EP1481380A2 - Method and device for triggering signal beacon - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention enables remote triggering, by means of a triggering device (1), of an action (Ak) executable by a beacon (Bj). Therefor, said action (Ak) is associated with at least an orientation code (OAk), and to trigger the action (Ak), the device (1) is oriented, and the action (Ak) is caused to be executed by the signal beacon (Bj) when the orientation of the device is true.

Description

 METHOD OF TRIGGERING BY A DEVICE

TRIGGERING AT LEAST ONE ACTION ASSOCIATED WITH A

SIGNALING BEACON AND MEANS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF

THIS PROCESS

The present invention relates to the triggering, by a triggering device, of at least one action executable by a descriptive beacon. The action executable by the tag is for example, but not exclusively, the dissemination of information. In the present text, the "trigger device" can be a portable device, carried by a natural person, called a user, or even an orientable device on board a mobile object, such as for example a transport vehicle, or an installed device. on a fixed and adjustable installation. In the present text, the term "signposting" generally designates any element having the function of executing an action under the control of a triggering device, it is inter alia, and not exclusively, elements fixtures providing information, in particular visual, of light and / or readable type, made available to a human being close enough to the beacon, or even mobile elements, installed in particular on board a vehicle for the purpose of for example, bring information to the same human being.

By way of example, among the main beacons concerned by the invention, there may be mentioned in particular the traffic lights, and in particular the traffic lights for pedestrians placed at road junctions, one of the actions associated with the beacon being in this case the broadcast of a message related to the state of the traffic light and the orientation of the corresponding protected passage. We can also cite the signs indicating legible information, such as for example the signs indicating a location or a direction (street name, name of a station or station, proposed directions, exit indication, etc.). But the beacon can also be embedded in a vehicle, one of the actions associated with it being in this case the dissemination of a message linked to the identification of the vehicle itself or its destination for example.

According to the invention, the action triggered by the trigger device then generally results at least in the dissemination, by the tag, of the information associated with it. This diffusion can result in a local generation, by the beacon, of the information which is attached to it, and can more particularly result in a local emission by the beacon of information of sound type, which is audible by the user (for example emission of a sound or a series of sounds characteristic of the information, or local restitution in vocal and intelligible form of the information attached to the beacon). Also, this diffusion can result in the emission, by said beacon which has been triggered, of all or part of the information which is attached to it, intended for the triggering device, said device being in this case equipped with a receiver. adapted and means making it possible to restore (in sound, vibratory, visual form, ...) the information which has been transmitted to it remotely by the beacon.

More particularly, and by way of example, in a first application, the invention is intended for the selective control of one of the information items associated with a signpost carrying visual information, such as for example road traffic lights, signs indicators, information terminal, etc., by a user equipped with a trigger device, in order to have said visual beacon (and / or the trigger device itself) broadcast a restitution of said visual information ( state of the traffic light, information carried by the indicator panel, directive information, ...). In this application, the invention preferably finds its interest for the visually impaired or blind. Also, the invention finds its application, for example and not exclusively, to the remote triggering of information associated with a signpost, of the type fitted to a train station, a metro station or a bus stop, by a trigger device on board a transport vehicle. In this application, this triggering results, for example, in the sending to the transport vehicle of information identifying the name of the station or the name or number of the station or of the stop, said vehicle being in this case equipped with means enabling this information to be reproduced in audio and / or visual form for all passengers of the transport vehicle. Also in this application, the triggering of the information can also result in a local restitution by the beacon, in voice or visual form, of information identifying the transport vehicle approaching the beacon.

Devices for signaling and guidance systems have already been proposed. Those based on a light transmission, in particular infrared, are mainly based on a system which includes a transmitter placed on a fixed signpost, which emits a signal characteristic of the signpost, the receiver being carried by a user. For example, in an application, the infrared transmitter equips a road traffic light, and emits an infrared signal characteristic of the state (red or green) of the traffic light. The receiver is for example associated with a vibrator or the like, and makes it possible to restore for the user the infrared signal received in sound form. Thanks to the directivity of the light emission, the reception of the signal by the receiver allows a certain guidance of the user carrying the receiver.

Other, more advanced systems use the same medium to send the user more complete information, in particular by voice.

(street names, proposed directions, ...). In these solutions, in addition to the fact that the photosensitive element of the worn receiver must imperatively remain uncovered, the descriptive beacon (for example the signaling light or an indicator panel equipped with a transmitter) must be substantially "aimed" by the user who wishes to receive information and be guided, this guidance remaining limited to the light beam itself. Therefore, if a user does not appear correctly in front of the transmitter, or if an obstacle is interposed between the transmitter and the receiver, he will not receive any information. In addition, this solution is likely to generate guidance errors (reflections of the beam on display cases for example) and the information transmitted is limited to the direction taken by the user, this system being unable to direct him precisely or correct his trajectory if applicable; the information is therefore subject to interpretation: taking a right for example does not say how much you have to turn to your right to be correctly oriented in relation to the given information. The difficulty is all the more important when several directions are proposed from different angles. In addition, when the user has actually turned, no longer facing the transmitter, he can no longer receive information, unless there are several beacons for the same intersection (for example one for each possible direction), this which requires additional facilities and costs. Also, in this solution, the action of the descriptive beacon is reduced to the continuous emission of the information to be displayed; this solution is therefore not very flexible in terms of actions implemented by the tag.

Other systems rely on radio transmission (HF). The transmission, this time omnidirectional, has the advantage of not requiring a precise orientation of the user in the transmission zone. In return, the user has no information on the direction to take according to his movement or his real orientation; thus, any user present in the transmission area receives the same information regardless of their personal destination. The information emitted by the beacon is therefore general and cannot concern directions to be taken for lack of directionality but also and above all lack of knowing the very orientation of the user likely to be interested in the information; this solution is therefore also very limited. In these various solutions proposed, depending on the case, the information provided by the tag is broadcast continuously, or broadcast repeatedly, or triggered by the user; we prefer this last way of operating if the information associated with the beacon must be disseminated in a public way (sound signal, voice information), and this with the obvious aim of reducing discomfort for residents. In the case where the information is transmitted remotely on a private basis, a continuous infrared emission does not pose an environmental problem, due to its spatial delimitation limited to a specific sector, even if it is preferred to be a discontinuous emission repeated in the simple goal of optimizing the life of the transmitter while reducing energy consumption. The radio cannot be used continuously to avoid constant occupation of a frequency that can be used occasionally by other applications. Regular radio transmission of audio information is therefore undesirable, not to mention the very sustainability of the transmitter. Whether the information is broadcast publicly (loudspeaker) or privately (infrared or radio transmission), the fact that the user systematically receives the information when he is in the transmitter's transmission area may present a annoying character for the regular who would prefer a simple confirmation mark on a known course. This is an additional reason - in addition to seeking to limit noise annoyance by public dissemination of information on command - which pushes to trigger the emission of its information by the signpost only when it is truly necessary, that is to say that in the presence of the user, it is best to limit this broadcast to the dissemination of only information desired by the interested party himself.

With regard to manual triggering, the user is equipped with a remote control (transmitter), which allows him to actuate the beacon remotely, which is equipped with a suitable receiver. This solution is therefore recommended in the case of sound beacons, for example at a pedestrian signaling light, designed to deliver a voice message on the state fire. However, this solution has major drawbacks: on the one hand, the user is obliged to actuate a remote control to activate the beacon, which greatly limits their interest in the case of blind or partially sighted people, and d On the other hand, each action on its part triggers all of the beacons present in the emission field of its transmitter. As for the solution which consists in having the user's transmitter automatically and regularly emitted, on the one hand it does not allow the selective triggering of beacons any more (the user systematically triggers them all on its way), and on the other hand, the excessive and unnecessary consumption of energy which results considerably limits the autonomy of the portable trip device.

A technical solution has also been proposed in European patent application EP-A-338 997 in which the user is equipped with a trigger device, of the radio remote control type, which can be used to interrogate a fixed beacon remotely, such as as for example a signaling light equipped with a transmitter (T), which transmitter is able to broadcast information stored in memory. In this solution, the triggering device and the transmitter (T) of the beacon are each equipped with a HF transmitting antenna of the directive type, and the remote communication takes place in two stages. In a first step, the user must correctly orient the trigger device so that its antenna is correctly oriented relative to the antenna of the transmitter (T) of the beacon. During this first step, the trigger device automatically tunes to the transmitter (T). Then, in a second step, the user can, for example by means of a keyboard provided on the triggering device, interrogate the transmitter remotely to trigger actions, and in particular so that the transmitter (T) transmits to the device triggering the information stored in memory. The aforementioned solution described in the European patent application

EP-A-338 997 has a major drawback: the correct orientation of the triggering device with respect to the beacon depends on the physical orientation of the communication antennas, which makes this solution fixed and not very flexible to use (only one possible orientation of the triggering device for all the actions executable by the beacon). The present invention aims to propose a new method of triggering, by at least one triggering device, at least one action (AR) executable by a signpost (B,), which method in particular makes it possible to overcome the disadvantage above the solution described in European patent application EP-A-338 997. This object is achieved by the process having the technical characteristics of claim 1.

Compared to the aforementioned solution described in European patent application EP-A-338 997, the method of the invention is essentially differentiated by the fact that an action executable by the tag is associated with a configurable orientation code, the triggering of the action being a function of the orientation of the triggering device and of this orientation code.

Preferably, the trigger device is equipped with a means, called a compass, designed to angularly measure the orientation of the trigger device relative to a reference direction (D) relative to the Earth's magnetic field, according to an angular direction of rotation (S ).

To trigger at least the action (A _k ), called oriented action, executable by the signpost (B *), the orientation code representative of the angle formed by the element linked to said tag and the code representative orientation of the angle measured by the triggering device must be consistent with each other. To allow a comparison of the respective orientation codes, therefore of the angles of each of the two objects, a wireless communication is established between this tag and the trigger device, for example by positioning the trigger device (an object) near said tag sign (B *) (another object) so that the emission of one of the objects can be received by the receiver of the other object. When a communication is established between the beacon (B *) and the triggering device, the orientation code (OAR) relating to the action (A _k ) associated with the beacon (B *) is compared to the orientation code ( OM _t ) representative of the measurement of the angle formed by the trigger device, at time (t), with respect to a reference direction (D2) relative to the Earth's magnetic field. We will see later how this communication between the tag and the triggering device can be established.

The comparison and verification of the conformity of the two codes can, depending on the application, be carried out either by the triggering device or by the beacon.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the signage tag (B _j ) is advantageously capable of executing several actions [Aι, ... A _n ], and an orientation code (OAk) is associated with each action (A _k ) ) specific, so that it is possible to selectively trigger an action (A _k ) among the set of actions [Aι, ... A _n ] executable by the beacon by orienting the trigger device.

More particularly, but not necessarily, to associate each action (A _k ) executable by a tag with at least one orientation code (OA _k ), said orientation code is stored in the tag.

The actions triggered can take various forms and depend on the applications and achievements.

In a first embodiment, the action triggered by the tag is the emission of a sound or voice signal, the selection of this action depending on the conformity of the orientations between said trigger device and the element linked to said tag.

In a second embodiment, the action triggered by the trigger device is the restitution by this trigger device of the information associated with the tag, the selection of this information depending on the conformity of the orientations between said trigger device and the linked element to said signpost. In a third embodiment, the actions triggered by the tag and each trigger device are all or part of the actions triggered in the first two embodiments, their selection depending on the conformity of the orientations between said trigger device and the signage tag.

Let us study the different variants: In the first variant, the communication between the signpost and the triggering device is established by a radio transmission from the triggering device (remote control) and a reception, adapted to this emission, by the signposting tag. At time (t), when the user activates his remote control, the code (OM _t ) representing the angular measurement (with respect to terrestrial magnetic North for example) made by the compass of the trigger device at this time (t), is emitted by the transmitter of the user's trigger device. The receiver of the beacon (integrated in the traffic light in this example) receives this code and compares it to the code (OA _k ) which is memorized there, representative of the orientation of the protected passage (k) linked to this traffic light (also in relation to the terrestrial magnetic North for example). If the two codes (OMt) and (OAk) are in conformity, this means that the triggering device is oriented in the same direction as the protected passage. In this case, the action triggered by the fire is the generation of a sound signal for example, in the manner agreed according to its state. We consider the codes conforming to each other when they represent the same orientation, that is to say the same angular direction with the tolerance close predicted by program, compared to a reference direction according to the established angular direction of rotation, or when the angular difference between the orientations corresponds to what is actually expected in the application.

Each light (even the one placed on the opposite sidewalk) having different orientations in memory, only the light oriented in the same direction as that measured by the compass of the trigger device. the user is brought to react, in particular by an audible or vocal signal adapted to the circumstances. Thanks to this audible or vocal signal, the user can approach the fire he has started and orient himself correctly in order to cross parallel to the axis of the protected passage. The triggering of the action associated with the tag is therefore a good function of the results of the comparison between the orientation codes (OA _k ) of this protected passage, and (OM _t ), in particular at the time of the action on the part of the user on his remote control, this user being located in a relatively close perimeter of the traffic light intended for pedestrians, close enough for this beacon to be within range of the transmitter of the trigger device, the transmission power of this transmitter being sufficient to trigger the action from a distance.

Thus, the only action triggered is that associated with the only light linked to the orientation of the user, through the orientation of its trigger device; this action is only triggered if the user is correctly oriented in relation to the protected passage, the tolerance for comparison avoiding too sharp a search for alignment with this protected passage. In the absence of emission, the light remains silent, likewise in the event of emission when the codes do not conform to each other. Noise annoyance is thus limited to the strict minimum, the sound signal no longer being emitted by all of the crossroads beacons but only by that concerning the well-oriented user who, wishing to know the state of the fire and the orientation of the protected passage, activates its remote control. We note that the sound or voice signal can be replaced or supplemented by a message informing the user of the state of the fire which concerns him, and inviting him to present himself on the right side of the light (from the left or from the right ) to make it actually face the protected passage avoiding the risk of collision with potential obstacles located outside the planned crossing area. The identification beacon and the triggering device can also be fitted with a radio transmitter and receiver, respectively. complementary, which would allow the beacon to publicize its messages privately to the user, but also to transmit to the triggering device the orientation code (OA _k ) of the action (A _k ) which is linked to it. This code can then be memorized for a few seconds by the trigger device and be regularly compared with the codes (OM _tx ) relating to the various angular measurements carried out regularly (at each instant tx) by the compass of the trigger device with respect to a reference of the magnetic field. earthly. This makes it possible to regularly check the good presentation of the user facing the protected passage and to invite him if necessary, for example, to correct his trajectory during the crossing. This way of operating is more precisely the subject of the third variant embodiment.

In order to already automate somewhat the selection of the action to trigger, we thought of providing for regular activation of the transmitter of the trigger device which would then proceed to the emission of the codes (OM _tx ) of said trigger device relative to its orientation at different times. This avoids the need for manual activation on the part of the interested party but presents, in addition to the drawback of triggering all the correctly aligned beacons encountered on his route, a significant and unnecessary consumption of energy incompatible with the autonomy sought for a light and portable device.

To avoid these drawbacks, a second variant of the invention therefore consists in having their orientation codes emitted by the descriptive beacons themselves. This time it is the descriptive tags that are equipped with a radio transmitter, and the triggering devices that are equipped with the adequate ^• radio receiver. Each tag (Bj) emits, preferably repetitively, the orientation code (OA _k ) of the action (Ak) associated with it, and where appropriate the message (lι _< ) which corresponds to the element (k) linked to this tag (Bj). When the triggering device reaches the perimeter of emission of the beacon (the traffic light for pedestrians for example), it receives and stores this code as well as, possibly, the corresponding message (1 _k ) (for example the state of the fire). The reception of this code can already be interpreted as a signal warning the user that he is entering an area capable of carrying out an action or providing information, regardless of the orientation of the triggering device. From the reception of the orientation code (OAk), the trigger device memorizes it and regularly compares this code with the orientation code (OM _tx ) measured at each instant (tx) by the device compass trigger. In the event of code compliance, the trigger device authorizes the reception and / or broadcast to the interested party of the message (1 _k ) associated with the tag and transmitted by the latter, message possibly memorized by the trigger device when it is received, or else restores a message previously recorded in the triggering device corresponding to the possible code emitted by the beacon in place of or in addition to the message (lk). The user thus informed, in a private capacity for example (headset), can then take decisions with full knowledge of his environment and activate the public sound or voice broadcast only of the beacon which interests him according to the planned crossing. This triggering can here also be manual but also take place automatically when the user has the same orientation for an agreed time so that his triggering device measures several times, during this time, substantially the same angle relative to the reference direction.

Manual triggering after becoming aware of the environment, or its automaticity by substantially identical angular measurements in a given time, makes it possible to request the triggering device only if it is actually located in the emission zone of a tag and that its orientation matches that of the element linked to this tag; the autonomy of the triggering device is better ensured. This variant is more particularly suitable for cases where the action to be triggered remains localized to the triggering device, in this case in our example to the rendering of a message associated with the tag itself. A third variant combines the advantages of the first two. It allows the triggering of an action associated with a beacon by a user, again automatically or manually according to his criteria, taking into account the particularities of the user himself, while retaining the principles mentioned above on the limitation energy consumption and radio emissions.

The beacon (Bj) and the triggering device are each equipped with a transmitter and a receiver designed to allow an exchange of information between the two elements.

As in the second variant, each tag (Bj) emits, preferably repetitively, the orientation code (OAk) of the action (A _k ) associated with it. When the triggering device reaches the perimeter of emission of the beacon (the traffic light for pedestrians for example), it receives and stores this code. Here again, the fact of having received a code recognized as being an orientation code entails a memorization of this code by the trigger device and the regular comparison by said trigger device with its orientation code (OM _tx ) measured at each instant (tx) by the compass of the triggering device. In the event of code compliance, the transmitter of the trigger device remotely triggers the sound or voice signal from the beacon, which thus manifests its spatial location to help the user get closer to it. The system has become interactive.

The fact of triggering this signal is consecutive of the agreement of the orientations of the trigger device and of the element (k) corresponding to the action (A _k ) of the beacon, action in relation to the same direction. By approaching the signpost, the user is both correctly placed and correctly oriented with respect to the element (k) linked to the tag. In our example, the user is informed of the location and direction of the protected passage.

All the information coming from the tag can here again be transmitted to the user by radio via the receiver of his triggering device. The orientation code (OA _k ) being stored in the triggering device, the user is warned if this code and the orientation code (OM _tx ) are no longer in conformity with each other, i.e. if he s moves away from the appropriate direction, so if the planned trajectory changes. In this case, for the example of the light intended for pedestrians, the triggering device can invite the user, on a private basis, to correct its trajectory during its crossing if it moves away from the protected passage that it has taken .

When leaving the radio coverage area of the beacon (loss of the radio signal from the beacon and failure to receive its orientation code), or when entering another zone (new beacon encountered), the memory of the triggering device beforehand charged with the orientation code (OA _k ) is reset, and if necessary charged with the new orientation code. Apart from any radio reception of codes signifying an action or information zone, the triggering device does not make comparisons of orientation codes.

Whatever the variant or the application, and to avoid any misinterpretation of codes, it may be useful to precede each transmission of the orientation code with an agreed code to signal to the receiver that the code which will follow is indeed a code that should be compared with the local code. For the following explanations, this code for activating the angular comparison is called the ACA code.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of several applications of the method of the invention, which description is given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the drawings appended to which: FIG. 1 schematically represents, seen from above, a crossroads equipped with traffic lights for pedestrians, each traffic light being equipped with an electronic circuit which is specific to the invention, and which makes it possible to transform the traffic light into a signpost according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram which illustrates on the one hand an example of electronic architecture for the electronic circuit equipping each signaling light (beacon), and on the other hand an example of electronic architecture for the device triggering the invention, which is intended to be carried by a pedestrian, and which is able, depending on its location, to communicate remotely with the electronic circuit of one or more signaling lights; FIG. 3 is an example of an operating flow diagram of the electronic circuit of a signaling light; FIG. 4 is an example of an operating flow diagram of the trigger device; FIGS. 5 and 6 are another example of an operating flow diagram of the respective electronic circuits of a signaling light (Beacon) and of the triggering device; FIG. 7 represents, seen from above, a crossing of several lanes (hall) proposing several destinations in different directions, this crossing being equipped with a descriptive beacon according to the invention, - FIG. 8 represents, seen from above, a traffic lane comprising on each side two bus stations, each station being equipped with a descriptive beacon according to the invention. APPLICATION / SIGNAL LIGHTS FOR PEDESTRIANS

In a first embodiment of the invention which will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, the signposting beacons (Bj) are constituted by standard pedestrian signaling lights, which have each been equipped with a specific electronic circuit allowing the implementation of the selective triggering method of the invention. In the remainder of the present description, for the sake of simplification, the terms “signaling light” Bj will denote the signpost (B,), that is to say in reality the signaling light equipped of its specific electronic circuit of the invention.

In the particular example of FIG. 1, a four-lane road junction V * -, V ₂ , V ₃ , V _{4 has been shown} , each lane being equipped on either side with two pedestrian signaling lights, which are arranged opposite at the level of the pedestrian crossings (for example the lights Bi and B ₂ for the track V1 and the protected passage PP). Thus in the embodiment of Figure 1, there are eight signal lights (Bi to B ₈ ). Usually, when the pedestrian traffic light is green, pedestrians can cross the corresponding lane, and vice versa when the pedestrian light. is red, pedestrians must wait.

The electronic circuit which equips each signaling light (and an example of architecture of which is illustrated on the left part of FIG. 2) is designed to communicate remotely with one or more triggering devices (1). This electronic circuit is preferably integrated into the existing housing but can for example be housed in another waterproof housing, fixed to the post of the signaling light, and provided with a inspection hatch allowing access to the electronic circuit for maintenance personnel. A trigger device (1) (portable type) is carried by a pedestrian, for example in a jumper in the form of a medallion, or in the form of a badge, or even partially or totally integrated in a pair of glasses. When a pedestrian equipped with a trigger device (1) is located in the emission field CHj of a traffic light Bj, he automatically receives the orientation code first

(OAk), memorized and periodically emitted by the electronic circuit of the signal light Bj. This code is representative of the angle (α _x ) made by the axis of the corresponding protected passage relative to the reference direction (D) ( which can be the Earth magnetic north for example) according to an established angular direction of rotation (S) (which can be the conventional trigonometric direction for example). On receipt of this code by the trigger device (1), the latter memorizes it and warns the user that he has entered an information zone by a signal or a message previously recorded. The compass of the triggering device then regularly measures the angle (β) which it makes with the reference direction (D) according to the established angular direction of rotation (S). At each instant (t), this measurement is translated into a code (OM _t ) which is compared with the code (OAk). If the orientation codes (OAk) and (OMt) are in conformity, this means that the triggering device is oriented in the same way as the protected passage; the transmitter of the triggering device then sends this code (OMt) to the traffic light Bj which then recognizes compliance with its own code (OAR), which triggers the sound signal or the voice message agreed according to the state signal light Bj, and if necessary any other planned action. This audible signal (or this voice message) allows the pedestrian to locate the signaling light Bj, the only light triggered because the only light representative of the same orientation as that of the triggering device and in the emission field from which it is located.

In a second step, after automatic triggering of the signaling light, in accordance with the method of the invention, the pedestrian is automatically informed of the state (green or red) of the signaling light as well as of its location (name of the street by example).

The other lights also emit their orientation code, but with different emission periods, which allows the receiver of the device (1) located in an emission zone common to several lights for example to receive only one code at a time to compare the codes received with the one it forms with respect to the reference direction (D). It will only emit its code (OM _t ) if it conforms to the code received, that is to say that if it is correctly oriented towards a light (or the corresponding protected passage) to only trigger the action associated with it. This first application of the invention thus advantageously makes it possible, on the one hand, for each pedestrian equipped with a triggering device (1), to be able to locate themselves easily in an urban environment, without having to read the indicator panels indicating the names of the lanes. , and on the other hand to be guided in its movement relative to a signaling light, and to be automatically informed of the state of the light relating to its crossing and close to which it is located. This application is therefore more particularly, but not exclusively, adapted for pedestrians with visual impairment (visually impaired or blind people), and makes it possible to guide these visually impaired pedestrians and to improve the safety of their movements in urban areas, especially when crossing a traffic lane. Architecture of the circuit (transmitter / receiver) of a beacon (B,) - figure 2

There is shown on the left part of Figure 1, an embodiment of an electronic circuit 2 of the invention, which equips each signal light Bj, and whose electronic architecture is based on the implementation of 'A microcontroller 20, such as for example the PIC 16C84 microcontroller from MICROCHIP, it being specified that other embodiments are possible for those skilled in the art, the programmable processing unit constituted by the microcontroller 20, which can in particular be produced by means of another microcontroller, a microprocessor, or a specific electronic circuit of the ASIC type.

The microcontroller 20 of the electronic circuit 2 essentially comprises: a processor 201, clocked by a quartz 202,

- Input / Output ports 203, allowing the processor 201 to communicate with external peripherals,

a first memory 204, of ROM type, in which a resident program is saved, which makes it possible to operate the processor 201, and which is specific to the invention, and a second memory 205, of ROM type, in which are mainly saved several codes (OAk, ACA, AMM1, AMM2) and information ('MESSAGE'); the nature and usefulness of these codes and information will be explained later when describing the operation of all the tags (B,) and of a trigger device (1).

In addition to the microcontroller 20, the electronic circuit 2 includes:

a radio transmitter (HF) 21, connected to a suitable output port of the microcontroller 20,

a radio receiver (HF) 22, connected to a suitable input port of the microcontroller 20,

a sound generator 23, which depending on the case may be a simple sound buzzer or a generator of voice messages,

- If necessary, a magnetic compass 24, which measures the effective angle between the orientation of the beacon, and a reference direction relative to the earth's magnetic field; this compass is not always necessary, in particular in the case of a fixed signage tag, where a single measurement relating to the orientation of the element associated with the tag is made when the tag is put into service, this measurement then being stored in the form of an OA code _k . The power supply (not shown) of all of the aforementioned active components of the electronic circuit 2 can, as the case may be, be carried out from the existing power supply of the other usual components of the signaling light, or be carried out independently at by means of an autonomous electrical source, of the batteries type.

Since the radio transmitter (HF) 21 is of known design, its structure and operation will not be detailed. It generally allows to transmit omnidirectionally (figure 1 / CH-i emission field) and over a short range (in practice over a few meters to a few tens of meters), in the form of a signal modulated high frequency (HF) carrier wave radio, data coded under binary forms which are sent to it by the processor 201. By way of nonlimiting examples, for the radio transmission of the binary data which are transmitted to it by the processor 201, the radio transmitter 21 is designed to implement the protocols of standard communications based on frequency or pulse width modulation.

It is also for the person skilled in the art to choose in a judicious manner and known per se, the radiation means (antennas) of the radio transmitter 21, as well as the HF power transmitted, depending on the intended application, and so as to obtain the required transmission range. With reference to FIG. 1, and for the sake of clarity, we have shown by a circle only the emission field CHi of the radio transmitter 21 of the signal light B **. In this application, each radio transmitter (not shown in FIG. 1) of a Bj light has a sufficient range so that the radio emission field covers at least the entire width of the corresponding adjacent protected passage (PP) without however covering a too large a surface, the information having to remain localized to guide the interested party. In practice, the radius of the necessary coverage will depend on the local installations; for information, it should often be between 3 and 10 meters. The radio receiver (HF) 22 allows, in a known manner, the omnidirectional reception of a modulated high frequency (HF) carrier wave (HF wave emitted by a trigger device 1) and the demodulation of this carrier wave. Binary data from this demodulation can be communicated to processor 201 via the input port to which the receiver (HF) is connected 22. In practice, the sensitivity of the receiver (HF)

22 is sufficient to allow communication over several tens of meters.

Referring to FIG. 2, an input port of the microcontroller 20 also receives a signal 27, which is for example of digital type (all or nothing), and whose state characterizes the state (Green or Red) of the traffic light. This signal 27 comes from the control unit 26 (known in itself) of the signal light Bj, which usually makes it possible to control over time the change of state of the light. Each change of state of the signal 27, which corresponds to a change of state of the pedestrian signaling light, generates on the corresponding input port an interruption for the processor 201. The processing of this interruption will be explained below in reference to figure 3. Architecture of the release device (1) - figure 2

There is shown in the right part of Figure 2, an embodiment of a trigger device (1) of the invention. This device (1) comprises a microcontroller 10, which essentially comprises:

- a processor 101, clocked by a quartz 102,

- Input / Output ports 103, allowing the processor 101 to communicate with external peripherals, - a first memory 104, of ROM type, in which a resident program is saved, which makes it possible to operate the processor 101 and which is specific to the invention,

- And a second memory 105, of ROM type.

The microcontroller 10 is for example constituted by a PIC 16C84 microcontroller from MICROCHIP.

In memory 105 are saved several codes (ACA, P) detailed below. The OM codes _t representative of the orientation of the device at each instant t are stored in this memory 105; each value is replaced by the next. Also, in this memory 105, at each address pointed by the code 'AMM1' and by the code 'AMM2' of a traffic light, two sentences 'MESSAGE 1' and 'MESSAGE 2' are saved respectively.

In addition to the microcontroller 10, the device (1) comprises:

a radio receiver (HF) 11, which is connected to an input port of the microcontroller 20,

- a radio transmitter (HF) 12, which is connected to an output port of the microcontroller 20,

- a voice message generator 13,

a magnetic compass 14, which measures the effective angle between its orientation and a reference direction relative in this example to the earth's magnetic field,

- an autonomous power supply (not shown) of the battery or battery type, supplying the electrical energy necessary for each active component of the device.

The radio receiver (HF) 11 is adapted to the radio transmitter (HF) 21 of each signaling light Bj, and provides demodulation and decoding of the data transmitted by radio which are opposite to the modulation and coding carried out by each transmitter. radio (HF) 21.

The radio transmitter (HF) 12, is adapted to the radio receiver (HF) 22 of each signaling light Bj, and carries out a carrier modulation (HF) that is capable of demodulating each radio receiver (HF) 22.

The audio section 13 is known and essentially comprises the audio frequency amplifier and the miniature loudspeaker necessary for the vocal reproduction of messages audible by the pedestrian equipped with the trigger device (1). This miniature speaker can be constituted by an earpiece that the pedestrian accommodates in his ear, or has in the immediate vicinity of his ear, so that the voice messages delivered, coming from the audio section 13 are audible by the pedestrian. Operation of beacons (Bi) and of the triggering device - fig. 3 and 4: The algorithm of FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an operating cycle of the processor 201 of a signaling light B,.

Each time the signal light Bj changes state (light changing to green or red), the signal 27 received as input by the microcontroller 20 generates an interrupt for the processor 201. At each interruption, this processor 201 restarts a cycle of operation by executing the steps of the flowchart of FIG. 3. This cycle of operation is executed in a loop (iterative loop 307), as long as the traffic light signaling B-, does not change state. As soon as the signal light Bj changes state, the processor 201 interrupts its operation (end of the cycle) and restarts a new cycle.

During each operating cycle, the microcontroller 20 transmits (FIG. 3 / block 302) repeatedly, via the radio transmitter (HF) 21, a beacon orientation code (OA _k ), which is contained in the memory 205 of the microcontroller, and which identifies the orientation, relative to a reference direction (D) relative to the Earth's magnetic field according to an established direction of rotation (S), of the signaling light (Bj), or more generally the orientation of the corresponding protected passage. As already indicated, in another variant, it is possible to produce a device in which it is the transmitter of the triggering device (1) which transmits a trigger code, regularly or on request, the triggering of the beacon being subject to compliance of the orientation code (OMt) relative to this same reference direction (D) with that stored in the beacon (Bj) near which the user arrives. However, the fact of regularly transmitting the beacon (Bj) rather than the triggering device (1) allows the user of the latter to be notified of his arrival in an information area by simply receiving the orientation code (OA _k ) of a nearby beacon (Bj) without requiring any maneuver on its part, while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption of the trigger device (1).

In the following description, for the application of FIG. 1, it will be considered that the range of the emission of each beacon (Bj) integrated into the signaling light is insufficient to cover up to the area of transmission coverage. of the beacon corresponding to the parallel channel. It will therefore be considered that each signaling light Bj is identified by a beacon orientation code (OA |) representative of the orientation of the element which is linked to it, in particular, in this case, the corresponding protected passage, with respect to a reference direction (D) relative to the earth's magnetic field in an established direction of rotation (S). In in other words, it will be accepted, for the sake of simplicity only, that the eight beacon orientation codes OBi to OB ₈ are sufficient to distinguish the lights between them. This is not limitative of the invention. In other embodiments for signaling lights, or in other applications of the invention, several signaling beacons can be configured with the same beacon orientation code, in particular because they are representative of the same element (same protected passage for example).

An example of the operation of the signal lights Bi to B ₈ and of the trigger device (1) of FIG. 1 will now be detailed, with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 3 and 4.

Referring to Figure 1, a pedestrian equipped with the trigger device (1) is located in the CH-i emission field of the signal light B * - (called visible beacon). It is assumed that this pedestrian, like his triggering device carried, is oriented in the same direction as that relating to the traffic light B **, so that the orientation, relative to a reference direction (D) relating to the field magnetic earth according to an established direction of rotation (S), its compass 14 is oriented in the same way with respect to the orientation of the protected passage whose orientation code is stored in the traffic light B **. Initially, the microcontroller 10 of the device (1) is awaiting receipt of an ACA code, which is an activation code of the angular comparison section of the device (1) (FIG. 4 / block 401 and test 402).

When the visible beacon B **, during its operating cycle, transmits this ACA code (figure 3 / block 301), this code is received by the radio receiver (HF) 11 of the device (1), and is transmitted to the processor 101 of the microcontroller 10. This ACA code makes it possible to inform the microcontroller 10 that the next code it will receive is a beacon orientation code.

When the processor 101 receives and recognizes this ACA code, it automatically activates the compass 14 by means of the control signal

15 as well as the angular comparison program (figure 4 / step 404). The compass 14 therefore carries out the regular measurements for checking the conformities, measurements which it transfers to the processor 101 by the control signal 16.

In another variant, one could envisage constantly operating this angular comparison, but in this example the energy consumption would be unnecessarily increased.

After having issued an ACA code, the microcontroller 20 of the signaling light Bi, transmits, via the radio transmitter (HF) 21, its orientation code (OA _k ), which is saved in memory 205 (FIG. 3 / block 302 ). For example, for each light B, this code represents the effective angle (oj) between the protected passage corresponding to the light B-, and the reference direction (D) relative to the Earth's magnetic field according to an established direction of rotation (S) . In another variant, this orientation code comes from a regular measurement by a compass 24, of the effective angle between the orientation of the tag and this reference direction (D), in particular in the case where a modification of the orientation must be taken into account, or when more information linked to different directions is proposed by the tag. Such a regular measurement can also be used by maintenance services to warn them of a change in the orientation of the beacon by comparison with the code (OAj) memorized during installation and the code representative of the effective angle (ai ). This same compass 24 is necessary for applications where the signpost is mobile, in particular when it is on board a vehicle.

This code (OA _k ) is received by the processor 101 of the microcontroller 10 of the trigger device (1), which processor compares (FIG. 4 / block 405) this code with the code (OM _t ) representative of the angle made by the compass. 14 of the device (1) at the instant (t), with respect to a reference direction (D) relative to the earth's magnetic field according to an established direction of rotation (S). The orientation codes of the beacon (OA _k ) and of the triggering device (OM _t ) are then the same (to the tolerance provided by the comparison program), which authorizes on the one hand the emission by the device (1) (FIG. 4 / block 406) of the activation code capable of triggering by the beacon (Bj) certain specific operations such as an audible trigger, or a radio broadcast, and on the other hand authorizes the operation of the audio section 13 of the trigger device (1) by means of the control signal 17.

We will note that without the recognition of the angular conformity between the codes (OA _k ) and (OMt), neither the selective triggering of the beacon (Bj) nor the operation of the audio section of the trigger device are activated. After having issued an orientation code, the microcontroller 20 of the signaling light Bi, transmits, via the radio transmitter (HF) 21, the message (variable 'MESSAGE'), which is saved in memory 205 (FIG. 3 / block 302). For example, for each light Bj this message consists of the following information: number and name of the channel at which the signal light Bj is located.

This message is received by the processor 101 of the microcontroller 10 of the device (1), which processor returns (signal 18 / FIG. 2) the information received constituting this message to the audio section 13, which allows a vocal restitution of this information for the pedestrian. The pedestrian is thus automatically informed of the number and name of the lane to which he is heading, which advantageously allows him to locate himself.

In place of the message, the beacon can send at least one code from among the codes which are previously stored there (AMM1 and AMM2 for example). These codes are representative of the addressing of the audio messages previously stored in the language of the wearer. When they are received, the triggering device (1) then restores the corresponding message or messages.

When the vocal reproduction of the message is finished, the microcontroller 10 of the device (1) controls the stopping (signal 17 / figure 2) of the audio section (figure 4 / block 405). In another variant, a device (1) could be produced in which the audio section 13 is constantly in operation. However, such continuous operation of this audio section on the one hand causes discomfort (background noise) for the pedestrian, and on the other hand increases the energy consumption of the device (1). The temporary activation of the audio section 13, for the time sufficient for the vocal reproduction of the message, thus advantageously makes it possible on the one hand to avoid discomfort for the user and on the other hand to considerably reduce the energy consumption of the device (1). At the same time, the other signal lights B ₂ to B ₈ , during their operating cycle, also emit their beacon code repeatedly. However, the device (1) being placed in the reception field CH ** of the signaling light B * ι, and the compass 14 of this device (1) giving the same code relating to the angle relative to the terrestrial magnetic North than the code relating to that of the compass 24 of the signaling light Bt, or the code which is memorized there representing the orientation of the corresponding protected passage (to the tolerance provided for by the comparison program), only the orientation code beacon (OA **) is accepted by the microcontroller 10 of the trigger device (1) of FIG. 1; the other beacon orientation codes (OA ₂ to OA ₈ ) emitted in parallel by the other signaling lights are not taken into account by the triggering device (1); each of them can only be taken into account if the triggering device (1), by changing its orientation, ends up having the same orientation as the element linked to the corresponding tag, in this case the protected passage. However, according to the angular recognition program of the triggering device, this selective triggering of the beacon (Bj) can also relate to a beacon representing another angle (OAj + x °), for example the opposite beacon if the need arises. (OAj + 180 °). When it receives the OB-- orientation code, the microcontroller

10 of the device (1) saves this tag code in random access memory 104 (FIG. 4 / block 403), then use it if necessary to constitute the trigger code for the beacon, and transmit it via its transmitter (HF) 22. This OBi code being transmitted omnidirectionally, the scope of the transmitter of the triggering device or provide identification codes specific to each beacon of an area covered by a transmission of significant range, received in this case by the microcontrollers 20 of all the signal lights B * ^* to B ₈ . Orientation Code (OAk)

In general, the selective triggering of a beacon is subject to the conformity of the orientation code (OM _t ) (Figure 4 / block 405) of the trigger device (1), code representative of its effective orientation with respect to a reference direction (D) relative to the Earth's magnetic field at time t, with the tag code (OAk) representative either ^' of the orientation of the tag B _j itself with respect to this same reference direction (D ), or of the orientation of the element linked to this beacon (that is to say respectively the light Bt and the protected passage PP of the channel V1 in the case of the operating example of FIG. 1) .

More particularly, in a first variant embodiment, this compliance is complete, the orientation code OA _k of the tag B _j and the code OM _t of the trigger device (1) representing the same angles with respect to this reference direction ( D) relating to the Earth's magnetic field at time t, to the desired tolerance.

In a second alternative embodiment, compliance is checked if the tag code (OA _k ) determined by the orientation of a trigger device (1) is representative of an orientation different from that of the tag (or of the element corresponding to the beacon), this different orientation being provided by program to be considered as another triggering condition, for example when it is appropriate to trigger two beacons oriented differently (two opposite lights for example) or when the compass of the trigger device

(1) is installed at a different angle from that of the release itself while the conditions are met to authorize triggering, these examples are not limiting.

Processing of the orientation code (OMt) by Bi lights

During an operating cycle, each signal light Bi to B ₈ is waiting for a predetermined period of time for receiving an orientation code (OMt) from a triggering device (FIG. 3 / test 303 ) (first and third variants mentioned above). When a trigger device sends its orientation code (OMt), this code is received by the signaling lights present in the limited emission zone, in particular the lights of the adjacent lanes, and each of these lights performs a comparison of this code (OM _t ) with its own tag orientation code (Figure 3 / block 304), and checks the conformity of the orientation code (OM _t ) received with its own tag code (OAj) (Figure 3 / test 305) . When a signal light B- receives a beacon code (OMt) sent by the device (1) which conforms to its beacon orientation code (OAj), said signal light Bj triggers one or more actions (FIG. 3 / step 306).

When the orientation code (OM _t ) which is emitted by the device (1) is identical to the received beacon orientation code (OAj) (first and third variants mentioned above), verification of the conformity of the codes by each light Bj (Figure 3 / block 305) is a simple code compliance detection. Thus, in the example of FIG. 1, the signaling light B * -, when it receives a code (OM _t ) which conforms to the code (OAi), detects that it is the same orientation and automatically triggers the planned actions. On the other hand, the other signaling lights being configured with orientation codes different from the code (OAi), when they receive the code (OM _t ) emitted by the device (1), they do not recognize a conformity of this code with theirs and therefore do not trigger any action. Thus, the comparison of the orientation codes between the signaling light Bi and the device (1) advantageously makes it possible to cause the device (1) to trigger, selectively and automatically, only the signal light B * - which is normally visible to the pedestrian.

Processing of the orientation code (OAk) by the triggering devices

During an operating cycle, each trigger device is awaiting the reception of an orientation code (OA _k ) emitted by a beacon (second and third variant mentioned above). When a beacon sends its orientation code (OA _k ), this code is received by the triggering device (s) present in the emission zone of the beacon, and each of these triggering devices regularly measures the angle that it forms with the reference direction (D) relative to the Earth's magnetic field (Figure 4 / block 404), then proceeds for each measurement carried out to compare this code (OA _k ) received with its own orientation code ( OMt) by checking the conformity of the orientation code (OAk) received with its own code (OM _t ) (Figure 4 / test 405). When one of these measurements corresponds to that represented by the code (OAk) sent by a beacon, that is to say when the orientation code (OM _t ) conforms to the orientation code (OA _k ) received, said trigger device triggers one or more actions (Figure 4 / step 406). Triggered actions The action or actions that are automatically triggered by a traffic light Bj (figure 3 / block 306), or by a triggering device (figure 4 / block 406), can be of various kinds, and will of course depend on the application. Among these actions triggered automatically by the beacon which has recognized the conformity of the orientations, that is to say the light B ^* - in the example of FIG. 1, we can cite the automatic transmission of the descriptive information of the beacon (state of the green or red light within the framework of application to traffic lights) intended for the pedestrian carrying the trigger device (1).

In a first alternative embodiment, the transmission of this information can be generated locally at the signaling light.

For example, the action triggered by the traffic light consists in control its local generator 23 of vocal messages, so as to emit in audible form and audibly by each pedestrian who is a short distance away an audible signal or a vocal message indicating the state of the fire (for example a distinctive audible signal for the green phase or a verbal signal "red light - wait" for the red phase). Also, in a more simplified variant, the signaling light can be equipped with a sound vibrator, which is controlled automatically as a function of the state of the light (for example vibrator controlled with a predetermined frequency characteristic of the state of the fire) so as to emit a sound characteristic of the green or red state of the fire.

In a second variant, which can be combined with the first variant above, the transmission of the information on the state of the light can be carried out, by having this information transmitted by the signaling light, via its radio transmitter. (HF) 21, intended for the device (1), the restitution in audio form of this information being provided by the trigger device (1). More particularly, in a preferred embodiment, the action triggered by the signaling light consists in sending a memory addressing code (AMM 1 or AMM 2 depending on the state of the light) via its radio transmitter (HF) 21. When the microcontroller 10 of the triggering device (1) receives this memory addressing code, it retrieves the message saved in memory at the address corresponding to the code received (MESSAGE 1: "pedestrian green light" / MESSAGE 2: "red light, wait! "). Then the microcontroller 10 controls the voice generator 13, so as to cause the message to be sent (MESSAGE 1 or MESSAGE 2) which is sent by the code (AMM 1 or AMM 2) received. It can be the same with other messages previously stored in the language of the user, in particular to inform him of the side of the beacon towards which to go safely.

The triggering device intended for a deaf person can translate the transmission of information on the state of the fire in a vibratory way. So the actions triggered by a trigger device may be the dissemination of information privately in the language of the person concerned, but also the activation of a vibrator, or the issuance of a code, without these examples being limiting. Particular code P In a more sophisticated variant, each trigger device (1) is designed so as to transmit in addition to the orientation code (OM _t ) of time t, at least one additional code, called particular code P. This particular code P makes it possible to characterize specificities specific to the triggering device (1) and more particularly specific to the pedestrian carrying this device. For example, this particular code P may contain an indication of the language of the pedestrian. In this case, when the traffic light which has received this code triggers an action, it can take into account the language of the pedestrian to trigger this appropriate action, such as for example an emission by the voice generator of the traffic light of a message in the language of the pedestrian, or the transmission of an AMM _X code corresponding to a memory address of the initiating device (1) in which the message corresponding to the state of the fire is stored in the language of the pedestrian, without these examples are limiting. The particular code P can also characterize the handicap of the pedestrian. In particular, in an alternative embodiment, one can provide at the trigger device (1), in addition to a voice generator 13, a mechanical vibrator (not shown in the figures) as already indicated. When the particular code P returned indicates to the traffic light that the pedestrian wearing the trip device (1) is hard of hearing, in this case the action that is triggered by the traffic light can consist in the rendering in voice form of a message on the state of the fire for example locally at the level of the signaling light, but with a higher restitution power. In the particular application to signal lights which has just been described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the local audible signal and the message indicating to the user on which side he must approach the traffic light advantageously allows the pedestrian to be guided relative to the protected passage towards which he is heading. In particular, when the pedestrian clearly receives the light location message, he knows that it is oriented in the same direction as the corresponding protected passage. If it approaches the signaling light, it will by definition be correctly positioned for the crossing.

The use of an omnidirectional radio type transmission between the beacon and the trigger device is not, however, limiting of the invention. In other implementations, provision may be made at each beacon, in place of a radio transmitter, a directional transmitter, of the infrared type for example; in this case, each trigger device (1) is fitted in place of a radio receiver, a directive type receiver, adapted to the transmitter of the beacons. Also, in another variant, the signaling beacons can be equipped with an additional transmitter, for example of the HF type, the triggering device (1) comprising in this case an additional HF receiver, adapted to the HF transmitter of the beacons. These additional HF transmitter and receiver can for example be used for the transmission of the location message (message which is sent by the traffic light after the sending of an activation code), on another frequency for example; in this case, after reception of this activation code, the microcontroller 10 is preferably designed so as to temporarily activate, not only the low frequency amplifier of the audio section 13 as previously described, but also the receiver demodulator Additional HF.

Also, in the variant embodiment which has been described above, the sending of a message on the location of the light with a view to its restitution in vocal or similar form for the pedestrian, is optional. FIGS. 5 and 6 show another variant embodiment in which there is no transmission of orientation codes on the part of the beacon for the triggering device (1); here, it is a manual action on the part of the interested party, or a repetitive emission of the triggering device which triggers the angular comparison and, if necessary, the action associated with the beacon. Step 501 of the flow diagram of Figure 5 is identical to step 404 of the flow diagram of Figure 4; steps 502 and 503 are identical respectively to steps 301 and 302 of the flow diagram of FIG. 3; step 601, test 602, and steps 603 and 605, as well as test 604 of the flow diagram of FIG. 6 are identical respectively to step 401, to test 402, and to steps 403 and 406, thus than in test 405 of the flow diagram of FIG. 4.

In this alternative embodiment, there are also the activation characteristics of the angular comparison section of the beacon by the emission of an ACA code by the trigger (1), followed by the emission of a code of orientation by said device, code which is compared by the beacon to trigger the planned action if necessary.

APPLICATION / INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE TAG

FIG. 7 shows another application of the invention in which the tag Bj, is a terminal having information on directions corresponding to proposed or desired destinations. This terminal, known as BIO, is more particularly positioned in public places, at the “nodes” of possible directions, such as the crossing of corridors, the intersections of tracks, such as one meets them in halls of public or private buildings (stations , metro stations, shopping centers, etc.). More particularly, there is shown schematically an information and orientation terminal (BIO) disposed at the intersection of 6 different routes V1 to V6 leading to 6 different destinations DS1 to DS6. The BIO is equipped with a signaling tag Bj of the invention, which is designed to communicate with trigger devices present in the CH emission zone of the BIO, such as the trigger device worn by the user U. In this application, the tag Bj is equipped with an electronic circuit whose architecture is identical to that previously described with reference to FIG. 2, except that the microcontroller of the tag of FIG. 7 does not necessarily receive at input an interrupt signal 27 resulting from a change of state of a display (except local particularities), unlike the tag previously described with reference to FIG. 2. In the application of FIG. 7, the user U is equipped with a trigger device (1) whose electronic architecture is for example identical to that already described for the previous application. The main difference between this application and the previously described application for pedestrian signaling lights is constituted by the two resident programs which operate the respective microcontrollers of the beacon and the triggering devices. The operating flowcharts of the respective programs which are executed by the microcontrollers of the BIO and of the triggering device (1) carried by the interested party are for example identical to those shown in Figures 3 and 4 except that the code (OA _k ) successively takes the values corresponding to the different orientation codes proposed by the BIO. With reference to FIG. 7, the user U who is represented (carrying a trip device 1) is located in the transmission field CH of the beacon Bj of the terminal BIO. The trigger device (1) of the user U receives from the tag Bj of the terminal BIO the different orientation codes (OA * -) to (OA ₆ ), respectively representative of the 6 directions DS1 to DS6 of the channels V1 to V6 proposed by said terminal BIO with respect to a reference direction (D) of the earth's magnetic field. These codes are then memorized by the triggering device (1) which, at each instant t, compares each of them with its own orientation code (OM _t ) representative of the angle it forms with the reference direction (D) measured by the compass 24.

In case of compliance of the codes (OM _t ) and (OA _x ), therefore the orientation of the user with respect to the direction DSx (x here representing one of the six possibilities of the example), the triggering device (1) performs a certain number of actions, such as for example the transmission of its code guidance (OMt). In our example, the user is directed to channel 3; the compass of the trigger device (1) carried by the user U naturally measures, at each instant t, the angle β _{t which} it forms with respect to the reference direction (D). Each measurement is converted into a code (OM _t ). This angle β _t is only consistent with the angle α ₃ of the channel 3 (0.3 and 0.6 are very different); the orientation code (OM _t ) is therefore in conformity with the orientation code (OA ₃ ) which has been memorized by the triggering device (1) when it arrives in the transmission zone CH. This conformity, therefore, leads to the triggering of actions, such as the emission by the triggering device (1) of its code (OM _t ) which is received by the tag Bj of the BIO. Said beacon in turn compares this orientation code (OM _t ) received with its orientation codes which it has in memory. It then recognizes the conformity of the codes (OM _t ) and (OA ₃ ) and selectively performs a certain number of actions; for example, it transmits a precise message, in this case that corresponding to the direction of channel 3 in our example, without transmitting all of the available messages.

The user therefore receives only the message corresponding to his orientation. If it changes, it receives the new message corresponding to its new orientation as soon as the latter corresponds to a direction proposed by the tag. We can imagine that the user formulates himself, in some way (choice from a drop-down menu, voice formulation, etc.), a request for a specific destination (proposed or not by the BIO terminal), the Bj tag specifying to the user, if necessary that he is in the right direction, or inviting him to correct his trajectory in the opposite case, the triggering device then being designed to invite his user to orient himself differently when it s proves necessary, triggering of each of these actions being always dependent on the conformity of the orientation codes between them. APPLICATION / BUS STATIONS

FIG. 8 shows another application of the invention in which each signposting tag Bj is a tag for identifying a place, and more particularly is positioned at a bus station Sj, and makes it possible to identify said station.

More particularly, there is shown schematically in FIG. 8 a two-way traffic lane V, and two bus stations Si and S ₂ facing each other, on either side other of taxiway V. Station Si is equipped with a beacon of invention B * -, which is designed to communicate with buses traveling on the upper track, such as bus B in Figure 8, which heads towards the bus station S * ι, the orientation code (OA * -) being provided to comply with the direction of traffic of the buses corresponding to this route. In the same spirit, the beacon B ₂ is designed to communicate with oncoming buses on the lower part of the traffic lane.

More generally, this exemplary embodiment could be generalized to any station for a public transport vehicle, and could for example be transposed to metro stations, to train stations, etc.

In this application, each tag Bj is equipped with an electronic circuit whose architecture is identical to that previously described with reference to Figure 2, except that the microcontroller of the tags of Figure 8 does not receive input an interrupt signal 25, unlike the beacon previously described with reference to FIG. 2. In the application of FIG. 8, each bus circulating in an urban environment, such as for example bus B, is equipped with a device on-board trip unit (1), whose electronic architecture is for example identical to that already described for the previous applications. With reference to FIG. 8, the bus B which is represented is located in the transmission field CH ** of the beacon B * ^* of the station S ^** , and heads towards the station S * -. This bus B thus receives the tag orientation code (OA **), representative of an angle ai, which is sent to it by the tag B-, and compares this code with its orientation code (OM _t ). This orientation code (OM _t ) transmitted by the bus is well representative of the angle β _t formed by the bus at the instant (t) relative to a reference direction (D) relative to the Earth's magnetic field according to a established direction of rotation (S), in accordance with what has already been described previously for the first application. With this code, the on-board trip device transmits the particular code P which advantageously contains information identifying the bus (for example bus number, line served, destination, origin, or even information according to which the bus is not in service and therefore does not take a passenger on board).

When the beacon Bi has received the orientation code (OM _t ) and the particular code P which are sent to it by the bus, it detects that the code (OM _t ) which is transmitted to it conforms to its beacon orientation code (OA **), and thus automatically triggers a certain number of actions below. On the other hand, the beacon B ₂ which also can receive these codes (OM _t ) and P, detects that the code (OM _t ) received does not conform to its code (OA ₂ ) representative of its angle α ₂ , and therefore does not trigger any particular action.

The actions triggered by the Bi tag are for example the following. The beacon B * ^* triggers for example a first action, which consists in transmitting, via a radio or infrared transmitter for example, to the approaching bus B, a message which identifies the station S ** (for example the name of the station) . The triggering device (1) on board the bus B, is in this case equipped and programmed for after reception of such a message, to broadcast the said message in voice form and audible by all the passengers of the bus. Also, another action that can be triggered by the beacon Bi, is to broadcast locally at the station S * -, a message, which is audible by the passengers waiting in the station, and which identifies the bus B on approach (bus number, line served, ...). This message is automatically generated by the microcontroller of the B ** beacon, from the information contained in the P code which was returned to it by the B bus on approach.

Also, this message can also be communicated by the tag B * -, to any pedestrian equipped with a trigger device (1), with a view to its dissemination in audible form for the pedestrian by the microcontroller of the trigger device (1) carried by the pedestrian.

Advantageously, in the embodiment which has just been described, the stations Si being each time automatically informed of the identification of each approaching bus (thanks to the specific code P), it becomes possible to connect each of the stations Sj to a central bus locator. Each station Sj is further designed to communicate to this central location the identification of each approaching bus (specific code P). It is thus possible centrally and remotely to know the location of each bus in circulation.

Finally, it is perfectly possible to provide an on-board signage tag in the vehicle in place of the triggering device, signage tag which will repeatedly issue the orientation code of the moment, code relating to the orientation of the vehicle. As in the application of pedestrian lights, this regular emission is intended for the triggering devices present in the zone of emission of the beacon, mobile this time. These triggering devices, installed in a fixed manner or carried by mobile users, then compare these orientation codes received with theirs and trigger various actions associated with the beacon (transmission of messages, etc.) according to the compliance of the respective codes. This allows in particular a person awaiting the arrival of a bus to be notified of his arrival (without being informed of the arrival of the bus at the station opposite) the actions triggered being for example the transmission over there beacon of a message relating to the destination of the approaching bus.

The invention is not limited to only the applications which have just been described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, but can find numerous other applications. In particular, the invention could be applied to any beacon making it possible to remotely communicate at least one descriptive information which is attached to it.

Also, in the variant embodiments described with reference to the appended figures, the verification of the conformity of the orientation of the trigger device with each orientation code (OA _k ) is carried out by the trigger device. This is not limitative of the invention. In another alternative embodiment, this function could be provided by the tag. In this case, the triggering device is preferably designed to communicate to the beacon information characteristic of its orientation in space. In the examples which will be described, the directions are measured with respect to a reference direction relating to the earth's magnetic field, and the measurement means are in particular magnetic compasses or compasses. However, other reference directions and the means suitable for measuring the angles formed with respect to these reference directions can be used. These reference directions can be given for example by terrestrial or space transmitting beacons to allow comparison measurements in order to determine and compare directions.

Claims

1. A remote triggering method, by means of a triggering device (1), of an action (A _k ) executable by a descriptive beacon (B _j ), characterized in that one associates with said action (Ak) at least one orientation code (OA _k ), and in that to trigger the action (A _k ) the trigger device (1) is oriented, and the action (A _k ) is executed by the signpost ( Bj) when the orientation of the trigger device (1) conforms to the orientation code (OA _k ) associated with the action (A _k ).

2. Method according to claim 1 characterized in that the descriptive tag (B _j ) is capable of executing several actions [Aι, ... A _n ], in that one associates with each action (A _k ) a code d specific orientation (OAR), so that it is possible to selectively trigger an action (A _k ) among all the actions

[Aι, ... A _n ] executable by the beacon by orienting the trigger device (1).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that to associate with each action (A _k ) an orientation code (OA _k ), said orientation code is stored in the tag.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that each orientation code (OA _k ) is representative of an angle (α _x ) formed with respect to a reference direction (D1) in a direction of angular reference rotation (S1), and in that each trigger device measures the angle (β _t ) that it forms at the instant (t) with respect to a reference direction (D2) according to an angular direction of rotation of reference (S2), measure that it identifies by an orientation code (OM _t ), and in that to trigger at least the action (A _k ), a comparison is made of their respective orientation codes, and the action (A _k ) is triggered when the orientation code (OM _t ) of the trigger device conforms to the orientation code (OA _k ).

5. Method according to claim 4 characterized in that the reference directions (D1) and (D2) are the same, and / or in that the reference angular directions of rotation (S1) and (S2) are the same.

6. Method according to claim 4 characterized in that the angles represented by the orientation codes (OA _k ) and (OM _t ) are mutually consistent according to a predetermined tolerance for the application.

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the orientation code (OA _k ) is determined from the measurement made by the signpost (B _j ) of the angle it forms by relative to a reference direction (D1) according to a reference angular direction of rotation (S1).

8. Method according to claim 4 characterized in that the orientation code (OM _t ) is a predetermined code associated with the trigger device (1).

9. Method according to claim 4 characterized in that the orientation code (OM _t ) is determined from the measurement carried out by the trigger device (1) of the angle it forms with respect to a reference direction (D2) according to a reference angular direction of rotation (S2).

10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterized in that the signage tag (B _j ) emits its orientation code (OA _k ), preferably repetitively.

11. Method according to one of claims 1 to 10 characterized in that the emission of the tag (B _j ) and / or of the device (1) is omnidirectional.

12. Method according to one of claims 1 to 11 characterized in that the trigger device (1) transmits its orientation code (OM _t ), possibly repeatedly.

13. Method according to one of claims 1 to 12 characterized in that the emission of the tag (B _j ) and / or of the device (1) is an emission by modulation of a high frequency carrier.

14. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13 characterized in that the action (A _k ) triggered is the local dissemination, preferably in audio form, of information associated with the tag.

15. Method according to one of claims 1 to 14 characterized in that the action (A _k ) triggered is a command of the device (1), so that said device diffuses, preferably in audio form, the associated information to the tag or previously recorded information.

16. Method according to one of claims 1 to 15 characterized in that each transmission of an orientation code is preceded by the emission of a predetermined code (ACA) to inform the object to which this is transmitted code (ACA) that the next code that is issued is an orientation code.

17. Method according to one of claims 1 to 16 characterized in that the beacon is a signaling light.

18. The method of claim 17 characterized in that an action (A _k ) executable by the tag is the dissemination of information on the state of the fire.

19. Method according to one of claims 1 to 16 characterized in that the signage tag is an orientation tag, an action (A _k ) executable by said tag being the dissemination of information relating to a direction.

20. Method according to one of claims 1 to 19 characterized in that the trigger device is on board a transport vehicle.

21. Signaling tag for the implementation of the process referred to in any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that it is designed to execute at least one action (A _k ) triggerable at distance, as a function of at least one predetermined orientation code (OAk).

22. Beacon according to claim 21 characterized in that the orientation code (OA _k ) is stored in memory in the beacon.

23. Beacon according to claim 21 or 22 characterized in that it is designed to measure the angle it forms with respect to a reference direction and to determine an orientation code (OA _k ) representative of this measurement.

24. A tag according to one of claims 21 to 23 characterized in that it comprises a transmitter (21), and is designed to automatically transmit, and preferably repetitively, at least one orientation code (OA _k ) associated with an action (A _k ) executable by the tag.

25. Signaling beacon according to one of claims 21 to 24 characterized in that it comprises a receiver (22), and is designed to automatically trigger one or more predefined actions when it receives an orientation code (OM _t ) which complies with its orientation code (OA _k ).

26. A tag according to claim 25 characterized in that it comprises means making it possible to verify the conformity of the orientation code (OM _t ) received with the orientation code (OA _k ) associated with the action (Ak) and to initiate the action (A _k ) and in that it is designed to, after checking the conformity of the orientation code (OM) with the orientation code (OA _k ), control said means of execution action (A _k ), so execute the action (A _k ).

27. Signaling beacon according to one of claims 21 to 26 characterized in that it constitutes a signaling light, an action associated with the beacon being in particular the dissemination of information on the state of the fire.

28. Beacon according to one of claims 21 to 26 characterized in that it constitutes an information and orientation beacon, the action associated with the beacon being in particular the dissemination of information relating to a direction.

29. Triggering device (1) enabling a remote beacon to be triggered in accordance with the process referred to in any one of Claims 1 to 20, characterized in that it comprises a transmitter (12) and a means (14) for measuring the angle it forms with respect to a reference direction.

30. Device according to claim 29 characterized in that it is designed to emit, possibly repetitively, an orientation code (OM _t ) representative of the measurement of this angle

31. Device according to claim 29 characterized in that it comprises a receiver (11), and a means (14) for measuring the angle which it forms with respect to a reference direction and in that it is designed to automatically trigger one or more predefined actions when it receives an orientation code (OA _k ) which conforms to its orientation code (OM _t ) representative of the measurement of this angle.

32. Information and orientation terminal (BIO) equipped with a descriptive beacon (B _j ) according to one of claims 21 to 28.

33. Transport vehicle (B) equipped with a trip device (1) according to one of claims 29 to 31, or with a signpost (B _j ) according to one of claims 21 to 28.

34. Station (Sj) equipped with a trigger device (1) according to one of claims 29 to 31, or with a signpost (Bj) according to one of claims 21 to 28.