LOCATING DEVICE

Abstract

An electronic user-location device comprises an input module configured to receive information for determining user location within an environment and determine the user location in relation to environmental characteristics of the location. An output module is configured to indicate user-location information with respect to said environmental characteristics and the electronic user-location device is configured to be worn by a user.

Claims

1. An electronic user-location device comprising: an input module configured to receive information for determining user location within an environment and determine the user location in relation to environmental characteristics of the location; and an output module configured to indicate user-location information with respect to said environmental characteristics, wherein the electronic user-location device is configured to be worn by a user.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the output module further comprises a display device configured to visually display the user-location information.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the display device is configured to display user-location information using augmented reality.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein the visual display is configured to display user-location information using virtual reality.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the output module is configured to present the user-location information to the user in a format, wherein the format comprises at least one of a visual, an audio, a tactile, and a haptic format.

6. The device according to claim 5, further configured to enable the user to select the format that user-location information is presented.

7. The device according to claim 6, further configured to automatically select the format in which the user-location information is presented in response to environmental characteristics of the location.

8. The device according to claim 1, further comprising one of a pair of glasses, goggles, and a visor.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the input module and the output module is configured for wireless connectivity with a remote monitoring control and configured to transmit user-location to the remote monitoring control.

10. The device according to claim 9, further comprising one or more sensor modules configured to detect data pertaining to an environmental parameter, the environmental parameter comprising at least one of temperature, gas concentration, pressure, and motion, and wherein the data pertaining to the environmental parameter is transmitted from the at least one sensor module to the remote monitoring control.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the user-location is determined by geolocation.

12. The device according to claim 1, further configured to be used in hazardous environments.

13. The device according to claim 1, further comprised as an Intrinsically Safe device.

14. A method for determining a location of a user within an environment, the method comprising: determining the location of the user with respect to characteristics of the environment; and outputting to the user, the location of the user with respect to the characteristics, wherein data delivered to the user and output to the individual is delivered to and output from a user wearable electronic device.

15. A method as recited in claim 14, wherein the location of the user is output using at least one of a visual, audio, tactile, and haptic format.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] A more particular description of the invention briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. Thus, for further understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, references can be made to the following detailed description, read in connection with the drawings in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of an embodiment of an electronic user-location device positioned within a specific location with an environment; and

[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of the of the electronic user-location device of FIG. 1 shown in greater detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following description relates to various embodiments of an improved locating system comprising an electronic user-location device. It will be readily apparent that these embodiments are merely examples and that numerous variations and modifications are possible that embody the inventive aspects discussed herein. Several terms are used throughout this description to describe the salient features of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. These terms, which may include first, second, inner, outer, and the like are not intended to overly limit the scope of the invention, unless so specifically indicated. The terms about or approximately as used herein may refer to a range of 80%-125% of the claimed or disclosed value. With regard to the drawings, their purpose is to depict salient features of the locating system including a electronic user-location device and are not specifically provided to scale.

[0022] Turning first to FIG. 1, the electronic user-location device 12 is positioned within an environment 10. As shown, the electronic user-location device 12 may be worn by a user who is located in the environment 10 having one or more environmental characteristics or features 11. The features 11 may require the user wearing the electronic user-location device 12 to move with a degree of care and caution. Such features 11 can comprise physical obstacles, potential sources of gas/heat, potential dangers through the presence of moving parts, and specific entry and/or exit points.

[0023] Referring to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electronic user-location device 12 generally comprises an input module 14 and an output module 16. The input module 14 is configured to receive data to assist in determining the location of the of the electronic user-location device 12 within the environment 10. The output module 16 is configured to output information to the user based on the data received by the input module 14. The output module 16 may output the information in any appropriate format such as visual, audio, and tactile/haptic. The output information may be locational information configured to keep the user apprised of his/her location and/or to be transmitted to a third party such as a rescue team, or remote monitoring device.

[0024] The electronic user-location device 12 may further include processing capabilities according to any known geolocation technique as is required for determining, indicating, and preferably displaying, the location of the user wearing the electronic user-location device 12 within the environment 10.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic user-location device 12 further includes one or more sensors 18 configured to obtain/determine parameters of the of the local environment 10. Such parameters may include, but are not limited to, heat sources, gas concentrations, pressure, and movement, particularly of machinery/equipment located within the environment 10. The electronic user-location device 12 may include a communication element 20 configured for bi-directional communication 22 with a remote entity outside of the environment 10, such as a remote monitoring device 40.

[0026] In an embodiment, the output module 16 comprises or is coupled to a display screen (not shown). In another embodiment, the output module is configured to display an image representing an augmented reality representation of the environment 10 within which the user is located. When the electronic user-location device 12 is capable of being worn on a user's head, the input module 14 is positioned such that it follows the user's line of sight. The determination of the user's location within the environment 10 and the associated generation of the augmented reality imagery by the output module 16 presents the user with a visual representation of the environment 10 as would appear in their line of sight, irrespective as to whether that portion of the environment 10 is actually visible at the time.

[0027] Therefore objects in the user's line of sight that may be obstructed or otherwise not visible to the user unaided due to poor environmental conditions or darkness are now visible to the user through the output module 16. The determination of the location of the electronic user-location device 12, and thus the user, within the environment 10 and the real-time display of the augmented reality version of the environment along the user's line of sight may aid the user's movement through the environment 10, especially in emergency situations. Accordingly, the user can recognize features of the local environment which may represent a danger to be avoided, such as a heat or gas sources or moving equipment. Alternatively, the user will be able to recognize features which may represent a target location to be accessed, such as an emergency exit.

[0028] The augmented reality representation of the environment 10 in association with the geolocation determination allows for self-determination by the user. Therefore the user will be apprised of the appropriate actions to take and the route to follow through the environment. In addition, the electronic user-location device 12 may be configured to communicate 20, 22 with a remote location control or remote location device 40 that is located outside the environment 10. If, for whatever reason, the user becomes immobilized due to problems within the environment 10 or injury, the locational data and its augmented reality representation can be transmitted 20, 22 to the remote location device in order to assist with rescue and/or on-site medical treatment of the user. When a plurality of such users with electronic user-location devices 12 are located within the environment 10, a greater appreciation of the total environment 10 can be developed with a more accurate determination of the location of potentially dangerous features. Moreover, the electronic user-location device 12 may also be configured to connect to safety equipment within the environment 10 or to at least identify the location and nature of such safety equipment within the environment 10.

[0029] Referring specifically to FIG. 2, the electronic user-location device 12 may include further processing capabilities 24, augmented reality display capabilities or processing 26, and memory or storage capabilities 28. The processing capabilities carried out by a processing element(s) 24 may include geolocation determination configured to determine the location of the electronic user-location device 12 within the environment 10 by way of signals received at the input module 14. As noted, the geolocation functionality can employ any appropriate form of geolocation determination such as standard GPS functionality, network-node-based or functionality, and that supported by wi-fi and/or Bluetooth connectivity. The determined location of the electronic user-location device 12 may then be transmitted 20 to the remote location device 40 for further processing as may be required, however the determined location may also be processed by the electronic user-location device 12 and displayed as part of an augmented reality representation of the local environment 10 by the output module 16.

[0030] The memory or storage capabilities (or memory) 28 may comprise, but are not limited to, volatile (e.g. random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (e.g. read-only memory (ROM)), flash memory, or any combination or memory. An operating system and one or more programming modules may further be included as part of the memory capabilities. As shown, the memory 28 assists with operation of the processing element 24 and the augmented reality functionality or module 26. The memory 28 may further be configured to receive and store environmental data, such as map data relating to the known environment 10 and may be configured to assist with the determination and presentation of the location of the electronic user-location device 12. Of course, it should be appreciated that such processing to arrive at a determination of the user's location using augmented reality may be achieved at the remote location device 40 and communicated 20 back to the electronic user-location device 12.

[0031] The determination and display of the location of the electronic user-location device 12 and thus the user within the local environment 10 may be used to help locate the user, for example in an emergency situation, and for assisting with the guided movement of the user through the environment 10. In an embodiment, the electronic user-location device 12 is configured to be used within hazardous environments and may include an Intrinsically Safe wearable locating device. Accordingly, the electronic user-location device 12 may provide an enhanced means for the assistance and management of personnel within a hazardous area.

[0032] The electronic user-location device 12 may enhance the manner in which connectivity to remote workers within a particular manufacturing facility can be achieved and therefore, improve the overall safety and efficiency of the operation of the manufacturing facility. The electronic user-location device 12 may be use in distributed locations requiring a large number of operatives to carry out a wide variety of tasks and where specific Health and

[0033] Safety issues, and safe working practices might arise. The manner in which such a variety of requirements can be met is enhanced through use of the electronic user-location device 12 and particularly through the ability to track and monitor the movements/behavior of operatives within the field, and to maintain communication channels with them.

[0034] The electronic user-location device 12 may be uploaded with detailed map data relating to the particular local environment 10. In addition, the electronic user-location device 12 may be configured to connect with appropriate life support and safety systems within that environmental location. An application uploaded to the electronic user-location device 12 may be configured to track the location of the user and inform them by way of the output module 16 of any particular characteristics of the environment 10 or zone of the environment 10 they are in or about to enter. Guidance information may also be readily presented to the user to access particular equipment that might be found at specific locations in the environment 10.

[0035] In emergency situations, the electronic user-location device 12 may provide assistance to both an injured user and an emergency responder. For example, during an attempted evacuation of the environment during an emergency situation, the electronic user-location device 12 may provide a 3-D map of the local area and guide the user safely towards an exit in the most appropriate/efficient manner, irrespective of actual visibility. Of course, the electronic user-location device 12 is not limited to the visual presentation of information but, in addition, or as an alternative, may further provide audible instructions.

[0036] In another example, if the user becomes impaired, the emergency responder would be guided to the injured individual whose geolocation would be published by the electronic user-location device 12. The emergency responders could have a complimentary electronic user-location device 12 configured to guide them to the injured user and providing a communication link for ongoing discussions with the injured user should their condition allow. Video capabilities associated with the electronic user-location device 12 can further serve to relay visual information concerning any injuries to the user, or their general medical condition, for remote analysis by medical experts. Accordingly, the electronic user-location device 12 may comprise one or more cameras configured to capture still and/or moving images to be stored in the memory 28 and transmitted 20 to the remote location device 40, an emergency responder, and/or another user within the environment 10.

[0037] Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above and described in any and all exhibits and other materials submitted herewith, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above.

[0038] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

[0039] Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure.