FR3005191A1 - SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACTIVATION OF A PERSONAL ASSIST DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for activating a personal assistance device such as an elevator (1), an elevator or a pedestrian crossing signaling device. The activation system comprises at least one device (6, 7, 8) for detecting the presence of a person. The activation system further comprises at least one radiofrequency identification device (10), called RFID, configured to identify the type of person detected and in that the detection device is configured to detect a stabilization of the person and to be activated after a defined destabilization period, the activation system being programmed to act on said personal assistance device according to the identification of the RFID device and the activation of the detection device. The invention also relates to a method of activating a person lift (1) using such an activation system and a method of activating a pedestrian crossing signaling device with such an activation system.

Description

The present invention relates to a system for activating a device for assisting persons, in particular persons with a disability of the reduced mobility and visually impaired type. Such a device for helping people consists, for example, in a lift for people in wheelchairs or moving with a walker or a cane, to cross one or more steps between two levels. Such a device for assisting people may still consist of a pedestrian crossing signaling device which is equipped at the tricolor signaling lights to regulate vehicle traffic and to facilitate the crossing of taxes in areas frequented by vehicles.

Elevators are known to enable persons with reduced mobility to cross one or more steps separating two levels, for example for the person with reduced mobility who moves in a wheelchair or with a walker or a cane and is on a sidewalk. enter a business, an office or other. The person with reduced mobility must ride on a platform that is operated at height using a platform lift mechanism. The actuation is carried out by pressing an activation button arranged on the elevator. When the person moves in a wheelchair, it can sometimes have difficulty accessing the activation button to operate the elevator. The current pedestrian crossing signaling devices include an activation button that the pedestrian must engage to indicate his intention to cross the road. This activation button can be associated with a presence detector, which makes it possible to mitigate the untimely activations of the button by children who have fun, for example. Some of these devices also include tactile ground strips that allow a visually impaired person to detect that it is at a pedestrian crossing. Other of these devices also include sound signaling means that allow a visually impaired person to detect the authorization to cross the pedestrian crossing. People with reduced mobility or visually impaired people may have difficulty accessing the activation button of the pedestrian crossing signaling device. Lastly, visually impaired people have difficulty locating themselves geographically while traveling in urban areas, particularly for crossing over roads.

The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks which may also be encountered with other devices for assisting persons with reduced mobility or visually impaired, even normal or with other disabilities than those mentioned above. For this purpose, the invention relates to a system for activating a personal assistance device such as, for example, an elevator, an elevator or a pedestrian crossing signaling device. The activation system comprises at least one device for detecting the presence of a person who is moving normally or, for example, with a cane, a walker, a wheelchair or even with a companion dog. According to the invention, the activation system comprises at least one radiofrequency identification device, called RFID, configured to identify the type of person detected. The person who has a radiofrequency identification transmitter can thus be identified by the radiofrequency identification device and transmit to the radiofrequency identification device data relating to the type of disability that it presents, or no data when that person does not present any disability. In addition, the detection device is configured to detect a stabilization of the person and to be activated after a defined stabilization period. Furthermore, the activation system is programmed to act on the personal assistance device according to the identification of the radio frequency identification device and the activation of the detection device. It is understood that in this way, the activation system does not require the physical actuation of any button for people with disabilities or even for people without disabilities, which has many advantages. Indeed, people with reduced mobility or visually impaired do not feel, thus, difficulty to activate the aid device. The same is true for a normal person who is on a pedestrian crossing and has his hands in bags or packages. In addition, the identification of the type of person wishing to use the personal assistance device allows its adaptation to the best, depending on the type of person. According to the activation system that is the subject of the invention, the detection device comprises a flat surface whose dimensions are configured to receive a support from a person, a cane foot, a walker's foot or two wheels. front or rear of a wheelchair of a person with reduced mobility. Thus, the activation system is accessible to any type of person, regardless of his potential disability, in a wheelchair, with a walker, a cane or accompanied by a dog that remains attached to the visually impaired master. According to the activation system of a device for assisting people who are subjects of the invention, at least one sensor is arranged at the flat surface and is configured to detect a fulcrum on the flat surface and a variation the position of the point of support on this flat surface. This makes it possible to detect a person who is not stable on the flat surface, which may be due to the fact that he or she leaves the surface or is not properly positioned and therefore seeks to stabilize properly on said surface. flat surface.

In one embodiment of this activation system of a personal assistance device, a plurality of strain gauge sensors is distributed at the flat surface and detects a change in electrical resistance. Variations are however possible to detect a variation of position of the fulcrum on the flat surface. For example, it is possible to provide two strain gauge sensors distributed along X, Y axes in a plane parallel to the plane surface and electronic calculation means which determines the position of the fulcrum and a possible variation of this position in function. the resistance variation of the two strain gage sensors. According to the activation system of a device for assisting people who are subjects of the invention, the flat surface comprises tactile elements. This allows people, especially those with low vision, to detect the presence of a device to help people, especially the presence of a pedestrian crossing signaling device. In one embodiment of the activation system of a device for assisting people who are subjects of the invention, the latter comprises the shape of a carpet configured to be placed on a floor. This has the advantage of being able to arrange easily without the need for disbursement work in the ground for its implementation. Thus the carpet will preferably be glued on the ground to prevent its movement. However, it is possible to envisage an alternative embodiment of the activation system of a device for assisting the persons object of the invention, according to which the latter comprises the form of a plate which has a better rigidity. This design will for example be considered for the implementation of an elevator, the tray of the activation system may constitute the tray of the elevator system. In one embodiment of the activation system of a personal assistance device equipped with such a plate, said activation system comprises a box recessed into a floor, the plate being configured to be positioned in the flush-mounted box of the ground. This has the advantage of arranging the recessed activation system, for example on the public road or in a building in which passages are very frequent, which reduces its wear compared to an activation system in the form of carpet. In a preferred embodiment of the activation system of a device for assisting persons who are subjects of the invention, the radiofrequency identification system is configured to detect a person with reduced mobility and / or a visually impaired person. It would also be possible to detect additional hearing-impaired persons, or even normal persons who have a radio frequency identification badge in the exercise of their function, for example because they handle bulky objects hands or difficult to lift . The invention also relates to a method for activating a person lift, in particular with reduced mobility, which uses an activation system that is the subject of the invention. The method includes physically detecting the presence of a representative mass of a person's weight on the activation system, indicating a possible intention to use the elevator; simultaneously recognize by radiofrequency identification that the person present on said activation system is entitled to benefit from the automatic activation of the elevator; activate the elevator when the detected mass informs that a person is present on the elevator and that it is identified as being authorized to use the elevator and that its position is stabilized on the activation system for a defined duration. Activation of the elevator will be done during the identification of a person with reduced mobility. One can also consider its activation when a person, carrying out product handling, is equipped with a radio frequency identification badge recognized by the radio frequency identification device, or even when a person activates a button or a pedal. activation. According to this method of activating an elevator, it consists in transmitting a geographical location sound signal when a visually impaired person is detected by radiofrequency identification. This makes it possible to indicate the presence of the elevator in case it wishes to use it, if the activation system authorizes it according to the programming of the radiofrequency identification system. According to this method of activating a person lift, it consists in stopping the elevator during its activation when it detects an instability of the mass on the activation system. This stop continues until said mass is again stabilized for a defined period. The invention also relates to a method for activating a pedestrian crossing signaling device connected to traffic control traffic lights which comprises a pedestrian call system and a management system. This pedestrian crossing signaling device comprises visual signaling means and sound signaling means configured to activate authorization signals to cross or prohibit signals to cross the pedestrian crossing under the action of the control of the control system. management of traffic lights. The method uses an activation system which is the subject of the invention. The method includes physically detecting the presence of a representative mass of a person's weight on the activation system, indicating a possible intention to cross the pedestrian crossing; simultaneously recognize by radiofrequency identification the type of person present on said activation system; activate the traffic light pedestrian call system after a presence detection for a defined duration on the activation system, said pedestrian call system normally acting on the visual signaling means when the identified person has no mobility problem or low vision; - activating the pedestrian call system after a presence detection for a defined duration on the activation system, said pedestrian call system acting on the visual signaling means by extending the duration of the authorization signal to cross when the identified person has reduced mobility, which leaves more time for the person to cross because of his disability; - activate the audible authorization or prohibition signal to cross depending on the state of the traffic lights as soon as a visually impaired person is identified, which minimizes the risks that the visually impaired person crosses before the authorization to cross, then activate the pedestrian call system after detection of the presence of this visually impaired person on the activation system, said pedestrian call system acting on the sound signaling means to issue a prohibition / authorization sound signal sequence / prohibition to cross. The following description highlights the features of the invention. This description is based on figures among which: FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an elevator activation system that makes it possible to cross a step; - Figure 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an activation system of a personal assistance device, being in the form of a carpet; FIG. 3 illustrates a pedestrian crossing signaling installation; FIG. 4 illustrates sensors of a presence detection system on an activation system which is the subject of the invention; FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate the activation sequences of an elevator for a normal person, a person with reduced mobility and a visually impaired person; FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate the activation sequences of a pedestrian crossing signaling device for a normal person, a person with reduced mobility and a visually impaired person. In Figure 1 is arranged an elevator 1 allowing a person with reduced mobility who moves for example with a wheelchair, with a cane or a walker, to position itself on the elevator 1 which can be activated to raise its plateau 2 up to the height of the step 3. The elevator 1 is embedded in the ground 5, for example of the public road. It can be seen in FIG. 1 that components, represented in dotted lines, are arranged under the surface of the plate. Thus two strain gauges 6, 7 are arranged in a cross along two axes X, Y and are connected to a detection box 8 which makes it possible to determine the positions X, Y of a bearing on the plate 2 as a function of the deformation of the strain gauges 6, 7. This detection box 8 also makes it possible to determine a variation of the bearing positions X, Y on the plate 2. There could be several detection zones each equipped with two strain gauges 6, 7 such that above, so as to detect two different supports of the person's feet or two wheels of a wheelchair to ensure that the user is in a secure position on the plate 2. The detection box information 8 relating to the detection a support and the variation of position of a support, are transmitted to a management box 9 which is connected to said detection box 8. As illustrated in Figure 1, a radiofr identification box quence 10 is also arranged under the plate 2, which is also connected to the management box 9. This radiofrequency identification box 10 makes it possible to identify data stored on badges which are arranged on wheelchairs, canes, walkers , even the badges of other users. These data relate to the physical capacities of the person and make it possible to determine whether or not this person requires the assistance of personal assistance, in particular when he has a disability of the mobility-impaired type and / or visually impaired person. We could add hearing-impaired people or any other type of disability. In FIG. 1, the detection, identification and management boxes 8 and 8 are separated and connected together. One could, however, provide a single housing grouping all the functions. The management box 9 activates the elevator according to the data transmitted by the detection unit 8 and by the radiofrequency identification box 10. The elevator 1 optionally also comprises a manual control button (not shown), such as a "dead man" button that can be activated in the on position and returned to the instant stop position as soon as it is released. This button "dead man" can be replaced by a pedal "dead man". This allows users who are not equipped with badges to still use the elevator.

Variations are conceivable for the detection of a person on the plate 2 and a variation of support on this plate 2. It is possible for example to provide, as illustrated in FIG. 4, strain gauge sensors 11 uniformly distributed on the plate 2, the detection box 8 measuring the respective resistances between the terminals b1, b2, b3, b4 and B1, B2, B3 and B4 and detecting a variation of resistance during a mobile support on the plate 2. On the 5A, the curves 12 and 13 respectively show the state 0 (not actuated) or 1 (actuated) identification of a person with reduced mobility or a visually impaired person. Curve 14 shows the state 0 or 1 of actuation of a button or a "dead man" pedal. Curve 15 shows the detection of the presence of a person with a variation of resistance in the event of the person's mobility on the plateau 2. The curve 16 shows the state 0 or 1 of activation of the elevator 1 as a function of the curves 12 to 15. The curve 17 shows the state 0 or 1 of activation of a sound signal on the elevator 1 which, for this, also comprises means for transmitting a sound signal such as a high loudspeaker. The curves 18 and 19 show the state 0 or 1 of two end-of-travel sensors arranged on the elevator 1 and indicating the low and high position of the plateau 2. Note a variation of resistance on the curve 15 at the instant t0 and no identification on curves 12 and 13, indicating the presence of a person without disabilities. At the end of a time t1, it is noted on the curve 14 that the person actuates the button "dead man", which after a time delay until time t2 and in the absence of resistance variation on the curve 15, operates the elevator 1. The low position sensor illustrated by curve 18 then goes to state 0 in t2. Between the times t3 and t4, a variation of resistance is noted on the curve 15 while the person keeps the "deadman" button activated, as shown by the curve i4; this stops the elevator as shown in curve 16. After a time t5 where the resistance has remained constant on curve 15, with the button "dead man" kept on, the elevator is activated again until that the high position sensor goes to state 1 at time t6, as shown in curve 19. The elevator is thus in the up position and can be deactivated. The person can release the "dead man" button. In Figure 5B we find the previous 12 to 19 curves. An identification of a person with reduced mobility is noted at time t0 on curve 12 and then a resistance detection at time t1 on curve 15 which remains constant, which makes it possible to activate the elevator 1 after a time t2, as shown in curve 16. The low position sensor then goes to state 0, as shown in curve 18. There is a variation in resistance between times t3 and t4 on curve 15, which stops at t3 the elevator, as shown in the curve 16. After the resistance has remained constant until a time t5, the elevator 1 is activated again, as shown in the curves 15 and 16. When the sensor of high position goes to state 1 at time t6, the elevator is stopped as shown curves 16 and 19. There is a curve 20 which indicates the opening of a door sensor in t6, allowing the person to reduced mobility out of the elevator 1. In Figure 5C, only the curves 12 to 16 previously studied are represented. Note also a curve 21 which represents the state 0 or 1 of activation of sound signaling means on the elevator 1. During identification of a visually impaired person at time t0, illustrated by the curve 13, the system activation means engages sound signaling means which may consist of a beep or a voice message, as illustrated by the curve 21. In spite of presence detection on the plate 2, illustrated by the variation of resistance at time t1 and t2 on the curve 15, the elevator remains disabled as shown in curve 16. After no detection at time t3, the audible signal is deactivated, although the visually impaired person is still identified, as shown in curves 13, 15 and 21. The same device can be used to give location information to a visually impaired person without operating the elevator.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative system for activating a personal assistance device, which is in the form of a flexible mat 22 having a flat surface 23 which incorporates strain gauges 24 into its thickness. connected to a detection box 8. There is also the radiofrequency identification box 10 and the management box 9. The characteristics of these components are identical to those described above on the elevator 1. This mat 22 however allows its arrangement directly. on the surface of a soil. The carpet 22 at its lower face 25 which is then glued on the surface of the ground. This mat 22 comprises tactile tactile elements 26, as illustrated in FIG. 2, which enable visually impaired persons to detect the presence of the activation system and the personal assistance device. These tactile elements 26 also make it possible to signal the danger of the pedestrian crossing and the unevenness, or even the danger of a walk or a station platform.

Such a carpet 22 is notably installed at the traffic lights with a pedestrian crossing signaling device 27, as illustrated in FIG. 3. It will be noted in this FIG. 3, two tricolor traffic lights 28, 29 respectively arranged in both directions of traffic light. traffic on the road 30. Each traffic light 28, 29 includes a visual signal block 31 which includes two dials 32, 33 which are illuminated respectively in red and green, indicating a stopped man and a walking man, even the "stop" and "on" indications. The tricolor traffic lights 28, 29 each also include a sound indicator 34 which indicates to visually impaired persons, for example, two different signals for the authorization or prohibition to cross or voice messages "on" and "off". These audible indicators 34 can also guide the visually impaired person during the crossing by activating the loudspeaker located on the opposite side of the road to the activation system initially activated. There are two carpets 22 on each side of the pedestrian sidewalks, which are respectively connected to traffic lights 28 and 29, themselves connected together for synchronization. Between these two belts 22 are arranged pedestrian crossing strips 35 which can also comprise tactile tactile strips 36. The tricolor traffic lights 28, 29 are respectively connected to the two mats 22. These tricolor traffic lights 28, 29 each comprise a system pedestrian call connected to a tricolor triggering management system, visual signaling blocks 31 and audible indicators 34. The mats 22 are connected to the call system and to the tricolor traffic signal management system 28, 29. The pedestrian call systems and traffic light management systems are not shown in Figure 3. These are known on the current traffic lights, only changing their programming and their connection in addition to carpet 22 for receiving the call signal specifying the presence of a person and the identification of the type of disability of the person e. In FIG. 6A, curves 12, 13 and 15 of FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are found. Note also a curve 37 which illustrates the state 0 or 1 of the call signal sent to the pedestrian call system traffic lights. Likewise, we notice the curve 38 which indicates the state 0 of activation of the visual signal of prohibition to cross 32 and the state 1 of activation of the visual signal of authorization to cross 33. During the detection of a presence on the belt 22 illustrated by the resistance detection at the time t0 of the curve 15, and after a delay until the time tl, the activation system emits a call signal transmitted to the pedestrian call system of the fire tricolor which manages the triggering of the visual signal 33 authorization to cross, as shown in the curves 37 and 38. The visual signal 33 remains then engaged for a period of time dl dl normal time tl + dl. In Figure 6B we find the same curves 12, 13, 15, 37 and 38 as for Figure 6A. Note also the curve 39 which illustrates the activation state of sound signaling means 34 arranged on traffic lights 28, 29. The identification of a person with reduced mobility and its detection on the belt 22 at time tO, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 15, causes a delay until the time t1 after which the call signal is transmitted to the pedestrian call system of the traffic light which activates the visual signal, as illustrated by the curves 37 and 38. The identification information of the person with reduced mobility is transmitted to the traffic light which, however, maintains the visual crossing signal 33 for a duration d2 greater than the duration d1 preceding, until time tl + d2. Note that the sound signal 34 remains inactivated, as shown in the curve 39. In Figure 6C we find the same curves 12, 13, 15, 37, 38 and 39 as in Figure 6B. During identification, at the time tO, of a visually impaired person and when it is detected on the carpet 22, the system immediately activates the sound signal 34 which diffuses a message or a definite beep indicating the prohibition to cross at the pedestrian crossing , as shown in curves 13, 15 and 39. After a time delay up to the time t1 corresponding to the response time of the traffic light management system to the taking into account of the pedestrian call transmitted by the belt 22 to the system pedestrian call of said traffic light, the traffic light changes state, which allows, on the one hand, the activation of the visual signal of passage 33 and, on the other hand, the activation of the sound signal 34 which diffuses a message or a defined beep indicating the authorization to cross the pedestrian crossing. The signaling and the audible message are activated for a duration d2 greater than the duration d1 mentioned above, until the time t1 + d2 after which the visual stop signal 32 is activated and the sound signal 34 broadcasts again the message indicating the prohibition to cross until time t2, as shown in curve 39.

It is therefore clear that the activation system of a personal assistance device adapts to all, regardless of the disability situation, and allows the activation of the activation system even if the user is not not able to activate it manually. Variants are conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention. One can for example provide tactile elements on the plate 2 of the elevator 1. In addition, the surface 23 of the belt 22 is dimensioned to receive at least two supports of the person, for example his feet or crutches or feet of 'a walker, or even two wheels front or rear wheelchair. As indicated above, the audible signal of the traffic lights 28, 29 may be supplemented by an audible signal intended to guide the visually impaired person to the opposite side of the road, or even to a railroad level crossing. which prevents this visually impaired person from losing his geographical bearings during the crossing. The duration of the signal is preferably extended to allow him more time to cross because of his disability.

It is also conceivable to carry out a visual and / or tactile marking of the tray 2 or the belt 22 on its upper face, this marking being used as a marker for the positioning of the person or the wheels of a wheelchair in order to detect more easily the presence on the activation system. This has the advantage of being able to simplify the design of the presence detection sensors on said activation system.

Different types of sensor may also be considered as a replacement for the strain gauge sensors 6, 7, 11, 23 described above. In particular, these strain gauge sensors may be replaced by piezoelectric or even other sensors.

Claims (14)

REVENDICATIONS1. System for activating a personal assistance device such as an elevator (1), an elevator or a pedestrian crossing signaling device (28, 29), the activation system comprising at least one detection device (6, 7, 8, 11, 24) of the presence of a person, characterized in that it comprises at least one radiofrequency identification device (10), called RFID, configured to identify the type of the person detected and in that the detection device is configured to detect a stabilization of the person and to be activated after a defined stabilization period, the activation system being programmed to act on said person assistance device according to the identification of the RFID device and activation of the detection device. A personal aid activation system according to claim 1, wherein the detection device comprises a planar surface (2, 23) the dimensions of which are configured to receive at least two supports of an armchair wheelchair of person with reduced mobility or two supports of a person. An activation system of a personal assistance device according to claim 2, wherein at least one sensor (6, 7, 11, 24) is arranged at the plane surface (2, 23) and is configured to detect a fulcrum on the flat surface and a variation of the position of the fulcrum on this flat surface. An activation system of a personal assistance device according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of strain gage sensors (6, 7, 11, 23) are distributed at the plane surface (2, 23) and detects a variation of resistance. An activation system of a personal assistance device according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of piezoelectric sensors are distributed at the plane surface (2, 23) and detect a variation of resistance. 6. activation system of a personal assistance device according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the flat surface (23) comprises tactile elements (26). 7. activation system of a personal assistance device according to one of claims 2 to 6, which comprises the form of a carpet (22) configured to be placed on a floor. 8. activation system of a personal assistance device according to one of claims 2 to 6, which comprises the form of a tray (2). An activation system of a personal assistance device according to claim 8, which comprises a flush-mounted housing (4) in a floor, the tray (2) being configured to be positioned in the flush-mounted housing of the floor . An activation system of a personal assistance device according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the radio frequency identification system (10) is configured to recognize radiofrequency identification badges indicating the type of device. handicap of the person .. 11. A method of activating a person lift (1) using an activation system according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it consists in: physically detecting the presence of a representative mass of the person on the activation system; simultaneously recognize by radiofrequency identification that the person present on said activation system is entitled to benefit from the automatic activation of the elevator; activate the elevator when a person authorized to use it is recognized and its position is stabilized on the activation system for a defined period. 12. The method of activating an elevator (1) of a person according to claim 11, which further comprises transmitting a sound signal geographical location when a visually impaired person is detected by radio frequency identification. 13. A method of activating a lift (1) person according to one of claims 11 or 12, which consists in stopping the elevator during its activation when detecting instability of the mass on the activation system. until said mass is stabilized again for a defined period. 14. A method of activating a pedestrian crossing signaling device (28, 29) connected to tricolor traffic lights (28, 29) comprising a pedestrian call system and a management system, the signaling device comprising visual signaling means (31) and signaling sound means (34) configured to activate permitting signals to pass through or crossing signals at the pedestrian crossing, the method using an activation system according to the one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it consists in: physically detecting the presence of a mass representative of the person on the activation system; simultaneously recognize by radiofrequency identification the type of mobility aid of the person present on said activation system; activate the traffic light pedestrian call system after a presence detection for a defined duration on the activation system, said pedestrian call system normally acting on the visual signaling means when the identified person has no mobility problem or low vision; activate the pedestrian call system after a presence detection for a defined duration on the activation system, said pedestrian call system acting on the visual signaling means by extending the duration of the authorization signal to cross when the person identified is with reduced mobility; activate the authorization or prohibition signal to cross depending on the state of the traffic lights as soon as a visually impaired person is identified, then activate the pedestrian call system after detecting the presence of this visually impaired person on the activation system, said pedestrian call system acting on the sound signaling means for issuing a prohibition / authorization / interdicting sound signal sequence.