Electromagnetic communications and switching system

• US 4,688,037 A
• Filed: 04/19/1982
• Issued: 08/18/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 08/18/1980
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Chittenden Bank (People's United Financial Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation (The Boeing Co.)
• Inventors: Krieg, James C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Crosland, Donnie L.
• Application Number:
  US06/369,815
• Time in Patent Office: 1,947 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.72, 340/573, 340/365 R, 340/365 S, 340/365 P, 340/365 A, 340/686, 343/112 R, 343/119, 343/100 AD, 343/448-450, 324/207, 324/208, 324/244, 324/247, 324/226, 324/260, 318/16, 455/73, 455/80, 455/82, 250/491, 250/491.1, 434/112, 434/114, 434/43
• US Class Current: 340/4.11
• CPC Class Codes: A42B 3/042 Optical devices night vision goggles G02B23/12
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 4/00 Methods or devices enabling patients or disabled persons to operate an apparatus or a device not forming part of the body operating or control means for prostheses A61F2/48, A61F2/68
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 3/225 Helmet sighting systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/012 Head tracking input arrangements

Abstract

An electromagnetic communications and switching system provides for line-of-sight remote selection and actuation of a wide variety of apparatus. The system has a plurality of radiating antennas having independent components defining a reference coordinate frame. A transmitter is provided for applying electrical signals to the antennas which generate a plurality of radio frequency electromagnetic fields. The signals are multiplexed so that the electromagnetic fields are distinguishable from one another. An array of control positions is provided that is fixed with respect to the reference coordinate frame. A plurality of receiving antennas are provided which are adapted for mounting on the head of an operator. The receiving antennas are provided with independent components for detecting and measuring the components of the electromagnetic fields. A sight couples the eyes of the operator and the array of control positions. The sight is mounted on the head of the operator and defines a line-of-sight for the operator. A processor is provided for converting the components of the electromagnetic fields received by the receiving antennas into the position and orientation of the receiving antennas with respect to the radiating antennas. Using the sight, the operator selectively points to a desired control position and the processor determines which control position is being chosen by determining the position and orientation of the operator'"'"'s head and thus the line-of-sight of the operator.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic communications and switching system for use as an invalid communications device comprising:

a plurality of radiating means having independent components defining a reference coordinate frame;

transmitter means for applying to said plurality of radiating means electrical signals which generate a plurality of radio frequency electromagnetic fields, said plurality of electromagnetic fields being distinguishable from one another;

an array of control positions for simulating an alphanumeric keyboard;

a plurality of receiving means, said receiving means having a plurality of independent components for detecting and measuring each of said electromagnetic fields;

means for mounting said receiving means on the head of an operator;

sighting means for defining a line-of-sight for an operator, said sighting means being disposed on said means for mounting in a known relationship with respect to said receiving means, said sighting means thereby being directable by the operator to selectively point to control positions in said array of control positions; and

analyzing means associated with said receiving means for converting the components of said electromagnetic fields received by said receiving means into the position and orientation of said receiving means with respect to said radiating means and thus determining the control positions to which an operator points said sighting means, said analyzing means including means for compiling and displaying a message written by an operator, the operator assembling a message by sequentially pointing said sighting means to control positions on said keyboard.

2. An electromagnetic communications and switching system for remote selection and actuation of an apparatus comprising:

a plurality of radiating means having independent components defining a reference coordinate frame;

transmitter means for applying to said plurality of radiating means electrical signals which generate a plurality of radio frequency electromagnetic fields, said plurality of electromagnetic fields being distinguishable from one another;

an array of control positions associated with the operation of a designated apparatus;

a plurality of receiving means, said receiving means having a plurality of independent components for detecting and measuring each of said electromagnetic fields;

means for mounting said receiving means on the head of an operator;

sighting means for defining a line-of-sight for an operator, said sighting means being disposed on said means for mounting in a known relationship with respect to said receiving means, said sighting means thereby being directable by the operator to selectively point to control positions in said array of control positions; and

analyzing means associated with said receiving means for converting the components of said electromagnetic fields received by said receiving means into the position and orientation of said receiving means with respect to said radiating means and thus determining the control positions to which an operator points sighting means, said analyzing means including means for selectively designating a predetermined apparatus when the operator dwells said sighting means on a predetermined portion of said array of control positions and means for actuating the apparatus so designated.

3. A method for electromagnetically communicating and for switching apparatus comprising the steps of:

providing a plurality of radiating means having independent components defining a reference coordinate frame;

applying to said plurality of radiating means electrical signals which generate a plurality of radio frequency electromagnetic fields, said plurality of electromagnetic fields being distinguishable from one another;

providing a plurality of receiving means having independent components for detecting said electromagnetic fields transmitted by said radiating means;

providing an array of control positions;

providing sighting means for defining the line-of-sight for an operator;

mounting said receiving means and said sighting means on the head of an operator;

pointing said sighting means to selective control positions within said array of control positions;

analyzing the output of said receiving means and converting the components of said electromagnetic fields received by said receiving means into the position and orientation of the receiving means with respect to said radiating means and thus determining the control positions to which an operator points said sighting means; and

switching a control means associated with each of said control positions when the operator dwells said sighting means on one of said control positions for a predetermined time period.