WO1999000983A1 - Video device and video and audio data transmission system for remote diagnosis - Google Patents
Video device and video and audio data transmission system for remote diagnosis Download PDFInfo
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- WO1999000983A1 WO1999000983A1 PCT/FR1998/001359 FR9801359W WO9900983A1 WO 1999000983 A1 WO1999000983 A1 WO 1999000983A1 FR 9801359 W FR9801359 W FR 9801359W WO 9900983 A1 WO9900983 A1 WO 9900983A1
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- video
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N7/00—Television systems
- H04N7/18—Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
Definitions
- the invention relates to an image forming device as well as a system for bi-directional transmission and transmission of video and audio information for remote diagnosis, in particular of a motor vehicle engine.
- the technical field of the invention is that of remote diagnosis of motor vehicle breakdowns, in particular engine breakdowns, whether mechanical or electrical, for example.
- a vehicle repairer encounters a complex technical problem that is difficult to solve in his garage, he seeks help from the technical center of the car manufacturer concerned, which may be in a location very far from the garage.
- the only means of communication between this mechanic and the technical center are the telephone for voice conversations and the fax for texts and static images such as diagrams or photos.
- the transmission of new diagrams is made by fax.
- the telephone network remains the only means of communication between the repairer and the technical center, or between several garage owners.
- video conferencing devices that use the telecommunications line to the standard of the switched telephone network (PSTN) or to the standard of the integrated services digital network (ISDN), to transmit the image and the voice between two speakers located in two distant places.
- PSTN switched telephone network
- ISDN integrated services digital network
- a videoconference device for a first speaker uses a camera attached to a desktop computer, which processes images and sound information for transmission over the PSTN or ISDN telephone line.
- the image and sound received by the second speaker are again processed by the computer of the video conference device.
- the image is displayed on part of the computer screen and sound is output from its speakers.
- the fixed camera of this type of device does not give any usable result.
- the drawbacks of this type of device are in fact the absence of suitable lighting, which makes the image of the engine organs incomprehensible and unusable, and the impossibility of adjusting the focusing according to the part to be viewed.
- the invention overcomes these drawbacks by first proposing a portable image-forming device, the development of which allows the observation of an organ of the vehicle, in its overall view as in its details, and whose lighting is diffuse, homogeneous and variable so as not to saturate the camera and facilitate the interpretation of the video signal obtained.
- a first object of the invention is a device for forming a video signal comprising a solid-type monolithic camera, of portable format, characterized in that the camera is equipped with a “pin-hole” type lens. "with an i-spherical lens placed in front of an aperture whose dimensions are determined as a function of the desired depth of field, and of diffuse, uniform and variable lighting.
- this image-forming device is produced in the form of a video torch or a video headset, preferably wirelessly.
- a second object of the invention is a system for forming images of the visualized part of the vehicle on the one hand and audio information from the voice of the repairer on the other hand, then bidirectional transmission of these two types over-the-air video and audio information to the repairer's local computer, located in his garage.
- This local computer then sends this information via the telephone network of the PSTN or ISDN type, or else via a satellite broadcasting network, to the computer located at the technical center of the automobile manufacturer, for example, which in turn transmits information of the same type. type to the first operator.
- a video device and by a wireless audio headset, on which are fixed on the one hand a unidirectional microphone, connected to a modulator of the audio signal coming from the microphone, of carrier frequency F ⁇ , associated with a antenna intended for wireless transmission of the audio signal thus modulated, and on the other hand an antenna associated with a carrier frequency demodulator F 2 , different from the transmission frequency F ⁇ , and - by an electronic processing device audio signals, on which is fixed on the one hand an antenna for receiving the modulated video signal, connected to a demodulator followed by means for compressing the then demodulated video signal, with a view to its transmission by telecommunication means, and on the other hand share an antenna for receiving the high frequency audio signal, connected to a demodulator followed by a circuit for routing the audio channels connected to said compression means.
- FIG. 4 an embodiment of a second type of video device according to the invention, in longitudinal section;
- FIG. 6 a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic signal processing devices of a system according to the invention.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of a video device, portable due to its weight and dimensions, produced in the form of a video torch 1, easily understood by an operator, and whose function is to form, from a camera 2, an image of the parts or members that it illuminates, in an engine or a motor vehicle in the example of a garage operator.
- This torch is formed of a cylindrical body 3, at one end of which is fixed a frustoconical part 4 closed by a transparent cover 5. Inside the truncated cone 4 is arranged a conical reflector 6 in the center of which is placed a non-coherent homogeneous lighting means, a halogen lamp 7 for example.
- a camera 2 At the most flared end of the frustoconical part 4 is placed a camera 2, the objective of which is turned towards the transparent cover 5 of the torch.
- the cylindrical body 3 is intended to be held in the hand by an operator wishing to view parts of an automobile engine for example.
- the image of the part is formed using a monolithic electronic camera 2, of the solid type, with CCD or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Silicon) charge transfer. It is fitted with an easily achievable, inexpensive lens, the focus of which is between a few millimeters and fifty centimeters in front of the camera.
- This objective is of the "pin-hole” type, consisting of a small hole on which a semi-spherical lens is placed. The diameter of the hole and the radius of the lens are determined as a function of the depth of the object field which it is desired to obtain for the camera. This focusing of the image makes it possible to observe both the details of a mechanical member or an electrical circuit of the vehicle, as well as their overall view.
- the focusing of the image thus obtained is of low cost compared to the cost of a controlled objective, provided with a system of automatic focusing by conventional electric motor in cameras.
- this lighting is diffuse, homogeneous and of variable intensity, in order to not saturate the camera and not to create strongly lit areas, as a lighting could do direct.
- the image of parts with numbers or references, especially mechanical aluminum parts, is much easier to interpret thanks to this type of diffuse lighting.
- the range of operation of this diffuse lighting ranges from 8 lux to 300 lux for example.
- This diffuse lighting is obtained by placing a diffusing plate 8 in front of the halogen lamp 7, thus closing the truncated cone 4 rendered reflective.
- This plate 8 is pierced with a hole in its center to allow passage to the camera lens fixed in front of this plate relative to the halogen lamp.
- the material used for this diffusing plate 8 is for example diffusing polymer, such as Poly-methyl methacrylate.
- the reflective cone 6 is of the parabolic type, made of polymer for example, for its lightness.
- the rear face 9 of the camera, receiving the light from the halogen lamp 7, is reflective to return all the light towards the reflective cone. For this, this face 9 is either polished or covered with a metal plate or a reflective layer, in chromed polymer for example.
- the camera 2 is fixed inside the end of the frustoconical part 4 of the torch 1 by two brackets 10 and 11 , in mechanical contact with both the camera and the body of the torch.
- the cover 5, consisting of an optically transparent plate, is screwed onto the head of the video torch 1 to securely hold the elements constituting this head, that is to say the plate 8 of diffusing polymer, the camera 2, the reflector 6 and the halogen lamp 7.
- the CCD camera 2 operates in the visible spectrum, the transparency will correspond to the visible spectrum of 400 to 700 nanometers in wavelength. If the CCD camera works in the spectrum near infrared, it will be transparency in this spectrum, obtained by a filter cover, letting through only the optical wavelengths, between 700 and 1100 nanometers.
- the frustoconical part 4 of the torch can be manufactured by machining or by molding in aluminum for example, thermally conductive material of low cost.
- the two brackets 10 and 11 used for mounting the camera also allow the evacuation of the heat released by the halogen lamp 7, since they constitute thermal bridges between the camera and the body of the torch.
- the light emitted by the lamp 7 then reflected successively by the reflective rear face 9 of the camera and then the conical reflector 6, passes through the diffusing plate 8 around the camera 2, except at the level of the stirrups 10 and 11.
- a low intensity halogen lamp is used to save the power supply to the camera.
- this video device 1 is electrically autonomous, without electrical connection wire, supplied by a supply circuit 12, consisting of a rechargeable accumulator or a battery for example, which supplies the necessary electrical voltages. during the operation of the camera, the lighting by the halogen lamp 7 and a laser pointer 13.
- a laser pointer 13 located near the transparent cover of the torch, can be operated to produce very specific additional lighting. This laser task is then visible on the image of the vehicle organs, to specify the part or the references to be displayed during the exchange of information between the two operators.
- the intensity of the lighting provided by the torch is variable, thanks to a circuit 14 for adjusting the intensity of the halogen lamp connected to the supply circuit 12, and controlled by a control button 15 placed outside. of the torch.
- the video signal of the image of the engine parts, produced by the camera 2 of the video torch 1, must be sent to a transmission circuit 16 with very high frequency modulation, which sends the modulated image over the air, by by means of a radiating antenna 17 fixed to the outside of the plug 18 for closing the body of the torch.
- This VHF video transmitter 16 is electrically powered by circuit 12.
- FIG. 3 An alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, consists in producing a video torch, part of which is flexible.
- the cylindrical body 3 of the torch in which are housed the electrical supply circuit 12, the circuit 14 for adjusting the intensity of the lamp and the button 15 for varying this intensity, the VHF video transmitter 16, and which is closed by the cap provided with a video transmission antenna, remains rigid, as is the frustoconical part 4 in which the halogen lamp 7 and the CCD camera 2 are housed and which is closed by the transparent cover 5, but these two parts are spaced from each other by a flexible hose 19, made of rubber for example.
- the flexibility of this hose makes it possible to orient the CCD camera and its diffuse lighting in any position, thus allowing the operator to access parts or organs of the engine not usually accessible by the human eye.
- the lamp and video signal supply connections from the camera are placed inside the pipe 19.
- FIG 4 is a schematic sectional view of a video headset 20, playing the same role as the video light 1 but freeing both hands of the operator who can thus carry out delicate repairs according to the information sent by the center technical.
- This video headset 20 allows image formation by a CCD camera 21 and diffuse lighting obtained by placing a plate of diffusing material 22 in front of a halogen lamp 23.
- the camera and the lamp are electrically powered by a circuit 24, of the accumulator type. for example, which is also connected to a very high frequency video transmitter 25, sending the video signal, via a video transmission antenna 26, to the local garage station.
- the torch like the video headset can be supplied by wired link by the general electrical network, and do not then comprise an autonomous supply circuit 12 or 24.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a system for training and transmitting video and audio information, used in particular for the remote diagnosis of motor vehicles, between two operators G and T, located in two geographic locations different, distant from each other but connected by a telephone network of PSTN or ISDN type and having an electronic signal processing device, preferably in the form of a computer.
- These electronic devices are detailed in FIG. 6, described at the same time as FIG. 5, which is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic signal processing devices of a system according to the invention.
- a first operator G which can be the mechanic or repairer has two types of information training on the one hand video and audio on the other hand.
- a first operator G which can be the mechanic or repairer has two types of information training on the one hand video and audio on the other hand.
- a first operator G which can be the mechanic or repairer has two types of information training on the one hand video and audio on the other hand.
- a first operator G which can be the mechanic or repairer has two types of information training on the one hand video and audio on the other hand.
- a first operator G which can be the mechanic or repairer has two types of information training on the one hand video and audio on the other hand.
- a first operator G which can be the mechanic or repairer has two types of information training on the one hand video and audio on the other hand.
- a first operator G which can be the mechanic or repairer has two types of information training on the one hand video and audio on the other hand.
- a first operator G which can be the mechanic or repairer has two types of information training on the one hand
- an antenna 33 for receiving the modulated video signal which is connected to a demodulator 34 followed by a coding card 35, used for compression of the video signal then demodulated, in view of its transmission by the telephone network 36, in real time, to the second operator T.
- the mechanic wears a wireless headset 37, on which is fixed on the one hand a unidirectional microphone 38, taking into account only the voice of the operator with the exception of surrounding noise, and connected to means 39 of high frequency audio emission, constituted by a modulator of the audio signal coming from the microphone 38, of carrier frequency F- ⁇ , and by an associated antenna 40, intended for the transmission by hertzian way of the audio signal thus modulated.
- high frequency audio reception means constituted by an antenna 41 associated with a demodulator 42 of carrier frequency F 2 , different from the transmission frequency F, to avoid harmful interference.
- the respective values of these frequencies F. ⁇ and F 2 may for example be 34 MHz and 200 MHz in France.
- the words of the operator G emitted in the microphone 38 are modulated under carrier frequency F. ⁇ and then transmitted by the high frequency transmission means, to the local station 30 on which is fixed an antenna 43 for receiving high frequency audio .
- the device for electronic processing of the received audio signal essentially consists of a high frequency audio demodulator 44, a circuit 45 for routing the audio channels, and by the coding card 35 used for signal compression.
- the high frequency audio demodulator 44 is intended to demodulate the audio signal modulated under carrier frequency F ⁇ .
- the purpose of the routing circuit 45 is to route the audio channel of the local station 30, of carrier frequency F 1 , to the coding card and the audio channel of another geographically distant operator, of carrier frequency F 2 , to the first operator.
- This circuit switch is connected to the coding card 35 of the demodulated signal, which carry out its compression, with a view to its transmission by the telephone network 36.
- another local station 50 is placed intended to receive the audio signal and the compressed video signal. , coming from the first operator and having circulated along the telephone network, and comprising a device for electronic processing of these signals.
- the second local station placed for example in the technical center of the automobile manufacturer, comprises an electronic processing device 51, a computer for example, provided with a screen 52, intended to carry out the processing received signals.
- the electronic processing device essentially consists of a coding card 53 used for the decompression of audio and video signals, by decoding, with a view to their restitution to the second operator T.
- the images are reproduced on the screen 52 and the sound is restored by loudspeakers associated either with the computer or with an audio headset 54 after passing through a routing circuit 55 of audio channels. If this headset is connected by a wire to local station 50, the audio signal comes directly to the operator's ears.
- the second operator To establish a dialogue between the two operators and to answer in particular the questions of the first in the face of a breakdown that it fails to repair for example, the second operator must be able to communicate, in turn, to the first operator, oral and written information .
- he has a unidirectional microphone 56 to transmit only his own words and not those of the other technicians of the center, who are also called upon by other mechanics. If the operator has a helmet, this microphone can be attached to it.
- the operator T sends an audible signal via his microphone 56 to the local station 50, where it is received by the electronic processing device, in the routing circuit 55 of the audio channels which sends it to the card.
- coding 53 used for its compression with a view to its transmission over the PSTN or ISDN telephone network for example.
- This operator T also has video means, such as a fixed camera 58 for sending to the first operator image files or electrical or mechanical diagrams for example, intended to answer his questions and help him in his diagnosis or in his repairs.
- the video signal coming from the camera 58 also passes through the coding card 53 for its compression before being sent over the telephone network.
- FIG. 7 represents the particular case of an exchange of information with a second operator T equipped with a headset 60 connected, not by a wire but by radio link to the local station.
- this headset For the reception of audio information coming from the first operator G and ending at the second local station 50, this headset must be equipped with a high frequency audio reception antenna 61 and a high frequency audio receiver 62, of carrier frequency F 3 for demodulating the audio signal coming from a modulator 63 associated with a transmitting antenna 64 of the local station 50.
- a microphone 65 For transmission to the first operator G, a microphone 65 must be associated with a modulator 66 and another antenna 67 for high-frequency audio transmission, while the local station 50 must be equipped with an antenna 68 for audio reception high frequency associated with an electronic processing device which comprises a demodulator 69 of the audio signal sent by the second operator T, through the microphone of his wireless headset.
- the sound coming from the microphone 65 is modulated according to a carrier frequency F 4 , different from the reception frequency F 3 , by the modulator 66 and sent by the transmitting antenna 67 to the reception antenna 68 and the demodulator 69 of the local station 50.
- This signal is then compressed.
- the values of F 3 and F 4 can for example be equal to 36 MHz and 202 MHz in France.
- this second operator T has autonomous video means such as a video torch 1.
- an antenna for receiving the modulated video signal in the torch connected to a connected demodulator to the coding card, with a view to its transmission by the telecommunication medium, these circuits being similar to those already described in FIGS. 5 and 6 for local station 30.
- the reception of these signals by the operator G is done as follows.
- the audio signal from the telephone network 36 first passes through the coding card 35 for its decompression, before being routed by the routing circuit 45, to then be restored to audio transmission means 70. Their role is then to modulate this audio signal according to the frequency F 2 , before it is sent to the headset of the first operator G, by an antenna 71 for high frequency audio transmission.
- This signal is picked up by the antenna 41 of the helmet 37 of the operator G, then demodulated.
- the audio signal is not transmitted to the operator by VHF modulation.
- the video signal coming from the camera 58 of the technical center is also decompressed then restored on the screen 32 of the local station 30.
- FIG. 8 is a variant of the system for training and transmitting audio and video information according to the invention, using no longer a telephone network, but a satellite broadcasting network.
- the second geographic location where the operator T of the technical center is located must be equipped with a parabolic antenna 83 and a modulation and demodulation circuit 84.
- the latter only needs a single antenna 83 for the transmission of information to these different local stations each equipped with an individual satellite dish, provided that they stay in the satellite coverage.
- the main advantage of the invention lies in its application to remote diagnosis of motor vehicle breakdowns.
- the proposed solution consists in forming the image of the part of the engine to be visualized and the voice of the repairman placed near a vehicle, then transmitting this image and this sound, over the air, to his local computer placed in his garage.
- the local computer sends the image and sound, via the telephone network or a satellite broadcasting network, to the technical center of the car manufacturer.
- the repairer thus has a training system and transmission of video and audio information, wireless or hands-free, from the vehicle to his local computer, which in turn communicates this information in real time to the central computer , via the telephone network or a television broadcasting network.
- the technical center has the same system for transmitting video and audio information towards the garage. It is thus possible to carry out a remote diagnosis with image and sound, in real time, at a distance between the two places.
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Abstract
Description
DISPOSITIF VIDEO ET SYSTEME DE TRANSMISSION VIDEO DEVICE AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEM
D'INFORMATIONS VIDEO ET AUDIOVIDEO AND AUDIO INFORMATION
POUR LE TELEDIAGNOSTICFOR TELEDIAGNOSTICS
L'invention concerne un dispositif de formation d'images ainsi qu'un système de formation et de transmission bidirectionnelle d'informations vidéo et audio pour le télédiagnostic, notamment d'un moteur de véhicule automobile.The invention relates to an image forming device as well as a system for bi-directional transmission and transmission of video and audio information for remote diagnosis, in particular of a motor vehicle engine.
Le domaine technique de l'invention est celui du télédiagnostic des pannes de véhicules automobiles, notamment des pannes de moteur, qu'elles soient d'ordre mécaniques ou électriques par exemple. Lorsqu'un réparateur de véhicule rencontre un problème technique complexe et difficile à résoudre dans son garage, il cherche à obtenir de l'aide du centre technique du constructeur automobile concerné, qui peut se trouver dans un lieu très éloigné du garage. Actuellement, les seuls moyens de communication entre ce garagiste et le centre technique sont le téléphone pour les conversations vocales et la télécopie pour les textes et les images statiques comme des schémas ou des photos.The technical field of the invention is that of remote diagnosis of motor vehicle breakdowns, in particular engine breakdowns, whether mechanical or electrical, for example. When a vehicle repairer encounters a complex technical problem that is difficult to solve in his garage, he seeks help from the technical center of the car manufacturer concerned, which may be in a location very far from the garage. Currently, the only means of communication between this mechanic and the technical center are the telephone for voice conversations and the fax for texts and static images such as diagrams or photos.
Or, l'utilisation du téléphone pour expliquer les pannes d'un véhicule pose certains problèmes pratiques, en raison notamment de la grande variété de modèles de véhicules et des différentes versions d'un même modèle courant qui rendent difficile la compréhension des pièces ou des organes mécaniques et électroniques. L'échange des explications par téléphone, entre le garage et le centre technique, est encore plus compliqué quand il faut fournir la positon des pièces ou des fils électriques colorés de chaque organe en panne. Aucun retour d'image n'existe aujourd'hui pour permettre au centre technique d'aider efficacement, en temps réel, le réparateur se trouvant parfois à des milliers de kilomètres des techniciens.However, the use of the telephone to explain vehicle breakdowns poses certain practical problems, due in particular to the large variety of vehicle models and the different versions of the same current model which make it difficult to understand the parts or mechanical and electronic components. The exchange of explanations by phone, between the garage and the technical center, is even more complicated when it is necessary to provide the position of the colored electrical parts or wires of each failed organ. No image feedback exists today to allow the technical center to effectively help, in real time, the repairer who is sometimes thousands of kilometers from the technicians.
Dans le cas où les schémas électriques ou mécaniques des organes du véhicule ne sont pas mis à jour chez le réparateur, la transmission de nouveaux schémas se fait par télécopie. Ainsi, le réseau téléphonique reste le seul moyen de communication entre le réparateur et le centre technique, ou entre plusieurs garagistes.In the event that the electrical or mechanical diagrams of the vehicle components are not updated by the repairer, the transmission of new diagrams is made by fax. Thus, the telephone network remains the only means of communication between the repairer and the technical center, or between several garage owners.
Concernant la transmission d'images, il existe actuellement des dispositifs de "visio conférence" qui utilisent la ligne de télécommunication à la norme du réseau téléphonique commuté (RTC) ou à la norme du réseau numérique à intégration de services (RNIS) , pour transmettre l'image et la voix entre deux conférenciers situés en deux endroits éloignés. Un dispositif de visio conférence d'un premier conférencier utilise une caméra fixée sur un ordinateur de bureau, qui traite les images et les informations sonores pour leur transmission sur la ligne téléphonique RTC ou RNIS. Du côté de la réception, l'image et le son reçus par le second conférencier sont à nouveau traités par l'ordinateur du dispositif de visio conférence. L'image est affichée sur une partie de l'écran de l'ordinateur et le son est diffusé par ses hauts-parleurs. Lorsqu'il s'agit de visualiser une partie d'un moteur de véhicule, la caméra fixe de ce type de dispositif ne donne aucun résultat exploitable. Les inconvénients de ce type de dispositif sont en effet l'absence d'éclairage adapté, qui rend l'image des organes du moteur incompréhensible et inexploitable, et l'impossibilité de régler la mise au point en fonction de la partie à visualiser.Regarding the transmission of images, there are currently "video conferencing" devices that use the telecommunications line to the standard of the switched telephone network (PSTN) or to the standard of the integrated services digital network (ISDN), to transmit the image and the voice between two speakers located in two distant places. A videoconference device for a first speaker uses a camera attached to a desktop computer, which processes images and sound information for transmission over the PSTN or ISDN telephone line. On the reception side, the image and sound received by the second speaker are again processed by the computer of the video conference device. The image is displayed on part of the computer screen and sound is output from its speakers. When it comes to viewing a part of a vehicle engine, the fixed camera of this type of device does not give any usable result. The drawbacks of this type of device are in fact the absence of suitable lighting, which makes the image of the engine organs incomprehensible and unusable, and the impossibility of adjusting the focusing according to the part to be viewed.
La visualisation des références inscrites sur les pièces du moteur demande une mise au point de l'optique de caméra à très courte distance, et la visualisation de l'ensemble du moteur ou du véhicule demande une mise au point de l'optique de caméra à grande distance. Enfin, la liaison filaire entre la caméra et l'ordinateur gêne le déplacement du réparateur dans ses mouvements autour du véhicule.Viewing the references on the engine parts requires focusing the camera optics at very close range, and viewing the entire engine or vehicle requires adjusting the camera optics at great distance. Finally, the wire connection between the camera and the computer hinders the movement of the repairer in his movements around the vehicle.
Il existe également une solution au contrôle de la qualité des surfaces, décrite notamment dans le brevet européen 0 597 178 A2 au nom de TZN, utilisant une caméra CCD qui focalise l'image des surfaces inspectées à une distance fixe. La caméra CCD portant un objectif fixe, elle focalise l'image dans le plan de focalisation objet, de sorte que si la surface inspectée est hors de ce plan, son image sera floue. Ce système est plus particulièrement destiné au contrôle de la qualité de l'état de surface des tissus ou des matériaux poreux. Il utilise un éclairage rasant par diodes électroluminescentes, qui permet les mesures de rugosité de l'état de surfaces.There is also a solution for controlling the quality of surfaces, described in particular in European patent 0 597 178 A2 in the name of TZN, using a CCD camera which focuses the image of the surfaces inspected at a fixed distance. The CCD camera carrying a fixed lens, it focuses the image in the object focusing plane, so that if the inspected surface is outside this plane, its image will be blurred. This system is more particularly intended for controlling the quality of the surface condition of fabrics or porous materials. It uses grazing lighting by light-emitting diodes, which allows roughness measurements of the surface condition.
L'invention résout ces inconvénients en proposant tout d'abord un dispositif de formation d'images, portable, dont la mise au point permet l'observation d'un organe du véhicule, dans sa vue d'ensemble comme dans ses détails, et dont l'éclairage est diffus, homogène et variable pour ne pas saturer la caméra et faciliter l'interprétation du signal vidéo obtenu.The invention overcomes these drawbacks by first proposing a portable image-forming device, the development of which allows the observation of an organ of the vehicle, in its overall view as in its details, and whose lighting is diffuse, homogeneous and variable so as not to saturate the camera and facilitate the interpretation of the video signal obtained.
Pour cela, un premier objet de l'invention est un dispositif de formation d'un signal vidéo comprenant une caméra monolithique de type solide, de format portable, caractérisé en ce que la caméra est équipée d'un objectif de type "pin-hole" à lentille se i- sphérique placée devant une ouverture dont les dimensions sont déterminées en fonction de la profondeur de champ désirée, et d'un éclairage diffus, homogène et variable.For this, a first object of the invention is a device for forming a video signal comprising a solid-type monolithic camera, of portable format, characterized in that the camera is equipped with a “pin-hole” type lens. "with an i-spherical lens placed in front of an aperture whose dimensions are determined as a function of the desired depth of field, and of diffuse, uniform and variable lighting.
Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, ce dispositif de formation d'images est réalisé sous forme d'une torche vidéo ou d'un casque vidéo, préférentielle ent sans fil.According to another characteristic of the invention, this image-forming device is produced in the form of a video torch or a video headset, preferably wirelessly.
Un second objet de l'invention est un système de formation d'images de la partie visualisée du véhicule d'une part et d'informations audio à partir de la voix du réparateur d'autre part, puis de transmission bidirectionnelle de ces deux types d'informations vidéo et audio par voie hertzienne vers l'ordinateur local du réparateur, situé dans son garage. Cet ordinateur local envoie alors ces informations par le réseau téléphonique du type RTC ou RNIS, ou bien par un réseau de télédiffusion par satellite, vers l'ordinateur localisé sur le centre technique du constructeur automobile par exemple qui à son tour transmet des informations du même type vers le premier opérateur.A second object of the invention is a system for forming images of the visualized part of the vehicle on the one hand and audio information from the voice of the repairer on the other hand, then bidirectional transmission of these two types over-the-air video and audio information to the repairer's local computer, located in his garage. This local computer then sends this information via the telephone network of the PSTN or ISDN type, or else via a satellite broadcasting network, to the computer located at the technical center of the automobile manufacturer, for example, which in turn transmits information of the same type. type to the first operator.
Pour cela, ce système de formation et de transmission bidirectionnelle d'informations vidéo et audio, en temps réel, entre au moins deux opérateurs G et T situés en deux endroits géographiques distincts, reliés par des moyens de télécommunication, et équipés chacun de moyens de formation de signaux audio et vidéo, et d'un dispositif de traitement électronique desdits signaux, caractérisé en ce qu'il est constitué, pour au moins un premier opérateur G destiné à transmettre en temps réel des informations vidéo et audio, par les moyens de télécommunication, vers le deuxième opérateur T:For this, this system of training and bidirectional transmission of video and audio information, in real time, between at least two operators G and T located in two distinct geographical locations, connected by telecommunication means, and each equipped with means for forming audio and video signals, and with an electronic processing device for said signals, characterized in that it consists, for at least a first operator G intended for transmitting video and audio information in real time, by telecommunication means, to the second operator T:
- par un dispositif vidéo selon l'invention, et par un casque audio sans fil, sur lequel sont fixés d'une part un microphone unidirectionnel, relié à un modulateur du signal audio venant du micro, de fréquence porteuse F^ , associé à une antenne destinée à la transmission par voie hertzienne du signal audio ainsi modulé, et d'autre part une antenne associée à un démodulateur de fréquence porteuse F2, différente de la fréquence d'émission F^, et - par un dispositif de traitement électronique des signaux audio, sur lequel est fixée d'une part une antenne de réception du signal vidéo modulé, reliée à un démodulateur suivi de moyens de compression du signal vidéo alors démodulé, en vue de sa transmission par les moyens de télécommunication, et d'autre part une antenne de réception du signal audio haute fréquence, relié à un démodulateur suivi d'un circuit d'aiguillage des voies audio relié auxdits moyens de compression.- by a video device according to the invention, and by a wireless audio headset, on which are fixed on the one hand a unidirectional microphone, connected to a modulator of the audio signal coming from the microphone, of carrier frequency F ^, associated with a antenna intended for wireless transmission of the audio signal thus modulated, and on the other hand an antenna associated with a carrier frequency demodulator F 2 , different from the transmission frequency F ^, and - by an electronic processing device audio signals, on which is fixed on the one hand an antenna for receiving the modulated video signal, connected to a demodulator followed by means for compressing the then demodulated video signal, with a view to its transmission by telecommunication means, and on the other hand share an antenna for receiving the high frequency audio signal, connected to a demodulator followed by a circuit for routing the audio channels connected to said compression means.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description d'exemples de réalisation, illustrée par les figures suivantes qui sont : - les figures 1 et 3 : deux exemples de réalisation d'un premier type d'un dispositif de formation d'images selon l'invention, en coupe longitudinale;Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the description of exemplary embodiments, illustrated by the following figures which are: - Figures 1 and 3: two embodiments of a first type of an image forming device according to the invention, in longitudinal section;
- les figures 2A et 2B : deux vues détaillées d'une partie d'une torche vidéo selon l'invention;- Figures 2A and 2B: two detailed views of part of a video light according to the invention;
- la figure 4 : un exemple de réalisation d'un deuxième type de dispositif vidéo selon l'invention, en coupe longitudinale;- Figure 4: an embodiment of a second type of video device according to the invention, in longitudinal section;
- les figures 5, 7 et 8 : trois exemples de réalisation d'un système de formation et de transmission d'informations vidéo et audio, selon l'invention;- Figures 5, 7 and 8: three exemplary embodiments of a system for training and transmitting video and audio information according to the invention;
- la figure 6 : un schéma d'un exemple de réalisation des dispositifs de traitement électronique des signaux d'un système selon l'invention.- Figure 6: a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic signal processing devices of a system according to the invention.
La figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe longitudinale d'un dispositif vidéo, portable en raison de son poids et de ses dimensions, réalisé sous la forme d'une torche vidéo 1, aisément appréhendable par un opérateur, et dont la fonction est de former, à partir d'une caméra 2, une image des pièces ou organes qu'elle éclaire, dans un moteur ou un véhicule automobile dans l'exemple d'un opérateur garagiste. Cette torche est formée d'un corps 3 cylindrique, à une extrémité duquel est fixée une partie tronconique 4 fermée par un couvercle 5 transparent. A l'intérieur du tronc de cône 4 est disposé un réflecteur 6 conique au centre duquel est placé un moyen d'éclairage homogène non cohérent, une lampe halogène 7 par exemple. A l'extrémité la plus évasée de la partie tronconique 4 est placée une caméra 2 dont l'objectif est tourné vers le couvercle transparent 5 de la torche. Le corps cylindrique 3 est destiné à être tenu dans la main par un opérateur désirant visualiser des pièces d'un moteur automobile par exemple.FIG. 1 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of a video device, portable due to its weight and dimensions, produced in the form of a video torch 1, easily understood by an operator, and whose function is to form, from a camera 2, an image of the parts or members that it illuminates, in an engine or a motor vehicle in the example of a garage operator. This torch is formed of a cylindrical body 3, at one end of which is fixed a frustoconical part 4 closed by a transparent cover 5. Inside the truncated cone 4 is arranged a conical reflector 6 in the center of which is placed a non-coherent homogeneous lighting means, a halogen lamp 7 for example. At the most flared end of the frustoconical part 4 is placed a camera 2, the objective of which is turned towards the transparent cover 5 of the torch. The cylindrical body 3 is intended to be held in the hand by an operator wishing to view parts of an automobile engine for example.
L'image de la pièce est formée à l'aide d'une caméra 2 électronique monolithique, de type solide, à transfert de charge CCD ou CMOS (Complementary Métal Oxyde Silicium) . Elle est munie d'un objectif facilement réalisable, peu coûteux et dont la mise au point est comprise entre quelques millimètres et cinquante centimètres devant la caméra. Cet objectif est de type "pin-hole" , constitué d'un petit trou sur lequel est placée une lentille semi-sphérique. Le diamètre du trou et le rayon de la lentille sont déterminés en fonction de la profondeur du champ objet que l'on souhaite obtenir pour la caméra. Cette mise au point de l'image permet d'observer aussi bien les détails d'un organe mécanique ou d'un circuit électrique du véhicule, que leur vue d'ensemble.The image of the part is formed using a monolithic electronic camera 2, of the solid type, with CCD or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Silicon) charge transfer. It is fitted with an easily achievable, inexpensive lens, the focus of which is between a few millimeters and fifty centimeters in front of the camera. This objective is of the "pin-hole" type, consisting of a small hole on which a semi-spherical lens is placed. The diameter of the hole and the radius of the lens are determined as a function of the depth of the object field which it is desired to obtain for the camera. This focusing of the image makes it possible to observe both the details of a mechanical member or an electrical circuit of the vehicle, as well as their overall view.
La mise au point de l'image ainsi obtenue est de faible coût par rapport au coût d'un objectif asservi, muni d'un système de mise au point automatique par moteur électrique classique dans les appareils photographiques.The focusing of the image thus obtained is of low cost compared to the cost of a controlled objective, provided with a system of automatic focusing by conventional electric motor in cameras.
Concernant l'éclairage des pièces à visualiser, il est nécessaire que cet éclairage soit diffus, homogène et d'intensité variable, dans le but de ne pas saturer la caméra et de ne pas créer des zones fortement éclairées, comme pourrait le faire un éclairage direct. L'image des pièces comportant des chiffres ou des références, en particulier les pièces mécaniques en aluminium, est beaucoup plus facile à interpréter grâce à ce type d'éclairage diffus. La gamme de fonctionnement de cet éclairage diffus s'étend de 8 lux à 300 lux par exemple.Regarding the lighting of the rooms to be viewed, it is necessary that this lighting is diffuse, homogeneous and of variable intensity, in order to not saturate the camera and not to create strongly lit areas, as a lighting could do direct. The image of parts with numbers or references, especially mechanical aluminum parts, is much easier to interpret thanks to this type of diffuse lighting. The range of operation of this diffuse lighting ranges from 8 lux to 300 lux for example.
Cet éclairage diffus est obtenu en plaçant une plaque diffusante 8 devant la lampe halogène 7, fermant ainsi le tronc de cône 4 rendu réflecteur. Cette plaque 8 est percée d'un trou en son centre pour laisser le passage à l'objectif de la caméra fixée devant cette plaque par rapport à la lampe halogène. Le matériau utilisé pour cette plaque 8 diffusante est par exemple du polymère diffusant, tel que du Poly-Méthacrylate de Méthyle. Le cône réflecteur 6 est de type parabolique, en polymère par exemple, pour sa légèreté. La face arrière 9 de la caméra, recevant la lumière de la lampe halogène 7, est réfléchissante pour renvoyer toute la lumière vers le cône réflecteur. Pour cela, cette face 9 est, soit polie, soit recouverte d'une plaque métallique ou d'une couche réfléchissante, en polymère chromé par exemple.This diffuse lighting is obtained by placing a diffusing plate 8 in front of the halogen lamp 7, thus closing the truncated cone 4 rendered reflective. This plate 8 is pierced with a hole in its center to allow passage to the camera lens fixed in front of this plate relative to the halogen lamp. The material used for this diffusing plate 8 is for example diffusing polymer, such as Poly-methyl methacrylate. The reflective cone 6 is of the parabolic type, made of polymer for example, for its lightness. The rear face 9 of the camera, receiving the light from the halogen lamp 7, is reflective to return all the light towards the reflective cone. For this, this face 9 is either polished or covered with a metal plate or a reflective layer, in chromed polymer for example.
Comme le montre les vues détaillées, respectivement en coupe longitudinale et en coupe transversale, des figures 2A et 2B, la caméra 2 est fixée à l'intérieur de l'extrémité de la partie tronconique 4 de la torche 1 par deux étriers 10 et 11, en contact mécanique à la fois avec la caméra et avec le corps de la torche. Le couvercle 5, constitué par une plaque optiquement transparente, est vissé sur la tête de la torche vidéo 1 pour maintenir solidement les éléments constituant cette tête, c'est-à-dire la plaque 8 en polymère diffusant, la caméra 2, le réflecteur 6 et la lampe halogène 7. Si la caméra CCD 2 fonctionne dans le spectre visible, la transparence correspondra au spectre visible de 400 à 700 nanomètres de longueur d'onde. Si la caméra CCD fonctionne dans le spectre proche infra-rouge, il s'agira de la transparence dans ce spectre, obtenue par un couvercle filtrant, ne laissant passer que les longueurs d'ondes optiques, comprises entre 700 et 1100 nanomètres.As shown in the detailed views, in longitudinal section and in cross section respectively, of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the camera 2 is fixed inside the end of the frustoconical part 4 of the torch 1 by two brackets 10 and 11 , in mechanical contact with both the camera and the body of the torch. The cover 5, consisting of an optically transparent plate, is screwed onto the head of the video torch 1 to securely hold the elements constituting this head, that is to say the plate 8 of diffusing polymer, the camera 2, the reflector 6 and the halogen lamp 7. If the CCD camera 2 operates in the visible spectrum, the transparency will correspond to the visible spectrum of 400 to 700 nanometers in wavelength. If the CCD camera works in the spectrum near infrared, it will be transparency in this spectrum, obtained by a filter cover, letting through only the optical wavelengths, between 700 and 1100 nanometers.
La partie tronconique 4 de la torche peut être fabriquée par usinage ou par moulage en aluminium par exemple, matière thermiquement conductrice de faible coût. Les deux étriers 10 et 11 servant au montage de la caméra permettent également l'évacuation de la chaleur dégagée par la lampe halogène 7, puisqu'ils constituent des ponts thermiques entre la caméra et le corps de la torche. La lumière émise par la lampe 7 puis réfléchie successivement par la face arrière réfléchissante 9 de la caméra puis le réflecteur conique 6, traverse la plaque diffusante 8 autour de la caméra 2, excepté au niveau des étriers 10 et 11. Grâce à ce dispositif, on utilise une lampe halogène de faible intensité pour économiser les moyens d'alimentation de la caméra.The frustoconical part 4 of the torch can be manufactured by machining or by molding in aluminum for example, thermally conductive material of low cost. The two brackets 10 and 11 used for mounting the camera also allow the evacuation of the heat released by the halogen lamp 7, since they constitute thermal bridges between the camera and the body of the torch. The light emitted by the lamp 7 then reflected successively by the reflective rear face 9 of the camera and then the conical reflector 6, passes through the diffusing plate 8 around the camera 2, except at the level of the stirrups 10 and 11. With this device, a low intensity halogen lamp is used to save the power supply to the camera.
Selon un cas de réalisation préférentielle, ce dispositif vidéo 1 est autonome électriquement, sans fil de liaison électrique, alimenté par un circuit d'alimentation 12, constitué d'un accumulateur rechargeable ou d'une pile par exemple, qui fournit les tensions électriques nécessaires au fonctionnement de la caméra, de l'éclairage par la lampe halogène 7 et d'un pointeur laser 13.According to a preferred embodiment, this video device 1 is electrically autonomous, without electrical connection wire, supplied by a supply circuit 12, consisting of a rechargeable accumulator or a battery for example, which supplies the necessary electrical voltages. during the operation of the camera, the lighting by the halogen lamp 7 and a laser pointer 13.
Pour améliorer la compréhension du problème technique auquel le garagiste aimerait avoir une réponse de la part du centre technique par exemple, un pointeur laser 13, situé près du couvercle transparent de la torche, peut être actionné de façon à produire un éclairement supplémentaire très ponctuel. Cette tâche laser est alors visible sur l'image des organes du véhicule, pour préciser la pièce ou les références à visualiser lors de l'échange d'informations entre les deux opérateurs.To improve the understanding of the technical problem to which the mechanic would like to have an answer from the technical center for example, a laser pointer 13, located near the transparent cover of the torch, can be operated to produce very specific additional lighting. This laser task is then visible on the image of the vehicle organs, to specify the part or the references to be displayed during the exchange of information between the two operators.
L'intensité de l'éclairage fourni par la torche est variable, grâce à un circuit de réglage 14 de l'intensité de la lampe halogène connecté au circuit d'alimentation 12, et commandé par un bouton 15 de réglage placé à l'extérieur de la torche.The intensity of the lighting provided by the torch is variable, thanks to a circuit 14 for adjusting the intensity of the halogen lamp connected to the supply circuit 12, and controlled by a control button 15 placed outside. of the torch.
Le signal vidéo de l'image des pièces du moteur, produite par la caméra 2 de la torche vidéo 1, doit être envoyé vers un circuit d'émission 16 à modulation très haute fréquence, qui envoie l'image modulée par voie hertzienne, par l'intermédiaire d'une antenne rayonnante 17 fixée à l'extérieur du bouchon 18 de fermeture du corps de la torche. Cet émetteur vidéo VHF 16 est alimenté électriquement par le circuit 12.The video signal of the image of the engine parts, produced by the camera 2 of the video torch 1, must be sent to a transmission circuit 16 with very high frequency modulation, which sends the modulated image over the air, by by means of a radiating antenna 17 fixed to the outside of the plug 18 for closing the body of the torch. This VHF video transmitter 16 is electrically powered by circuit 12.
Une variante de réalisation, représentée sur la figure 3, consiste à réaliser une torche vidéo dont une partie est flexible. Le corps cylindrique 3 de la torche, dans lequel sont logés le circuit d'alimentation électrique 12, le circuit 14 de réglage de l'intensité de la lampe et le bouton 15 de variation de cette intensité, l'émetteur VHF vidéo 16, et qui est fermé par le bouchon doté d'une antenne d'émission vidéo, reste rigide, de même que la partie tronconique 4 dans laquelle sont logées la lampe halogène 7 et la caméra CCD 2 et qui est fermée par le couvercle transparent 5, mais ces deux parties sont éloignées l'une de l'autre par un tuyau flexible 19, en caoutchouc par exemple. La flexibilité de ce tuyau permet d'orienter la caméra CCD et son éclairage diffus dans n'importe quelle position, permettant ainsi à l'opérateur d'accéder à des pièces ou des organes du moteur non accessibles habituellement par l'oeil humain. Les liaisons d'alimentation de la lampe et du signal vidéo issu de la caméra sont placées à l'intérieur du tuyau 19.An alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, consists in producing a video torch, part of which is flexible. The cylindrical body 3 of the torch, in which are housed the electrical supply circuit 12, the circuit 14 for adjusting the intensity of the lamp and the button 15 for varying this intensity, the VHF video transmitter 16, and which is closed by the cap provided with a video transmission antenna, remains rigid, as is the frustoconical part 4 in which the halogen lamp 7 and the CCD camera 2 are housed and which is closed by the transparent cover 5, but these two parts are spaced from each other by a flexible hose 19, made of rubber for example. The The flexibility of this hose makes it possible to orient the CCD camera and its diffuse lighting in any position, thus allowing the operator to access parts or organs of the engine not usually accessible by the human eye. The lamp and video signal supply connections from the camera are placed inside the pipe 19.
La figure 4 est une vue schématique en coupe d'un casque vidéo 20, jouant le même rôle que la torche vidéo 1 mais libérant les deux mains de l'opérateur qui peut ainsi effectuer des réparations délicates d'après les informations envoyées par le centre technique. Ce casque vidéo 20 permet la formation d'image par une caméra CCD 21 et un éclairage diffus obtenu en plaçant une plaque de matériau diffusant 22 devant une lampe halogène 23. La caméra et la lampe sont alimentées électriquement par un circuit 24, de type accumulateur par exemple, qui est relié également à un émetteur 25 vidéo très haute fréquence, envoyant le signal vidéo, par l'intermédiaire d'une antenne d'émission vidéo 26, au poste local du garage.Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view of a video headset 20, playing the same role as the video light 1 but freeing both hands of the operator who can thus carry out delicate repairs according to the information sent by the center technical. This video headset 20 allows image formation by a CCD camera 21 and diffuse lighting obtained by placing a plate of diffusing material 22 in front of a halogen lamp 23. The camera and the lamp are electrically powered by a circuit 24, of the accumulator type. for example, which is also connected to a very high frequency video transmitter 25, sending the video signal, via a video transmission antenna 26, to the local garage station.
Dans un cas particulier de réalisation, la torche comme le casque vidéo peuvent être alimentés par liaison filaire par le réseau électrique général, et ne comportent pas alors de circuit d'alimentation 12 ou 24 autonome.In a particular embodiment, the torch like the video headset can be supplied by wired link by the general electrical network, and do not then comprise an autonomous supply circuit 12 or 24.
La figure 5 illustre un exemple de réalisation d'un système de formation et de transmission d'informations vidéo et audio, utilisé notamment pour le télédiagnostic des véhicules automobiles, entre deux opérateurs G et T, situés en deux lieux géographiques différents, éloignés l'un de l'autre mais reliés par un réseau téléphonique de type RTC ou RNIS et disposant d'un dispositif électronique de traitement de signaux, se présentant préférentiellement sous forme d'un ordinateur. Ces dispositifs électroniques sont détaillés sur la figure 6, décrite en même temps que la figure 5, et qui est un schéma d'un exemple de réalisation des dispositifs de traitement électronique des signaux d'un système selon l'invention.FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a system for training and transmitting video and audio information, used in particular for the remote diagnosis of motor vehicles, between two operators G and T, located in two geographic locations different, distant from each other but connected by a telephone network of PSTN or ISDN type and having an electronic signal processing device, preferably in the form of a computer. These electronic devices are detailed in FIG. 6, described at the same time as FIG. 5, which is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic signal processing devices of a system according to the invention.
Situé dans un premier lieu géographique, un garage par exemple, équipé d'un poste local 30, constitué par un dispositif 31 de traitement électronique des signaux associé à un écran 32 d'interface homme-machine, un premier opérateur G, qui peut être le garagiste ou le réparateur, dispose de deux types de moyens de formation d'informations d'une part vidéo et d'autre part audio. Premièrement, il a des moyens pouvant être autonomes électriquement, destinés à former une image des organes du véhicule qu'il inspecte en vue du diagnostic de panne. Ces moyens sont constitués par une torche vidéo 1, telle que décrite auparavant et comprenant essentiellement une caméra 2 associée à un émetteur à modulation très haute fréquence qui envoie l'image vidéo, par voie hertzienne vers le poste local par l'intermédiaire d'une antenne rayonnante 17 fixée à la torche. Comme le montre la figure 6, sur ce poste local est fixée une antenne 33 de réception du signal vidéo modulé, qui est reliée à un démodulateur 34 suivi d'une carte de codage 35, servant à la compression du signal vidéo alors démodulé, en vue de sa transmission par le réseau téléphonique 36, en temps réel, vers le deuxième opérateur T. De plus, le garagiste porte un casque audio 37 sans fil, sur lequel est fixé d'une part un microphone 38 unidirectionnel, ne prenant en compte que la voix de l'opérateur à l'exception des bruits environnants, et relié à des moyens 39 d'émission audio haute fréquence, constitués par un modulateur du signal audio venant du micro 38, de fréquence porteuse F-^, et par une antenne 40 associée, destinée à la transmission par voie hertzienne du signal audio ainsi modulé. D'autre part, sont également fixés sur le casque 37 des moyens de réception audio haute fréquence constitués par une antenne 41 associée à un démodulateur 42 de fréquence porteuse F2, différente de la fréquence d'émission F, pour éviter des interférences nuisibles. Les valeurs respectives de ces fréquences F.^ et F2 peuvent être par exemple 34 MHz et 200 MHz en France.Located in a first geographical location, a garage for example, equipped with a local station 30, constituted by a device 31 for electronic signal processing associated with a screen 32 of man-machine interface, a first operator G, which can be the mechanic or repairer has two types of information training on the one hand video and audio on the other hand. Firstly, it has means which can be electrically autonomous, intended to form an image of the components of the vehicle which it inspects for the purpose of diagnosing a fault. These means are constituted by a video torch 1, as described above and essentially comprising a camera 2 associated with a transmitter with very high frequency modulation which sends the video image, over the air to the local station by means of a radiating antenna 17 fixed to the torch. As shown in Figure 6, on this local station is fixed an antenna 33 for receiving the modulated video signal, which is connected to a demodulator 34 followed by a coding card 35, used for compression of the video signal then demodulated, in view of its transmission by the telephone network 36, in real time, to the second operator T. In addition, the mechanic wears a wireless headset 37, on which is fixed on the one hand a unidirectional microphone 38, taking into account only the voice of the operator with the exception of surrounding noise, and connected to means 39 of high frequency audio emission, constituted by a modulator of the audio signal coming from the microphone 38, of carrier frequency F- ^, and by an associated antenna 40, intended for the transmission by hertzian way of the audio signal thus modulated. On the other hand, are also fixed to the helmet 37 high frequency audio reception means constituted by an antenna 41 associated with a demodulator 42 of carrier frequency F 2 , different from the transmission frequency F, to avoid harmful interference. The respective values of these frequencies F. ^ and F 2 may for example be 34 MHz and 200 MHz in France.
Ainsi, les paroles de l'opérateur G émises dans le micro 38 sont modulées sous fréquence porteuse F.^ puis transmises par les moyens d'émission haute fréquence, vers le poste local 30 sur lequel est fixée une antenne 43 de réception audio haute fréquence. Comme le montre la figure 6, le dispositif de traitement électronique du signal audio reçu est essentiellement constitué par un démodulateur audio 44 haute fréquence, un circuit 45 d'aiguillage des voies audio, et par la carte de codage 35 servant à la compression du signal. Le démodulateur audio 44 haute fréquence est destiné à démoduler le signal audio modulé sous fréquence porteuse F^. Le circuit d'aiguillage 45 a pour but d'aiguiller la voie audio du poste local 30, de fréquence porteuse F1, vers la carte de codage et la voie audio d'un autre opérateur éloigné géographiquement, de fréquence porteuse F2 , vers le premier opérateur. Ce circuit d'aiguillage est relié à la carte de codage 35 du signal démodulé, qui effectuent sa compression, en vue de sa transmission par le réseau téléphonique 36.Thus, the words of the operator G emitted in the microphone 38 are modulated under carrier frequency F. ^ and then transmitted by the high frequency transmission means, to the local station 30 on which is fixed an antenna 43 for receiving high frequency audio . As shown in FIG. 6, the device for electronic processing of the received audio signal essentially consists of a high frequency audio demodulator 44, a circuit 45 for routing the audio channels, and by the coding card 35 used for signal compression. . The high frequency audio demodulator 44 is intended to demodulate the audio signal modulated under carrier frequency F ^. The purpose of the routing circuit 45 is to route the audio channel of the local station 30, of carrier frequency F 1 , to the coding card and the audio channel of another geographically distant operator, of carrier frequency F 2 , to the first operator. This circuit switch is connected to the coding card 35 of the demodulated signal, which carry out its compression, with a view to its transmission by the telephone network 36.
L'intérêt de cette transmission par voie hertzienne réside dans la liberté totale de manoeuvre de l'opérateur, qui peut tourner autour du véhicule ou se pencher sur les pièces du moteur sans être gêné par une liaison filaire.The advantage of this over-the-air transmission lies in the total freedom of operation of the operator, who can turn around the vehicle or bend over the engine parts without being hindered by a wired connection.
Dans un autre lieu géographique, distinct du premier, pouvant en être éloigné de plusieurs milliers de kilomètres mais relié par un réseau téléphonique 36 de type RTC ou RNIS, est placé un autre poste local 50 destiné à recevoir le signal audio et le signal vidéo compressés, en provenance du premier opérateur et ayant circules le long du réseau téléphonique, et comprenant un dispositif de traitement électronique de ces signaux. Dans le cas particulier de la figure 5, le second poste local, placé par exemple dans le centre technique du constructeur automobile, comprend un dispositif de traitement électronique 51, un ordinateur par exemple, doté d'un écran 52, destiné à effectuer le traitement des signaux reçus. Le dispositif de traitement électronique est essentiellement constitué par une carte de codage 53 servant à la décompression des signaux audio et vidéo, par décodage, en vue de leur restitution au second opérateur T. Les images sont restituées sur l'écran 52 et le son est restitué par des hauts-parleurs associés soit à l'ordinateur, soit à un casque audio 54 après passage dans un circuit d'aiguillage 55 de voies audio. Si ce casque est relié par un fil au poste local 50, le signal audio parvient directement aux oreilles de 1'opérateur.In another geographical location, distinct from the first, which may be several thousand kilometers away from it but connected by a telephone network 36 of PSTN or ISDN type, another local station 50 is placed intended to receive the audio signal and the compressed video signal. , coming from the first operator and having circulated along the telephone network, and comprising a device for electronic processing of these signals. In the particular case of FIG. 5, the second local station, placed for example in the technical center of the automobile manufacturer, comprises an electronic processing device 51, a computer for example, provided with a screen 52, intended to carry out the processing received signals. The electronic processing device essentially consists of a coding card 53 used for the decompression of audio and video signals, by decoding, with a view to their restitution to the second operator T. The images are reproduced on the screen 52 and the sound is restored by loudspeakers associated either with the computer or with an audio headset 54 after passing through a routing circuit 55 of audio channels. If this headset is connected by a wire to local station 50, the audio signal comes directly to the operator's ears.
Pour établir un dialogue entre les deux opérateurs et répondre notamment aux questions du premier face à une panne qu'il ne parvient pas à réparer par exemple, le second opérateur doit pouvoir communiquer, à son tour, au premier opérateur, des informations orales et écrites.To establish a dialogue between the two operators and to answer in particular the questions of the first in the face of a breakdown that it fails to repair for example, the second operator must be able to communicate, in turn, to the first operator, oral and written information .
Pour cela, il dispose d'un microphone 56 unidirectionnel pour ne transmettre que ses propres paroles et non celles des autres techniciens du centre, qui sont également sollicités par d'autres garagistes. Dans le cas où l'opérateur possède un casque, ce micro peut y être fixé. L'opérateur T envoie un signal sonore par l'intermédiaire de son micro 56 au poste local 50, où il est reçu par le dispositif de traitement électronique, dans le circuit d'aiguillage 55 des voies audio qui l'envoie dans la carte de codage 53, servant à sa compression en vue de sa transmission sur le réseau téléphonique RTC ou RNIS par exemple.For this, he has a unidirectional microphone 56 to transmit only his own words and not those of the other technicians of the center, who are also called upon by other mechanics. If the operator has a helmet, this microphone can be attached to it. The operator T sends an audible signal via his microphone 56 to the local station 50, where it is received by the electronic processing device, in the routing circuit 55 of the audio channels which sends it to the card. coding 53, used for its compression with a view to its transmission over the PSTN or ISDN telephone network for example.
Cet opérateur T dispose également de moyens vidéo, telle qu'une caméra fixe 58 pour envoyer au premier opérateur des fichiers d'images ou des schémas électriques ou mécaniques par exemple, destinés à répondre à ses questions et à l'aider dans son diagnostic ou dans ses réparations. Le signal vidéo provenant de la caméra 58 passe également par la carte de codage 53 pour sa compression avant son envoi sur le réseau téléphonique. La figure 7 représente le cas particulier d'un échange d'informations avec un deuxième opérateur T équipé d'un casque 60 relié, non par un fil mais par liaison hertzienne au poste local. Pour la réception des informations audio provenant du premier opérateur G et aboutissant au deuxième poste local 50, ce casque doit être équipé d'une antenne de réception audio haute fréquence 61 et d'un récepteur audio haute fréquence 62, de fréquence porteuse F3 pour démoduler le signal audio provenant d'un modulateur 63 associé à une antenne d'émission 64 du poste local 50.This operator T also has video means, such as a fixed camera 58 for sending to the first operator image files or electrical or mechanical diagrams for example, intended to answer his questions and help him in his diagnosis or in his repairs. The video signal coming from the camera 58 also passes through the coding card 53 for its compression before being sent over the telephone network. FIG. 7 represents the particular case of an exchange of information with a second operator T equipped with a headset 60 connected, not by a wire but by radio link to the local station. For the reception of audio information coming from the first operator G and ending at the second local station 50, this headset must be equipped with a high frequency audio reception antenna 61 and a high frequency audio receiver 62, of carrier frequency F 3 for demodulating the audio signal coming from a modulator 63 associated with a transmitting antenna 64 of the local station 50.
Pour l'émission vers le premier opérateur G, un micro 65 doit être associé à un modulateur 66 et à une autre antenne 67 d'émission audio haute fréquence, pendant que le poste local 50 doit être équipé d'une antenne 68 de réception audio haute fréquence associée à un dispositif de traitement électronique qui comprend un démodulateur 69 du signal audio envoyé par le second opérateur T, à travers le micro de son casque sans fil.For transmission to the first operator G, a microphone 65 must be associated with a modulator 66 and another antenna 67 for high-frequency audio transmission, while the local station 50 must be equipped with an antenna 68 for audio reception high frequency associated with an electronic processing device which comprises a demodulator 69 of the audio signal sent by the second operator T, through the microphone of his wireless headset.
Dans ce cas d'un casque sans fil, le son provenant du micro 65 est modulé selon une fréquence porteuse F4, différente de la fréquence F3 de réception, par le modulateur 66 et envoyé par l'antenne d'émission 67 vers l'antenne de réception 68 et le démodulateur 69 du poste local 50. Ce signal est ensuite compressé. Les valeurs de F3 et F4 peuvent être par exemple égales à 36 MHz et 202 MHz en France.In this case of a wireless headset, the sound coming from the microphone 65 is modulated according to a carrier frequency F 4 , different from the reception frequency F 3 , by the modulator 66 and sent by the transmitting antenna 67 to the reception antenna 68 and the demodulator 69 of the local station 50. This signal is then compressed. The values of F 3 and F 4 can for example be equal to 36 MHz and 202 MHz in France.
Dans le cas particulier de cette figure, ce second opérateur T dispose de moyens vidéo autonomes tels qu'une torche vidéo 1. Sur le poste local 50 est alors fixée une antenne de réception du signal vidéo modulé dans la torche, reliée à un démodulateur connecté à la carte de codage, en vue de sa transmission par le médium de télécommunication, ces circuits étant semblables à ceux déjà décrits dans les figures 5 et 6 pour le poste local 30.In the particular case of this figure, this second operator T has autonomous video means such as a video torch 1. On the local station 50 is then fixed an antenna for receiving the modulated video signal in the torch, connected to a connected demodulator to the coding card, with a view to its transmission by the telecommunication medium, these circuits being similar to those already described in FIGS. 5 and 6 for local station 30.
La réception de ces signaux par l'opérateur G se fait de la façon suivante. Le signal audio provenant du réseau téléphonique 36 passe tout d'abord dans la carte de codage 35 pour sa décompression, avant d'être aiguillé par le circuit d'aiguillage 45, pour être ensuite restitué à des moyens d'émission audio 70. Leur rôle est ensuite de moduler ce signal audio selon la fréquence F2, avant son envoi vers le casque du premier opérateur G, par une antenne 71 d'émission audio haute fréquence. Ce signal est capté par l'antenne 41 du casque 37 de l'opérateur G, puis démodulé. Dans le cas d'un casque relié par un fil au réseau électrique général, le signal audio n'est pas transmis à l'opérateur par modulation VHF.The reception of these signals by the operator G is done as follows. The audio signal from the telephone network 36 first passes through the coding card 35 for its decompression, before being routed by the routing circuit 45, to then be restored to audio transmission means 70. Their role is then to modulate this audio signal according to the frequency F 2 , before it is sent to the headset of the first operator G, by an antenna 71 for high frequency audio transmission. This signal is picked up by the antenna 41 of the helmet 37 of the operator G, then demodulated. In the case of a headset connected by a wire to the general electrical network, the audio signal is not transmitted to the operator by VHF modulation.
Le signal vidéo provenant de la caméra 58 du centre technique est également décompressé puis restitué sur l'écran 32 du poste local 30.The video signal coming from the camera 58 of the technical center is also decompressed then restored on the screen 32 of the local station 30.
La figure 8 est une variante du système de formation et de transmission d'informations audio et vidéo selon l'invention, utilisant non plus un réseau téléphonique, mais un réseau de télédiffusion par satellite. La communication entre les deux opérateurs se faisant, dans ce cas, par liaison hertzienne via un satellite, le poste local 30 du premier opérateur G doit comprendre un circuit modulateur et démodulateur 80, relié en sortie de la carte de codage 35 des signaux vidéo et audio, et connecté à une antenne parabolique 81 dont le rôle est l'émission des signaux vidéo et audio vers le satellite de télédiffusion 82 d'une part et la réception de signaux vidéo et audio provenant de l'autre opérateur T via le satellite.FIG. 8 is a variant of the system for training and transmitting audio and video information according to the invention, using no longer a telephone network, but a satellite broadcasting network. The communication between the two operators being done, in this case, by hertzian link via a satellite, the local station 30 of the first operator G must include a modulator and demodulator circuit 80, connected at the output of the coding card 35 of the video signals and audio, and connected to a satellite dish 81 whose role is the transmission of video and audio signals to the broadcasting satellite 82 on the one hand and the reception of video and audio signals from the other operator T via the satellite.
De la même façon, le second lieu géographique où se trouve l'opérateur T du centre technique doit être équipé d'une antenne parabolique 83 et d'un circuit 84 de modulation et démodulation. Dans le cas de plusieurs postes locaux devant communiquer avec le même centre technique, ce dernier n'a besoin que d'une seule antenne 83 pour la transmission d'informations vers ces différents postes locaux équipés chacun d'une antenne parabolique individuelle, à condition qu'ils restent dans la couverture du satellite.Similarly, the second geographic location where the operator T of the technical center is located must be equipped with a parabolic antenna 83 and a modulation and demodulation circuit 84. In the case of several local stations having to communicate with the same technical center, the latter only needs a single antenna 83 for the transmission of information to these different local stations each equipped with an individual satellite dish, provided that they stay in the satellite coverage.
Le principal intérêt de l'invention réside dans son application au télédiagnostic des pannes de véhicules automobiles. La solution proposée consiste à former l'image de la partie du moteur à visualiser et la voix du réparateur placé près d'un véhicule, puis de transmettre cette image et ce son, par voie hertzienne, vers son ordinateur local placé dans son garage. L'ordinateur local envoie l'image et le son, via le réseau téléphonique ou un réseau de télédiffusion par satellite, vers le centre technique du constructeur automobile. Le réparateur dispose ainsi d'un système de formation et de transmission d'informations vidéo et audio, sans fil ou main libre, du véhicule vers son ordinateur local, qui communique à son tour, en temps réel, ces informations à l'ordinateur central, via le réseau téléphonique ou un réseau de télédiffusion. Le centre technique dispose du même système pour transmettre à son tour des informations vidéo et audio vers le garage. On peut ainsi réaliser un télédiagnostic avec l'image et le son, en temps réel, à distance entre les deux endroits. The main advantage of the invention lies in its application to remote diagnosis of motor vehicle breakdowns. The proposed solution consists in forming the image of the part of the engine to be visualized and the voice of the repairman placed near a vehicle, then transmitting this image and this sound, over the air, to his local computer placed in his garage. The local computer sends the image and sound, via the telephone network or a satellite broadcasting network, to the technical center of the car manufacturer. The repairer thus has a training system and transmission of video and audio information, wireless or hands-free, from the vehicle to his local computer, which in turn communicates this information in real time to the central computer , via the telephone network or a television broadcasting network. The technical center has the same system for transmitting video and audio information towards the garage. It is thus possible to carry out a remote diagnosis with image and sound, in real time, at a distance between the two places.
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP98933730A EP0995314A1 (en) | 1997-06-27 | 1998-06-26 | Video device and video and audio data transmission system for remote diagnosis |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR97/08161 | 1997-06-27 | ||
| FR9708161A FR2765440B1 (en) | 1997-06-27 | 1997-06-27 | VIDEO DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSMITTING VIDEO AND AUDIO INFORMATION FOR TELEDIAGNOSIS |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO1999000983A1 true WO1999000983A1 (en) | 1999-01-07 |
Family
ID=9508592
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/FR1998/001359 Ceased WO1999000983A1 (en) | 1997-06-27 | 1998-06-26 | Video device and video and audio data transmission system for remote diagnosis |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0995314A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2765440B1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1999000983A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2341996A (en) * | 1998-07-18 | 2000-03-29 | Monitron International Limited | Vending inspection site |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2791200A1 (en) * | 1999-03-16 | 2000-09-22 | Franck Seive | SYSTEM FOR REMOTE ESTIMATION OF WORK COST |
| NO20020856D0 (en) | 2002-02-22 | 2002-02-22 | Abb Research Ltd | Communication method and system |
| DE10349165A1 (en) * | 2003-10-22 | 2005-05-19 | Ernst Völlm | Device for integrated control and use of entertainment and information facilities |
| FR2883693B1 (en) * | 2005-03-25 | 2007-10-05 | Stephane Venet | SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND DIRECTING THE ACTIVITY OF MEMBERS OF AN AUDIOVISUAL TURNING TEAM |
| FR2891679B1 (en) * | 2005-10-05 | 2007-12-07 | Giat Ind Sa | DEVICE FOR TRANSMITTING INFORMATION. |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5046163A (en) * | 1990-03-16 | 1991-09-03 | Priest Ronald A | Hand held internally illuminated video reading aid |
| US5309895A (en) * | 1991-10-04 | 1994-05-10 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus producing video signals from imaging signals at illuminating and non-illuminating periods |
| WO1994023538A1 (en) * | 1993-04-05 | 1994-10-13 | Westech Geophysical, Inc. | Instrument probe having a back-lighted camera |
| WO1996009614A1 (en) * | 1994-09-12 | 1996-03-28 | Ziegra Richard C | Video audio data remote system |
| DE19547789A1 (en) * | 1995-12-20 | 1997-06-26 | Siemens Ag | Remote diagnosis system for ind. plant |
-
1997
- 1997-06-27 FR FR9708161A patent/FR2765440B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1998
- 1998-06-26 WO PCT/FR1998/001359 patent/WO1999000983A1/en not_active Ceased
- 1998-06-26 EP EP98933730A patent/EP0995314A1/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5046163A (en) * | 1990-03-16 | 1991-09-03 | Priest Ronald A | Hand held internally illuminated video reading aid |
| US5309895A (en) * | 1991-10-04 | 1994-05-10 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus producing video signals from imaging signals at illuminating and non-illuminating periods |
| WO1994023538A1 (en) * | 1993-04-05 | 1994-10-13 | Westech Geophysical, Inc. | Instrument probe having a back-lighted camera |
| WO1996009614A1 (en) * | 1994-09-12 | 1996-03-28 | Ziegra Richard C | Video audio data remote system |
| DE19547789A1 (en) * | 1995-12-20 | 1997-06-26 | Siemens Ag | Remote diagnosis system for ind. plant |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2341996A (en) * | 1998-07-18 | 2000-03-29 | Monitron International Limited | Vending inspection site |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0995314A1 (en) | 2000-04-26 |
| FR2765440B1 (en) | 1999-09-03 |
| FR2765440A1 (en) | 1998-12-31 |
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