FR3072205B1 - FIRE FIGHTING METHOD IN ENHANCED REALITY - Google Patents

Abstract

This firefighting training method comprises: - a step of representing, by an augmented reality headset (50), 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 extinguisher (31, 32); - a step (C14) of receiving, by said augmented reality headset (50), signals representative of the type of the 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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a system and method for fire training in augmented reality.

In the current state of the art, fire-fighting formations require the transport of heavy and bulky equipment. In addition, fire extinguishers being single-use, and of limited duration of use, some formations may require the use of several fire 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 fire extinguisher. The invention provides a system and method for facilitating training in fire fighting.

Object and summary of the invention

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a fire-fighting training method comprising: a stage 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 operated 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 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.

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 able to detect manipulations of a user and to send to said augmented reality headphones signals representative of the type of fire extinguisher and said manipulations; said augmented reality headset being configured to determine whether the signals received from the extinguisher are representative of a procedure adapted to extinguishing a real fire corresponding to said virtual fire. The invention thus provides training in firefighting that does not require triggering real fires. More specifically, it proposes to simulate virtual fires in an augmented reality environment and to verify whether the user's mode of operation, namely the choice of fire extinguisher and the manipulations on this extinguisher are appropriate.

Extinguishers are preferably ballasted to match the weight of an unused extinguisher of the same type.

In one embodiment, the augmented reality headset is also configured to receive signals indicative of the user's activation of a manual fire trigger, which signals are taken into account to determine whether the behavior of the user is adapted to extinction of a real fire corresponding to said virtual fire.

In a particular embodiment, the augmented reality headset is configured to follow the movement of a pointer and to simulate the firing of the virtual fire at a point 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 headset is configured to display, in the field of view of a user, a menu whose option, activated by said pointer, to define a type of said virtual fire.

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

In a particular embodiment, the augmented reality headset 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 a procedure adapted to the extinguishing a real fire corresponding to said virtual fire.

In a particular embodiment, the augmented reality headset 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 various steps of the training method according to the invention are determined by instructions of computer programs.

Accordingly, the invention also relates to a computer program, on an information carrier, this program comprising instructions adapted to the implementation of the steps of a certification method 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 form desirable shape. The invention also relates to a computer-readable information medium, comprising instructions of a computer program as mentioned above.

The information carrier may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or a magnetic recording means, for example a hard disk. On the other hand, the information medium may be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means. The program according to the invention can be downloaded in particular on an Internet type network.

Alternatively, the information carrier may 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 method in question.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate an embodiment having no limiting character. In the figures: FIG. 1 represents an environment in which the invention can be implemented; FIGS. 2 to 6 and 8 to 11 represent the vision of a user through augmented reality headphones in an exemplary implementation of the invention; Figure 7 shows the handling of a fire extinguisher by a user in an exemplary implementation of the invention; FIGS. 12A and 12B show the hardware architecture of a virtual reality helmet and extinguisher that can be used in an exemplary implementation of the invention. Figure 13 shows in flowchart form the main steps of a training method according to 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 for fighting fires of a first type, for example electric fires, and a fire extinguisher. to fight against fires of a second type, for example class A (dry fire) or B (fire) fires.

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

A user wears an augmented reality headset 50 according to the invention. The augmented reality headset 50 and each of the fire extinguishers 31, 32 includes a wireless communication module 20. These different equipments are paired so that each of the extinguishers 31, 32 can send data to the augmented reality helmet 50.

Augmented reality helmet 50 and 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 ROM 51, a RAM 52, a camera 53, a microphone 54 and a clock 55. Read-only memory ROM 51 includes a PGL computer program whose instructions can be executed by the processor 51.

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

Each of the extinguishers 31, 32 also comprises a terminal adapted to receive a signal SIGP when the user releases the handle of the fire extinguisher and a terminal adapted to receive a signal SIGg when the user presses the trigger of the fire extinguisher.

The augmented reality helmet PGL computer program 50 simulates holograms that are displayed in the user's field of view. This helmet 50 may for example be the Hololens product from Microsoft (registered trademarks).

FIG. 13 represents in flow chart form the main steps of an augmented reality fire training method according to the invention. The steps Cxx are implemented by executing instructions of the Augmented Reality Helmet PGL computer program 50 and the Exx steps are implemented by executing instructions of the fire extinguisher computer program PGE. , 32.

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

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

We will now describe a training session according to the invention.

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

At the start of this program, the PF process is executed. During a step C5, and as shown in Figure 2, an MF menu is displayed in the field of view of the trainer.

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

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

It is assumed that the trainer snaps a 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 representative hologram of a class A or B virtual fire is attached to the CSR cursor. The cursor CSR and hologram attached thereto follow the movement of the fingers of the user so that it can simulate the outbreak 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 triggers a class A virtual fire in a bin.

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

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

The PS process starts. Referring to Figure 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 (state 02). The first virtual fire installed by the trainer is then likely to be perceived by the trainee.

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

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

The signals transmitted by the module 20 of the 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 helmet 50 are representative of a procedure of the trainee appropriate for extinguishing the virtual fire (selection of the fire extinguisher and proper 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 fire propagation by returning to step C13.

When the duration measured by the clock 55 exceeds a predetermined time Tmax (C20 test), the virtual fire is turned off during the step C18. A message indicating the failure of the session can be displayed in the trainee's visual field.

FIGS. 9 and 10 respectively represent: the propagation of the virtual fire when the user uses a fire extinguisher that is not adapted to the type of virtual fire to be extinguished; and extinction of the virtual fire when the user uses the extinguisher adapted to the type of virtual fire to be extinguished.

Claims (14)

A fire-fighting training method comprising: - a step of representation, by an augmented reality helmet (50), of a virtual fire propagating in the field of view of a user; and a step of detecting the manipulations operated by said user on at least one extinguisher (31, 32); a step of reception, by said augmented reality helmet (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. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a step, implemented by said augmented reality headset, to follow the movement of a pointer and to simulate the triggering of said virtual fire at a point 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 view of a user, a menu including an option, activatable by said pointer, allows to define a type of said virtual fire. 4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said augmented reality headset (50) is configured to hide said virtual fire by objects in the field of view of the user. 5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said augmented reality headset (50) is configured to simulate an increase in the intensity of said virtual fire as long as it does not determine that the signals received extinguisher are representative of a procedure adapted to the extinction of 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 headset (50) is configured to simulate an extinction of said virtual fire after a predetermined duration of propagation of said virtual fire. A fire training system comprising: an augmented reality helmet (50) configured to represent a virtual fire propagating in a user's field of view; and at least one extinguisher (31, 32) capable of detecting manipulations of a user and sending signals to said augmented reality helmet (50) representative of the type of extinguisher and said manipulations; said augmented reality headset being configured to determine whether the signals received from the extinguisher are representative of a procedure adapted to extinguishing a real fire corresponding to said virtual fire. 8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that said augmented reality headset (50) is configured to follow the movement of a pointer and to simulate the firing of said virtual fire at a point pointed by said pointer. 9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that said augmented reality headset (50) is configured to display, in the field of view of a user, a menu whose option, activated by said pointer, allows 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 headset (50) is configured to mask said virtual fire by objects in the field of view of the user. 11. System according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that said augmented reality headset (50) is configured to simulate an increase in the intensity of said virtual fire as long as it does not determine that the signals received extinguisher are representative of a procedure adapted to the extinction of a real fire corresponding to said virtual fire. 12. System according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that said augmented reality headset (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 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 the Claims 1 to 6. A computer-readable recording medium (20) on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for performing the steps of the information forming method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.