A guidance and support system for users moving towards or observing a designated zone of interest.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a guidance assistance system (100) comprising a peripheral rim (12) defining a peripheral field of view and a guidance information display device (20) comprising light sources (21) on said rim (12) that can be controlled by a control unit, said display device comprising sensors for spatial information relating to the position and / or orientation of a visualization window (11) and a circuit for processing the spatial information according to said zone of interest (T) to determine guidance information, said control unit being configured to control said light sources (21) based on said guidance information in order to display in the field of view a direction that the user should follow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of guidance assistance systems (guidance assistance ststem).

[0002] More specifically, an object of the present invention is a guidance assistance system for displaying visual information in real time to assist a user regarding observation of a predetermined zone of interest or movement to a predetermined zone of interest.

[0003] In the context of the present invention, the "zone of interest" means, throughout the following description, any zone that is the object of the user's interest. For example, this may be a final destination such as a meeting / assembly point, a goal line, a runway. This may also be a route, a predefined path, or one or more sections along a route or a predefined path. This may also be a target or a location or a person that is an object of observation / monitoring. Here, it will be understood that this zone of interest is usually defined by a series of spatial coordinates.

[0004] The present invention can be advantageously applied in the fields of sports and, in particular, extreme sports or board sports such as, for example, skydiving, paragliding, downhill mountain biking, skiing, automobile rally, etc.

[0005] The present invention can also be applied to many other advantageous uses in other activities such as, for example, for the operation of a vehicle (such as an aircraft), or for the intervention of a firefighter or a soldier in an adverse situation.

Background Art

[0006] Remote interfaces are known in the art. By definition, these remote interfaces are outside the user's field of vision and the user has to move their head to refer to them.

[0007] It is easy to understand that the use of such an interface is impossible in certain applications, such as the practice of extreme sports. In fact, athletes need to concentrate on their practice in order to avoid any accidents. The same applies to firefighters or soldiers on duty, as neither firefighters nor soldiers can interact with a screen using their hands.

[0008] Other types of interfaces within the user's field of view are known in the art.

[0009] In the aviation sector, and more recently in the automotive sector, such interfaces take the form of a "head-up display" device, also known by the acronym "HUD".

[0010] These head-up display devices often incorporate augmented reality display means, which allows them to provide users with additional information, such as ancillary information related to the vehicle's environment.

[0011] The display of this supplementary information often contributes to vehicle safety and improves the driver's or pilot's perception of the environment in which the vehicle is moving, thereby enabling the driver or pilot to understand the environment.

[0012] Therefore, in the automotive sector, certain advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) are already known, which are equipped with onboard cameras and configured to display elements of the road environment, such as road signs, and / or pictograms representing vehicles traveling ahead of the ADAS-equipped vehicle or detected hazards, on a screen, such as a head-up display (HUD) screen.

[0013] In addition, helmets or goggles with integrated screens are also known, such as those proposed in Patent Documents 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.

[0014] Therefore, these devices provide additional information by supplementing or overlaying it on the user's field of view.

[0015] However, due to the principle of overlaying additional information onto the user's field of view, this type of device may be unsuitable for certain applications.

[0016] In fact, the applicant believes that in intensive practices such as extreme sports or security force interventions, it is necessary to provide users with concise and intuitive information. This information must not obstruct the user's field of vision and must be usable by the user without imposing excessive cognitive load. Indeed, explicit information, numbers, and letters require the user to divert their focus from the activity they are concentrating on.

[0017] Furthermore, to avoid hindering practical use or causing neck problems or fatigue in the user, the helmet should preferably be lightweight and compact.

[0018] Furthermore, in order to provide information in real time and to ensure good energy autonomy, it is preferable to keep the computation time extremely short.

[0019] While respecting prior art solutions, the applicant believes that prior art solutions are unsatisfactory and do not provide an ergonomic and lightweight system that requires minimal computer resources and does not obstruct or hinder the user's field of vision or practice while providing reliable, intuitive visual information to the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0020]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Patent Document 6

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0021] An object of the present invention is to improve the above situation.

[0022] One of the objects of the present invention is to improve the various drawbacks as described above, particularly by proposing a solution for guiding assistance for a user moving towards or observing a zone of interest.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0023] For this purpose, according to a first aspect, the object of the present invention relates to a guidance assistance system for a user moving towards a predetermined zone of interest or observing a predetermined zone of interest.

[0024] Advantageously, the system according to the present invention includes a visualization window having a peripheral rim that defines the peripheral field of vision of the user.

[0025] Advantageously, a system according to the present invention further includes a guidance information display device comprising a plurality of light sources extending along at least a portion of the peripheral rim of the visualization window, wherein the light sources can be controlled independently of each other by a control unit.

[0026] To the advantage of the above display device, - At least one sensor configured to capture spatial information relating to the position and / or orientation of the visualization window relative to the zone of interest, and - A processing circuit configured to process the spatial information according to the above zone of interest and to determine user guidance information to the above zone of interest. It is further equipped with [this feature].

[0027] Advantageously, the control unit is configured to (selectively) control the light source based on the guidance information in order to display in the peripheral field of view the direction in which the user should move toward or observe the zone of interest.

[0028] Preferably, the visualization window includes an optical visualization screen (transparent). In this specification, the optical visualization screen means an optical protective screen such as a visor, and does not mean a display screen.

[0029] Preferably, the display is performed directly by a light point located within the surrounding rim of the visualization window.

[0030] In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the optical visualization screen comprises, for example, etchings and / or inclusions formed vertically and / or horizontally within the screen, thereby recentering the information such that less information is in the peripheral vision area by conducting light emitted from the at least one light source onto the screen, preferably toward the center of the field of view.

[0031] In one advantageous embodiment, the control unit is preferably configured to control the light source to form a virtual reticle (or another symbol) within the user's field of view.

[0032] Here, it is understood that the light sources are selectively operated on the peripheral rim of the visualization window to interfere with each other in order to intersect and form a virtual reticle within the axis of the user's field of view, such a virtual reticle that precisely indicates the direction / orientation of the target zone to be observed or reached.

[0033] In this invention, a virtual reticle is referenced because the light source of the present invention is located on the peripheral rim of the visualization window and does not fall within the central axis of the user's field of view. The presence of a selectively activated light source in the peripheral area makes it possible to create a non-existent reticle, which is perceived by the user's brain through extrapolation of the light source, and is formed by the user's brain as an imaginary object within the field of view without interfering with the user's concentration or field of view.

[0034] Preferably, the at least one of the sensors is a position sensor and / or an azimuth sensor and / or a tilt sensor and / or an accelerometer.

[0035] Therefore, the above sensor can collect information regarding the relative position of the visualization window with respect to the zone of interest, the azimuth angle of the visualization window, and / or the inclination of the visualization window.

[0036] Advantageously, the display device includes wireless communication means configured to communicate with an external entity to collect at least one external information relating to the user's external environment.

[0037] Advantageously, the display device includes acquisition means configured to acquire at least one status information of the system.

[0038] Preferably, the control unit is configured to control the intensity and / or color of each of the light sources.

[0039] Preferably, the plurality of light sources include LEDs or OLED strips.

[0040] Preferably, the plurality of light sources include optical fibers.

[0041] Correlating with the above, according to a second aspect, the object of the present invention relates to a facial support designed to be attached directly or indirectly to the user's head and equipped with the guidance support system described above, wherein a visualization window is integrally incorporated into the facial support.

[0042] Advantageously, the face support described above consists of goggles, a mask, or a helmet. Herein, it is understood that the face support may also be in the form of, for example, a visor.

[0043] Advantageously, the face support comprises at least one strap for holding the support in place on the user's head.

[0044] In this way, through the various functional and structural aspects described above, the objective of the present invention is to provide the user with reliable real-time guidance information in order to guide the user to a predetermined zone of interest or to direct the user's gaze to a predetermined zone of interest.

[0045] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to Figures 1-9, which illustrate various non-limiting examples of embodiments of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a first schematic diagram of a guidance support system according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a second schematic diagram of the guidance support system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a guidance support system according to another example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a guidance support system according to another example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of how the guidance support system forms a reticle within the user's field of view. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the use of the guidance support system according to the present invention for the practical implementation of activities by multiple users. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the use of the guidance support system according to the present invention for hazardous work sites. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a guidance information display device incorporated into a guidance support system according to a specific example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an organizational diagram of the various steps in the implementation method using the device shown in Figure 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] The guidance support system 100 and related methods will now be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0048] Throughout the following description, identical elements will be identified by the same reference symbol.

[0049] As explained in the prerequisites, various activities are being digitized, and there is an increasing reliance on data, particularly the evaluation of geolocation data.

[0050] However, technologies known to date that provide access to augmented reality exclude users whose safety depends primarily on concise and intuitive information, such as extreme sports athletes, firefighters, or law enforcement officers.

[0051] In fact, the applicant has observed that individuals who practice extreme sports, such as skydiving or downhill mountain biking, must be able to obtain reliable and easily processable information without being hindered by their practice; that is, they must be able to manipulate specialized objects or focus on something outside their own trajectory. This individual must actually be able to concentrate on their practice and obtain concise information that answers primarily the following questions: "Where do I need to go?", "Where are the dangers?", and, depending on the situation, "Where are other people?".

[0052] The applicant believes that head-up display (i.e., HUD) devices and augmented reality helmets do not address these issues and are particularly plagued by their high level of expertise. Therefore, current solutions have the following drawbacks: - Requires precise settings (interpupillary distance, binocular diopter, etc.); - Heavy and bulky; -Requires energy; - Expensive; - It may deviate from the axis of vision or suggest incorrect guidance during a collision, and is sensitive to the presence of condensates, smoke, and dust.

[0053] Furthermore, the applicant believes that prior art solutions cannot directly provide users with concise and useful information to answer the aforementioned questions.

[0054] Within the scope of the present invention, the system 100 proposed herein achieves this objective.

[0055] To achieve the above objective, the fundamental concept of this invention is to determine the direction of the user's gaze and actions by embedding multiple light points in the peripheral part of the user's field of vision, thereby utilizing the reflexive action and hyperarousal of human attention.

[0056] The use of peripheral vision is a key feature of this invention.

[0057] By utilizing peripheral vision in this way, users can develop peripheral visual awareness, which can be considered the ability to perceive information without being distracted by a large amount of information related to a specific area and the task to be completed.

[0058] At a physiological level, the peripheral vision area is known to occupy 80% of the retinal surface and contain 20% of photoreceptor cells. Therefore, peripheral vision allows for the establishment of an alert process across a large portion of space without distracting from the primary task, even when light is blurred and visibility is poor.

[0059] In addition, stressful situations (such as the use cases in the present invention) are known to stimulate the nervous system and, in particular, dilate the pupils. Thus, such pupil dilation allows more light to enter the retina and reach a wider area of ​​the retina, thereby providing a broader range of information about the environment.

[0060] Therefore, using peripheral vision is required to provide users with concise and intuitive information without distracting them.

[0061] The present invention provides an implementation of a guidance assistance system 100 for a user U moving toward a zone of interest indicated hereby T ("target"), as shown in Figures 1 and 2, which illustrate a specific, non-limiting example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] This zone of interest T could, for example, correspond to a meeting / assembly point, a finish line, a section of the road, a specific point to observe, or a dangerous zone to avoid.

[0063] Therefore, here, this zone of interest T is defined by known spatial coordinates.

[0064] System 100 includes a device 10, which here refers to as a display device, and which includes an electronic board having at least one memory 27.

[0065] The coordinates of the zone of interest T are pre-stored in this memory 27 during process S0.

[0066] In this example, at least one memory 27 corresponds to, for example, volatile and / or non-volatile memory, and / or a memory storage device that may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0067] As previously stated, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide user-friendly information that can intuitively guide user U toward this zone of interest T in real time without hindering user U's activities.

[0068] In this example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the system 100 is directly or indirectly incorporated into a face support 200, which is, for example, a mask such as a ski mask.

[0069] In the example shown in Figure 2, such a mask 200 includes a strap 14 designed to hold the mask 200 in place around the head of user U.

[0070] In this example, the strap 14 further includes an adjustment means 14a for adjusting the diameter of the strap 14 to fit the size of the user U's head.

[0071] In this example, the conventional mask 200 is used, and its overall structure fits perfectly to the anatomical structure of user U's face.

[0072] Therefore, in this example, the system 100 incorporated into the mask 200 includes a visualization window 11 whose extent is defined by a surrounding rim 12, which corresponds to the frame of the mask 200.

[0073] Here, the surrounding rim 12 of this window 11 defines the peripheral field of view of user U.

[0074] In this example, an optical visualization screen 13, which acts as a shield, is provided to cover the field of view and protect the user U's eyes.

[0075] Such a screen 13 may further be equipped with an anti-fog treatment, an ultraviolet protection filter, and / or an anti-reflective treatment to improve user comfort.

[0076] In this example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the surrounding rim 12 is equipped with multiple light sources 21. These light sources 21 are therefore located in the peripheral part of the user U's field of view and are unlikely to interfere with the user's spatial perception. Consequently, they remain visible without obstructing vision (i.e., without entering the central axis of the user's field of view).

[0077] In the examples shown in Figures 1 and 2, the light sources 21 extend at equal intervals along the surrounding rim 12.

[0078] Here, the light source 21 is formed by LED (Light-Emitting Diode) or OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) fragments.

[0079] Those skilled in the art can, for example, consider other types of light sources 21, such as optical fibers.

[0080] One of the fundamental concepts of the present invention is to use these light sources 21 to indicate a preferred direction to follow to reach the zone of interest T, outside the principal axis of the user U's field of view (but inside the peripheral part of the field of view).

[0081] This is made possible by the on-board intelligence of System 100.

[0082] More specifically, this intelligence belongs to device 10, which includes, but is not limited to, onboard electronic equipment such as electronic computers (ECUs, abbreviated as "Electronic Control Units"), smartphones, tablets, or laptop computers. The elements of device 10 can be incorporated individually or in combination into a single integrated circuit, multiple integrated circuits, and / or multiple separate electronic components. Device 10 can be manufactured in the form of an electronic circuit or software (or computer) module or a combination of multiple electronic circuit or software modules.

[0083] In this example, device 10 comprises one (or more) processors configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the present method and / or for executing instructions of the onboard software of device 10. The processors may include integrated memory, input / output interfaces, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art.

[0084] The computer code for the onboard software, which includes instructions that the above-mentioned processor loads and executes, is stored, for example, in memory 27.

[0085] In the example described herein, the device 20 further comprises a control unit 22 capable of independently controlling a plurality of light sources 21.

[0086] In this example, the integration of at least one sensor 23, such as an azimuth sensor, a tilt sensor, and / or a position sensor, is also provided. Such a sensor 23 can capture spatial information I1 regarding the position and / or orientation of the visualization window 11 with respect to the zone of interest T during step S1.

[0087] The sensor 23 therefore measures a value that represents the relative position of the mask with respect to the zone of interest T to be reached (i.e., the tilt / direction / position of the user's gaze).

[0088] This spatial information I1 is then transmitted to a processing circuit 24 (in this case, a computer), and during process S2, the processing circuit 24 processes this spatial information I1 according to the zone of interest T (in this case, the spatial coordinates of the zone of interest T stored in memory 27) to determine the guidance information I2.

[0089] The purpose of this information I2 is to determine a guide vector to determine the direction of user U's gaze so that user U observes or moves toward the zone of interest T.

[0090] This guidance information I2 is subsequently transmitted to the control unit 22, which then selectively controls each light source 21 based on this guidance information I2, thereby displaying the direction the user should follow to move towards the zone of interest T during process S3, at the periphery of the user's field of view.

[0091] Therefore, it is understood that the light source 21 is turned on based on this induction information I2 determined by the processing circuit 24.

[0092] By selectively controlling the light source 21, which is located outside the central axis of the user's field of view but in the peripheral part of the field of view, the user U can be guided toward the zone of interest T without obstructing the user U.

[0093] Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the light sources are activated at the periphery of the user's field of view to form a virtual reticle in the user's field of view. The user only needs to follow the directions provided by the virtual reticle by fixing their gaze on the imaginary intersection of the two rays formed by the two activated light sources.

[0094] Here, it is understood that the above information evolves in real time along with head movement, and therefore the movement of the central axis of the user's field of view.

[0095] A key feature of this invention is the display of concise visual information in the peripheral area of ​​the user's field of view, according to the direction of the user's gaze and the user's position.

[0096] By displaying this information within the peripheral vision area, users can intuitively determine their direction within space.

[0097] Several other examples of alternative embodiments are described and illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

[0098] Figure 3 shows all the features of Figures 1 and 2 described above. However, the positioning and arrangement of the light source 21 differs slightly from the examples in Figures 1 and 2.

[0099] Here, the light source 21 is directly integrated into the screen 13.

[0100] These light sources 21 are inserted in one or more layers between or on the various sheets that make up the screen 13, at various intervals from the central axis of the field of view.

[0101] In this example, the light source 21 extends only to the edge of the screen 13, limiting the dimensions of the entire field of view. Therefore, in this case, the light source 21 can be considered to remain in the peripheral part of the field of view in the sense of the present invention, and not to be within the central axis of the field of view.

[0102] Figure 4 illustrates yet another example of the embodiment.

[0103] In this diagram, an enclosure of one or more light sources 21 is provided at a specific location, for example, in the upper left of user U's field of view. This can be formed by one or more optical conductors of the optical fiber type, thereby allowing light to be reflected toward the central axis of user U's field of view. Such light sources 21 contained in the screen 13 can transmit information of an important nature, such as information related to an imminent danger.

[0104] In an advantageous embodiment not shown herein, linear etchings and / or inclusions can be formed within the optical visualization screen 13, which are formed, for example, vertically or horizontally within the screen 13 to conduct light emitted by at least one light source 21 onto the screen 13.

[0105] Therefore, by placing these etchings / inclusions on screen 13, a real reticle can be formed within the user's field of view, along the axis of the user's field of view, thereby accurately guiding the user to zone T.

[0106] To enhance the visual information conveyed to user U, the system is designed to provide additional information to take into account the external environment (e.g., the presence of danger) and other users U' located near user U.

[0107] Therefore, the device 20 is provided with wireless communication means 24 for communicating with other external entities, such as another system 100' of another user U' (Figure 6), a remote server, a cloud, an entity 300 (Figure 7) such as a truck that is likely to represent a hazard, or a marker indicating a hazard zone that should not be crossed at the work site.

[0108] These communication means 24 are therefore capable of communicating with one or more external devices 100' and / or 300 and include one or more radio frequency (RF) interfaces, such as Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, LTE (Long-Term Evolution), or LTE Advanced. Thus, data can be loaded onto the device 10 via the communication interface 24 using a mobile network such as a Wi-Fi® network compliant with IEEE 802.11, an ITS G5 network based on IEEE 802.11p, or a 4G (i.e., LTE Advanced according to 3GPP® Release 10 Version 10) or 5G network, particularly an LTE-V2X network.

[0109] The information I3 collected by the wireless communication means 24 is transmitted to the processing circuit 24 and analyzed for consideration in determining the guidance information I2. For example, this allows for the recalculation of an alternative route to reach the zone of interest T, taking into account the presence of hazards or obstacles on the user U's path.

[0110] To make the system safer, an additional camera 26 capable of capturing images I5 representing the environment can also be incorporated. These images I5 can then be processed later by image processing algorithms to detect potential hazards or obstacles.

[0111] One or more LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) devices may be incorporated on the helmet, where the LiDAR sensor corresponds to an optoelectronic system consisting of a laser emitter device, a receiver device equipped with a light collector (for collecting a portion of the light emitted by the emitter and reflected by any object located in the path of the emitted light), and a photodetector that converts the collected light into an electrical signal. Thus, the LiDAR sensor enables the detection of the presence of objects located within the emitted light and the measurement of the distance between the sensor and each detected object, with the aim of collecting points representing obstacles or hazards in the user's path.

[0112] Information from this camera 26, or from one or more LIDARs, is transmitted directly to the processing circuit 24 for analysis and taken into consideration in determining the guidance information I2.

[0113] The information I3 and / or I5 from these wireless communication means 24, and / or from the camera 26 and / or one or more LiDARs, can also be displayed directly on the peripheral rim 12 of the user's field of view by activating one of the light sources 21.

[0114] Therefore, for example, when an external danger is detected (e.g., via means 24 or camera 26), a specific light source, such as one positioned to be contained within the screen 13 (Figure 4), can be activated.

[0115] To ensure the system's security, microphones and / or headphones capable of collecting or processing audio can also be incorporated. These audio signals can then be processed by processing algorithms configured to reduce spurious noise or enhance the spatial perception of the points where georeferencing is performed.

[0116] In the examples described here, the intensity and / or color of the light source 21 can also be controlled. For example, a high-intensity flashing red light can be emitted into the field of view to indicate an imminent danger.

[0117] Naturally, this is just one example from several other possible cases.

[0118] Those skilled in the art will understand here that multiple scenarios can be provided according to the usage examples, and that the control of the light source 21 can be programmed according to the specific characteristics of each practice and each demand.

[0119] Similarly, other information of interest may be transmitted to the user U by the light source 21. Thus, in the example described herein, there is provided an acquisition means 25 that can collect status information I4 of the system 100, such as the status of the power battery or the wear level of a particular component, in order to prevent maintenance work.

[0120] Depending on the implementation of the information encoding and display decision model, device 100 can display multiple different pieces of information according to a selection of different modes.

[0121] For example, a remote control implementation can be provided, which may take the form of a wristwatch (not shown) connected to the user U's wrist, and by operating on a touchscreen, the user can select the display type and switch the system from, for example, a "guidance assistance / geographic location" mode that allows tracking various meeting points along a predetermined route, to a "device" mode that allows monitoring of the device's status, or a "team" mode that allows monitoring of the relative location of other users U'.

[0122] Other display modes can be considered to provide users with reliable and easy-to-use information.

[0123] Therefore, for example, especially with respect to directions far from the user's field of view, a single light source can be activated to indicate the direction in which the user must move to find their zone of interest.

[0124] When zone T enters the user's field of view cone, four light sources are activated in a grid pattern (Figure 5) to indicate the direction of a point relative to the axis of line of sight using a virtual reticle.

[0125] Similarly, as described above, the intensity and / or color of all or some light sources can also indicate other information, such as the passage of a zone of interest. Depending on the use case, multiple pieces of information can be superimposed by variations in parameters related to the intensity, color, and number of light sources 21.

[0126] Therefore, the present invention can overcome various drawbacks of the prior art by enabling the provision of implicit information to the user's peripheral vision area.

[0127] Such information displays, which do not appear in the user's primary field of view but rather in the periphery, are directly usable by the user and require no reflection whatsoever.

[0128] This information can also be transmitted to other users via the onboard communication means within the system.

[0129] The present invention is intended for, but is not limited to, individuals participating in extreme sports, firefighters, industrial workers, or members of defense and security forces during interventions. Tourism applications and / or digital gaming applications, as well as learning or skill development applications involving interaction with peripheral vision areas, may also be envisioned.

[0130] While the above detailed description relates to specific examples of embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that this description is not in any way restrictive to the object of the present invention. On the contrary, it is intended to eliminate any inaccuracies or misunderstandings that may arise in the following claims.

[0131] Furthermore, it should be noted that the reference symbols enclosed in parentheses in the claims below are not restrictive in any way. These symbols are intended solely to improve clarity and understanding of the claims and the scope of protection required below.

Claims

1. A guidance support system (100) for a user (U) moving toward or observing a predetermined zone of interest (T), wherein the system (100) - A visualization window (11) having a peripheral rim (12) that defines the peripheral field of view of the user (U), and an optical visualization screen (13) that defines the field of view of the user (U), and - A guidance information (I2) display device (20) comprising a plurality of light sources (21) extending along at least a portion of the peripheral rim (12) of the visualization window (11), wherein the light sources (21) are independently controllable by a control unit (22). Includes, Here, the display device (20) is - At least one sensor (23) configured to capture spatial information (I1) relating to the position and / or orientation of the visualization window (11) relative to the zone of interest (T), - A processing circuit (24) configured to process the spatial information (I1) according to the zone of interest (T) and to determine the guidance information (I2) for the user (U) to the zone of interest (T). Furthermore, The control unit (22) is configured to control at least one of the light sources (21) based on the guidance information (I2) to form a virtual reticle in the user's (U) field of view that indicates the direction the user (U) should follow to move toward or observe the zone of interest (T), the system (100).

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the optical visualization screen (13) comprises linear etchings and / or inclusions formed within the screen (13) to conduct light emitted from at least one of the light sources (21) onto the screen (13).

3. The system (100) according to claim 2, wherein the control unit (22) is configured to selectively control the light source (21) to form a real reticle on the screen.

4. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one sensor (23) is a position sensor and / or an azimuth sensor and / or a tilt sensor and / or an accelerometer.

5. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display device (20) comprises wireless communication means (24) configured to communicate with external entities (100', 300) to collect at least one piece of external information (I3) relating to the external environment of the user (U).

6. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the display device (20) comprises an acquisition means (25) configured to acquire at least one status information (I4) of the system (100).

7. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit (22) is configured to control the intensity and / or color of each of the light sources (21).

8. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plurality of light sources (21) include LEDs or OLED strips.

9. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of light sources (21) include optical fibers.

10. A face support (200) designed to be attached directly or indirectly to the head of a user (U), and comprising a system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the visualization window (11) is integrally assembled to the face support (200).

11. The support (200) according to claim 10, which is in the form of goggles, a mask, or a helmet.

12. The support (200) according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising at least one strap (14) for holding the support (200) in a predetermined position on the head of the user (U).

Images