U.S. patent application number 11/444144 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-06 for systems and methods for electronic dive table planner.
This patent application is currently assigned to DAKA DEVELOPMENT INC.. Invention is credited to Bob Coleman, Pat Mah, John McFadden, Ted Moreta, Leroy Wickham.
Application Number | 20070277628 11/444144 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38788575 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070277628 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Coleman; Bob ; et
al. |
December 6, 2007 |
Systems and methods for electronic dive table planner
Abstract
Aspects of the present disclosure include an easy to use
electronic no-decompression table for use in recreational dive
planning in order to avoid decompression sickness. In one
embodiment, the electronic no-decompression calculator is a
portable handheld unit. The user is requested to enter at least one
relevant piece of information about a dive and that information is
used to automatically compute depth, bottom time, and surface
interval time limits as well as pressure group categorizations. In
one embodiment, an information tablet is provided with information
relevant to planning a dive.
Inventors: |
Coleman; Bob; (Orange,
CA) ; McFadden; John; (Lake Forest, CA) ;
Moreta; Ted; (Las Flores, CA) ; Wickham; Leroy;
(Lake Forest, CA) ; Mah; Pat; (Cheung Sha Wan,
HK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET, FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Assignee: |
DAKA DEVELOPMENT INC.
PADI AMERICAS INC.
|
Family ID: |
38788575 |
Appl. No.: |
11/444144 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
73/865.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63C 2011/021 20130101;
B63C 11/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
73/865.1 |
International
Class: |
B63C 11/02 20060101
B63C011/02 |
Claims
1. An automated method of planning an underwater dive, the method
comprising: entering a first pressure group; entering a depth;
automatically determining a no decompression time limit using the
first pressure group and the depth; automatically displaying the no
decompression time limit on a user readable display; entering a
first time period corresponding to an actual bottom time;
automatically determining a second pressure group using the first
pressure group, the depth and the time; automatically displaying
the second pressure group on the user readable display; entering a
second time period corresponding to a surface interval;
automatically determining a third pressure group using the first
pressure group, the first depth, the first time period and the
second time period; and automatically displaying the third pressure
group on the user readable display.
2. The automated method of claim 1, further comprising:
automatically determining at least one warning message; and
automatically displaying the at least one warning message on the
user readable display.
3. The automated method of claim 1, further comprising: entering a
second depth; automatically determining a second no decompression
time limit using the third pressure group and the second depth; and
automatically displaying the second no decompression time limit on
the user readable display.
4. The automated method of claim 3, further comprising: entering a
third time period corresponding to an actual bottom time;
automatically determining a fourth pressure group using the third
pressure group, the second depth and the third time period; and
automatically displaying the fourth pressure group on the user
readable display.
5. The automated method of claim 4, further comprising: entering a
fourth time period corresponding to a surface interval;
automatically determining a fifth pressure group using the third
pressure group, the second depth, the third time period and the
fourth time period. automatically displaying the fifth pressure
group on the user readable display.
6. An automated method of planning an underwater dive, the
automated method comprising: entering a depth; entering a first
time period; automatically determining a no decompression time
limit using the depth and the first time period; automatically
displaying the no decompression time limit on a user readable
display.
7. The automated method of claim 6, further comprising:
automatically determining and displaying a warning message; and
automatically displaying the warning message on the user readable
display.
8. The automated method of claim 6, further comprising using a
handheld electronic device configured to automatically determine
and display the no decompression time limit using the depth and the
first time period.
9. An automated method of determining a surface interval between
underwater dives, the method comprising: entering a first depth;
entering a first time period corresponding to a bottom time
associated with the first depth; entering a second depth; entering
a second time period corresponding to a bottom time associated with
the second depth; automatically computing a third time period
corresponding to a surface interval using the first and second
depths and the first and second time periods; and automatically
displaying the third time period on a user readable display.
10. The automated method of claim 9, further comprising
automatically determining and displaying a first no decompression
time limit using the first depth.
11. The automated method of claim 9, further comprising
automatically determining and displaying a second no decompression
time limit using the first and second depths and the first time
period.
12. The automated method of claim 9, further comprising determining
and displaying at least one warning message.
13. An automated method of determining a maximum depth in
preparation for an underwater dive, the method comprising: entering
a first time period; automatically determining and displaying a
maximum depth using the first time period; and automatically
displaying the maximum depth on a user readable display.
14. The automated method of claim 13, further comprising: entering
a first pressure group; and wherein automatically determining a
maximum depth further comprises using the first pressure group.
15. The automated method of claim 13, further comprising
determining and displaying at least one warning message.
16. A handheld electronic no-decompression underwater dive planner
comprising: a housing; a display operably connected to the housing;
a user input control for entering one or more user inputs; and a
processor configured to output to the display information relevant
in planning an underwater dive based on the user input control.
17. The handheld electronic no-decompression planner of claim 16,
wherein the user input control comprises alphanumeric buttons.
18. The handheld electronic no-decompression planner of claim 16,
wherein the display comprises a liquid crystal display.
19. The handheld electronic no-decompression planner of claim 16,
wherein the housing is water resistant.
20. The handheld electronic no-decompression planner of claim 16,
wherein information comprises at least one of a no-decompression
time limit, a pressure group, a surface interval, and a depth.
21. The handheld electronic no-decompression planner of claim 16,
wherein user inputs comprises at least one of a pressure group, a
depth, an at depth time period, and a surface interval time
period.
22. The handheld electronic no-decompression planner of claim 16,
further comprising a tablet operably connected to the housing.
23. The handheld electronic no-decompression planner of claim 22,
wherein the tablet comprises written information relevant to
planning an underwater dive.
24. The handheld electronic no-decompression planner of claim 16,
wherein the housing is less than about 1/2 inch thick.
25. The handheld electronic no-decompression planner of claim 16,
wherein the housing is less than about 3/8 inch thick.
26. A kit comprising an electronic no-decompression planner and
instructions for use.
27. The kit of claim 26, further comprising a package which
contains the electronic no-decompression planner and instructions
for use.
28. An automated system of determining a surface interval between
underwater dives, the system comprising: means for entering a first
depth; means for entering a first time period corresponding to a
bottom time associated with the first depth; means for entering a
second depth; means for entering a second time period corresponding
to a bottom time associated with the second depth; means for
automatically computing a third time period corresponding to a
surface interval using the first and second depths and the first
and second time periods; and means for automatically displaying the
third time period on a user readable display.
29. An automated system of determining a maximum depth in
preparation for an underwater dive, the system comprising: means
for entering a first time period; means for automatically
determining and displaying a maximum depth using the first time
period; and means for automatically displaying the maximum depth on
a user readable display.
30. A method of automating an underwater dive table comprising:
entering information relevant in planning an underwater dive;
automatically determining at least one factor useful in planning a
dive; and automatically displaying the at least one factor on a
user readable display.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein information comprises at least
one of a depth; a bottom time period; a surface interval time
period; and a pressure group.
32. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one factor
comprises at least one of a depth; a bottom time period; a surface
interval time period; a pressure group; and a warning message.
33. A device for determining parameters useful in planning multiple
underwater dives, the device comprising: a storage area configured
to store information relevant in determining dive parameters; a
user input configured to receive a first plurality of parameters
relevant in planning multiple dives; a processor configured to
determine a second plurality of dive parameters using the first
plurality of dive parameters and at least a portion of the stored
information; and a user readable display configured to display at
least one of the second plurality of dive parameters.
34. The device of claim 33, wherein the first plurality of
parameters comprises at least one of a pressure group, a depth, a
surface interval time period, and an at depth time interval.
35. The device of claim 33, wherein the second plurality of
parameters comprises at least one of a pressure group, a depth, a
surface interval time period, and an at depth time interval.
36. A method for planning an underwater dive using a computing
device, the method comprising: electronically storing information
relevant in planning an underwater dive; entering a first plurality
of parameters useful in planning multiple underwater dives onto an
computing device; determining a second plurality of parameters
useful in planning an underwater dive using the first plurality of
parameters and at least a portion of the stored information;
wherein the step of determining the second plurality of parameters
is done by a processor; and displaying the second plurality of
parameters on a user readable display.
37. The method of claim 36, further comprising electronically
storing at least a portion of the first plurality of
parameters.
38. The method of claim 36, further comprising electronically
storing at least a portion of the second plurality of parameters.
Description
COPYRIGHT AUTHORIZATION
[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of underwater
diving. More specifically, the present invention relates to
underwater dive planning.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Underwater diving is both a popular sport and an important
profession. There are various forms of underwater diving. In one
form, a diver uses a self contained underwater breathing apparatus
(SCUBA) in order to stay under water without having to hold his/her
breath or be tethered to a hose connected to the surface. One
important consideration when SCUBA diving is the amount of time a
diver can stay underwater. When a diver is underwater, there is a
greater amount of pressure exerted on the diver than on top of the
water. This pressure causes a greater amount of nitrogen to be
absorbed into the body during normal breathing at depth. When a
diver then returns to the surface, the nitrogen in the body expands
because the diver is no longer pressurized by the water.
Decompression sickness or the bends can occur if there is too much
nitrogen built up in the diver's body after returning to the
surface.
[0004] If a diver goes below certain depths for specified periods
of time, one or more decompression stops are required on the
diver's return trip to the surface so that the diver is not
affected by decompression sickness. In more serious cases, a diver
may need to spend time in a decompression chamber after surfacing
in order to safely release nitrogen built up in the diver's body.
Accordingly the two most important factors in planning for a dive
are maximum depth and total bottom time. Other important
considerations include previous recent dives and decompression
stops. Divers often use decompression tables or a dive computer in
order to avoid decompression sickness. Decompression tables, such
as those available commercially from PADI Americas, Inc., which are
herein incorporated by reference, provide a tool for divers to plan
dives based on maximum depth and total bottom time. The
decompression tables, however, are tedious and divers often make
mistakes when using them. A dive computer generally includes one or
more instruments which measure depth and/or time during a dive in
order to assist a diver in avoiding decompression sickness. Dive
computers, however, can be expensive and generally offer very
limited pre-dive dive planning capability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention solves these and other drawbacks by
providing a low cost, easy to use, electronic no-decompression
calculator to aid in dive planning. Aspects of the present
disclosure include an easy to use electronic no-decompression table
for use in recreational dive planning in order to avoid
decompression sickness. In one embodiment, the electronic
no-decompression calculator is a portable handheld unit. The user
is requested to enter at least one relevant piece of information
about a dive and that information is used to compute depth, time,
and surface interval time limits as well as pressure group
categorizations. In one embodiment, an information tablet is
provided with information relevant to planning a dive.
[0006] In one embodiment, an automated method for planning an
underwater dive is disclosed. The method includes the steps of
entering a first pressure group, entering a depth, and
automatically determining and displaying a no decompression time
limit using the first pressure group and the depth. In one
embodiment, the method also includes entering a first time period
corresponding to an actual bottom time and automatically
determining and displaying a second pressure group using the first
pressure group, the depth and the time. In one embodiment, the
method also includes entering a second time period corresponding to
a surface interval and automatically determining and displaying a
third pressure group using the first pressure group, the first
depth, the first time period and the second time period. In one
embodiment, the method also includes automatically determining and
displaying at least one warning message.
[0007] In one embodiment, the automated method for planning an
underwater dive includes entering a second depth and automatically
determining and displaying a second no decompression time limit
using the third pressure group and the second depth. In one
embodiment, the method also includes entering a third time period
corresponding to an actual bottom time and automatically
determining and displaying a fourth pressure group using the third
pressure group, the second depth and the third time period. In one
embodiment, the method also includes entering a fourth time period
corresponding to a surface interval and automatically determining
and displaying a fifth pressure group using the third pressure
group, the second depth, the third time period and the fourth time
period.
[0008] In one embodiment, an automated method for determining a
surface interval is disclosed. The method includes entering a first
depth, entering a first time period corresponding to a bottom time
associated with the first depth, entering a second depth, entering
a second time period corresponding to a bottom time associated with
the second depth, and automatically computing and displaying a
third time period corresponding to a surface interval using the
first and second depths and the first and second time periods. In
one embodiment, the method also includes automatically determining
and displaying a first no decompression time limit using the first
depth. In one embodiment, the method also includes automatically
determining and displaying a second no decompression time limit
using the first and second depths and the first time period. In one
embodiment, the method also includes determining and displaying at
least one warning message.
[0009] In one embodiment, an automated method for determining a
maximum depth is disclosed. The method includes the steps of
entering a first time period, automatically determining and
displaying a maximum depth using the first time period. In one
embodiment, the method includes entering a first pressure group and
using the first pressure group to automatically determine and
display a maximum depth. In one embodiment, the method also
includes determining and displaying at least one warning
message.
[0010] In one embodiment a handheld electronic no-decompression
planner is disclosed. The electronic no-decompression planner
includes a housing, a display operably connected to the housing, a
user input control for entering one or more user inputs and a
processor configured to output to the display information relevant
in planning an underwater dive based on the user input control. In
one embodiment, the user input control comprises alphanumeric
buttons. In one embodiment, the display comprises a liquid crystal
display. In one embodiment, the housing is water resistant. In one
embodiment, the information comprises at least one of a
no-decompression time limit, a pressure group, a surface interval,
and a depth. In one embodiment, the user enters at least one of a
pressure group, a depth, an at depth time period, and a surface
interval time period.
[0011] In one embodiment, the handheld electronic no-decompression
planner is operably connected to a tablet. In one embodiment, the
tablet includes written information relevant to planning an
underwater dive. In one embodiment, the housing is less than about
1/2 inch thick. In one embodiment, the housing is less than about
3/8 inch thick.
[0012] In one embodiment, a kit is disclosed. The kit includes an
electronic no-decompression planner and instructions for use. In
one embodiment, the kit includes package which contains the
electronic no-decompression planner and instructions for use.
[0013] In one embodiment, an automated system of determining a
surface interval between underwater dives is discloses. The system
includes means for entering a first depth, means for entering a
first time period corresponding to a bottom time associated with
the first depth, means for entering a second depth, means for
entering a second time period corresponding to a bottom time
associated with the second depth, means for automatically computing
a third time period corresponding to a surface interval using the
first and second depths and the first and second time periods, and
means for automatically displaying the third time period on a user
readable display.
[0014] In one embodiment, an automated system of determining a
maximum depth in preparation for an underwater dive is disclosed.
The system includes means for entering a first time period, means
for automatically determining and displaying a maximum depth using
the first time period, and means for automatically displaying the
maximum depth on a user readable display.
[0015] In one embodiment, a method of automating an underwater dive
table is disclosed. The method includes the steps of entering
information relevant in planning an underwater dive, automatically
determining at least one factor useful in planning a dive, and
automatically displaying the at least one factor on a user readable
display. In one embodiment, the information can be a depth; a
bottom time period; a surface interval time period; or a pressure
group. In one embodiment, the factor can be a depth; a bottom time
period; a surface interval time period; a pressure group; or a
warning message.
[0016] In one embodiment, a device for determining parameters
useful in planning multiple underwater dives is disclosed. The
device includes a storage area configured to store information
relevant in determining dive parameters, a user input configured to
receive a first plurality of parameters relevant in planning
multiple dives, a processor configured to determine a second
plurality of dive parameters using the first plurality of dive
parameters and at least a portion of the stored information, and a
user readable display configured to display at least one of the
second plurality of dive parameters. In one embodiment, the first
plurality of parameters includes at least on of a pressure group, a
depth, a surface interval time period, and an at depth time
interval. In one embodiment, the second plurality of parameters
includes at least one of a pressure group, a depth, a surface
interval time period, and an at depth time interval.
[0017] In one embodiment, a method for planning an underwater dive
using a computing device is disclosed. The method includes the
steps of electronically storing information relevant in planning an
underwater dive, entering a first plurality of parameters useful in
planning multiple underwater dives onto an computing device,
determining a second plurality of parameters useful in planning an
underwater dive using the first plurality of parameters and at
least a portion of the stored information, and displaying the
second plurality of parameters on a user readable display. In one
embodiment, the step of determining the second plurality of
parameters is done by a processor. In one embodiment, the method
also includes the step of electronically storing at least a portion
of the first plurality of parameters. In one embodiment, the method
also includes the step of electronically storing at least a portion
of the second plurality of parameters.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to
illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and not to limit the scope
of the claims.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a front plan view of one embodiment of an
electronic no-decompression calculator in its packaging.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a back plan view of the packaging of FIG.
1 showing instructions for use.
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the
electronic no-decompression calculator and the instructions for use
outside of its packaging.
[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an electronic
no-decompression calculator with attached instruction tablet.
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an electronic
no-decompression calculator with attached instruction tablet.
[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates a back view of an electronic
no-decompression calculator with attached instruction tablet.
[0025] FIG. 7 illustrates a back view of an electronic
no-decompression calculator with attached instruction tablet and
battery cover removed.
[0026] FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of an electronic
no-decompression calculator.
[0027] FIG. 9A illustrates a front view of an instruction
tablet.
[0028] FIG. 9B illustrates a back view of an instruction
tablet.
[0029] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of the operation of one
embodiment of a no-decompression calculator.
[0030] FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of a dive planning module of
one embodiment of a no-decompression calculator.
[0031] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a flowchart of a surface
interval module of one embodiment of a no-decompression
calculator.
[0032] FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart of one embodiment of a
maximum depth module of one embodiment of a no-decompression
calculator.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0033] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a recreational
electronic dive no-decompression calculator for use in planning
underwater dives, including SCUBA dives. A diver prepares for
his/her dive by first determining dive limitations in order to
avoid decompression sickness. A diver enters information regarding
a dive into the calculator and receives in response limitations and
warnings on a planned dive. In one embodiment the no-decompression
calculator aids in determining a no decompression time limit. In
one embodiment, the no-decompression calculator calculates a
pressure group after a dive. In one embodiment, the
no-decompression calculator determines a pressure group after a
surface interval. In one embodiment, the no-decompression
calculator determines a minimum surface interval. In one
embodiment, the no-decompression calculator determines a maximum
depth. In one embodiment, the no-decompression calculator warns of
an exceeded limit. In one embodiment, no-decompression calculator
warns of a necessary decompression stop.
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a kit 100 containing a
no-decompression calculator 101 in its packaging 103. FIG. 2
illustrates the backside of the packaging of FIG. 1. As illustrated
in FIG. 2, kit 100 contains instructions for use 205. FIG. 3
illustrates a view of kit 100 with kit components 101, 103, 205,
307 separated. FIG. 3 also illustrates tablet 307 operably coupled
to an electronic no-decompression calculator 101.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of an electronic
no-decompression calculator 101 with coupled tablet 307. Tablet 307
includes text 407. Text 407 includes warnings, reminders, helpful
hints, and instructions for planning a dive. In one embodiment, the
tablet 307 contains the following copyrighted information:
General Rules for Using the eRDP
[0036] 1. The Electronic Recreational Dive Planner (eRDP) is
designed specifically for planning recreational (no-decompression)
dives on air only. Do not attempt to use it for planning
decompression dives. [0037] 2. Safety Stops--A safety stop for 3
minutes at 5 metres/15 feet is required any time the diver comes
within 3 pressure groups of a no-decompression limit, and for any
dive to a depth of 30 metres/100 feet or greater. [0038] 3.
Emergency Decompression--If a no-decompression limit is exceeded by
no more than 5 minutes, an 8 minute decompression stop at 5
metres/15 feet is mandatory. Upon surfacing, the diver must remain
out of the water for at least 6 hours prior to making another dive.
If a no-decompression limit is exceeded by more than 5 minutes, a 5
metres/15 feet decompression stop of no less than 15 minutes is
urged (air supply permitting). Upon surfacing, the diver must
remain out of the water for at least 24 hours prior to making
another dive. [0039] 4. Flying after Diving Recommendations [0040]
For Dives within the No-Decompression Limits [0041] Single Dives: A
minimum preflight surface interval of 12 hours is suggested. [0042]
Repetitive Dives and/or Multi-Day Dives: A minimum preflight
surface interval of 18 hours is suggested. [0043] For dives
requiring decompression stops [0044] A minimum preflight surface
interval of greater than 18 hours is suggested [0045] 5. Diving at
Altitude--Diving at Altitude (300 metres/1000 feet or greater)
requires use of special training and procedures. [0046] 6. Special
Rules for Multiple Dives If you are planning 3 or more dives in a
day: Beginning with the first dive, if your ending pressure group
after any dive is W or X, the minimum surface interval between all
subsequent dives is 1 hour. If your ending pressure group after any
dive is Y or Z, the minimum surface interval between all subsequent
dives is 3 hours. Note: since little is known about the
physiological effects of multiple dives over multiple days, divers
are wise to make fewer dives and limit their exposure toward the
end of a Multi-Day dive series. [0047] 7. Ascend from all dives at
a rate not to exceed 18 metres/60 feet per min. [0048] 8. When
planning a dive in cold water or under conditions that might be
strenuous, plan the dive assuming the depth is 4 metres/10 feet
deeper than actual. [0049] 9. Plan repetitive dives so each
successive dive is to a shallower depth. Limit repetitive dives to
30 metres/100 feet or shallower. [0050] 10. Do not dive below 40
metres/130 feet. As an emergency procedure, if you discover you
have accidentally descended below 40 metres/130 feet, immediately
ascend (at a rate not to exceed 18 metres/60 feet per minute) to 5
metres/15 feet and make an emergency decompression stop for 8
minutes. Any dive below 40 metres/130 meet must be followed by a
surface interval of at least 6 hours. [0051] 11. When the eRDP
reads "SEE RULE 11," your residual nitrogen levels are so low that
you may plan your next dive as a first dive. The WX and YZ rules
for minim surface intervals when making more than three dives in a
day still apply.".COPYRGT. Diving Science and Technology 1985-2006
The information on the tablet can be on the front or back of the
tablet and in any color, shape, size, orientation or font. A person
of ordinary skill in the art will recognize from the disclosure
herein that more or fewer warnings, reminders, helpful hints, and
instructions can be placed on the tablet.
[0052] Tablet 307 is operably coupled to electronic
no-decompression calculator 101 by ring 401. Ring 401 operably
couples to integrally molded rings 403, 405 on the electronic
no-decompression calculator 101 and tablet 307 respectively.
Although tablet 307 and electronic no-decompression calculator 101
can be directly connected without ring 401, the ring 401 allows for
greater movement of tablet 307 relative to the electronic
no-decompression calculator 101. In one embodiment, the ring 401 is
removable such that the tablet 307 and electronic no-decompression
calculator 101 can be separated. In one embodiment, ring 401 is not
removable. In one embodiment, tablet 307 and electronic
no-decompression calculator 101 are not connected or connectable.
In one embodiment, the tablet 307 is a cover. The tablet cover can
be removable or permanently attached to the electronic
no-decompression calculator. In one embodiment, the tablet cover is
slidably detachable through the use of male and female guide
channels. In one embodiment, the tablet cover is rotatably
connected to the electronic no-decompression calculator 101 by a
hinge, such that the cover can be flipped open. It will be
understood by a person of skill in the art that other connectors
beside ring 401 and integrally molded rings 403, 405 can be used.
For example, Velcro, screws, glue, magnets, or other permanent or
temporary fasteners can be used to couple together the tablet and
the electronic no-decompression calculator. Other connectors will
be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the present
disclosure.
[0053] In one embodiment, the electronic no-decompression
calculator is not associated with a tablet, rather the tablet 307
is integrated into the housing of the electronic no-decompression
calculator 101. In one embodiment, the information that would be
located on the tablet 307 is located on the back of the electronic
no-decompression calculator 101. In one embodiment, the information
of the tablet is incorporated into the memory of the electronic
no-decompression calculator, such that the information is
electronically displayed to the user during use.
[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of
an electronic dive calculator 101 and tablet 307. The electronic
dive calculator 101 and tablet 307 can be relatively thin and
small. In one embodiment the electronic dive calculator 101 is less
than about 41/2 inches wide, less than about 27/8 inches high, and
less than about 1/2 inch thick. In one embodiment, the electronic
dive calculator 101 is less than about 3/8 inch thick. In one
embodiment, the tablet is about 41/2 inches wide, about 27/8 inches
high, and about 1/8 inch deep.
[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates a back view of both the electronic
no-decompression calculator 101 and the tablet 307. Electronic
no-decompression calculator 101 has a battery cover 601 which holds
and protects the battery held within the electronic
no-decompression calculator. The cover can be either rotated closed
at position 603 or rotated open at position 605. To aid in rotating
the battery cover, slot 607 is provided. Electronic
no-decompression calculator 101 also has non-skid pads 609.
Non-skid pads 609 can be made from rubber or any other material
suitable for providing traction for the electronic no-decompression
calculator.
[0056] FIG. 7 illustrates a back view of the electronic
no-decompression calculator 101 with battery cover 601 removed. The
battery cover has male channel connectors 705 which operate in
connection with female channel connectors 706. As illustrated,
under the battery cover 601, are hidden a reset button 701 and a
FEET/METER (FT/M) switch 703. The reset button 701 allows a user to
manually reset the electronic no-decompression calculator. The FT/M
switch 703 allows a user to switch between using the imperial
measurement system and the metric measurement system.
[0057] FIG. 8 illustrates a closer view of the front of one
embodiment of the electronic no-decompression calculator 101.
Electronic no-decompression calculator 101 has a display 801,
buttons 803, display reference 805, and housing 807. In one
embodiment, the display 801 is an electroluminescent, LED or LCD
display. In one embodiment, the display displays both words and
numbers. In one embodiment, the display flashes in order to
highlight what is displayed. In one embodiment, the display has a
background light in order to provide light when other light sources
are not available. In one embodiment, the display is black and
white. In one embodiment, the display is color. In one embodiment,
the display displays graphics or other trend or history
information.
[0058] Buttons 803 provide a means for achieving user input of
information to the electronic no-decompression calculator. The
buttons 803 include alphanumeric buttons containing numbers 0-9 and
letters A-Z. The buttons 803 also include a Yes button and a No
button as well as a Mode/Reset button, a Delete button, a Back
button, and an Enter button.
[0059] Display reference 805 is a quick reference guide to acronyms
displayed on the display 801. The acronyms include "SI--SURFACE
INTERVAL," "ABT--ACTUAL BOTTOM TIME," "PG--PRESSURE GROUP,"
"NDL--NO DECOMPRESSION LIMIT." In operation, for example, when the
calculator displays a minimum surface interval time, it will
display "MIN SI ##H:##M." The display reference 805 provides a
quick display reminder for commonly used acronyms used by the
display.
[0060] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a closer front and back view of
the tablet 307.
[0061] FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of the operation of one
embodiment of an electronic no-decompression calculator 101. At
block 1001, the calculator is turned on. The process then moves to
block 1003 where a welcome screen is displayed. The welcome screen
displays the product name, the unit of measure, and then requests
the user to select a mode of operation. In one embodiment, only a
single mode of operation is available, and the welcome screen takes
the user directly to that mode of operation. In one embodiment two
or more modes of operation are available and a user must choose
which mode they wish to utilize. In one embodiment, three modes of
operations are available. A user then uses the Mode/Reset button in
order to select between one of the modes of operation. In one
embodiment, for example, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, the three
modes of operation are Dive Planning, Surface Interval, and Maximum
Depth. Other modes will be apparent to a person of skill in the art
from the present disclosure. The user then uses the Enter button in
order to select the desired mode.
[0062] The system then moves onto decision block 1004 where a user
selects one of the modes of operation. According to which mode is
selected, the process then continues on to one of three module
blocks: Dive Planning module 1005, Surface Interval module 1007, or
Maximum Depth module 1009, the operation of these modules are
described in further detail below. From the module blocks, the
process either ends at block 1011 where the calculator is turned
off manually by the user, or automatically after a predetermined
period of time, or the processor returns to welcome block 1003
after a user reset has occurred.
[0063] FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart of the dive planning module
1005. The dive planning module begins at block 1101 where the user
is asked whether this is his/her first dive of the day. If the
answer is yes, the system moves onto block 1103 where the user is
asked to enter a bottom depth. If the answer is no, the system
moves onto block 1104 where the user is asked whether the user
knows his/her pressure group after the surface interval. If the
answer is yes, then the system moves on to block 1105 where the
user is asked to enter his/her pressure group at the start of the
dive. From block 1105, the system then moves on to decision block
1107 where the system decides if the pressure group is W, X, Y, or
Z. If the pressure group is W, X, Y, or Z, then the system moves on
to block 1109 where the system displays a warning message to see
rule 6 on tablet 307. Rule 6 is quoted above and shown in FIG. 9B.
Once the warning message is displayed and acknowledged by the user,
such as, for example by using the enter button, the system moves on
to block 1103. If at decision block 1107, the pressure group is not
W, X, Y, or Z, then the system moves on to block 1103.
[0064] If at block 1104, the answer is no, then the system moves on
to block 1106 where the user is asked to enter his/her pressure
group before the surface interval. The system then moves to block
1108, where the system decides if the pressure group is W, X, Y, or
Z. If the pressure group is not W, X, Y, or Z, then the system
moves on to block 1112. If the pressure group is W, X, Y, or Z,
then the system moves on to block 1110 where the system displays a
warning message to see rule 6. Once the warning message is
displayed and acknowledged by the user, the system moves on to
block 1112. At block 1112, the user is asked to enter the surface
interval time period. Once entered, the system computes the
pressure group after the surface interval at block 1114. The system
then decides if the pressure group is W, X, Y, or Z. If the
pressure group is not W, X, Y, or Z, then the system moves on to
block 1120. If the pressure group is W, X, Y, or Z, then the system
moves on to block 1118 where the system displays a warning message
to see rule 6. Once the warning message is displayed and
acknowledged by the user, the system moves on to block 1120. At
block 1120, the system displays the pressure group after the
surface interval, and once acknowledged by the user, the system
moves on to block 1103.
[0065] At block 1103, the user is asked to enter a bottom depth.
Once entered, the system moves on to decision block 1111. At
decision block 1111, the system decides whether the depth entered
is greater than 30 meters or 100 feet. If the depth is not greater
than 30 meters or 100 feet, the system moves on to block 1113. If
the depth is greater than 30 meters or 100 feet, the system moves
on to decision block 1115 where the system decides whether the
depth is greater than 40 meters or 130 feet. If the depth is not
greater than 40 meters or 130 feet, then the system displays a
warning message to see rule 2 at block 1117 and waits for a user
acknowledgment before moving on to block 1113. If at decision block
1115, the system determines the depth is greater than 40 meters or
130 feet, then the system moves onto block 1119, where the system
displays a warning message to see rule 10 as quoted above and shown
in FIG. 9B. Once the warning message is acknowledged by the user,
the system returns to block 1103.
[0066] At block 1113, the calculator computes and displays the no
decompression time limit for the given depth and pressure group.
Once the user acknowledges the displayed no decompression time
limit, the system moves on to block 1121, where the user is asked
to enter the actual bottom time associated with the previously
entered depth. Once entered the system moves on to decision block
1123, where the system determines if the no decompression time
limit has been exceeded. If the no decompression time limit has not
been exceeded, then the system moves on to block 1126. If at
decision block 1123 the no decompression time limit has been
exceeded, then the system moves on to block 1125 where the system
displays an exceeds limits warning message and, once acknowledged
by the user, the system returns to block 1121.
[0067] At block 1126, the system computes the pressure group after
the dive. The system then moves on to decision block 1127, where
the system determines if the computed pressure group is within 3 of
the no decompression limit. If the computed pressure group is not
within 3 of the no decompression limit, then the system moves on to
block 1131 where the pressure group after the dive is displayed. If
at decision block 1127 the computed pressure group is within 3 of
the no decompression limit, then the system moves on to block 1129
where the system displays a warning message to see rule 2 as quoted
above and shown in FIG. 9A. Once acknowledged by the user, the
system moves on to block 1131.
[0068] After the user acknowledges the displayed pressure group
after the dive, the system moves on to block 1132 where the system
determines whether the pressure group before the surface interval
is W, X, Y, or Z. If the pressure group before the surface interval
is not W, X, Y, or Z, then the system moves on to block 1133, where
the user is asked to enter a desired surface interval. If at
decision block 1132, the pressure group before the surface interval
is W, X, Y, or Z, then the system moves on to block 1134 where the
system displays a warning message to see rule 6 as quoted above and
shown in FIG. 9B. Once acknowledged by the user, the system then
moves on to block 1133 as described above.
[0069] The system then moves on to block 1135 where the system
computes the pressure group after the desired surface interval.
Once acknowledged by the user, the system moves on to decision
block 1137, where the system determines whether the pressure group
after the surface interval is W, X, Y, or Z. If the pressure group
after the surface interval is not W, X, Y, or Z, then the system
moves on to block 1141 where the system displays the pressure group
after the surface interval. If at decision block 1137, the pressure
group after the surface interval is W, X, Y, or Z, then the system
moves on to block 1139 where the system displays a warning message
to see rule 6 as quoted above and shown in FIG. 9B. Once
acknowledged by the user, the system then moves on to block
1141.
[0070] After the user acknowledges the pressure group displayed
after the surface interval at block 1141, the system returns to
block 1103 and the process is repeated. In one embodiment, the
process is repeated 5 times. In one embodiment, the process is
repeated more than 5 times. In one embodiment, the process is
repeated less than 5 times. In one embodiment, the process is not
repeated.
[0071] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a flow chart of one embodiment
of a surface interval module. The surface interval module begins at
block 1201 where the user is asked whether this is his/her first
dive of the day. If the answer is yes, the system moves onto block
1203 where the user is asked to enter a bottom depth of his/her
first dive. If at block 1201, the answer is no, the system moves on
to block 1206 where the user is asked to enter his/her pressure
group after the first dive. The system then moves on to decision
block 1208 where the system decides if the pressure group is W, X,
Y, or Z. If the pressure group is W, X, Y, or Z, then the system
displays a warning message to see rule 6 at block 1210. Once the
warning message is acknowledged by the user, the system moves on to
block 1223. If at decision block 1208, the pressure group is not W,
X, Y, or Z, then the system moves directly on to block 1223.
[0072] At block 1203, the user is asked to enter a bottom depth of
his/her first dive. Once entered, the system moves on to decision
block 1205. At decision block 1205, the system decides whether the
depth entered is greater than 30 meters or 100 feet. If the depth
is not greater than 30 meters or 100 feet, the system moves on to
block 1213. If the depth is greater than 30 meters or 100 feet, the
system moves on to decision block 1207 where the system decides
whether the depth is greater than 40 meters or 130 feet. If the
depth is not greater than 40 meters or 130 feet, then the system
displays a warning message to see rule 2 at block 1211 and waits
for a user acknowledgment before moving on to block 1213. If at
decision block 1207, the system determines the depth is greater
than 40 meters or 130 feet, then the system moves onto block 1209,
where the system displays a warning message to see rule 10 as
quoted above and shown in FIG. 9B. Once the warning message is
acknowledged by the user, the system returns to block 1203.
[0073] At block 1213, the system computes and displays the no
decompression time limit for the given depth and pressure group.
Once the user acknowledges the displayed no decompression time
limit, the system moves on to block 1214, where the user is asked
to enter the actual bottom time of the first dive. Once entered the
system moves on to decision block 1215, where the system determines
if the no decompression time limit has been exceeded. If the no
decompression time limit has not been exceeded, then the system
moves on to decision block 1216. If at decision block 1215 the no
decompression time limit has been exceeded, then the system moves
on to block 1217 where the system displays an exceeds limits
warning message and, once acknowledged by the user, the system
returns to block 1214.
[0074] At block 1216, the system computes the pressure group after
the first dive. The system then moves on to decision block 1219,
where the system determines if the computed pressure group is
within 3 of the no decompression limit. If the computed pressure
group is not within 3 of the no decompression limit, then the
system moves on to block 1223. If at decision block 1219 the
computed pressure group is within 3 of the no decompression limit,
then the system moves on to block 1221 where the system displays a
warning message to see rule 2 as quoted above and shown in FIG. 9A.
Once acknowledged by the user, the system moves on to block
1223.
[0075] At block 1223, the user is asked to enter the bottom depth
of the second dive. Once entered, the system moves on to decision
block 1225. At decision block 1225, the system decides whether the
depth entered is greater than 30 meters or 100 feet. If the depth
is not greater than 30 meters or 100 feet, the system moves on to
block 1233. If the depth is greater than 30 meters or 100 feet, the
system moves on to decision block 1227 where the system decides
whether the depth is greater than 40 meters or 130 feet. If the
depth is not greater than 40 meters or 130 feet, then the system
displays the message to see rule 2 at block 1231 and waits for a
user acknowledgment before moving on to block 1233. If at decision
block 1227, the system determines the depth is greater than 40
meters or 130 feet, then the system moves onto block 1229, where
the system displays a warning message to see rule 10 as quoted
above and shown in FIG. 9B. Once the warning message is
acknowledged by the user, the system returns to block 1223.
[0076] At block 1233, the system computes and displays the no
decompression time limit for the second dive. Once the user
acknowledges the displayed no decompression time limit, the system
moves on to block 1235, where the user is asked to enter the actual
bottom time of the second dive. Once entered the system moves on to
decision block 1237, where the system determines if the no
decompression time limit has been exceeded. If the no decompression
time limit has not been exceeded, then the system moves on to block
1240. If at decision block 1237 the no decompression time limit has
been exceeded, then the system moves on to block 1239 where the
system displays an exceeds limits warning message and, once
acknowledged by the user, the system returns to block 1235.
[0077] At block 1240, the system computes the pressure group after
the second dive and then moves on to decision block 1241 where the
system determines whether the pressure group after the second dive
is within 3 of the no decompression limit. If the pressure group is
not within 3 of the no decompression limit, then the system moves
on to block 1245. If at decision block 1241, the pressure group
after the second dive is within 3 of the no decompression limit,
then the system moves on to block 1243, where the system displays a
warning message to see rule 2. Once acknowledged by the user the
system moves on to block 1245. At block 1245 the system computes
and displays the minimum surface interval.
[0078] FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart of one embodiment of a
maximum depth module 1009. The system begins at block 1301, where
the user is asked if this is his/her first dive. If the answer is
yes, the system moves on to block 1305. If the answer is no, the
system moves on to block 1303, where the user is asked to enter
his/her pressure group after his/her surface interval. Once
entered, the system moves on to block 1305. At block 1305, the user
is asked to enter his/her desired dive time. Once entered, the
system moves on to block 1307 where the system computes the maximum
depth for the dive time and pressure group. The system then moves
on to decision block 1309, where the system determines whether the
maximum time limits have been exceeded. If the maximum time limits
have been exceeded, then the system moves on to block 1311 where
the system displays a limits exceeded message and, once
acknowledged by the user, returns to block 1305. If at block 1309,
the maximum time limits have not been exceeded, then the system
moves on to block 1313, where the system displays a warning message
to see rule 2. Once the user acknowledges the rule 2 warning
message, then the system moves on to block 1315 where the maximum
depth is displayed.
[0079] Although the foregoing invention has been described in terms
of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure
herein. Additionally, other combinations, omissions, substitutions
and modifications will be apparent to the skilled artisan in view
of the disclosure herein. It is contemplated that various aspects
and features of the invention described can be practiced
separately, combined together, or substituted for one another, and
that a variety of combination and subcombinations of the features
and aspects can be made and still fall within the scope of the
invention. Furthermore, the systems described above need not
include all of the modules and functions described in the preferred
embodiments. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to
be limited by the recitation of the preferred embodiments, but is
to be defined by reference to the appended claims.
* * * * *