EP0783746B1 - Optical signalling device, especially for an item of clothing - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an optical signal device, in particular for a piece of clothing according to the preamble of claim 1.

There are known articles of clothing which are used for optical safety of the wearer Signaling devices, e.g. with reflectors or when illuminated with a light source reflective strips, badges or the like are provided. In addition, there has been for a long time Helmets, which are equipped with lamps or headlights, to the wearer ambidextrous work in dark surroundings with the greatest possible freedom of movement to allow.

DE 44 08 951 A1 shows a portable communication device which consists of a Display unit exists, through which any information can be transmitted to third parties. The control panel with which the device can be started is with the housing wired or wirelessly connected. The scope of this facility is on some Meters limited. GB 2 257 808 A describes a device for selective light emission described, which is a simple, quick and safe location of a particular Object in the dark or under a variety of similar objects. To For this purpose, the device has a receiver, a light source and a transmitter. As Possible application is finding a vehicle in a parking lot called. Also known are various items of clothing that are used to achieve optical Effects that are used for entertainment or advertising purposes with optical Signaling devices are provided. DE 39 00 417 A1 describes a graphic Display device consisting of a plurality of discrete light sources that are part of a Are pictures which are printed on a piece of clothing. By activating a die Control circuitry driving light sources can enliven the illustration. US 5 111 366 A describes a baseball cap with an illuminated display to draw attention to itself do. A small switch is used to activate the light sources. U.S. 4,875,144 A. shows a garment with illuminated, changing representations. There are one Variety of glass fibers incorporated into the fabric of the garment, so that their Protrude ends through the fabric and arranged according to the images to be displayed are. Activation of the light sources is included by the wearer of the garment itself possible.

The object of the present invention is to provide an optical signal device, especially for a piece of clothing to achieve a purely aesthetic or the To create entertainment optical effect, which is not only controlled manually, but also externally through e.g. activated a coordinator or certain triggered signals can be. In addition, the optical signal device is intended to be an enlarged optical device Effect can be achieved.

The object of the invention is achieved by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. The activation of the light sources is carried out remotely by a external transmitter. This makes it possible to add the light sources to the optical signal device to activate certain events. So a coordinator can at a sporting event e.g. in the case of a gate activate the optical signaling device and in this way the Express joy at a goal scored, or when crossing the finish line can the optical Signaling device can be activated automatically. When arranging a large number of similar ones Optical signaling devices can have their light sources via an external transmitter activated simultaneously and synchronously, thereby achieving an enlarged optical effect. The synchronous activation is achieved by wireless transmission of the targeted activation of the Light sources required information accomplished. For example, in a football stadium in the case of a goal, one coordinator all signaling devices of a fan club at the same time activate remotely.

According to the features of claim 2, the recipient is by a Radio frequency receivers, infra red receivers or acoustic receivers are formed. The kind of Remote control can work according to various criteria, such as the presence of certain

Transmitting systems, guidelines, transmission characteristics, etc. can be selected. In stadiums e.g. usually speaker systems available, via which a remote-controlled activation of the optical signaling devices can be done without installing their own transmitters.

The light sources are advantageously colored differently or above the light sources different colored covers arranged. Through the covers can in economically, colorations can also be realized, e.g. Not in Color spectrum of available light sources, e.g. Luminescent diodes are located.

According to a further feature of the invention, the colors of the light sources are corresponding certain clubs, organizations or nationalities. That way members of these clubs, organizations or nationalities as such give recognition and show their affiliation.

If the light sources are arranged in a matrix, there is a sufficient number of light sources the display of characters or graphics in a similar way to possible with billboards.

The optical signal device according to the invention is preferably on a head covering, for example in the form of a baseball cap. One is currently becoming special popular form of a piece of clothing, especially for sports lovers and young people, in for these users adapted in a practical and appealing manner, taking the screen of the Baseball hat is a dazzle or similar impairment of the wearer by the Light effect can be avoided. In addition, the headgear arranged light sources less easily, e.g. by the front spectator in the stadium covered. Since the optical signal device advantageously in the direction of view of the wearer a headgear is an advantage, as it is the movements of the Join the wearer's head.

Of course, various other applications, Variations and design changes are made. So there is the possibility at sporting events the spectators and / or the participants of the Event, i.e. the athletes, with light elements on the cap or on the garment to be provided, the light element e.g. remote controlled to light up and switch off can be brought. There is a possibility that each carrier has its own Light element on and off or that of a coordinator or one of the participants by remote control, e.g. by a transmitter, the light elements of all carriers optionally one and one turns off. At sporting events where two or more groups of Followers of clubs are present, each group can use the light elements of their favorite Clubs, with only the light elements of one or the other group of the concerned coordinator can be switched on and off.

There is also the possibility of using similar signaling devices for advertising purposes use, considering advertising spots, advertising signs, company logos, etc.

Fig. 1

das Blockschaltbild einer Ausführungsform der optischen Signaleinrichtung.

Fig. 2

ein detailliertes Blockschaltschaltbild der Steuerung aus Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

ein detailliertes Blockschaltbild einer Ausführungsform einer externen Steuerung (Fernsteuerung) und des Empfängers der optischen Signaleinrichtung,

Fig. 4

eine Prinzipschaltung der ferngesteuerten Aktivierung einer Vielzahl optischer Signaleinrichtungen und

Fig. 5a bis 5c

verschiedene Ausführungsformen der optischen Signaleinrichtung.

Further features of the invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show

Fig. 1

the block diagram of an embodiment of the optical signal device.

Fig. 2

2 shows a detailed block circuit diagram of the control from FIG. 1,

Fig. 3

2 shows a detailed block diagram of an embodiment of an external control (remote control) and the receiver of the optical signal device,

Fig. 4

a basic circuit of the remote-controlled activation of a variety of optical signal devices and

5a to 5c

different embodiments of the optical signal device.

1 contains a voltage source 1, a changeover switch 2. a controller 3 a receiver 4 and light sources 5. The voltage source 1 is advantageously formed by low-voltage accumulators or batteries. A Power supply or support with solar cells can in some applications to be considered. In the example shown, the switch 2 has three contacts to select the three functions I internal control (manual control), II external control (remote control), III off (no function). With switch position I the internal control 3 activated, which the light sources 5 according to a pre-programmed Rhythm controlled. With switch position II, the receiver 4 is activated and thereby the Receiving external control signals (remote control) possible. With switch position III the connection to the power supply is interrupted and therefore no function is possible. The switching of the operating mode can also be done with a button of the type instead of a switch that the operating mode is changed with each press of the button. In the pictures are Light-emitting diodes are shown as light sources 5. When using LEDs, the colors are yellow, orange, red, green and blue possible. To realize other colors are in front of the light source accordingly colored, transparent plastic parts in front. With the light sources is on to ensure a sufficient light intensity for a sufficient optical effect. The optical signaling device should be of small size, low power consumption and low manufacturing costs.

An embodiment of the controller 3 from FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2. This consists of an oscillator 6, which generates a clock signal corresponding frequency, which is a logical Circuit 7 clocks. Depending on the desired light sequence of the light sources, the control logic 7 from a simple counter or from an individually programmed digital integrated Circuit IC exist. With a counter, the LEDs 5 can be lit sequentially, With more complex, customer-specific ICs or microcontrollers, any switching sequences can be used be programmed.

In Fig. 3 is the external control (remote control) of the optical signal device Necessary transmission device for the transmission of the control pulses and an embodiment of the receiver of the optical signal device from FIG. 1. The sending side Circuit consists of a trigger circuit 8, an encoder 9 and a transmitter 10 together Transmitting antenna 11. The trigger circuit 8 consists in the simplest case of a button that manually at a certain event e.g. can be operated by a coordinator. The triggering impulse can e.g. also from a light barrier or a sensor, which at A signal is triggered if a predetermined threshold is exceeded. After triggering a coding 9 or coding sequence is activated. The coding 9 contains the Control of the light sources 5 in the receiving circuit necessary information. With The generated codes, the transmitter 10 is modulated and the signal from the antenna 11 emitted. The transmission takes place with a high-frequency signal carrier in the corresponding Frequency band. The transmission energy is according to the desired range and set according to the valid regulations. The receiving antenna 12 takes the Remote control signals and leads them to the receiver 13. In the decoder 14 Information obtained from the received signal and fed to a control circuit 15, which controls the light sources 5. With the help of remote controlled activation is one synchronous control of certain light sources of many, similar optical Signaling devices possible, which leads to an enlarged optical effect. In case of Remote control via infrared light is an infrared light emitting diode or instead of the transmitting antenna 11 an infrared laser is used and instead of the receiving antenna 12 e.g. an infrared photodiode used, in the case of remote control via acoustic signals, a speaker serves as Transmitter and a microphone as a receiver. Acoustic remote control can be an advantage there his. where acoustic systems already exist. In the case of a stadium, e.g. Loudspeaker systems usually exist that can be used to control signals to transmit for the optical signal device. These can be outside the listening area of the human ear (e.g. ultrasound) or in the audible frequency range. There Microphones are very cheap, the optical signaling devices can be very inexpensive and thus designed to be accessible to a broad mass. Another advantage of an acoustic Control lies in the favorable propagation properties of for this application Sound waves. The microphones on the optical signal devices do not have to Transmitting device (the speaker) to be aligned. In addition, the Activation of the optical signaling devices for certain sound sequences, such as a certain characteristic melody of a sports club. At music events too automatic activation of the lighting elements in time with the music is conceivable.

Fig. 4 shows a basic circuit of the remote-controlled activation of a large number of optical Signaling devices. In e.g. There are a large number of spectators in a stadium signaling devices according to the invention in the form of e.g. a baseball cap 16 with light sources 5. If a goal is scored during a soccer match, a coordinator, such as a trigger circuit 8, can e.g. activate by pressing a button and thus switch on a transmitter 10. In the case of remote control The control signals are emitted via infrared light via an infrared light source 11, the Transmitting energy and directional characteristic R is selected according to the requirements. Should the optical signal devices 16 of all fans are activated simultaneously. becomes a directional characteristic R chosen as wide as possible. If a targeted activation is to take place, the narrowest possible directional characteristic R of the transmitter diode 11 may be necessary. At a Correspondingly narrow transmission lobe can theoretically have different patterns or even Messages are "written" into the auditorium. Thus, the invention would be Signaling devices are also suitable for the activation of messages or advertising. At supra-regional events would also be remote control using high-frequency signals also conceivable via satellite.

5a to 5c show some embodiments of the optical device according to the invention Signaling device. 5a shows an item of clothing in the form of a baseball cap 16 integrated light-emitting diodes 5. The entire electronics, the power supply and for the Reception of the remote control signals necessary receiving device (receiving antenna at High-frequency transmission or photodiode with optical transmission) are in the cap integrated. Depending on the remote control method used, there is a receiving antenna, one Photodiode or a microphone in the cap. By the received control signals the LEDs 5 activated. The embodiments from FIG. 5b are Glow sticks consisting of a handle 17, the electronics, power supply and Receiving circuit includes and from the light sources. The right picture shows optical fibers 18 used. These are coupled with the active lighting elements in the handle and guide it Light continues to the end of the fibers. In the left embodiment, the light sources are in integrated a plastic body 19. The glow sticks are triggered by a remote control impulse activated and certain light sequences happen. 5c, the optical signal device is open attached to a camisole 20 or integrated therein. The active light sources are in shape a matrix 21 arranged. Depending on the number, arrangement and color of the light sources of the matrix 21 can be letters. Texts or graphics are displayed, e.g. the goalscorer and the score in a soccer match. The necessary information for correct control individual lighting elements are also transmitted with the remote control signal. The necessary Electronics. Power supply and receiving device is also integrated in the camisole.

The embodiments of the invention are not limited to the examples shown. The The device according to the invention can also be provided with a Velcro fastener and on any clothing can be attached.

The possible uses of the signal device according to the invention are varied and not based on the described application examples limited. However, are preferable Mass events, such as sporting events or concerts. For a greater visual impact dark rooms or evening darkness are preferred during use. For example, could on the occasion of a goal in a football match with all fans with such a optical signaling device are equipped, the colors of the corresponding Football clubs light up cyclically and thus serve to cheer the football team. It can also e.g. wirelessly the score of a soccer match on the garments of the Transmitted to viewers and displayed there. Likewise, in the audience existing light matrices used to display small advertising texts or company logos become. With the help of this facility, the enthusiasm of the audience could also be increased at concerts be expressed.

Claims (6)

1. An optical signalling device, more particularly for an article of clothing, consisting of a voltage source (1), at least two actively illuminating light sources (5), a control circuit (3) for activating the light sources (5) in a predetermined rhythm, an operating unit (2) for manual activation and/or deactivation of the control circuit (3) and a receiver (4) connected with the light sources (5) to receive control pulses of an external transmitter (10) for remote control activation of the light sources (5), characterised in that the operating unit (2) is designed for switching between manual and remote control activation, and that with remote control activation, the light sources (5) of a plurality of similar optical signalling devices are simultaneously activatable in synchronism via an external transmitter (10).
2. An optical signalling device according to Claim 1, characterised in that the receiver (4) is formed by a high frequency receiver, infra red receiver or acoustic receiver.
3. An optical signalling device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the light sources (5) are differently coloured or that differently coloured covers are arranged over the light sources (5).
4. An optical signalling device according to Claim 3, characterised in that the colours of the light sources (5) correspond to those of certain clubs, organisations or nationalities.
5. An optical signalling device according to at least one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the light sources (5) are disposed in form of a matrix.
6. Use of an optical signalling device according to Claims 1 to 5 on a head covering, for example, in the form of a baseball cap (16).

Images