Locator device of metal objects with integrated communication interface

Abstract

A portable equipment to locate metal objects having at least one proximity locator or pointer comprising a control unit and a detection coil. The control unit generates an excitation signal for the detection coil, detects echoes originating from metal objects from the electromagnetic signals received by the detection head and alerts the operator in response to a detection determination. The control unit of the proximity locator/pointer includes a radio communication unit configured to exchange information with a remote equipment having a functionally compatible communication unit. Preferably, the portable equipment also includes an operator headset equipped with the functionally compatible communication unit.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A metal detector comprising:
 a support rod;   a detection head placed at an end of the support rod, the detection head comprising a receiving coil and an emitting coil powered by an excitation signal;   an electronic control and monitoring unit to control the detection head and to analyze information originating therefrom,   an operator headset configured to transmit an audio detection signal to an operator from the metal detector,   the electronic control and monitoring unit, and the operator headset are linked to each other by a multipoint wireless link;   a proximity locator or pointer comprising a detection coil and a control unit configured to generate the excitation signal for the detection coil, to perform detection of echoes originating from metal objects from electromagnetic signals detected by the detection head, and to alert the operator in response to a detection, the control unit comprising a radiofrequency communication unit configured such that the proximity locator or pointer is seen as a subscriber of the multipoint wireless link to transmit information to other subscribers of the multipoint wireless link and to receive information from other subscribers.   
     
     
         12 . The metal detector according to  claim 11 , wherein the proximity locator or pointer exchanges information via the multipoint wireless link with the electronic control and monitoring unit of the metal detector or the operator headset. 
     
     
         13 . The metal detector according to  claim 11 , wherein the proximity locator or pointer communicates with an external equipment via the electronic control and monitoring unit. 
     
     
         14 . The metal detector according to  claim 11 , wherein the information transmitted by the proximity locator or pointer comprises information requesting that a detection signal transmitted by the detection head of the metal detector not be taken into account. 
     
     
         15 . The metal detector according to  claim 11 , wherein the information transmitted by the proximity locator or pointer comprises information requesting the detection head of the metal detector to stop emission. 
     
     
         16 . The metal detector according to  claim 11 , wherein the control unit of the proximity locator or pointer is configured to perform at least some of the functions of the electronic control and monitoring unit of the metal detector so the control unit can replace the electronic control and monitoring unit. 
     
     
         17 . A device comprising the metal detector according to  claim 11 , wherein the control unit of the proximity locator or pointer transmits to the operator headset information comprising a signal indicating detection of an object in a direction pointed to by the proximity locator or pointer. 
     
     
         18 . The device metal detector according to  claim 17 , wherein the control unit of the proximity locator or pointer transmits to the operator headset information relating to an operating status and a functional configuration of the proximity locator or pointer. 
     
     
         19 . The device according to  claim 17 , wherein the operator headset comprises a selector to select, automatically or on a command from the operator, a detection signal transmitted by the control unit of the proximity locator or pointer or a detection signal transmitted by the electronic control and monitoring unit of the metal detector. 
     
     
         20 . The device according to  claim 17 , wherein the multipoint wireless link is a link of a Bluetooth type.