EP2015268A1 - Methods and devices for multidirectional sound guiding - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves receiving a unique control signal, where the control signal is a radio signal received from a remote control. Each of sound terminals (225-1-225-3) is activated. Sound messages (300, 305, 310) are emitted for the corresponding terminals, where audible content (305-2, 310-2) of the messages are emitted in a sequential manner. The messages associated to the terminals comprise silent zones (305-1, 310-1), respectively. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a computer program comprising a set of instructions for implementing a multidirectional sound guiding method (2) a multidirectional sound guiding device comprising a control signal receiving unit.

Description

The present invention relates to sound guidance, in particular sound guidance for blind or visually impaired persons, and more particularly methods and devices for multidirectional sound guidance.

To help people who are blind or have low vision in an unknown environment, there are many solutions that include hearing and touch.

Devices using sound indications can be classified into two categories: fixed devices and autonomous devices. Typically, the fixed devices are adapted to emit sound indications at a relatively high level, these indications being able to be heard by anyone being close to these devices, for example a few meters, whereas the autonomous devices are audible only at a few centimeters or tens of centimeters.

Autonomous systems allow the user to define a destination and hear the indications needed to reach that destination.

However, although these autonomous devices have many advantages, particularly as regards the adaptation of the indications transmitted to the needs of each user and the absence of noise pollution for people in the immediate environment of these devices, they have significant disadvantages, especially in terms of complexity of use and costs.

Conversely, fixed systems have the advantage of simplicity for the user who, according to the systems, triggers manually or automatically the emission of sound indications.

For example, there are systems consisting of fixed sound guide terminals and remote controllers that can be in the form of universal remotes approximately the size of a small matchbox with a simple command button. The range of these remote controls is typically a few meters. There are of course many models. For example, the company EO-EDPS proposes such a system called EO Guidance. According to the simplest mode of use, an audible indication is associated with each guide terminal. The audible indication is sounded when the user operates the remote control and the sound terminal is located in the remote control's field.

According to another embodiment, the sound message transmitted is a function of one or more parameters. It is then an indication terminal. For example, a terminal associated with a traffic light emits a first sound signal if the light is green and a second sound signal, different from the first, if the light is red.

These terminals are generally arranged in such a way that the user can activate simultaneously only one terminal with the help of the command signal that can be transmitted by the remote control. Thus, when the user actuates the remote control to emit a control signal to activate a sound terminal, the sound terminal in the signal transmission zone activates and emits the sound indication associated therewith.

The figure 1 illustrates an example of implementation of such sound terminals for an intersection 100 of streets. The intersection 100 here comprises four traffic lights 105-1 to 105-4, a sound indicating terminal 110-i being associated with each traffic light (the sound terminal 110-1 is associated with the traffic light 105-1, the terminal sound 110-2 is associated with traffic light 105-2, etc.). Each 110-i sound terminal is activated by a remote control whose range is predetermined. Curves 115-1 to 115-4 illustrate the activation limits of the sound terminals 110-1 to 110-4, respectively. Thus, if a user 120-1 actuates his remote control, no sound terminal will be activated while if a user 120-2 actuates his remote control, the sound terminal 110-1 will be activated. The sound signal emitted by the sound terminal 110-1 is a function of the state of the traffic light 105-1.

However, if these systems allow a user to locate and / or obtain indications, they do not guide it to a particular destination, that is to say to a particular guide terminal.

There is therefore a need for effective multidirectional sound guidance systems that are simple to use and low cost.

The invention solves at least one of the problems discussed above.

• réception d'un signal unique de commande ;
• activation de chacune desdites au moins deux bornes de guidage sonore ; et,
• pour chacune desdites au moins deux bornes de guidage sonore, émission d'au moins une indication sonore, le contenu audible desdites indications sonores étant émis de façon séquentielle.

The invention thus relates to a method of multidirectional sound guidance in an environment comprising at least two unidirectional sound guide terminals, spaced from each other, at least one sound indication being associated with each of said at least two terminals of sound guidance, the method comprising the following steps,

• receiving a single command signal;
• activating each of said at least two sound guide terminals; and,
• for each of the at least two sound guide terminals, emission of at least one audible indication, the audible content of said sound indications being transmitted sequentially.

The method according to the invention thus enables the users to associate the audible contents with the sources of the sound indications in order to determine, in particular, a set of directions. This method is thus adapted to guiding blind or partially sighted persons.

According to a particular embodiment, said at least two sound guide terminals are activated simultaneously. Advantageously, at least one of said sound indications associated with each of said at least two sound guide terminals comprises a first zone of silence. The length of said first silence zone is preferably related to the length of at least one sound indication associated with at least one other sound guide terminal.

The method according to the invention thus allows a simple implementation of guidance by sound indications, easy use of these guide means and allows the use of standard unidirectional sound guide terminals.

Still according to a particular embodiment, said control signal simultaneously activates said at least two sound guide terminals thus allowing the use of universal remote controls and standard unidirectional sound guide terminals.

• émission d'au moins un signal d'activation par l'une desdites au moins deux bornes de guidage sonore ; et,
• réception dudit au moins un signal d'activation par au moins une autre desdites au moins deux bornes de guidage, ledit au moins un signal d'activation étant adapté à activer ladite au moins une autre desdites au moins deux bornes de guidage sonore.

Alternatively or additionally, the method according to the invention further comprises the following steps,

• transmitting at least one activation signal by one of said at least two audible guidance terminals; and,
• receiving said at least one activation signal by at least one of said at least two guide terminals, said at least one activation signal being adapted to activate said at least one of said at least two audible guide terminals.

According to this embodiment, some of the unidirectional sound guide terminals are adapted to transmit and receive activation signals enabling the activation of unidirectional sound guide terminals. This embodiment allows programming unidirectional sound guide terminals to execute predetermined sound guide scenarios.

• réception d'un signal de commande ;
• émission d'une première indication sonore ;
• émission d'au moins un signal d'activation, ledit au moins un signal d'activation étant destiné à au moins une seconde borne de guidage unidirectionnel, ledit au moins un signal d'activation étant adapté à déclencher l'émission d'au moins une seconde indication sonore dans ladite au moins une seconde borne de guidage unidirectionnel.

The subject of the invention is also a multidirectional sound guide method for a unidirectional sound guide terminal comprising the following steps,

• receiving a control signal;
• emission of a first sound indication;
• emission of at least one activation signal, said at least one activation signal being intended for at least one second unidirectional guiding terminal, said at least one activation signal being adapted to trigger the emission of at least one a second audible indication in said at least one second unidirectional guiding terminal.

The method according to the invention thus makes it possible to control a sequence of activation of unidirectional sound guide terminals from one of unidirectional sound guide terminals.

According to a particular embodiment, the method further comprises a step of transmitting at least one second activation signal, said at least one second activation signal being intended for at least one third unidirectional guiding terminal, said at least one second activation signal being adapted to trigger the emission of at least a third sound indication in said at least one third unidirectional guiding terminal, said third sound indication being different from said second sound indication. The method is thus capable of activating simultaneously or sequentially several unidirectional sound guide terminals.

Still according to a particular embodiment, said step of transmitting an activation signal is carried out after a predetermined time following the reception of said first control signal or the emission of an audible indication so that the audible content sound indications are not superimposed.

At least one of said steps of transmitting a first sound indication and transmitting at least one activation signal can be repeated at least once to at least partially repeat one of the sound indications to facilitate sound guidance.

According to a particular embodiment, said control signal is a radio signal received from a remote control. The method according to the invention can thus be implemented using a universal remote control.

Still according to a particular embodiment, the method further comprises a preliminary step of selecting said first sound instruction making it possible to choose one of several sound instructions, for example as a function of the characteristics of an activation signal, and / or to access a sound instruction stored in a remote system.

The invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions adapted to the implementation of each of the steps of the method described above.

• des moyens adaptés à recevoir un signal de commande ;
• des moyens adaptés à émettre une première indication sonore à la réception dudit signal de commande ; et,
• des moyens adaptés à émettre au moins un signal d'activation, ledit au moins un signal d'activation étant adapté à activer au moins un second dispositif de guidage sonore similaire pour l'émission d'une seconde indication sonore.

The invention also relates to a sound guide device comprising the following means,

• means adapted to receive a control signal;
• means adapted to emit a first audible indication upon receipt of said control signal; and,
• means adapted to emit at least one activation signal, said at least one activation signal being adapted to activate at least a second similar sound guide device for transmitting a second sound indication.

The device according to the invention thus makes it possible to control a sequence of activation of unidirectional sound guide terminals.

According to a particular embodiment, said means adapted to transmit at least one activation signal are adapted to transmit at least a second activation signal, said at least one second activation signal being adapted to activate at least a third device similar sound guide for transmitting a third sound indication, said third sound indication being different from said second sound indication. The device is thus able to activate simultaneously or sequentially several unidirectional sound guide terminals.

Still according to a particular embodiment, the device furthermore comprises wireless transmission means for transmitting at least one of said activation signals in the form of a radio signal and / or receiving means adapted to receive at least the first signal. one of said activation signals in the form of a radio signal in order to simplify the setting up of such a device.

According to a particular embodiment, said means for transmitting an activation signal comprise means for transmitting at least one of said activation signals after a predetermined time following the reception of said control signal or the transmission of a sound indication.

Advantageously, the device further comprises storage means adapted to store a sequence of sequential instructions for controlling said sound indication transmission means and control signals. Such a sequence of instructions makes it possible to control the activation of one or more unidirectional sound guide terminals. Preferably, the device further comprises means for selecting said first audible indication for selecting one of several audible indications, for example depending on the characteristics of an activation signal, and / or for accessing a sound instruction stored in a remote system.

The invention also relates to a unidirectional sound guide terminal comprising a recorded sound message, said recorded sound message comprising a first silence zone whose length is at least equivalent to the length of a sound message recorded in another terminal of unidirectional sound guidance allowing the simultaneous activation of several unidirectional sound guide terminals without superposition of the audible contents.

• la figure 1 représente un exemple de mise en oeuvre de borne sonore activable par télécommande ;
• la figure 2 illustre un premier exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention dans un espace public tel qu'une gare ;
• la figure 3, comprenant les figures 3a et 3b, illustre le contenu sonore de trois bornes situées dans le champ d'activation d'une télécommande activées simultanément ;
• la figure 4 illustre un second exemple de mise en oeuvre de l'invention dans un espace public tel qu'une gare ;
• la figure 5 présente un exemple de calculateur adapté à mettre en oeuvre l'invention ; et,
• la figure 6 illustre certaines étapes du procédé d'un d'algorithme adapté à mettre en oeuvre l'invention dans une borne sonore selon le second mode de réalisation décrit.

Other advantages, aims and features of the present invention will emerge from the detailed description which follows, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• the figure 1 represents an example of implementation of sound terminal activated by remote control;
• the figure 2 illustrates a first example of implementation of the invention in a public space such as a station;
• the figure 3 , including Figures 3a and 3b , illustrates the sound content of three terminals located in the activation field of a remote control activated simultaneously;
• the figure 4 illustrates a second example of implementation of the invention in a public space such as a station;
• the figure 5 presents an example of a computer adapted to implement the invention; and,
• the figure 6 illustrates certain steps of the method of an algorithm adapted to implement the invention in a sound terminal according to the second embodiment described.

The methods and devices according to the invention are based on the use of standard sound terminals and remote controls as previously described to assist a person, particularly a blind or visually impaired person, to navigate.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the actuation of the remote control activates several sound terminals located in the scope range of the remote control.

The method according to the invention makes it possible to activate two or more sound terminals. At least one message is associated with each sound terminal. These messages correspond to the location of the sound terminals and / or to a direction associated with them to indicate several possible directions to the users. The directions are thus determined by the content of the sound signals emitted and their sources.

The sound terminals must be sufficiently distant from each other to be able to determine the direction of the sound sources so as to constitute an orientation and sufficiently close to be heard one after the other, in turn, and to be activated simultaneously. The positioning of these sound sources, in particular their height and their spacing, is advantageously adjusted in the space according to the place where they are installed (noise level, volume dimensions, acoustic quality, etc.). Advantageously, the sound terminals (or the part that emits the sound message) are located at a height of at least 3 meters.

The figure 2 illustrates an example of implementation of the invention in a public space such as a station. The environment 200 in which the invention is installed here is a station hall which comprises in particular an entry 205, a reception desk 210, tickets sales booths 215 and access to the platforms 220. Three sound terminals are used here. A first sound terminal 225-1 corresponds to the intersection of the reception desk 210 and the counters 215, a second sound terminal 225-2 corresponds to the reception office 210 while a third sound terminal 225-3 corresponds to the wickets 215.

The sound terminals 225-1, 225-2 and 225-3 are here spaced a few meters, typically about four meters.

The fields of activation of the sound terminals 225-1 to 225-3 by a universal remote control are represented by the curves 230-1 to 230-3, respectively. Thus, when the user actuates his remote control at the terminal 225-1, the sound terminals 225-1, 225-2 and 225-3 are activated by the control signal from the remote control and emit an audible signal indicating their position, here "intersection greeting office - wickets", "home office" and "wickets", respectively.

The sound messages are preferably stored in each of the terminals. Alternatively, the sound messages can be stored in a remote server and accessed via a network, wired or not, by the sound terminals. Access to these messages stored on a remote server can be achieved when the sound message is to be disclosed, the initialization of the terminal or periodically.

To prevent all sound messages from being simultaneously disclosed (the user would have difficulty understanding the content of these messages and identifying the sound sources), a silence zone is inserted at the beginning of at least one sound message.

The figure 3a illustrates an example of content of the sound messages associated with the sound terminals 225-1, 225-2 and 225-3.

The sound message 300, associated with the sound terminal 225-1, does not include a silence zone. Thus, when the sound terminal 225-1 is activated at time t, the content of the sound message is directly audible. At the instant t, the user hears the message "intersection reception desk - counters" and is able to identify the sound source, here the sound terminal 225-1. As illustrated, the sound message 300 has a duration t ₁ .

The sound message 305, associated with the sound terminal 225-2, comprises two parts 305-1 and 305-2. The part 305-1 corresponds to a zone of silence while the part 305-2 corresponds to the audible part of the sound message, here "reception desk". The duration of the part 305-1 corresponding to a zone of silence is here t ₁ + 3s. When the sound terminal 225-2 is activated at the instant t (at the same time as the sound terminal 225-1), the sound message 305 is emitted. However, the sound message 305 starting with the zone of silence, its disclosure does not disturb the hearing of the message 300. Thus, at time t ₁ + 3s, that is to say three seconds after the end of the message. When the message 300 is audible, the silence zone 305-1 ends, the audible part 305-2 is sent in turn and the user therefore hears the message "reception desk". He is able to identify the sound source, here the sound terminal 225-2. As illustrated, the sound message 305 has a duration t ₂ .

In the same way, the sound message 310, associated with the sound terminal 225-3, comprises two parts 310-1 and 310-2. The part 310-1 corresponds to a zone of silence while the part 310-2 corresponds to the audible part of the sound message, here "counters". The duration of the part 310-1 corresponding to a zone of silence is here t ₁ + t ₂ + 6s. When the sound terminal 225-3 is activated at the instant t (at the same time as the sound terminals 225-1 and 225-2), the sound message 310 is emitted. However, the sound message 310 starting with the zone of silence, its disclosure does not disturb the hearing of messages 300 and 305. Thus, at time t ₁ + t ₂ + 6s, that is to say three seconds after the end of the audition of the message 305, the silence zone 310-1 ending, the audible part 310-2 is sent in turn and the user therefore hears the message "counters". He is able to identify the sound source, here the sound terminal 225-3.

The reference 315 illustrates the message perceived by the user. Each part of this message makes it possible to identify its source and, thus, the user can determine its direction. This sequence can be repeated as many times as necessary, automatically or by operating the remote control.

The figure 3b illustrates a variant of the figure 3a that direction indications are automatically repeated once to allow the user to fully understand the message and identify sound sources. For reasons of readability, the labels "message 1", "message 2" and "message 3" are replaced by the words "Mes. 1, "Mes. 2 "and" Mes. 3 ", corresponding to the messages" intersection reception desk - counters "," reception desk "and" counters ", respectively.

The sound message 300, associated with the sound terminal 225-1, is identical to that of the figure 3a .

The sound message 305 ', associated with the sound terminal 225-2, comprises four parts 305'-1, 305'-2, 305'-3 and 305'-4. The parts 305'-1 and 305'-2 are similar to the parts 305-1 and 305-2, respectively. Part 305'-3 corresponds to a zone of silence while part 305'-4 corresponds to in part 305'-2, that is to say, the audible part of the sound message, here "reception desk". The duration of the part 305'-3 corresponding to a zone of silence is here t ₃ + 6s, that is to say the length of the sound message associated with the terminal 225-3 (of a duration t ₃ ) and two breaks.

In the same way, the sound message 310 ', associated with the sound terminal 225-3, comprises four parts 310'-1, 310'-2, 310'-3 and 310'-4. Parts 310'-1 and 310'-2 are similar to parts 310-1 and 310-2, respectively. The part 310'-3 corresponds to a zone of silence while the part 310'-4 corresponds to the part 310'-2, that is to say to the audible part of the sound message, here "wickets". The duration of the part 310'-3 corresponding to a zone of silence is here t ₂ + 6s, that is to say the length of the sound message associated with the terminal 225-2 and two pauses.

The reference 315 'illustrates the message perceived by the user, that is to say here the sequence, "intersection reception desk - counters" ... "home office" ... "counters" .. "Reception desk" ... "wickets".

Although a three second silence period is inserted between each message, this period can be shortened, extended, or deleted.

Listening to the sound messages and determining the direction of the sound sources associated with these messages allow the user to orientate themselves, for example, towards the reception desk or the ticket windows.

This sound orientation method is preferably associated with a podotactile tape guidance system. This floor marking consisting of a differentiated relief is advantageously used to indicate that sound guidance is available via a universal remote control. So the reference 235 on the figure 2 , corresponds to a podotactile marking indicating to the user that sound guidance is available.

Alternatively, the sequence of sound messages can be emitted automatically when a presence is detected at a particular point, for example on the podotactile marking 235. According to this alternative, the detection mechanism sends a control signal to activate the sound terminals.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the actuation of the remote control activates the sound terminal located in the range field of the remote control by a control signal, this activated terminal activating in turn one or more sound terminals located in the field of this terminal activated by one or more activation signals.

To allow the activation of a sound terminal by another, the sound terminals are modified to receive two different types of signals: a control signal from remote controls and one or more activation signals from sound terminals. The modified sound terminals are also able to emit an activation signal of sound terminals.

The activation signals used for the activation of a sounding terminal by another may in particular be transmitted by a wired link or by a wireless link, such as a radio link.

Again, the device according to the invention comprises a plurality of sound terminals sufficiently distant from each other to be able to determine the direction of the sound sources so as to constitute an orientation and sufficiently close to be heard one after another, in turn role. The positioning of these sound sources, in particular their height and their spacing, is advantageously adjusted in the space according to the place where they are installed (noise level, volume dimensions, acoustic quality, etc.).

The figure 4 illustrates an example of implementation of the invention in a public space such as a station according to the second embodiment. The environment 400 in which the invention is installed is here similar to that of the figure 2 . It also consists of a train station hall that includes a 405 entrance, a 410 welcome desk, 415 ticket counters and access to the 420 platforms. Three sound terminals are used. A first sound terminal 425-1 corresponds to the intersection of the reception office 410 and 415 counters, a second sound terminal 425-2 corresponds to the reception office 410 while a third sound terminal 425-3 corresponds to the wickets 415.

The activation fields of sound terminals 425-1 to 425-3 by a universal remote control are represented by curves 430-1 to 430-3, respectively. Thus, when the user actuates his remote control in the activation field 430-1, the sound terminal 425-1 is activated and emits an audible signal indicating its position, here "intersection home office - counters". Similarly, if the user activates his remote control in the activation field 430-2, the 425-2 sound terminal is activated and emits an audible signal indicating its position ("home office") and if the user actuates its remote control in the activation field 430-3, the 425-3 sound terminal is activated and emits an audible signal indicating its position ("windows").

It is assumed here that the invention is implemented by the activation of the sound terminal 425-1, that is to say the intersection between the reception office and the counters. Thus, after issuing the message "intersection welcome desk - counters", the sound terminal 425-1 emits a first activation signal to activate a neighboring sound terminal, possibly after a predetermined pause time. For example, Bollard 425-1 issues an activation signal to activate Bollard 425-2. The 425-2 sound terminal then transmits, automatically (that is to say without action on the part of the user), the sound message associated with it, here "home office". Optionally after a second predetermined pause time, the first activated terminal emits a second activation signal to activate another neighboring sound terminal. For example, Bollard 425-1 issues an activation signal to activate Bollard 425-3. The 425-3 sound terminal then automatically transmits the sound message associated with it, here "wickets". This sequence can be repeated as many times as necessary.

As indicated above, listening to these messages and determining the direction of the sound sources associated with these messages allow the user to move for example to the office or to the counters.

According to a particular embodiment, a sequence of instructions can be stored in each sound terminal. If this sequence of instructions is empty, the sound terminal has a standard behavior, that is to say that it emits once the sound message associated with it. If this sequence of instructions is not empty, these instructions are executed one after the other.

• émettre_message;
• attendre(x) ;
• émettre_signal(borne_identifiant) ;
• attendre(y+x)
• émettre_signal(borne_identifiant) ;
• attendre(z+x) ; et,
• répéter(1,4).

In the case described above, the following instructions may be the following,

• émettre_message;
• wait (x);
• send_signal (terminal_identifier);
• wait (y + x)
• send_signal (terminal_identifier);
• wait (z + x); and,
• repeating (1,4).

According to this simplified syntax, the transmit_message instruction means that the sound message associated with the terminal must be transmitted. According to a preferred embodiment, this instruction is not used because it is not necessary. Indeed, as soon as the sound terminal receives a control signal or an activation signal, it emits the sound message associated with it. The emit_message instruction can be considered as useless.

The wait (x) statement means that the terminal must wait for the time specified by the x value before executing the next statement. The value of x is for example three seconds.

The transmit_signal (identifier_terminal) instruction means that an activation signal must be sent to activate the audible terminal identified by the terminal_identifier parameter . The terminal_identifier parameter is an identifier which makes it possible to identify a sound terminal, preferably a single sound terminal. Depending on the type of connection between the terminal executing this instruction and the terminal identified by identifier_terminal , this identifier is transmitted or not with the control signal. For example, if the control signal is transmitted by a direct wire link established between the terminal executing the instructions and the identified terminal, it is not necessary to transmit the identifier. On the other hand, if the control signal is transmitted by a radio link, it is necessary to transmit the identifier with the command.

The repeat instruction (i, j) is to repeat the last time i j instructions.

The values y and z are advantageously determined by the length of the sound messages emitted. Thus, after issuing an instruction for the transmission of a message associated with a particular sound terminal, it is necessary to wait for the end of the transmission of the corresponding message and to pause, the duration of which is fixed here at x , corresponding to the desired pause between the emission of two consecutive sound messages.

• attendre_signal_fin(borne_identifiant) ;
• attendre(x)

Alternatively, the terminal activated by the first activated terminal may emit an acoustic message transmission end signal so that the first activated terminal does not have to know the duration of the message sent by another terminal. According to this embodiment the instruction wait (y + x) can be replaced by the following instructions,

• wait_signal_fin (terminal_identifier);
• expect (s)

The attendre_signal_fin instruction is used here to wait for the end of transmission signal of a sound signal of the terminal identified by the borne_identifiant parameter. The activated terminal must then include the means necessary for the transmission of an end of sound signal emission signal. Although the terminal_identifier parameter makes it possible to check that the end of emission signal has been sent by the activated terminal, this parameter is not essential.

Still alternatively, the sound messages comprise zones of silence at the beginning of the message, as described in the first embodiment, the length of these zones of silence being a function of the length of the messages and the sequencing of the messages, such so that it is not necessary to wait for the end of the disclosure of a message to transmit an activation signal to another sound terminal.

It should be noted that this instruction set is for illustrative purposes and that other instructions may be used with a similar or different syntax.

The execution of these instructions can be carried out using a calculator such as the one presented on the figure 5 this calculator preferably being integrated with the sound terminal.

• une unité centrale de traitement 503 telle qu'un microprocesseur ;
• une mémoire morte 504 ou Read Only Memory (ROM), pouvant comporter un ou plusieurs programmes "Prog" ;
• une mémoire vive 506 ou Random Access Memory (RAM), comportant des registres adaptés à mémoriser des variables et des paramètres créés et modifiés au cours de l'exécution des programmes précités ; et
• une interface de communication 518 reliée à un réseau de communication 520, l'interface étant apte à transmettre et à recevoir des données, notamment pour l'activation d'une borne sonore.

Preferably, the computer 500 comprises a communication bus 502 to which are connected,

• a central processing unit 503 such as a microprocessor;
• a read-only memory 504 or Read Only Memory (ROM), which may comprise one or more "Prog"programs;
• a RAM 506 or Random Access Memory (RAM), having registers adapted to store variables and parameters created and modified during the execution of the aforementioned programs; and
• a communication interface 518 connected to a communication network 520, the interface being able to transmit and receive data, in particular for the activation of a sound terminal.

• un écran 508 permettant de visualiser des données, des instructions et/ou de servir d'interface graphique avec l'installateur qui pourra interagir avec les programmes selon l'invention, par exemple pour créer ou modifier une séquence d'instructions, à l'aide d'un clavier 510 ou de tout autre moyen tel qu'un dispositif de pointage, comme par exemple une souris 511 ou un crayon optique, un écran tactile ou une télécommande ;
• un disque dur 512 pouvant comporter des programmes et/ou des données, notamment des données de type séquences d'instructions ; et,
• un lecteur de carte mémoire 514 adapté à recevoir une carte mémoire 516 et à y lire ou à y écrire des données telles que des séquences d'instructions.

The computer 500 may optionally have one, more or all of the following devices:

• a screen 508 for displaying data, instructions and / or to act as a graphical interface with the installer who can interact with the programs according to the invention, for example to create or modify a sequence of instructions, to the using a keyboard 510 or other means such as a pointing device, such as for example a mouse 511 or an optical pen, a touch screen or a remote control;
• a hard disk 512 may include programs and / or data, including instruction sequence type data; and,
• a memory card reader 514 adapted to receive a memory card 516 and to read or write data therefrom such as sequences of instructions.

The communication bus allows communication and interoperability between the different elements included in the computer 500 or connected to it. The representation of the bus is not limiting and, in particular, the central unit is capable of communicating instructions to any element of the calculator 500, directly or via another element of the computer 500.

The executable code of the program (s) enabling the computer 500 to implement the processes according to the invention can be stored, for example, in the hard disk 512 or in the read-only memory 504.

According to one variant, the memory card 516 can contain data as well as the executable code of the aforementioned programs which, once read by the computer 500, can be stored in the hard disk 512.

Alternatively, the executable code of the programs can be received via the communication network 520, via the interface 518, to be stored identically to that described above.

The memory cards can be replaced by any information medium such as, for example, a compact disc (CD-ROM), in general, an information storage medium, readable by a computer or by a microprocessor, integrated or no to the computer, possibly removable, and adapted to store one or more programs whose execution allows the implementation of the method according to the invention.

More generally, the program or programs may be loaded into one of the storage means of the computer 500 before being executed.

The central unit 503 controls the execution of the instructions or portions of software code of the program (s) according to the invention, instructions which are stored in the hard disk 512, in the read-only memory 504 or in the other storage elements. supra. When powering on, the program or programs stored in a non-volatile memory, for example the hard disk 512 or the read only memory 504, are transferred into the random access memory 506 (RAM), which then contains the executable code of the one or more program (s) according to the invention, as well as registers for storing the variables and the parameters necessary for the implementation of the invention.

It should be noted that the computer comprising the device and the programs making it possible to implement the invention can also be a programmed apparatus. The instructions of the program (s) implementing The invention may, for example, be implemented in a programmable or specific integrated circuit (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit, ASIC).

The figure 6 illustrates an exemplary algorithm for implementing the invention, according to the second embodiment, in a modified sound terminal, that is to say for example a standard sound terminal further comprising storage means for storing a sequence of instructions, means of calculation as presented on the figure 5 for executing an instruction sequence, activation signal receiving means from other modified sound terminals, and activation signal transmitting means for activating other modified sound terminals.

When the sound terminal receives a signal, a first test is performed to determine if the received signal is a control signal (step 600). If the received signal is not a control signal, a second test is performed to determine whether the received signal is an activation signal (step 605).

If the received signal is neither a control signal nor an activation signal, the sound terminal will wait until the next signal is received (return to step 600).

If the received signal is an activation signal, an audible message is selected (step 610). The selection of a sound message is performed, for example, according to a status indicator associated with the sound terminal. This step is not necessary if there is only one sound message associated with the sound terminal.

The audible message is then transmitted (step 615).

The sound terminal then goes on hold until the next signal is received (return to step 600).

If the received signal is a control signal (step 600), an audible message is selected (step 610) and transmitted (step 615) as previously indicated.

A test is then performed to determine if the list of instructions associated with the terminal is empty or not (step 620). If the list of instructions is empty, the sound terminal then goes on hold until the next signal is received (return to step 600).

If the instruction list is not empty, the first statement of the list is selected (step 625). The selected instruction is then executed (step 630).

A test is then performed to determine if the selected instruction is the last of the instruction list or not (step 635). If the selected instruction is the last in the instruction list, the sound terminal will wait until the next signal is received (return to step 600).

If the selected instruction is not the last in the instruction list, the next instruction is selected (step 640) and the previous two steps (steps 635 and 640) are repeated.

The execution of the instructions of the instruction list has the effect of transmitting, if necessary, one or more activation signals to one or more other sound terminals for the transmission of sound messages for multidirectional sound guidance.

Again, this sound orientation method can advantageously be associated in complex spaces with a tactile land guidance system. This floor marking consisting of a differentiated relief is advantageously used to indicate that sound guidance is available via a universal remote control.

It is possible to use modified sound terminals and unmodified sound terminals within the same system. To activate an unmodified sound station, a modified sound terminal can emit a control signal similar to that emitted by a universal remote control, whose range is increased. It is then necessary to judiciously position the sound terminals and to precisely determine the range of the control signals emitted by the sound terminals to control the successive activation of the unmodified terminals.

The sequences of localization messages interspersed with short periods of silence, called orchestration, thus create a dynamic orientation that is particularly suitable for people who are blind or visually impaired. The same sequence of messages is preferably repeated two or three times before proceeding to the next sequence. In addition, the user can at any time activate the sound terminal (s) to repeat the sequence of messages.

It is also possible to chain several message suites to allow a progression of the user, especially when the destination is located more than a few meters. In this case, several sound terminals are used as relays to indicate the direction as the user progresses. The sound sources used as relays are then preferably positioned in the axis of displacement sought.

Naturally, to meet specific needs, a person skilled in the field of the invention may apply modifications in the foregoing description.

Claims (20)

A method of multidirectional sound guidance in an environment comprising at least two terminals (225-2, 225-3) for unidirectional sound guidance, spaced apart from each other, at least one sound indication of direction being associated with each of said at least two sound guide terminals, the method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps, - reception of a single command signal; activation of each of said at least two sound guide terminals; and, for each of said at least two sound guide terminals, transmission of at least one directional sound indication associated therewith, the audible content (305-2, 310-2) of said transmitted sound indications being transmitted sequentially, wherein said direction sound indications emitted by each of said at least two sound guide terminals are different to indicate at least two different directions. The method of claim 1 wherein said environment further comprises at least one sound positioning terminal (225-1), at least one positioning sound indication being associated with said at least one sound positioning terminal, the method further comprising a activation step of said at least one sound positioning terminal and a step of transmitting at least one positioning sound indication. Method according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterized in that said terminals are activated simultaneously. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one of said transmitted direction sound indications comprises a first silence zone (305-1, 310-1). A method according to claim 4 characterized in that the length of said first silence zone (305-1) is related to the length of the other of said transmitted directional sound indications. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said control signal simultaneously activates said terminals. Process according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises the following steps, - Emitting at least one activation signal by one of said at least two sound guide terminals; and, - Receiving said at least one activation signal by at least one of said at least two guide terminals, said at least one activation signal being adapted to activate said at least one of said at least two sound guide terminals. Multi-directional sound guide method for unidirectional sound-guiding terminals (225-2, 225-3), characterized in that it comprises the following steps, - receiving a command signal; - emitting a first sound direction indication (305) in a first sound guide terminal; emission of at least one activation signal, called first activation signal, said first activation signal being intended for at least one second unidirectional guiding terminal, said first activation signal being adapted to trigger transmission at least one second direction sound indication (310) in said at least one second sound guide terminal; and, - issuing a second sound direction indication (305), said first and second direction sound indications being different to indicate at least two different directions. The method of claim 8 wherein said first direction sound indication is transmitted in response to a second activation signal, the method further comprising the steps of transmitting a sound indication for positioning in a sound positioning terminal in response to said control signal; and, transmitting said second activation signal, said second activation signal being intended for said first sound guide terminal. A method according to claim 8 or claim 9 wherein said step of transmitting at least one of said activation signals is performed after a predetermined time following reception of said control signal or emission of an audible indication . A method as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein said steps of transmitting first and second direction sound indications are repeated at least once. Method according to one of claims 8 to 11 wherein said control signal is a radio signal received from a remote control. The method of any of claims 8 to 12 further comprising a prior step of selecting said first sound instruction. Computer program comprising instructions adapted to the implementation of each of the steps of the method according to any one of claims 8 to 13. Unidirectional sound guide terminal for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, said unidirectional sound guide terminal comprising a recorded sound message, said recorded sound message comprising a first silence zone whose length is at less than the length of a sound message recorded in another unidirectional sound guide terminal used in conjunction with the unidirectional sound guide terminal. Sound guide device for carrying out the method according to any one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises the following means, means adapted to receive a control signal; means adapted to emit a first audible indication (300, 305, 310) on receipt of said control signal; and, - Means adapted to emit at least one activation signal, said at least one activation signal being adapted to activate at least a second similar sound guide device for the emission of a second sound indication. Device according to the preceding claim wherein said means adapted to emit at least one activation signal are adapted to emit at least one second activation signal, said at least one second activation signal being adapted to activate at least a third device similar sound guide for transmitting a third sound indication, said third sound indication being different from said second sound indication. Device according to the preceding claim further comprising wireless transmission means for transmitting at least one of said activation signals in the form of a radio signal and / or receiving means adapted to receive at least one of said signal signals. activation as a radio signal. Apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein said means for transmitting an activation signal comprises means for transmitting at least one of said activation signals after a predetermined time following receipt of said signal. command or the emission of an audible indication. Device according to one of claims 16 to 19 further comprising means for selecting said first sound indication.

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