Tactical portable communication system for a user and tactical information system

Abstract

The invention relates to a tactical portable communication system (3) for a user, comprising: a communication device (4) provided with a casing that has arranged in it a processor (41), a communication module for communication with a wireless mesh network and a plurality of position and / or motion sensors (43a,b,c,d,e) for sensing a position and / or motion of the user, and a portable device (5) able to be attached to a limb of a user and equipped with tactile stimulation members (52) for the tactile stimulation of said limb and with a control unit (53) able to command and control each of the tactile stimulation members, characterized in that the communication device (4) and the portable device (5) each comprise associated wireless connection means (42), and in that the processor (41) of the communication device is designed: on the basis of data received, by the communication module, from the mesh network and / or of measurements acquired by one or more of said sensors (43a,b,c,d,e), to transmit, via the connection means (42), an instruction to the control unit (53) of the portable device (5) to control the tactile stimulation members (52); on the basis of data received, by the communication module, from the mesh network and / or of measurements acquired by one or more of said sensors (43a,b,c,d,e), to transmit, via the communication module, a sequence of data on the mesh network.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Portable user tactical communication system and tactical information system

[0001] The invention relates to the field of tactical communication, in particular of a soldier in the context of a military operation, of a security agent in the context of a public or private security mission, of an athlete in the context of a sporting activity or even of a firefighter in the context of a rescue mission.

[0002] There are various solutions that allow a user to receive tactical information, such as information that allows them to orient themselves in an unknown environment in order to follow a predetermined route or track. These solutions generally use a portable device, such as a smartphone, equipped with a satellite positioning system and a visual and / or vocal interface, allowing navigation instructions to be relayed to the user. The instructions are thus issued from a remote station and relayed, via a telecommunications network, to the user, via the portable device, so that the user can orient themselves and follow a track.Symmetrically, positioning data can be transmitted from the portable device to the remote station, via the telecommunications network, so that the user's position can be tracked remotely and the instructions can be corrected based on this position with regard to the track to be followed before being transmitted to the portable device.

[0003] These solutions have a number of drawbacks that make them unsuitable for specific uses, such as a military operation, an operation requiring security personnel, a rescue mission, or racing in an isolated environment.

[0004] Indeed, solutions based on visual instructions require the user to regularly shift their attention towards the portable device in order to be able to read an instruction. This therefore results in a loss of attention and concentration of the user on their environment, which can be particularly detrimental and dangerous in the context of a military operation, a rescue or security mission, or even a race in a rugged environment.

[0005] Similarly, solutions based on voice instructions generate a disturbance for the user, who must focus on the sound environment around them. These voice instructions can also betray their position.

[0006] Finally, these solutions require connection to a telecommunications network to enable data exchange between the remote station and the portable device. However, in the use cases mentioned, such a telecommunications network may not be systematically accessible, and the user may temporarily, or more permanently, leave cellular coverage. In this case, the portable device no longer receives navigation instructions and no longer exchanges positioning data with the station. remote, which could lead to a disruption of service and serious consequences for the user.

[0007] Solutions have been devised to address some of these drawbacks. This is the case, for example, of navigation assistance devices based on tactile stimulation, for example via vibrations generated at the level of equipment worn by the user. These vibrations can be used to form a dictionary of navigation and / or action instructions, intuitively understandable by the user without disturbing their other senses. However, these solutions do not address the problem of service interruption due to insufficient network coverage.

[0008] The present invention is therefore placed in this context and aims to propose a portable tactical communication system for a user overcoming the various drawbacks mentioned.

[0009] For these purposes, the subject of the invention is a portable tactical communication system for a user, comprising: a. a communication device provided with a housing in which are arranged a processor, a communication module with a mesh wireless network and a plurality of position and / or movement sensors of the user, and b. a portable device capable of being attached to a limb of a user and equipped with tactile stimulation members of said limb and a control unit capable of commanding and controlling each of the tactile stimulation members, characterized in that the communication device and the portable device each comprise associated wireless connection means, and in that the processor of the communication device is arranged to: c.based on data received, by the communication module, from the mesh network and / or measurements acquired by one or more of said sensors, transmit, via the connection means, an instruction to the control unit of the portable device for controlling the tactile stimulation organs; d. based on data received, by the communication module, from the mesh network and / or measurements acquired by one or more of said sensors, transmit, via the communication module, a sequence of data on the mesh network.

[0010] The invention thus proposes to combine the advantages of tactical communication solutions based on tactile stimulation of the user with the advantages conferred by a mesh network. The invention thus takes advantage of the fact that military operations, security operations, rescue operations, or extreme sports generally require a team of several users, who can then each be equipped with a portable system according to the invention. The different communication devices of all the portable systems of these users can thus form a mesh wireless network, which makes it possible, as soon as one of the communication devices is linked to a communication network, to route data to another of these devices. communication even when the latter is outside of network coverage, or even to be able to transmit data solely using the mesh network, without the support of communication infrastructures. According to the invention, the processor is advantageously arranged to generate a user movement instruction from data received from the mesh network and / or measurements acquired by one or more of the sensors, and to generate an instruction from said instruction, which is transmitted to the control unit of the portable device. The team can thus move autonomously and synchronously, the positions and movements of each of the users being known to the others. Finally, all the components necessary for the service are integrated within a single box, which avoids overloading users with different separate equipment.

[0011] In the present invention, the term "processor" means one or more electronic components, in particular a single circuit or a plurality of integrated circuits, mounted on the same printed circuit board or on several separate printed circuit boards. The electronic component(s) are, together or separately, capable of executing arithmetic, logical, data reading and writing instructions in a memory, in particular for executing one or more computer programs in order to implement one or more functions necessary for the operation of the communication device.

[0012] In the present invention, the term "tactile stimulation" means a stimulus exerted on the skin of the user's limb by a stimulation member, the stimulus being able to be a vibration, an electrical pulse or even a force. Each tactile stimulation member could for example comprise a piezoelectric element or an electrode.

[0013] In the present invention, the term "portable device" means equipment that can be attached to a user's limb, such as their hand, wrist or forearm, and arranged so that, once attached, the tactile stimulation members are capable of causing stimulation of the skin of said limb, for example by being in contact with this skin. For example, the portable device may comprise a support, such as a bracelet, glove or sleeve, intended to be attached to the user's wrist or hand, and made of a flexible material, such as silicone and / or a textile. Where appropriate, the support may comprise a central portion at which the control unit is arranged, the stimulation members being arranged in a star shape around the control unit.

[0014] In the present invention, the term "mesh wireless network" means a network of communication devices in which each communication device is a node, in which each node is connected to several nodes, or even as many nodes as possible, and in which each node acts as both a transmitter and a receiver and cooperates with the nodes to which it is connected to transmit data from its transmitter to its recipient. For example, data may be transmitted by routing by bouncing from node to node along a predefined path until it reaches its destination. In Alternatively, a message can be relayed by "flooding," with each node attempting to forward each message to each of its neighbors (including or excluding the source node). Thus, each message is eventually forwarded to all reachable parts of the network.

[0015] It may be provided that a data sequence contains a time to live or a bounce counter, and that each node is arranged to decrement when the time to live or the counter of a sequence that it receives, and to destroy a sequence without relaying it when its time to live or its counter reaches a given threshold. Alternatively, it may be provided that each data sequence contains a code and that each node is arranged to relay a sequence that it receives only if its code is unknown to it. As a further variant, it may be provided that each node is capable of self-classifying in a first or a second configuration by identifying echoes of a data sequence that it has itself transmitted and which is then returned to it by another node, its capacity to be able to retransmit or not a data sequence that it receives depending on the configuration in which it has classified itself.For example, we can refer to the content of document US 10,944,669 which describes such an example of a protocol for retransmitting a sequence of data by a node of a mesh network.

[0016] In the present invention, the term "communication module" means a module comprising at least one antenna and a set of electronic components forming a reception chain capable of filtering, amplifying and demodulating, in an analog and / or digital manner, a signal from an electromagnetic wave captured by the antenna to obtain a modulating signal carried by said electromagnetic wave, which can form, directly or indirectly, a data sequence and a transmission chain capable of modulating a carrier with a modulating signal, formed directly or indirectly from a data sequence, and of amplifying the modulated signal to be emitted by the antenna in the form of an electromagnetic wave.

[0017] In the present invention, the “wireless connection means” may be “Bluetooth low energy” or “Bluetooth Low Energy” type transceivers.

[0018]

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, upon receipt of a data sequence from the mesh network by the communication module, the communication module is capable of retransmitting the received data sequence on the mesh network. The communication module is thus arranged to implement a rebroadcast function of a data sequence that it receives to all available nodes of the mesh network to which it is connected.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the communication device may be associated with a given identifier. If applicable, the communication module is arranged so that each data sequence that it transmits over the mesh network contains the identifier of this communication device. Furthermore, it is arranged to detect an identifier of a communication device in a data sequence that it receives, to compare the detected identifier with the identifier associated with it, and to retransmit said received data sequence on the mesh network in the event of a discrepancy between said detected and associated identifiers.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the processor is arranged to identify an encryption key, in a sequence of data received by the communication module, and to encrypt each sequence of data intended to be transmitted by the communication module using the encryption key. According to this characteristic, an encryption key is thus generated by a central control device responsible for instantiating the mesh network and transmitted by this central control device, following the initialization of the mesh network, to all the nodes of this mesh network so that they can encrypt their data using the same encryption algorithm, for example of the AES type, and the same encryption key.

[0022] Advantageously, the processor is arranged to estimate a movement of the user, from measurements acquired by one or more of said sensors, from his last known position and to estimate a new position of the user from said estimated movement and said last known position. In this embodiment, in the case where the communication device comprises a receiver of a satellite positioning system, the system is thus capable of maintaining an estimate of the position of the user when the receiver is temporarily faulty or when it suffers a temporary loss of connection. Preferably, the processor is arranged to transmit, via the communication module, a data sequence containing said new position on the mesh network.

[0023] For example, the processor may be arranged to determine a direction taken by the user since his last known position, and a number of steps or strides taken by the user since his last known position, and to estimate a distance traveled by the user since his last known position from said number of steps or strides and said direction taken. Said new position is thus estimated from this estimated distance and the last known position. For example, said direction taken and the number of steps or strides may be determined by the processor from data acquired by an inertial unit or by a pedometer and a compass and possibly by comparing this acquired data to a model corresponding to one or more strides of the user.

[0024] If desired, the processor may be arranged to estimate a speed of movement of the user, for example from data acquired by an inertial unit and / or a change in altitude of the user since his last known position, for example from data acquired by an altimeter or a barometer. Where appropriate, the processor may be arranged to estimate said distance traveled from the number of steps or strides, estimated speed and / or estimated altitude change.

[0025] Optionally, the communication device comprises a receiver of a satellite positioning system, said last known position possibly being the last position determined by said receiver. If necessary, the processor can be arranged to correct the new estimated position to a position subsequently determined by the receiver of the satellite positioning system.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, the communication device is arranged to receive, from the mesh network, a data sequence defining a track between a starting position and an arrival position, and the processor is arranged to determine, from said data sequence, a set of waypoints fragmenting said track and to transmit, via the connection means, an instruction to the control unit of the portable device for controlling the tactile stimulation members, said instruction being determined as a function of a position of the user estimated from measurements acquired by one or more of said sensors and said set of waypoints. The set of waypoints can advantageously be stored in a memory of the communication device.

[0027] For example, said track may comprise a set of points between the starting position and the arrival position, each being associated with coordinates, and the processor may be arranged to select only the successive points which are separated by a distance greater than a threshold value and which form an angle (with another point) greater than a threshold value. The data sequence may for example be a file in GPX format. It is thus understood that the processor thus minimizes the number of points on the track to retain only waypoints which will have to induce a movement instruction for the user.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the communication device comprises a memory in which a plurality of predetermined instructions for controlling the tactile stimulation members are stored, the processor is arranged to select at least one of said predetermined instructions stored in said memory as a function of said position of the user estimated with respect to at least one of the waypoints and to transmit, via the connection means, said selected instruction to the control unit of the portable device, and the control unit is arranged, in response to the reception of said instruction, to control the tactile stimulation members to generate said selected instruction.

[0029] Advantageously, the processor may be arranged to estimate a distance and / or a direction between the estimated position of the user and the next waypoint, namely the waypoint closest to said estimated position and which is located downstream, with respect to the track, of said estimated position. Alternatively or cumulatively, the processor may be arranged to estimate a drift between the estimated position of the user and a trajectory between the last waypoint crossed by the user, namely the waypoint closest passage to said estimated position and which is located upstream, with respect to the runway, of said estimated position, and the next waypoint.

[0030] For example, each stimulation member can be activated, alone or in combination with one or more other stimulation members, to notify the user of a movement notification, in particular of the type "forward", "backward", "45° left / right turn", "90° left / right turn", "stop". For example, it may be provided that the position of the or each of the activated stimulation members corresponds to a direction to be taken by the user. For example, several stimulation members can be activated simultaneously or sequentially to generate a navigation notification, in particular of the type "starting position", "arrival position", "alert before change of trajectory", "trajectory deviation".In this case, the activated sensor(s), the order of their activation, the activation sequence, the duration and / or intensity of activation, or even the number of times each sensor is activated can thus form a predetermined control instruction associated with a desired movement or navigation notification.

[0031] According to a non-limiting example, it may be provided that: a. when the distance between the estimated position of the user with respect to the next waypoint is less than a given threshold value, said threshold value possibly being set as a function of an estimated speed of the user, the processor selects an instruction associated with a navigation notification of the “alert before change of trajectory” type; b. when the estimated position of the user is at a waypoint, the processor determines the direction of the next waypoint and selects an instruction associated with a movement notification indicating said determined direction to the user; c.when the estimated position of the user drifts from said determined direction, the processor selects an instruction associated with a navigation notification of the “trajectory deviation” type, then determines the direction of the next waypoint and selects an instruction associated with a movement notification indicating to the user said determined direction; d. when the estimated position of the user is at the arrival position of the runway, the processor selects an instruction associated with a movement notification of the “stop” type, then another instruction associated with a navigation notification of the “arrival position” type.

[0032] Advantageously, the portable device may be equipped with one or more buttons with which the user is likely to interact and the control unit of the portable device may be arranged to transmit to the processor, via the connecting means, data indicating that one or more buttons have been used. Where appropriate, the processor may be arranged to recognize, from said data, a sequence button activation sequence from among a plurality of predetermined sequences stored in a memory of the communication device and to transmit on the mesh network, via the communication module, a data sequence containing a message associated with said recognized button activation sequence. The portable device can thus transmit on the mesh network a pre-coded message previously associated with a given button activation sequence, such as an alert, without the user having to pronounce a sound. An activation sequence is understood to mean a single press on a button, a double or repeated press on the same button, or a sequence of presses on several buttons.

[0033] Advantageously, the communication device comprises at least one sound sensor and the processor is arranged to determine whether a sound detected by said sound sensor is a sound of a shot from a firearm, in particular other than that carried by the user, to estimate a direction of reception of said detected sound and to transmit, via the communication module, a data sequence containing said estimated direction of reception on the mesh network. To the extent that the same sound can be detected by the sound sensors of several communication devices, it is thus possible to detect the original position of the shot. For example, the processor may be arranged to compare an intensity of the detected sound to a given threshold and / or to a sound model associated with a firearm shot.

[0034] In one embodiment of the invention, the system comprises a device for detecting a shot fired by the user, this detection device comprising wireless connection means associated with the wireless connection means of the communication device, and the detection device and / or the processor of the communication device is arranged to estimate a number of shots fired by the user over a period of time, from measurements acquired by the detection device, the processor being arranged to transmit, via the communication module, a data sequence containing said estimated number on the mesh network. For example, the detection device may comprise an accelerometer and a sound sensor, the detection device being mounted in particular on a firearm of the user.Where appropriate, the detection device and / or the processor may be arranged to detect a shot if the intensity of a sound detected by the sound sensor exceeds a given threshold value and if at least one acceleration detected by the accelerometer exceeds a given threshold value. According to this characteristic, it is possible to remotely monitor the quantity of ammunition available to the user and to estimate whether it is necessary to provide for refueling.

[0035] In one embodiment of the invention, the communication module is capable of transmitting a data sequence over the mesh network by modulating, using said data sequence, a carrier wave having a center frequency chosen from a plurality of predetermined center frequencies, and the processor is arranged to periodically select a new center frequency from said plurality of predetermined center frequencies for said transmission. For example, the processor may be arranged to change its central frequency every 30 minutes. Where appropriate, the communication module may be able to receive, from the mesh network, a data sequence containing a clock synchronization instruction and the processor may be arranged to update a clock signal from said synchronization instruction. Symmetrically, the communication module is able to filter a carrier wave received in a frequency band centered around said central frequency.

[0036] The invention also relates to a tactical information system, comprising a plurality of portable systems according to one of the preceding claims, and a central control device comprising a processor, a display and interaction interface and a communication module with a mesh wireless network, the communication devices of all the portable systems and the central device forming a mesh wireless network, each communication device being capable of exchanging data, via its communication module and through the mesh wireless network, with the central device.

[0037] It may be provided that: a. the central control device is a device of a portable system also comprising a portable device capable of being attached to a limb of a user and equipped with tactile stimulation devices for said limb and a control unit capable of commanding and controlling each of the tactile stimulation devices, the central control device thus being intended for a team leader moving simultaneously with the rest of the users; or b. the central control device is a station, for example, embedded in a vehicle.

[0038] In one embodiment of the invention, the central control device is arranged to, depending on an interaction of a user with the visualization and interaction interface, transmit to the communication device of at least one of the portable systems, by its communication module and through the mesh wireless network, a data sequence defining a track between a starting position and an arrival position. It may be provided that the central device can transmit said data sequence to a single portable system or to several portable systems, or even to all the portable systems, or that several distinct data sequences each defining a distinct track are transmitted to different portable systems.

[0039] Advantageously, the central device is able to receive, from the communication device of at least one of the portable systems, a sequence of data containing a position of the user of this portable system, and the processor of the central device is arranged, upon receipt of said sequence of data, to update a map displayed on the visualization and interaction interface using said position of the user. Said position of the user may be a position determined by a receiver of a satellite positioning system or estimated from measurements acquired by one or more sensors of this portable system. The central device thus makes it possible to monitor the positions of the different users.

[0040] Advantageously, the central device is able to receive, from the communication device of at least one of the portable systems, a sequence of data containing a position of the user of this portable system, and the processor of the central device is arranged, upon receipt of said sequence of data, to compare said position of the user with respect to a predetermined geographical area and, depending on said comparison, to transmit, via the communication module and through the mesh wireless network, a sequence of data containing an alert. Said predetermined geographical area may for example be a security perimeter of a risk zone, the system thus making it possible to warn users of the approach and / or crossing of said perimeter.

[0041] In one embodiment of the invention, the central device is capable of receiving, from the communication device of at least three of the portable systems, data sequences each containing a direction of reception of the same sound of a detected shot from a firearm, and the processor of the central device is arranged, upon receipt of said data sequences, to determine an original position of said shot. The processor of the central device may, for example, be arranged to verify, from the positions of the users of these portable systems which have been transmitted, that the portable systems are misaligned, and to proceed, if necessary, to a triangulation of said original position from said transmitted reception directions.

[0042] The invention also relates to a communication device of a portable communication system according to the invention.

[0043] Advantageously, the housing of the communication device may be made, totally or partially, from an aluminum-based material, in particular from an anodized aluminum and magnesium alloy. Where appropriate, the housing may have an enclosure protection rating, within the meaning of standard EN 60529, IP68 and / or a mechanical resistance rating, within the meaning of standard EN 62262, IK6.

[0044] Preferably, the housing may be provided with grooves on one or more of these walls. These grooves serve in particular to dissipate the heat emitted by the various electronic components arranged in the housing.

[0045] Preferably, the communication device may comprise a battery, in particular comprising one or more lithium-titanate or lithium-ion type accumulators, and possibly a conversion device capable of providing an electrical power supply to the various electronic components of the communication device from an electrical power delivered by said battery. Where appropriate, the communication device may comprise a light indicator of the charge status of said battery.

[0046] Advantageously, the housing may comprise two parts, in particular lower and upper, and the battery, and where appropriate the conversion device and the light indicator, is arranged in one of the parts, in particular the lower part, while the processor, the communication module and said plurality of sensors are arranged in the other of the parts, in particular the upper part. Preferably, the communication device may comprise an electrical connector arranged in the upper part of the housing, a part of the connector passing through an opening made in a lower wall of this upper part to extend into the lower part of the housing. Where appropriate, the lower and upper parts may comprise complementary fixing members, such as snap-fastening members and may be arranged so that, when the lower part is mounted on the upper part and the fixing members cooperate with each other, the electrical connector cooperates with an electrical connection member of the conversion device.If desired, the conversion device may be arranged to detect said cooperation and to automatically supply said electrical power to the electronic components of the communication device in response to said detection.

[0047] Advantageously, the communication device may be devoid of an interface allowing the user to enter and / or view data, in particular data received by the communication module. In particular, the communication device may be devoid of a touch screen.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the communication device may comprise a single button, for example of the push button type. This button may, for example, control a switching of the processor of the communication device between an active configuration and an inactive configuration. Alternatively or cumulatively, this button may control the transmission of an alert by the communication module on the mesh network.

[0049] Advantageously, said button may be arranged on a wall of the housing, in particular a wall of the upper part of the housing, extending through an opening provided in this wall. If necessary, said button may include a sealing element for the housing, such as a layer of silicone. If desired, said button may have a funnel shape narrowing towards the inside of the housing while being centered on an electronic switching element arranged in the housing. If necessary, said button may include a plurality of pins distributed around its periphery and inserted into orifices provided in said wall of the housing. These pins make it possible to prevent any movement of the button except for movements directed towards the switching element, this direction being furthermore favored by the funnel shape of the button.This ensures that pressing the button, even if it is misdirected, will cause the switching element to switch.

[0050] In one embodiment of the invention, the communication device comprises at least one sensor or a combination of sensors chosen from: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an inertial unit, in particular 6 axes or 9 axes, a compass, a receiver of a satellite positioning system, in particular of the GPS or Galileo type, a barometer, altimeter, pedometer.

[0051] Advantageously, the communication device comprises at least one motion sensor, and in particular an inertial unit and a barometer, and at least one receiver of a satellite positioning system. Where appropriate, said motion sensor and the receiver are arranged on the same printed circuit board.

[0052] Preferably, the communication device may comprise a cover made of a plastic polymer and interposed between said printed circuit board and the housing, the cover comprising a window arranged opposite said one or more motion sensors and a recess arranged opposite the receiver. Where appropriate, the housing comprises a window arranged in a wall opposite which the cover is provided, and the recess of the cover projects from the window. The cover makes it possible to protect the various sensors, to ensure the sealing of the housing and to allow the reception of positioning data by the receiver.

[0053] Advantageously, the communication device comprises a stack of printed circuit boards supporting the processor and all or part of the communication module, the stack of boards being arranged in the housing. Where appropriate, the printed circuit board supporting the motion sensor(s) and the receiver extends perpendicular to this stack of printed circuit boards, and the communication device comprises a plating part fixed to the housing, in particular by screwing, and arranged to press one or more of these printed circuit boards, or even all of these printed circuit boards, against the housing.

[0054] In one embodiment of the invention, the housing comprises a ring mounted at an opening provided in a wall, in particular an upper wall, of the housing, an antenna of the communication module extending through said opening and the ring. Advantageously, the housing comprises a protective cap for the antenna mounted on the ring. Preferably, the cap has a lateral orifice, formed on a peripheral wall of the cap, and a distal orifice, opposite the ring. The lateral orifice allows a wire antenna to pass through while the distal orifice allows a tube antenna to pass through, which therefore leaves the choice of the type of antenna of the communication module free.Preferably still, the ring comprises a plurality of positioning orifices distributed regularly around its periphery and the cap has one or more positioning pins distributed regularly around its periphery, the or each positioning pin being inserted into one of the positioning orifices. These orifices and pins thus make it possible to hold the cap on the ring while leaving free choice of the orientation of the cap, and in particular of its lateral orifice.

[0055] If desired, all or part of the electronic components arranged in the housing, particularly in the upper part of the housing, may be encapsulated with silicone or with a resin, in particular in order to dissipate the heat emitted by these components and to absorb shocks and vibrations likely to damage these components.

[0056] The invention also relates to a communication device having one or more of the preceding characteristics.

[0057] The present invention is now described using examples which are purely illustrative and in no way limitative of the scope of the invention, and from the appended drawings, drawings in which the various figures represent:

[0058] [Fig. 1] represents, schematically and partially, a tactical information system, comprising a plurality of portable systems according to the invention;

[0059] [Fig. 2] represents, schematically and partially, an example of a movement of a user equipped with a portable system according to the invention;

[0060] [Fig. 3] represents, schematically and partially, an example of a movement of a group of users each equipped with a portable system, the whole forming the tactical information system of [Fig. 1];

[0061] [Fig. 4] represents, schematically and partially, an example of triangulation of the original position of a shot by means of the tactical information system of [Fig. 1];

[0062] [Fig. 5] schematically and partially represents an example of a communication device for a portable system according to the invention;

[0063] [Fig. 6] represents, schematically and partially, a part of the housing of the device of [Fig. 5]; and

[0064] [Fig. 7] represents, schematically and partially, a cover arranged in the housing of [Fig. 6],

[0065] In the following description, elements which are identical, by structure or by function, appearing in different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references.

[0066] [Fig. 1] describes a tactical information system 1 intended for a team of a plurality of users, and comprising a central control device 2, intended to equip a team leader, and a plurality of portable tactical communication systems 3 each intended for one of the other members of the team.

[0067] In the example of [Fig. 1], the central control device 2 is a smartphone equipped, among other things, with a processor 21, a wireless communication module 22 and a touch screen 23, with which a user is likely to interact to control the device 2 and exchange data with the systems 3. It may be provided that the central device 2 is arranged in forms other than a smartphone, and in particular in the form of a touch tablet, a laptop computer, a mobile computer station.

[0068] Each system 3 comprises a communication device 4 provided with a housing in which a processor 41, a wireless communication module 42 and a plurality of sensors are arranged. More precisely, each communication device 4 is equipped with a receiver 43a of a satellite positioning system, a barometer 43b, an inertial unit 43c, a compass 43d and a sound sensor 43e. It will be possible to integrate the function of the compass 43d into a so-called 9-axis inertial unit.

[0069] Each of the systems 3 also comprises a portable device 5 intended to be attached to a member of the user of this system. In the example of [Fig. 1], for the sake of brevity, only one of the portable devices 5 has been shown.

[0070] The portable device 5 comprises a support 51, in the form of a sleeve made of a flexible material such as silicone and intended to be fixed to the user's wrist. Vibrating members 52, for example formed by piezoelectric actuators, are arranged in the support 51 or at an inner surface of the support 51 so that their vibrations can be transmitted to the skin of the user's wrist.

[0071] In the example described, the device 5 comprises five vibrating members 52, arranged so that two members 52 are arranged at a front, left and right upper part of the wrist, two other members 52 are arranged at a lateral, left and right part of the wrist and one member 52 is arranged at a rear and central upper part of the wrist. The device 5 comprises a control unit 53 capable of selectively controlling each of the vibrating members 52, which are arranged in a star shape around this control unit 53. A different number and / or a different arrangement of the vibrating members 52 may be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0072] Each communication device 4 and the portable device 5 associated with it comprise associated wireless connection means, such as BLE or Bluetooth Low Energy transceivers, allowing the processor 41 to exchange data with the control unit 53.

[0073] In the example described, the central control device 2 also comprises all of the sensors 43a to 43e and is also associated with a portable device 5 intended to equip the team leader, the processor 21 thus being able to exchange data with the control unit 53 of this portable device 5.

[0074] The set of communication devices 4 and the central control device 2 form a mesh wireless network, partial as in the example of [Fig. 1] or complete.

[0075] For these purposes, each of the communication modules 22 and 42 comprises a radio transceiver provided with an antenna, these communication modules 22 and 42 thus forming nodes which are each connected to at least one other node of the mesh network, or more precisely to as many nodes as possible of the mesh network. With regard to the communication module 22, it may be provided that the antenna is integrated therein or that, alternatively, it is an external antenna paired via a wireless link or connected by a wired link to the rest of the communication module 22.

[0076] Furthermore, each of the processors 21 and 41 is programmed to define the manner in which the communication modules 22 and 42 must interact with the mesh network. For example, each of the processors 21 and 41 may be programmed to transmit data by “flooding”. In this configuration, each of the nodes is thus able to retransmit, or redistribute, a message or a sequence of data that it receives to at least one, in particular several, or even all of the nodes of the mesh network to which it is connected.

[0077] In other words, when a message is transmitted by a source node to a destination destination node, this message is distributed by the source node to each of the nodes to which it is connected, then by each of these nodes to the nodes to which they are themselves connected, and so on until the message reaches the destination node.

[0078] The processors 21 and 41 may be programmed to add a bounce counter or time to live (TTL) to a message before delivering it for the first time over the mesh network, and to update a bounce counter or time to live (TTL) of a message they receive before redistributing it or discarding that message without redistributing it if the counter or time to live becomes zero.

[0079] It will also be possible to program the processors 21 and 41 so that they can only redistribute a message to a limited group of nodes to which they are connected or only redistribute messages that they have never distributed before.

[0080] Alternatively, it may be possible to program the processors 21 and 41 to transmit data by "routing". In this configuration, routes between each source node and each destination node of the mesh network are predefined and stored in memories of the devices 2 and 4, and each of the nodes is able to redistribute a message that it receives and which is intended for a given destination node, only to the node of the route to this destination node which is stored in its memory.

[0081] Furthermore, it may be possible to program the processors 21 and 41 so that the messages intended to be sent over the network are encrypted beforehand, for example by means of an asymmetric encryption algorithm. If necessary, it may be possible to provide for the processors 21 and 41 to generate a public-private key pair by means of measurements acquired by one of the sensors 43a to 43e, in particular from positioning data.

[0082] Finally, it should be noted that each of the processors 21 and 41 is arranged to periodically change the central transmission and listening frequency of the communications modules 22 and 42 by selecting the next frequency from a list of given frequencies. For example, a timer can be triggered by the processor 21, 41 after each frequency change and the next frequency is selected at the end of the timer. It should be noted that said central transmission and listening frequencies are advantageously frequencies provided outside the frequency bands allocated to telecommunications operators for the deployment of their communications networks, and in particular their mobile telephone networks.

[0083] In connection with [Fig. 2], we will now describe a method for assisting a user in moving around implemented by one of the systems 3 of [Fig. 1],

[0084] Prior to the movement, the team leader has defined, via the touch screen 21, a track P between a starting position PS and an arrival position PE, each defined by geographical coordinates. The track may for example be traced by the team leader on a map displayed on his touch screen 21, and may in particular include, among other things, several waypoints along its route. This track P is recorded in a file in a given format, for example GPX.

[0085] Track P is then transmitted, via the communication module 22, over the mesh network to all systems 3.

[0086] Upon receiving the track P, via its communication module 42, the processor 41 of the communication device 4 fragments the track P into a plurality of waypoints WPi.

[0087] More precisely, the processor 41 scans all the points of the track P and, for two consecutive points, determines the distance between the two points as well as the angle between the two points with respect to a reference direction. If the distance and the angle are greater than given threshold values, the processor 41 records these points as waypoints WPi, and repeats for the next two consecutive points of the track P. Otherwise, the processor retains the first point and repeats for this point and the next consecutive point at the second point. In other words, the processor 41 selects the waypoints of the track P which result in significant changes in the user's orientation.

[0088] Subsequently, the processor 41 sequentially determines instructions for controlling the vibrating members 52 as a function of an estimated position PU of the user, by means of the measurements carried out by one or more of the sensors 43a to 43e, with regard to these passage points WPi.

[0089] It will be noted that a plurality of instructions have been previously stored in a memory of the communication device 4, each being associated with a movement notification, indicating to the user through the vibrating members a change of orientation or a movement, or a navigation notification, alerting the user through the members of an event to come or occurring during his movement.

[0090] For example, and for information purposes, the following instructions may be considered: a. For a “forward” movement notification: a simultaneous vibration of the two front members 52; b. For a “90° left turn” movement notification: a vibration of the left lateral member 52, and for a “90° right turn” movement notification: a vibration of the right lateral member 52; c. For a “45° left turn” movement notification: a simultaneous vibration of the left lateral member 52 and the front left member 52, and for a “45° right turn” movement notification: a simultaneous vibration of the right lateral member 52 and the front right member 52; d. For a “backward” movement notification: a vibration of the rear member 52; e. For a “stop” movement notification: a simultaneous vibration of all the members 52; f.For a “course change alert” navigation notification: a sequence of two short, simultaneous vibrations of all 52 components; g. For a “course deviation” navigation notification: a sequence of four. short and simultaneous vibrations of all 52 components; h. For a “position of arrival” navigation notification: a sequence of two long and simultaneous vibrations of all 52 components.

[0091] It should be noted that the instructions and notifications listed below have been given for information purposes only and that a different number of instructions and notifications or other types of instructions and notifications may be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0092] Thus, the processor 41 periodically estimates the position PU of the user and the distance and / or the direction between this position PU and the next waypoint WPi, that is to say the waypoint WPi closest to this position PU and located downstream of this position PU on the track P. The processor 41 can also estimate the distance between the position PU and the trajectory between the last waypoint crossed WPi-i, that is to say the waypoint WPi-i closest to this position PU and located upstream of this position PU on the track P, and the next waypoint WPi. The analysis of the evolution of this distance, in particular its growth, thus allows the processor 41 to estimate whether the user is drifting with respect to the track P.

[0093] The processor41 can thus select a movement instruction based on these distances.

[0094] For example, for the list of instructions given above, since: a. the distance between the position PU and the next waypoint WPi is less than a first threshold value, the processor 41 can select the instruction associated with the navigation notification “alert before change of trajectory”; b. the distance between the position PU and the next waypoint WPi is less than a second threshold value shorter than the first threshold value, the processor 41 can select the instruction associated with the notification of movement according to the direction of this next waypoint; c. the distance between the position PU and the trajectory between the last waypoint crossed WPi-i and the next waypoint WPi is greater than a third threshold value, the processor 41 can select the instruction associated with the navigation notification “deviation of trajectory”.

[0095] Each instruction selected by the processor 41 is then transmitted, via the connecting means, to the control unit 53 of the portable device 5, which can then control the vibrating members 52 to generate the corresponding vibrations and thus guide the user in his movement along the track P.

[0096] It will be noted again that these examples have been given for information purposes and that the conditions for selecting an instruction by the processor 41 may be more numerous or more complex, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0097] Furthermore, the processor 41 may periodically estimate the user's movement speed and adapt the threshold values ​​to which said values ​​are compared. distances depending on this speed of movement.

[0098] Similarly, it should be noted that the angles of the movement notifications linked to turns are associated with the threshold values ​​used by the track fragmentation algorithm P and that these threshold values ​​can be adapted according to the turning angles usually used by the user.

[0099] Finally, it should be noted that the team leader has the ability to modify the track P at any time, via the touch screen T, or to give a direct instruction to all or only some of the users, such as an order to stop or to withdraw to a given position, which will be transmitted to their communication devices 4, via the mesh network, to then be applied via the portable devices 5. Furthermore, separate tracks can be transmitted to different users by the team leader.

[0100] As regards the estimation of the position PU of the user by the processor 41, this position PU can for example be obtained by means of the receiver 43a of the satellite positioning system.

[0101] In the event of a failure of this receiver 43a or following an interruption of satellite coverage, the processor 41 can continuously estimate the position PU of the user from his last known position PU, i.e. the last position obtained by means of the receiver 43a.

[0102] Indeed, the data measured by the inertial unit 43c, the barometer 43b and the compass 43d allow the processor 41 to estimate respectively a number of strides traveled during a movement of the user, the speed of movement of the user, a change in altitude during this movement and the direction of this movement. From then on, it is possible for the processor 41 to estimate the distance traveled by the user and the direction taken by the user since his last known position and therefore to determine the current position PU of the user.

[0103] It should be noted that, as soon as the satellite positioning service is operational and accessible again, the position PU can then be corrected by the processor 41 using the position received by the receiver 43a.

[0104] This position PU, whether obtained by means of the receiver 43a or estimated by means of the sensors 43c, 43b and 43d, is transmitted by the communication module 42 on the mesh network, to the central device 2.

[0105] In connection with [Fig. 3], we will now describe more advanced functionalities of the tactical information system 1.

[0106] All users' PUj positions can be displayed and updated, as they are received via the mesh network, on a map displayed on the touch screen 23, so that the team leader can supervise the users' movement.

[0107] When a trip is planned, the absence of trip by one of the users, for a period greater than a given threshold value, may result in the generation of an alert by the processor 21, which may be displayed on the touch screen. 23.

[0108] Similarly, as provided above, the team leader may give a direct instruction to one or more, or even to all, users via the touch screen 23, which will be retransmitted to the communication device(s) 4 of this or these users to then be translated into an instruction via their portable device(s) 5. For example, the team leader may himself notice a deviation in the trajectory of one of the users, such as the user marked by his position PU4, and transmit to him in advance a notification of “trajectory deviation” followed by a movement notification indicating a corrected trajectory.

[0109] The team leader may define, in advance, a perimeter of a zone Z, which may for example be a risk zone, and the processor 21 of the central device may evaluate the proximity of the positions PU of the users with respect to this zone Z and transmit, if necessary, an instruction to the communication device(s) 4 of the users who are too close, such as the user marked by his position PU5, to order him or them to stop or change trajectory. This instruction may also be transmitted manually by the team leader.

[0110] Furthermore, the processor 41 of each communication device 4 may be arranged to identify whether a sound detected by the sound sensor 43 is a sound of a shot from a firearm, for example by comparing the intensity of this sound to a given threshold and / or by comparing the sound spectrum of this sound to a spectrum model of a sound of a shot from a firearm. Where appropriate, the processor 41 may be arranged to estimate a direction of reception of this sound and said estimated direction will be transmitted to the central device 2, via the mesh network.

[0111] As shown in [Fig. 4], it is understood that if at least three communication devices 4 detect such a sound from a firearm, such as those of the users marked by positions PU3, PU4 and PU5, and these communication devices 4 are not aligned, the processor 21 then has three different estimates of the direction of reception of the sound, each correlated to the position PU of one of these communication devices 4. The processor 21 can thus triangulate the original position PO of the shot from these reception directions and these positions, and the team leader can thus define a strategy and alert the users accordingly through the mesh network.

[0112] Finally, in an example not shown, each user may be equipped with a firearm provided with a device for detecting a shot fired by this firearm, which may be connected, by wireless connection means such as a Bluetooth transceiver, to the communication device 4 of this user. The processor 41 can thus count the number of shots fired by the user and relay this number, via the mesh network, to the central device 2, so that the team leader can supervise the quantity of ammunition remaining for each of the users and organize a resupply accordingly.

[0113] In connection with [Fig. 5] to [Fig. 7], we will now describe an example of the realization of a communication device 100 according to the invention.

[0114] In a similar manner to the communication devices 4 shown in [Fig. 1], the communication device 100 comprises a housing 101 in which are arranged a processor, wireless connection means, a wireless communication module provided with an antenna, a receiver of a satellite positioning system, a barometer, a 9-axis inertial unit, and a sound sensor, all of these components not being illustrated but referenced in [Fig. 5] under a common reference 102.

[0115] The communication device 100 comprises a battery, comprising several lithium-titanate lithium-ion type accumulators, associated with an electrical conversion device to provide electrical power to the various electronic components mentioned above. This battery and this conversion device are also not illustrated but referenced in [Fig. 5] under a common reference 103.

[0116] The housing 101 comprises two parts, namely a lower part 101a in which the battery and the conversion device 103 are arranged, and an upper part 101b in which the components 102 are arranged. A light indicator 104 of the state of charge of the battery is provided on a wall of the lower part 101a.

[0117] As shown in [Fig. 6], an electrical connector 105 is arranged in the upper portion 101b, a portion of the connector 105 passing through an opening provided in a lower wall of this upper portion 101b. When the portions 101a and 101b are assembled, this portion of the connector 104 therefore extends into the lower portion 101a.

[0118] Each of the lower and upper parts 101a and 101b comprises fixing members 106 for assembling these parts together. When the lower part 101a is mounted on the upper part 101b, these fixing members 106 cooperate with each other and the electrical connector 105 cooperates with an electrical connection member of the conversion device 103. As soon as this connection between the connector 104 and the conversion device 103 is made, the battery 103 discharges automatically to automatically provide an electrical power supply to the electronic components 102.

[0119] It should be noted that the housing 101 is made of an anodized aluminum and magnesium alloy, for example EN-AW 5083 and has an enclosure protection index, within the meaning of standard EN 60529, IP68 and / or a mechanical resistance index, within the meaning of standard EN 62262, IK6. This ensures that the housing is hardened and offers particularly high impact resistance, which is desirable given the conditions in which the device 100 can be used. It should also be noted that the upper part 101b has on some of its walls, grooves 101c making it possible in particular to dissipate the heat emitted by the various electronic components 102.

[0120] With the exception of a single button 107, the communication device 100 is devoid of an interface allowing the user to enter and / or view data, such as a touch screen which would be too fragile and present too many interaction difficulties given the envisaged conditions of use.

[0121] The button 107 is of the push-button type. It is arranged on a front wall of the upper part 101b, extending through an opening 107a provided in this wall. This button comprises a layer of silicone (not shown) for sealing this opening. It has a funnel shape which narrows towards the inside of the housing, being centered on an electronic switching element (not shown) arranged in the housing. Pressing this button thus makes it possible, via this switching element, to activate or deactivate the device 100, or even, in the case of repeated pressing, to control the transmission of an alert by the communication module on the mesh network. The upper part 101b has orifices 107b, visible in [Fig. 6], distributed regularly around the entire perimeter of the opening 107a, so that pins (not shown) distributed around the perimeter of the button 107 can be inserted into these orifices 107b.It is thus understood that the size of the button makes it easier for the user to press it, even when its visibility is poor, that the pins make it possible to prevent any movement of the button except for movements directed towards the switching element, and that this direction is favored by the funnel shape of the button.

[0122] In the example described, the receiver of a satellite positioning system, the barometer, the 9-axis inertial unit, and the sound sensor are arranged on the same printed circuit board 108, visible in [Fig. 6] and [Fig. 7], which comes opposite a side wall of the upper part 101b

[0123] As shown in [Fig. 7], a cover 109 made of a plastic polymer covers the card 108 to be interposed between this card 108 and the side wall of the upper part 101b. This cover 109 includes a window 109a arranged opposite the barometer, the 9-axis inertial unit, and the sound sensor, which are grouped together in the same area of ​​the card 108. The cover 109 also includes a recess 109b, projecting from the rest of the cover, arranged opposite the receiver of the satellite positioning system. Where appropriate, the side wall of the upper part 101b includes a window from which the recess 109b of the cover projects. The cover 109 thus protects the various sensors, ensures the sealing of the housing 101 and allows the reception of positioning data by the receiver.A plating piece 110 is provided, screwed to the upper part 10b and pressing the card 108 against the side wall of the upper part 101b. This ensures that this card 108 and the components it supports are held statically in the housing 101.

[0124] Note that the other electronic components 102, namely the processor, the communication module and the connection means are mounted on a stack of printed circuit boards (not shown) arranged in the upper part 101b, extending perpendicular to the board 108.

[0125] The upper part 101b comprises a ring 111 mounted at an opening provided in an upper wall of this upper part 101b. The antenna of the communication module thus extends through said opening and the ring 111.

[0126] As shown in [Fig. 5], the housing 101 comprises a protective cap 112 for the antenna, a lower part of this cap 112 being inserted into the ring 111. The cap 112 has a lateral orifice 112a and a distal orifice 112b. The lateral orifice allows a wire antenna to pass through while the distal orifice allows a tube antenna to pass through, which therefore leaves the choice of the type of antenna for the communication module free.

[0127] The ring 111 comprises a plurality of positioning orifices 111a distributed regularly around its periphery and the cap has one or more positioning pins 112c distributed regularly around its periphery, each positioning pin 111b being inserted into one of the positioning orifices 111a, so that the cap 112 is held on the ring and it is possible to choose the direction in which the lateral orifice 112a is oriented.

[0128] It should be noted that in the various use cases presented above, all the functionalities of the tactical information system remain operational, regardless of the state of the network coverage of the area traveled by the users, thanks to the use of communication modules together forming a mesh network. This ensures that the team can move synchronously and autonomously, regardless of the conditions of the operation, while maintaining advanced supervision capabilities by the team leader. Furthermore, all of these functionalities are integrated within a single communication device, which thus avoids the use of multiple devices that would harm the concentration and efficiency of the users.It should also be noted that the various characteristics of the communication device, and in particular its casing, ensure a long lifespan for this communication device and prevent deterioration of the various components it contains due to shocks, vibrations, or even infiltration of water, humidity or sand. This ensures that the communication device can operate regardless of its conditions of use.

[0129] The preceding description thus clearly explains how the invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives it has set for itself.

[0130] In any event, the invention cannot be limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, and extends in particular to all equivalent means and to any technically effective combination of these means. In particular, it may be possible to replace the vibrating members with other tactile stimulation members, such as electrodes. It could also be possible to add other sensors than those mentioned or to replace some of these sensors with other types of sensors making it possible to obtain information on a position or movement of a user. It could also be possible to envisage other types of portable device than a sleeve, and in particular to provide a glove or a bracelet instead, or to equip each user with several portable devices.

Claims

Demands

1. A portable tactical communication system for one user, comprising: a. a communication device having a housing in which are arranged a processor, a communication module with a wireless mesh network and a plurality of user position and / or movement sensors, and b. a portable device capable of being attached to a user's limb and equipped with tactile stimulation organs for said limb and a control unit capable of commanding and controlling each of the tactile stimulation organs, characterized in that the communication device and the portable device each have associated wireless linking means, and in that the processor of the communication device is arranged to: c.based on data received by the communication module from the mesh network and / or measurements acquired by one or more of said sensors, transmit, via the communication means, an instruction to the control unit of the portable device for the control of the tactile stimulation organs; d. based on data received by the communication module from the mesh network and / or measurements acquired by one or more of said sensors, transmit, via the communication module, a sequence of data on the mesh network.

2. Portable system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, upon receiving a data sequence from the mesh network by the communication module, the communication module is capable of retransmitting the received data sequence on the mesh network.

3. A portable system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processor is arranged to estimate a user's displacement, from measurements acquired by one or more of said sensors, from their last known position and to estimate a new user position from said estimated displacement and said last known position.

4. A portable system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication device is arranged to receive, from the mesh network, a data sequence defining a track between a starting position and an arrival position, in that the processor is arranged to determine, from said data sequence, a set of waypoints fragmenting said track and to transmit, via the linking means, an instruction to the control unit of the portable device for the control of the tactile stimulation organs, said instruction being determined as a function of a user position estimated from measurements acquired by one or more of said sensors and said set of waypoints.

5. A portable system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the communication device comprises a memory in which a plurality of predetermined instructions for controlling the tactile stimulation organs are stored, in that the processor is arranged to select at least one of said predetermined instructions stored in said memory according to said position of the user estimated with respect to at least one of the passing points and to transmit, via the linking means, said selected instruction to the control unit of the portable device, and in that the control unit is arranged, in response to the reception of said instruction, to control the tactile stimulation organs to generate said selected instruction.

6. A portable system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication device comprises at least one sound sensor and in that the processor is arranged to determine whether a sound detected by said sound sensor is a gunshot sound, to estimate a direction of reception of said detected sound and to transmit, via the communication module, a data sequence containing said estimated direction of reception over the mesh network.

7. A portable system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a device for detecting a shot fired by the user, the detection device comprising wireless linking means associated with the wireless linking means of the communication device, and in that the detection device and / or the processor of the communication device is arranged to estimate a number of shots fired by the user during a period of time, from measurements acquired by the detection device, and in that the processor is arranged to transmit, via the communication module, a data sequence containing said estimated number over the mesh network.

8. A portable system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication module is capable of transmitting a data sequence over the mesh network by modulation, using said data sequence, of a carrier wave having a center frequency selected from a plurality of predetermined center frequencies, and in that the processor is arranged to periodically select a new center frequency from said plurality of predetermined center frequencies for said transmission.

9. Tactical information system, comprising a plurality of portable systems according to any one of the preceding claims, and a central control device comprising a processor, a visualization and interaction interface and a communication module with a wireless mesh network, the communication devices of all the portable systems and the central device forming a wireless mesh network, each communication device being able to exchange data, through its communication module and through the wireless mesh network, with the central device.

10. Tactical information system according to claim 9, wherein the central control device is arranged to, depending on a user interaction with the viewing and interaction interface, transmit to the communication device of at least one of the portable systems, via its communication module and through the wireless mesh network, a sequence of data defining a track between a starting position and an arrival position.

11. Tactical information system according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the central device is capable of receiving, from the communication device of at least one of the handheld systems, a data sequence containing a position of the user of that handheld system, and wherein the processor of the central device is arranged, upon receipt of said data sequence, to update a map displayed on the viewing and interaction interface using said user position.

12. Tactical information system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the central device is capable of receiving, from the communication device of at least one of the portable systems, a data sequence containing a position of the user of that portable system, and wherein the processor of the central device is arranged, upon receipt of said data sequence, to compare said position of the user with respect to a predetermined geographical area and, based on said comparison, to transmit, via the communication module and through the wireless mesh network, a data sequence containing an alert.

13. Tactical information system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the central device is capable of receiving, from the communication device of at least three of the portable systems, data sequences each containing a direction of reception of the same sound of a detected gunshot, and wherein the processor of the central device is arranged, upon receipt of said data sequences, to determine an origin position of said shot.

14. Communication device for a portable tactical communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

15. A communication device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor or a combination of selected sensors among: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an inertial measurement unit, a compass, a satellite positioning system receiver, a barometer, an altimeter, a pedometer.

16. Communication device according to any one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that it comprises a battery, in that the housing may comprise two parts, in that the battery is arranged in one of the parts while the processor, the communication module and said plurality of sensors are arranged in the other of the parts, and in that the housing is made of an aluminum-based material.

17. A communication device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that it comprises at least one motion sensor and at least one receiver of a satellite positioning system, said motion sensor and receiver being arranged on the same printed circuit board, in that it comprises a cover made of a plastic polymer and interposed between said printed circuit board and the housing, the cover having a window provided opposite said motion sensor and a recess arranged opposite the receiver, and in that the housing has a window provided in a wall opposite which the cover is provided, the recess of the cover protruding from the window.

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