FR3072205A1 - FIRE FIGHTING METHOD IN ENHANCED REALITY - Google Patents

Abstract

This fire-fighting training method comprises: a stage of representation, by an augmented reality helmet (50), of a virtual fire propagating in the field of vision of a user; and a step of detecting the manipulations operated by said user on at least one extinguisher (31, 32); a step (C14) of reception, by said augmented reality headset (50), of signals representative of the type of extinguisher and said manipulations; a step for determining whether said signals are representative of a procedure adapted to extinction of a real fire corresponding to said virtual fire.

Description

Invention background

An augmented reality fire training system and method are provided.

In the current state of the art, fire-fighting formations require the transport of heavy and bulky equipment. In addition, the extinguishers being for single use, and of limited duration of use, certain training courses may require the use of several extinguishers.

In addition, each extinguishing system is specific to a type of fire (electric, hydrocarbons) and it is preferable to train users in the use of each type of extinguisher.

The invention provides a system and method for facilitating training in fire fighting.

Subject and summary of the invention

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a fire fighting training method comprising:

- a step of representation, by an augmented reality helmet, of a virtual fire propagating in the field of vision of a user; and

a step of detecting the manipulations carried out by said user on at least one fire extinguisher;

a step of reception, by said augmented reality helmet, of signals representative of the type of fire extinguisher and of said manipulations;

a step for determining whether said signals are representative of an operating mode suitable for extinguishing a real fire corresponding to said virtual fire.

Correlatively, the invention relates to a fire fighting training system comprising:

- an augmented reality helmet configured to represent a virtual fire propagating in the field of vision of a user; and

at least one fire extinguisher capable of detecting manipulations by a user and of sending to said augmented reality helmet signals representative of the type of extinguisher and of said manipulations;

- Said augmented reality helmet being configured to determine whether the signals received from the fire extinguisher are representative of an operating mode adapted to the extinction of a real fire corresponding to said virtual fire.

The invention thus provides training in the fight against fires which does not require triggering real fires. More specifically, it proposes to simulate virtual fires in an augmented reality environment and to check whether the user's operating mode, namely the choice of extinguisher and the operations on this extinguisher are appropriate.

The extinguishers are preferably ballasted to correspond to the weight of an unused extinguisher of the same type.

In one embodiment, the augmented reality helmet is also configured to receive signals representative of the activation by the user of a manual fire trigger, these signals being taken into account to determine whether the behavior of the user is adapted to extinguishing a real fire corresponding to said virtual fire.

In a particular embodiment, the augmented reality helmet is configured to follow the movement of a pointer and to simulate the triggering of the virtual fire at a location pointed by said pointer.

This embodiment can be implemented by the trainer to easily position several fire starts, of different types.

Thus, in a particular embodiment, the augmented reality helmet is configured to display, in the field of vision of a user, a menu of which an option, activatable by said pointer, makes it possible to define a type of said virtual light.

In a particular embodiment, the augmented reality helmet is configured to mask the virtual fire by objects located in the field of vision of the user.

In a particular embodiment, the augmented reality helmet is configured to simulate an increase in the intensity of said virtual fire as long as it does not determine that the signals received from the extinguisher are representative of an operating mode adapted to the extinction of a real fire corresponding to said virtual fire.

In a particular embodiment, the augmented reality helmet is configured to simulate an extinction of said virtual fire after a predetermined duration of propagation of the virtual fire.

In a particular embodiment, the different stages of the training method according to the invention are determined by instructions from computer programs.

Consequently, the invention also relates to a computer program, on an information medium, this program comprising instructions adapted to the implementation of the steps of a certification process according to the invention.

This program can use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

The invention also relates to an information medium readable by a computer, and comprising instructions of a computer program as mentioned above.

The information medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the support may include a storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or else a magnetic recording means, for example a hard disk.

On the other hand, the information medium can be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which can be routed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means. The program according to the invention can in particular be downloaded from a network of the Internet type.

Alternatively, the information medium can be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the process in question.

Brief description of the drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below, with reference to the appended drawings which illustrate an embodiment thereof devoid of any limiting character. In the figures:

FIG. 1 represents an environment in which the invention can be implemented;

Figures 2 to 6 and 8 to 11 show the vision of a user through an augmented reality headset in an exemplary implementation of the invention;

FIG. 7 represents the handling of a fire extinguisher by a user in an exemplary implementation of the invention;

FIGS. 12A and 12B represent the hardware architecture of a virtual reality headset and a fire extinguisher which can be used in an example of implementation of the invention.

FIG. 13 represents in the form of a flowchart the main steps of a training method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

FIG. 1 represents an environment 100 in which the invention can be implemented, for example a training room.

In the embodiment described here, two fire extinguishers 31, 32 are provided in the training room, namely a fire extinguisher 31 to fight against fires of a first type, for example fires of electrical origin, and a fire extinguisher 32 to fight fires of a second type, for example class A fires (dry fires) or B (fatty fires).

In the embodiment described here, the extinguishers 31, 32 have been emptied of their extinguishing agent. They include, as is known, a striker, a percussion and transport handle, a safety pin, a body, a flexible hose, a trigger and a nozzle.

A user wears an augmented reality helmet 50 according to the invention. The augmented reality helmet 50 and each of the fire extinguishers

31, 32 comprises a wireless communication module 20. These different pieces of equipment are paired so that each of the fire extinguishers 31, 32 can send data to the augmented reality helmet 50.

The augmented reality helmet 50 and the fire extinguishers 31, 32 constitute an augmented reality fire training system according to the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the augmented reality headset 50 includes a processor 51, a ROM type ROM 51, a RAM type RAM 52, a camera 53, a microphone 54 and a clock 55. The ROM of the ROM type 51 comprises a computer program PGL whose instructions can be executed by the processor 51.

Each of the fire extinguishers 31, 32 includes a processor 34, a ROM type ROM 35 and a RAM type RAM 36. The ROM type ROM 35 includes a computer program PGE whose instructions can be executed by the processor 34.

Each of the extinguishers 31, 32 also comprises a terminal capable of receiving a SIG _P signal when the user unlocks the handle of the extinguisher and a terminal capable of receiving a SIGg signal when the user presses the trigger of the extinguisher.

The computer program PGL of the augmented reality helmet 50 makes it possible to simulate holograms which are displayed in the field of vision of the user. This helmet 50 may for example be the Hololens product from the company Microsoft (registered trademarks).

FIG. 13 represents in the form of a flowchart the main steps of a training method against augmented reality fires according to the invention. The steps Cxx are implemented by the execution of instructions of the computer program PGL of the augmented reality helmet 50 and the steps Exx are implemented by the execution of instructions of the computer program PGE of the fire extinguishers 31 , 32.

In the embodiment described here, the computer program PGC implemented by the virtual reality headset 50 comprises two processes PF and PS.

The FP process is intended to be implemented by the trainer to start virtual fires. The PS process is intended to be implemented by the trainee to extinguish virtual fires.

We will now describe a training session in accordance with the invention.

It is assumed that the trainer wears the virtual reality headset 50 and that he starts the execution of the PC computer program, for example by pressing a switch.

When this program starts, the PF process is executed. During a step C5, and as shown in FIG. 2, a menu MF is displayed in the trainer's field of vision.

As shown in Figure 3, when the user moves his fingers in his field of vision, the PC process generates a CRS cursor that follows the movement of his fingers. This cursor can be used to select an option from the MF menu with a snap of the fingers.

In the embodiment described here, the MF menu has three options, namely a first option to start a virtual fire of class A or B (step C6), a second option to start a virtual fire of electrical origin (step C7 ) and a third option to delete the last virtual fire started (step C8).

It is assumed that the trainer performs a snap of the finger when the cursor is positioned on the first option of the MF menu.

With reference to FIG. 4, this click generates, during step E6, the display of the cursor CSR, in the field of vision of the user. A hologram representative of a virtual class A or B fire is attached to the CSR cursor. The CSR cursor and the hologram attached to them follow the movement of the user's fingers so that the user can simulate the start of a fire at a location of his choice in the environment 100 by a new snap of finger.

Thus, with reference to FIG. 5, the trainer starts a virtual class A fire in a trash can.

The trainer can thus trigger several virtual fires in the environment 100.

When different virtual lights have been started, the trainer asks the trainee to wear the virtual reality headset 50.

The PS process starts. With reference to FIG. 6, an invitation message is displayed in the field of vision of the trainee inviting him to pronounce the word "GO" to start the training session (step CIO).

When the processor 51 detects the word "GO" (via the microphone 54) it triggers the clock 55 (step C12). The first virtual light installed by the trainer is then likely to be perceived by the trainee.

The PS process then simulates the propagation of the fire (step C13).

With reference to FIG. 7, it is assumed that the trainee grasps the extinguisher 32. The manipulations of the user on the extinguisher generate the signals SIGp and SIGg. They are received by the processor 34 via the aforementioned terminals during a step E5 and transmitted by the communication module 20 during a step E10 with the type T _E of the fire extinguisher.

The signals transmitted by the module 20 of the fire extinguisher are received by the module 20 of the augmented reality helmet 50 during a step C14. They are processed by the processor 51 during a step C16.

If it is determined during a test C17 that the signals received by the virtual reality headset 50 are representative of a trainee's operating mode suitable for extinguishing the virtual fire (choice of fire extinguisher and appropriate handling) , the virtual fire is extinguished during a step C18. A message indicating the success of the session can be displayed in the trainee's visual field (Figure 8).

Otherwise, the PS process continues to simulate the propagation of the fire by returning to step C13.

When the duration measured by the clock 55 exceeds a predetermined duration Tmax (test C20), the virtual fire is extinguished during step C18. A message indicating that the session has failed may be displayed in the student's field of vision.

Figures 9 and 10 represent respectively:

- propagation of the virtual fire when the user uses a fire extinguisher which is not suitable for the type of virtual fire to be extinguished; and

- the extinction of the virtual fire when the user uses the extinguisher adapted to the type of virtual fire to be extinguished.

Claims (15)

1. Fire fighting training process comprising: - a step of representation, by an augmented reality helmet (50), of a virtual fire propagating in the field of vision of a user; and - a step of detecting the manipulations carried out by said user on at least one fire extinguisher (31, 32); - a step of reception, by said augmented reality helmet (50), of signals representative of the type of extinguisher and of said manipulations; a step for determining whether said signals are representative of an operating mode suitable for extinguishing a real fire corresponding to said virtual fire. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a step, implemented by said augmented reality helmet, to follow the movement of a pointer and to simulate the triggering of said virtual fire at a location pointed by said pointer. 3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a step, implemented by said augmented reality headset (50), to display, in the field of vision of a user, a menu including an option, activatable by said pointer, used to define a type of said virtual light. 4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said augmented reality helmet (50) is configured to mask said virtual light by objects located in the field of vision of the user. 5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said augmented reality helmet (50) is configured to simulate an increase in the intensity of said virtual light as long as it does not determine that the signals received of the extinguisher are representative of a procedure adapted to extinguishing a real fire corresponding to said virtual fire. 6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said augmented reality helmet (50) is configured to simulate an extinction of said virtual fire after a predetermined duration of propagation of said virtual fire. 7. Fire fighting training system including: - an augmented reality helmet (50) configured to represent a virtual fire propagating in the field of vision of a user; and - at least one fire extinguisher (31, 32) capable of detecting manipulations of a user and of sending to said augmented reality helmet (50) signals representative of the type of extinguisher and of said manipulations; - Said augmented reality helmet being configured to determine whether the signals received from the fire extinguisher are representative of an operating mode adapted to the extinction of a real fire corresponding to said virtual fire. 8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that said augmented reality helmet (50) is configured to follow the movement of a pointer and to simulate the triggering of said virtual fire at a location pointed by said pointer. 9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that said augmented reality helmet (50) is configured to display, in the field of vision of a user, a menu of which an option, activatable by said pointer, makes it possible to define a type of said virtual fire. 10. System according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that said augmented reality helmet (50) is configured to mask said virtual fire by objects located in the field of vision of the user. 11. System according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that said augmented reality helmet (50) is configured to simulate an increase in the intensity of said virtual light as long as it does not determine that the signals received of the extinguisher are representative of a procedure adapted to extinguishing a real fire corresponding to said virtual fire. 12. System according to any one of claims 7 to 11, 5 characterized in that said augmented reality helmet (50) is configured to simulate an extinction of said virtual fire after a predetermined duration of propagation of said virtual fire. 13. Computer program on an information medium, said 10 program being capable of being implemented by a computer, this program comprising instructions adapted to the implementation of a training method according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 14. Recording medium readable by a computer (20) on 15 which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for the execution of the steps of the information formation method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.