EP3774521A1

EP3774521A1 - Diving mask comprising a li-fi communication module

Info

Publication number: EP3774521A1
Application number: EP19716069.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Baptiste SEILLIERE
Original assignee: Ellipz Smart Solutions Europe SAS
Current assignee: Ellipz Smart Solutions Europe SAS
Priority date: 2018-03-26
Filing date: 2019-03-26
Publication date: 2021-02-17
Also published as: FR3079205A1; FR3079205B1; WO2019185203A1; US20210009247A1; JP2021519237A

Abstract

The invention relates to a diving mask (10) comprising a telecommunications system (190) configured to allow the establishment of one-way or two-way light communication, specifically according to a communication protocol such as Li-Fi. For this purpose, the telecommunications system (190) comprises a light communication module (150) comprising at least one light source (151) and an electronic control board (156) for controlling said at least one light source (151) so as to emit a light signal of which the amplitude is modulated as a function of an electronic signal encoded by said electronic control board (156). The invention also relates to an underwater light communication method (200).

Description

«Diving mask including a communication module LI FI»

Technical area

The technical background of the present invention is that of underwater diving apparatus, and in particular underwater diving masks. More particularly, the invention relates to a diving mask for underwater hikers, especially for hikes with fins, mask and snorkel, in English "snorkeling", or for dives with a scuba. Another particularly advantageous use of the present invention is that of deepwater explorations as well as that of underwater mining.

State of the art

In the state of the art, many devices are known for breathing underwater. According to a first known variant, such devices comprise a narghile whose first end is in fluid communication with the mouth of the underwater hiker and a second end is located in the open air to allow the underwater hiker to inspire. fresh air. This first known variant is particularly suitable for the practice of scuba diving just below the surface of the water, such as for example when practicing snorkeling.

According to a second known variant, these devices comprise a bottle of compressed air, a regulator and a conduit fluidly connecting the regulator to the mouth of the underwater hiker to allow him to breathe under water.

In order to be able to communicate underwater, telecommunication systems are also known which comprise a microphone and a loudspeaker associated with a radio transmitter / receiver. These systems thus emit radio waves in all directions in order to transmit the radio-borne signal to a radio receiver of another telecommunication system, thereby allowing two or more underwater hikers to communicate with one another in a different manner. or more channels. In known manner, such telecommunication systems are associated with devices for breathing underwater, thus making possible underwater communication during the diving activity.

However, such systems are often very bulky, heavy and energy-consuming, making their use complex for a hiker underwater. In addition, such systems emit radio waves in all directions, disrupting the tranquility of marine animals that may demonstrate sensitivity to such radio waves.

The object of the present invention is to provide a new diving mask in order to at least largely meet the above problems and to furthermore provide other advantages.

Another object of the invention is to reduce the environmental impact of submarine communication.

Another object of the invention is to facilitate underwater communication during underwater hikes.

Presentation of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a diving mask comprising (i) a peripheral frame provided with a visor, (ii) a flexible skirt attached to the peripheral frame, said skirt flexible forming, with the peripheral frame and the visor, at least one chamber for vision, said vision chamber, (iii) a telecommunication system comprising a light communication module for transmitting a digital signal, said light communication module comprising an electronic control board and a light source configured to emit a modulated light signal according to the digital signal encoded by said electronic control board.

According to the invention according to its first aspect, the light source of the light communication module is configured to emit a light signal intermittently according to the modulation performed. By intermittent light signal, understands that the light signal generated by the light source is not invariant when said light source is configured to emit such a light signal: its intensity and / or its frequency and / or its phase is variable. A modulation frequency of the light signal is advantageously greater than several Mega-Hertz.

The peripheral frame of the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention is intended to surround at least part of the underwater hiker's face, and at least to at least surround the eyes of said underwater hiker. The visor is attached to the peripheral frame and extends inside it to offer the underwater hiker a field of vision as wide as possible. According to a first variant embodiment, the visor is attached to the peripheral frame and fixed integrally to the latter. According to a second variant embodiment, the visor is made of material with the peripheral frame, so that they form together only one piece and can not be detached from one another without damaging the visor and / or the diving mask.

The flexible skirt is configured to prevent water from seeping between the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention and the underwater hiker when said diving mask is worn by him. For this purpose, the flexible skirt acts as a seal or near-tight when pressed and held compressed against the face of the underwater hiker wearing the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention.

In order to facilitate the maintenance of the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention against the underwater hiker's face, said diving mask may advantageously comprise a removable fastening system, such as for example at least one strap connecting the underwater hiker. Diving mask in two points of attachment distributed on both sides of the visor.

Thus, the dive mask according to the first aspect of the invention makes it possible to emit a digital signal from said dive mask, in order to establish a communication with a receiver system capable of receiving the light signal emitted by the light source. The invention in accordance with its first aspect thus makes it possible to limit the emission of radio waves in all directions during underwater hikes and, consequently, to reduce the environmental impact of submarine communication between two or more underwater hikers. - sailors. More generally, the invention in accordance with its first aspect makes it possible to dispense with radio wave emissions as used up to now.

The diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention thus facilitates communication between two underwater hikers each wearing such a diving mask, both when submerged under the surface of the water but also when they have their head out of the water: the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention thus makes it easy to communicate with another underwater hiker without having to remove said diving mask.

The diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements can be taken alone or in combination:

^- the light signal generated by the light source is modulated in amplitude and / or frequency according to the encoded digital signal by the electronic control card;

- The light communication module is advantageously a LIFI module configured to transmit and / or receive a digital signal encoded according to a communication protocol called LIFI, acronym for Light-Fidelity. The LiFi communication protocol is described in particular in the IEEE 802.15.7 standard which addresses the communication protocols by visible light, objects of the present invention;

^- the light source is of the type of at least one light emitting diode emitting a light signal whose wavelength is in the spectrum visible to the human eye, that is to say, advantageously between 450 nm and 700 nm. Preferably, an emission spectrum of the light source has a maximum energy in the wavelengths corresponding to red and / or green radiation in order to limit the impact of light emissions on underwater flora and fauna. Optionally or additionally, the emission spectrum of the light source can also extend in the infra-red or near-infra-red domain. Alternatively, the emission spectrum of the light source is exclusively or predominantly located in the infra-red domain. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to reduce nuisance of the light communication module - when operating - on underwater fauna and flora; the light communication module is housed in a sealed housing, said housing being fixed integrally to the peripheral frame. Preferably, the housing is detachable from the peripheral frame. More particularly, the housing is attached to the peripheral frame outside the viewing chamber so as not to hinder the view of the underwater hiker and to allow him to see in front of him; the housing is fixed integrally to the peripheral frame by means of a hinge means for orienting the light communication module in a so-called communication direction. This advantageous configuration enables the underwater hiker to orient the communication module - and more particularly the light source - in the communication direction according to which there is another underwater hiker with whom he is likely to want to communicate; the articulation means comprises at least one pivot and / or a ball joint and / or a telescopic arm in order to facilitate the orientation of the light communication module according to the chosen communication direction; the telecommunication system comprises a battery for supplying electrical power to at least the light communication module. According to a first variant embodiment, the battery is housed in the housing of the light communication module, close to the electronic control board and / or the light source. According to a second variant embodiment, the battery is housed in a case - preferably sealed - distinct from the housing housing the light communication module, said battery being electrically connected to said light communication module via electrical conductor (s). ). This advantageous configuration makes it possible in particular to facilitate the recharging of the battery between two underwater excursions; the telecommunication system comprises a photoreceptor. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to establish bidirectional communication between two systems of telecommunication, and more particularly between two diving masks according to the first aspect of the invention. the photodetector advantageously takes the form of at least one photodiode whose band pass is compatible with the wavelength of the light source of the light communication module; the at least one photodiode is preferably housed near the light source. In other words, the at least one photodiode is advantageously housed on the housing of the light communication module in order to improve the compactness of the telecommunication system; the photoreceptor of the telecommunication system is electrically connected to the electronic control board in order to demodulate a light signal received by said photoreceptor. During the demodulation of the light signal received by the photodetector, the electronic control board generates an electrical signal - advantageously digital - which thus carries information carried by the light signal received by the photodetector; the telecommunication system includes a microphone and a speaker. This advantageous configuration thus allows the underwater hiker to speak with, and respectively hear, another underwater hiker equipped with a compatible telecommunications system, such as for example by a diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention. ; the microphone and / or the loudspeaker are connected to the electronic control board of the light communication module via a link fllaire. Alternatively, the microphone and / or the speaker are connected to the electronic control board of the light communication module via a wireless link. Thus, when the underwater hiker is speaking in the microphone of the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention, the electrical signal generated by the microphone is transported to the electronic control board which encodes said electrical signal into a signal. digital that drives the light source. With regard to this digital signal, the light source emits a light signal whose modulation is directly linked to the digital signal encoded by the electronic control board, thus transmitting by light communication the audio message recorded by the dive mask microphone according to the first aspect of the invention. By analogy, when the dive mask according to the first aspect of the invention receives a light signal - for example from another dive mask according to the first aspect of the invention - the photodetector of the light communication module converts the signal light received as an electrical signal which is transmitted to the electronic control board. The electronic control board demodulates the electrical signal into a demodulated electrical signal which is transported to the speaker of the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention, thereby allowing the underwater hiker to hear an audio signal;

^- the peripheral part of the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention comprises an intermediate wall which separates the vision chamber of an adjacent room for breathing, said breathing chamber, said intermediate wall being arranged to be in support of above the nose of a user of the diving mask, so that the mouth and the nose of the user are housed in the breathing chamber and the eyes of the user are housed in the vision chamber. Advantageously, the intermediate partition and the flexible skirt form a single piece;

^- The diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention comprises a breathing tube integral with the peripheral frame, said breathing tube being in fluid communication with the breathing chamber. This advantageous configuration allows the underwater hiker to breathe, an upper end of the breathing tube being free and intended to be located out of the water when the hiker-submarine wears the diving mask conforming to the first aspect of the invention. A lower end of the breathing tube is preferably in fluid communication with the breathing chamber to allow free flow of air between the free end of said breathing tube and said breathing chamber;

^- Advantageously, the peripheral frame and the breathing tube are monolithic and together form a single piece after a single manufacturing process, by example by molding. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to simplify the manufacture of the diving mask, and in particular of the peripheral frame. Alternatively, the breathing tube is detachably attached to the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention, and more particularly to the peripheral frame;

^- According to a first embodiment, at least a portion of the light communication module is located at a free end of the breathing tube relative to the breathing chamber. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to deport the light communication module with respect to the underwater hiker's face, thus improving the comfort of use and also improving the light communication, while preventing the underwater hiker's face from blocking the emission. generated light rays. In particular, only the light source of the light communication module is preferably located at the free end of the breathing tube relative to the breathing chamber. Advantageously, the entire light communication module, housed in a single housing, is fixed integrally at a free end of the breathing tube. The light communication module is preferably detachably attached to the free end of the breathing tube;

^- According to a second embodiment, the light communication module is housed on a portion of the peripheral frame located opposite the breathing chamber relative to the viewing chamber. In other words, the light communication module is advantageously located above the visor of the peripheral frame relative to the breathing chamber, so as not to reduce the viewing angle accessible through the dive mask according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an underwater light communication method comprising the following steps:

^- a step of acquiring an audio signal via a microphone of an underwater telecommunication system; ^- an encoding step of the sound signal into a digital control signal from a light source, the encoding step being performed by an electronic control board of the underwater communication system;

^- a light source driving step for emitting a light signal whose amplitude is modulated according to the digital control signal.

Optionally, the underwater light communication method according to the second aspect of the invention advantageously comprises the following steps:

^- a receiving step the light signal by a photodetector of underwater telecommunication system;

^- a step of decoding the light signal into a decoded digital signal, the decoding step being performed by the electronic control board of the underwater communication system;

^- a step of generating a sound signal through a speaker of the underwater communication system.

The steps of receiving the light signal and / or decoding and / or generating the sound signal can collectively or individually be located before the steps of acquisition of the sound signal and / or encoding and / or control of the light sources.

The light communication method thus makes it possible to establish a unidirectional or bidirectional communication by transmitting and / or receiving a light signal carrying an oral information. The light communication method is particularly suitable for underwater communication and allows easy communication over long distances.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided an underwater telecommunication system comprising means configured to implement all the steps of the light communication method according to the second aspect of the invention. Preferably, the means of the underwater telecommunication system according to the third aspect of the invention comprise at least one diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention or according to any one of its improvements, and preferably two dive masks according to the first aspect of the invention or according to any one of its improvements.

Various embodiments of the invention are provided, integrating, according to all of their possible combinations, the various optional features set forth herein.

Description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, on the one hand, and from several exemplary embodiments given by way of nonlimiting indication with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, on which :

^- FIGURE 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention;

^- FIGURE 2 shows a second embodiment of a diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention;

^- FIGURE 3 shows a third embodiment of a diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention;

^- FIGURE 4 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention;

^- FIGURE 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an underwater light communication method according to the second aspect of the invention.

Of course, the features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be associated with each other, in various combinations, to the extent that they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other. It will be possible to imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of characteristics subsequently described in isolation from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention compared in the state of the prior art. In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described are combinable with each other if nothing stands in the way of this combination at the technical level.

In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring to FIGURES 1 to 4, the invention according to its first aspect relates to a diving mask 10 comprising (i) a peripheral frame 110 provided with a visor 130, 130a, 130b, (ii) a flexible skirt 120 attached to the peripheral frame 110, said flexible skirt 120 forming, with the peripheral frame 110 and the visor 130, 130a, 130b, at least one viewing chamber, said viewing chamber 170, (iii) a telecommunication system 190 comprising a light communication module 150 for transmitting a digital signal, said light communication module 150 comprising an electronic control board 156 and a light source 151 configured to emit a light signal modulated according to the digital signal encoded by said electronic control card 156 .

The invention according to its first aspect thus relates to a diving mask 10 which can take many forms and of which several examples of embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4. According to a first possible use of the diving mask 10 according to the first aspect of FIG. According to the invention, said diving mask 10 is suitable for deep-water diving and / or for dives lasting several tens of minutes, said diving mask 10 being able to be used in combination with compressed-air storage devices. According to a second possible use, the pongee mask 10 according to the first aspect of the invention makes it possible to swim close to the surface - in a natural environment such as the sea or natural reservoirs, or in an artificial pond - in order to practice underwater fishing or deep-sea exploration without a diving bottle.

In general, the diving mask 10 according to the first aspect of the invention is a mask that protects at least the eyes of the user to enable him to keep his eyes open during his underwater hikes. Such 10-so-called partial pongee masks are described in particular with reference to FIGURES 1 to 3. In these variants of FIG. realization, the peripheral frame 110 of the diving mask 110 extends around an upper part of the face of the user, to frame his eyes. The peripheral frame 110 advantageously comprises a bridge 115 in order to bear on the user's nose.

Optionally, the diving mask 10 according to the first aspect of the invention also allows the user to breathe without having to leave the head of the water. For this purpose, and as illustrated in the embodiment of FIGURE 4, the dive mask 10 - said integral - comprises a breathing tube 115. By breathing tube 115, the invention addresses including, but not exclusively, a tuba having a distal end open relative to the peripheral frame 110 or a flexible tube connected to a source of compressed air carried by the user of the diving mask 10.

In the case of a partial diving mask or an integral diving mask, the peripheral frame makes it possible to arrange the visor 130, 130a, 130b in front of the user's eyes of said diving mask. In general, the visor 130, 130a, 130b takes the form of a transparent or translucent face shield through which the user of the diving mask 10 can see.

According to a first variant embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 4, the peripheral frame 110 is provided with a single visor 130 which extends from one edge to the other of said peripheral frame, said visor 130 extending in front of the two eyes of the user. According to a second variant embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the diving mask 10 comprises two visors l30a, l30b, each visor l30a, 130b extending in front of a single eye of the user. In this embodiment, the peripheral frame comprises a strapping 111a, 11b configured to encircle each visor l30a, 130b corresponding. In other words, the strapping 11 associated with a first visor 130a extends around said first visor 130a in a closed contour; and the 11 lb. strapping associated with a second visor 30b extends around said second visor 130b in a closed contour.

The visor (s) 130, 130a, 130b are advantageously fastened integrally to the peripheral frame 110 or to the strapping 11a, 1b associated, possibly detachably. according to another embodiment, the visor or visors 130, 130a, 130b of the diving mask 10 are derived from the same material with the peripheral frame 110.

The peripheral frame 110 and / or the visor 130 of the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention are advantageously formed of a plastic material. Advantageously, in order to reduce production costs, the peripheral frame 110 and / or the visor 130 are obtained by manufacturing processes of the molding or extrusion type.

In order to maintain a comfortable and sufficiently tight support against the face of the user of the diving mask 10 according to the first aspect of the invention, the flexible skirt 120 of said diving mask 10 extends along the peripheral frame 110 and is intended to be placed against the face of said user. In other words, the flexible skirt 120 is located on the side of a bearing face of the diving mask 10 against the face of its user. The flexible skirt 120 is said to be flexible because it is made of a more deformable material than the peripheral frame.

By way of non-limiting example, the flexible skirt 120 may be made of silicone.

In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the flexible skirt 120 also extends between the two straps 111a, 111b of the peripheral frame 110 in order to cover and protect the nose of the user of the diving mask 10.

In order to be held in place on the face of its user, the diving mask 10 according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one removable attachment system 140 which takes the form of at least one strap connecting two opposite side ends of the peripheral frame 110, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2.

Subsequently, the diving mask 110 defines at least a viewing chamber 170 defined by the visor 130, 130a, 130b, the peripheral frame 110 and the flexible skirt 120. The viewing chamber 170 thus forms a volume of air between the mask 110 and the face of its user, contributing to the comfort of use of said diving mask 10. In the case of a partial diving mask, the viewing chamber 170 is delimited by the peripheral frame 110 and extends to the middle of the face, between the user's nose and mouth. In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the dive mask comprises two viewing chambers 170, each viewing chamber 170 being located in front of one of the user's eyes. Optionally, the viewing chambers 170 are independent of one another and are separated by a central wall located at the point 115 of the peripheral frame 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the diving mask 10 comprises a single vision chamber 170.

Optionally, and as shown in FIGURE 4, the peripheral frame 110 of the diving mask 10 includes an intermediate partition 116 which separates the viewing chamber 170 from a breathing chamber 180. The breathing chamber 180 is adjacent to the breathing chamber 180. viewing chamber 170. More particularly, the breathing chamber 180 is located below the viewing chamber 170: it extends at the level of the mouth and / or the nostrils of the user equipped with the pongee mask 10. A this effect, the intermediate partition 116 of the peripheral frame 110 is arranged to be placed on the nose of the user of the diving mask 10, while a lower end of the peripheral frame 110 extends to the level - or even below - the chin of the user. This advantageous configuration thus makes it possible to house the mouth and the nose of the user in the breathing chamber 180, while the user's eyes are housed in the viewing chamber 170.

As seen in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the viewing chamber 170 is in fluid communication with the repisration chamber 180 via a valve 175 placed at the intermediate partition 116. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to to limit the appearance of fogging at the level of the visor 170 during the use of the diving mask 10.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the diving mask 10 comprises a breathing tube 115 integral with the peripheral frame 110. According to one variant embodiment, the breathing tube 115 is made of material with the peripheral frame 110, said tube 115 and said peripheral frame 110 forming a single piece and can not be detached from one another without damaging one of them. According to an alternative alternative embodiment, the breathing tube 115 is secured integrally and releasably to the peripheral frame 110, with the aid of temporary fixing means, such as for example by snapping. The breathing tube 115 is in fluid communication with the breathing chamber 180. For this purpose, the peripheral frame 110 houses at least one fluid conduit which extends from one end of the breathing tube 115 in engagement with said peripheral frame 110, to an opening in said peripheral frame 110 located at the breathing chamber 180.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the breathing tube 115 takes the form of a snorkel housed on an apex of the diving mask 10. Of course, the invention also addresses other configurations of the breathing tube 115, such as for example a breathing tube 115 located on a lateral edge of the diving mask 10, or a frontal connection to the diving mask 10 for a pressure regulator as used in diving, said frontal connection being located at the level of the breathing 180, near the mouth of the user of the diving mask 10 and through the peripheral frame 110 and / or the visor 130 taken at said breathing chamber 180.

According to the invention, the diving mask 10 comprises the telecommunication system 190 as described above to allow the establishment of an underwater communication between two or more hikers submarine. FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate various configurations of telecommunication systems 190 which will be detailed in the following paragraphs.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the telecommunication system 190 is integrated in a sealed casing 155 which is situated at the level of an upper part of the visor 130 of the diving mask 10. Optionally, the casing 155 comes from In other words, the telecommunication system 190 may advantageously be housed in a housing of the peripheral frame 110, said housing forming the housing 155 of the telecommunication system 190.

According to an alternative embodiment, the housing 155 is housed between the peripheral frame 110 and the visor 120 of the diving mask 10, so that said visor 120 completely covers the telecommunication system 190 and thus ensures its sealing. According to another variant embodiment, the housing 155 housing the telecommunication system 190 is located in before the visor 120 of the diving mask 10, outside the viewing chamber 130 of said diving mask 10.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the telecommunication system 190 comprises the light communication module 150 housed in the housing 155 and which comprises three light sources 151 and a photodetector 152. The three light sources 151 are advantageously oriented according to FIG. different communication directions, a first light source 151 preferably being oriented on the right of the dive mask 10, a second light source 151 preferably being oriented to the left of said dive mask 10 and a third light source 151 being preferentially oriented in front of said diving mask 10. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to increase a solid angle according to which the telecommunication system 190 is capable of emitting a light signal.

The light sources 151 are electrically connected to the electronic control board 155 in order to modulate the light signal that will be emitted by the light sources according to an electronic signal; and the photodetector 152 is electrically connected to the control electronic board 156 for demodulating the light signal detected by said photodetector 152 into an electronic signal. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to establish a bidirectional light communication, the telecommunication system 190 being configured to be able to transmit and receive digital data via a modulated light signal - for example in amplitude - emitted by the light sources 151 and respectively received by the photodetector 152. The communication protocol is advantageously of the LIFI type as described above.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the telecommunication system 190 is integrated in a sealed casing 155 which is located at the level above the peripheral frame 110, said telecommunication system 190 being housed in the peripheral frame 110 forming said casing 155.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the telecommunication system 190 comprises the light communication module 150 housed in the housing 155 and which comprises a single light source 151 and a single photodetector 152. A solid detection angle of photodetector 152 overlaps at least partially - and preferably completely - a solid emitting angle of the light source 151.

The light sources 151 of the light communication module 150 illustrated in FIG. 2 are electrically connected to the electronic control board 155 in order to modulate the light signal that will be emitted by the light sources as a function of an electronic signal; and the photodetector 152 is electrically connected to the control electronic board 155 to demodulate the light signal detected by said photodetector 152 into an electronic signal. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to establish bidirectional light communication, the telecommunication system 190 being configured to be able to transmit and receive digital data via a modulated light signal - for example in amplitude - emitted by the light sources 151 and respectively received by the photodetector 152. The communication protocol is advantageously of the LIFI type as described above.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the telecommunication system 190 also comprises two loudspeakers 154 situated at the lateral ends of the peripheral frame 110 of the diving mask 10. Each loudspeaker 154 is electrically connected to the electronic control board 156 for converting light signal received by the photodetector 152 into an audio signal which will be audible by the user of the diving mask 10.

In addition, the dive mask 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises control buttons 153a, 153b, for example to control the light source 151 and / or the loudspeakers 154 and / or the photoreceptor 152.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the light communication module 150 of the telecommunication system 190 is housed in a casing 155 fixed integrally to the peripheral frame 110 of the diving mask 10 via a means articulation 160 for orienting said light communication module 150 in a particular communication direction. The articulation means 160 here takes the form of a ball and / or a pivot 161 in order to rotate said light communication module 150 around at least one axis of rotation. In the illustrative example of FIGURE 3, the articulation means 160 further comprises an arm 162, possibly telescopic, in order to raise the light communication module 150 relative to the peripheral frame 110 and / or the user G head and to facilitate the orientation of the light communication module 150 in the direction chosen communication.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the light communication module 150 is housed at a free end of the breathing tube 115 so as not to be obstructed by the user's head and / or body. of the diving mask 10. More particularly, the light source 151 and the photodetector 152 are located on a front face of the breathing tube 115.

The dive mask 10 illustrated in FIG. 4 also includes a microphone 157 placed at the level of the breathing chamber zone 180. More particularly, the microphone 157 is located near or even opposite the mouth of the user wearing the diving mask 10. The microphone 157 is advantageously fixed on the visor 130 or on the peripheral frame 110 of the diving mask 10.

The dive mask 10 shown in FIGURE 4 also includes two speakers 154 in the form of earphones.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the loudspeakers 154, the microphone 157, the light source 151 and the photodetector 152 are electrically connected - preferably by a wired connection - to the electronic control board 156 which allows establish two-way communication as described above.

As described above, and for each of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, each light source 151 of the light communication module 150 advantageously comprises one or more light-emitting diodes configured to be able to emit a light signal whose wavelength is between 450 nm and 700 nm.

As described above, and for each of the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the photodetector 152 is of the type of a photodiode whose spectral range comprises the wavelengths of the light sources 151 of the light communication module 150.

Finally, the telecommunication system 190 advantageously comprises a power source not shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, which can take the form, for example, of a battery attached to the diving mask 10.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an underwater light communication method 200 according to the second aspect of the invention. Such an underwater light communication method 200 can advantageously be implemented by the diving mask 10 according to the first aspect of the invention and as illustrated above with respect to FIGS. 1 to 4. The underwater light communication method 200 comprises the following steps:

^- a step 201 of acquiring an acoustic signal through the microphone 157 of telecommunication system 190;

^- a step 202 of encoding the sound signal into a digital signal of the light source control 151, the encoding step being performed by the electronic control board 156 of telecommunication system 190;

^- a step 203 of the light source 151 control to emit a light signal whose amplitude is modulated according to the digital control signal, and preferably in a LIFI communication protocol;

^- a step 204 of receiving the light signal by the photodetector 152 of telecommunication system 190;

^- a step 205 of decoding the light signal into a decoded digital signal, the decoding step being performed by the electronic control board 156 of telecommunication system 190;

^- a step 206 of generating a sound signal via one or more speakers 154 of telecommunication system 190. In summary, the invention relates to a diving mask 10 comprising a telecommunication system 190 configured to allow the establishment of unidirectional or bidirectional light communication, and more particularly according to a communication protocol type LIFI. For this purpose, the telecommunication system 190 comprises a light communication module 150 comprising at least one light source 151 and an electronic control card 156 for controlling said at least one light source 151 so as to emit a light signal whose amplitude is modulated according to an electronic signal encoded by said electronic control card 156.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described and many adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, shapes, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other. In particular all the variants and embodiments described above are combinable with each other.

Claims

claims

A diving mask (10) comprising: a peripheral frame (110) having a visor (130, 130a, 130b);

a flexible skirt (120) fixed to the peripheral frame (110), said flexible skirt (120) forming, with the peripheral frame (110) and the visor (130, 130a, 130b), at least one chamber for the vision, said chamber vision (170);

a telecommunication system (190) comprising a light communication module (150) for transmitting a digital signal, said light communication module (150) comprising an electronic control board (156) and a light source (151) configured to transmit a light signal modulated according to the digital signal encoded by said electronic control board (156).

2. Diving mask (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the light communication module (150) is housed in a sealed housing (155), said housing (155) being integrally fixed to the peripheral frame (110).

3- diving mask (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the housing (155) is fixed integrally to the peripheral frame (110) by means of a hinge means (160) for orienting the module of light communication (150) in a direction of communication.

4. Dive mask (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the hinge means (160) comprises at least one pivot (161) and / or a ball and / or a telescopic arm.

A diving mask (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the telecommunication system (190) comprises a photoreceptor (152), said photoreceptor (152) of the telecommunication system (190) being electrically connected to the electronic control board (156) for demodulating a light signal received by said photoreceptor (152).

The diving mask (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the telecommunication system (190) comprises a microphone (157) and a speaker (154), said microphone (157) and / or said loudspeaker (154) being connected to the control electronics board (156) of the light communication module (150) via a wire link.

A diving mask (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral frame (110) comprises an intermediate partition (116) which separates the viewing chamber (170) from an adjacent chamber for breathing, said breathing chamber (180), said intermediate partition (116) being arranged to bear above the nose of a user of the diving mask (10), so that the mouth and the nose of the user are housed in the breathing chamber (180) and the eyes of the user are housed in the viewing chamber (170).

8. Diving mask (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the diving mask

(10) comprises a breathing tube (115) integral with the peripheral frame (110), said breathing tube (115) being in fluid communication with the breathing chamber (180).

The dive mask (10) according to claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the light communication module (150) is located at a free end of the breathing tube (115) with respect to the breathing chamber (180).

10. Diving mask (10) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the light communication module (150) is housed on a portion of the peripheral frame (110) located opposite the breathing chamber (180) relative to the viewing chamber (170).

11- Subaqueous light communication method (200) comprising the following steps: ^- a step (201) for acquiring an audio signal via a microphone (157) of a telecommunication system (190) underwater;

^- a step (202) of encoding the sound signal into a digital control signal from a light source (151), the encoding step being performed by a control circuit board (156) of the telecommunication system (190 ) underwater;

^- a step (203) for controlling the light source (151) to emit a light signal whose amplitude is modulated according to the digital control signal.

12. The method (200) of subaqueous light communication according to the preceding claim, wherein said method comprises the following steps:

^- a step (204) for receiving the light signal by a photodetector (152) of the telecommunication system (190) underwater;

^- a step (205) for decoding the light signal into a decoded digital signal, the decoding step being performed by the control electronic card (156) of the telecommunication system (190) underwater;

^- a step (206) for generating a sound signal through a speaker of the telecommunication system (190) underwater.

An underwater telecommunication system (190) comprising means configured to implement all the steps of the underwater light communication method according to any one of claims 11 or 12, said means comprising at least one diving mask (10) according to any of claims 1 to 10.