Security lighting device

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 chosen such that the emitted light has a combination of colour and / or form adapted to influence the decision of the user on the chosen direction of evacuation according to their position in the environment.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Emergency lighting device

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

[0002] Emergency lighting systems are usually mandatory for all buildings open to the public or staff. These systems are installed in various locations within a building, such as near doors or in corridors used by occupants, to facilitate evacuation during major incidents like a fire.

[0003] Emergency lighting devices are generally rectangular blocks. They comprise a front face and two longitudinal walls, each with a lower and an upper wall.

[0004] Typically, the front panel displays a static pictogram depicting a silhouette of a person running through a doorway, along with a directional arrow indicating the direction to take. The background of the front panel is usually green. Lighting devices also include light sources to illuminate the front panel and the displayed static pictogram.

[0005] Lighting systems as described above play an important role in building evacuation; they facilitate operations and thus allow for the rapid evacuation of users.

[0006] However, several studies have demonstrated the limitations of these devices. Indeed, during evacuations, only 38% of users detect the various static pictograms. Thus, existing emergency lighting systems do not guarantee optimal evacuation of a building.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for emergency lighting devices that can be detected more easily and quickly by users. But also, emergency lighting devices that sufficiently influence the user to follow the direction indicated by them.

[0008] To this end, an emergency lighting device is proposed comprising a front panel for displaying pictograms, a rear panel, and at least one wall of thickness extending between the front and rear panels. This emergency lighting device includes first luminous means adapted to illuminate the front panel. According to the invention, this lighting device further comprises second luminous means installed on said wall of thickness, said second luminous means being chosen so that the emitted light has a color combination and / or an emitted pattern adapted to influence the user's decision regarding the chosen evacuation route based on their position in the environment.

[0009] One advantage of the invention is therefore to offer optimal emergency lighting devices that can be detected more effectively by the user and thus influence them on the direction to take during evacuation.

[0010] Advantageously and without limitation, the second lighting means may include a central emitting light device of an etic signal light disposed on said wall of at least one thickness.

[0011] By effectively, we mean that users detect more quickly, with a short response time, than with non-optimized lighting devices, and more easily since the detection rate of the optimized lighting device is higher.

[0012] One advantage is that it captures the user's attention on the safety device when it is located in front of them. Thus, the lighting device will be detected in the center of their field of vision thanks to the emitting light element installed on at least one wall thickness.

[0013] Advantageously and without limitation, the central emitting light organ can generate, on the floor, on the ceiling or on the device, a colored light of curvilinear shape.

[0014] According to several experiments, which will be described below, a curvilinear light, for example, is detected more effectively in central vision than a polygonal light, for example. Furthermore, several experiments have shown that colored lights, also called chromatic lights, are detected more accurately and quickly by the eye than achromatic lights in central vision. Thus, emitting a curvilinear colored light is more optimal in central vision for attracting the user's attention and accurately recognizing the sign.

[0015] Advantageously and without limitation, the central emitting light organ can generate a circular green light.

[0016] According to several experiments, which will be described below, yellow and green lights in central vision are detected more effectively by the eye than lights of other colors such as red and blue. Therefore, emitting a circular green light visible to the user when they are facing the lighting device is more optimal.

[0017] In another embodiment, the central emitting light organ can generate a circular red light.

[0018] Although emitting a red color is detected less effectively than a yellow color, the color red is a color commonly used in safety signals so users will be familiar with this color and know its meaning.

[0019] Advantageously and without limitation, the second lighting means may include a peripheral lighting element disposed on said wall of at least one thickness.

[0020] One advantage is that it captures the user's attention on the safety device when it is not directly in front of them. The lighting device will then be detected through peripheral vision thanks to the peripheral light source installed on at least one wall thickness.

[0021] Advantageously and without limitation, the peripheral light organ can emit achromatic light of angular shape.

[0022] According to several experiments described below, achromatic lights are detected more quickly by the eye than chromatic lights in peripheral vision. Thus, emitting achromatic light visible to the user when they are not directly in front of it could be beneficial. The lighting system is more optimal. In addition, angular lights are also detected more quickly by the user in peripheral vision.

[0023] In another embodiment, the peripheral light organ can emit achromatic light of rectangular shape.

[0024] The rectangular shape is chosen because it is a shape regularly used in industry, therefore its technical realization and manufacturing cost are simple and inexpensive.

[0025] Advantageously and without limitation, the lighting device may include a digital display whose visible face is positioned against the front face.

[0026] Using a digital display allows you to change the projected shape or the direction to be indicated at any time.

[0027] Advantageously and without limitation, the digital display may include electronic paper.

[0028] One advantage of electronic paper is that it doesn't require power to maintain a displayed image or text. In fact, without power, the display remains in a stable state representing the last image shown. A power source is only needed to change the text or image being displayed. Therefore, its use consumes very little energy.

[0029] The digital display can be controlled so as to be able to display at least two different pictograms.

[0030] One advantage is the ability to change the displayed pictogram depending on the situation. For example, the display can change a pictogram encouraging the user to follow a certain direction into an aversive pictogram encouraging the user not to follow that direction.

[0031] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of several specific embodiments of the invention, given by way of example but not limitation, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0032] [Fig. 1] is a schematic view of an emergency lighting device as described in the main embodiment of the invention;

[0033] [Fig. 2] is an experimental result showing the percentage of detection as a function of the color of the target, all target shapes combined in peripheral vision;

[0034] [Fig. 3] is an experimental result showing the percentage of detection (left) and reaction time (right) as a function of the shape of the target, all target colours combined in peripheral vision;

[0035] [Fig. 4] is an experimental result showing the percentage of detection as a function of the blinking frequency (from 1 Hz to 40 Hz);

[0036] [Fig. 5] is an experimental result showing the average correct response time as a function of the blink frequency (from 1 Hz to 40 Hz) and the type of contrast;

[0037] [Fig. 6] is an experimental result showing the percentage of detection as a function of the color of the target, all target shapes combined in central vision;

[0038] [Fig. 7] is an experimental result showing the percentage of detection as a function of the shape of the target in central vision;

[0039] [Fig. 8] is a schematic view of an emergency lighting device as described in an alternative embodiment of the invention;

[0040] [Fig. 9] is a schematic view of an emergency lighting device as described in an alternative embodiment of the invention; and,

[0041] [Fig. 10] is a schematic view of a situation showing two embodiments of the invention.

[0042] Emergency lighting devices, as defined by the invention, are cylindrical or polyhedral emergency lighting units comprising at least one wall of a certain thickness. The most common shape for an emergency lighting unit is that of a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The lighting device 1 also includes walls of thickness 5 extending between the front face 3 and the rear face. The walls of thickness include at least two lateral walls 6 and at least two longitudinal walls having a top wall and a bottom wall 7.

[0045] At least one fixing device may be included in the upper wall or the rear face to allow the lighting device to be hung in the desired location.

[0046] Firstly, the rear face includes a fixing element allowing the lighting device 1 to be fixed to a wall in a well-known way, for example by means of a wall mounting plate or by screwing the rear face directly into the wall.

[0047] Alternatively, the upper wall includes a fastening element for fixing or suspending the lighting device 1 from the ceiling or a door frame. This fastening element may, for example, contain suspension wires for suspending the lighting device 1 from the ceiling.

[0048] The invention is not limited to a particular fixing element, whether or not included in the lighting device 1. Indeed, fixing kits can be offered separately so that the user can fix the lighting device 1 in the desired location and in the desired manner.

[0049] The lighting device 1 includes a pictogram display element 11, the visible face of which is positioned against the front face.

[0050] The pictogram display unit 11 thus comprises a sheet whose visible face contains a pictogram and a directional sign. Said sheet is covered by a transparent cover forming the front face or covering a transparent cover forming the front face.

[0051] The displayed pictogram represents a silhouette of a person running through a door. The silhouette is green while the door is white.

[0052] The pictogram display unit 11 also displays a white directional sign to guide users towards an evacuation route. The pictogram display unit 11 also has a green background.

[0053] The choice to use a colored background stems from experimental results presented in detail later in the description. The choice of green is also related to user habits.

[0054] The color green is often used to indicate to users that they can proceed through a crossing, such as at traffic lights. A green light indicates that the user can enter the crossing. Thus, the use of the color green is easily perceived as a color representing permission.

[0055] Similarly, in the invention, the pictogram shown is not modified compared to the prior art, being standardized and well known to the user who will therefore follow the direction specified.

[0056] The lighting device 1 includes first lighting means for illuminating the front face 3 and consequently the pictogram display element 11. These first lighting means thus allow the user's eye to be drawn to the lighting device 1.

[0057] In a first embodiment, the first lighting means may include an LED or OLED light arranged in the body of the lighting device 1 between the front face 3 and the rear face.

[0058] Alternatively, the first lighting means may also include lighting arranged at the extremities of the front face 3. The light from the lighting being emitted in the direction of the front face 3.

[0059] The activation of these first lighting devices presented above can be controlled in several ways.

[0060] The first lighting devices can be activated when an alarm is triggered, which is connected to the lighting system via wired communication means.

[0061] According to another alternative, the first lighting devices are controlled remotely, for example by a remote computer installed in a control center or by a remote control.

[0062] In this case, the activation information may be sent via Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, or any other radio frequency signal to a remote transmitter. The lighting device 1 then includes a radio frequency receiver adapted to capture the activation signals and to control the activation of the initial lighting elements.

[0063] The lighting device 1 also includes secondary lighting means chosen to influence the user's decision on the direction of evacuation, whether the lighting device is located in the user's peripheral or central vision.

[0064] The different combinations of the secondary lighting methods presented below were chosen based on empirical experimental results that allow us to understand how users' visual perception works, particularly the elements they perceive during evacuation situations.

[0065] 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, a target with the characteristics to be tested displayed randomly in a complex visual scene representing realistic environments, for example shopping centers.

[0066] Mouse-tracking, also called mouse tracking, allows us to measure uncertainty in decision-making, the number of correct decisions, the reaction time taken by the participant to detect the target, and the speed of mouse movement towards the target.

[0067] Experiments have shown that depending on whether the device is detected in central vision when the participant is looking at the device head-on, or in peripheral vision when the participant is not looking at the device head-on, the user does not detect the same elements as quickly. Therefore, there are shape / color combinations that maximize target detectability performance depending on the viewing angle.

[0068] In a first embodiment, with reference to Figure 1, the second light means can correspond to at least one flashing light element 15 or at least one peripheral light element 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.

[0069] The flashing light element 15 and the peripheral light element 15 emit achromatic light. Achromatic light is understood to mean white lights and black or grey visual signals (of varying shades).

[0070] Indeed, with reference to Figure 2, showing the percentage of detection as a function of the color of the target for all target shapes combined in peripheral vision, achromatic light is the best detected with a percentage of 26%.

[0071] Preferably, the achromatic light diffused by the flashing light organ 15 and the peripheral light organ 15 is white light. Indeed, in peripheral vision, the human retina more readily detects white light. Preferably, the flashing or peripheral light organ 15 is mounted on a background with a color that contrasts with the white achromatic light.

[0072] Furthermore, the flashing light element 15 and the peripheral light element 15 are chosen so as to have an angular shape and consequently they diffuse light of the same shape.

[0073] Indeed, with reference to Figure 3, showing the percentage of detection (left) and reaction time (right) as a function of the shape of the target, all target colors combined in peripheral vision, angular shapes are the most easily and quickly detected, with the triangular shape being the best detected with a percentage of 23% and a reaction time of 1.32 seconds and the straight shape being detected with a percentage of 22% and a reaction time of 1.33 seconds.

[0074] Preferably, the shape of the flashing light element 15 and the peripheral light element 15 is rectangular, with a narrow width. Although, according to Figure 3, the triangular shape is the most efficient, it is not chosen because, being an unusual shape, its technical implementation and manufacturing cost are more complicated and higher than a rectangular shape.

[0075] The light emitted by the flashing light element 15 also exhibits a flashing frequency ranging from 5 Hz to 24 Hz. Indeed, with reference to Figure 4, showing the The detection rate varies depending on the blinking frequency (from 1 Hz to 40 Hz), with the frequency range of 5 Hz to 24 Hz exhibiting the highest detection rate at 98%. Furthermore, referring to Figure 5, which shows the average correct response time as a function of blinking frequency (from 1 Hz to 40 Hz), the frequency range of 5 Hz to 24 Hz demonstrates the best detection rate. Blinking also helps to attract the user's attention, as it is more easily perceived than a static light.

[0076] Preferably, the flashing light 15 flashes at a frequency of 10 Hz, as this frequency best attracts the user's attention and is the most optimal for the user. Indeed, Figure 5 shows the reaction times between two luminance levels of the device with high contrast (i.e., white light flashing against a black background) and medium contrast (i.e., white light flashing against a gray background). This figure shows that targets were detected more quickly at 30 Hz and 40 Hz when the contrast was high (1.70 ± 0.18 s and 1.71 ± 0.20 s) than at medium (2.00 ± 0.19 s and 2.07 ± 0.15 s). Conversely, 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 blink rate does not interact significantly with the target contrast factor (mean contrast: 1.39 ± 0.16s; strong contrast: 1.39 ± 0.16s). Therefore, the 10 Hz frequency was identified as the most effective with a lower average correct response time than other frequencies, regardless of the contrast used.

[0077] The flashing light element 15 is installed, as shown in Figure 1, in a rib 16 on the side wall 6 to direct the light in a single direction. Consequently, if a user is looking at the lighting device 1 from the front, the light emitted by the flashing light element 15 is barely visible. Conversely, if the user is positioned at a lateral distance from the lighting device, the light emitted by the flashing light element will be clearly visible.

[0078] The installation of the flashing light unit 15 at the level of the side wall 6 is not limited to installation in a rib, other arrangements can also be used.

[0079] In a second embodiment of the invention, the indicator light comprises at least one light source generating, at the location most visible to the user in central vision, an indicator 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 may also generate light on the device.

[0080] This luminous emission organ 17 is chosen to diffuse chromatic light, i.e., colored light.

[0081] Indeed, with reference to Figure 6, which shows the detection percentage as a function of target color for all target shapes combined in central vision, chromatic light is detected best, with detection percentages exceeding 88%, while achromatic light has a detection percentage of 75%. More Specifically, the colors yellow and green are the best detected, with a detection percentage of 91% and 90% respectively.

[0082] Furthermore, the average reaction times to colors are shorter for red and green color targets at 1.35 seconds than for yellow and blue color targets at 1.36 seconds.

[0083] Therefore, the preferred chromatic light used has a wavelength between 492 nm and 577 nm, corresponding to the emission of green light, as this color is the most easily detected and is often associated with permission, specifically permission to proceed or enter a passage. The chromatic light used can also have a wavelength between 622 nm and 780 nm, corresponding to the emission of red light. Although yellow is the most easily detected color, red is preferred because it is usually associated with prohibition, particularly with safety signs.

[0084] The light-emitting element 17 is also chosen to generate a circular light on the ground. Indeed, in frontal vision, humans detect objects more quickly and are influenced by a curvilinear shape rather than a polygon, as shown in Figure 7, which illustrates the detection percentage as a function of the target's shape in central vision. The circular shape is detected best, with a detection percentage of 88%, higher than other shapes.

[0085] Alternatively, the light-emitting organ 17 can also diffuse a shape inside the circle.

[0086] For example, an arrow shape can be generated on the ground within the circle, pointing in an evacuation direction corresponding to the direction displayed by the illuminated pictogram display 11, in order to remind and indicate the direction to take. This arrow thus serves as a reminder of the directional sign on the pictogram display 11. Emphasizing a direction influences the user, encouraging them to follow it rather than heading in another direction.

[0087] 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 discourage the user from taking the indicated direction.

[0088] In this alternative embodiment, the luminous pictogram display unit 11' features a digital display using electronic paper technology, also known as "e-paper".

[0089] Electronic paper technology is a display technique using flexible media. This technique does not require power to maintain an image or text display. In fact, without power, the display remains in a stable state representing the last displayed image. A power source is only needed to change the text or image being displayed.

[0090] The digital display is not limited to electronic paper; other displays such as tablets or electronic or OLED screens can be used.

[0091] Electronic paper technology is used to enable pictogram changes and depending on the situation and the evacuation plan to be implemented.

[0092] Thus, this allows us to move from the pictogram with the background described previously to a pictogram and a background that can discourage the user from taking the path, for example.

[0093] The pictogram may then display an elongated silhouette with flames next to it. The user will therefore quickly understand that the path is dangerous.

[0094] The background color is also changed; it can, for example, become red. Indeed, the color red is often used to indicate a prohibition or danger, such as on road signs or traffic lights. Consequently, the user quickly associates the color red with a prohibition.

[0095] The illuminated pictogram display 11 also features a light element to illuminate and light it.

[0096] In the case where the illuminated pictogram display 11' has a backlit digital display, the light source for illuminating the pictogram display is not installed.

[0097] In this alternative embodiment, the flashing light 15' on the side wall 6' is switched off.

[0098] Thus, no light is diffused by the side walls 6', so the user looking at the lighting device 1' on the sides is not attracted in that direction.

[0099] Similarly, the light 17' on the lower wall 7' is chosen so that it diffuses a red color light onto the ground since the color red is generally associated with a prohibition for the user.

[0100] Alternatively, the 17' light organ can also diffuse a shape inside the circle.

[0101] A cross can be generated on the ground, which discourages the user from taking that direction. The cross is also perceived as a prohibition.

[0102] The lighting device 1 and 1' is not limited to the embodiments shown above. The lighting device 1 and 1' may also include a combination of the different embodiments shown above.

[0103] The lighting device may also feature a digital display as well as the two luminous means of indication shown.

[0104] According to an alternative embodiment, with reference to figure 9, the lighting device 1” has a cylindrical shape comprising a front face 3” and a wall of thickness 5”.

[0105] The 1” lighting device can include the various embodiments described above with the sole difference that it is cylindrical in shape.

[0106] Thus, the 5" thick wall includes a 15" flashing light element as previously described. This 15" flashing light element is positioned so as to be visible in the peripheral vision of a user at a distance from the device.

[0107] The 5” thick wall also includes a 17” emitting light element as previously described. This 17” emitting light element is positioned so as to be seen in central vision by a user located facing the lighting device 1”.

[0108] In an alternative embodiment, the second lighting means are activated and controlled by control means such that the emitted light has a color, a flashing frequency, and / or a generated shape at the location most visible to the user that is suitable for influencing the user in the direction of evacuation. By influencing, it is understood that the user will be attracted in the indicated direction rather than another direction by means of the various lighting means included in the lighting device 1.

[0109] The control means include means similar to those described previously as remote control means via “Wi-Fi®” or “Bluetooth®”.

[0110] Thus, the changes to be made can be controlled remotely from a control room.

[0111] However, commands can also be managed automatically by a computer program. This program can, in particular, trigger pre-recorded evacuation scenarios or implement an artificial intelligence module adapted to make decisions based on data collected by various measurement points placed throughout the building. For example, smoke detectors can identify the location of a fire within the building and thus adapt the evacuation plan accordingly.

[0112] Figure 10 illustrates a lighting device in situ, presenting a combination of the different embodiments presented above.

[0113] With reference to this figure, the left lighting device 1" includes an 11" pictogram display which shows a pictogram of a silhouette running through a door on a green background and an arrow indicating the direction to take.

[0114] The left lighting device 1" also includes another light element 17" which projects onto the ground a chromatic light having a wavelength between 492 nm and 577 nm and corresponding to the emission of a green color in a circular shape with an arrow showing the same direction as the display of pictogram 11".

[0115] Thus, the user on the left, located in front of the left 1" lighting device, will detect it more quickly and follow the indicated direction.

[0116] In addition, the left lighting device 1” also includes a flashing light element 15” emitting a white flashing light at one of the side walls of the left lighting device 1”.

[0117] This achromatic flashing light will capture the attention of the user on the right so that they move towards the lighting device on the left 11” and follow the direction indicated by it.

[0118] Finally, the right-hand lighting device 11” had its pictogram changed as well as the background color, which then became red.

[0119] The light generated on the ground also changed color to become red with a wavelength of the emitted light between 622 nm and 780 nm, signaling to the user on the right, located in front of this right-hand lighting device 11" that they should not follow that direction.

[0120] To also avoid attracting the attention of the user on the left, the 15" flashing light element is then switched off so as not to emit achromatic flashing light.

[0121] This figure therefore illustrates the fact that, depending on the emergency situation and the path to be taken, lighting devices are modified to indicate or prohibit a direction to users during evacuation.

[0122] The control means include means similar to those described previously as remote control means.

[0123] Thus, the changes to be made can be ordered by man in a control room but also by a computer program or artificial intelligence which will make a decision based on data collected by different measurement points placed in the building and / or according to a pre-recorded evacuation scenario.

Claims

Claims

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 of thickness (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 wall of thickness (5, 5', 5”), said second light means being chosen so that the emitted light has a color combination and / or an emitted shape adapted to influence the user's decision on the chosen evacuation direction depending on his position in the environment.

2. Lighting device (1, 1', 1 ”, 1 '”) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second light means comprise a central light emitting member of a signaling light (17, 17', 17”, 17'”) arranged on said at least one wall of thickness.

3. Lighting device (1, 1', 1 ”, 1 '”) according to claim 2, characterized in that the central emitting light member (17, 17', 17”, 17'”) generates, on the floor, on the ceiling or on the device, a colored light of curvilinear shape.

4. Lighting device (1, 1', 1 ”, 1 '”) according to claim 3, characterized in that the central emitting light member (17, 17', 17”, 17'”) generates a green circular light.

5. Lighting device (1, 1', 1 ”, 1 '”) according to claim 4, characterized in that the central emitting light member (17, 17', 17”, 17'”) generates a red circular light.

6. Lighting device (1, 1', 1 ”, 1 '”) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second light means comprise a peripheral light member (15, 15', 15”, 15'”) arranged on said at least one wall of thickness (5, 5', 5”).

7. Lighting device (1, 1', 1 ”, 1 '”) according to claim 6, characterized in that the peripheral light member (15, 15', 15”, 15'”) emits an achromatic light of angular shape.

8. Lighting device (1, 1', 1 ”, 1 '”) according to claim 6, characterized in that the peripheral light member (15, 15', 15”, 15'”) emits achromatic light of rectangular shape.

9. Lighting device (1', 1 ”,1 ”') according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lighting device (1', 1 ”, 1 '”) comprises a digital display whose visible face is arranged against the front face (3').

10. Lighting device (F, 1”, 1'”) according to claim 9, characterized in that the digital display comprises electronic paper.

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