Portable visual locator device

Abstract

A portable visual locator device, characterized in that it comprises a housing (1) that contains a light emitter (2) configured to project a vertical, upward beam of light, an electrical power supply (3) for powering said light emitter (2), a wireless control module (4) connected to a portable remote control (5), and a removable mounting system.

Description

Portable visual locator device OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The invention, as the title of this specification indicates, is a portable visual locating device for vehicles or other objects or structures. It is an innovation that offers advantages previously unknown within current techniques. TECHNICAL SECTOR The present invention falls within the sector of diverse industrial techniques and transport, in the subclass of vehicles in general, especially in vehicles, equipment or parts of vehicles, not provided for elsewhere, specifically in the classification of equipment or systems that trigger an alarm signal, likewise, it falls within the section that corresponds to arrangements for optical visibility mounted inside the vehicle, as well as in the section of those that have special optical characteristics. Similarly, it falls within the mechanical, lighting, heating, armament and blasting sector, especially in portable or specially adapted lighting devices or systems for transport, as well as in details or operating characteristics of lighting devices or systems and in structural combinations of lighting devices with other objects, not provided for elsewhere. STATE OF THE ART The present invention arises from the need to solve the common problem of quickly identifying and locating elements situated in extensive environments, such as vehicles parked in large parking lots, as well as loads, equipment or other objects arranged on open surfaces or in storage areas. In spaces such as urban parking lots, airports, shopping centers, logistics facilities, or industrial areas, users are often forced to travel significant distances to find the previously deposited vehicle, equipment, or object, which can be frustrating, especially in conditions of low visibility, insufficient lighting, or a high density of similar items. In typical usage scenarios, existing systems for locating parked vehicles and other objects rely primarily on solutions based on mobile applications, GPS systems, or acoustic or visual warning devices that require specific integration with the vehicle, constant internet connection, or the use of external infrastructure. These solutions often come with a high cost, depend on additional technology, or require permanent installations, which reduces their applicability to varied environments and hinders their widespread adoption by users. Accordingly, the present invention proposes a portable visual location device designed to facilitate the remote identification of vehicles, loads, equipment or other elements located in wide or difficult-to-see locations. The device allows location tracking without the need for mobile applications, GPS systems, or external connections, offering a simple, efficient, and accessible solution capable of functioning in vehicular, outdoor, or storage environments, without requiring complex installations or additional subscriptions. Currently, there is no known portable visual location device that has structural and constitutive technical characteristics equal or similar to those described in this descriptive report, as claimed. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is the creation of a portable visual localization device that provides a notable innovation within its field of application in the current state of the art, the characterizing details that make it possible being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description. The invention relates to a portable visual locating device comprising a housing that contains a light emitter configured to project a vertical, upward beam of light, an electrical power supply intended to power said light emitter, a wireless control module that allows its activation or deactivation by means of a portable remote control that emits a unique code, and a removable fixing system adapted to allow its easy installation on both interior and exterior surfaces of a vehicle, as well as on objects, equipment, stored loads or various structures where vertical visual signaling is required, constituting an autonomous and versatile solution capable of operating effectively in wide or low visibility environments. This invention addresses the need to quickly and efficiently locate vehicles, as well as other objects, loads, equipment or structures located in large or poorly visible environments, allowing their location to be identified by a visual signal without depending on internet connections, subscriptions or complex installations, and avoiding the difficulty associated with searching in large, poorly lit spaces or with a high density of similar elements. The device is especially useful for users who need to accurately identify the position of a parked vehicle or a specific object in areas such as parking lots, shopping centers, airports, logistics facilities, or outdoor spaces, offering a practical, accessible solution adaptable to different usage environments. Its application also extends to rental vehicles, transport fleets, logistics operations and industrial sectors where it is necessary to quickly locate vehicles, equipment or stored units, helping to optimize search times and improve operational efficiency. It is envisaged that the casing may consist of a compact body with a prismatic configuration made of impact-resistant plastic material, such as ABS, and may be configured to house the various functional components internally and have an outer surface suitable for attachment by removable means. Furthermore, this type of casing can help protect internal components from shocks, vibrations, or adverse environmental conditions, thus promoting the device's durability in different usage contexts. Furthermore, the light emitter may comprise a high-intensity light-emitting diode (LED) housed within the casing and oriented to project a vertical, upward beam of light visible from various positions in the surrounding environment. In addition, the incorporation of this type of diode can enable clear and perceptible signaling even in low-light conditions or in open spaces where an easily identifiable visual reference is required. Furthermore, the light emitter may incorporate a collimating lens or an equivalent optical system positioned at the front and adapted to concentrate and direct the light beam, forming a luminous path visible from a distance. Likewise, the presence of such an optical system can improve the accuracy and range of the projected beam, facilitating its visibility at long distances and optimizing its function as a vertical signaling device. Furthermore, the power supply may include at least one rechargeable or replaceable battery housed inside the casing and electrically connected to the light emitter and the control module, allowing the device to operate autonomously without the need for continuous external connections. This type of power supply can be particularly advantageous in ensuring stable and prolonged operation in various environments, including those where there is no nearby electrical infrastructure. Similarly, the power supply can be connected to an external charging port on the casing, configured for connection to a power source via a USB connector. This allows the device to be compatible with widely available charging systems, facilitating recharging in vehicles, buildings, or portable equipment, thus increasing its versatility and operational availability. The control module can then be housed inside the casing and comprise a wireless receiver circuit, such as a microcontroller, adapted to receive activation or deactivation signals from the handheld remote control and manage the switching on and off of the light emitter. This configuration allows for intuitive handling and remote operation, enhancing user convenience and the overall functionality of the device. The portable remote control can then consist of a key fob-type remote equipped with a button capable of transmitting a radio frequency signal to the control module. This activation method allows for quick and direct interaction, facilitating the immediate location of the light emitted by the device, even when the user is some distance away. The remote should preferably have a range of 100-200 meters. Finally, the mounting system can be located on the base or back of the housing and include hook and loop fasteners, repositionable adhesives, or suction cups, allowing for easy installation and removal on interior or exterior vehicle surfaces, as well as on equipment surfaces, stored loads, or various structures without damaging the supporting surfaces. This system can enhance the device's adaptability to different locations and ensure stable attachment under varying conditions. To use the portable visual locator device, the user must place it on the surface where they wish to generate the light signal. This can be done on a vehicle, an object, piece of equipment, cargo, or structure whose location needs to be identified. The user then activates the device using the portable remote control, which will turn on the light emitter and project a vertical beam of light visible from a distance. In the case of vehicles, it can be placed on the dashboard, or another similar location, so that the light passes through the windshield. If necessary, the user can remove the device and fix it in another position, adapting it to the environmental conditions and the type of surface, whether indoors or outdoors. Thanks to this versatility, the device can be used not only on cars, but also on motorcycles, bicycles, machinery, boats, and any item that requires temporary visual signaling. Overall, the device provides a clear and easily perceptible reference that facilitates the location of the marked item without the need for additional systems, contributing to quick and efficient identification in large spaces, storage areas, or environments with reduced visibility. EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES To complete the description being made and in order to help in the better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by some figures in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following have been represented. Figure 1 illustrates the portable visual localization device. Figure 2 illustrates the portable remote control. Figure 3 illustrates the portable visual locator device installed on the dashboard of a vehicle. Figure 4 illustrates the portable visual locator device installed under the rear window of a vehicle. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION. The portable visual locator device comprises a housing (1) containing a light emitter (2) configured to project a vertical, upward beam of light visible from the surroundings, a power supply (3) for powering said light emitter (2), a wireless control module (4) that allows its activation or deactivation via a portable remote control (5), and a removable mounting system adapted for easy installation on both interior and exterior surfaces of a vehicle, as well as on objects, equipment, stored cargo, or various structures where vertical visual signaling is required. This arrangement establishes a comprehensive functional architecture that enables the generation of a clearly perceptible light signal in wide environments or under conditions of reduced visibility. In a preferred embodiment, the housing (1) consists of a compact, prismatic body made of impact-resistant plastic, such as ABS, configured to internally house the functional components and to present an outer surface suitable for attachment by removable means. This configuration ensures robust protection against shocks or vibrations and facilitates the correct integration of the mounting system. Preferably, the light emitter (2) comprises a high-intensity light-emitting diode arranged inside the housing (1) and oriented so as to project a vertical and upward beam of light visible from different positions in the surroundings. This configuration ensures a clear light signal with a wide field of perception, even in open spaces. Preferably, the light emitter (2) incorporates a collimating lens or equivalent optical system arranged frontally and adapted to concentrate and direct the light beam, forming a light trail perceptible at a distance. This optical element defines the final geometry of the beam and maximizes visual localization capability. Generally, the power supply (3) comprises at least one rechargeable battery housed inside the casing (1) and electrically connected to the light emitter (2) and the control module (4), ensuring the operational autonomy of the device in different usage scenarios and ensuring a stable power supply to the lighting system. The power supply (3) is typically associated with an external charging port located on the housing (1), configured for connection to a power source via a USB connector. This feature allows for a simple recharging procedure, compatible with multiple common power sources and suitable for both home and professional applications. Alternatively, the control module (4) is arranged inside the housing (1) and comprises a wireless receiver circuit, such as a microcontroller, adapted to receive activation or deactivation signals from the portable remote control (5) and manage the switching on and off of the light emitter (2). This module establishes a direct and reliable control interface that precisely acts on the lighting system. In another preferred embodiment, the portable remote control (5) consists of a key fob-type remote control equipped with an activation button that transmits a radio frequency signal to the control module (4). This configuration allows for immediate remote activation without the need for direct physical interaction with the housing (1). Preferably, the mounting system is located on the base or rear of the housing (1) and includes hook and loop fasteners, repositionable adhesives, or suction cups, allowing for easy installation and removal on interior or exterior vehicle surfaces, as well as on equipment surfaces, stored loads, or various structures without damaging the supporting surfaces. This arrangement ensures stable attachment and complete adaptability of the device to diverse environments and surfaces. Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it, it being noted that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other modes of embodiment that differ in detail from the one indicated by way of example, and which will also achieve the protection sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

1. A portable visual locator device, characterized in that it comprises a housing (1) that contains a light emitter (2) configured to project a vertical, upward beam of light, an electrical power supply (3) for powering said light emitter (2), a wireless control module (4) connected to a portable remote control (5), and a removable mounting system.

2. A portable visual locator device according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (1) is a compact body having a prismatic shape.

3. A portable visual locator device according to claim 1, characterized in that the light emitter (2) comprises a light-emitting diode.

4. A portable visual locator device according to claim 1, characterized in that the light emitter (2) incorporates a collimating lens or an optical system for concentrating and directing the light beam. 5.A portable visual locator device according to claim 1, characterized in that the power supply (3) comprises at least one rechargeable battery.

6. A portable visual locator device according to claim 5, characterized in that the power supply (3) is associated with an external charging port arranged in the housing (1).

7. A portable visual locator device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening system is arranged on the base or rear of the housing (1) and includes hook and loop fasteners, repositionable adhesives, or suction cups.