DIVER RECOVERY DEVICE, DIVER RECOVERY SYSTEM AND TECHNIQUES FOR USING

Abstract

Disclosed are methods, computer readable medium, and an underwater diver recovery system configured to be worn by a diver. The underwater diver recovery system includes an inflatable bladder. The underwater diver recovery system also includes an inflation control mechanism coupled to the inflatable bladder. The underwater diver recovery system also includes a control module configured to be in communication with the inflation control mechanism. The control module is operable to determine an underwater depth of the diver, and upon determining that the underwater depth exceeds a depth threshold value, cause the inflation control mechanism to inflate the inflatable bladder with a preset amount of gas, and cause the diver to ascend in controlled manner.

Claims

1. An underwater diver recovery system configured to be worn by a diver, the underwater diver recovery system comprising: an inflatable bladder; an inflation control mechanism coupled to the inflatable bladder; and a control module in communication with the inflation control mechanism and the control module is operable to: determine an underwater depth of the diver; and upon determining that the underwater depth exceeds a depth threshold value, cause the inflation control mechanism to inflate the inflatable bladder with a preset amount of gas, and cause the diver to ascend in controlled manner.

2. The underwater diver recovery system of claim 1, wherein the control module further comprises: an alarm device configured to output an alarm, wherein the alarm device is an audible device, an illumination device, or a haptic device.

3. The diver recovery system of claim 2, wherein the control module is operable to: cause the alarm device to actuate in response to the determination the water depth exceeds the depth threshold value.

4. The underwater diver recovery system of claim 1, wherein the control module is further operable to: in response to a user input, stop the inflation control mechanism from inflating the inflatable bladder for a predetermined period of time.

5. The underwater diver recovery system of claim 1, wherein the control module is further operable to: cause the inflation control mechanism to stop inflating the inflatable bladder based on a predetermined setting.

6. The underwater diver recovery system of claim 5, wherein the predetermined setting is an amount of gas delivered to the inflatable bladder.

7. The underwater diver recovery system of claim 5, wherein the predetermined setting is a change in measurements as measured by a depth sensor coupled to the control module.

8. The underwater diver recovery system of claim 5, wherein the predetermined setting is related to depth measurements, an amount of time, physiological measurements, or any combination thereof.

9. The underwater diver recovery system of claim 1, wherein the control module is further operable to: cause the inflation mechanism to off-gas gas from the inflatable bladder when the control module determines the diver is ascending too rapidly or at a predetermined depth.

10. The underwater diver recovery system of claim 1, wherein the control module is further operable to: cause, based on a further evaluation of another received underwater depth of the diver, the inflation control mechanism to pause the diver from ascending for a rest period.

11. The underwater diver recovery system of claim 10, wherein the control module is further operable to: calculate the rest period based on the further evaluation of the depth measurements.

12. The underwater diver recovery system of claim 10, wherein the control module is further operable to: at an end of the rest period, cause the inflation control mechanism to restart inflating the inflatable bladder.

13. The underwater diver recovery system of claim 1, wherein the control module, when evaluating underwater measurements with respect to a depth threshold, is further operable to: evaluate an amount of time that the control module is at an underwater depth corresponding to the depth threshold; and in response to the amount of time exceeding both a time threshold and the depth threshold, generate a signal to initiate the inflating of the inflatable bladder by the inflation control mechanism.

14. The underwater diver recovery system of claim 1, wherein the control module is further operable to: in response to the determining that the underwater depth exceeds the depth threshold value, transmit, via a wireless communication protocol, an indication that the control module is initiating inflation of the inflatable bladder.

15. The diver recovery system of claim 1, wherein the control module is further operable to: receive a physiological indication from a physiologic monitor coupled to a user; and determine whether to evaluate the underwater measurements with respect to a depth threshold based on the physiological indication, wherein the physiological indication is at least one of: a heart rate, blood oxygen level, or body temperature.

16. The underwater diver recovery system of claim 1, wherein the control module further comprises: a transceiver operable to wirelessly couple to a user interface remote from the control module, wherein the control module is operable to receive commands from the user interface and transmit system status and queries to the user interface.

17. The underwater diver recovery system of claim 1, further comprises: an attachment point configured to couple to a buoyancy control device, wherein the attachment point positions the inflatable bladder, when inflated, to cause a face of a user to be above a surface of the water.

18. The underwater diver recovery system of claim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder when inflated with the gas is configured to position a face of a user above a surface of the water.

19. The underwater diver recovery system of claim 1, further comprising: a first gas cartridge connector configured to accept a first gas cartridge having a first volume.

20. The underwater diver recovery system of claim 19, further comprising: a second gas cartridge connector configured to accept a second gas cartridge, wherein the second gas cartridge has a second volume different from the first volume.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary diver recovery system according to the disclosed subject matter.

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a diver recovery device according to the disclosed subject matter.

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary process performed according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0010] FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of an exemplary configuration of an inflatable bladder vest usable in the examples of FIGS. 1-3 of the disclosed subject matter.

[0011] FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of an exemplary configuration of an inflatable bladder vest usable in the examples of FIGS. 1-3 of the disclosed subject matter.

[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates more details for full body attachment of the inflatable bladder vest to a diver in order to provide the exemplary functions according to the disclosed subject matter.

[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of examples of additional items to an exemplary vest usable to provide the exemplary functions according to the disclosed subject matter.

[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of examples of additional items to an exemplary vest usable to provide the exemplary functions according to the disclosed subject matter.

[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary diver recovery system according to the disclosed subject matter in accordance with another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The diver recovery device as described here in envisioned as a device supplemental to a diver's buoyancy control device (BCD). The diver recovery device includes a control module, inflation mechanism, and an inflation bladder. The control module and inflation mechanism may be co-located, and the inflation bladder may be housed within a vest or protective cover. The vest may be a form of harness that enables the vest to couple to other equipment worn by the diver, such as a BCD. It is anticipated that the diver recovery device is usable in special operations warfare operation scenarios and some of the described features may be particular to those types of operations.

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary diver recovery system according to the disclosed subject matter.

[0018] In the example, an underwater diver recovery system, such as system 100, is configured to bet worn by a diver in an aquatic environment, where the diver descends underwater to various underwater depths and also partakes in activities at the water's surface. The underwater diver recovery system includes a control module 102, an inflation control mechanism 110, and an inflatable bladder 118. The system 100 may also be operable to wirelessly couple to external devices, such as smart device 134.

[0019] The smart device 134 may be a, for example, a smartwatch, a dive computer, a heart rate sensor, blood oxygen sensor, a fitness device, or a combination thereof. The smart device 134 may be configured to wirelessly communicate via one or more wireless communication protocols, such as Bluetooth, or the like.

[0020] In an example, the control module 102 may include a processor 104, a memory 106, a user interface 108, a transceiver 116, a power supply 126, and an alarm(s) 136.

[0021] As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the control module 102 is operable to receive measurement signals from a depth sensor, the measurement signals are referred to herein as the underwater depth of the diver. The measurement signals may optionally be received from more than one depth sensor, such as depth sensor 112 and depth sensor 114. Multiple depth sensors may provide redundancy, enable averaging the measured depth for a more accurate underwater depth of the diver.

[0022] The processor 104 may be include circuitry that is operable to implement logic and/or execute programming code, such as a control application 128.

[0023] The memory 106 is operable to store the control application 128 (shown as control app in FIG. 2) and data related to a dive plan that is accessible by the processor 104. The control application 128 is a computer application comprised of executable programming code that is stored in the memory 106 and executed by the processor 104 to implement the functions and processes of the diver recovery system 100. The data related to the dive plan stored in memory 106 may include dive start time, dive end time, maximum depth, The processor 104 includes a clock and is capable recording timestamps and depth data in the memory 106 during the duration of a dive.

[0024] In more detail, the depth sensor 112 is shown as optionally housed within the control module 102, while depth sensor 114 is shown as an external depth sensor operable to communicate wirelessly with the control module 102 via the transceiver 116. The depth sensor 114 may be optional, redundant, or supplemental to depth sensor 112. Alternatively, the depth sensor 112 may be optional, redundant, or supplemental to depth sensor 114. In another example, the pair of depth sensors 112 and 114 are both implemented in the system 100 and cooperate with one another by providing depth measurements to the processor 104. In which case, the processor 104 utilizes both depth measurements.

[0025] In an example, the power supply 126 is configured to provide power to the components of the control module 102. For example, the power supply 126 may be configured to provide power to each of the processor 104, the memory 106, user interface 108, the transceiver 116, the alarm(s) 136, and, if present, the depth sensor 112. The power supply 126 may be in the form or one or more rechargeable batteries, disposable batteries, such as a number of CR 123-type batteries or the like, piezo-electric power generator, or the like.

[0026] The alarm(s) 136 may be circuits and output devices (e.g., audible devices, such as speakers or the like, haptic devices, or the like) that are configured to provide audible or haptic alarms to warn the user of possible actions by the control module 102, such as inflation or deflation of the inflatable bladder 118, a depth setting being exceeded, a duration setting being exceeded, or the like. When implemented as an audible alarm, the output device for the audible alarm is configured to be waterproof for depths of hundreds of feet.

[0027] The inflation control mechanism 110 may include a gas cartridge 120, an inflation control mechanism (ICM) controller 122, and valves 124. The inflation control mechanism 110 may be coupled to a gas line(s) 130.

[0028] Discussing the components of the inflation control mechanism 110 in more detail, the ICM controller 122 may be control circuitry, such as a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit, field-programmable gate arrays, or the like. The ICM controller 122, for example, is operable to receive the signals 132 from the processor 104 and actuate valves 124 that deliver gas from the gas cartridge 120 to the inflatable bladder 118 via gas line(s) 130. In addition, the ICM controller 122 may be operable to receive the signals 132 and deflate (e.g., off-gas) the inflatable bladder 118. In addition, the ICM controller 122 may be operable to provide information to the processor 104 and control application 128, such as an amount of gas delivered to the inflatable bladder 118, gas cartridge 120 volume, or the like.

[0029] The gas line(s) 130 may be one or more gas lines that may be configured to inflate the inflatable bladder 118 and/or deflate the inflatable bladder 118. The gas line(s) 130 may be integral to the inflation control mechanism 110 or may connect to the inflation control mechanism 110 via known couplings able to withstand the pressure at depths underwater.

[0030] The gas cartridge 120 may be a replaceable canister having an amount of compressed gas capable of providing enough lift to ascend a diver (and any load carried by the diver) from a maximum operating underwater depth to the surface of the water. The valves 124 may be a number of valves that are configured to be leakproof at the pressures experienced at depths of hundreds of feet underwater. The valves 124 may electronically controlled to permit regulated and controlled flow of gas to and from the inflatable bladder 118. The valves 124 enable to gas to be added to (i.e., inflate) or expelled from (i.e., off-gas or deflate) the inflatable bladder 118.

[0031] The inflatable bladder 118 may be an airtight, expandable, flexible container that is operable to be filled and hold gas. The inflatable bladder 118 may include tubing and a leakproof, airtight coupling (not shown). The airtight coupling is operable to connect to a complimentary coupling to the inflation control mechanism 110 (shown in another example). The inflatable bladder 118 is shaped to fit within a vest as described in later example. In addition, the inflatable bladder 118 may be one or more bladders, where, for example, the more than one inflatable bladders 118 are configured to inflate simultaneously, in case, one of the more than one inflatable bladders 118 is damaged. When inflated with gas, the inflatable bladder 118 is configured to position a face of a diver (i.e., user) above the surface of the water.

[0032] In a high-level example, the control module 102 module is configured to be in communication with the inflation control mechanism 110 via processor 104. For example, the control module 102 is operable to determine an underwater depth of the diver via one or more of depth sensor 112 or depth sensor 114. Using depth threshold data stored in the memory 106, the processor 104, upon determining that the underwater depth exceeds a depth threshold value, cause the inflation control mechanism 110, via signals 132, to inflate the inflatable bladder 118 and cause the diver to ascend in controlled manner. Similarly, the processor 104 may emit signals 132 that cause the inflation control mechanism 110 to deflate the inflatable bladder 118.

[0033] The transceiver 116 may be communicatively coupled to the processor 104 via a wired connection, and be coupled to the depth sensor 114, the smart device 134, or another device. The transceiver 116 may include circuitry for Bluetooth communication. The transceiver 116 may, in addition or alternatively, be configured with circuitry that enables communications via other communication protocols other than Bluetooth. In an example, the control application may be programmed and configured with settings, such as depth settings, time settings, and the like via Bluetooth communications. For example, a complimentary application or another instance of the control application hosted on a smart device 134 is operable to enable a user to set the operational mode, depth settings and times that will be executed by the processor 104 and control application 128 on the control module. Additionally, or alternatively, notifications of alerts or alarms (i.e., vibrate or lighting up) may be presented on an output device (not shown) of the smart device 134, since it is envisioned that a number of divers use the smart device 134 as dive computers. In a further example, the transceiver may be operable to wirelessly couple to a user interface remote from the control module, such as a user interface of the smart device 134, and the control module is operable to receive commands from the user interface and transmit system status and queries to the user interface of the smart device 134.

[0034] The communication between the smart device 134 and the processor 104 may enable a medical alert mode, in which, a medical condition experienced by the diver may be detected based on sensors (e.g., heart rate sensor) in the smart device 134. In response to, for example, a heartrate not within predetermined boundaries, the control application 128 may cause the system 100 to begin a slow start to an ascent without user input, or the like.

[0035] An example implementation may include one or more different operational modes through which the controller module may cycle through, the one or more different operational modes may be: surface mode intermediary depth mode, full depth mode, or a user defined mode.

[0036] The surface operational mode may be used for operations in which the user intends to be either on a boat or on the surface of the water swimming or within proximity but not intending to go below the surface. In the surface mode the computer module may, for example, be programmed to evaluate different operation conditions. An operational condition may be a depth, a time, or an orientation of the control module in one embodiment. In other embodiments, the operational conditions may be depth and time, while in other embodiments, the operational conditions may be selectable from a menu of operational conditions, such as global positioning system (GPS) location, depth, time, orientation, operation duration, operation phase when a multiphase operation is being conducted (described in more detail later), or the like.

[0037] The exemplary surface operational mode setting may be a setting that causes the processor to activate the inflation mechanism at a shallow depth, such as, for example, 3 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet, or the like. Alternatively, the surface operational mode settings may include a duration setting as well as a depth setting. The duration setting may be to prevent a diver, when surface mode is actuated, from being submerged for longer than the set durations, such as 5 minutes, or the like. For example, the processor may determine based on data received from a depth sensor and a clock, if the user has been submerged at 5 feet for 2-5 minutes. The depth setting and duration setting may be default settings, user-input settings, part of a standard dive plan, or the like. A dive plan may include operational mode settings, for example, have multiple different depth settings and/or duration settings over the course of the dive plan.

[0038] Another operational mode setting may be in intermediary depth setting, which may be any depth, such as 10 feet, 15 feet, 30 feet, or the like. This intermediary depth setting may be a setting for a depth between a shallower surface operational mode setting and a setting for a maximum depth. For example, the intermediary depth setting may be set when the user intends to go underwater no farther than a depth of 25 feet, for example. In combination with the intermediary depth setting, the control application 128 may include a duration setting for when the processor should be evaluating a depth measurement with respect to the intermediary setting value, when this setting is exceeded, the processor may activate the inflation mechanism.

[0039] Another operational mode setting may be in full depth setting, which may be any depth, such as 50 feet, 60 feet, 75 feet, or the like. This full depth setting may be a setting for an underwater depth that the diver will not exceed. For example, the full depth setting may be set when the user intends to go underwater no deeper than a depth of 65 feet, for example. In combination with the intermediary depth setting, the control application 128 may include a duration setting for when the processor should be evaluating a depth measurement with respect to the full depth setting value, when the full depth setting is exceeded, the processor may activate the inflation mechanism.

[0040] The operational mode setting(s) may also be user defined. For example, the user can set a maximum depth setting, which may be the same as or different from full depth setting, and that cannot be exceeded. For example, in the user defined mode, the user may select 90 feet as a maximum depth setting for the first 30 minutes of a dive operation, and 35 feet for the next 90 minutes of the diver operation.

[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a diver recovery device according to the disclosed subject matter.

[0042] The diver recovery device 200 includes a housing 202. The housing 202 is a housing that configured to be waterproof to a depth of hundreds of feet. Within the housing 202 are a battery compartment 204, indicator lights 206, the inflation mechanism 212, and the control module 214. The housing 202 for the diver recovery device 200 permits a number of connections to the inflation mechanism 212, such as a gas supply connection 222 for a gas supply 208, an inflatable bladder connector and tube 210, an optional secondary cartridge connection 216, a pull cable auto-inflate 218, an off gas vent 220, and interface elements 224. These respective connections are also configured to be waterproof to a depth of hundreds of feet.

[0043] The battery compartment 204 in the housing 202 may be supplied by a CR123 battery, or the like. The reason for configuring the 204 for the CR123 battery is its size being compact and it is a common battery used in many different systems especially in a military application, such as powering optics and night vision.

[0044] The gas supply 208 may be a carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) or other gas cartridge or canister that has a volume to contain enough gas (compressed or not) to raise a diver and a load carried by the diver at a controlled rate of ascent that connects to the diver recovery device 200 via gas supply connection 222. The gas supply connection 222 may be threaded or configured to easily be coupled to the gas supply 208. The gas supply connection 222 may be configured to be adaptable to multiple different types of gas supply 208 canisters or cartridges that may contain different volumes of gas and/or be provided by different canister or cartridge vendors.

[0045] Also shown is an optional secondary cartridge connection 216. The optional secondary cartridge connection 216 may be a second gas cartridge connector configured to accept a second gas cartridge or canister. The second gas cartridge may, for example, be a cartridge that has the same volume as gas supply 208. Alternatively, the second gas cartridge or canister may have a second volume different from the first volume of the gas supply 208. The optional secondary cartridge connection 216 may be configured to be adaptable to multiple different types of gas supply 208 canisters or cartridges that may contain different volumes of gas and/or be provided by different canister or cartridge vendors. In an example, the first gas supply connection 222 may be configured to accept a first gas supply 208 having a first volume. In an example, a primary gas cartridge may have a first thread pattern to couple to gas supply connection 222. However, the optional secondary cartridge connection 216 may be configured with an adapter operable to accept different thread patterns. The gas supply 208 may also be referred to herein as a gas canister and/or a gas cartridge and the terms may used interchangeably. The secondary gas cartridge may be coupled to the diver recovery system to provide additional lifting capabilities depending upon the load that the diver is carrying or will be carrying during the course of an operation (i.e., a dive operation).

[0046] The inflatable bladder connector and tube 210 are configured to couple to an inflation bladder, such as inflatable bladder 118 shown in and described in the example of FIG. 1. The inflatable bladder connector and tube 210 may be magnetic and the complimentary coupling from the inflation mechanism 212 may be a complimentary magnetic coupling that enables quick coupling but imprecise placement of the two couplings near one another, while still making an airtight coupling. In addition, the control module 214 may be configured to sense the magnetic contact when the inflatable bladder 118 is coupled to the inflatable bladder connector and tube 210 to confirm coupling. The connector of the inflatable bladder connector and tube 210 is also sufficiently strong when coupled to the connector of the inflatable bladder 118 to withstand the pressure of the gas applied to inflate the inflatable bladder 118.

[0047] The exemplary diver recovery device 200 may also include a pull cable auto-inflate 218 that is operable, upon activation (i.e., being pulled), to inflate the inflatable bladder 118. The pull cable auto-inflate 218 is provided for emergency use (such as a medical emergency of the diver or potential danger) and is not usable to control the inflation mechanism. In some instances, the pull cable auto-inflate 218 may be used if there is a power failure of the control module 214, a failure of the control module 214, the inflation mechanism 212, or the like. In an example, the pull cable auto-inflate 218 may also be configured to bypass the inflation mechanism 212 to directly inflate the air inflatable bladder. In another example, the pull cable auto-inflate 218 when pulled may activate an emergency inflation routine of the control application 128 that causes the diver to raise directly to the surface in a controlled manner, for example, at a constant rate of ascent.

[0048] The off-gas vent 220 is a one-way valve that enables the inflation mechanism 212 to transition gas from the inflatable bladder 118 to the aquatic environment. In an operational example, the diver may be ascending at a rate greater than the controlled ascent rate set in the control module 214. The control module 214 via a processor (such as processor 104 of FIG. 1) may control the inflation mechanism 212 to withdraw gas from the inflatable bladder 118 to slow the rate of ascent to the controlled ascent rate set in control module 214. To withdraw the gas from the inflatable bladder 118, the inflation mechanism 212 may, for example, has a valve (not shown) that couples the gas pathway of the inflatable bladder connector and tube 210 to the off-gas vent 220.

[0049] The control module 214 may include a number of waterproof interface elements 224, such as a simple rubber depress button, which operates in a manner similar to other military-grade items, such as a freefall automatic activation device (AAD), which is a valuable safety device used by skydivers. The control module 214 may be responsive to user interactions with the waterproof interface elements 224.

[0050] For example, the indicator lights 206 may be light emitting diodes controllable by the control module 214 to identify the power state and mode settings (e.g., surface mode intermediary depth mode, full depth mode, or user defined).

[0051] The diver recovery device 200 may also include an auxiliary remote interface 228 that is a wired, waterproof connection to the control module 214 that is configured to provide a remote user interface that is operable to engage the control application for various purposes, such as setting depths, selecting operational modes, silencing or snoozing alarms (described in more detail below), and the like.

[0052] In an operational example, when activated as described in more detail in the example of FIG. 3, a first function of the control application is to inflate the inflatable bladder to stop any further decent below the depth. As the processor executes the control application, the control application determines the diver has stopped the descending and is now rising toward the surface. In response to this determination, the control application begins regulating the gas in the inflatable bladder by either stopping inflation or off gassing to prevent a rapid ascent. Doctrinally, the maximum accent rate is approximately 30 feet per minute. Once the control application determines that the diver is getting within approximately 5 feet of the surface, the control application is configured to resume full inflation of the air bladder.

[0053] In a further example of the capabilities of the envisioned diver recovery device and systems, the smart device 226 that is paired to the control module 214 may be or may include a heart rate monitor, a blood oxygen sensor, temperature, or some other physiological measuring device, and is operable to deliver a physiological indication based on the measurement to the processor in control module 214. The processor may be operable to receive a physiological indication from a physiological monitor coupled to a user; and determine whether to evaluate the underwater measurements with respect to a depth threshold based on the physiological indication. The physiological indication may be at least one of: a heart rate, blood oxygen level, or body temperature.

[0054] As mentioned above, the diver recovery device 200 is operable to respond to commands via wireless communication link 230, which may be Bluetooth. It is envisioned that a team of divers each equipped with a diver recovery system will dive together and each diver's diver recovery device 200 is communicably linked, in addition to their own smart device 226, but also to the respective smart device 226 of the all the other divers on the team. As a result, divers may be able to actuate the diver recovery device 200 of a diver, who may be in distress.

[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary process performed according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

[0056] The process 300 may be an algorithm stored in the memory of a control module that is implemented by the control application. In an initial set up of the control application, a user may select an operational mode, such as a surface mode, an intermediary depth mode, a full depth mode, or a user defined mode. Whichever operational mode is selected, there are settings for different depth thresholds for activation of the diver recovery device as discussed above. In an example, the processor 104 is operable to use the depth thresholds set for the selected operational mode during the initial set up when executing the process 300.

[0057] In operation, at block 302, a depth sensor makes a measurement that determines an underwater depth of a diver. The depth sensor may be included in the diver recovery device or may be an external depth sensor, such as depth sensor 112, couple to the diver or the diver's equipment, or may be part of smart device 134, which is worn by the diver. The depth sensors 112 and/or 114 may be configured to provide near continuous depth measurements to the control application, for example, every 10 seconds, every 20 seconds, every 30 seconds, or every minute. In addition, the depth sensor may be operable to provide a trend indication on the user interface or smart device of the direction the depth measurements, such as ascending and descending, and also may be operable to indicate a rate of the ascent or descent.

[0058] At block 304, the determined underwater depth of the diver is received by the processor. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, in the case of diver recovery device configured with depth sensor 112, the connection between the depth sensor 112 and the processor 104 may be a wired connection, while the connection between the depth sensor 114 and the processor 104 may be a wireless connection that is facilitated by transmission circuitry (not shown) in the depth sensor 114 and the transceiver 116 that is coupled to the processor 104.

[0059] In block 306, the processor, implementing process 300, evaluates the determined underwater depth with respect to a preset depth. The preset depth may be one or more depths associated with the selected operational mode. For example, if the surface operational mode has been selected, a depth threshold, which is a depth setting, such as 5 feet, 7 feet, 9 feet or the like that is close to the water's surface. In block 306, the processor may evaluate the determined underwater depth with respect to the exemplary threshold depth setting of 5 feet. Of course, the setting of the depth threshold may change with respect to the selected operational mode. In addition, the dive may have multiple phases that occur at different depths and as such there may be multiple different depth thresholds. In a further example of when the control module is evaluating the underwater depth measurements with respect to a depth threshold, is further operable to: evaluate an amount of time that the control module is at an underwater depth corresponding to the depth threshold; and in response to the amount of time exceeding both a time threshold and the depth threshold, generate a signal to initiate the inflation of the inflatable bladder by the inflation control mechanism.

[0060] At decision block 308, the process determines whether the determined underwater depth exceeds the preset depth. If the determination is the determined underwater depth does not exceed the preset depth (i.e., NO), the process 300 returns to 302. Alternatively, in response to a result of the evaluation indicating the determined underwater depth exceeds a threshold (i.e., YES), the process proceeds to 310.

[0061] At block 310, the processor, in response to a result of the evaluation indicating the determined underwater depth exceeds a depth threshold, is operable to cause an inflation control mechanism to inflate an inflatable bladder coupled to the diver with an amount of gas predetermined to cause the diver to ascend at a predetermined rate. For example, the processor may cause the inflation mechanism to get the diver ascending by gradually adding gas to the inflatable bladder and then off-gassing (i.e., deflating the inflatable bladder) some partial amount of gas if the rate of ascent is too rapid. An ascent may be considered too rapid, when the rate of ascent may be physically, or physiologically harmful to the diver. The control module and/or control application may be operable to calculate the rate of ascent based on the underwater depth signals or measurements received from a depth sensor, such as depth sensor 112 or depth sensor 114. For example, when selecting the operational mode, the rate of ascent may be user settable, or may be a default setting that is user tunable.

[0062] In a further example, the control module, in response to the determination that the underwater depth exceeds the depth threshold value, may be further operable to transmit, via a wireless communication protocol, an indication that the control module is initiating inflation of the inflatable bladder. In this further example, a diver's smart device 134 may generate an audible, haptic, and/or visual notification in response to receiving the indication.

[0063] Alternatively, or in addition, in another example at decision block 308 and block 310, the processor when executing the control application may be operable to also check a duration setting and track how much time the diver has spent at the depth exceeding the depth threshold. Based on whether the duration setting is also exceeded, the control application may cause the inflation mechanism to fully inflate the inflatable bladder 118 to bring the diver to the surface.

[0064] In a further example, the control application may be operable to cause the processor to actuate an alarm device in response to the determination that the water depth exceeds the depth threshold value. The alarm generated by the alarm device, whether an audible device, illumination device, or a haptic device, is configured to inform the diver of an impending activation (e.g., inflation or deflation), thereby giving the user the ability to snooze the alarm or accept the impending activation. For example, before inflation, the control application of the system may give a distinctive audible alarm chime to warn the diver of inflation. A deflation activation may have a distinctive audible alarm chime different from an inflation activation. The chime in intended to notify divers that they may have gone outside the planned parameters (e.g., depth settings, depth thresholds, duration settings, and the like) of the dive.

[0065] The control application may be further operable to determine, based on another underwater depth of the diver detected by the depth sensor, whether to expel gas (i.e., off-gas or deflate) or add gas (i.e., inflate) to the inflatable bladder to maintain the diver at a predetermined intermediary depth, wherein the predetermined intermediary depth is shallower than the preset depth and below a surface of the water.

[0066] In an operational example, the control application may be set for a surface mode of operation, but in the course of the operation, the diver has to dive to evade an enemy, or dive deeper to rescue someone, or retrieve equipment. For example, the auxiliary remote interface 228 may be configured to be positioned on or near the front of the vest and have a waterproof button that when depressed is operable to cause the control application to disregard a warning alarm for a set period similar to a snooze function of an alarm clock. In an exemplary configuration, the button may be two-sided and respond to the use of two fingers to depress both sides so to avoid accidently snoozing the alarm, when the system should activate. The auxiliary remote interface 228 may also be used to switch between different operational modes. In one example, where the snooze function is presented in response to an alarm warning of a depth threshold being exceeded, and operates with the audible alarm warning. In another example, the snooze function is provided via a button that is always available to the user.

[0067] In an example of setting a depth for either an intermediary depth mode or a full depth mode dive, the user may interact with the interface elements, such as 224, or the user interface, such as 108. In the example, a user may initiate the depth setting by holding the button down after the system 100 was switched ON, the user may select an operational mode (e.g., surface mode intermediary depth mode, full depth mode, or a user defined mode), and the user may begin listening for beeps generated in response to an interaction with the user interface. Each beep may, for example, signify 10 feet of depth. For example, a user holds the button in the depressed position, and a sound is generated, such as a beep or the like. For example, the generation of 9 beeps indicates a depth setting of 90 feet. As a result, the control application may set a depth limit of 90 feet to be stored before actuating the inflation mechanism for the particular selected mode.

[0068] Alternatively, the user may simply input the depth setting (e.g., 90 feet) and the control application may generate a query requesting confirmation of an operational mode (e.g., full depth mode, intermediary depth mode, or user defined mode). For example, the control application may be configured to make operational mode determinations based on an inputted depth setting. In the example above, a depth setting of 90 feet likely would not correspond to a surface mode operational mode so a confirmation request for surface mode is not presented. Of course, in other examples, a confirmation request for all of the operational modes including surface mode may be presented regardless of the inputted or set depth setting.

[0069] A surface mode set up may include similar actions as described above but for a much shallower depth.

[0070] Returning to the example of FIG. 3 at block 310, the control module is further operable to cause the inflation control mechanism to stop inflating the inflatable bladder based on a predetermined setting. Examples of the predetermined settings may include an amount of gas delivered to the inflatable bladder, a change in measurements as measured by a depth sensor coupled to the control module, and/or values related to measurements, time, or both.

[0071] It is envisioned that the control module 102 or control module 214 is operable to perform additional functions including those that enable the accomplishment of the above steps of process 300 or enable further improvement over existing systems.

[0072] For example, while diver operations are typically planned to avoid situations that may cause diving compression sickness (DCS), in instances where DCS may occur, the control module executing the control application may be operable calculate a rest period based on further evaluation of the underwater measurements, and, at an end of the rest period, cause the inflation control mechanism to restart inflating the inflatable bladder.

[0073] In an example of when the control module is evaluating underwater measurements with respect to a depth threshold, the control module may be further operable to evaluate an amount of time that the control module is at an underwater depth corresponding to the depth threshold. The control module, in response to the amount of time exceeding both a time threshold and the depth threshold, generates a signal to initiate the inflation of the inflatable bladder by the inflation control mechanism.

[0074] FIG. 4A illustrates a front view of an exemplary configuration of an inflatable bladder vest usable in the examples of FIGS. 1-3 of the disclosed subject matter.

[0075] In the example, the vest 400 includes a vest cover 402, an inflatable bladder 404, an attachment point 406, a connector 408, a control module 410, and a pull pillow 412.

[0076] The vest cover 402 is configured to enclose one or more inflatable bladders 404. The inflatable bladder 404 is similar to the inflatable bladder 118 described above with respect to FIG. 1. The vest cover 402 also encloses the control module 410 to provide some additional protection and ensure the control module 410 is secured with the inflatable bladder 404. The vest cover 402 is configured to fit around the head of the user so that the inflatable bladder 404 when inflated with gas is configured to position a face of a user above the surface of the water. In a particular design, the inflatable bladder is configured to keep the diver's head elevated and substantially out of the water (e.g., a head up position). For example, the attachment points 406 may be positioned such that the inflatable bladder, when inflated, causes a face of a user to be above the surface of the water.

[0077] The vest 400 also includes one or more attachment points 406, each of the attachment points 406 is configured to accept a connector 408 enabling auxiliary equipment to be securely attached. For example, the attachment point 406 may be configured to couple to a buoyancy control device of a diver. Alternatively, as shown in later examples the attachment point 406 may enable different types of loads to be coupled to the vest 400.

[0078] The pull pillow 412 may be provided for emergency use (such as a medical emergency of the diver or potential danger) and is not usable to control the inflation mechanism. In some instances, the pull pillow 412 may be used if there is a power failure of the control module, a failure of the control module, a failure of the inflation mechanism, or the like.

[0079] FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of an exemplary configuration of an inflatable bladder vest usable in the examples of FIGS. 1-3 of the disclosed subject matter.

[0080] In the side view, the vest 400 is shown to include the vest cover 402, the attachment point 406, and the connector 408. In addition, the vest may also include a zipper 414 and a see-through portion 416.

[0081] The zipper 414 is provided in the vest cover 402 to enable the inflatable bladder 404 (shown in FIG. 4A) to be easily removed or replaced in case of damage, for cleaning, to add a supplemental or redundant inflatable bladder, or the like.

[0082] The see-through portion 416 is a clear waterproof material in the vest cover 402 that enables a user/diver to see the control module 410 (shown in FIG. 4A) and to confirm the ON/OFF state, operational status, or the like of the control module 410.

[0083] The vest cover 402, attachment point 406 and connector 408 perform the same function as described with respect to FIG. 4A so no further explanation is provided.

[0084] FIG. 5 illustrates more details for full body attachment of the inflatable bladder vest to a diver in order to provide the exemplary functions according to the disclosed subject matter.

[0085] The diver recovery system with full body connectors 500 includes a vest cover 502, a connector 504, an attachment point 506, a pull pillow 508, a torso harness 510, a through leg strap 512, and a see-through portion 514. Since the example of FIG. 5 is a specific example, all features of the diver recovery system with full body connectors 500 may not be shown.

[0086] The lower straps (e.g., the through leg strap 512, the torso harness 510, and the like) are shown below the vest fastener clips (i.e., connector 504 and attachment point 506). The torso harness 510 keeps the diver recovery system with full body connectors 500. The exemplary configuration of the diver recovery system with full body connectors 500 may be used by surface swimmers and/or for boat use (e.g., sailors on the boat or ship surface, or personal watercraft-like vessels). It is further envisioned that this diver recovery system configuration includes a number of attach points to body armor or an equipment rack or frame system, such as MOLLE or the like (not shown).

[0087] The pull pillow 508 may be provided for emergency use (such as a medical emergency of the diver or potential danger) and is not usable to control the inflation mechanism. In some instances, the pull pillow 508 may be used if there is a power failure of the control module, a failure of the control module, a failure of the inflation mechanism, or the like.

[0088] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of examples of additional items to an exemplary vest usable to provide the exemplary functions according to the disclosed subject matter.

[0089] In this example, the diver recovery system 600 includes a vest cover 602, attachment points 604, a plate carrier 606, a torso strap 608, and a head opening 610. Since the example of FIG. 6 is a specific example, all features of the diver recovery system 600 may not be shown.

[0090] In this configuration, the vest cover 602 couples to the plate carrier 606 via the attachment points 604 (that in the illustrated example are shown mated to connectors). The torso strap 608 is configured to maintain the plate carrier 606 close to the diver's body and also prevent rotation and unwanted shifting during a dive operation. The head opening 610 shows where the user's head may be positioned with respect to the other elements (e.g., vest cover 602) of the diver recovery system 600.

[0091] In this exemplary configuration, a load (e.g., armor plates, weights for diver, or the like) that may be carried by a diver may be plate carrier 606 to the diver recovery system 600. In this example, the diver recovery system 600 may be configured to raise with the diver with their load to the surface of the water. In this example, the gas supply (described in other examples) may be sized (or supplemented with an optional secondary cartridge) to provide enough gas to lift the increased load (i.e., the load, plus the diver and the diver's equipment).

[0092] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of an example of an additional equipment carrier coupled to an exemplary vest usable to provide the exemplary functions according to the disclosed subject matter.

[0093] The diver recovery system 700 includes a vest cover 702, a see-through portion 704, attachment points 706, a rack attachment 708, a torso strap 710, a rear strap 712, and an additional equipment 714, such as radios, ammunition, and the like. Since the example of FIG. 7 is a specific example, all features of the diver recovery system 600 may not be shown.

[0094] In this configuration, the vest cover 702 couples to the rack attachment 708 via the attachment points 706 (that in the illustrated example are shown mated to connectors). The torso strap 710 and rear strap 712 are configured to maintain the rack attachment 708 close to the diver's body and also prevent rotation and unwanted shifting during a dive operation.

[0095] In this exemplary configuration, a load (e.g., radios, ammunition, or the like) that may be carried by a diver may be carried in rack attachment 708 to the diver recovery system 700. In this example, the diver recovery system 700 may be configured to raise with the diver with their load to the surface of the water. In this example, the gas supply (described in other examples) may be sized (or supplemented with an optional secondary cartridge) to provide enough gas to lift the increased load (i.e., the load, plus the diver and the diver's equipment).

[0096] This is another example of a load that may be carried by a diver that the diver recovery device is configured to raise with the diver to the surface of the water.

[0097] FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary diver recovery system according to the disclosed subject matter in accordance with another embodiment.

[0098] In contrast to earlier examples, the diver recover system 800 illustrated in FIG. 8 is directed toward a pouch or housing that contains all components to execute a diver/user recovery. The diver recover system 800 includes an inflatable bladder/vest 802, an inflation mechanism 804, a control module 806, an attachment point 808, a pouch/housing perforation 810, and a pouch/housing 812.

[0099] The pouch/housing 812 is configured to be an independently mounted pouch or hard plastic housing that encompasses the inflatable bladder/vest 802, the inflation mechanism 804 and the control module 806. The pouch/housing 812 is configured to be attached to a vest/body armor or mounted to a belt of the diver/user. For example, the diver recover system 800 may be attached via attachment points 808 to MOLLE webbing of body armor back panel (not shown), or, alternatively, worn on a belt (not shown) in the small of the back of a diver/user. The pouch/housing 812 may be configured to have dimensions such as approximately 5 inches by approximately 8 inches.

[0100] A gas supply, like those discussed in earlier examples (e.g., gas supply 208), may be coupled to the inflation mechanism 804 (not shown in this example) but may be configured to lift a diver and a predetermined load.

[0101] The control module 806, inflation mechanism 804 and inflatable bladder/vest 802 are configured to perform the same functions as those described in the earlier examples and are not discussed further with respect to this example.

[0102] The inflatable bladder/vest 802 may be structurally and physically different from the earlier described examples as it is collapsed into the pouch/housing 812 and configured to expand and deploy through the pouch/housing perforation 810 when gas is input to inflate the inflatable bladder/vest 802.

[0103] As mentioned with respect to the earlier, the inflatable bladder/vest 802 of this example deploys to raise the diver/user at a predetermined rate of ascent. The inflatable bladder/vest 802 may be further configured to direct the head of the diver/user upwards in the water so the head of the diver/user is above the surface of the water.

[0104] The following is intended to supplement the foregoing descriptions and provide additional context to the respective terms.

[0105] Control application refers to a computer application comprised of executable programming code that is stored in the memory 106 and executed by the processor 104 to implement the functions and processes of the diver recovery system.

[0106] Control module refers to a combination of circuitry components configured to provide a variety of functions of a diver recovery system that are housed in a waterproof housing.

[0107] Depth setting refers to a depth value input to the control module for use by the control application.

[0108] Depth threshold refers to a depth value that is a depth limit for a selected operational mode.

[0109] Diver recovery device refers to a device operable to inflate an inflatable bladder when a diver's depth exceeds a depth threshold.

[0110] Diver recovery system refers to a combination of components including a control module, an inflation mechanism, and an inflatable bladder.

[0111] Duration setting refers to an amount of time a diver is expected to be at a depth in proximity to a depth threshold, and that is input to the control application.

[0112] Full depth mode refers to an operational mode of the control module and control application that has a maximum depth threshold for a dive operation. The depth threshold for the full depth mode may be set to a default depth setting that is set when a user selects the full depth mode from a list of operational modes.

[0113] Inflatable bladder refers to an airtight component that is operable to be filled with gas to cause a diver to ascend from any depth.

[0114] Inflation mechanism refers to a device having a plurality of valves that is controllable by the control module and/or control application to inflate, deflate or hold constant at a constant volume an inflatable bladder.

[0115] Intermediary depth mode refers to an operational mode of the control module and control application that has a depth threshold for a dive operation that is not a maximum depth or a near-surface depth. The depth threshold for the intermediary depth mode may be set to a default depth setting that is set when a user selects the intermediary depth mode from a list of operational modes.

[0116] Surface mode refers to an operational mode of the control module and control application that has a depth threshold for a dive operation that is a near-surface depth. The depth threshold for the surface mode may be set to a default depth setting that is set when a user selects the surface mode from a list of operational modes.

[0117] User defined mode refers to an operational mode of the control module and control application that has a depth threshold for a dive operation that is set by the user and not limited by any default depth settings.

[0118] While some of the examples refer primarily to a diver, which is meant to refer to anyone who is in the water. However, there may be instances where a user is not diving but is working around the water, such as on a boat, ship, personal watercraft, kayak, paddleboard, or the like, and may benefit from using the diver recovery system as described herein. Therefore, the terms diver and user may be used interchangeably herein.

[0119] The foregoing examples implement a number of advantageous features for diver recovery such as: a module with button designed like the freefall AAD; selectable digital modes to then incrementally target depths, for example, by increments of 5, 10 or 20 feet, or the like; an alarm warning (audible chirp/vibration/visual) flashing or color coded)); a snooze function button for a diver that is conscious but is diving purposefully past the set depth; a smart ascent control for an unconscious diver (stop decent for safety stops (if needed), start accent and controlled, fully inflate at surface); off-gassing to control ascent; Bluetooth pairable to give alerts on smart watches or to program module; and an option to add a second CO2 cartridge for added lift capacity. The system is configured to have a lift capacity such as 80-90 pounds at depth.

[0120] The general discussion of this disclosure provides a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which the present disclosure may be implemented. In an embodiment, any of the disclosed systems, methods, and/or graphical user interfaces may be executed by or implemented by a computing system consistent with or similar to that depicted and/or explained in this disclosure. Although not required, aspects of the present disclosure are described in the context of computer-executable instructions, such as routines executed by a data processing device, e.g., a server computer, wireless device, and/or personal computer. Indeed, the terms processor, controller, and the like, are generally used interchangeably herein, and refer to any of the above devices and systems, as well as any data processor.

[0121] While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any disclosed subject matters or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular implementations of particular disclosed subject matters. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations may also be implemented in combination with a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

[0122] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations. Furthermore, it should be understood that the program components and systems described may, optionally, be integrated together into a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0123] Aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied in a special purpose computer and/or data processor that is specifically programmed, configured, and/or constructed to perform one or more of the computer-executable instructions explained in detail herein. Similarly, techniques presented herein as involving multiple devices may be implemented in a single device. Conversely, techniques presented herein as involving a single device may be implemented in multiple devices. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and/or remote memory storage devices.

[0124] Aspects of the present disclosure may be stored and/or distributed on non-transitory computer-readable media, including magnetically or optically readable computer discs, hard-wired or preprogrammed chips (e.g., EEPROM semiconductor chips, FPGAs), nanotechnology memory, biological memory, or other data storage media. Alternatively, computer implemented instructions, data structures, screen displays, and other data under aspects of the present disclosure may be distributed over the Internet and/or over other networks (including wireless networks), on a propagated signal on a propagation medium (e.g., an electromagnetic wave(s), a sound wave, etc.) over a period of time, and/or they may be provided on any analog or digital network (packet switched, circuit switched, or other scheme).

[0125] Program aspects of the technology may be thought of as products or articles of manufacture typically in the form of executable code and/or associated data that is carried on or embodied in a type of machine-readable medium. Storage type media include any or all of the tangible memory of the computers, processors or the like, or associated modules thereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives and the like, which may provide non-transitory storage at any time for the software programming. All or portions of the software may at times be communicated through the Internet or various other telecommunication networks. Such communications, for example, may enable loading of the software from one computer or processor into another, for example, from a management server or host computer of the mobile communication network into the computer platform of a server and/or from a server to the mobile device. Thus, another type of media that may bear the software elements includes optical, electrical, and electromagnetic waves, such as used across physical interfaces between local devices, through wired and optical landline networks and over various air-links. The physical elements that carry such waves, such as wired or wireless links, optical links, or the like, also may be considered as media bearing the software. As used herein, unless restricted to non-transitory, tangible storage media, terms such as computer or machine readable medium refer to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

[0126] Other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the subject matter disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosed subject matter being indicated by the following claims.