WO2008055974A1

WO2008055974A1 - Equipment for simulating in an aquatic environment a voyage in space

Info

Publication number: WO2008055974A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/062133
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yves Rubin
Original assignee: Virtunaut Sprl; Bzurovski-Rubin, Judith
Priority date: 2006-11-09
Filing date: 2007-11-09
Publication date: 2008-05-15
Also published as: BE1017203A6

Abstract

The invention relates to equipment for simulating in an aquatic medium a voyage in space. The equipment comprises a sealed diving suit (200), a sealed diving helmet (100) and sealed fastening means for fastening the helmet (100) to the suit (200). The equipment also includes a stereoscopic image display device (116) and a device, that can be actuated by the user, for carrying out virtual manoeuvres. An electronic signal generator (508) generates images reconstituting a virtual space environment. A device for processing the signals transmitted by the virtual manoeuvre device varies the position of the user relative to his virtual space environment.

Description

EQUIPMENT FOR SIMULATION IN AQUATIC TRAVEL ENVIRONMENT

IN THE SPACE

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a system for simulating space travel and more specifically to a diving equipment for simulating aquatic space travel and a matching simulation software. Preamble

As soon as space flights were possible, the problem of training astronauts on the land quickly arose. Aside from parabolic flights, where centrifugal force compensates for the effects of gravitation, one of the most used techniques to simulate the weightlessness conditions on land is to immerse a person wearing a suit in a very large pool. Archimedes' thrust on the diver is opposed to the force of gravity. It is thus possible to artificially recreate an impression of evolving in microgravity conditions.

The problem is that these systems, developed especially for the training of cosmonauts, require the setting in motion of unusual means, including expensive infrastructure and equipment, and also the presence of a large number of support staff, medical and maintenance check.

To date, there is no device or equipment to simulate realistic working conditions "in space" that is really within the reach of all exchanges, that is to say that does not require, for its implementation, relatively modest infrastructure and equipment, and can be offered to untrained State of the art

To simulate the weightlessness conditions thanks to the buoyancy of Archimedes, often pools of more than 6 meters deep or pressurized water tanks are used, which improves the simulation of the weightlessness conditions and avoids the problems of gravity. buoyancy. However, as noted above, these systems pose serious problems including security, cost (due to the presence of a large number of surveillance personnel), accessibility, etc.

US Patent 3,720,208 discloses a diving equipment, consisting of a helmet and a diving suit and which, when worn by a person underwater, simulates the conditions of weightlessness. The inside of the suit, under pressure, is subjected to a flow of air for breathing, ventilation and maintenance of a certain internal temperature. For this purpose, the combination is equipped with a housing, located at the bust of the suit, having inlet and outlet air connections.

The housing has a mechanism for regulating the pressure inside the equipment. Since the pressure in the water varies greatly according to the diving depth, the mechanism makes it possible to maintain a constant pressure differential between the pressure of the water and the pressure inside the suit in order to prevent the diver from unpleasant sensations due to sudden changes in pressure.

The mechanism for regulating the internal pressure can be controlled and regulated directly by the plunger. If such a mechanism is quite suitable for experienced divers, such as astronauts, it can be difficult to use or dangerous for novices. The bad use of the mechanism may cause a feeling of discomfort and nausea for the diver subjected to sudden changes in pressure due to improper use of the regulator. In addition, the equipment is used to reproduce the conditions of weightlessness only; it does not allow to travel virtually in one space.

Japanese patent JP2002220100 presents a virtual travel system in the space intended for all public. The system includes a pool and a set of seats arranged on a walkway. People, equipped with diving equipment, consisting of a helmet, a diving suit and a device for underwater breathing, sit on the seats. The bridge is then immersed in the pool. People can leave their seats and "travel" in the water. Some of the walls of the pool are equipped with cinema screens that broadcast images of the space allowing a simulation of travel through space. The diving equipment includes air-filled ballasts in the helmet and shoes and in the back of the diver. By releasing ballast air, it is possible to control the buoyancy of the diver and thus simulate conditions of weightlessness. Unfortunately, this system allows only a very limited travel time and space, since the duration of travel is limited by the volume of oxygen contained in the breathing device under water on the one hand and by the size of the pool on the other hand. In addition, this system only reproduces a rather coarse space environment, limited to the side walls of the pool (the "virtual astronauts" must disregard in particular the appearance of the ground and the surface of the pool. swimming pool) . In addition, the screens only broadcast images in two dimensions: the notion of relief is impossible. In addition, the perception of images is distorted by the pool water. Finally, the system does not allow a single trip to each diver, all divers being subjected to the same images.

The object of the present invention is a system for simulating space travel by means of aquatic diving equipment which overcomes the disadvantages and problems related to existing systems. More specifically, the present invention aims a simulation system and a diving equipment for virtually all public, safe, effective, inexpensive, which avoid problems due to sudden changes in pressure. Such a system can be used for fun and / or commercial purposes, but also to familiarize future cosmonauts with real working conditions in space.

Summary of the invention

An object of the invention is therefore to make it possible to simulate realistically the conditions of a solitary trip in space.

Another object of the invention is to be able to do so under optimal security conditions with a minimum of external surveillance.

Another object of the invention is to give the person concerned the opportunity to act, and in particular to move, in the reconstituted environment. Another object of the invention is the development of a safe and durable equipment for performing this simulation.

The object of the invention is a space travel simulation equipment taking advantage of the thrust of Archimedes to compensate for the effect of gravity for aquatic simulation of space travel. This equipment includes:

- a waterproof diving suit, - a waterproof diving helmet,

first sealed fastening means for the leakproof and detachable fastening of the helmet to the suit,

- an image display device adapted to be disposed within the helmet and a positioning device of the display device relative to the eyes of a user; at least one power supply and / or signal transmission cable whose first end is connectable to the display device;

at least one opening provided with a sealed connection device for sealingly passing at least one cable between the outside and the inside of the equipment, the supply and / or signal transmission cable passing through the opening of the equipment to the outside of it;

an air supply device;

- A user-actionable sealed virtual maneuvering device - an electronic signal generator device capable of generating images restoring a virtual spatial environment;

a device for processing the signals emitted by the virtual maneuvering device able to vary the virtual position of the user with respect to his virtual spatial environment.

The visualization device housed inside the helmet totally limits the field of vision of a diver equipped with equipment. His vision is "parasitized" by any element of his real environment (ramp in the pool, etc.). The feeling of being immersed in a virtual space world is total. The virtual world in which the diver travels is totally personalized. Moreover, the vision of the diver is not deformed by the water when it is immersed in a pool.

The display device is preferably a stereoscopic image display device. Furthermore, the equipment allows the connection to the outside, in particular to the outside of the pool, in a secure way of the display device and in general of any equipment arranged inside the equipment or to the inside the helmet. In addition, a wired connection also provides an efficient and low faulty connection of the display device, wireless broadband signal transmissions being very difficult in the water.

According to a first embodiment, the connection is made at the helmet, at the rear of it. The connection at the helmet prevents the cable from obstructing or clogging the plunger. It is even more important to avoid any discomfort and therefore any risk of accident that the diver has no vision of its real environment. According to another embodiment, the connection is made at the diving suit. The equipment may include a centralized communication interface for transmitting audio / video signals. The communication interface, located inside the dry suit, is connected on the one hand to the signaling cables of the display device in order to send to it video signals and on the other hand to a cable of communication to receive signals. This cable communication passes tightly through the sealed opening provided at the combination. The communication interface comprises a multiplexer / demultiplexer for generating, from a single signal, different signals for the display device and vice versa.

Moreover, by judiciously placing the opening at the back of the suit in the back, it is also avoided that the diver is bothered by the cables. According to another embodiment, the equipment comprises two sealed openings for the passage of cables, one at the helmet, the other at the combination.

Advantageously, the devices for feeding and / or for processing the images of the display device can be housed outside the helmet. This results in a reduction of the weight to be borne by the diver and a reduction in the size of the display device inside the helmet. It is indeed important to limit the size of the helmet to reduce buoyancy problems. A device for processing high performance images can be used, since it is not limited in size and weight thus providing high quality images to the display device at a high frequency.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the sealed connection device comprises a sealed connection means for the sealed connection of a tube outside the equipment at the opening of the equipment. The cables passing from the inside to the outside of the equipment via the opening are gathered in one and the same tube, thus avoiding the inconvenience and the congestion due to several wires often of length and of different size. The tube also increases the safety of the system, since the cables are isolated from the pool water.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the tube is flexible, further minimizing the risk of discomfort.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the display device is provided with a battery pack. According to another embodiment, the display device is powered from outside the equipment, via a power cable passing through the sealed opening.

One of the aims of the invention is to provide a good distribution of the weight of the equipment, so as to coincide as far as possible the metacentre and the center of gravity of the fully equipped diver and thus improve the rendering of the virtual journey.

As such, the diving helmet is characterized in that it comprises at least a second fixing means for fixing at least a portion of a display device inside the helmet.

This second fixing means relieves the plunger of part of the weight of the display device. Indeed, viewing devices are often heavy devices. Also, the display device being at least partially fixed inside the helmet, the helmet takes at least part of its weight; the masses of different equipment that the diver must support can be better distributed. It should be noted that the weight of the fully equipped helmet is of the order of ten kilos. The securing means allows permanent or removable attachment of at least a portion of the display device.

Advantageously, the diving equipment comprises at least one motion sensor disposed inside the helmet and / or inside the combination.

The sensor cable (s) for supplying and / or transmitting motion detection signals pass through the connection opening located at the equipment (preferably at the combination).

According to a preferred embodiment, a second centralized communication interface for the transmission of electronic signals is located in the sealed suit. The communication interface is on the one hand connected to the cables for transmitting the motion detection signals and on the other hand to a communication cable to the outside of the equipment. This communication cable passes tightly through the sealed opening provided at the combination. The communication interface comprises a multiplexer / demultiplexer for generating a single signal from different electronic signals and vice versa.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cables for the transmission of signals intended for the display device are connected to the first communication interface. The second communication interface is used for wiring all other electronic equipment that is part of the diving equipment. The signals provided by the sensor are thus centralized in the combination, transmitted, processed and used by a control and control device comprising an image processing device. The image processing device modifies and adapts, in real time, the image data transmitted to the display device according to the movements of the plunger.

The sensor makes it possible to determine real movements (upward movement of the head, the left, etc.), or to determine so-called control movements. Thus, in order to prevent the diver from moving too much in the pool and being too limited in his virtual journey, in particular by the size of the pool or his diving equipment, movements of the diver can generate a signal serving as ordered. For example, an arm movement to the left indicates the will of the diver to go to the left, the speed of movement being for example indicated by the magnitude of the movement. The image signals for the display device are adapted according to this mode of operation. The diver can thus move in the virtual space without having to actually move.

In another embodiment of the invention, a microphone is placed in the diving helmet, through which the plunger sends control commands. The microphone connection cable passes through the connection opening of the equipment and transmits the signals to a receiver equipped with a voice recognition system; this system generates control data for the image processing device. Advantageously, the cable for transmitting the audio signals is connected to one of the two centralized communication interfaces (preferably to the second interface).

In a third embodiment, a watertight joystick ("joystick") makes it possible, in a manner similar to the microphone, to control the treatment device. of images without asking for a physical displacement of the diver in the pool. The connection cable (s) of the joystick passes through one of the centralized communication interfaces (preferably the second) for transmitting signals for the control of the image processing device.

Advantageously, the diving equipment may comprise waterproof virtual gloves comprising at least one haptic interface and / or at least one motion sensor. The connection cable (s) of the glove then passes through one of the two centralized communication interfaces (preferably the second) and transmits the signals transmitted for the control of the image processing device. According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the helmet comprises at least one opening comprising a sealed connection device for connecting an air inlet tube and / or an air outlet tube. Thus, the air supply for breathing and for ventilation inside the equipment is external. This provides an unlimited dive time. Moreover, the electronics of the display device may cause a slight increase in temperature, an external air supply allows to control and maintain a certain temperature inside the helmet. On the other hand, the external air ventilation makes it possible to keep the humidity level below a maximum and to avoid the risk of condensation at the level of the display device.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the opening used is for the air inlet either for the air outlet is also the opening used for the passage of at least one cable.

Another object of the invention is to ensure that the equipment prevents the diver from feeling the pressure of the water. In this regard, the diving suit comprises a neck comprising an elastic means to allow a tight closure at the neck of the plunger, sleeves whose end comprises an elastic means to allow a sealed closure at the handles and at least one valve for allowing air to enter the interior of the suit, and having means for connection to an air supply pipe.

It is thus possible to control and maintain a certain pressure inside the suit, independently of the pressure inside the helmet. It is thus possible to pressurize the interior of the suit so as to compensate for the pressure of the water.

Advantageously, the pressure inside the combination in immersion use is greater than 1 atm, and is preferably equal to 1.2 atm.

Advantageously, the dive suit comprises adjustment means making it possible to match the metacentre (point of application of the Archimedes' thrust) and the user's center of gravity when the latter is equipped with his equipment. . These means also make it possible to control the buoyancy of the immersion suit. These means are, for example, an air outlet device of the combination. Such a device allows the expulsion or extraction of air from the pressurized suit, to reduce the internal pressure to control the buoyancy of the diver. The diving equipment may also include fastening means for the removably attaching ballast. The ballast, judiciously distributed, allows to control the buoyancy of the immersion diver and to adjust the metacentre.

Another object of the invention is to facilitate the entry and exit of the plunger in the pool. As such, the diving equipment comprises a cable for suspending a plunger and at least one removable fixing means for removably attaching one end of the cable to the combination and / or the body of a plunger .

The cable allows to get the diver into the pool and get out at any time.

Advantageously, the equipment comprises a harness removably attached to the combination and / or the body of a plunger, the cable fixing means being attached to the harness.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device for processing the signals emitted by the virtual maneuvering device comprises a calculator integrated in the program which calculates how a movement corresponding to a determined control pulse would be effected in space, this calculator controlling the relative movement as it appears to the astronaut in the three-dimensional image display device, the said calculator integrating the equations of motion of a rigid body in the absence of external frictional forces and gravity to present a virtual reality signal gain amplifying the user's movements to transpose them to realistic conditions in the virtual space.

Optionally, in this embodiment, the computer comprises modulation means for modulating the amplifying virtual reality signal gain. the user's movements to transpose them to realistic conditions in the virtual space so as to mitigate their disturbing effect.

Brief description of the figures

These and other aspects of the invention will be clarified in the detailed description of particular embodiments of the invention, with reference to the drawings of the figures, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a plunger seen from the front with diving equipment according to one embodiment of the invention;

Fig.2 shows a plunger viewed in profile provided with diving equipment according to one embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 shows the control and control device of the space travel simulation system according to one embodiment of the invention.

The figures are not drawn to scale. Generally, similar elements are denoted by similar references in the figures.

Detailed description of particular embodiments

Figures 1 and 2 show a plunger viewed from the front and side respectively provided with equipment 1 for the simulation in the aquatic environment of travel in space according to one embodiment of the invention.

The simulation equipment 1 includes a 100 waterproof diving helmet, a wet diving suit 200, waterproof diving gloves 400 and a harness 300. The gloves and the combination are preferably made of neoprene®, this being obviously not limiting. Any waterproof and relatively elastic material can be used. One of the problems encountered by the inventor is that diving equipment found on the market is totally unsuitable for the purpose of the invention. Indeed, it is not possible, for simple economic reasons, to dispose, without any other form of process, the delicate electronic equipments and especially sensitive to the humidity of virtual reality in existing equipments. Another reason, already mentioned above, is that the virtual browser operates in a limited volume of water, and therefore shallow. As a result, existing diving suits, designed to compensate for high external pressures, can balloon, disrupt the buoyancy of the equipment and send the virtual traveler back to the surface, so that a balance is struck between 'Archimedes and gravity.

The diving helmet 100 comprises a blind hull 111 removably attached to a base 110 by means of fixing means 113. The base 110 is formed of a metal or plastic ring directly secured to the neck 206 of the suit 200. In another embodiment, the base 100 comprises a removable fastening device to the neck 206. A skirt 202 (not shown) made of flexible and waterproof material (PVC or neoprene®) is fixed on the entire inner periphery of the base 110. The skirt has an opening having an elastic edge. The rim perfectly fits the neck of the plunger so as to maintain a seal between the inside of the helmet 100 and the inside of the suit 200. The shell 111 of the helmet 100 of globally ovoid shape is made of a waterproof and resistant material. In order to shield the virtual traveler from his actual environment, the hull is preferably blind forward. The diving equipment further comprises a display headset 116 provided here with two screens 117 located near the eyes and broadcasting stereoscopic images. The screens 117 are provided with special optics to prevent eye fatigue. The broadcast images fully fill the diver's field of vision, providing total immersion in the images being broadcast and giving the impression of being inside the scene. The images broadcast can be computer-generated images or from real images taken using satellites for example. Other techniques known to render the stereoscopic effect may also be used, such as the use of a single screen broadcasting polarized images or anaglyphs, coupling to opacifiable liquid crystal glasses, etc. Due to the absence of reference points in the virtual space, the rendering of the relief can also be improved by resorting to hypersteoscopy.

The presence of any transparent parts in the helmet allows the staff assisting the candidate for the virtual journey to ensure the proper positioning of the apparatus.

The display helmet 116 comprises a fastening means 127 on the head of the plunger consisting here of a set of elastic straps and adjustable belts which conform to the shape of the head of the plunger and ensures effective maintenance of the display helmet 116 on the head of the diver. The display headset 116 is also provided with a motion sensor device to take into account the movements of the head in all directions and their speed. The display headset 116 also contains a sound device that allows sound rendering in three dimensions.

The display headset 116 comprises a set of cables 112 for powering the electronics, receiving image data to be broadcast, sending the data generated by the motion sensor (s), etc. The diving helmet 100 comprises an opening 119 disposed at the rear of the head of the plunger allowing the passage of the cables 112 towards the outside of the diving helmet 100. According to another embodiment not shown, the opening 119 is arranged in the back of the diver at the diving suit 200.

Note that the aqueous medium is not suitable for the propagation of radio waves and it is therefore not possible, in practice, to do without wire connections, which complicates the realization of the realization of the simulation equipment of the invention and causes real problems of connection. Moreover, the aqueous medium obviously imposes constraints from the point of view of the voltage, which must be of the Very Low Voltage Safety type. The opening 119 includes a seal 120 providing a perfectly sealed connection between the inside and the outside of the diving helmet 100 (or diving suit where appropriate).

The set of cables 112 housed inside the helmet is inserted into a single sheath or tube 128 perfectly tight and very resistant. The sheath 128 is sealingly connected to the seal 120 so as to avoid any risk of short circuits and accidents. likely to damage the delicate equipment used when the diver is in the water.

By disposing the opening 120 at the back of either the diving helmet 100 or the diving suit, the diver is not restricted in his movements and does not risk getting his feet or hands into the sheath 128.

In another embodiment, the movement sensor device of the head and / or the sound device are separated from the display helmet 116 and are disposed on the inner wall of the diving helmet 100.

The power supply and motion detection signal transmission cables of the device also pass through the opening 119. The diving helmet 100 comprises an air circulation device. The device has two openings

129 and 130 respectively provided with an air inlet valve

124 and an air outlet valve 125. Tubes 131, 132 are connected to the valves 124 and 125 to ensure the circulation of air inside the diving helmet.

100. The other end of the tubes 131, 132 is connected to a ventilation device (not shown) for the constant sending of filtered and new air. The pressure inside the helmet is preferably close to 1 atm. The openings 129 and 130 are preferably arranged at the rear of the helmet to avoid any discomfort to the plunger. Virtual reality can also take into account and integrate the presence of an "umbilical cord" connecting the astronaut to a vehicle, a space module, etc., so that the incongruous solicitations and the inertia of the tube of diet do not disturb the astronaut. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the shell 111 comprises two modules, a first module preferably fixed removably to the base 110 and a second module removably attached to the first module. Fastening means (not shown) are disposed on one of the inner walls of the first module of the helmet 100, to which at least a portion of the display helmet 116 is fixed removably or permanently.

In this embodiment, the opening 119 for the passage of the cables and / or the openings for the circulation of the air 129, 130 are part of the first module.

The dive equipment 1 facilitates the installation of the display device 116. The diver can first put the combination 200 with the base 110 which rests on the shoulders of a diver. The plunger can in a second time fix the display device 116 to the first module of the helmet 100 previously attached to the base 110, in the case of a modular helmet 100, and in all cases comfortably adjust the display device 116 to its position. head and to his sight.

The positioning of the virtual reality glasses is done before the installation of the helmet, by a system of hinges and friction slides to move the equipment VR (for "Virtual Reality") in all directions and orientations, particularly for users wearing glasses. The helmet 100 is then closed by fixing the shell 111 on the base 110 or, in the case of a modular helmet 100, by fixing the second module to the first module. The attachment devices of the helmet 100 have been designed for rapid water output and a very fast return to atmospheric breathing in case of problems. A telephone contact is maintained for the diver to report possible problems. If this is the case, it can be returned to the open air in a few seconds. It is the same if the help in the pool sees a diver in trouble. The combination 200 has integrated boots 203. It is provided with waterproof elastic grips 201 (not shown) perfectly matching the shape of the wrist of the plunger so that the inside of the suit is perfectly waterproof and prevents air from coming out. In another embodiment the boots are disassociated from the suit. A seal is then provided at the ankles.

From the point of view of a playful and / or commercial use of the virtual journey in space, it is obviously imperative to minimize the inconveniences associated with the duration and discomfort of the harness of the astronaut. Among these disadvantages, there is obviously the need to wipe all the partial body washed in the water. These considerations explain why it is not desirable a priori to resort to "frog man" type wetsuits, which require a complete undressing as well as a direct contact of the whole body surface with the pool water. On the inner walls of the combination 200 are disposed a set of motion sensors (not shown) for detecting the movements of the plunger as well as the speed of these movements (for example, movements of the arms or legs and their speed). The power and signal cables of these sensors pass through the opening 119.

According to another embodiment, a set of passive sensors 204 is disposed on the outer wall of the Combination 200. Cameras arranged inside the pool or in front of transparent portholes make it possible to transpose in real time the movements and the speed of movement of these sensors 204. The combination 200 also comprises an air inlet valve 205 Once the diver is provided with his diving equipment 1, a hose (not shown) is connected to the valve 205 and air is blown into the combination 200. The interior of the suit 200 is pressurized independently of the interior of the diving helmet 100. The pressure inside the suit 200 in use is greater than 1 atm, and is preferably 1.2 atm. The valve 205 comprises a press button device 208 for releasing air when necessary. Alternatively, the combination 200 includes an additional valve for the air outlet. The dissociation of the air supply of the helmet and the suit makes it possible to better control the bloating problems of the suit (which have a direct influence on the buoyancy and also on the relative position of the metacentre and the center of gravity of the diver. equipped), while ensuring a correct ventilation of the helmet, both for the comfort of the virtual astronaut and the preservation of the apparatus). Moreover, for the experiment to be accessible to the general public, it is necessary that the immersion depths are low (0 to a few meters). If this were not the case, it would be necessary to decompress the diver, an operation performed for the training of genuine astronauts but it would be impossible or dangerous to apply to untrained amateurs. Therefore, if standard diving equipment was used, the pressures would not be sufficient to create a significant pressure differential between the diver, the water and the atmosphere. As a result, the conventional water-evacuation devices can not work, which has two unfortunate consequences: First, water enters the combination through the air outlet, which ruins completely the effect of the simulation and, moreover, seriously harms the electronics! Then, the air is not evacuated completely to the outside, but contributes to an unexpected swelling of the suit, greatly modifying the balance of the neutral flotation. As a result, a special helmet equipment is used, without any free exit to the pool water but equipped with a suction pump outlet air to avoid the two phenomena noted above.

The diver carries a harness 300 on his back that is securely fastened with a set of adjustable straps 303. Weights 305 can be added at the straps 303 or inside the harness 300 to control the buoyancy of the diver. The number and the mass of the weights are determined according to the mass of the diver. A suspension cable 301 is attached to the rear of the harness 300 by means of a set of hooks 306. The suspension cable 301 makes it possible to suspend the plunger so as to make it easier to get in and out of the pool. .

The harness 300 also comprises a lifeline device such as buoy or balloon which can be actuated in case of a problem with the handle 307. When actuated, this device inflates and helps the diver to go back to the surface. Disorientation is one of the classic problems confronted the virtual astronaut. This can cause him discomfort or even nausea. It is therefore advantageous, in addition to the emergency lift, to provide in the helmet and / or in the combination of devices for the absorption or disposal of body fluids.

The equipment includes 400 waterproof gloves with elastic cuffs 401 that fit snugly to the wrist of the plunger to ensure a tight connection between the glove and the suit 200.

These gloves 400 may be cybergloves® virtual gloves comprising a haptic interface including a set of motion sensors and / or movement speed. The connection cables (not shown) of the gloves 400 pass sealingly through the combination 200 before emerging through the opening of the diving suit.

According to an embodiment of the invention not shown, a first and second centralized communication interfaces 501, 502 are disposed inside the diving suit 200. The communication interfaces 501, 502 are connected to the various electronic devices diving equipment (visual display, head and / or body movement sensors, audible device, pressure sensors, gloves 400, joystick, etc.). Each communication interface comprises a single cable 503 for communication to the outside of the equipment. This cable 503 passes sealingly through the opening 119. Each communication interface 501, 502 comprises a multiplexer / demultiplexer for generating a single signal from different electronic signals that it receives from the different electronic devices and vice versa. This makes it possible to reduce the number of cables leaving the combination and, consequently, to reduce the problems related to the connection and the sealing.

Preferably, the first communication interface 501 is connected to the display screen, while the second communication interface 502 is connected to the other electronic devices (head and / or body movement sensors, sound device, pressure sensors, gloves 400, joystick, etc.) of the diving equipment 1. FIG. 3 shows the device 2 for controlling and controlling the space travel simulation system. The control and control device is disposed outside the pool in which the plunger is immersed. The control device 2 comprises one or more data processing apparatus such as a computer containing, in a conventional manner, a power supply, one or more processors, memories, graphics cards, user interfaces of the mouse, keyboard, screen, microphone, speakers, etc. The control device 2 comprises a connection interface 520 for the secure connection of the various power and signal transmission cables contained in the sheath 128. When the diving equipment is equipped with the centralized communication interfaces 501, 502, communication interface 520 comprises a multiplexing / demultiplexing device for enabling the transmission of signals with the centralized communication interfaces 501, 502. The supply of the power cables is carried out either via the power supply of the control device 2 or independently, if necessary via a safety transformer generating, for obvious safety reasons, a low safety voltage (generally of the order of 12V). The control and control device 2 can be seen as a set of functional units communicating with each other. These units and their connections as shown in FIG. 3 are theoretical and presented here only as an illustration to facilitate understanding of the operation of the control device 2. They do not necessarily reflect the way in which the different units of the control device 2 and their connections are interconnected in practice. In addition, the control device 2 may consist of a set of different devices connected to each other and distinctly carrying out the operations of one or more functional units.

The control device 2 as shown comprises a central controller 501 for processing the data received by the control device 2 via the different user interfaces 503 and to process and control the various other functional units.

A memory 502 makes it possible to record and read data used by the central controller 501 and the different functional units.

A head movement sensor interface 504 processes the signals provided by the sensor device taking into account the movements of the plunger head and their speed; it then generates control data indicating a change in the vanishing point of the diver's field of view and the speed of change.

A body movement sensor interface 505 processes the signals provided by the combination sensor device measuring the movements of the body of the plunger.

As mentioned above, the movements of the body of the diver (eg arm movement) can also be interpreted as real movements (go to the left if the diver actually turns to the left) or as commands (lifting the left arm being interpreted as a left-handed movement command, the amplitude of the movement representing the rotation speed to the left). The interface then generates control data indicating a change in the vanishing point of the diver's field of view and the speed of the change.

The software that controls the experiment reacts to the signals of the sensors in order to simulate the space as best as possible. Suppose a motion (translation or rotation) is detected by a sensor. On Earth, this movement stops quickly because of numerous friction forces (air, contact with the ground, ...). In water, this effect is even more sensitive because of the viscosity of water (100 times higher than that of air). In virtual reality, on the other hand, as soon as a command value movement is detected, a calculator (built into the program) calculates the way in which the motion whose initial impulse has been measured is carried out in space. This calculator controls the relative movement as it appears to the astronaut in the VR glasses. In other words, the equations of motion of a rigid body in the absence of external frictional forces and gravity are integrated (calculated) in order to present a VR signal gain amplifying the movements of the plunger to transpose them to "realistic" conditions in the virtual space.

Note that it is possible to modulate this effect, so as not to make the novice astronaut sick by this disorientation, which would be quite effective in real space, but which is unsuited to untrained people, depending on the "training" of the astronaut, we introduce a damping parameter calculated virtual displacement, which can be particularly confusing for unsuspecting people. The size of this shock is adjustable

(variable variable of the software) according to the degree of realism which the astronaut wishes or estimates to be able to support.

A glove interface 507 processes the signals provided by the glove 400 sensors interpreted as commands and generates corresponding control data. It is possible, depending on the desired degree of reality, to use highly sophisticated gloves that restore tactile sensations, to simulate, for example, the maneuvering of objects in space, a repair, etc.

A not shown joystick interface 509 processes the signals supplied by the joystick interpreted as commands and generates corresponding control data.

A microphone interface 509 processes the signal provided by the microphone 115 of the diving helmet 100. The microphone interface 509 is provided with a voice recognition system for detecting the diver's commands ("go to the left", "go back", etc.). When the speech recognition system detects a known order, the interface 507 generates corresponding control data. In all cases, the sound signal is reproduced at the user interface 503 so that the person controlling the smooth running of the simulation via the control device 2 can listen to the diver.

All control data is immediately sent to an image and sound processing unit 510. The image and sound processing unit 510, conventionally, processes the control data and generates data representing stereoscopic images (with a set of data images for the left screen of viewing 117 and for the right display screen 117) as well as any stereophonic sound data. It goes without saying that in reality, sounds do not propagate in a vacuum, but the virtual traveler can benefit, according to the desired goal (playful, didactic), "real" sound effects (hissing of his own reactors thrust, etc.) or fantasies, comments, musical background, etc. The image and sound data are modified and adapted according to the control data. The image processing unit 510 thus generates image data in real time by modifying the points of view of the images broadcast as well as their speed of scrolling and sound data corresponding to the new images generated.

A display device interface 508 receives and processes, in a conventional manner, the image data generated by the image and sound processing unit 510. In the case of the use of a dual screen, as shown, the interface 508 generates signals distinct for the left screen 117 and for the right display screen 117. The signals are sent to the display headset 116 via the connection interface 520.

The microphone interface 509 receives and processes, in a conventional manner, the sound data generated by the image and sound processing unit 510. The interface 509 generates a signal for each of the loudspeaker speakers. The signals are sent to the sound device via the connection interface 520. The person controlling the control device 2 can also speak to the diver via a microphone 503. The sound signal is sent to the sound device housed in the diving helmet 100 via the 509 microphone interface.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples and described above. The invention comprises each of the novel features as well as their combination. The presence of reference numbers can not be considered as limiting. The use of the term "includes" in no way excludes the presence of other elements other than those mentioned. The use of the definite article "a" to introduce an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of these elements. The present invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments, which have a purely illustrative value and should not be considered as limiting.

Claims

1. Equipment for aquatic simulation of space travel, this equipment comprising a dry diving suit (200), a diving helmet (100) sealed and first means (110, 113) of watertight fastening for the releasably and removably fastening the helmet (100) to the suit (200), this equipment being characterized in that it comprises: - a device (116) for displaying three-dimensional images that can be arranged inside the a headset and a positioning device (127) for this display device (116) relative to the eyes of a user; at least one power supply and / or signal transmission cable whose first end is capable of being connected to the display device (116);

an air supply device; - a user-friendly, user-friendly, waterproof maneuvering device

an electronic signal generating device (508) capable of generating images rendering a virtual spatial environment; a signal processing device (505) emitted by the virtual maneuvering device capable of varying the virtual position of the user with respect to his virtual spatial environment.

2. Equipment according to claim 1 characterized in that the diving suit (200) comprises adjustment means (305) for matching the metacentre and the center of gravity of the user when it is equipped with its equipment and provide them with neutral buoyancy.

3. Equipment according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the diving helmet (100) comprises at least a second fixing means for fixing at least a portion of the display device inside the helmet.

4. Equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the sealed connection device comprises a sealed connection means for the sealed connection of a tube outside the helmet (100) at the level of the opening the helmet.

5. Equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the air supply device is an external pump to which the helmet (100) is connected, the helmet comprising at least one opening comprising a connection device sealed for connection of an air inlet tube and / or an air outlet tube.

6. Equipment according to claim 5 characterized in that the diving suit comprises:

- A collar comprising an elastic means to allow sealing at the neck of the plunger; sleeves whose end comprises an elastic means to allow a tight closure at the wrists;

at least one valve for allowing the entry of air inside the combination, and comprising means for connecting to an air inlet pipe, so as to controlling the pressure inside the suit (200) independently of the pressure inside the helmet (100).

7. Equipment according to any one of claims 5 or 6 characterized in that the pressure inside the combination (200) in use is greater than 1 atm, and is preferably equal to 1.2 atm.

8. Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises at least one motion sensor disposed within the helmet and / or inside the combination.

9. Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises virtual gloves (400) sealed comprising at least one haptic interface and / or at least one motion sensor and / or at least one joystick ( "Joystick").

10. Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display device (116) is a stereoscopic display device.

11. Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one centralized communication interface disposed inside the equipment to which at least one of the electronic devices of the equipment is connected. communication interface comprising a single cable for the transmission of signals passing through the sealed opening 119 of the equipment to the outside thereof.

12. Equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal processing device emitted by the virtual maneuvering device comprises a computer integrated in the program which calculates the manner in which a movement corresponding to a determined control pulse would take place in space, this computer controlling the relative movement as it appears to the astronaut in the three-dimensional image display device, the said integrating calculator the equations of motion of a rigid body in the absence of external friction and gravity forces to present a virtual reality signal gain amplifying the user's movements to transpose them to realistic conditions in the virtual space .

13. Equipment according to claim 12 characterized in that the computer comprises modulation means for modulating the virtual reality signal gain amplifying the user's movements to transpose them to realistic conditions in the virtual space so as to mitigate their disruptive effect.

14. Waterproof helmet for the simulation in the aquatic environment of travel in space, this helmet comprising a first waterproof fastening means for the waterproof and detachable attachment of the helmet to a diving suit, characterized in that this helmet is blind and that it comprises at least one opening comprising a sealed connection device for sealingly passing at least one cable between the outside and the inside of the helmet.

15. Helmet according to claim 14 characterized in that it comprises at least a second means for fixing at least a portion of a display device inside the helmet.

16. Helmet according to one of claims 14 or 15 characterized in that the waterproof connection device comprises a sealed connection means for the sealed connection of a tube outside the helmet at the opening of the helmet.

17. Helmet according to one of claims 14 to 16 characterized in that it comprises a zone for preserving the electronic portion of possible body fluids and / or to collect said body fluids.