WO2018065587A1

WO2018065587A1 - Underwater multimedia system

Info

Publication number: WO2018065587A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/075502
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Marie CODOL; Moïra CHANZY
Original assignee: Submarine Open Technologies
Priority date: 2016-10-07
Filing date: 2017-10-06
Publication date: 2018-04-12
Also published as: FR3057366B1; FR3057366A1

Abstract

An underwater multimedia system comprising a computation and display device (2), a secondary screen (3), a resistive touchpad (4) and a sealed housing (5), intended to be used in immersion, the secondary screen (3) being attached to the inside of the sealed housing (5) facing the resistive touchpad (4) attached to the outside of the sealed housing (5), the wall of the sealed housing (5) arranged between the secondary screen (3) and the resistive touchpad (4) being transparent so that the secondary screen (3) can be read from outside, the computation and display device (2) transmitting a video signal towards the secondary screen (3), the resistive touchpad (4) enabling interaction with the computation and display device (2) as a function of the image displayed by the secondary screen (3).

Description

Underwater multimedia system.

The subject of the invention is subaquatic electronic systems, and more particularly such multimedia systems.

Underwater, professional or recreational activities have greatly increased in recent years. However, there is a significant lack of electronic devices to provide a developer with the same freedom to generate multimedia content, or to interact with such content as in the framework of other activities.

There are waterproof boxes specific to certain cameras, allowing the taking of underwater photographs or video. However, these boxes are large, difficult to handle due to the need for sealing and limited to compatible cameras only.

Under these conditions, it can not be accessed data other than the few photographs taken during the dive.

There are also waterproof envelopes in which a smartphone ("smartphone" in English) can be inserted to protect it from water. Such envelopes do not protect from a deep immersion, limiting their possible uses and do not allow to interact with the touch of said smartphones.

There is thus a need for an underwater multimedia system for protecting a touch electronic device from immersion, particularly in depth, while maintaining the possibilities of interaction with its content.

From the state of the prior art, the following documents are known.

US 2012-0256867, WO 2015088453, US 201301 13755, WO 2012035021 disclose membrane-protected capacitive touch panel systems. iso lante. The deformation of the membrane locally modifies the electrical capacitance that is detected.

Document US 563 1805 discloses a waterproof case for the protection of an electronic device provided with a touch screen. However, the box does not allow to interact with the touch screen once closed.

It appears that these documents do not solve the technical problem that the invention seeks to solve.

The object of the invention is an underwater multimedia system comprising a computing and display device, a secondary screen, a resistive touchscreen and a sealed housing for use in immersion.

the computing and display device being provided with a main screen and being able to be inserted and removed from the waterproof case when it is not immersed,

the secondary screen being fixed inside the waterproof case opposite the resistive touch panel attached to the outside of the waterproof case,

the wall of the sealed housing disposed between the secondary screen and the resistive touch panel being transparent so that the secondary screen can be read from the outside,

the calculating and displaying device transmitting a video signal to the secondary screen, the resistive touch panel enabling interaction with the computing and display device according to the image displayed by the secondary screen.

The computing and display device can be a smart phone, a tablet or a pc on key.

The sealed housing may be at least partly plastic.

The sealed housing may be at least partly made of poly-methyl, PMMA methacrylate.

The sealed housing may include a cover and a base held in contact by a closure system.

The closure system may include a compressed seal upon closure. The sealed housing may include a holding system of the computing and display device, keeping it tight to the sealed housing.

The resistive touch panel may comprise an electrically nonconductive liquid disposed between a flexible slab and a rigid panel provided with a resistive material, the size of the secondary screen.

The resistive touch panel can be connected by a power and data connection to the computing and display device, the power and data connection penetrating the watertight case through a connection passage between the interior and the outside the waterproof case,

protection either in resin or in a rubber-like flexible material extending from the connection passage of the waterproof case to the periphery of the resistive touch-sensitive panel.

A data connection may allow video and data signals to be exchanged between the secondary display and the computing and display device to duplicate or defer the display of the computing and display device.

The underwater multimedia system may include at least one sensor and / or transmitter disposed within or outside the sealed housing.

The sensor may be selected from a depth sensor, an acoustic sensor for recording the sound environment, an acoustic sensor for communication between plungers or with the surface, an underwater position sensor, an optical sensor, a sensor of temperature or a chemical sensor for water analysis.

The transmitter can be selected from an acoustic transmitter, a radio frequency transmitter or a light transmitter.

The underwater multimedia system may include an additional battery which makes it possible to extend the autonomy of the computing and display device, and / or to feed directly the secondary screen and / or the sensors and / or the transmitters of the waterproof case.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description, given solely by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

- Figure 1 illustrates the main elements of an underwater multimedia system,

FIG. 2 illustrates the main elements of an embodiment of the waterproof case,

- Figure 3 illustrates the main elements of the assembly of the resistive touch panel and the secondary screen, and

- Figure 4 illustrates the main elements of a holding envelope of the computing device and display.

FIG. 1 illustrates an underwater multimedia system 1 comprising a computing and display device 2, a secondary screen 3, a resistive touch-sensitive panel 4 and a sealed housing 5, intended to be used in immersion, in particular by an underwater diver. The calculation and display device 2 may be a smartphone ("smart phone" in French), a tablet or a pc on key ("PC-on-a-stick" in English), inserted in the waterproof housing before immersion and removed after immersion.

The waterproof housing 5 iso the sound content of the contact with water, soft or salt, and deformation or crushing due to a deep immersion

The sealed housing 5 is resistant to the deformation due to the pressure exerted by the water in which it is immersed, either by the material constituting it, or by its filling with a non-conductive incompressible content, such as a gel or an oil .

As a material, mention may be made of plastics such as polymethyl methacrylate PMMA obtained by thermoforming or ultraviolet crosslinking.

For the transparent parts of the sealed housing 5, modified PMMA can be used to increase the resistance properties shock (by adding butyl acrylate for example). While for the non-transparent parts, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or PP (polypropylene) preferably loaded with fiberglass may be used, in particular, that the lifetime of these materials in use is The material will therefore be chosen to withstand pressure conditions in such a way that the arrow in the center of the screen does not exceed 1 mm at 10 bar pressure. , prolonged contact with salt water (up to 40g / L, several hours per week), and UV radiation from the sun in tropical countries (UV index up to 10, several hours per week). 5 is preferably made with rounded ends in order to limit the deformations under the effect of pressure, the pressure resistance can be improved by providing a network of thermo hoops formed at the same time as the hull for rigidify it.

The sealed housing 5 comprises a cover 5a and a base 5b held in contact by means of a closure system allowing access to the interior space while participating in sealing the housing once closed.

Such a closure system comprises a seal 5c, particularly an O-ring, compressed during closure so that it can oppose the immersion pressure.

The lid 5a comprises a groove capable of receiving the gasket 5c and possibly means for retaining said gasket 5c, for example narrowing of the groove.

The base 5b comprises a shoulder adapted to cooperate with the groove so that the seal 5c is compressed to the closure of the sealed housing 5.

When the sealed housing 5 is closed, the cover 5a and the base 5b are held in position by holding means, for example a lever system. The lever system allows easy opening of the waterproof case by allowing the separation of the lid 5a and the base 5b. The user can then access the inside of the waterproof case 5 to install the computing device and display 2, and make any necessary connections. The lever system then allows the easy closing of the waterproof case so that the computing and display device 2 is protected from water and pressure.

In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the lid 5 has a projecting central part provided on its edge with a groove capable of receiving the gasket 5c, the groove also making it possible to hold the gasket 5c in place. by the tension of the joint 5c and the profile of the groove.

The base 5b comprises a profile corresponding to the projection to fit the shape of the lid 5a, so that the seal 5c is compressed between the groove of the corresponding profile of the base 5b after a snap fit.

The closure system of the sealed housing 5 has the advantage of being achievable by the user:

- in an acceptable time (a few seconds)

- with minimal complexity (achievable by an individual without training)

- in difficult conditions (on a boat running) - with maximum efficiency (eg a success in more than 99.9% of the time)

Referring to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the secondary screen 3 is fixed inside the sealed housing 5 opposite the resistive touch-sensitive panel 4 fixed to the outside of the sealed housing 5. The wall of the sealed housing 5 disposed between the secondary screen 3 and the resistive touch screen 4 is then transparent so that the secondary screen 3 can be read from the outside.

The resistive touchscreen 4 is fixed outside the watertight housing 5. It comprises a power and data connection 4a connected to the computing and display device 2 and / or to a battery disposed in the sealed housing 5.

The resistive touch screen 4 comprises an electrically non-conductive liquid 4b disposed between a flexible plate 4c and a rigid panel 4d provided with a resistive material 4th, the size of the secondary screen 3. Such a resistive touch screen structure 4 allows immersed use due to the absence of gas or compressible spaces between the flexible slab 4c and the rigid panel 4d. In addition, the resistive touchscreen 4 benefits from resistive technology that allows multi-point comp lexes interactions. The resistive touch panel 4 is capable of detecting the interaction of a finger, a rigid stylus with a rounded tip, or a semi-flexible stylet.

For example, a stylus with a rounded tip can be used to draw a technical drawing during a dive. It is also possible to annotate an image, or a photograph taken during the dive or during a previous dive.

The use of a finger is possible but less precise. Alternatively, it is possible to use a pointing device fixed or integrated in a diving glove, for example an electrically conductive zone disposed under at least one finger of the glove.

The resistive touch panel 4 is connected by the power supply and data connection 4a to the computing and display device 2 generally comprising at least four wires for transferring the point or multi-point pointing information.

The power and data connection 4a enters the watertight case via a connection passage 5 d between the inside and the outside of the watertight case 5, which is treated in a sealed manner. To achieve this, protection is used either in resin (especially in polyester resin catalyzed with PMEC, ethylmethyl ketone peroxide), or in a flexible material of the rubber type. The protection 5 extends from the connection passage 5 d of the watertight box 5 to the periphery of the resistive touch-sensitive panel 4 so that the water can not infiltrate into the slab before it infiltrates into the connection and then into the waterproof case 5.

Finally, the resistive touch screen 4 is made sol lar of a rigid PMMA transparent material support fixed to the sealed housing 5. Optionally, the support can be an integral part of the waterproof case. The thickness of the support in transparent rigid material on which rests the touch screen is defined so that it allows to protect the secondary screen 3 located facing the interior of the box while preserving the legibility of the screen.

The secondary screen 3 comprises a wired power supply (USB, MHL, Thunderbolt, Lightning, ..) or wireless connection with the computing and display device 2 or a battery also arranged in the waterproof housing 5.

The secondary screen 3 also includes a data connection wired (USB, MHL, Thunderbolt, Lightning, ..) or wireless (Wifi, Bluetooth, ..) with the computing device and display 2. In some modes of realization, the power connection and the data connection may be common.

The data connection makes it possible to exchange video and data signals with the secondary screen 3 making it possible to duplicate or defer the display of the computing and display device 2.

To achieve this, a remote display protocol is employed. These protocols are available for most operating systems for touch display (Android, IOS, Windows).

The use of a duplication or a display offset on a fixed screen makes it possible to have a display of fixed size independent of the screen size of the computing and display device 2 used.

In particular embodiments, the underwater multimedia system comprises at least one sensor disposed inside or outside the sealed housing 5. Examples of sensors include a depth sensor, an acoustic sensor intended recording of the sound environment, communication between divers or with the surface, or an underwater position sensor, an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, a chemical sensor for water analysis, etc.

In the particular case of the acoustic sensor, the watertight case is made of a material whose mechanical impedance is close to that of the water in the frequency range of the waves. acoustic. For a frequency range between 20 kHz and 50 kHz, a material having an acoustic impedance of between 1.4 mSar and 1.6 mRasls will be selected, with that of water being approximately 1.5 mRa ls. For example, the PMMA EI25 from the Altuglas ® brand has an acoustic impedance of approximately 1 .45MRayls under ideal conditions. The acoustic waves in this frequency range can thus penetrate through the wall of the housing, and be recorded by the acoustic sensor.

It is also possible to implement an acoustic communication between the device obj and the invention and a surface buoy capable of transmitting and receiving by the same acoustic protocol.

For example, the acoustic communication protocol may be a frequency modulation for which a finite number of frequencies would be usable. A device (sensor) is therefore listening to all usable frequencies, and will detect the presence or absence of a communication partner before communicating with him. All communications in this example would be in general broadcast mode ("broacast" in English).

Finally, if the underwater multimedia system may comprise a device capable of processing an acoustic geo-localization protocol, for example an FPGA (English-language) processor capable of generating pseudo-distances. and to transmit them to the computing and display device, which can then make a position estimation for example, especially in real time.

These sensors can be connected to the computing and display device 2 via a wireless connection (Bluetooth, infrared ...) or wired (USB, Firewire, ...) so that the data acquired is stored on the computing and display device 2 and can be used during the dive.

In addition, the data being stored directly on the computing and display device 2, the multimedia system Underwater has the advantage of not requiring additional manipulation to carry after the dive the data acquired during this dive.

In one embodiment, the underwater multimedia system comprises an additional battery for extending the autonomy of the computing and display device 2, and / or possibly for directly feeding the secondary screen 3 and / or the sensors. of the waterproof case.

The battery can be removable or solid from the waterproof case. In the latter case, an internal or external connector to the box is provided to allow recharging the battery. In the case of an external connector, it comprises a seal treatment similar to that made at the connection of the secondary screen 3. Alternatively, the battery is compatible with a wireless load, particularly by induction. The waterproof case, close to the battery, includes materials whose nature and thickness is compatible with wireless charging.

In a particular embodiment, the sealed housing 5 may also comprise a translucent surface on all or part of its surface. In the latter case, the translucent surface is positioned in such a way that the camera (s) present in the waterproof case can take photographs or videos of the underwater environment.

The sealed housing 5 comprises a holding system of the calculation and display device 2 for maintaining it during the dive.

Such a holding system may comprise a housing closed by at least one strap, the computing and display device 2 being disposed in the housing and held by the strap. Alternatively, the strap can be replaced by a plate closing all or part of the housing.

Another holding system may comprise two foam plates, each of which is attached to the widest wall of the base 5b and the cover 5a of the watertight housing. abrasive so as not to damage the computing and display device 2 arranged between them

An alternative embodiment of the holding system 6, illustrated in FIG. 4, comprises an envelope 6a comprising a non-abrasive foam part 6b and a rigid part 6c external to the non-abrasive foam part 6b, fixed by one of its surfaces. 5, the calculating and display device 2 being slid into the envelope. The envelope 6a may be provided with a plastic strip 6d connected at one end to an inner side wall of the envelope 6a. The plastic strip 6d curves during the introduction of the computing device and display 2 while remaining accessible from the outside. A pull on the free end of the plastic strip 6d allows the withdrawal of the calculation and display device 2 from the envelope 6a. Such a withdrawal is simplified with respect to the manual extraction of the computing and display device 2 since the contact between the envelope 6a and the computing and display device 2 is particularly important.

Several examples of use of the underwater multimedia system will now be described.

In one mode of use, the underwater multimedia system is used to draw underwater. This is the case, for example, of an archeologist making a drawing or sketch of an immersed work. With the underwater multimedia system, he can take a photograph of the environment of said work, before using for example a stylus to draw said sketch.

In all cases, the data acquired during the dive are directly present on the computing and display device 2 and can therefore be immediately carried away or transferred through it.

In another mode of use, the underwater multimedia system is used by a tourist in a tropical dive site to take snapshots of his dives and share them via his social network accounts with his computing device and display 2 connected to his social network accounts. In another example, a regular diver with underwater biology can take photographs of an infrequent and difficult-to-identify marine hope and annotate the photograph with important notes for future recognition of the species observed by the species. intermediate of a stylet, including the depth of observation, the temperature and time at the surface, the location of the image, the other species observed that day.

In another example of use, the underwater multimedia system is used in underwater diving training courses during which the dive instructor communicates with his students via pre-recorded images.

Another example of use is that of biological scientists and archaeologists. The underwater multimedia system makes it possible to take images and videos of a site and observe during the dive the natural or artificial changes that have occurred since the previous dive. One can for example compare the number of animal and plant species on the same site, find a refuge for a particular hope (by helping to orient images taken during the last dive).

Claims

1. Underwater multimedia system comprising a computing and display device (2), a secondary screen (3), a resistive touch panel (4) and a watertight case (5) for use in immersion,

the calculating and displaying device (2) being provided with a main screen and being able to be inserted and removed from the waterproof case when it is not immersed,

the secondary screen (3) being fixed inside the sealed housing (5) facing the resistive touch panel (4) fixed to the outside of the sealed housing (5),

the wall of the sealed housing (5) disposed between the secondary screen 3 and the resistive touch panel (4) is transparent so that the secondary screen (3) can be read from the outside,

the computing and display device (2) transmitting a video signal to the secondary screen (3), the resistive touch panel (4) for interacting with the computing and display device (2) function of the image displayed by the secondary display (3).

2. underwater multimedia system according to claim 1, wherein the computing and display device (2) is a smart phone, tablet or key pc.

3. Underwater multimedia system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealed housing (5) is at least partly made of plastic.

4. Underwater multimedia system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealed housing (5) is at least partly made of poly-methyl methacrylate PMMA.

An underwater multimedia system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealed housing (5) comprises a cover (5a) and a base (5b) held in contact by a closure system.

6. Underwater multimedia system according to claim 5, wherein the closure system comprises a seal (5c) compressed during closure.

7. subaquatic multimedia system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealed housing (5) comprises a holding system of the computing and display device (2), maintaining it secured to the sealed housing (5).

An underwater multimedia system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resistive touch panel (4) comprises an electrically non - conductive liquid (4b) disposed between a flexible slab (4c) and a rigid panel (4d) provided with a resistive material (4e) of the size of the secondary screen (3).

An underwater multimedia system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resistive touch panel (4) is connected by a power and data connection (4a) to the computing and display device (2),

the supply and data connection (4a) penetrating the watertight case via a connecting passage (5d) between the inside and the outside of the watertight case (5),

a protection (5 e) either of resin or of a rubber-like flexible material extending from the connecting passage (5 d) of the watertight case (5) to the periphery of the resistive touch-sensitive panel

(4) ·

An underwater multimedia system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a data connection is provided for exchanging video and data signals between the secondary display (3) and the computing and display device (2). , making it possible to duplicate or deport the display of the computing and display device (2).

1 1. An underwater multimedia system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one sensor and / or transmitter disposed inside or outside the sealed housing

(5).

12. underwater multimedia system according to claim 11, wherein the sensor is selected from a depth sensor, an acoustic sensor for recording the sound environment, an acoustic sensor to the communication between divers or with the surface, a underwater position sensor, an optical sensor, a temperature sensor or a chemical sensor for water analysis

13. Underwater multimedia system according to claim 11, wherein the transmitter is selected from an acoustic transmitter, a radio frequency transmitter or a light emitter.

14. subaquatic multimedia system according to any one of claims 10 to 13, comprising an additional battery to extend the autonomy of the computing device and display (2), and / or directly supply the secondary screen (3) and / or the sensors and / or the transmitters of the waterproof case.