Adaptive lighting system and method for operators in an operational area

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method that integrates advanced, automatically controllable searchlights, particularly those mounted on a vehicle roof or a light bar. Utilizing localization technologies such as Visible Light Communication (VLC), Ultra Wideband (UWB), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Radio Frequency (RF), the system tracks a device worn by the operator, adjusting the headlight orientation to maintain maximum illumination of personnel and surrounding areas. This system offers various operational modes, including automatic operator tracking and automatic beam transition, to dynamically adapt to the needs of operators, especially emergency and rescue personnel.The main advantages over existing systems include greater responsiveness, reduced manual intervention time, and improved operational safety. See Figure 8 for the summary.

Description

Title of the invention: Adaptive lighting system and method for operators in an operational area

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method of adaptive lighting for operators in an operational area. Scope of the invention

[0002] This invention is in the field of lighting systems for operators in an operational area, in particular for emergency and rescue vehicles.

[0003] In particular, it is a system which uses advanced tracking technologies and dynamic controls to automatically direct headlights towards moving personnel, thereby improving the visibility and efficiency of operations such as emergency and rescue operations, and significantly increasing operator safety. State of the art

[0004] Traditional lighting systems for operators, particularly for emergency and rescue vehicles, are often inadequate to respond quickly to the dynamics of an operation, where personnel move frequently and in conditions of varying visibility within an operational area.

[0005] These systems often require manual intervention to direct the headlights, which leads to delays and reduces operational efficiency. For example, in nighttime search and rescue situations, personnel may need to move quickly across uneven terrain and obstacles, making it difficult to maintain constant illumination.

[0006] This invention aims to overcome the limitations of existing systems by offering a more responsive and adaptive mechanism, which makes it possible to maintain optimal lighting on moving personnel without the need for constant manual interventions. Purpose and object of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an adaptive lighting system and method which solves the problems and overcomes the disadvantages of the known technique.

[0008] The invention relates to an adaptive lighting system for one or more operators in an operational area, characterized by comprising:

[0009] - one or more electronic adjustable headlights arranged in the area operational, having the ability to automatically direct one or more respective light beams;

[0010] - means for tracking the position of one or more operators relative to one or several electronic adjustable headlights;

[0011] - means for dynamically controlling one or more of said steerable headlights electronic, the dynamic control means being configured to control the activation and / or orientation of one or more of said respective light beams on the basis of the reciprocal position of one or more of said operators and one or more of said headlights;

[0012] in which said dynamic control means are configured to automatically switch from one headlight to another of said one or more electronic steerable headlights according to said position of said one or more operators, and to direct a light beam of said one or more respective light beams forward relative to the position of said one or more operators to illuminate a path of advance of said one or more operators.

[0013] According to other characteristics:

[0014] - the system includes means for communicating commands of said or of said operators to said means of dynamic control.

[0015] - the means of command communication include a user interface based on configurable touch gestures and / or configurable voice commands.

[0016] - the means of command communication include a user interface based on augmented reality (AR) glasses, configured to allow said one or more operators to view and control in real time the activation and / or direction of said one or more respective light beams relative to their position.

[0017] - voice commands include commands to move one or more respective beams of light forward from a predefined distance to illuminate the path of advance of said operator(s).

[0018] - said one or more electronic steerable headlights are configured to be positioned independently in the operational scenario by vertical support means of said one or more steerable electronic beacons.

[0019] - said support means are respectively one or more tripods.

[0020] - said one or more electronic steerable headlights are networked, the dynamic control means being also connected to said network and being configured to synchronize said one or more steerable electronic beacons with each other in order to maintain optimal coverage of the operational area.

[0021] - each of said one or more electronic steerable headlights is controlled by said dynamic control means to track at least one of said one or more operators.

[0022] - the system includes at least one infrared camera, and said control means dynamics include or communicate with an artificial intelligence (AI) trained to recognize features of said operational area and / or the position of said one or more operators in the data of said at least one infrared camera.

[0023] - at least one of said one or more electronic steerable headlights are installed on a vehicle.

[0024] - the tracking means are integrated into at least one of said one or more lighthouses steerable electronics.

[0025] The invention further relates to a method of controlling an adaptive lighting system for one or more operators in an operational area by means of one or more steerable electronic headlights having the capacity to automatically direct one or more respective light beams, comprising the following steps:

[0026] - to provide the adaptive lighting system as defined above,

[0027] - detect the position of said operator(s) by means of position sensors;

[0028] - automatically adjust, by one or more of said electronic headlights steerable, the orientation and / or activation of one or more light beams of one or more steerable electronic headlights according to the detected position of one or more of said operators.

[0029] In the method, the following additional steps may be carried out:

[0030] - move one or more respective light beams forward relative to the operator positioning by means of touch input, voice input or augmented reality devices.

[0031] In the method, the following additional step may be carried out:

[0032] - direct one or more respective light beams based on the characteristics of said operational area and / or the position of one or more operators in relation to one or more electronic steerable beacons.

[0033] Detailed description of examples of embodiments of the invention

[0034] List of figures

[0035] The invention will now be described by way of illustration but not limitation, with particular reference to the drawings in the accompanying figures, in which:

[0036] [Fig-1] shows a first top view of the pointing in the lighting system with advanced pointing according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0037] [Fig.2] shows a second top view of the pointing of the light beam by report to the operator according to another form of realization;

[0038] [Fig.3] shows a third top view of the pointing according to another form of realization of the invention;

[0039] [Fig.4] shows a fourth lateral view of the pointing according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0040] [Fig.5] shows a fifth top view of personnel lighting by a light bar installed on a vehicle, according to one aspect of the system of the invention;

[0041] [Fig.6] shows a diagram of the system's operation according to one aspect of the invention;

[0042] [Fig.7] shows another embodiment of the invention with headlights that can be positioned arbitrarily on the ground, for example on a construction site;

[0043] [Fig.8] shows a similar embodiment to that of [Fig.7], but in which different sets of lights follow different operators in the field;

[0044] [Fig.9] shows a similar embodiment to that of Figures 7 and 8, in which a set of headlights follows a single operator.

[0045] It is specified here that elements of different embodiments can be combined with each other to provide other embodiments without limits, respecting the technical concept of the invention, as the average technician in the sector understands without difficulty from what is described.

[0046] This description also refers to the known technique for its implementation, with regard to detailed features not described, such as minor elements usually used in the known technique in solutions of the same type.

[0047] When an element is introduced, it is always understood that it can be "at least one" or "one or more".

[0048] When a list of elements or features is enumerated in this description, it is understood that the invention according to the invention "includes" or alternatively "is composed of" these elements.

[0049] When features are listed in the same sentence or list, one or more of the individual features may be included in the invention without connection with the other features in the list. Forms of implementation

[0050] For the illustration of the embodiments, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 9. Headlight integration and configuration

[0051] One or more beacons 110 are equipped with motorized mechanisms that allow for precise and rapid rotation, configurable to respond to specific location signals received, for example, from the operator's device 210. These beacons 110 can be mounted on weatherproof and shock-resistant structures, suitable for use in extreme conditions. For example, the beacons They can rotate 360 ​​degrees horizontally and 180 degrees vertically to ensure complete coverage. Furthermore, with reference to the specific embodiment shown in [Fig. 5], one or more headlights 410 can be integrated onto a light bar 400, which can also rotate perpendicularly to the vehicle 300 to allow the bar equipment to be oriented to ensure visibility in all operational situations.

[0052] Operating methods

[0053] 1. Follow mode: In this mode, the headlights 110 are set to maintain The lighting on the operator 200, by modifying the type, intensity, and / or direction of the beam 111, 112, 113, 114, 411, 415 (or by activating the headlight itself, all possibilities being included in the term "activation" in this document, including the claims) depending on the distance of the operator 200 from the vehicle 100, 300. The tracking technology ensures that the operator 200 is always visible, regardless of their rapid or sudden movements. For example, if the operator 200 moves quickly between obstacles, the headlights 110 adapt in real time to maintain continuous illumination.

[0054] 2. Beam transition: automatically, the headlights 110 switch from one beam The beam widens to a narrow beam when the operator moves more than 20 meters away from the vehicle, generally maintaining visibility up to 50 meters. This feature is particularly useful for operations in open and spacious environments where personnel may need to cover large distances quickly. The transition between the different beam types is made possible by distance sensors (shown only in the functional diagram in [Fig. 6]) which continuously calculate the operator's position relative to the headlights. The sensors can be integrated into the headlights or in other known locations.

[0055] In all embodiments, the sensors or "tracking means" 130 for the position of one or more operators 200 are such that they provide the position relative to one or more steerable electronic beacons 110, 410, 510. This can be done by identifying the distance to the beacons and / or the position of the operators and subtracting this from the known positions of the beacons. For example, the relative position can be calculated with respect to only one of the beacons, and then the unit 120 uses this position for tracking or calculates an average position relative to all the beacons, knowing the position of the other beacons. Other methods are possible for calculating this relative distance. Intuitive control

[0056] The 110, 120, 130, 210 system can be controlled by a 210 remote control with a touch interface, which responds to specific tap sequences to change lighting modes or turn the system on / off. The 210 remote control can be designed for ease of use, even with gloves, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted interaction during emergency and rescue operations. For example, a double tap could activate the invention's automatic tracking mode, while a sweep could regulate the intensity of the beams 111, 112, 113, 114, 411, 415, 511-515. In addition to the automatic functions that can be activated and customized with buttons, the 210 remote control can also take control of the 110 beacon using the available buttons to operate it manually up to a distance of 150 meters. Voice commands

[0057] The system according to the invention can be designed to support voice command input, allowing operators to control the system hands-free. Using a built-in microphone or one connected to the system via Bluetooth, operators can activate specific modes, adjust the intensity of the light beam, or manually direct the headlights simply by speaking predefined voice commands. This function is particularly useful in situations where the operator's hands are occupied or when using a remote control is impractical.

[0058] For example, during an emergency intervention, an operator 200 could say "Activate tracking mode" to activate automatic tracking and maintain optimal lighting without having to resort to manual interactions. Control via augmented reality (AR) glasses

[0059] The system according to the invention can also be controlled through compatible augmented reality glasses. The AR glasses, integrated into the system via a wireless connection, display a user interface superimposed on the operator's vision, allowing them to monitor and adjust the lighting system without having to take their eyes off the operational area. Gestures, such as a head movement or a tap on the glasses, can be used to change the headlight settings or to switch between modes.

[0060] For example, a firefighter could use the AR glasses to see in real time where the 110 headlights are pointing and adjust them with a simple gesture of the head, without interrupting his operations.

[0061] In each embodiment, the control unit allows switching from one lighthouse to another which emphasizes a specific operator. Misaligned pointing of the light beam

[0062] In addition to the existing control modes, the system according to the invention offers the possibility of moving the pointing of the light beam 111, 112, 113, 114, 411, 415, 511-515 relative to the position of the operator 200. This functionality allows the operator to decide whether to precede the light beam with its movement, illuminating the area in front rather than its current position (in this case, it is still necessary to know the current position in order to perform a differential movement). Using voice commands, the touch interface of the 210 remote control, or augmented reality glasses, the operator can adjust the movement of the light beam 111, 112, 113, 114, 411, 415, 511-515 by a few meters in the direction of travel.

[0063] For example, operator 200 can use commands such as "Move beam 5 meters forward" to have the system illuminate the path ahead, making it easier to move forward in dark environments or on unfamiliar terrain.

[0064] Alternatively, through the touch interface of the remote control 210, the operator can easily regulate the movement of the beam with a simple swipe or tap, setting the distance the light advances relative to its position.

[0065] Alternatively, with the use of augmented reality glasses, the operator can visualize and regulate in real time the pointing of the light beam 111, 112, 113, 114, 411, 415, 511-515 by virtually moving it forward to illuminate the path before physically reaching it.

[0066] For example, a medical operator 200 who is moving quickly in a hostile environment can move the light beam 10 meters forward to ensure that the path is well lit, allowing him to advance safely without having to manually control the positioning of the light at each stage.

[0067] For example, three application scenarios of the present invention are given below.

[0068] The first scenario concerns the detection of an incident by the police. Upon detecting an incident, the police officer will be able to walk freely in the incident area (generally the "operational zone") with the assurance that the area around them is constantly illuminated. They will be able to block the light beam or modify their area by selecting the light beam, thus ensuring optimal illumination without distractions.

[0069] The second scenario concerns medical rescue. Healthcare professionals and / or paramedics responding to an accident scene can benefit from dynamic lighting that follows them from initial first aid, through loading onto a stretcher, to loading the stretcher into the ambulance, without having to worry about managing the light beam using a remote control or radio command. This allows them to concentrate entirely on providing medical assistance.

[0070] The third scenario concerns firefighter operations. Firefighters can move freely with the equipment necessary for the intervention, confident that lighting will follow them from their vehicle to the intervention zone. This ensures that they can work safely, with optimal visibility at all stages of the operation.

[0071] Referring to the functional diagram in [Fig. 6], the control unit 120 mounted on the vehicle 100, 300 receives the relative position from the sensor 130, which may be a sensor mounted on the vehicle 100, 300 or worn by the operator 200, or both, and optionally from commands from the touchscreen device 210 or an augmented reality device. The control unit then adjusts the position and / or orientation of the headlights 110 to direct the light beams accordingly.

[0072] The control unit 120 can also be positioned in an operational scenario in the absence of the vehicle, as illustrated below, and receive commands from the device 210 or from an AI 550 which processes images of the operational scenario (see below) and which can run on the same control unit or on a remote server. Other applications

[0073] In addition to its use in emergency and rescue vehicles, the system of the invention proves useful in contexts such as:

[0074] • Roadside assistance and road maintenance: Operators who work on Busy roads can rely on automated and adaptive visibility, thus reducing the risk of accidents.

[0075] • Private surveillance: Security teams can use the invention to to illuminate and monitor sensitive areas such as car parks, residential complexes and industrial sites.

[0076] • Construction sites: the system can be installed on tripods self-powered telescopic units to provide a flexible and distributed lighting network over large work areas.

[0077] With specific reference to Figures 7 to 9, in contexts such as construction sites or large-scale road maintenance, the headlights 510 of the invention can be mounted on self-powered telescopic tripods 520, strategically distributed within an operational area. These tripods 520 (more generally, vertical support means) serve as hubs to extend the range of the lighting network, creating a distributed system that allows operators to move freely. Each headlight 510 can be networked and synchronizes with the others to maintain optimal coverage of the area with light beams 511, 512, for example, on a construction site.

[0078] Each 510 lighthouse functions as a node in the lighthouse network, extending coverage and enabling operators to be followed by a beam of light even in wide and open spaces.

[0079] The headlights 510 mounted on the tripods 520 automatically orient themselves towards the operator, ensuring constant lighting while the operator 200 moves around the work area.

[0080] This system can be monitored and managed via a touch screen or remote control, with the possibility of configuring the orientation and / or activation of the 510 headlights in real time.

[0081] The headlights 510 can be controlled so as to split to follow different operators 200, as in [Fig.8], where the beams 515 on the one hand and 513, 514 follow different operators 200.

[0082] On the other hand, several headlights 510 can follow a single operator 200, as in [Fig.9], to illuminate a wide field of work (for example, an area under surveillance), for example in front of a wall 600.

[0083] In general, each 510 beacon (also in emergency and rescue embodiments) can be equipped with intelligence capable of communicating with a personal remote control of an operator, so as to make operators independent of beacons that are not yet paired. Alternatively, the beacons can be subdivided by a central unit to which each operator connects autonomously, the operator's position being tracked by appropriate tracking systems positioned on tripods or in other locations.

[0084] In this respect, the system of the invention can be further improved by implementing cameras with normal vision and / or infrared (night vision), combined with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. This improvement allows the system to learn and adapt to operational scenarios, optimizing lighting management and improving operator safety in real time.

[0085] The cameras, supported by FIA, provide images that FIA can process for recognizing the characteristics of environments or operational areas and the habitual behaviors of operators. This allows the system to identify recurring patterns and predict the optimal lighting distribution, ensuring that crucial areas are constantly illuminated. In this way, the operator does not need to interact with the lighting system of the invention.

[0086] According to one aspect of the invention, using facial recognition or other visual indicators, the system can further locate the group coordinator within the scenario. The dynamic lighting automatically follows the coordinator, improving visibility in areas where the most critical operations take place.

[0087] Thanks to real-time image and data processing, AI may be able to detect abnormal situations such as:

[0088] - Aggressions or fights: the system can detect sudden movements or violent and intensify lighting in the affected area, while quickly alerting operators.

[0089] - Sudden fires or explosions: heat sensors and cameras Thermal sensors can detect sudden and dangerous heat sources, automatically activating an emergency protocol.

[0090] - Injured among the rescuers: the system of the invention can identify an operator which collapses or becomes immobile, signaling a possible injury situation and attracting the attention of other group members.

[0091] In all embodiments, the dynamic control means 120 of one or more electronic swiveling headlights can regulate, autonomously or under control, the color and / or intensity of the light beams of one or more headlights, when these are equipped with appropriate lighting elements.

[0092] Two or more of the parts (elements, devices, systems) described above can be freely combined and considered as a kit of parts according to the invention. Applications and benefits

[0093] The present invention represents a significant advancement in the field of field lighting systems, with a particular focus on improving visibility and safety through the use of advanced tracking and dynamic control technologies. The integration of precise localization technologies and automatic lighting control ensures that operators remain constantly visible, reducing risks and improving operational efficiency. Artificial intelligence systems can be integrated for automatic obstacle recognition and real-time optimization of lighting paths.

[0094] An example of an application is a large-scale construction site. Operators working at night on a construction site can move freely between the different tripods distributed throughout the area, knowing that the headlights will automatically adapt to their movements to ensure constant and safe visibility.

[0095] Another example is road maintenance on highways: during maintenance work on a section of highway, headlights mounted on tripods ensure that each operational area is illuminated, preventing potential accidents with vehicles in transit.

[0096] Another area of ​​application is private surveillance in large areas: in surveillance contexts, spotlights mounted on tripods can be distributed around a property to monitor every movement and ensure continuous security.

[0097] With regard to the use of AI in the system of the invention, the advantages for operational safety are as follows:

[0098] - Dynamic adaptation to the environment: the use of AI allows the system to continuously adapt the distribution of lighting according to environmental and operational conditions, improving visibility and reducing risks;

[0099] - Automated and rapid response: integration with AI allows the system to the invention of reacting in real time to dangerous situations, without the need for manual interventions, considerably improving response times;

[0100] - Intelligent hazard recognition: the ability to identify behaviors Identifying abnormal and dangerous situations in advance significantly reduces the risk of accidents or injuries, protecting both operators and civilians involved in the operation.

[0101] Possible operational scenarios for the system of the invention incorporating AI include:

[0102] - Intervention in urban emergency situations: in an urban context, the The system of the invention, enhanced by cameras and AI, can simultaneously monitor multiple operators, track the group coordinator, and quickly illuminate potentially dangerous situations such as fights or fires;

[0103] - Rescue operations on complex construction sites: during an intervention on a On construction sites, the system can intelligently manage lighting, improving visibility in active work areas and monitoring for abnormal movements or hazards such as explosions or accidents;

[0104] - Control of high-traffic areas: in surveillance or In areas with high levels of public safety, AI-powered cameras can locate overcrowding situations, violent or dangerous behavior, and immediately alert response teams.

[0105] The integration of AI-powered cameras into the system of the invention represents a significant evolutionary step in operational security management. It not only improves the ability to adapt to and respond to threats, but also provides intelligent and automated protection that dynamically adapts to changes in the operational scenario.

[0106] In the foregoing, preferred embodiments have been described and variants of the present invention have been suggested, but it is understood that experts in the field may make modifications and changes without departing from the relevant scope of protection, as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

Demands

1. Adaptive lighting system (110, 120, 130, 210, 510) for one or more operators (200) in an operational area, characterized by comprising: - one or more electronic steerable headlights (110, 410, 510) arranged in the operational area, having the capacity to automatically direct one or more respective light beams (111, 112, 113, 114, 411, 415, 511-515); - means for tracking (130) the position of one or more operators (200) relative to one or more electronic steerable headlights (110, 410, 510); - dynamic control means (120) of one or more of said electronic orientable headlights, the dynamic control means being configured to control the activation and / or orientation of one or more of said respective light beams (111, 112, 113, 114, 411, 415, 511-515) on the basis of the reciprocal position of one or more of said operators (200) and one or more of said headlights (110,410,510);in which said dynamic control means (120) are configured to automatically switch from one headlight to another of said one or more electronic steerable headlights (110) according to said position of said one or more operators (200), and to direct a light beam (111, 112, 113, 114, 411, 415, 511-515) of said one or more respective light beams forward relative to the position of said one or more operators (200) to illuminate a path of advance of said one or more operators.;

2. System according to claim 1, further comprising means for communicating commands (210) from said operator(s) (200) to said dynamic control means (120).

3. System according to claim 2, wherein the command communication means (210) comprise a user interface based on configurable touch gestures and / or configurable voice commands.

4. System according to claim 2, wherein the command communication means (210) comprise a user interface based on augmented reality (AR) glasses, configured to allow said one or more operators (200) to view and control in real time the activation and / or direction of said one or more respective light beams (111, 112, 113, 114, 411, 415, 511-515) with respect to their position.

5. System according to claim 4, wherein the voice commands include commands to move one or more respective light beams (111, 112, 113, 114, 411, 415, 511-515) forward a predefined distance to illuminate the path of advance of said operator(s) (200).

6. System according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said one or more steerable electronic beacons (510) are configured to be positioned independently in the operational scenario by vertical support means (520) for said one or more steerable electronic beacons.

7. System according to claim 6, wherein said support means are respectively one or more tripods (520).

8. System according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said one or more steerable electronic beacons (510) are networked, the dynamic control means (120) also being connected to said network and being configured to synchronize said one or more steerable electronic beacons (510) with each other in order to maintain optimal coverage of the operational area.

9. System according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each of said one or more steerable electronic beacons (110, 410, 510) is controlled by said dynamic control means (120) to follow at least one of said one or more operators (200).

10. System according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein there is further comprised at least one infrared camera, and said dynamic control means (120) comprise or communicate with an artificial intelligence (AI) trained to recognize (550) features of said operational area and / or the position of said one or more operators (200) in the data of said at least one infrared camera.

11. System according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of said one or more electronic steerable headlights (110, 410) are installed on a vehicle (100).

12. System according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the tracking means (130) are integrated into at least one of said one or more steerable electronic beacons (110, 410, 510).

13. Method of controlling an adaptive lighting system (110, 120, 130, 210, 410, 510) of one or more operators (200) in an operational area by means of one or more steerable electronic headlights (110, 410, 510) having the capacity to automatically direct one or more respective light beams (111, 112, 113, 114, 411, 415, 511-515), comprising the following steps: - providing the adaptive lighting system (110, 120, 130, 210, 410, 510) of any one of claims 1 to 12; - detecting (120) the position of said operator(s) (200) by means of position sensors (130); - automatically adjust (120), by one or more of said electronic orientable headlights (110, 410, 510), the orientation and / or activation of one or more light beams (111, 112, 113, 114; 411, 415; 511-515) of one or more electronic orientable headlights (110, 410, 510) according to the detected position of one or more of said operators (200).

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the adaptive lighting system is that of claim 1 or 5 and the following additional steps are carried out: - move one or more respective light beams (111, 112, 113, 114; 411, 415; 511, 512, 513, 514, 515) forward relative to the position of the operator (200) by means of touch, voice or augmented reality inputs.

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the adaptive lighting system is that of claim 10, and the following additional step is carried out: - directing one or more respective light beams (111, 112, 113, 114; 411, 415; 511-515) on the basis of the characteristics of said operational area and / or the position of one or more operators with respect to one or more electronic steerable headlights (110, 410, 510).

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