FR3079206A1 - DIVING MASK COMPRISING A LIFI COMMUNICATION MODULE - Google Patents

Abstract

In summary, the invention relates to a diving mask (10) comprising a telecommunications system (190) configured to allow the establishment of unidirectional or bidirectional light communication, and more particularly according to a communication protocol of the LIFI type. To this end, the telecommunication system (190) comprises a light communication module (150) comprising a light source (151) configured to emit light signals in a plurality of directions around the diving mask (10), and a map control electronics (156) in order to drive said light source (151) and in order to modulate the amplitude of said light signal according to an electronic signal encoded by said electronic control card (156). The invention also relates to a method (200) of marine communication.

Description

"Diving mask including a LIFI communication module"

Technical area

The technical context of the present invention is that of scuba diving devices, and in particular scuba diving masks. More particularly, the invention relates to a diving mask for underwater hikers, in particular for hikes with fins, mask and snorkel, in English "snorkeling", or even for dives with an autonomous diving suit. Another particularly advantageous use of the present invention is that of exploration in deep waters as well as that of underwater mining.

State of the art

In the state of the art, numerous devices are known which make it possible to breathe underwater. According to a first known variant, such devices comprise a hookah, a first end of which is in fluid communication with the mouth of the underwater hiker and a second end is located in the open air in order to allow the underwater hiker to breathe 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 include a compressed air bottle, a regulator and a conduit fluidly connecting the regulator to the mouth of the underwater hiker in order to allow him to breathe underwater.

In order to be able to communicate underwater, telecommunication systems are also known which include a microphone and a speaker associated with a radio transmitter / receiver. These systems thus emit radio waves in all directions in order to transmit the signal carried by the radio wave to a radio receiver of another telecommunications system, thus allowing two or more hikers to communicate with each other. along one or more channels.

-2In known manner, such telecommunication systems are associated with devices making it possible to breathe underwater, thus making underwater communication possible during the diving activity.

However, such systems are often very bulky, heavy and energy-consuming, making their use complex for an underwater hiker.

The object of the present invention is to propose a new diving mask in order to respond at least in large part to the preceding problems and also to lead to other advantages.

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

Statement of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the above-mentioned objectives is achieved with a diving mask comprising (i) a peripheral frame provided with a visor, (ii) a flexible skirt fixed to the peripheral frame, said skirt flexible forming, with the peripheral frame and the visor, at least one chamber for the vision of a user of said diving mask, called vision chamber, (iii) a telecommunication system comprising a light communication module making it possible to transmit and / or to send a digital signal, said light communication module comprising an electronic control card and a light source configured to emit a light signal modulated as a function of the digital signal encoded by said electronic control card.

According to the invention according to its first aspect, the light source is configured to emit light signals in a plurality of communication directions around the diving mask. This configuration makes it easier to communicate with other hikers without having to worry about their position, by facilitating the reception of the light signal emitted by the light communication module.

The light source of the light communication module is configured to emit a light signal intermittently as a function of the modulation achieved. By signal

-3 intermittent light, it is understood 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 face of the underwater hiker, and at the very least to surround at least the eyes of said underwater hiker. The visor is integral with the peripheral frame and extends inside it in order to offer the underwater hiker the widest possible field of vision. According to a first alternative embodiment, the visor is attached to the peripheral frame and fixedly attached to the latter. According to a second alternative embodiment, the visor is made in one piece with the peripheral frame, so that they together form only one piece and cannot 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. To this end, the flexible skirt plays the role of a tight or almost waterproof seal when it is pressed and kept 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 face of the underwater hiker, said diving mask can advantageously comprise a removable attachment system, such as for example at least one strap connecting the diving mask in two attachment points distributed on either side of the visor.

Thus, the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention makes it possible to emit a digital signal from said diving mask, in order to establish communication with a receiving 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 dispense with radio wave emissions as it was used until now.

The diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention thus makes it possible to facilitate communication between two underwater hikers each wearing such a diving mask, both when they are submerged under the surface of the water but also when their heads are out of the water: the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention thus makes it possible to communicate easily 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 in frequency as a function of the digital signal encoded by the electronic control card;

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

the peripheral frame comprises an intermediate partition which separates the vision chamber from an adjacent chamber for breathing, known as the breathing chamber, said intermediate partition being arranged to be supported above the nose of a user of the diving mask, so that the user's mouth and nose are housed in the breathing chamber and the user's eyes 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 hiker to breathe, an upper end of the breathing tube being free and intended to be located out of the water when the

-5 underwater hiker wears a diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention. A lower end of the breathing tube is advantageously in fluid communication with the breathing chamber in order to allow a free circulation 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 only one piece resulting from a single manufacturing process, for example by molding. This advantageous configuration simplifies the manufacture of the diving mask, and in particular 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;

the light source of the light communication module comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes forming the light source of said light communication module. The light-emitting diodes are advantageously configured to emit a light signal whose wavelength is located 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 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 infrared or near-infrared range. Alternatively, the emission spectrum of the light source is exclusively or mainly located in the infrared range. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to reduce the nuisance of the light communication module - when it is operating - on underwater flora and fauna;

the light communication module is housed in a waterproof box, said box being fixedly attached to the peripheral frame. Preferably, the housing is detachable from the peripheral frame. More particularly, the box is fixed to the peripheral frame outside the vision chamber so as not to hinder the vision of the underwater hiker and to allow him to see in front of him;

A communication surface corresponds to a profile along which the light-emitting diodes of the light communication module are fixed to the diving mask;

according to a first alternative embodiment, the light-emitting diodes of the light communication module are fixed to the diving mask according to a communication surface located on the periphery of the waterproof housing;

according to a second alternative embodiment, the light-emitting diodes of the light communication module are fixed to the diving mask according to a communication surface located on the periphery of the peripheral frame of said diving mask;

in the second variant embodiment, the light-emitting diodes are located on two lateral edges of the diving mask, the light-emitting diodes located on a first lateral edge of the diving mask being configured to emit the light signal towards first directions of communications located from a first side of said diving mask; and the light emitting diodes located on a second lateral edge of the diving mask being configured to emit the light signal in second directions of communications located on a second side of said diving mask;

according to a third alternative embodiment, the light-emitting diodes of the light communication module are fixed to the diving mask according to a communication surface located on the periphery of the breathing tube of said diving mask;

in the third variant, the communication surface takes the form of a ring or an annular surface around a cylindrical portion of the breathing tube. In other words, the light-emitting diodes of the light communication module are located around the breathing tube and in one or more rings distributed longitudinally with respect to each other along said breathing tube, the ring or rings collectively forming the surface Communication. Advantageously, the communication surface is located at a free end of the breathing tube, or near said free end;

-7for any variant, the communication surface forms a closed contour around the diving mask or an open contour around the diving mask. Optionally, the communication surface takes the form of several segments distributed in various zones of the peripheral frame of the diving mask, said various zones collectively forming the communication surface;

the light-emitting diodes are distributed regularly distributed along the communication surface, a distance between two directly adjacent light-emitting diodes being constant for all said light-emitting diodes;

the directions of communication according to which the light source of the light communication module emits the light signal collectively form, in a time plane, a beam whose opening is between 45 ° and 360 °. The time plan is advantageously perpendicular to the light source and / or to a larger dimension of the diving mask. More generally, the time plan according to which the light source of the light communication module is arranged corresponds substantially to a frontal plane or to a transverse plane of the diver when the latter wears the diving mask on his head. In other words, the light communication module is fixed integrally to the diving mask in a position such that the time plane defined by the light source of said light communication module is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the head of the diver carrying said diving mask. This advantageous configuration allows the light communication module to emit the light signal in a plurality of communication directions around the diver, facilitating its communication with another compatible telecommunications system;

the communication directions according to which the light source of the light communication module emits light rays together form, in a plane perpendicular to the time plane, called the declination plane, a beam whose opening is between 5 ° and 45 °;

the electronic control module of the light communication module is configured to drive all the light-emitting diodes of said communication module

- 8 luminous in parallel and / or synchronized. In other words, the digital signal encoded by the electronic control card so as to modulate the corresponding light signal generated by the light source of the light communication module is used to drive simultaneously and / or in parallel all the light-emitting diodes forming said light source so as to send the light signal in all directions of communication, said light signal transporting in all said directions of communication the same modulated digital signal.

the telecommunications system comprises a plurality of photoreceptors electrically connected to the electronic control card in order to demodulate a light signal received by said photoreceptors. During the demodulation of the light signal received by the photodetector, the electronic control card generates an electrical signal - advantageously digital - which thus carries information carried by the light signal received by the photodetector. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to establish two-way communication between two telecommunication systems, and more particularly between two diving masks in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

each photodetector advantageously takes the form of a photodiode whose pass band is compatible with the wavelength of the light source of the light communication module;

each photoreceptor is located adjacent to and alternated with one of the light-emitting diodes of the light communication module. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to improve the compactness of the telecommunication system and to optimize the detection of a light signal coming from another diving mask in accordance with the first aspect of the invention in several different directions;

the telecommunications system comprises a battery in order to supply electrical energy to at least the light communication module. According to a first alternative embodiment, the battery is housed in the housing of the light communication module, near the electronic control card and / or the light source.

-9According to a second alternative embodiment, the battery is housed in a preferably waterproof case - separate from the housing housing the light communication module, said battery being electrically connected to said light communication module by means of electrical conductor (s) ). This advantageous configuration makes it possible in particular to facilitate recharging the battery between two underwater hikes;

the telecommunications 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 card of the light communication module via a wired link. Alternatively, the microphone and / or the loudspeaker are connected to the electronic control card of the light communication module via a wireless link. Thus, when the underwater hiker speaks into 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 card which encodes said electrical signal into a signal digital which controls 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 card, thus making it possible to transmit by light communication the audio message recorded by the microphone of the compliant diving mask. to the first aspect of the invention. By analogy, when the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention receives a light signal - for example from another diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention - the photodetector of the light communication module converts the signal luminous received in an electrical signal which is transmitted to the electronic control card. The electronic control card demodulates the electrical signal into a demodulated electrical signal which is

- 10 transported to the loudspeaker of the diving mask according to the first aspect of the invention, thus allowing the underwater hiker to hear an audio signal.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a marine communication method is proposed comprising the following steps:

~ a step of acquiring a sound signal via a microphone of a marine communication system;

A step of encoding the sound signal into a digital signal for controlling a light source, the encoding step being carried out by an electronic card for controlling the marine communication system;

A step of piloting the light source in order to emit a light signal in a plurality of communication directions around the marine communication system, an amplitude of said light signal being modulated as a function of the digital control signal.

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

- a step of receiving the light signal by a photodetector of the marine communication system;

- a step of decoding the light signal into a decoded digital signal, the decoding step being carried out by the electronic control card of the marine communication system;

- a step of generating an audible signal by means of a loudspeaker of the marine communication system.

The steps for receiving the light signal and / or decoding and / or generating the sound signal can be collectively or individually located before the steps for acquiring the sound signal and / or encoding and / or controlling the light sources.

The light communication method thus makes it possible to establish a unidirectional or bidirectional communication by emitting and / or receiving a carrier light signal.

- 11 of oral information. The light communication process is particularly suitable for underwater communication and makes it possible to communicate easily over large distances.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is proposed a marine communication system comprising means configured to implement all the steps of the marine communication method in accordance with the second aspect of the invention. Preferably, the means of the marine communication 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 masks of diving in accordance with 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 different optional characteristics set out here.

Description of the figures

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

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

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

- FIGURE 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a marine light communication method in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.

Of course, the characteristics, the variants and the various embodiments of the invention can be associated with one another, according to various combinations, insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive of each other. One can in particular imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of characteristics described below in isolation from the other characteristics described, if this

- 12 selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the prior art.

In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described can be combined with one another if nothing is technically opposed to this combination.

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

Detailed description of the invention

With reference to FIGURES 1 and 2, the invention in accordance with its first aspect relates to a diving mask 10 comprising (i) a peripheral frame 110 provided with a visor 130, (ii) a flexible skirt 120 fixed to the peripheral frame 110, said flexible skirt 120 forming, with the peripheral frame 110 and the visor 130, at least one chamber for the vision of a user of said diving mask 10, called vision chamber 170, (iii) a telecommunications system 190 comprising a light communication module 150 making it possible to transmit and / or send a digital signal, said light communication module 150 comprising an electronic control card 156 and a light source 151 configured to emit a light signal modulated as a function of the encoded digital signal by said electronic control card 156. The invention differs from the prior art known in that the light source 151 is configured to emit sig luminous channels in a plurality of communication directions around the diving mask 10.

According to a first possible use of the diving mask 10 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, said diving mask 10 is suitable for dives in deep water and / or during dives of 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 diving mask 10 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention makes it possible to swim near the surface - in a natural environment such as the sea or natural reservoirs, or in an artificial basin - in particular in order to practice spearfishing or exploring the seabed without a scuba tank.

- 13 The diving mask 10 according to the first aspect of the invention allows both its user to keep his eyes open when he is underwater and to breathe without having to take his head out of the water. To this end, and as illustrated in the exemplary embodiments of FIGURES 1 and 2, the diving mask 10 - called integral - comprises a breathing tube 115. In these alternative embodiments, the peripheral frame 110 of the diving mask 110 extends around the face of its user, in order to frame both his eyes and his respiratory tract - the nose and / or the mouth.

By breathing tube 115, the invention addresses in particular, 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.

Alternatively, the diving mask 10 according to the first aspect of the invention is a mask which protects only the eyes of the user so as to allow him to keep his eyes open during his underwater hikes. In these alternative embodiments, the peripheral frame 110 of the diving mask 110 extends around an upper part of the face of its user, in order to frame his eyes.

In the case of a partial diving mask 10 or a full diving mask 10, the peripheral frame allows the visor 130 to be placed in front of the eyes of the user of said diving mask 10. In general, the visor 130 takes the form of a transparent or translucent face shield through which the user of the diving mask 10 can see.

In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, the peripheral frame 110 is provided with a single visor 130 which extends from one edge to the other of said peripheral frame 110, said visor 130 extending in front of the two eyes of the user. Optionally, according to a second variant embodiment not shown, the diving mask 10 may include two visors 130, each visor 130 extending in front of a single eye of the user. In this variant embodiment, the peripheral frame comprises a strapping configured to surround and hold each corresponding visor 130.

- The visor (s) 130 are advantageously fixed integrally to the peripheral frame 110, possibly detachably. According to another alternative embodiment, the visor (s) 130 of the diving mask 10 are made 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 from 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 waterproof 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 pressed against the face of said user. In other words, the flexible skirt 120 is situated on the side of a support 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 material which is more deformable than the peripheral frame.

By way of nonlimiting example, the flexible skirt 120 can be made of silicone.

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 not shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, taking for example the form of a strap connecting two opposite lateral ends of the peripheral frame 110.

Subsequently, the diving mask 110 defines at least one vision chamber 170 delimited by the visor 130, the peripheral frame 110 and the flexible skirt 120. The vision chamber 170 thus forms a volume of air between the diving mask 110 and the face of its user, contributing to the comfort of using said diving mask 10. In the case of a partial diving mask 10, the vision chamber 170 is delimited by the peripheral frame 110 and extends to the middle of the face, between the nose and the mouth of the user.

Optionally, and as illustrated in FIGURE 2, the peripheral frame 110 of the diving mask 10 comprises an intermediate partition 116 which separates the vision chamber 170 from a breathing chamber 180. The breathing chamber 180 is adjacent to the vision room

- 15170. More particularly, the breathing chamber 180 is located below the vision chamber 170: it extends at the level of the mouth and / or nostrils of the user equipped with the diving mask 10. For this purpose , the intermediate partition 116 of the peripheral frame 110 is arranged to be supported on the nose of the user of the diving mask 10, while a lower end of the peripheral frame 110 extends at - or even below - the user's chin. This advantageous configuration thus makes it possible to accommodate the mouth and the nose of the user in the breathing chamber 180, while the eyes of the user are housed in the vision chamber 170.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 2, the vision chamber 170 is in fluid communication with the repisration chamber 80 via a valve 175 placed at the level of the intermediate partition 116. This advantageous configuration makes it possible 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 FIGURE 1, the vision chamber 170 and the breathing chamber 180 together form only one chamber. This configuration simplifies the design of the diving mask 10 and helps to reduce manufacturing costs.

According to an improvement of the invention in accordance with its first aspect, the diving mask 10 can include a breathing tube in order to allow its user to breathe while keeping his head under water. In the examples illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, the breathing tube 115 of the diving mask 10 is secured to the peripheral frame 110. According to an alternative embodiment, the breathing tube 115 is made of material with the peripheral frame 110, said breathing tube 115 and said peripheral frame 110 forming a single piece and cannot be detached from one another without damaging one of the two. According to an alternative embodiment, the breathing tube 115 is fixed integrally and detachably to the peripheral frame 110, using temporary fixing means, such as for example by snap-fastening.

The breathing tube 115 is in fluid communication with the breathing chamber 180 of the diving mask 10. For this purpose, the peripheral frame 110 advantageously houses at least

- A fluid conduit which extends from one end of the breathing tube 115 in engagement with said peripheral frame 110, up to an opening in said peripheral frame 110 located at the level of the breathing chamber 180.

In the examples illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, the breathing tube 115 takes the form of a snorkel, preferably housed on a top of the diving mask 10. Of course, the invention also addresses other configurations of the breathing tube. breathing 115, such as for example a breathing tube 115 located on a lateral edge of the diving mask 10, or a front connection to the diving mask 10 for a regulator as used in diving, said front connection being located at the breathing chamber 180, near the mouth of the user of the diving mask 10 and through the peripheral frame 110 and / or of the visor 130 taken at the level of said breathing chamber 180.

The diving mask 10 illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2 also includes a microphone 157 in order to allow the recording of the voice of the user of said diving mask 10. The microphone is advantageously placed at the level of the breathing chamber zone 180 More particularly, the microphone 157 is located close to, or even opposite, the mouth of the user wearing the diving mask 10. The microphone 157 is advantageously fixed to the visor 130 or to the peripheral frame 110 of the diving mask. 10. It is preferably located inside the breathing chamber 180 so as not to get wet when the diving mask 10 is immersed.

The diving mask 10 illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2 also includes two speakers 154 in order to allow the user of said diving mask to hear a sound transmitted by the telecommunications system 190. In the embodiment of FIGURE 1, the speakers 154 take the form of earphones. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGURE 2, the loudspeakers 154 are housed on the peripheral frame 110, at a lateral range 111 located opposite or close to the ears of the user of the diving mask 10 when 'he wears it.

According to the invention, the diving mask 10 includes the telecommunication system 190 as described above in order to allow the establishment of a

- 17 underwater communication between two or more hikers. FIGURES 1 and 2 illustrate different configurations of the light communication module 150 of the telecommunication system 190 which will be detailed in the following paragraphs.

Referring to FIGURE 1, the light communication module 150 is located on the breathing tube 115. More particularly, the light communication module 150 is located near a free end of the breathing tube 115. The light source 151 of the light communication module 150 comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes 1511 collectively forming said light source 151.

The light-emitting diodes are distributed around the breathing tube 115, along a communication surface 156 which extends longitudinally along said breathing tube 115 and circumferentially around said breathing tube 115. The communication surface 156 extends longitudinally over a distance of between 10% and 50% of a longitudinal length of the breathing tube 115, said longitudinal length being defined by the distance between one end of the breathing tube 115 attached to the peripheral frame 110 and the free end of the tube breathing 115, distant from said peripheral frame 110.

The light-emitting diodes 1511 of the light communication module 150 are preferably distributed over the communication surface 156 according to a regular two-dimensional network, a distance between two adjacent light-emitting diodes 1511 being constant.

This advantageous configuration makes it possible to emit a light signal in a plurality of directions all around the diving mask 10, thereby improving the chances that this light signal will be received by a photodetector compatible with another diving mask 10 for example.

In addition, the light communication module 150 of the diving mask 10 illustrated in FIGURE 1 comprises a plurality of photodetectors 152 located on the breathing tube 115. More particularly, the photodetectors 152 of the light communication module 150 are located close to a free end of the breathing tube 115, and preferably at the level of the communication surface 156.

The photodetectors 152 of the light communication module 150 are preferably distributed in a regular two-dimensional network, a distance between two adjacent photodetectors 152 being constant.

Advantageously, the photodetectors are mixed with the light-emitting diodes 1511, so that a light-emitting diode 1511 is always associated with a photodetector 152. In other words, each photoreceptor 152 is located adjacent to and alternated with one of the light-emitting diodes 1511 of the light communication module 151. This configuration makes it possible to improve the detection of a light signal coming from any direction around the diving mask 10, thus facilitating the establishment of a bidirectional communication between two masks diving 10 together forming a marine communication system.

With reference to FIGURE 2, the plurality of light-emitting diodes 1511 collectively forming said light source 151 of the light communication module 150 is located on a communication surface 156 which surrounds the visor 130 of the diving mask 10.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 2, the light communication module 150 of the diving mask 10 is located on the peripheral frame 110, the communication surface 156 forming a closed contour around the visor 130. According to a variant of embodiment not shown, the communication surface 156 can form an open outline on only part of the peripheral frame 110. By way of nonlimiting example, the communication surface 156 can be located on each lateral edge of the peripheral frame 110 and / or on an upper edge and / or an inner edge of said peripheral frame 110.

According to another alternative embodiment not shown, the light communication module 150 of the diving mask 10 is located on the visor 130 of the diving mask, the communication surface 156 forming a closed contour at a peripheral zone of said visor 130. The communication surface 156 can form an open outline on only part of the peripheral zone of the visor 130. By way of nonlimiting example, the surface of

- 19communication 156 can be located on each lateral edge of the visor 130 and / or on an upper edge and / or an inner edge of said visor 130.

The light-emitting diodes 1511 of the light communication module 150 are preferably distributed over the communication surface 156 according to a regular two-dimensional network, a distance between two adjacent light-emitting diodes 1511 being constant.

This advantageous configuration makes it possible to emit a light signal in a plurality of directions all around the diving mask 10, thereby improving the chances that this light signal will be received by a photodetector compatible with another diving mask 10 for example.

In addition, the light communication module 150 of the diving mask 10 illustrated in FIGURE 2 comprises a plurality of photodetectors 152 located on the communication surface 156. The photodetectors 152 of the light communication module 150 are preferably distributed according to a regular two-dimensional network. , a distance between two adjacent photodetectors 152 being constant. Advantageously, the photodetectors are mixed with the light-emitting diodes 1511, so that a light-emitting diode 1511 is always associated with a photodetector 152. In other words, each photoreceptor 152 is located adjacent to and alternated with one of the light-emitting diodes 1511 of the light communication module 151. This configuration makes it possible to improve the detection of a light signal coming from any direction around the diving mask 10, thus facilitating the establishment of a bidirectional communication between two masks diving 10 together forming a marine communication system.

In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, the loudspeakers 154, the microphone 157, the light source 151 and the photodetector 152 are electrically connected - preferably by a wired link - to the electronic control card 156 in order to allow a two-way light communication to be established, as described above.

In the examples illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2, the electronic control card 156 of the light communication module 150 is configured to drive all the light-emitting diodes 1511 in parallel and / or in synchronization: thus the system of

-20 telecommunication 190 of the diving mask 10 sends, in a plurality of communication directions around said diving mask 10, a light signal which carries the same information: that which has been coded by the electronic control card 156.

Finally, the telecommunication system 190 of the diving mask 10 can advantageously comprise a source of energy not shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, which can take, for example, the form of a battery attached to the diving mask 10.

FIGURE 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method 200 for marine light communication in accordance with the second aspect of the invention. Such a marine light communication method 200 can advantageously be implemented by the diving mask 10 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention and as illustrated previously with regard to FIGURES 1 and 2 in particular. The marine light communication method 200 comprises the following steps:

A step 201 of acquiring a sound signal via the microphone 157 of the telecommunications system 190;

A step 202 for encoding the sound signal into a digital signal for controlling the light source 151, the encoding step being carried out by the electronic control card 156 of the telecommunications system 190;

A step 203 for controlling the light source 151 in order to emit a light signal in a plurality of communication directions around the telecommunication system 190, an amplitude of the light signal being modulated as a function of the digital control signal, and preferably according to a LIFI communication protocol;

A step 204 of reception of the light signal by the photodetector 152 of the telecommunication system 190;

A step 205 of decoding the light signal into a decoded digital signal, the decoding step being carried out by the electronic control card 156 of the telecommunication system 190;

A step 206 for generating a sound signal by means of one or more speakers 154 of the telecommunications system 190.

In summary, the invention relates to a diving mask 10 comprising a telecommunication system 190 configured to allow the establishment of a unidirectional or bidirectional light communication 5, and more particularly according to a LIFI type communication protocol. For this purpose, the telecommunications system 190 comprises a light communication module 150 comprising a light source 151 configured to emit light signals in a plurality of directions around the diving mask 10, and an electronic control card 156 in order to control said light source 151 and in order to modulate the amplitude of said light signal as a function of an electronic signal encoded by said electronic control card 156.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the different characteristics, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with one another.

Claims (15)

claims 1. Diving mask (10) comprising: ~ a peripheral frame (110) provided with a visor (130); - a flexible skirt (120) fixed to the peripheral frame (110), said flexible skirt (120) forming, with the peripheral frame (110) and the visor (130), at least one chamber for the vision of a user of said mask diving (10), said vision chamber (170); ~ a telecommunication system (190) comprising a light communication module (150) for transmitting and / or sending a digital signal, said light communication module (150) comprising an electronic control card (156) and a source light (151) configured to emit a light signal modulated according to the digital signal encoded by said electronic control card (156); characterized in that the light source (151) is configured to emit light signals in a plurality of communication directions around the diving mask (10). 2. diving mask (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the peripheral frame (110) comprises an intermediate partition which separates the vision chamber (170) from an adjacent chamber for breathing, called breathing chamber (180) said intermediate partition being arranged to bear above the nose of a user of the diving mask (10), so that the user's mouth and nose are housed in the breathing chamber (180) and the user's eyes are housed in the vision chamber (170). 3- 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). 4. diving mask (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the light source (151) of the light communication module (150) comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (1511) forming the light source (151) of said light light communication module (150). 5. diving mask (10) according to claim 4, wherein the light communication module (150) is housed in a sealed housing, said housing being secured to the peripheral frame (110), the light emitting diodes (1511) of the module communication light (150) being fixed on the diving mask (10) according to a communication surface located on the periphery of the waterproof housing. 6. diving mask (10) according to claim 4, in which the light-emitting diodes (1511) of the light communication module (150) are fixed on the diving mask (10) according to a communication surface located on the periphery of the peripheral frame ( 110) of said diving mask (10). 7- diving mask (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the light emitting diodes (1511) are located on two side edges of the diving mask (10), the light emitting diodes (1511) located on a first side edge of the diving mask (10) being configured to emit the light signal to first directions of communications located on a first side of said diving mask (10); and the light emitting diodes (1511) located on a second lateral edge of the diving mask (10) being configured to emit the light signal in second directions of communications located on a second side of said diving mask (10). 8. diving mask (10) according to claim 4 taken in combination with claim 3, wherein the light emitting diodes (1511) of the light communication module (150) are fixed on the diving mask (10) according to a surface of -24communication (158) located on the periphery of the breathing tube (115) of said diving mask (10). 9. diving mask (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the electronic control card (156) of the light communication module (150) is configured to drive all the light-emitting diodes (1511) of said communication module. light (150) in parallel and / or synchronized. 10. Diving mask (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the telecommunications system (190) comprises a plurality of photo receivers (152) electrically connected to the electronic control card (156) in order to demodulate a light signal received by said photo receptors (152). 11. Diving mask (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein each photoreceptor (152) is located adjacent and alternating with one of the light emitting diodes (1511) of the light communication module (150). 12. diving mask (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the telecommunication system (190) comprises a microphone (157) and a loudspeaker (154) connected to the electronic control card (156) of the light communication module (150) via a wired link. 13- Method (200) of marine communication using a marine communication system, said marine communication method comprising the following steps: - A step (201) of acquiring a sound signal by means of a microphone (157) of a marine communication system; - A step (202) of encoding the sound signal into a digital signal for controlling a light source (151), the encoding step being carried out by an electronic control card (156) of the marine communication system; - a step (203) of controlling the light source (151) in order to emit a light signal in a plurality of communication directions around the system Marine communication, an amplitude of said light signal being modulated as a function of the digital control signal. 14. A marine communication method according to the preceding claim, wherein said method comprises the following steps: 5 ~ a step (204) of receiving the light signal by a photodetector (152) of the marine communication system; - a step (205) of decoding the light signal into a decoded digital signal, the decoding step being carried out by the electronic control card (156) of the marine communication system; 10 ~ a step (206) of generating a sound signal by means of a loudspeaker (154) of the marine communication system. 15. Marine communication system comprising means configured to implement all the steps of the marine communication method according to any one of claims 13 or 14, said means comprising at least one diving mask (10) 15 according to any one of claims 1 to 12.