FR2891048A1 - Global positioning system localization stick for navigating in e.g. dense forest, has global positioning system receiver permitting to acquire position information of walker from global positioning system satellite - Google Patents

Abstract

The stick has a cartographic and biological memory designed for storing information of a cartographic and biological database that stores cartographic information and/or specific script. A global positioning system receiver permits to acquire position information e.g. latitude and longitude, of a walker from a global positioning system satellite. A display block displays specific information at which a text, pictogram and/or one or several pictures are allocated. A CPU calculating display information and a sound broadcasting and reproduction device are disposed.

Description

The present invention relates to a location stick with GPS:

  autonomous portable navigation device combining position information (GPS), direction (electronic compass), embedded databases and dedicated software for ambulatory visits and rediscovery of natural or urban environments.

  1) Title and description of the device:

  Location stick with GPS for guided tours and rediscovery of natural or urban environments called "Stick to get lost".

  The digital stick was conceived as a service for rediscovering natural or urban environments through a new way of exploring and orienting oneself in these environments.

  The digital orientation stick which integrates a GPS module and an electronic compass brings to the walker a real time knowledge of his close environment.

  Close information related to natural boundaries (dense forests, streams, promontories, etc.) or natural stimuli (presence of rare species, migratory passages, fauna, flora, geology), pointed by the stick, appears on the screen as pictograms and clues.

  Thus, through a re-reading of the environment based on a sensitive and exploratory approach to nature, the digital baton offers an alternative to the formulas of marked trails.

  The stick can also be guided to a specific point (starting point, refuge ...) and send a distress signal. By the security it provides, it gives freedom and pleasure to get lost.

  It is one of the objects of the invention to provide a small tool, lightweight and resistant, which can fit in a pocket or in a bag (backpack or hand). It consists of 3 parts: a grip zone, a LCD screen, an antenna (GPS signal reception). The project is aimed at both individuals and groups (schools, green classes, environmental initiatives).

  2) An ambulatory interface: The present invention has the secondary objectives of: - Creating steps in the strolling: objects to find. Scanning the march, rhythm.

  Promote an appropriation of the place by an active approach (the device must be sufficiently open so that its use is creative and not simply instrumental).

  - Create meetings: signal the proximity of other bearers or even offer the features of a "simplified communication tool" 2891048 2 tracking information. The stick acts as an amplifier of the sensitivity of the walker: without seeing, feeling or hearing, he can know the presence of certain things. Thus this interface appeals to the senses of the walker. The device is not a screen between the walker and his environment.

  With the baton, everyone builds their course - by walking and moving from time to time towards an element indicated by the stick or - by fixing a route rule, for example to guide themselves according to the types of objects (example architectural course) or sensations in this case the walk is like a kind of treasure hunt.

  3) Description of the element: The device integrates the following elements: A cartographic and biological data memory designed to store the information of the database. The mapping and biological database must be previously designed to store mapping information and / or specific scenarios and then transferred from a computer to the memory module built into the stick.

  - A GPS receiver (position information: Longitude, Walker's latitude to acquire current position information from the GPS satellite coupled to an electronic compass (indication of the direction pointed by the stick) - A block of Each of the specific information is assigned a text and / or one or more drawings, pictograms.

  - A central unit for calculating the display information.

  - A device for reproduction and sound diffusion - A rechargeable and waterproof power supply module with protection on the connectors.

  - A power-on device - A control device (scroll type, touch wheel) waterproof corresponding to uses in open environments (may be subject to rain, hail, wind).

  4) Descriptors and technical choices: The stick has all the necessary elements to get lost. The built-in GPS, allows a location of the holder of the stick. This location makes it possible to broadcast information of all types (visual and sound) on arranged locations (updatable internal BDD) at different distances from the wearer. He can thus "see" what is around him by modifying the precision of "vision": the zoom 5) Standard elements constituting the stick: The declination of the internal technical elements is divided into two models: standard and complete Tab / water features Technical elements Standard Optional Integrated 16Mhz RISC microcontroller, re-programmable (boot-loader) for upgrades and additional options, 128KB flash, 4k ram and 4k EEPROM (configurations) External memory in format SD SD 256 MB Choice of GPS carrier 12 channels 16 channels Display NB 102x80 with Back light color Digital sound mono output on mini HP Input interface: mini joystick with 4 function keys (sound broadcasts, GOTO function, and zoom ± ) and two buttons to adjust the volume.

  Radio rendezvous (inter-stick communication interface in 433 or 866 MHz) USB communication interface (USB COM) for software update, database download, NMEA 1803 bus (to transform the stick into standard GPS

connectable)

  AA or Lithium Ion batteries (charging on USB port or external transformer) White LED for flashlight on board Compass Altimeter / barometer Inclinometer Temperature / hydrometry The portable terminal has a first outer cylindrical protective shell made of reinforced plastic, preferably transparent polycarbonate without this indication, however, any limiting character that it is (1) and of sufficient thickness not to break in case of a fall. The second inner shell made of plastic material (2) to avoid the risk of signal interference makes it possible to house the various electronic components. The tube will have dimensions of the order of 22cm for the length and 3cm of internal diameter. The display block is placed in depth relative to the surface of the tube, it thus occupies the largest part of it. The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. Figure 1 shows in section the device of the invention.

  Figure 3 shows a diagram of the components.

  6) Principle of operation: According to the invention, the device makes it possible to detect elements not on the actual location of the user but on the location targeted by the terminal. As and when the ballad, the subject directs the stick in the direction in which he wishes to obtain information. The screen then displays various data (for example: location information, detection of recommendation messages, access to brief information, identification of a natural element). They appear as pictograms and short texts. This information reports on the environment in the direction of the stick over a distance of a few meters to several kilometers. The device thus allows a remote interrogation of its near environment.

  6) 1 Portable device combining position information (GPS), direction (electronic compass) and database: The display is only possible thanks to the combined action of the GPS, the electronic compass and the databases built into the stick. It is one of the aims of the invention to propose an interface whose objective is to provide precise, succinct and discrete information in the form of texts, pictograms or in sound form without this disturbing the natural balance. A speaker makes it possible to broadcast specific sound applications.

  6) 2 The cartographic and biological database: Constructed from the elements listed on the site: information likely to interest the public: fauna, flora, geology, for example.

  Once these data are listed, each point of the map then corresponds to specific information. Each of these specific information is assigned a pictogram which will be displayed on the screen at the time of entry to the area.

  Example of the type of information available in the database: aBiodiversity (Past rocks, fauna, flora): The discovery and protection of biodiversity is an important environmental issue.

  From the work of monitoring and methodical inventory of species and species inhabiting the site, it will be possible to provide the walker with clear, succinct and up-to-date information.

  Vegetable wealth: - varieties and properties of listed plant species (remarkable trees, rare species, ...) - criteria for the selection of these species (fast growth, fruit species, nourishing for wildlife, seduction tactics, animal communication, .. .) ^ Wildlife Wealth: - periodic survey of direct or indirect evidence of the presence of animals, including rodents, insects, birds.

  - method of monitoring wildlife (observation of sight, traps, fingerprint analysis, ...) - reconquest of certain animal species (the wolf in the Mercantour Park).

  ^ Highlights: storms, drought, Information related to notions of ecosystems, biotopes.

  b - Cartography: - geographical boundaries (dense forest, watercourse, observatory, ...), - special point of view (micro landscapes, panorama, etc.) - refuges.

  6) 3 Display: 6.3.1 Display of pictograms: The position and the direction of the walker being determined, we then know thanks to the database the remarkable places located in front of the walker. We then display the pictograms corresponding to these places.

  When pointing the stick in another direction the pictograms then displayed must scroll to make way for the new ones. This scrolling must be done in a continuous way by translation: 6.3.2 Guided return: The stick indicates the route towards a certain point (the base camp, refuge) and makes it possible to ensure the return. Indeed, the pleasure of getting lost is that we are secured by the stick.

  For example, a light might flash as long as the walker is on the right track.

  This requires a GPS module with route calculation.

  6.3.3 Invisible message detection: Information related to a specific place.

  The stick allows you to leave and record invisible messages. It is the exclusive means of detecting these messages. This makes it possible to deliver or receive organizers a comment for example on a panorama, to point out a particular point of view. These messages are written or audible.

  7) Other functions: - Distress signal: The stick integrates a system making it possible to emit a distress signal in case the stroller is lost.

  - Identify moving elements: The stick also allows locating shows at festivals, such as a fanfare or a street theater show.

  - Finding your way on the Internet The visitor can view his journey on the internet after his walk: it is a return on the lived experience that allows to have additional information.

  - Sound recognition The user can access a database of bird sounds, so he can listen to different songs of birds emitted through the loudspeaker located in the stick and then try to identify those finding in its perimeter. It is an invitation to discover its sound environment in situ.

  - Recognition of stars By recording information about the stars instead of the "remarkable elements" of the Park, the staff can indicate the name of the pointed stars.

  8) Use of the stick: Stick V1.1 27/06/05 GPS: Present Mem. : 256 Mb Marshland, large population of waders ...

  Stick V1.1 27/06/05 GPS: OK Satellite in sight: 7 Reliable GPS position Power on GPS calibration Localization if a localized item available

SO

GO 7+

Z-

  If pressing the sound button: broadcast the associated sound if there is pressure on the joystick on the right, broadcasting information in the form of a list If pressure on zoom + or -: change of the bubble of vision between 5 and 50 meters between 50 and 100 meters between 100 and 500 meters between 500 and 1000 meters Beyond 1000 meters Principle of the bubble of vision The stick, reliable GPS position to 1 (1 (1 to 500 meters 5O (1 to 1000 meters Location if multiple localized elements available / one marcagageuse Hill of the great ... Ravine of the ... 4n Go 7, -

  Move the selection with the up and down positions of the joystick and select the item with the right position.

  For rent at any time, pressing the GOTO key indicates the direction to follow to go to the display and selected item. The course to follow is then displayed for a few seconds, then the display returns to localization.

  At any time press the joystick button, enter the stick setup menu: Several options are available Sound on / off: Activation of the sound (it is useful to cut the sound in case of close observation! New coordinate: Allows you to enter a characteristic point that corresponds to the bearer's interest.

  He then selects a word in a pre-established list (see computer software), after validation a new entry is created with the corresponding GPS position. AFF date and time: The date and time are displayed for a few seconds.

  9) Structure of the database The database consists of records that each contain essential information. It can be easily set up on a PHP MYSQL server, which allows updates on the WEB.

  1) The precise GPS position or a range: 5221.160N 00710.361E -5225.160N 00720.361E 2) Place of origin Piton de la Fournaise 3) Local information / descriptive text 4) Ecology descriptive text 5) Biology descriptive text 6) Culture descriptive text 7 ) Event calendar List of events with date and place 8) Associate icon It is an internal number at the stick (birds, landscape, ...) 9) Sound file associated with this entry 10) The dedicated software linked to the stick This software must be developed at least for mac os 9 and OS 10 and PC DIRECTOR of Macromedia. This free software provided with the stick, allows all kinds of dialogue between the database on the Internet and the stick.

  What does i /? This software is Multi-User, that is to say it is possible to create profiles and then customize his stick.

  It allows to: Select the type of information that one wishes to have on the stick, (list with check box) Download data of localization on the stick in association with the database, Download the options and lists of points personal (see below), retrieve personal data on the stick (see New coordinate), update the embedded software stick, Enter directly personal location information (GPS position, etc. ... see Structure of the database) The personal data of several users: Name first name, address, code and nick (multiple users can use a stick with their personal data) The name of the "network" for radio communications between sticks Make cleaning on the memory card stick

Claims (5)

CLAIMS:   1) Portable autonomous navigation device combining position information (GPS), direction (electronic compass, onboard cartographic and biological database and dedicated software for ambulatory visits and rediscovery of natural or urban environments.   2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the device allows to detect elements not on the same location of the user but on the location targeted by the terminal. As and when the ballad, the subject directs the stick in the direction in which he wishes to obtain information. On the screen are then displayed various data (for example: location information, detection of recommendation messages left by the park, access to brief information, identification of a natural element). The information appears in the form of pictograms and short texts.   3) Device according to claim 1 characterized by a display mode "in depth": The display on the screen is divided into 3 areas corresponding to 3 distances that reflect the environment in the direction of the stick. These distances can be between a few meters and several kilometers depending on the amount of information located in the perimeter of the walker. The device thus allows a remote interrogation of its near environment. Figure 2 illustrates this principle.   5) Device according to claim 1 and 2 characterized in that the primary use is not the use of sound, contrary to traditional audio guides, but whose purpose is to provide accurate information, succinct and discreet under form of texts and pictograms that do not endanger the equilibrium of wildlife. However, a speaker makes it possible to broadcast specific sound applications of the type: recognition of birds from their songs.   6) Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is sufficiently compact and lightweight and resistant to slip into a pocket or in a bag (back or hand) and be in adequacy with uses multiple (all terrain, urban): External cylindrical protective shell made of reinforced plastic, advantageously transparent polycarbonate without this indication however, any limiting character that it is (1) and of sufficient thickness not to break in case of fall. The second inner shell is made of plastic material (2) so as not to create any risk of signal interference makes it possible to house the various electronic components.