Patent Application
20130169509
This disclosure relates to handheld, portable control units, and more particularly to a human-portable operator control unit (OCU) that incorporates dual display operation for functional use in harsh environments (e.g. in military and industrial applications).
Portable, handheld control units have been developed where an operator may control various features of complex equipment, such as a military or law enforcement vehicle. Units such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,471,216 (the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference) permit an operator to control equipment related to weaponry, countermeasures, communications, and surveillance, in addition to movement of the vehicle (e.g., direction, speed, altitude, depth, etc.).
A desirable feature of OCUs, particularly units for controlling vehicles, is a display for providing a real-time view of the vehicles' environment, and/or feedback with respect to any controls activated by the operator. OCUs have been developed that have one or more displays. In particular, multi-display OCUs have been ruggedized and adapted for functional use in harsh environments. However, these units are not human-portable due to the size, weight, and power requirements of their system and hence render them ineffective for dismounted operations.
Accordingly, there is a need for an OCU, suitable for use in military and industrial environments, having multiple displays and offering the convenience of handheld operation.
In accordance with the disclosure, a portable operator control unit includes multiple displays. In particular embodiments, an OCU includes two displays providing manipulation, control, and real time video information for operator feedback, and whereby the two displays may be used in conjunction for intuitive operation of a remotely controlled device.
According to embodiments of the disclosure, a portable operator control unit (OCU) includes a main portion disposed between handle portions extending from the main portion; the main portion has a front side, an opposing back side, and a top surface. The OCU includes a plurality of display devices including a primary display disposed on the front side of the main portion, and a secondary display movable with respect to the main portion. The secondary display is viewable by the operator along with the primary display while the secondary display is in use, and is stowed out of the operator's view while the secondary display is not in use.
The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred features of the present disclosure so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the disclosure that follows. Additional features of the disclosure will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure in its broadest form.
In the embodiments described herein, a dual display portable control device includes a primary display mounted on a front face of the device, and a secondary display above the primary display. The primary display is disposed between two handles and typically is used for command and control. The primary display is mounted so as to minimize operator fatigue and cognitive load, and to maximize operator capability. The primary display is normally always in use and provides two way command, control, and data information for the operator. The secondary display is also sized and mounted to minimize operator fatigue and cognitive load. The secondary display is used in applications requiring video information in addition to the information presented on the primary display and still minimize cognitive load and maximize operator capability. The secondary display can be stowed when not in use, providing truly portable operation. The dual display OCU increases situational awareness of the dismounted operator while minimizing cognitive burden.
In
The secondary display 14 is slidably disposed between members 15 protruding from and integral with the back side 102 of the unit. Display 14 has flanges 16 at opposite vertical edges thereof, engaging members 15 so as to form a sliding mechanism. When in use, secondary display 14 moves up (see
As shown in
When in use, the sliding mechanism in this embodiment provides a physically robust connection to the unit, and accordingly serves to prevent damage to the unit (e.g. when dropped on a hard surface).
When in use, secondary display 24 flips upward using universal joint mechanism 25 (see
An operator control unit 10, 20, 30 embodying this disclosure is portable (being of small size and light weight) and provides handheld operation, while being ruggedized for harsh environments. An OCU embodying this disclosure may also feature low power consumption, and may be powered by either an internal battery or an external power source.
It will be appreciated that an OCU according to the above-described embodiments may be configured to interface with an external processing unit or may incorporate an internal processing unit. Furthermore, an OCU embodying this disclosure may incorporate human-machine interface components such as joysticks, control buttons, triggers, trigger guards, touch screen, and keypad; may incorporate biometric devices such as thumbprint scanners and ID card readers; and may have wireless communications interfaces, wired communications interfaces and expansion ports for memory cards, docking stations, and additional communications ports.
A dual display OCU embodying this disclosure is functional for use in harsh environments. Typical applications include dismounted Fill-Motion Video (FMV) tracking; Remote Sensor Control; Remote Breacher System; Remote Weapons Control; Remote Perimeter Protection; Enhanced RSTA (Reconnaissance/Surveillance/Target Acquisition); and Simultaneous Command and Control of multiple unmanned platforms.
While the disclosure has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it is evident in view of the foregoing description that numerous alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure and the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/548,266, filed Oct. 18, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61548266 | Oct 2011 | US |
