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Dive computer with global positioning system receiverDive computer with global positioning system receiver description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060066477, Dive computer with global positioning system receiver. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/615,635, filed Jul. 8, 2003, entitled DIVE COMPUTER WITH GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM RECEIVER, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/394,982, filed Jul. 8, 2002, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein in their entirety. FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to underwater exploration and more specifically to apparatus and techniques for determining location during a dive. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The development of self-contained breathing systems has enabled humans to dive and remain underwater for several hours. The ability to remain underwater for an extended period of time can enable divers to reach considerable depths and cover expansive distances in exploring underwater terrain. [0004] A problem commonly encountered by divers is an inability to accurately locate position underwater. Position is typically expressed in terms of three co-ordinates. The position of a diver underwater can be expressed in terms of a latitude, a longitude and a depth co-ordinate. The latitude and the longitude co-ordinates represent the latitude and the longitude of a point on the surface of the water directly above the diver. The depth co-ordinate represents the depth of the diver below the surface of the water. A dive computer similar to a ProPlus 2 manufactured by Oceanic Worldwide of San Leandro, Calif. can be used to track depth during a dive. However, depth alone is insufficient to locate the position of a diver during a dive. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] Embodiments of the present invention can provide an improved method of locating position underwater by making measurements of latitude, longitude and time on the surface of the water and by measuring depth and time while under water. Several embodiments provide even greater accuracy in locating position underwater by also measuring water speed and bearing. Embodiments of the present invention can also provide improved methods of interfacing with a dive computer involving the recording or recognition of speech or environmental sound and the ability to capture images of points of interest using digital cameras. [0006] In one embodiment, the invention includes a processor, a global positioning system receiver connected to the processor and a pressure transducer connected to the processor. [0007] A further embodiment of the invention includes means for measuring latitude, longitude, means for measuring depth underwater, means for measuring time and means for recording measurements of latitude, longitude, depth and time. [0008] Another embodiment of the invention includes a processor, memory connected to the processor for storing data, a microphone connected to the processor and a pressure transducer connected to the processor. [0009] A still further embodiment of the invention includes means for measuring depth, means for detecting sound and means for selecting one of a plurality of options in response to the detected sound. [0010] Yet another embodiment of the invention includes means for measuring depth and means for capturing digital images. [0011] One embodiment of the method of the invention includes performing a first measurement of latitude, longitude and time, descending underwater and measuring depth and time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a dive computer in accordance with practice of the present invention; [0013] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method of recording latitude, longitude, depth and time during a dive in accordance with practice of the present invention; [0014] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of locating a point of interest using data recorded in accordance with practice of the present invention; [0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a dive computer including a buoy having a G.P.S. receiver antenna that is connected to the dive computer via a spool of communication cable; [0016] FIG. 5 is a side view of a submerged diver equipped with a dive computer in accordance with the present invention including a buoy that is deployed at the surface; [0017] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of recording latitude, longitude, depth and time during a dive in accordance with practice of the present invention that ensures that an automatic measurement of latitude, longitude and time is made as a dive is commenced; [0018] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method of recording locations that a diver considers important; [0019] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of detecting speech commands in accordance with practice of the present invention; Continue reading about Dive computer with global positioning system receiver... 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