WO2024125821A1

WO2024125821A1 - Security lighting device

Info

Publication number: WO2024125821A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/025517
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sébastien POINT; Maïlys BEROUD; Sarah KHAZAZ; Laurie MONDILLON; Martial MERMILLOD
Original assignee: Cooper Sécurité Sas; Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique; Université Grenoble Alpes; Université Savoie Mont Blanc; Université Clermont Auvergne
Priority date: 2022-12-12
Filing date: 2023-12-11
Publication date: 2024-06-20
Also published as: FR3143101A1

Abstract

Security lighting device (1) comprising a front face (3) for displaying a pictogram, a rear face and at least one thick wall (5) extending between the front face and the rear face, said security lighting device comprising first light means designed to illuminate the front face (3), said lighting device (1) being characterized in that it further comprises second light means installed on said at least one thick wall (5), said second light means being controlled such that the emitted light has a flashing frequency of between 5 Hz and 24 Hz adapted to influence the decision of the user on the chosen direction of evacuation.

Description

Title of the invention: Safety lighting device

[0001] The invention relates to a safety lighting device intended for the evacuation of buildings.

[0002] Usually, safety lighting devices are mandatory for all buildings open to the public or staff. Safety lighting devices are installed in different locations in a building, such as doors or corridors used by users to evacuate the building during major incidents such as a fire, for example.

[0003] Safety lighting devices are generally parallelepiped blocks. They include a front face as well as two longitudinal walls comprising a lower wall and an upper wall.

[0004] Usually, the front face displays a static pictogram representing a silhouette of a character running through a door as well as a directional arrow to indicate the direction to take. Most often, the background of the front side is green. The lighting devices also include light means making it possible to illuminate the front face and the static pictogram displayed.

[0005] Lighting devices as described above have an important role during the evacuation of a building to facilitate operations and thus evacuate users quickly.

[0006] However, several studies have demonstrated the limitations of these devices. In fact, during evacuation only 38% of users detect the different static pictograms. Thus, existing security lighting devices do not ensure optimal evacuation of a building.

[0007] There is therefore a need for a security lighting device that can be detected more easily and quickly by users. But also, safety lighting devices influencing the user sufficiently so that he follows the direction indicated by him.

[0008] For this purpose, a safety lighting device is proposed comprising a front face for displaying a pictogram, a rear face and at least one thick wall extending between the front face and the rear face. Said safety lighting device comprising first light means adapted to illuminate the front face. According to the invention, said lighting device further comprises second light means installed on said at least one thick wall, said second light means being chosen so that the light emitted has a flashing frequency of between 5 Hz and 24 Hz adapted to influence the user's decision on the chosen evacuation direction.

[0009] Preferably the flashing frequency is 10 Hz.

[0010] An advantage of the invention is therefore to propose safety lighting devices optimal allowing them to be detected more quickly and easily by the user and thus influence them on the direction to take during evacuation.

[0011] According to several experiments which will be described below, a flashing light will be detected more quickly in peripheral vision than a non-flashing light. Thus emitting a flashing light visible to the user when he is not in front of the lighting device is more optimal.

[0012] In the same experiments, the value range between 2 Hz and 25 Hz is considered the most optimal for detection of the lighting device by the user with preferably a flashing frequency of 10 Hz.

Advantageously and in a non-limiting manner, the second light means may comprise a flashing light member arranged on said at least one thick wall.

[0014] An advantage is to capture the user's attention on the security device when it is not located in front of him. Thus the lighting device will be detected in peripheral vision thanks to the flashing member installed on said at least one thick wall.

[0015] Advantageously and in a non-limiting manner, the flashing light member can emit an achromatic light of angular shape.

[0016] According to several experiments which will be described below, achromatic lights are detected more effectively by the eye than chromatic lights in peripheral vision. Thus emitting an achromatic light visible to the user when he is not in front of the lighting device is more optimal. In addition, angular shaped lights are also detected more quickly by the user in peripheral vision.

Advantageously and in a non-limiting manner, the flashing light member emits an achromatic light of rectangular shape.

[0018] The rectangular shape is chosen because it is a shape regularly used in industry and therefore its technical realization and its manufacturing cost are simple and low.

[0019] Advantageously and in a non-limiting manner, the lighting device can comprise a digital display whose visible face is placed against the front face.

[0020] The use of a digital display makes it possible to modify the projected shape or the direction to be indicated at any time.

[0021] Advantageously and in a non-limiting manner, the digital display may comprise electronic paper.

[0022] An advantage of electronic paper is that it does not require energy to leave an image or text displayed. In fact, the display remains, in the absence of power, in a stable state representing the last image displayed. A power source is needed only to change the text or image to be displayed. Thus, its use consumes little energy.

The digital display can be controlled so as to be able to control the display of at least two different pictograms.

[0024] An advantage is being able to modify the pictogram displayed depending on the situation. By example, the display can thus modify a pictogram encouraging the user to follow this direction into an aversive pictogram encouraging the user not to follow this direction.

[0025] Other particularities and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description given below of several particular embodiments of the invention, given for information but not limitation, with reference to the appended drawings in which :

[0026] [Fig. 1] is a schematic view of a safety lighting device as described in the main embodiment of the invention;

[0027] [Fig. 2] is an experimental result presenting the detection percentage as a function of the color of the target for all target shapes combined in peripheral vision;

[0028] [Fig. 3] is an experimental result presenting the detection percentage (on the left) and the reaction time (on the right) as a function of the shape of the target for all target colors combined in peripheral vision;

[0029] [Fig. 4] is an experimental result presenting the detection percentage as a function of the blinking frequency (from 1 Hz to 40 Hz);

[0030] [Fig. 5] is an experimental result presenting the average correct response time as a function of the flashing frequency (from 1 Hz to 40 Hz) and the type of contrast;

[0031] [Fig. 6] is an experimental result presenting the percentage of detection as a function of the color of the target for all target shapes combined in central vision;

[0032] [Fig. 7] is an experimental result presenting the detection percentage as a function of the shape of the target in central vision;

[0033] [Fig. 8] is a schematic view of a safety lighting device as described in an alternative embodiment of the invention;

[0034] [Fig. 9] is a schematic view of a safety lighting device as described in an alternative embodiment of the invention; And,

[0035] [Fig. 10] is a schematic view of a scenario presenting two embodiments of the invention.

[0036] Safety lighting devices, within the meaning of the invention, are cylindrical or polyhedral safety lighting blocks comprising at least one thick wall. The most common shape for a safety lighting unit is that of a rectangular parallelepiped.

With reference to Figure 1, in the case of a parallelepiped lighting device 1, the lighting device 1 comprises a front face 3 and a rear face.

The lighting device 1 also includes walls of thickness 5 extending between the front face 3 and the rear face. The thickness walls comprising at least two side walls 6 and at least two longitudinal walls having an upper wall and a lower wall 7.

[0039] At least one fixing member can be included in the upper wall or the rear face allowing the lighting device to be hung in the desired location.

[0040] First of all, the rear face comprises a fixing member making it possible to fix the lighting device 1 to a wall in a well-known manner, for example by means of a wall mounting plate or by direct screwing of the rear face into the wall.

Alternatively, the upper wall comprises a fixing member making it possible to fix or suspend the lighting device 1 from the ceiling or on a door frame. This fixing member can for example contain suspension wires allowing the lighting device 1 to be suspended from the ceiling.

[0042] The invention is not limited to a particular fixing member, whether or not included in the lighting device 1. In fact, fixing kits can be offered separately so that the user can fix the lighting device 1. lighting 1 to the desired location and in the desired manner.

The lighting device 1 comprises a pictogram display member 11 whose visible face is placed against the front face.

The pictogram display member 11 thus comprises a sheet whose visible face contains a pictogram as well as a directional sign. Said sheet being covered by a transparent cover forming the front face or covering a transparent cover forming the front face.

The pictogram displayed represents a silhouette of a character running through a door. The silhouette is green while the door is white.

The pictogram display member 11 also displays a white directional sign making it possible to direct users in an evacuation direction. The pictogram display member 11 also has a green background.

The choice of using a colored background comes from experimental results presented in detail in the remainder of the description. The choice of green color is also linked to user habits.

[0048] The color green is often used to indicate to the user that he can use a passage, for example for automobile traffic lights. A green light indicating that the user can engage. Thus, the use of the color green is easily perceived as a color representing authorization.

[0049] In the same way, in the invention, the pictogram represented is not modified compared to the prior art, being standardized and well known to the user who will therefore follow the specified direction.

The lighting device 1 comprises first light means making it possible to illuminate the front face 3 and consequently the pictogram display member 11. These first light means thus make it possible to attract the user's gaze on the lighting device 1.

[0051] In a first embodiment, the first light means may comprise LED or OLED lighting placed in the body of the lighting device 1 between the front face 3 and the rear face.

Alternatively, the first light means can also comprise lighting arranged at the ends of the front face 3. The light from the lighting being emitted in the direction of the front face 3. The activation of these first light means presented above can be controlled in several ways.

The first light means can be activated when an alarm connected to the lighting device is triggered by wired communication means.

[0055] According to another alternative, the first light means are controlled remotely, for example by a remote computer installed in the control center or by a remote control.

[0056] In a non-limiting manner, the activation information can in this case be sent by “Wi-Fi®”, “Bluetooth®” or any other radio frequency signal, to a remote transmitter. The lighting device 1 then comprises a radio frequency receiver adapted to capture the activation signals and to control the activation of the first light means.

[0057] The lighting device 1 also comprises second light means chosen to influence the user's decision on the direction of evacuation whether when the lighting device is located in peripheral vision or in central vision of the 'user.

[0058] The different combinations of the second light means presented below were chosen based on empirical experimental results making it possible to understand the functioning of the visual perception of users, in particular the elements that they capture during an evacuation situation.

[0059] The experiments were conducted on participants (27 participants including 23 women and 4 men with an average age of 21.7 years) who had to touch, on a calibrated screen with a mouse cursor (mouse tracking technique), as quickly as possible. possible, a target with the characteristics to be tested randomly displayed in a complex visual scene representing realistic environments, for example shopping centers.

[0060] “Mouse-tracking”, also called mouse tracking, thus makes it possible to measure the uncertainty in the decision, the number of correct decisions as well as the reaction time taken by the participant to detect the target or even the speed moving the mouse towards the target.

[0061] The experiments have shown that depending on whether the device is detected in central vision when the participant looks at the device from the front or in peripheral vision when the participant does not look at the device from the front, then the user does not quickly detect the same elements. . There are therefore shape/color combinations that maximize target detectability performance depending on the viewing angle.

[0062] In a first embodiment, with reference to Figure 1, the second light means can correspond to at least one flashing light member 15 or at least one peripheral light member 15 located on one of the two side walls 5, the second light means will therefore be visible and detected by the user in peripheral vision.

The flashing light member 15 and the peripheral light member 15 diffuse achromatic light. Achromatic light means white lights and black or gray visual signals (of different shades). Indeed, with reference to Figure 2, presenting the percentage of detection as a function of the color of the target for all target shapes combined in peripheral vision, achromatic light is best detected with a percentage of 26%.

Preferably, the achromatic light diffused by the flashing light member 15 and the peripheral light member 15 is white light. Indeed, in peripheral vision, the human retina detects white light more easily. Preferably, the flashing or peripheral light member 15 is installed on a background presenting a contrast color compared to the white achromatic light.

[0066] Furthermore, the flashing light member 15 and the peripheral light member 15 are chosen so as to have an angular shape and consequently it diffuses light of the same shape.

[0067] Indeed, with reference to Figure 3, presenting the detection percentage (on the left) and the reaction time (on the right) as a function of the shape of the target all target colors combined in peripheral vision, the shapes Angular are the shapes most easily detected and the most quickly with the triangular shape which is best detected with a percentage of 23% and a reaction time of 1.32 seconds and the rectilinear shape which is detected with a percentage of 22% and a reaction time of 1.33 seconds.

[0068] Preferably, the shape of the flashing light member 15 and the peripheral light member 15 is rectangular, with a fine width. Although, according to Figure 3, the triangular shape is the most effective shape, it is not chosen because, being an unusual shape, its technical realization and its manufacturing cost are more complicated and higher than a rectangular shape.

[0069] The light emitted by the flashing light member 15 also has a flashing with a frequency ranging from 5 Hz to 24 Hz. Indeed, with reference to Figure 4, presenting the percentage of detection as a function of frequency flashing (from 1 Hz to 40 Hz), the frequency range from 5 Hz to 24 Hz is best detected with a percentage of 98%. Furthermore, with reference to Figure 5, presenting the average correct response time as a function of blink frequency (from 1 Hz to 40 Hz), the frequency range from 5 Hz to 24 Hz is best detected. Flashing also helps attract the user's attention, since flashing will be more easily perceived by the user compared to a light with static lighting.

[0070] Preferably, the flashing light member 15 flashes at a frequency of 10 Hz, this frequency being the frequency best attracting the user's gaze and being the most optimal frequency for a user. Indeed, Figure 5 presents the reaction times between two luminances of the device with a strong contrast, that is to say a white light which flashes with a black background or a medium contrast, that is to say a white light. which flashes with a gray background. We notice in this figure that the targets were detected more quickly at 30 Hz and 40 Hz when the contrast was high (1.70 ± 0.18s and 1.71 ± 0.20s) rather than medium (2.00 ± 0.19s and 2.07 ± 0.15s). Conversely, the targets were detected more quickly at 24 Hz, 20 Hz, 5 Hz and 1 Hz, when the contrast was medium rather than high. However, the 10 Hz flashing frequency does not significantly interact with the contrast factor of the target (mean contrast: 1.39 ± 0.16s; high contrast: 1.39 ± 0.16s). Therefore, the frequency of 10 Hz was identified as the most effective with an average correct response time lower than the other frequencies, regardless of the contrast used.

[0071] The flashing light member 15 is installed, with reference to Figure 1, in a rib

16 at the side wall 6 to direct the light in one direction. Consequently, if a user looks at the lighting device 1 while facing the front face, the light emitted by the flashing light member 15 is barely visible. Conversely, if the user is located at a lateral distance from the lighting device, then the light emitted by the flashing light element will be perfectly visible.

[0072] The installation of the flashing light member 15 at the level of the side wall 6 is not limited to installation in a rib, other arrangements can also be used.

[0073] In a second embodiment of the invention, the light indication means comprises at least one luminous member generating, at the location most visible to the user in central vision, a label signal light 17 located on one of the longitudinal walls. Preferably it is installed on the lower wall 7 so that the emitted light is generated on the ground, however it can generate light on the device.

[0074] This luminous emitting member 17 is chosen to diffuse chromatic light, i.e. colored light.

[0075] Indeed, with reference to Figure 6, presenting the detection percentage as a function of the color of the target for all target shapes combined in central vision, chromatic light is best detected since the detection percentages are greater than 88% while achromatic light has a detection percentage of 75%. More precisely, the yellow color and the green color are the best detected with a detection percentage of 91% and 90% respectively.

[0076] Furthermore, the average reaction times to colors are shorter for red and green color targets with a time of 1.35 seconds than for yellow and blue color targets with a time of 1.36 seconds.

[0077] This is why, preferably, the chromatic light used has a wavelength of between 492 nm and 577 nm corresponding to the emission of a green color because this color is the best detected and it is often associated with an authorization more precisely an authorization to advance or engage in a passage. The chromatic light used can also have a wavelength between 622 nm and 780 nm corresponding to the emission of a red color. Although the yellow color is best detected, the red color is preferentially chosen because it is usually associated with a prohibition, particularly with safety signs.

[0078] The light emission member 17 is also chosen to generate light on the ground of circular shape. Indeed, in front vision, humans detect more quickly and are influenced by a curvilinear shape rather than a polygon as presented in Figure 7, presenting the detection percentage as a function of the shape of the target in central vision, the circular shape is the best detected since the detection percentage is 88% and higher than the other shapes.

[0079] Alternatively, the light emitting member 17 can also diffuse a shape inside the circle.

[0080] By way of example, an arrow shape can be generated on the ground in the circle, oriented in an evacuation direction corresponding to the direction displayed by the illuminated pictogram display member 11 in order to remind and indicate the direction to take. This arrow thus makes it possible to recall the directional sign present on the pictogram display member 11. The insistence on a direction influences the user so that he is encouraged to follow it rather than heading towards a another path.

[0081] According to an alternative embodiment, with reference to Figure 8, the lighting device 1' is a modification of the lighting device 1. The device is modified and chosen so as to dissuade the user from taking the direction indicated.

[0082] In this alternative embodiment, the illuminated pictogram display member 11' presents a digital display using electronic paper technology, technology also called "e-paper".

[0083] Electronic paper technology is a display technique on flexible media. This technique does not require energy to leave an image or text displayed. Indeed, in the absence of power, the display remains in a stable state representing the last image displayed. A power source is needed only to change the text or image to be displayed.

[0084] The digital display is not limited to electronic paper, other displays such as tablets or electronic or OLED screens can be used.

[0085] Electronic paper technology is used to be able to change the pictogram and background depending on the situation and the evacuation plan to be applied.

[0086] Thus, this makes it possible to move from the pictogram with the background described previously to a pictogram and a background making it possible to dissuade the user from taking the path for example.

[0087] The pictogram can then present an elongated silhouette with flames next to it. The user will therefore quickly understand that the path is dangerous.

[0088] The background color is also modified; it can, for example, turn red. Indeed, the color red is often used to indicate a prohibition or a danger, for example on road signs or traffic lights. Therefore, the user quickly equates the color red with a ban.

[0089] The luminous pictogram display 11' also has a luminous member allowing it to be illuminated and illuminated.

[0090] In the case where the luminous pictogram display 11 'presents a digital display backlit, the light unit used to illuminate the pictogram display is not installed.

[0091] In this alternative embodiment, the flashing light member 15' of the side wall 6' is turned off.

[0092] Thus, no light is diffused by the side walls 6', the user looking at the lighting device 1' on the sides is therefore not attracted in this direction.

[0093] Likewise, the luminous member 17' of the lower wall 7' is chosen so that it diffuses a red colored light on the ground since the red color is generally associated with a prohibition for the user.

[0094] Alternatively, the light member 17' can also diffuse a shape inside the circle.

[0095] A cross can be generated on the ground, which makes it possible to dissuade the user from taking this direction. The cross is also seen as a prohibition.

[0096] The lighting device 1 and 1' is not limited only to the embodiments presented above. The lighting device 1 and 1' can also comprise a combination of the different embodiments presented above.

[0097] The lighting device can also present a digital display as well as the two light indication means presented.

[0098] According to an alternative embodiment, with reference to Figure 9, the lighting device 1” has a cylindrical shape comprising a 3” front face and a 5” thick wall.

The lighting device 1” can include the different embodiments described above with the only difference that it is cylindrical in shape.

[0100] Thus, the 5” thick wall includes a 15” flashing light member as presented previously. This 15” flashing light member is located so as to be seen in peripheral vision by a user far from the device.

[0101] The 5” thick wall also includes a 17” luminous emitting member as presented previously. This 17” emitting light member is located so as to be seen in central vision by a user facing the 1” lighting device.

[0102] In an alternative embodiment, the second light means are activated and controlled by control means such that the emitted light has a color, a flashing frequency and/or a shape generated at the most convenient location. visible to the user which are adapted to influence the user in the direction of evacuation. By influencing, we mean that the user will be attracted by the direction indicated rather than by another direction thanks to the different means, and this light included in the lighting device 1.

[0103] The control means include means similar to those described above as remote control means by “Wi-Fi®” or “Bluetooth®”.

[0104] Thus the changes to be made can be controlled remotely in a control room. [0105] However, the orders can also be managed in an automated manner by a program implemented by computer, this program being able in particular to trigger pre-recorded evacuation scenarios or implement an artificial intelligence module adapted to make a decision based on data collected by different measuring points placed in the building. For example, smoke detectors to identify where the fire is located in the building and thus adapt the evacuation plan.

[0106] Figure 10 illustrates a scenario of a lighting device presenting a combination of the different embodiments presented above.

[0107] With reference to this figure, the left lighting device 1'” comprises a pictogram display 11'” which displays a pictogram of a silhouette running through a door on a green background as well as an arrow indicating the direction to take.

[0108] The left lighting device 1'" also comprises another luminous member 17'" which projects onto the ground a chromatic light having a wavelength of between 492 nm and 577 nm and corresponding to the emission of a green circular shape with an arrow in the same direction as the 11'” pictogram display.

[0109] Thus the user on the left located in front of the 1’” lighting device on the left will detect it more quickly and follow the direction indicated.

[0110] In addition, the left lighting device 1'" also includes a flashing light member 15'" emitting a white flashing light at one of the side walls of the left lighting device 1'".

[0111] This achromatic flashing light will make it possible to capture the attention of the user on the right so that he moves in the direction of the left lighting device 11'” and thus follows the direction indicated by it. this.

[0112] Finally, the 11’” right lighting device had its pictogram changed as well as the background color which then became red.

[0113] The light generated on the ground also changed color to become red with a wavelength of the emitted light of between 622 nm and 780 nm meaning to the user on the right located in front of this lighting device right 11'” that you should not follow this direction.

[0114] To also avoid attracting the attention of the user on the left, the 15’” flashing light member is then turned off so as not to emit achromatic flashing light.

[0115] This figure therefore makes it possible to illustrate the fact that depending on the emergency situation and the path to take, the lighting devices are modified to indicate or prohibit a direction to users during evacuation.

[0116] The control means comprise means similar to those described above as remote control means.

[0117] Thus the changes to be made can be controlled by humans in a control room but also by a computer program or artificial intelligence which will make a decision based on the data collected by different measuring points placed in the building and /or following a pre-recorded evacuation scenario.

Claims

[Claim 1] Safety lighting device (1, 1', 1”, 1”') comprising a front face (3, 3', 3”) for displaying a pictogram, a rear face and at least one wall thick (5, 5', 5”) extending between the front face and the rear face, said safety lighting device comprising first light means adapted to illuminate the front face (3, 3', 3” ), said lighting device (1, 1', 1”, 1'”) being characterized in that it further comprises second light means installed on said at least one thick wall (5, 5', 5”), said second light means being chosen so that the light emitted has a flashing frequency of between 5 Hz and 24 Hz adapted to influence the user's decision on the chosen direction of evacuation.

[Claim 2] Lighting device (1, 1', 1”, 1'”) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second light means comprise a flashing light member (15, 15', 15”, 15' ”) placed on said at least one wall of thickness (5, 5’, 5”).

[Claim 3] Lighting device (1, 1', 1”, 1'”) according to claim 2, characterized in that the flashing light member (15, 15', 15”, 15'”) emits a achromatic light of angular shape.

[Claim 4] Lighting device (1, 1', 1”, 1'”) according to claim 2, characterized in that the flashing light member (15, 15', 15”, 15'”) emits a achromatic light of rectangular shape.

[Claim 5] Lighting device (1', 1", 1'") according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lighting device (1', 1", 1'") comprises a digital display whose visible face is placed against the front face (3').

[Claim 6] Lighting device (1’, 1”, 1’”) according to claim 5, characterized in that the digital display comprises electronic paper. ii