WO2010010420A1

WO2010010420A1 - Suspended video imaging system

Info

Publication number: WO2010010420A1
Application number: PCT/IB2008/003965
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Allen Pacey
Original assignee: Tactical Systems Inc.
Priority date: 2007-12-26
Filing date: 2008-12-29
Publication date: 2010-01-28

Abstract

An economical viewing system that consistently and accurately allows an operator to view the working end of a long-line, even when operating in hostile and dangerous environments features a durable pod detachably secured toward the distal end of the long-line with camera operably received therein. The camera is in communication with viewing equipment positioned within view of the operator, thereby allowing the operator to see the working end of the long line in a variety of applications.

Description

SUSPENDED VIDEO IMAGING SYSTEM

Cross-Reference To Related Application

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application serial number 61/008,835, filed on December 26, 2007.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a video system suspended along a line used for various applications such as with helicopter fire-fighting, victim rescue and long- line logging operations, stationary crane operations, hover vehicle load hooking operations and the like.

Background of the Invention

Long-line lifting and moving operations are used in a variety of applications including helicopter fire fighting, victim rescue, and logging. Other examples, of long line-operations include crane operations, hover vehicle load hooking, and the like. The operator of the long-line attached devices is usually positioned well away from the end of the long line where objects must be positioned or secured. Moreover, many of these operations are often conducted under dangerous conditions and in unstable environments. Accordingly, operator visibility of the end of the long-line is frequently compromised.

Attempts to improve the visibility of the working end of a long-line have had limited success. For example, Helicopter Pilots have supported extra windows in the bottom of the hull of the machine to permit direct viewing of operations carried out below. The skill of the pilot may be tested when these are used because the change in orientation from looking down through smoke or darkness with a transition to looking forward to the instrument panel can be challenging or at times disorienting , especially when the pilot is new to the machine or new to the craft of helicopter flying. The training required for operations directly below the machine may be more extensive when prolonged or accurate flying is required.

More recently, cameras have been mounted to the helicopter to assist with viewing. For example, the Sikorski Aircraft Corporation developed a video assisted retrieval system for use on helicopter operations where a tow boom was equipped with a video camera or cameras that monitor the deployment and retrieval of the tow load which was usually a mine drogue for underwater mine sweeping. The video camera on this application is fixed to the boom which in turn is fixed firmly to the rear cargo door and provides a rear view outside of the aircraft. The camera is thus firmly affixed to the inside of the aircraft as a cargo management camera. As a result, operator visibility of the working end of a long-line isn't significantly improved with such a camera system.

Similarly, aircraft mounted video systems have typically provided views of target areas or the aircraft itself. Aircraft systems using IR have been used to spot fires and correlate information with GPS locating systems. This is useful for general forest fire management and the like, but still does little to improve operator visibility of the working end of a suspended long line.

Moreover, Helicopter pilots have had little view of the critical tail rotor assembly and the zone around it. This has resulted in rotor strikes from time to time which may destabilize the machine and result in a rotating descent into terrain.

Crane operations have been assisted by video systems attached to the lifting arm truck which is directly above the load. These videos have been used as described by Burk to identify inventory locations in a steel mill using video connected to a computer data system. The contribution to crane safety may depend on the accuracy of the view that is obtained.

Stationary and moving land based cranes have a similar problem to that experienced by operators of hovering systems in that they are often far removed from the scene of the Hooks and connectors used to lift the loads . The ability to communicate with the crews operating below is useful to avoid accidents and allow more precision in handling. Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, despite the benefits of the known long-line viewing systems, there remains a need for an economical viewing system that consistently and accurately allows an operator to view the working end of a long-line, even when operating in hostile and dangerous environments. In addition to other benefits that will become apparent in the following disclosure, the present invention fulfills these needs.

In one disclosed embodiment, the viewing system features a durable pod detachably secured toward the distal end of the long-line with camera operably received therein. The camera is in communication with viewing equipment positioned within view of the operator, thereby allowing the operator to see the working end of the long line in a variety of applications. In disclosed preferred embodiments, the pod is positionable with a positioning device so as to maintain a proper camera viewing angle. Other disclosed embodiments also include positioning cameras and related equipment so as to allow tail rotor viewing, surrounding event recording, and the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side view of a suspended video system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention showing a possible orientation with respect to a long-line suspended from a helicopter and the long line attached to a fluid reservoir for use in fire-fighting operations.

FIG. 2 a side view of and alternative preferred suspended video system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A. is a side view of the suspended video system of FIG. 1 , showing a first possible positioning structure for the video pod.

FIG. 3B. is a side view of the suspended video system of FIG. 1 , showing a second possible positioning structure for the video pod.

FIG. 3C is a side view of the suspended video system of FIG. 1 , showing a third possible positioned structure for the video pod.

FIG. 4A is a side view of the suspended video system of FIG. 3A showing possible video components operably secured to the video pod.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the suspended video system of FIG. 3C₁ showing possible video components operably secured to the video pod.

FIG. 4C, is a front view of the suspended video system of FIG. 4B.

FIG. 5 shows an alternative possible video system component configuration installed on the video pod of FIG. 3B.

FIG. 6 shows a possible installation of the video pod of the present invention on a conventional lifting hook assembly, such as those used with conventional crane systems.

FIG. 7 shows a possible camera orientation for an alternative video system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a possible heads-up display system installed on an operator.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

A suspended video system 10 with a video pod 12 containing a camera 22 therein with the pod 12 detachably secured to a long-line 16 and having a positioning structure 60 operably secured thereto for allowing the pod 12 to be positioned and oriented along the long line is shown in FIGS. 1-8.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the suspended video system 10 is operably secured to the long-line 16 of a helicopter 12. The distal end 52 of the long line 16 is shown operably secured to a detachable fluid container 70used primarily with fire fighting operations. The field of view 20 for the camera 22 in the pod 12 is directed toward the distal end 52 of the long-line 16, thereby allowing the operator to view the fluid container 70 and facilitate its attachment and detachment and the like.

In this embodiment, the positioning structure 60 includes a stabilization line 18 extending from the pod 12 to the helicopter 14. The user may adjust the tension of this line 18 to thereby aligning the pod 12 as needed. An alternative orientation for the stabilization line 18 is shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, alternative possible positioning structures 60 for the pod are disclosed. In FIG. 3A, the pod 12 is aerodynamically shaped and includes airfoils 80 positioned to as to allow the pod 12 to align itself in response to the downward turbulent air flow generated by the rotor of the helicopter 14. This airfoil 80 may be fixed, or adjustable by the operator so as to maintain proper alignment of the pod 12.

FIG. 3B, shows a positioning structure 60 having a rotating rotor 82 positioned along the pod so as to allow activation of the rotor 82 to allow the pod 12 to pivot about the long line. The rotor 12 is operably connected to the pod and in communication with a control system operated by the operator, thereby allowing the operator to activate the rotor as needed to adjust the camera.

FIG. 3C, shows a third possible pod positioning structure 60, the stabilization line 18 best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The camera 22 in the pod 12 is in communication with a display system that is positioned within view of the operator. This communication can be via a wired connection 40 shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, or via wireless transmission, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In cases, where the camera 22 is wireless, related electronics, including an on board power source, controls, and the like must also be operably received within the pod.

Referring to FIG. 4A, a possible camera viewing angle 20 is disclosed. Preferably, one or more lights 24 are also operably received within the pod 12 to facilitate camera viewing.

The camera 22 installed in the pod 12 may view visible light video, infrared video, or be a coupled visual/ infrared system that may be superimposed on each other, separately displayed, or imposed on a virtual terrain image when correlated with GPS and/or file information inputs. Orientation of the camera may be carried out by the image digital level, the camera level via use of a servomotor or the like or by moving the pod as previously described.

Referring to FIG. 4B and 4C, an alternative possible camera component system configuration in the pod is disclosed. The pod 12 is slidably secured to the long-line 16 via channel 90, The pod 12 includes a battery 30, camera 22, lights 24, microphone 26, control system 28 and a power source 32 all in operably communication with each other.

Referring to FIG. 5, an alternative preferred camera component configuration on the pod 12 is disclosed. This configuration includes a laser altimeter 34 substantially aligned at about a 10 degree angle, a plurality of divergent lights 24, a camera 22 and a directional microphone, which the camera having a wide viewing angle directed downward as shown.

FIG. 6 shows a possible pod orientation on a conventional lifting hook assembly 100 commonly used with cranes and the like.

Referring to FIG. 7, a preferred camera orientation system with camera 22 in the long line pod 12, one positioned below the belly of the helicopter and one positioned to view the tail rotor is disclosed. These cameras and their viewing angles are aimed at allowing the operator a full range of viewing all potential hazards.

FIG. 8 shows a possible heads-up display 50 for use by the operator. This display is in combination with the pod-mounted camera and, if desired, any other cameras that are operably secured around the operator.

Having described the basic components and their configuration, exemplar uses of the suspended video system will now be described.

Example 1 :

In this example, the use of video display in the cockpit , to crew, or to a heads up display that provides a direct downward looking view to assist the pilot in long line work. The first application of this is for direction , control , and event recording related to fire fighting activity wherein the Helicopter uses devices commonly known as Bambi ® buckets or Helicopter fixated belly tanks where the video is used for accurate over flight targeting of the fire to permit accurate recording of the event and its effect if any on the fire. The records so obtained may then be used by the payer agency which can then pay only for water and chemical "On the fire". When this is coupled with GPS tracking then a full record of all aspects of the flight are documented.

Fire fighting application is aided by allowing the delivery reservoir typically a Bambi (tm) to be at a lower level and at a point close to the source of the fire. The camera pod will give a close-up view for precision bombing of the hot spots of the fire while the bucket is in full view to protect the asset. The camera in close proximity to the Bambi Bucket provides input during filling and can control the extent of this process such that the liftoff can be carried out at the last possible moment. This factor is important to reduce pilot fatigue and save fuel cost. The device increases the potential for the accurate aiming of the bucket onto small fires that are shrouded in smoke. The combination of the belly camera asset with the long line camera asset is very important for many operations and will add greatly to safety , economy and precision. The rotor wash is an important fan and long line cameras permit accurate bombing from altitude.

The control of placement of the snorkel on belly tanks is also expected to have high value. Tanker aircraft can also benefit if fire sight aiming is employed. This at once increases precision and records the event while reducing fuel use during loading operations by keeping an ideal altitude above the ground.

Example 2:

In this example, the technology is in long line load handling operation when the video is located on the long line itself and gives the pilot a close up view of the hooking process, the shifting of the loads on application of lifting power, and the flight of the load to the target. This information can protect those on the ground from poor communication situations to some extent and also assist pilots when flying with human cargo where safety is of prime importance. The video information is supplemented by light delivery, FLIR camera technology, directional microphones, laser or other altimeters, and all of these technologies are combined in a camera pod close to the load and are displayed on 1 or more screens in the cockpit. Example 3:

The invention provides a new perspective for the use of hover vehicles, construction crane arms and load pickup devices like Towing trucks. The placement of a video system on or near the hook or attachment part allows the operator to maintain a view of the load of personnel or materiel while an upper camera of HDTV may provide global orientation while controlling both the load pickup and drop while keeping the main vehicle under positive control. The most effective placement of the video system camera is some distance away from the attachment or load carrying device or hook such that it will permit a perspective of the placement of the load or hook , typically 20 feet from the carried load.

In view of the wide variety of embodiments to which the principles of the invention can be applied, it should be apparent that the detailed embodiments are illustrative only and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. For example, the wide-angle lens area may be contaminated by water or spray and may be cleaned by a rotating centrifugal force lens cleaner with or without the use of heating elements.

Similarly, the information derived from the sensor then will be transmitted by wire or wireless means to a monitor or monitors within the control vehicle. The feedback derived from this shall be valuable to the operator or pilot and shall aid in such activities as retrieving survivors, accurately placing loads, or fighting fire.

Also, the information may be displayed on Heads up display on goggles or on the windscreen, or on the helmet screen. The images may be computed and in many ways superimposed to combine a terrain data base , Laser altitude, FLIR images, Visual light images , Radar ground information and GPS information.

The transmission of high quality video information to the helicopter or crane may be improved by use of opto-electronic transmission by what is commonly called fiber optic cable.

The use of one or more cameras or camera types is envisioned wherein the hook , target or load is always in view and the camera view projected to the pilot is preferred to be oriented in the same plane as the pilot so that mental strain is reduced. The relative convenience reduces pilot strain and thus over time will improve performance and safety in flight. The means will be created to control the image, or the camera, or the pod in such a way that the orientation of view is selected by the pilot and remotely maintained until the task is complete or the flight ^* is terminated. GPS may be used in the pod with INS or other position control devices. The pod may interrogate a device on the aircraft or the ground to maintain the position. The pod may be led to a laser targeting system by use of power assists or flying controls and as such may have a partially independent flight profile from the main machine.

The camera pod 12 is preferably of modular construction so that the pod may carry a variety of sensors , lights, strobes, and other assets as required by the mission. All of these elements will be integrated in the heads up or cockpit video display. The camera pod lights are positioned so that the presence of a divergent beam gives the observer or pilot altitude information and at the point of service the beams are close enough to combine to give a superior view. The divergent lights are essential to achieve best awareness .

The system includes forward looking IR and Video during forward flight and lighting that is mounted on the smart pod and follows the video aim. Laser pointers display the location of elements in poor visibility situations and ground or air viewing radar that may provide obstacle information or altitude information. The smart pod thus may be dropped far below the crane, aircraft or helicopter and provide precision information that will permit the pod to be guided with control means that may include active power elements.

Infrared may be used to point to hot spots for fire retardant placement.

The system may use multiple cameras from the interior of the aircraft to show the pilot crew readiness, attached to the hull for landing and takeoff phases, midway on the wire for larger perspective and of course near the hook which is most useful to provide tactical movement of the hook.

The use of this equipment in Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) will permit assets to perform rescue operations without risk to crew. This could be important for resupply, extraction of personnel from a high risk environment. The use of a laser as a direction indicator is also envisaged. The laser or lasers would allow crew to give directional input with reference to the visible light laser pointer.

The camera pod may use Laser altimeter or ultrasound for precision hook altitude information and radar altimeter for higher level indication as required.

Accordingly, the claimed invention includes all such modifications as may come within the scope of the following claims and equivalents thereto.

Claims

Claims What is claimed is:

1. A video system suspended on a long-line, said video system comprising: a pod detachably secured to the long line; a camera operably secured to said pod and in communication with a video display; and, a positioning system operably secured to the pod for positioning the pod on the long line.

2. The video system of claim 1 , wherein said positioning system includes an airfoil operably secured to the pod.

3. The video system of claim 1 , wherein said positioning system includes stabilization line extending from the pod to a support structure supporting the long line.

4. The video system of claim 3, wherein that support structure is a helicopter.

5. The video system of claim 1 , wherein said positing system is a rotor operably secured to the pod.

6. The video system of claim 1 , wherein said rotor is controlled by a control system, and said control system is controllable by an operator.

7. The video system of claim 1 , wherein said camera is in wireless communication with the display.

8. The video system of claim 1 , wherein said camera is in wired communication with the display.

9. The video system of claim 1 , where said display is a heads-up display worn by an operator.

10. The video system of claim 1 , further including a light operably secured to the pod.

11. The video system of claim 1 , further including a directional microphone operably secured to the pod.

12. The video system of claim 1 , further including a second camera operably secured to the pod.

13. The video system of claim 1 , wherein said camera is a visual camera and said second camera is an infrared camera.

14. The video system of claim 1 , further including an altimeter operably secured to the pod.

15. The video system of claim 1 , wherein said long line is suspended from a helicopter and further including a second camera operably secured to the helicopter.

16. The video system of claim 15, wherein said second camera is directed toward a tail rotor of the helicopter.

17. The video system of claim 15, wherein said second camera is directed downward from the helicopter.