more overview views can be generated in which the diving route is drawn. The dive plan overview views are two-dimensional projections of the three-dimensional model of the diving area, in which at least a section of the diving route is drawn. Since it is not always possible to display the entire dive route in a single two-dimensional projection, it is

expediently that the different overview views are generated by rotating and/or zooming and/or moving the three-dimensional model of the diving area, with the corresponding two-dimensional projections of the three-dimensional model being able to be stored as overview views.

[0065] If the dive route is displayed on a display device with a touch-sensitive screen, then zooming, rotating and/or shifting can be carried out by corresponding finger movements on the screen surface. In principle, the zooming, rotating and/or moving can also be carried out by keyboard and/or mouse inputs.

In addition, there are general management functions with which the planning mode can be closed, the dive plan can be saved, an existing dive plan can be loaded, the dive plan can be sent to a dive computer 6 or the dive plan can be sent to the electronic logbook 7. These management functions are accessible with the corresponding management icons V1 (exit planning mode), V2 (save), V3 (load), V4 (transmit to dive computer) and V5 (transmit to logbook).

[0066] When executing the function “transmission to dive computer”, the images are automatically adapted in size and/or resolution and/or file format to the display device of a previously set dive computer.

[0067] If the planning mode is selected, then pre-included dive route suggestions are removed. The bottom of the body of water is initially shown without a corresponding diving route (FIG. 2c, FIG. 2d).

The present embodiment relates to the Ulysses diving area near El Gouna in the Red Sea. Ulysses is a British freighter wreck that sank in 1987. It forms a channel in the bottom of the Red Sea, which has a similar shape to a bathtub and is therefore also referred to as a "bathtub". This bathtub thus forms a hot spot. In the present data set, the bathtub is associated with a corresponding hot spot marker 9. The hot spot marker 9 can be moved within the display using the movement function F2, a link to the point which it is intended to mark always remaining (FIG. 2d).

The desired diving route can be drawn with the drawing function F1. It is sufficient to click on predetermined points in the overview display, which can be rotated, zoomed and shifted. These points are connected with a continuous line, which is automatically smoothed. Since this line is drawn in a two-dimensional projection of the three-dimensional U-overview display, it is always automatically generated at a small distance (e.g. 0.5-1.5 m) above the bottom of the body of water. You can of course set a greater distance from the dive route 3 to the bottom by making additional entries. This is necessary, for example, when the diving process starts from a boat.

The diving route 3 also defines a diving direction 10 along which the diving route is dived.

With the depth marker function F3 3 depth markers can be set along the dive route. These depth markers are visible when images of the dive plan are displayed on the dive computer, as explained further below, so that a diver can assign the appropriate depth to the locations shown in the dive plan. These depth markers are preferably set at points at which the diver would like to change his direction, so that he can orientate himself using the depth markers. In the present exemplary embodiment, a depth marker is set at 14 m at the end of the diving process. Upon reaching this point, the diver should ascend to the top. Another depth marker is set in the channel formed by the wreck, so that one can already see how deep the main target area of the diving process 3 is when preparing for the dive using the dive plan.

[0072] With the detailed function F4, the detailed views can be created at different points.

along dive route 3 (function icon F4).

After calling up the function for detailed views F4, a specific point along the diving route 3 is first defined. Then the program automatically generates a view of the bottom of the body of water, starting from this viewpoint looking in the diving direction 10 at these locations and with a predetermined field of view. After that, both the direction of view and the field of view can be changed with the corresponding function F4. The detailed view defined in this way can be saved. As a result, the detailed views form a kind of snapshot and the F4 function can also be referred to as a snapshot module.

One or more of the partial views can be generated and stored for each viewpoint of the diving route 3 . The detailed views assigned to a viewpoint 3 of the diving route can differ in the direction of view and/or in the field of view.

Additional information can be added to the detailed views. This additional information can include text, markers, arrows, etc. In these detailed views, preferably predetermined points of interest for the immersion process are marked and labeled accordingly. Dangerous areas, ascent points, exit points, turning points, junctions or the like can be marked.

The individual detailed views are sorted in the dive plan in the order in which the respective corresponding points on the dive route 3 are arranged in the dive direction 2 . The overview views and the detailed views thus form a series of images with a predetermined sequence, with the overview view or the overview views being able to be inserted by the user at any point in the series of images when the dive plan is set.

The dive plan according to the present exemplary embodiment comprises at least one overview view with a section of the dive route 3 and preferably one or more images of the bottom of the body of water, in particular a series of images. The images can include one or more detail views along the dive route 3 . The dive plan may include additional information such as ß. Include depth information, hot spot markers and/or markings for danger spots, ascent points, exit points, turning points, junctions or the like. This information can be contained in the dive plan by means of text information or by means of corresponding markings in the images of the dive plan. Furthermore, a description of the dive route, e.g. B. in the form of coordinates, in particular 3D coordinates.

The individual images can contain directional information 19 which indicates the cardinal points on the bottom of the body of water represented in the respective image.

[0079] When creating the images of the image series, metadata are automatically generated and assigned to the images. In the present exemplary embodiment, the metadata includes depth information, diving points along the diving route, diving times up to the respective diving points and/or markers for hot spots, hazardous areas, ascent points, exit points, turning points, junctions or the like. Since the total diving time is limited, an average diving time for the individual diving points can be estimated very reliably in advance.

This series of images can be displayed on a dive computer 6 .

The dive computer has a central processing unit 11 , a display device 12 , a pressure sensor 13 , a compass 14 , a memory device 15 , a radio interface 16 and a number of actuating buttons 17 .

The operating buttons 17 are designed in such a way that they can be operated under water without water penetrating into the dive computer.

All of these elements are connected to the central processing unit 11 so that they can be controlled by it and/or can exchange data with it.

The radio interface 16 corresponds to a conventional radio standard, such as WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.

The dive plan or the series of images of the dive plan can be loaded onto the dive computer 6 via the radio interface 16 and stored in the memory device 15 .

The images can be displayed on the display device 12, which is preferably a high-resolution color display, as is explained in more detail below.

Optionally, the dive computer 6 can be provided with a location sensor 18, with which the location of the dive computer can be determined as 2D coordinates or as 3D coordinates. The location sensor 18 is preferably designed with a hydrophone for receiving sound signals, in which the location and time of sound generation are encoded. The location and time of sound generation can be decoded from the sound signals by means of a decoding device. The time at which the sound signals were received is recorded with a clock (not shown), so that the position can be determined using a position evaluation device based on the locations at which the sound was generated and the transit time of the sound signals. Such a location sensor is described in DE 10 2016 106 214.6, to which reference is made in this regard.

The operation keys 17 are operation keys independent of the display device 12 . Conventional touchscreens do not work underwater. However, there are now touchscreens that are pressure-sensitive. In connection with the pressure sensor 13, such a pressure-sensitive touchscreen can be used both as a display device 12 and as an actuating button, with the pressure present on the touchscreen having to be corrected with the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 13 in order not to erroneously press the touchscreen through the existing water pressure release water pressure.

The use of the dive computer 6 to display the images of the image series of the dive plan is explained below (FIG. 4).

This method begins with step S10.

In step S11, the first image in the series of images is initially displayed. This can be the overview of the dive route or a first detailed view. Whether the overview view or a first detailed view is displayed first is determined when the dive plan is created.

In step S12, a trigger signal is awaited. Such a trigger signal triggers the selection of an image from the series of images. Wading for the trigger signal is preferably carried out by means of an operating system command, so that the central processing unit 11 is only slightly loaded and is available for other functions of the dive computer.

If such a trigger signal is received, then it is judged in step S13 whether it should trigger the selection of an alternative image or the selection of a next image. Those images of a group of multiple images that are present in the image series for a predetermined viewpoint or area of the diving route 3 are referred to as alternative images. Those images which are provided for the next viewing point or viewing area along the diving route 3 are referred to as the next images.

[0094] The trigger signals can be signals triggered by one of the actuating buttons 17, pressure signals and/or location signals and/or time signals, such as the duration of the dive, or combinations thereof.

One of the three actuating buttons 17/1 is designed in such a way that when it is actuated briefly, this actuating button 17/1 is switched back and forth between the or one of the overview views and a detailed view. If the actuating button 17/1 is actuated for a longer period of time, switching back and forth is made between an alternative image mode and a next image mode. In the next picture mode, the next detailed view in the diving direction 10 or in the opposite direction to the diving

direction 10 can be selected. In the alternative image mode, alternative detailed views are selected with the two buttons 17/2 and 17/3, with one of the two buttons showing a partial view with the next different viewing direction and with the other button 17/3 a detailed view with the same viewing direction, but with a another field of view can be selected. If there is no detailed view with a different viewing direction or with a different field of view, then this is indicated on the display device by a corresponding marking adjacent to the respective actuating button 17, with actuation of such an actuating button then having no effect.

A trigger signal is thus generated manually with the actuating keys 17 .

However, a trigger signal can also be generated automatically. For example, the location of the dive computer 6 along the dive route 3 can be determined using the pressure signal generated by the pressure sensor 13 and using the depth profile 4 . If the dive computer is located at a viewpoint along the dive route 3 at which a next detailed view is available, then a trigger signal for selecting a next image is automatically generated.

In most cases, the depth profiles 4 of the diving routes 3 are contoured to such an extent that it is possible to clearly assign the viewpoints along the diving route 3 at which images are provided. In principle, however, it is also possible that an unambiguous assignment is not possible solely on the basis of a pressure signal. In such cases, it is advantageous if, alternatively or in addition to the pressure signal that reflects the current depth, a location signal is measured using location sensor 18 . Using this location signal alone or in combination with the pressure signal, it can be determined whether the dive computer 6 is located at a nearest viewing point at which one or more further detailed views are available. The trigger signal can therefore also be derived from the local signal alone or from the local signal in combination with other signals, in particular the pressure signal.

If the trigger signal is determined solely on the basis of the pressure signal and an ambiguous state occurs, it may be expedient to display this accordingly on the display device of the dive computer 6, so that a manual input on an actuating button 17 is ambiguous state is cancelled.

A trigger signal for selecting an alternative detailed view can also be generated from a direction signal from the compass 14 if the dive computer 6 is at a viewpoint or in a viewing area along the diving route 3 at which there are several alternative detailed views with different viewing directions. A corresponding direction signal from the compass 14 can then be generated as a trigger signal for selecting an alternative detailed view which corresponds better to the current direction signal than the viewing direction of the previous view.

In step S13 it is determined whether the trigger signal is a trigger signal which is associated with the selection of a next image, ie an image which is associated with the next viewpoint along the diving route 3 in relation to the viewpoint to which the previously displayed image was assigned. triggers. If this is the case, then in step S14 the corresponding next image is selected and displayed on the display device 12 .

In step S15 it is checked whether the last image in the series of images is displayed. If this is the case, then the method S16 is ended. Otherwise, the process flow goes to step S12 and waits for the next trigger signal.

If it is determined in step S13 that there is a trigger signal for selecting an alternative image, then the process flow goes to step S17, in which an alternative image or an alternative detailed view of the same point of the diving route 3 with respect to the image previously displayed is selected will. The selected image is displayed on the display device 12 . The method sequence then goes back to step S12.

[00104] Above is an embodiment of the method used on a submersible computer

ter 6 images (overview views and detail views) of a dive plan can be displayed consecutively. Accordingly, the next image can be displayed manually using one of the actuating buttons 17 or automatically using one of the sensor signals (pressure sensor (=depth), compass (=direction) and/or location sensor) individually or in combination. One or more detailed views can be provided at the individual points of view or viewing areas along the diving route 3 at which detailed views are provided. When selecting a next image according to step S14, if there are several detailed views of a predetermined point, that one is selected whose viewing direction best matches the diving direction 10 at this point. However, under certain circumstances a different preselection can also be made or when creating the dive plan one of several detail views of a group of detail views that are assigned to a specific point of the dive route 3 can be specified as the preferred detail view, which is then initially selected in step S14 will.

The selection of the respective images or views can also be correlated with a dive time. As a result, ambiguities in the selection of the images can be resolved, since only a predetermined time window is available for diving a specific diving route 3 . In this way, alternatives can be ruled out in the event of ambiguities.

The method explained above can be modified in many different ways. For example, in step S13, a modification can consist in the fact that non-assignable trigger signals are detected, whereupon the process flow immediately goes back to step S12. Step S13 can also be designed in such a way that a number of groups of trigger signals are differentiated, whereupon corresponding different selection steps are carried out.

Since such a dive computer has to perform other functions, in particular the remaining dive time has to be calculated and the diver has to give appropriate information when descending or surfacing, the method can be designed such that when you press a predetermined button 17 only for one predetermined period of time one of the images of the series of images is displayed. The display of the images can be supported by intensifying the background lighting of the display device 12 . The temporary display and/or the temporary intensification of the background lighting can be triggered by means of an actuating button 17 or can also be triggered automatically by one of the trigger signals.

In summary, it is found that a fundamental technical problem of the present invention is that it is not possible on a dive computer to provide sufficient computing power or resources to run programs with which underwater maps can be generated as two-dimensional projections, with a image of the underwater landscape relevant to a diver at his current position is displayed.

[00109] This problem is solved in that the corresponding images are generated externally in order to be able to be displayed on the dive computer using a corresponding selection device. The selection device can allow a manual selection of the corresponding images. However, it can also be designed to be automatic, so that the corresponding images are automatically displayed as a function of location information (depth information or location coordinates).

REFERENCE LIST

1 Overview of the dive route 2 2D representation

3 dive route

4 depth profile

5 temperature profile

6 dive computers

7 logbook

8 social media

9 hot spot markers

10 diving direction

11 central processing unit 12 display device

13 pressure sensor

14 compass

15 storage device

16 radio interface

17 actuation button

18 location sensor

19 directional information

Claims (8)

patent claims 1. A method for generating images for a dive computer comprising the steps - loading a 3-dimensional underwater map, - defining a dive route (3), - generating a series of images comprising a plurality of 2-dimensional images along the dive route (3), - transferring the Images of the series of images on a dive computer (6), characterized in that several alternative images are generated for predetermined viewing areas or points of view of the diving route (3), which differ in the viewing direction and/or in the field of view. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the diving route (3) is defined in several sections, the three-dimensional underwater map being rotated and/or zoomed between the definition of two sections. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the images have metadata containing information, for example, about the location, the depth, the direction or the elapsed time of the diving process. 4. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that one or more markers, in particular depth markers, are generated along the diving route (3). 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the images are provided with additional information (text, marker, arrow, etc.). 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the images are transmitted to the dive computer (6) together with a description of the dive route. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a predetermined order of the images in the series of images can be defined, the order of the images corresponding in particular to the order of the viewpoints of the images along the diving route. 8. The method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that 2-dimensional projections of the 3-dimensional underwater map are stored as the 2-dimensional images when the series of images is generated. 10 sheets of drawings