JP2009210561A - System and method for information display - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information display system feasible at low cost for allowing a diver under diving to reliably confirm his way home by easier operation. <P>SOLUTION: The information display system includes a dive computer 2 stored in a waterproof case 21, which includes a display with crystal display panel 211 for displaying various information and a switch 23 operable from outside the case 21. The dive computer 2 detects direction of course, defines the detected direction as an outward route direction depending on operation to indicate azimuth setting by using the switch 23, and then computes a homeward route direction from this outward route direction, displaying the computed homeward route direction on the crystal display panel 211. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information display device and an information display method for displaying information during diving.

As a method of grasping the current position and the traveling direction during diving, it is common to grasp mainly based on surrounding underwater topography and scenery. However, in the case of poor visibility or diving in an unfamiliar place, it is difficult to accurately grasp the position and direction using only the scenery. In such a case, conventionally, for example, the direction in which the advancing was performed using an underwater compass has been grasped (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-195827 A

By the way, since the return direction after reaching the target location is the reverse of the direction from the entry to the destination, the direction (direction) of the outbound route may be calculated as the opposite direction. However, there are many factors that interfere with thinking ability and computing ability in the water, and it is not easy and it is not easy to accurately memorize the direction of the outbound path and accurately derive the direction of the return path. It was. In addition, there is a problem that a method using a large group of devices is unsuitable in order to allow many divers to use easily.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to enable a diver who is diving to surely check the direction of a return path by a simple operation by using a device that can be realized at a low cost. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is housed in a waterproof main body, and displays a display screen for displaying various information, an operation unit operable from the outside of the main body, and direction detection for detecting the direction of a course. And the direction detected by the direction detection unit in response to an operation instructing the direction setting by the operation unit, and the acquired direction is set as the direction of the forward path, and the return path is set based on the direction of the forward path. There is provided an information display device comprising: an azimuth processing unit that obtains an azimuth; and an azimuth display control unit that displays a return azimuth obtained by the azimuth processing unit on the display screen.

In the above configuration, when the operation for instructing the display of the return direction is performed by the operation unit, the direction display control unit may display the return direction on the display screen according to the operation. .
The azimuth display control unit may display a return direction and a symbol or a graphic indicating that the direction is the return direction on the display screen.
Furthermore, the azimuth display control unit may display a symbol or a graphic indicating the return azimuth on the display screen only while an operation for instructing the display of the return direction is performed on the operation unit.

The said structure WHEREIN: The said azimuth | direction display control part is good also as what acquires the azimuth | direction detected by the said azimuth | direction detection part at any time, and displays the acquired present azimuth | direction on the said display screen.
Furthermore, in the above-described configuration, the azimuth display control unit displays the azimuth to be displayed on the display screen only when the azimuth acquired from the azimuth detection unit is more than a predetermined difference from the azimuth displayed on the display screen. It is good also as what changes to the newly acquired direction.
Further, in the above configuration, the apparatus further includes an underwater determination unit that determines whether or not the main body is in water, and the orientation display control unit is only when the main body is determined to be in water by the underwater determination unit. The return direction obtained by the direction processing unit may be displayed on the display screen.

  Further, in the above configuration, the return path is a return path via at least one waypoint, the direction processing unit also obtains a direction to the waypoint on the return path, and the direction display control unit is the direction processing unit It is good also as displaying the direction to the said waypoint in the said return trip calculated | required by said display screen.

  Further, the present invention controls an information display device that is housed in a waterproof main body and displays various types of information and an operation unit that can be operated from the outside of the main body to control the direction of the course. In response to an operation for instructing setting of the azimuth by the operation unit, the detected azimuth is set as the azimuth of the forward path, the azimuth of the return path is obtained based on the azimuth of the forward path, and the calculated azimuth of the return path is displayed An information display method characterized by displaying on a screen is provided.

  According to the present invention, in response to an operation for instructing the azimuth setting, the azimuth of the return path is automatically obtained and displayed when the current azimuth is set as the forward path. A diver during the dive can confirm the direction of the return trip with a simple operation.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration and a usage state of the dive computer 2 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the dive computer 2.
The function of the dive computer 2 is to calculate and display the depth and diving time of divers (users) during diving, measure the amount of inert gas (mainly nitrogen gas amount) accumulated in the body during diving, From this measurement result, there is a function of displaying safety ensuring information such as the time until nitrogen accumulated in the body is exhausted in a state of rising from water after diving.

The dive computer 2 is configured by attaching a belt 27 to a dive computer main body 20 configured by housing each part in a disc-shaped case 21 (main body), and is attached to the arm of the diver by the belt 27.
The case 21 has a so-called waterproof structure and is sealed so as to be in a completely watertight state.

  A display surface 22 is provided on the upper surface of the dive computer main body 20, and various types of information are displayed on the display surface 22 by a liquid crystal display panel 211 (display screen) described later. Further, on the upper surface of the dive computer main body 20, two electrodes 24 </ b> A and 24 </ b> B connected to the underwater determination sensor 273 (FIG. 2) are arranged together with the display surface 22. The underwater determination sensor 273 is a sensor that determines whether or not the dive computer 2 is in water based on the electrical resistance value between the electrode 24A and the electrode 24B. Further, on the upper surface of the dive computer main body 20, three push button type switches 23 (operation units) for performing operations such as selection / switching of various operation modes of the dive computer 2 are provided. The switch 23 is a large switch that can be easily operated from the outside even when the dive computer 2 is worn on the arm.

On the upper surface of the case 21, a circular display surface 22 that is partially cut away so as to avoid the switch 23 is disposed. On the display surface 22, a liquid crystal display panel 211 housed inside the windshield (FIG. 2). Is visible.
Further, a pressure detection hole (not shown) is formed in the side surface of the case 21, and a pressure sensor 253 (FIG. 2) is disposed inside the pressure detection hole. The pressure detection hole is a hole that guides ambient air or water to a detection site of the pressure sensor 253 so that the pressure sensor 253 can accurately detect the ambient pressure or water pressure.

As shown in FIG. 2, the dive computer 2 is configured by connecting each unit to a control system 200 that controls each unit to realize a function as a dive computer.
The control system 200 executes various programs to process data, a ROM 202 that stores programs executed by the CPU 201, data to be processed, etc., programs executed by the CPU 201, data to be processed, and the like temporarily. And a control circuit 204 for controlling various devices included in the dive computer 2.

Connected to the CPU 201 is a display unit 210 including a liquid crystal display panel 211 and a liquid crystal driver 212 that drives the liquid crystal display panel 211 to display various information. The control system 200 drives the liquid crystal driver 212 under the control of the CPU 201 to cause the liquid crystal display panel 211 to perform display corresponding to each operation mode.
Further, the CPU 201 is connected to a vibration generating unit 231 that generates a vibration so as to notify the diver of the alarm by vibration, and a sounding unit 232 that outputs a sound to notify the alarm by sound. The vibration generating unit 231 and the sound reporting unit 232, for example, pay attention to divers when the ascent speed is too fast, when the time since the start of diving exceeds the set time, when the set depth is exceeded, etc. Outputs vibration and alarm sound to prompt
The CPU 201 is connected to an operation unit 233 that detects an operation on the dive computer 2 and a communication unit 234 that performs communication with an external device.

The operation unit 233 detects an operation on the switch 23 provided on the upper surface of the dive computer main body 20 and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the detected operation to the CPU 201.
The communication unit 234 performs wireless communication with other devices by means of optical communication using radio waves, infrared rays or visible light, or communication using audible sound waves or ultrasonic waves as a carrier wave. For example, a light source (not shown) such as an LED that emits infrared light and a light receiving unit (not shown) such as a photodiode that receives infrared light are provided, and infrared communication is performed using these.

  The dive computer 2 includes an oscillation circuit 243 that outputs an oscillation signal having a predetermined frequency, and a frequency dividing circuit 242 that divides the oscillation signal output from the oscillation circuit 243. The signal frequency-divided by the frequency dividing circuit 242 is input to a time counter 241 that measures time in seconds in accordance with the control of the CPU 201 and the control circuit 204. The output signal of the frequency dividing circuit 242 is input as an operation clock signal to A / D conversion circuits 251, 261, and 271 described later.

  A pressure sensor 253 is connected to the CPU 201 via an A / D conversion circuit 251 and an amplification circuit 252. The pressure sensor 253 is a sensor disposed in the pressure detection hole (not shown), and detects the atmospheric pressure or water pressure around the dive computer 2. When an analog signal corresponding to the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 253 is output, the analog signal is amplified by the amplification circuit 252, converted into digital data by the A / D conversion circuit 251, and input to the CPU 201.

  In addition, the dive computer 2 includes a temperature sensor 263 that detects the ambient temperature. When an analog signal corresponding to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 263 is output, the analog signal is amplified by the amplifier circuit 262 and is A / D converted. It is converted into digital data by the circuit 261 and input to the CPU 201.

  The dive computer 2 measures the electrical resistance value between the electrode 24A (FIG. 1) and the electrode 24B (FIG. 1) to determine whether the dive computer 2 is in water or not. Part). The analog signal output from the underwater determination sensor 273 is amplified by the amplifier circuit 272, converted into digital data by the A / D conversion circuit 271, and input to the CPU 201.

  Furthermore, an orientation detection unit 235 is connected to the CPU 201. The azimuth detector 235 includes at least two orthogonal magnetic sensors, preferably three orthogonal magnetic sensors, and obtains the current azimuth (azimuth angle) by performing arithmetic processing based on the output of the plurality of magnetic sensors. The obtained azimuth data is output to the CPU 201. Here, the azimuth required by the azimuth detection unit 235 is, for example, the azimuth indicated by the 12 o'clock direction of the dive computer 2. This is because it is easy for divers to match their traveling direction with the 12 o'clock direction of the dive computer 2 during diving. Therefore, the direction to be obtained by the direction detection unit 235 with respect to the dive computer 2 may be arbitrarily set according to the operation of the switch 23 or the like. Further, the data output from the azimuth detecting unit 235 to the CPU 201 is, for example, an azimuth angle when north is set to 0 degrees (reference azimuth).

  The dive computer 2 configured as described above operates in the operation mode designated by the operation of the switch 23 under the control of the control system 200. In the diving mode, the elapsed time since the start of diving is instructed. In addition to displaying the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 263, the water depth obtained from the detection value of the pressure sensor 253, the amount of accumulated inert gas in the body calculated based on these information, the current time, etc., if necessary, Notification is performed by the vibration generator 231 and the sound generator 232. As a result, important information is accurately provided to divers who are diving, and safe and smooth diving is assisted.

The dive computer 2 displays the current time in the surface mode (time display mode), and outputs information acquired and displayed in the past in the diving mode according to the operation of the switch 23 in the planning mode and the log mode. The operation and the operation of outputting the result of the simulation according to the specified condition are performed.
Furthermore, the dive computer 2 displays the azimuth detected by the azimuth detecting unit 235 on the liquid crystal display panel 211 and guides the traveling direction to the diver.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the display surface 22 of the dive computer 2.
As described above, the liquid crystal display panel 211 is visible on the display surface 22 and various information displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 211 can be seen.

  The liquid crystal display panel 211 is provided with a plurality of display areas for displaying various types of information. The first display area 221 located on the upper left side in FIG. 3 is configured to be the largest among the display areas. The first display area 221 includes a current water depth, a current date and time, a water depth rank, and a dive in each operation mode of the dive computer 2 such as a diving mode, a surface mode (time display mode), a planning mode, and a log mode. The date and time (log number) is displayed.

  The second display area 222 is arranged on the right side of the first display area 221 in the drawing. The second display area 222 includes a dive time, a current time, a no-decompression dive time, and a dive start time (dive time) in each of the operation modes of diving mode, surface mode (time display mode), planning mode, and log mode. ) Is displayed.

  The third display area 223 is arranged below the first display area 221 in the figure. The third display area 223 includes a diving mode, a surface mode (time display mode), a planning mode, and a log mode. In each of the operation modes, the maximum water depth, body nitrogen discharge time, safety level, and maximum water depth (average water depth) are displayed.

  The fourth display area 224 is arranged on the right side of the third display area 223 in the drawing. In the fourth display area 224, in each operation mode of diving mode, surface mode (time display mode), planning mode, and log mode, no decompression dive possible time, water surface dwell time, temperature, dive end time (maximum water depth) Hour water temperature) is displayed.

  The fifth display area 225 is arranged below the third display area 223 in the drawing, and displays a power capacity shortage warning for displaying power capacity shortage. The sixth display area 226 is arranged on the lower left side in the figure and displays a graph of the amount of nitrogen gas (inert gas) remaining in the body. The seventh display area 227 is arranged on the right side of the sixth display area 226 in the figure, and when the depressurized diving state is entered in the diving mode, whether the nitrogen gas (inert gas) tends to be absorbed or discharged. An area indicating whether or not there is a tendency (up and down arrows are shown in the figure), and an area for displaying “SLOW” for instructing deceleration as one of the ascent warnings when the ascent speed is too high, And an area for displaying “DECO” for warning that decompression diving must be performed during diving.

  An orientation display unit 229 is disposed on the liquid crystal display panel 211. The direction display unit 229 displays the direction detected by the direction detection unit 235 (FIG. 2).

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing in detail the display mode in the direction display unit 229.
As shown in FIG. 4, the azimuth display unit 229 has an azimuth angle display 229A for displaying the azimuth angle detected by the azimuth detection unit 235, an annular azimuth ring display 229B, and an azimuth ring display 229B. Arranged basic orientation indications 229C are arranged.

  The azimuth angle display 229A displays the azimuth angle detected by the azimuth detector 235 as a numerical value. The azimuth ring display 229B is a part of a virtual azimuth ring 229D indicated by a broken line in FIG. The virtual azimuth ring 229D is a virtual circle that can rotate 360 degrees, and has a basic azimuth composed of basic azimuths of north (N), east (E), south (S), and west (W) on the circumference. A display 229C is arranged. The virtual azimuth ring 229D rotates together with the basic azimuth display 229C according to the azimuth angle detected by the azimuth detection unit 235, and a part thereof is displayed on the azimuth display unit 229 as the azimuth ring display 229B.

The azimuth display unit 229 displays the forward direction azimuth symbol 28A and the return direction azimuth symbol 28B.
The outbound direction symbol 28A is a symbol indicating the direction of the outbound route, and the return direction symbol 28B is a symbol indicating the direction of the return route (return). This forward path is the direction designated by the diver by operating the switch 23. Specifically, the diver is assigned to the forward path designation in a state where the 12 o'clock direction of the dive computer 2 is matched to the traveling direction. When one switch 23 is pressed, the direction displayed on the azimuth angle display 229A at the time of pressing is set as the forward direction.

  In contrast, the return direction indicated by the return direction sign 28B is the direction automatically calculated by the CPU 201 based on the forward direction designated by the diver, that is, the direction indicated by the forward direction sign 28A. In the first embodiment, since the return path is the opposite direction of the forward path, the CPU 201 obtains the azimuth angle of the return path by adding or subtracting 180 degrees to the azimuth angle of the azimuth designated as the forward path. In the state shown in FIG. 4, the return direction sign 28B is located away from the direction display unit 229. However, when the 12 o'clock direction of the dive computer 2 is directed northward, it rotates with the virtual direction ring 229D and returns. The azimuth symbol 28B falls within the display range of the azimuth display unit 229 and becomes visible.

  Further, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the forward direction symbol 28A is a white triangle symbol, and the return direction symbol 28B is a black triangle symbol. In this way, since the symbol indicating the direction of the outbound path and the symbol indicating the direction of the return path can be clearly distinguished, the diver can indicate which of the outbound path and the return path is displayed on the orientation display unit 229. There is no mistake in what is shown, which is very convenient. The forward direction symbol 28A and the return direction symbol 28B are easy-to-understand symbols and may be clearly distinguishable. For example, an arrow with a different color may be used, or a pattern with deformed characters may be used. Often, any of symbols, figures, pictures, and characters can be used, and the specific form is not limited at all.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the dive computer 2, and particularly shows the operation related to the detection and display of the direction.
The operation shown in FIG. 5 is an operation for displaying the current azimuth detected by the azimuth detecting unit 235 on the azimuth display unit 229. For example, the operation is started in response to an operation for instructing the start of azimuth display. During the operation illustrated in FIG. 5, the CPU 201 functions as an orientation processing unit and an orientation display control unit.

  The CPU 201 acquires the current direction detected by the direction detection unit 235 based on the data input from the direction detection unit 235 (step S11), and then displays the acquired direction and the direction display unit 229. The heading is compared (step S12). In step S12, for example, the numerical values of the azimuth angle acquired in step S11 and the azimuth angle currently displayed are compared. Here, it is assumed that the azimuth angle being displayed on the azimuth display unit 229 is stored in the RAM 203.

  The CPU 201 determines whether or not there is a difference exceeding a preset value between the azimuth displayed on the azimuth display unit 229 and the azimuth newly acquired in step S11 (step S13). When there is a difference exceeding (step S13; Yes), the CPU 201 updates the azimuth displayed on the azimuth display unit 229 to the azimuth newly acquired in step S11, and stores the updated azimuth in the RAM 203 ( Step S14).

Here, when the current azimuth detected by the azimuth detecting unit 235 for the first time after starting the operation of FIG. 5 is acquired, the processing of steps S12 to S13 is performed with the azimuth angle being displayed as the default value of 0 degrees. Or you may transfer to step S14, without performing the process of step S12-S13.
Further, the set value serving as a reference for determination in step S13 is a value that is set in advance by the diver by the switch 23 or other operations, or is already stored in the ROM 202 at the time of shipment.

If the azimuth detected by the azimuth detection unit 235 is not different from the currently displayed azimuth by the processing in steps S11 to S14, the display of the azimuth display unit 229 is not updated. A situation in which the display is frequently updated due to a change can be avoided. That is, it is possible to avoid complications and a decrease in visibility due to frequent changes in the display of the azimuth display unit 229, and it is possible to maintain a display that is easy to view even during diving and easy to confirm the azimuth.
In step S13, when the difference between the azimuth displayed on the azimuth display unit 229 and the azimuth acquired in step S11 does not exceed the set value, the process proceeds to the subsequent process without performing the process of step S14.

Subsequently, the CPU 201 determines whether or not an operation for designating the azimuth of the forward path has been performed (step S15). When an operation for designating the azimuth of the forward path has been performed, a process for setting the forward path after step S16. Migrate to Here, the operation for designating the forward path is an operation for instructing to set the current direction as the “direction of the forward path”. Specifically, among the plurality of switches 23 included in the dive computer 2, the operation for designating the forward path is performed. This is an operation of depressing a specific switch 23 assigned to.
When an operation for designating the azimuth of the forward path is performed, the CPU 201 proceeds to step S16, sets the azimuth displayed on the azimuth display unit 229 at the time when the operation is performed, as the azimuth of the forward path, and the RAM 203 To remember.

  The CPU 201 displays the set azimuth of the forward path on the azimuth display unit 229 together with a symbol or a graphic indicating that the azimuth is the azimuth of the forward path (step S17). This display is, for example, the outward direction symbol 28A shown in FIG. Next, the CPU 201 automatically calculates the return direction based on the set forward direction and temporarily stores it in the RAM 203 (step S18), and has an operation for instructing to display the return direction been performed? It is determined whether or not (step S19). Here, the operation of instructing to display the return direction is specifically an operation of pressing a specific switch 23 assigned for display of the return direction among the plurality of switches 23 provided in the dive computer 2. It is. The switch 23 operated here is a switch different from the switch 23 assigned for specifying the forward direction, that is, the switch 23 operated in step S15. These switches 23 may be provided with decorations and guidance such as symbols and figures so that it is possible to distinguish between those for specifying the direction of the forward path and those for instructing the display of the direction of the return path.

  If the operation for designating the forward path is not performed in step S15 (step S15; No), the CPU 201 proceeds to step S19 as it is and performs the above determination.

  When the operation for instructing the display of the return direction is not performed (step S19; No), the CPU 201 returns to step S11, and when the operation for instructing the display of the return direction is performed (step S19; Yes), the direction of the return path stored in the RAM 203 is displayed on the direction display unit 229 (step S20). In this display, the calculated return direction is displayed on the direction display unit 229 together with a symbol, a graphic or the like indicating that the direction is the return direction, for example, the return direction sign 28B shown in FIG. .

  Thereafter, the CPU 201 returns to step S11 to continue the process if the operation for ending the display of the azimuth is not performed (step S21; No), and when the operation for ending the display of the azimuth is performed. (Step S21; Yes), this process is terminated.

  As described above, the dive computer 2 according to the first embodiment to which the present invention is applied includes the switch 23 that can be operated from the outside of the waterproof case 21, and the CPU 201 performs orientation according to the operation of the switch 23. Since the direction detected by the detection unit 235 is set as the direction of the forward path, the return direction is calculated based on the set direction of the forward path, and the calculated return direction is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 211 housed in the case 21. By simply operating the switch 23, the current direction is automatically set as the forward direction, the return direction is obtained, and the return direction is displayed. This makes it possible to reliably check the direction of the return path by simply performing a simple operation for a diver while diving without using a large-scale device group.

Further, the return direction is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 211 in response to an operation for instructing the display of the return direction by the switch 23. Therefore, the return direction is displayed only when the diver needs it. By doing so, an increase in the amount of information simultaneously displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 211 can be suppressed to prevent misperception, and good visibility can be secured.
Furthermore, since the forward path and the return path are displayed with symbols, figures, and the like that are easy to understand intuitively, such as the forward path direction symbol 28A and the return path direction symbol 28B, the diver can easily and quickly confirm the return path. .

  Further, the CPU 201 acquires the azimuth detected by the azimuth detection unit 235 as needed, and displays the acquired current azimuth on the azimuth display unit 229 of the liquid crystal display panel 211, so that the diver can easily know the current azimuth. it can. In addition, the CPU 201 newly acquires an orientation to be displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 211 only when the orientation obtained from the orientation detection unit 235 is different from the orientation displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 211 by a set value or more. Therefore, the update frequency of the azimuth displayed on the azimuth display unit 229 can be suppressed to an appropriate level, and the latest azimuth can be displayed without impairing the visibility of the azimuth display unit 229. Can provide appropriate information.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the dive computer 2 in the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and illustration and description thereof are omitted.
The operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is performed instead of the operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the operation of FIG. 6, in addition to the processing of steps S <b> 11 to S <b> 21 described above, the processing of step S <b> 22 is newly performed before it is determined in step S <b> 15 whether or not the switch 23 for specifying the direction of the forward path is operated.
In step S <b> 22, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the dive computer 2 is in water based on the output value of the underwater determination sensor 273. Here, when the dive computer 2 is not underwater (step S22; No), the CPU 201 returns to step S11. When the dive computer 2 is underwater (step S22; Yes), the process proceeds to step S15, and the forward path It is determined whether or not there is an operation for designating the azimuth.

That is, in the second embodiment, only when the dive computer 2 is underwater, the azimuth of the forward path is set, and the azimuth of the return path is automatically calculated based on the set azimuth of the forward path. A function to display the direction of the return trip can be used.
The dive computer 2 can be used not only in water but also on land, and can be used as a device for displaying the passage of time and the current time. While you are walking on the ground or moving by vehicle, you cannot proceed regardless of the road or terrain, so check the direction of travel and the direction of the return trip by checking the direction obtained with a magnet (compass) and the map. All you need is enough.

  On the other hand, in water, the traveling direction is relatively limited by the terrain, and it is easy to cause poor visibility due to turbidity and insufficient light quantity, and it is not easy to determine the direction relying on the terrain, Furthermore, there is a condition unique to diving that it is difficult to proceed while referring to the map. Under such conditions, the diver can easily set the azimuth of the forward path, automatically calculate the azimuth of the return path based on the set forward path, and display clearly. Very useful. Although the above configuration is effective even on land, it has a remarkable advantage in water, and there are many alternatives on land.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, only the function to display the current direction on the direction display unit 229 is provided on land, and the setting of the forward direction and the return direction are underwater in water that is more important. Automatic calculation and display are performed. Thus, priority can be given to the more important function in water, so that consumption of a battery (not shown) serving as a power source of the dive computer 2 can be suppressed and efficiency can be improved. On land, the functions related to the direction can be narrowed down to the function of displaying the current direction, thereby simplifying the operation and improving the operability.

  The function that can be used on land does not have to be limited to only the function of displaying the current direction. If the function is as important as underwater, the function may be provided on land. For example, when the dive computer 2 can execute a function for storing the current direction and a function for storing the direction and time or altitude in association with each other, these functions are useful regardless of whether they are underwater or on land. The above functions may be executable on land.

  Here, in the second embodiment, when the dive computer 2 is not in water, neither setting of the forward path by operation of the switch 23, storage of the set forward path, calculation of the return path, or display is performed. However, for example, it may be configured not to display only the return path.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a configuration example of the display surface 22 in the third embodiment to which the present invention is applied. In the second embodiment, components similar to those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and illustration and description thereof are omitted.
In the liquid crystal display panel 211 shown in FIG. 7, unlike the state illustrated in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment, the display of the first to seventh display areas 221 to 227 is omitted, and a return instruction is provided instead. An arrow 28C is displayed. The return instruction arrow 28C is a symbol indicating the return direction automatically calculated by the CPU 201 as described in step S18 of FIGS. 5 and 6, and is the display area of the liquid crystal display panel 211 excluding the direction display unit 229. It is displayed large so as to occupy almost the entire surface.

  In the first and second embodiments, the dive computer 2 displays the return direction on the direction display unit 229 when an operation for instructing the display of the return direction is performed. In this embodiment, the dive computer 2 changes the display state on the liquid crystal display panel 211 only during a specific operation from the state shown in FIG. 3 to only the direction display unit 229 and the return instruction arrow 28C as shown in FIG. Switch to display. Here, the specific operation is an operation of pressing a specific switch 23 assigned for display of the return direction among the switches 23, and the dive computer 2 returns only when the switch 23 is pressed. An instruction arrow 28C is displayed. When the depression of the switch 23 is released, the dive computer 2 returns the display on the liquid crystal display panel 211 to the original state, that is, the state shown in FIG. Therefore, the display on the liquid crystal display panel 211 is switched to the state shown in FIG. 7 only while the diver is pressing the specific switch 23.

  In the third embodiment, since the return direction is displayed only while the diver wants to know the return route and is pressing the specific switch 23, the information displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 211 is reduced. Therefore, visibility and convenience can be improved. In particular, as long as the switch 23 is being pressed, the convenience and usefulness are not impaired even if the information of the first to seventh display areas 221 to 227 is not displayed. 7, the return direction can be displayed using almost the entire surface of the liquid crystal display panel 211 as shown by the return direction arrow 28C illustrated in FIG. 7, and the display has extremely high visibility and no possibility of misidentification. It can be carried out.

  Thus, according to the third embodiment, the symbol or figure indicating the return direction is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 211 only while the switch 23 is instructing the display of the return direction. During normal operation, the number of pieces of information displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 211 can be reduced, and the return direction can be displayed promptly and in a highly visible manner according to the diver's intention.

  In the third embodiment, a light (not shown) that illuminates the display surface 22 in conjunction with the switching of the display while switching the display of the liquid crystal display panel 211 while the specific switch 23 is being operated. May be lit. In this case, by making it easy to see the return instruction arrow 28C in accordance with the diver's intention, visibility in the water or in a dark place can be further improved, and the return direction can be surely known.

[Fourth Embodiment]
8A and 8B are diagrams showing a configuration example of the orientation display unit 229 in the fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied. In the fourth embodiment, components similar to those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and illustration and description thereof are omitted.
Unlike the direction display unit 229 illustrated in FIG. 4 in the first embodiment, the direction display unit 229 illustrated in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B includes a forward direction instruction arrow 28D indicating a forward direction and a return direction. A return instruction arrow 28E shown is displayed side by side at a position away from the orientation ring display 229B. Since the forward instruction arrow 28D and the return instruction arrow 28E are always displayed on the azimuth display unit 229 regardless of the display state of the azimuth ring display 229B, the diver can always visually recognize the forward direction and the return direction.
The forward instruction arrow 28D and the return instruction arrow 28E illustrated in FIG. 8A are a white arrow and a black arrow. Further, the return instruction arrow 28E illustrated in FIG. 8B is an arrow having a shape different from that of the forward instruction arrow 28D so that it can be clearly understood that it is a return path. As described above, since the forward instruction arrow 28D and the return instruction arrow 28E can easily distinguish which is the forward path or the return path, the diver does not misunderstand the direction, and easily You can know the direction of your return trip.

The above-described embodiments merely show one aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the first to fourth embodiments, the display surface 22 and the liquid crystal display panel 211 are formed in a circular shape with a part cut away from the switch 23, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, the display surface 22 may have another shape such as a perfect circle, an ellipse, a track shape, or a polygonal shape.

  Further, the azimuth detecting unit 235 includes a biaxial or triaxial magnetic sensor and obtains an azimuth based on the output of these magnetic sensors. However, the number of magnetic sensors, a processing method for obtaining the azimuth, and an output signal are output. The specific specification of the azimuth detecting unit 235, such as whether the signal is output as an analog signal or a digital signal, is arbitrary.

  Further, the modes of the forward direction symbol 28A, the return direction symbol 28B, the return direction arrow 28C, the forward direction arrow 28D, and the return direction arrow 28E displayed on the liquid crystal display panel 211 are merely examples, and the shapes and colors are arbitrary. Yes, characters and other symbols may be added. Further, when the liquid crystal display panel 211 is a liquid crystal display panel capable of color display, the forward direction symbol 28A, the return direction symbol 28B, the return direction arrow 28C, the forward direction arrow 28D, the return direction arrow 28E, and the first to first directions Various displays including the seventh display areas 221 to 227 may be displayed in various colors, and the display color in that case is arbitrary. Furthermore, instead of the liquid crystal display panel 211, an organic EL panel or the like may be used.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the material constituting the belt 27 may be any of synthetic resin, synthetic rubber, or synthetic or natural fiber, and the shape of the belt loop that attaches the belt 27 to the case 21 The material is not limited as long as the belt 27 can be attached to and detached from the belt 27.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the control program for controlling the dive computer 2 is stored in the ROM 202 in advance has been described. However, the control program is stored in advance on recording media such as various magnetic disks, optical disks, and memory cards. It is also possible to record, read from these recording media, and install in the dive computer 2. It is also possible to provide a communication interface so that the dive computer 2 downloads, installs and executes the control program via a network such as the Internet or a LAN. With this configuration, it is possible to make the software more functional or to configure a dive computer with higher reliability.

[Fifth Embodiment]
The dive computer 2 in the above-described embodiment has a mode (hereinafter referred to as a reciprocating path mode) in which the direction of the return path indicates a direction that is turned 180 ° with respect to the forward path. In the fifth embodiment, the traveling direction is shown so as to return to the starting point via a plurality of waypoints on the return path.

  FIG. 9A is a diagram for explaining a route in the square route mode according to the fifth embodiment. In the figure, a route when the forward route and the return route are formed by a quadrangle is shown. In the square route mode, the dive computer 2 has an azimuth in the forward direction, an azimuth when going from the destination point to the first waypoint (return route 1), and a direction from the first waypoint to the second waypoint (return route 2). And the direction when going from the second waypoint to the starting point (return path 3).

  FIG. 9B is a diagram for explaining a path in the triangular path mode according to the fifth embodiment. In the figure, a route when the forward route and the return route are formed of triangles is shown. In the triangular route mode, the dive computer 2 determines the azimuth in the forward path, the azimuth when going from the destination point to the first route point (return route 1), and the azimuth when going from the first route point to the start point (return route 2). , Can be shown.

Hereinafter, display and operation in each of the above modes will be described.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a dive computer according to the fifth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the display on the display surface 22 is slightly different from the previous embodiment. Further, in order to show the button usage procedure in more detail, an A switch 23A, a B switch 23B, and a C switch 23C are shown. In addition, about the structure part comprised similarly to the said embodiment in this 5th Embodiment, a same sign is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The display surface 22 is provided with an eighth display area 288, a ninth display area 289, a left part 290A of the tenth display area, and a right part 290B of the tenth display area. The eighth display area 288 displays the direction detected by the direction detection unit 235. That is, the eighth display area 288 shows the current azimuth angle of the diver.

  The ninth display area 289 can display a first direction display 289A to a seventh direction display 289G. Then, by displaying some of these, it is displayed which mode is selected. In addition, any one of these blinks to indicate whether it is an outbound path or one of a plurality of return paths. The left portion 290A of the tenth display area indicates the azimuth angle that is the starting point, that is, the azimuth angle of the forward path. The right portion 290B of the tenth display area indicates the azimuth angle of the path indicated by blinking in the ninth display area 289, that is, the azimuth angle that the diver should travel.

  The A switch 23A is a switch for setting an azimuth angle as a starting point. The B switch 23B is a mode selection switch for selecting any one of the round trip mode, the triangular route mode, and the square route mode. Each time this B switch 23B is pressed, it is possible to select a round trip route mode that does not include a waypoint on the return route, a triangular route mode that contains one route point on the return route, and a square route mode that contains two route points on the return route. ing. The C switch 23C is a switch for selecting a traveling direction in the ninth display area 289. Each time the C switch 23C is pressed, the direction display (whether it is the forward path or which return path is the return path) indicated by blinking in the ninth display area 289 is switched.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the display on the display surface 22 when the square route mode is selected. As described above, in the dive computer 2, the mode is switched every time the B switch 23B is pressed. The current mode is displayed in the ninth display area 289.

  When the square route mode is selected, as shown in the figure, four arrows representing a square route (first direction display 289A, second direction display 289B, third direction display 289C, A four-way display 289D) is displayed. After the square path mode is displayed in this way, when the A switch 23A is pressed for a long time, the azimuth angle (that is, the azimuth angle of the forward path) that is the starting point of the traveling direction is set in the left portion 290A of the tenth display area. The Here, since the A switch 23A is pressed for a long time when the diver is oriented at 180 °, the left portion 290A of the tenth display area shows 180 ° as the starting azimuth angle. Here, the long press of the A switch 23A corresponds to the operation of designating the forward path in step S15 in FIGS. 5 and 6 and the setting of the direction of the forward path in step S16.

  Next, when the A switch 23A is released and the A switch 23A is pressed again, the display in the left portion 290A of the tenth display area disappears. Then, the first direction display 289A blinks to indicate that it is a forward path, and the azimuth angle (180 °) of the direction to travel is displayed on the right part 290B of the tenth display area (however, FIG. 11 shows an azimuth angle of 270 ° for the return path 1 described later in order to increase display variations and facilitate understanding. Such a display corresponds to the display of the direction of the forward path in step S17.

  Thus, when the forward path is displayed, the azimuth angles of the return path 1, the return path 2, and the return path 3 (FIG. 9A) are obtained. The azimuth angle of the return path 1 is obtained by adding 90 ° to the azimuth angle of the forward path. Further, the azimuth angle of the return path 2 is obtained by adding 90 ° to the azimuth angle of the return path 1. Further, the azimuth angle of the return path 3 is also obtained by adding 90 ° to the azimuth angle of the return path 2. Such an operation corresponds to the automatic calculation of the return direction in step S18.

  If the azimuth angle obtained here is 360 ° or more, 360 ° is subtracted from the calculation result to obtain the return azimuth angle. In this dive computer, the angle display of 360 ° or more is not performed in this way, so that the diver can easily confirm the direction.

  Next, when the C switch 23C is pressed (S19), the second direction display 289B indicating the next traveling direction blinks, and the azimuth angle (270 °) of the return path 1 is displayed on the right portion 290B of the tenth display area. Is displayed (S20).

  In the square path mode in the fifth embodiment, step 19 and step 20 are repeated. Therefore, when the C switch 23C is further pressed, the third direction display 289C indicating the next traveling direction blinks, and the azimuth angle (0 °) of the return path 2 is displayed on the right part 290B of the tenth display area. Is done. Further, when the C switch 23C is pressed, the fourth direction display 289D indicating the next traveling direction blinks, and the azimuth angle (90 °) of the return path 3 is displayed on the right part 290B of the tenth display area. .

  By doing in this way, even when the forward path and the return path are configured by a square path, the direction of the return path can be surely confirmed only by a simple operation by a diver in the dive.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the display on the display surface 22 when the triangular route mode is selected. As described above, in the dive computer 2, the mode is switched every time the B switch 23B is pressed.

  When the triangular route mode is selected, as shown in the figure, three arrows indicating a triangular route (second direction display 289B, fifth direction display 289E, and sixth direction display 289F) are displayed in the ninth display area 289. Is displayed. When the A switch 23A is pressed and held after the triangular route mode is displayed in this way, the azimuth angle (that is, the azimuth angle of the forward path) that is the starting point of the traveling direction is set in the left portion 290A of the tenth display area. The Here, the long press of the A switch 23A corresponds to the operation of specifying the forward path in step S15 and the setting of the azimuth of the forward path in step S16.

  When the A switch 23A is released and the A switch 23A is pressed again, the display in the left portion 290A of the tenth display area disappears. Then, the second direction display 289B blinks to indicate the current traveling direction, and the azimuth angle (180 °) of the forward path is displayed on the right part 290B of the tenth display area. (However, in FIG. 12, in order to increase display variations and facilitate understanding, an azimuth angle of 45 ° on the return path 2 described later is shown.) Such a display is a display of the azimuth of the forward path in step S17. It corresponds to.

  Thus, when the forward path is displayed, the azimuth angles of the return path 1 and the return path 2 (FIG. 9B) are obtained. The azimuth angle of the return path 1 is obtained by adding 90 ° to the azimuth angle of the forward path. Further, the azimuth angle of the return path 2 is obtained by adding 135 ° to the azimuth angle of the return path 1. Such an operation corresponds to the automatic calculation of the return direction in step S18.

  Next, when the C switch 23C is pressed, the fifth direction display 289E indicating the next traveling direction blinks, and the azimuth angle (270 °) of the return path 1 is displayed on the right portion 290B of the tenth display area ( S20).

  In the triangular path mode in the fifth embodiment, step S19 and step 20 are repeated once more. Therefore, when the C switch 23C is further pressed, the sixth direction display 289F indicating the next traveling direction blinks, and the azimuth angle (45 °) of the return path 2 is displayed on the right portion 290B of the tenth display area. The

  By doing in this way, even when the forward path and the return path are configured by a triangular path, the direction of the return path can be reliably confirmed only by a simple operation by a diver in the diving.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining display on the display surface 22 when the round-trip path mode is selected. As described above, in the dive computer 2, the mode is switched every time the B switch 23B is pressed.

  When the round-trip route mode is selected, two arrows (first direction display 289A and seventh direction display 289G) for displaying the round-trip route are displayed in the ninth display area 289 as shown in the figure. When the A switch 23A is pressed for a long time after the reciprocating path mode is displayed in this way, the azimuth angle (that is, the azimuth angle of the forward path) that is the starting point of the traveling direction is set in the left portion 290A of the tenth display area. . Here, the long press of the A switch 23A corresponds to the operation of specifying the forward path in step S15 and the setting of the azimuth of the forward path in step S16.

  Next, when the A switch 23A is released and the A switch 23A is pressed again, the display in the left portion 290A of the tenth display area disappears. Then, the first direction display 289A blinks to indicate that it is the forward path, and the azimuth angle of the forward path (180 °) is displayed on the right part 290B of the tenth display area (however, in FIG. 13, In order to increase display variations and facilitate understanding, a return azimuth angle of 0 ° described later is shown). Such an operation and display correspond to the display of the direction of the forward path in step S17.

  When the forward path is displayed in this way, the azimuth angle of the return path is obtained next. The return azimuth is obtained by adding 180 ° to the forward azimuth. Such an operation corresponds to the automatic calculation of the return direction in step S18.

  Next, when the C switch 23C is pressed (S19), the seventh direction display 289G indicating the next traveling direction blinks, and the azimuth angle (0 °) of the return path is displayed on the right part 290B of the tenth display area. (S20).

  In this way, when the start point and the destination point are reciprocated, the return direction can be reliably confirmed by a simple operation.

  In addition, the operation procedure of each button in the reciprocating path mode in the fifth embodiment shows the operation procedure of each button in the first to fourth embodiments in more detail.

  Further, the above-described round-trip path mode has been described. In the above-described square path mode, the forward direction azimuth when the first direction display 289A flashes and the third direction display 289C flash. By using the azimuth angle of the return path 2 at the time of being, the round trip path mode may be realized.

  In the fifth embodiment, the route including the forward route and the return route is a route having a triangular or quadrangular shape. However, the path may have a more polygonal shape. In addition, the shape of the route in the triangular route mode is a right triangle, but a configuration of a regular triangle may be employed.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the dive computer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of a dive computer. It is a top view which shows the structural example of the display screen of a dive computer main body. It is a figure which shows the display mode in an azimuth | direction display part in detail. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of a dive computer. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement in 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the structural example of the display part in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the azimuth | direction display part in 4th Embodiment. FIG. 9A is a diagram for explaining a route in the square route mode in the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 9B is a diagram for explaining a route in the triangular route mode in the fifth embodiment. is there. It is a figure which shows the structure of the dive computer which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the display in the display surface 22 when square path | route mode is selected. It is a figure for demonstrating the display in the display surface 22 when a triangular road mode is selected. It is a figure for demonstrating the display in the display surface 22 when a round-trip path | route mode is selected.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Dive computer (information display apparatus), 20 ... Dive computer main body, 21 ... Case (main body), 22 ... Display surface, 23 ... Switch (operation part), 24A, 24B ... Electrode, 28A ... Outward direction symbol, 28B ... Return direction symbol, 28C, 28E ... Return direction arrow, 28D ... Outward direction arrow, 200 ... Control system, 201 ... CPU (direction processing unit, direction display control unit), 202 ... ROM, 203 ... RAM, 210 ... Display unit, 211 ... Liquid crystal display panel (display screen), 212 ... Liquid crystal driver, 221 to 227 ... First to seventh display areas, 229 ... Azimuth display section, 229A ... Azimuth angle display, 229B ... Azimuth ring display, 229C ... Basic orientation Display, 229D ... virtual orientation ring, 233 ... operation unit, 235 ... orientation detection unit, 273 ... underwater determination sensor (underwater determination unit).

Claims (9)

A display screen that is housed in a waterproof body and displays various information;
An operation unit operable from outside the main body;
An azimuth detector for detecting the direction of the course;
The direction detected by the direction detection unit is acquired in response to an operation for instructing the direction setting by the operation unit, the acquired direction is set as the direction of the forward path, and the return direction is obtained based on the direction of the forward path An orientation processing unit;
An azimuth display control unit for displaying the azimuth of the return path obtained by the azimuth processing unit on the display screen;
An information display device comprising: The azimuth display control unit displays the azimuth of the return path on the display screen according to the operation when the operation unit instructs the display of the return direction.
The information display device according to claim 1. The azimuth display control unit causes the display screen to display a return azimuth and a symbol or figure indicating that the azimuth is a return azimuth.
The information display device according to claim 1, wherein: The azimuth display control unit causes the display screen to display a symbol or a figure indicating the azimuth of the return path only while an operation for instructing display of the return path direction is performed on the operation unit.
The information display device according to claim 1. The azimuth display control unit acquires the azimuth detected by the azimuth detection unit as needed, and displays the acquired current azimuth on the display screen;
The information display device according to claim 1, wherein: The azimuth display control unit sets the azimuth to be displayed on the display screen to a newly acquired azimuth only when the azimuth acquired from the azimuth detection unit has a predetermined difference or more from the azimuth displayed on the display screen. Changing,
The information display device according to claim 5. An underwater determination unit for determining whether or not the main body is underwater;
The azimuth display control unit displays the azimuth of the return path obtained by the azimuth processing unit on the display screen only when the main body is determined to be underwater by the underwater determination unit.
The information display device according to claim 1, wherein: The return path is a return path via at least one waypoint;
The azimuth processing unit also obtains an azimuth to the waypoint on the return path,
The azimuth display control unit displays on the display screen the azimuth to the waypoint on the return path obtained by the azimuth processing unit.
The information display device according to claim 1, wherein the information display device is an information display device. Controlling an information display device that is housed in a waterproof main body and includes a display screen that displays various types of information and an operation unit that can be operated from the outside of the main body,
Detect the direction of the course,
In response to an operation instructing the setting of the direction by the operation unit, the detected direction is set as the direction of the forward path, and the return direction is determined based on the direction of the forward path.
Displaying the calculated return direction on the display screen;
An information display method characterized by the above.

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