TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a light signaling device for automobile and motorcycling competitions, and similar.

BACKGROUND ART

As is known, in automobile and motorcycling competitions, and the like, numerous track marshals are employed, assigned to various fixed and numbered posts along the circuit.

The track marshals are posted for instance at, but not limited to, comers, chicanes, or other critical areas from the safety point of view.

The tasks of the track marshals are to ensure, in addition to supervising compliance with the sports regulations, the safety of the drivers and riders reporting any accidents or other dangerous situations, to promptly take action to restore the optimal conditions of the track, to recover damaged cars or motorcycles, clean the track, and other important activities.

Traditionally, the track marshal - in constant contact with the Race Director - shows signals to racers through special flags, with encoded images and/or messages, characterised by certain colours.

In order to be clearly visible to passing racers when they display flags, the marshals usually position themselves very close to the track, near guard rails, fences, or other dedicated protection items, and often they reach out beyond the protections, again to ensure the best visibility for the competitors.

The marshals, therefore, are frequently in positions - such as comers, chicanes, and the like - potentially dangerous in case of accidents or off-course departures by the racers, as they could be run over by vehicles or hit by parts of the latter.

Moreover, since, as mentioned, the marshals have several tasks, one same marshal could be engaged in carrying out a given activity - for example, restoring or securing a part of the track after an accident, or something else - just when it becomes necessary to quickly display a specific flag to signal a further danger situation created in the meantime, or to communicate an urgent message to the racers.

In such a situation, the aforementioned flag could be displayed with some delay with respect to the correct timing, precisely because of the fact that the marshal is temporarily engaged in another activity: this could therefore hinder or affect the correct performance of the competition.

In addition, in situations such as the one described, the track marshal may find it difficult to look for the correct flag to display among the many available, causing further delays, and therefore mistakes, in the management and control of the competition.

More generally, the difficulties or mishaps that individual track marshals may have to face, for the reasons outlined above, can negatively influence the correct performance of the competition, in an unpredictable way for race control.

The same can happen if at least one marshal, in certain situations, makes mistakes during the competition, or at least one marshal acts - however in good faith - in a subjective manner and/or manner not in compliance with the race regulations.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The technical aim of the present invention is to improve the state of the art in the field of automobile and motorcycling competitions, and the like.

Within such technical aim, it is an object of the present invention to provide the marshals with a tool suitable for displaying the appropriate messages and signals to the racers in a quick and safe manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tool, supplied to the marshals, that allows the required messages and signals to be displayed for the racers to see at the correct times regardless of the position of the marshal with respect to the track.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a tool which allows marshals to operate correctly while keeping at a certain safety distance from the track.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a tool, supplied to the marshals, of simple, intuitive and immediate use, even in critical or emergency situations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a tool, supplied to race control, which allows to effectively control and manage the signals that are given out at the various posts provided along the track in which the competition takes place.

This aim and these objects are achieved by the light signaling device for automobile and motorcycling competitions, and similar, according to the attached claim 1.

The signaling device comprises at least one light graphic panel, which can be installed on a respective strut provided at the edge of the race track, designed to show encoded images to communicate certain information to the racers on the track, corresponding to the traditional signaling flags.

The signaling device further comprises at least one control panel, to which the light panel is operatively connected.

Furthermore, the signaling device comprises at least one portable control unit, operatively connected to the aforementioned control panel by means of a Wi-Fi type communication system.

The portable control unit is suitable for displaying at least one operating screen, suitable for selecting encoded images suited, from time to time, to the specific race situation.

Furthermore, the portable control unit is suitable for sending to the control panel at least one signal corresponding to the encoded image to be shown on the light panel. This aim and these objects are achieved by a control system of the posts of the track marshals, according to claim 9, wherein each post comprises at least one light signaling device having the features previously described.

The control system comprises at least one central control station for use by the race director, comprising at least one computer suitable for running a specific software for controlling and managing the signaling devices installed at said posts along the track.

A series of flags is provided which only the race director may authorise, and which are always present in the central control system software, and in the mobile devices of the race marshals, only for the case of loss of connection with the central management software.

In the control system according to the invention the signaling devices are enabled to operate autonomously also in the case of no network connection with the central control station.

Moreover, the instructions given by the central control station always take precedence over the instructions given by the individual mobile units of the signaling devices installed at the various posts.

Dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.

The features of the invention will be better understood by any man skilled in the art from the following description and accompanying drawings, provided by way of non-limiting example, wherein:

figure 1 is a schematic view of the light signaling device according to the invention;

figure 2 is a schematic view of the control system of the various posts provided along the track according to the invention, each comprising one respective light signaling device;

figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a comer of a track wherein a panel of the signaling device is installed;

figure 4 is a perspective view of a section of a track in which a signaling device is installed comprising a double finish panel;

figure 5 is a front view, with some phantom view parts, of a possible embodiment of the panel;

figure 6 is a side view, with some phantom view parts, of the panel of figure 5;

figure 7 is a front view, with some phantom view parts, of another possible embodiment of the panel; figure 8 is a side view, with some phantom view parts, of the panel of figure

7;

figure 9 is a schematic view of the operating screen of the portable control unit of the signaling device;

figures 10, 11, 12 are schematic views of respective operating screens of the portable control unit in different phases of use of the signaling device;

figure 13 is a schematic view of the operating screen of the central control station of race control;

figures 14, 15 are schematic views of respective operating screens of the finish panel control interface, at the central control station.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION.

With reference to the accompanying figure 1, a light signaling device for automobile and motorcycling competitions, and similar, according to the present invention, is wholly indicated with 1.

The device 1 comprises at least one light graphic panel 2,2a.

The panel 2,2a can be installed on a respective strut 3; strut 3 is provided at the edge of the track 4 where the competition takes place.

For example, in Figure 3 a panel 2 is shown mounted on a strut 3 installed at a comer of the track 4.

The strut 3 can be of any type, shape and size, without limitations.

The panel 2,2a is suitable for showing certain encoded images 5.

Such encoded images 5 may also be in colour (for example, colours or colour combinations standardized within the scope of automobile or motorcycling competitions).

The aforesaid encoded images 5 have the purpose of communicating corresponding information or messages to the racers on the track.

Preferably, but not exclusively, these encoded images 5 correspond to the traditional flags that the track marshals display during automobile or motorcycling competitions.

According to another aspect of the invention, the light signaling device 1 comprises at least one control panel 6.

The panel 2,2a is operatively connected to the control panel 6.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the light signaling device 1 comprises at least one portable control unit 7.

The portable control unit 7 is operatively connected to the control panel 6 via a Wi- Fi type communication system 7a.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the portable control unit 7 is suitable for displaying at least one operating screen 8 which allows the track marshal to select the encoded images 5 which must be displayed in panel 2,2a in relation to the specific competition situation.

Moreover, the portable control unit 7 is suitable for sending, to the control panel 6, a signal corresponding to the specific encoded image 5 to be shown on the panel 2,2a, following the selection made by the track marshal.

According to another aspect of the invention, the portable control unit 7 comprises a touch screen type display 9, which is simple, immediate and intuitive to use even in critical and/or emergency situations.

Therefore, whichever the marshal position with respect to his or her operating post - at which the light panel 2,2a is installed - he or she can quickly select the encoded image 5 that he or she wants to show on the light panel 2,2a, .thanks to the specially provided Wi-Fi communication system 7a between the portable unit 7 and the control panel 6.

The control panel 6 comprises a processing unit with a related software suitable for managing and controlling the operation of the light panel 2,2a connected thereto, in relation to the control signals received from the portable control unit 7.

In an embodiment of the invention of particular practical interest, the panel 2,2a is constituted by an LED graphic panel, for example a dot matrix RGB LED graphic panel.

This is a particularly effective and economical solution, but which, however, is not exclusive; in other words, the LED panel 2,2a can be replaced by a panel of another type, and/or operating according to a different technology. As will be better explained below, panels 2,2a of different dimensions and/or different shapes may be used, in relation to the specific portion of the track 4 in which they are installed.

Typically, in specific sections or critical points of the track 4 (for example comers, chicanes, etc.) panels 2 are installed which are suitable for displaying single encoded images 5, of various types.

In other sections of the track 4, panels 2a of larger dimensions may be installed - for example, corresponding to two single panels side by side - to display multiple encoded images 5 and/or further communications/messages for the competing racers.

This last type of double panel 2a - shown schematically, for example, in Figure 4 - can be installed, for example, at the finish line of the track 4.

The panel 2,2a comprises a respective box-like support 10; the box-like support 10 can be installed, in turn, on the strut 3.

In particular, figures 5,6 show, with some phantom view parts or parts removed for greater clarity, a panel 2 according to a possible embodiment of the invention In this embodiment, the light surface of the panel 2 is, for example, 640x640 mm. While figures 7,8 show, with some phantom view parts or parts removed for greater clarity, a panel 2 according to another possible embodiment of the invention.

In this other embodiment of the invention, the light surface of the panel 2 is, for example, 960x960 mm.

The support 10 comprises, at its front face in use, a grid structure 11, to which the rear faces of respective LED elements, also called tiles, are fixable, which together define the entire light surface of the panel 2,2a.

For example, in the embodiment of figures 5,6, the front light surface of the panel 2 is created using four LED elements, or tiles.

While in the embodiment of figures 7,8, the front light surface of the panel 2 is created using nine LED elements, or tiles.

Inside the support 10 a control box 12 is installed, for electrically powering the LED elements, and for connecting the panel 2,2a to the control panel 6.

According to another aspect of the invention, the support 10 of the panel 2,2a comprises, at its rear face in use, at least one seat 13 for the installation of one or more additional rear LED elements 14 (visible in particular in the version of figure 8), of smaller dimensions than the main front light surface.

The rear LED elements 14, connected to the control box 12 and therefore also to the control panel 6, are suitable for displaying the same encoded image 5 shown by the main front light surface. Therefore, the track marshal can check which encoded image 5 is actually displayed on panel 2,2a, also from a rear position with respect to it.

The portable control unit 7 may consist of, or may include, a tablet, a smartphone, or the like.

More specifically, the portable control unit 7 may be of a type exclusively dedicated for managing the control panel 6 of the device 1 , or it may be a common device, optionally also intended for other uses, on which a specific application is installed, suitable for managing the control panel 6 and therefore the panel 2,2a. Figure 9 shows the portable control unit 7, with the corresponding operating screen 8 displayed on a touch screen type display 9.

The operating screen 8 comprises, in one of its parts (for example on the left side), an enabling button 15 ("enable").

In another part of the operating screen 8 (for example its central band) there are three icons l6a, l6b, l6c, corresponding to the encoded images 5 which can be viewed on the panel 2,2a.

A first icon l6a corresponds to the encoded image 5 which is displayed in panel 2,2a coupled to the portable unit 7, and therefore directly controlled by the latter.

A second icon l6b corresponds to the encoded image 5 shown in the panel 2,2a installed at the immediately preceding post ("MP, marshal post"), with respect to the racing direction of the racers on the track.

A third icon l6c corresponds to the encoded image 5 shown in the panel 2,2a installed at the immediately following post, with respect to the racing direction of the racers on the track.

If the icon contains an "X" symbol, this means that in the corresponding panel 2,2a no encoded image is shown (i.e. the central icon l6a shows an "X").

In another part of the operating interface 8 (for example on the right side and/or in the lower part), further selection buttons 17 are provided, which correspond to all the respective encoded images 5 which can be viewed on the panel 2,2a coupled to the portable control unit 7, and from which the track marshal can choose from time to time.

The operating screen 8 further comprises at least one deleting button 18 of the encoded image 5 displayed by the panel 2,2a coupled to the portable control unit 7. For example, in the specific example shown in Figure 9, the portable control unit 7 is coupled to a panel 2 (and therefore a "marshal post") positioned at the finish line ("finish").

Figures 10-12 show the operating screens 8 of the portable control unit 7 in respective different steps of the actuation procedure of the light signaling device 1. Figure 10 shows the initial operation screen 8 of the procedure, wherein in panel 2 coupled to the portable control unit 7 (which panel, in this case, is to be considered of the single type) no encoded image is shown.

Figure 11 shows the step of selecting and enabling a given encoded image 5 by the track marshal.

In particular, this step provides that the enabling button 15 is held down with one hand, while the other hand presses the selection button 17 corresponding to the encoded image 5 to be displayed (in Figure 11, both highlighted with a rectangular frame).

When the button 15 is next released, the central icon l6a shows the selected encoded image 5, which is then correspondingly displayed in panel 2.

This procedure is particularly safe and is designed to avoid the selection of an unwanted encoded image 5 by mistake.

In fact, to select a specific encoded image 5, the track marshal must mandatorily use both hands, one for the enabling button 15 and the other for the selection button 17.

Figure 12, on the other hand, shows the step of deleting the encoded image 5 displayed in panel 2.

This step provides that the enabling button 15 is held down with one hand, while the other hand presses the deleting button 18 (in Figure 12, both highlighted with a rectangular frame).

When the enabling button 15 is next released, the encoded image 5 shown in panel 2 is then removed.

At this point it is possible to select another encoded image 5, if required by the specific situation of the competition.

The deleting procedure is similar to the enabling procedure, and it is particularly safe - against accidental errors - as it requires the simultaneous use of two hands.

As can be understood, the panel 2 management procedure, besides being particularly safe, is also highly user friendly and intuitive; also, the special arrangement of the buttons 15,17,18 in the operating screen 8 considerably helps the track marshal in the selection of the required encoded image 5 desired at any time during the competition.

The enabling button 15, the selection buttons 17 and the deleting button 18 are positioned on opposite sides of the operating screen 8, precisely to allow easy control with two hands during the enabling and the deleting phases.

The light signaling device 1 according to the invention enables the activity of each track marshal to be made more effective, since it makes a mobile control unit 7 available, capable of sending the necessary instructions to the control panel 6 also from a distance from the latter, and also in emergency situations in which the track marshal is temporarily engaged in other activities.

The delays due to searching and displaying the correct flag in a given situation are therefore eliminated.

The track marshal can now operate in optimal safety conditions, as he or she does not necessarily have to position themselves near the track to make the necessary signaling, but can also decide to keep at a certain distance to protect his or her safety.

It is an object of the present invention also a control system, indicated globally and schematically with S, of the various MP posts of the track marshals, wherein each MP post comprises at least one light signaling device 1 having the features disclosed above.

The control system S is shown schematically in figure 2,

The control system S comprises at least one central control station 19, for use by the race director, or for use by the persons appointed by the race director.

The central control station 19 comprises at least one computer 20, suitable for running a specific software for controlling and managing the light signaling devices 1 associated with the various MP posts present in the track 4.

In other words, the central control station 19 allows the race director to supervise the operation of the various light signaling devices 1 independently of the actions carried out by the individual track marshals.

The control system S comprises a data network 21 relating to race control, to which the computer 20 of the central control station 19 is connected.

The various control panels 6 of the respective light signaling devices 1 are connected to the data network 21.

The aforesaid data network 21 also includes a Wi-Fi network 22, with dedicated access points, suitable for communicating with the aforementioned control panels 6.

The data network 21 can also be, in whole or in part, the existing data network in the track 4, or another specially implemented network.

Data panels 23 are connected to the data network 21, provided at various positions along the track 4; the control panels 6 of the signaling devices 1 are, in turn, connected to the data panels 23.

The individual signaling devices 1, therefore, are enabled to operate autonomously even if there is no connection with the central control station 19 (like in the situation shown in Figure 1).

The control panels 6 of the individual signaling devices 1 can be connected to the data network 21 by means of appropriate wiring, or, if the latter is not present or not functioning, by means of the aforementioned Wi-Fi network 22.

Figure 13 schematically shows the operating screen 20a of the computer 20 of the central control station 19.

The operating screen 20a of the computer 20 shows the layout of the track 4 and the various MP posts where respective light signaling devices 1 are installed.

At the various MP posts, the corresponding encoded images 5 displayed in the respective panels 2 are also shown on the screen in real time during the competition.

In the operating screen 20a the signaling devices 1 are also visible, with which there is no network connection, even temporarily: the corresponding encoded images 5a are illustrated, for clearer understanding, with broken lines, or in any case with graphic or display features recognisable and distinguishable from the others.

In the operating screen 20a of the computer 20 there are selectable icons 24 which allow a given encoded image 5 to be matched to a given MP post on the track 4, corresponding to a traditional flag of the track marshals.

Simply click on the MP post concerned, and then click on the selectable icon 24 corresponding to the desired encoded image 5, to activate its immediate display on the corresponding panel 2, notwithstanding the actions of the track marshal in charge of the corresponding signaling device 1.

In the operating screen 20a of the computer 20 there are also further selectable icons 25 corresponding to the encoded images 5 which can be activated simultaneously along the entire track 4, i.e. in all the MP posts.

In other words, by clicking on one of the selectable icons 25, and implementing the next confirmation control that appears on the screen, it is possible to activate the display of a same encoded image 5 in all the panels 2 of all the MP posts of the track 4.

This can be, for example, the case of the activation of the encoded image 5 that shows the message "SC", i.e. "safety car", which at a given time during the competition must be immediately and simultaneously displayed in all the panels 2,2a present in all the MP posts of the track 4.

The deleting icons 26, provided in the same operating screen 20a, allow the display of a specific encoded image 5 in a given MP post, or of the encoded image 5 shown simultaneously in all the MP posts, to be disabled.

In one part of the operating screen 20a of the computer 20, an event list 27 is provided of all the actions performed on the signaling devices 1 provided along the track 4.

The event list 27 may include information such as the encoded image 5 displayed in a given MP post, the time and place of display of same, the user who originated the event, the descriptive message possibly displayed, and all that, for each one of the MP posts.

The contents of the event list 27 can be exported to a file for future reference, or the list can be emptied.

By means of the computer 20 of the central control station 19 it is also possible to control the double panel 2a provided at the finish line of the track 4, or any double panels 2a, if present in a number greater than one.

Figures 14,15 are schematic views of respective operating screens of the control interface 28 of the double panel 2a provided at the finish line: these operating screens are displayable in the computer 20 of the central control station 19.

The control interface 28 of the double panel 2a of the finish line can be enabled by clicking on a special button, provided in the operating screen 20a of the computer 20.

The control interface 28 - in a first screen, shown in figure 14 - comprises at least one box 29 which corresponds to the encoded image 5 displayed by the double panel 2a of the finish line.

Additionally, a confirmation button 30 is provided.

In another part of the control interface 28 a numeric keypad 31 is provided, and further selectable icons 32 which correspond to encoded images intended for a given competitor or racer. Proceed by clicking on the selectable icon 32 concerned, and the racer's racing number is entered from the numeric keypad 31 : by clicking the confirmation button 30, the selected encoded image display is enabled together with the racing number of the racer concerned.

In yet another part of the control interface 28 there are further selectable icons 33 which correspond to further encoded images, in this case however not intended for a single racer, but for all the racers.

Also in this case selection requires clicking on the confirmation button 30.

A second screen of the control interface 28 - shown in figure 15 - comprises further selectable icons 34 corresponding to further encoded images which can be displayed on the double panel 2a of the finish line, which can be activated by clicking on the confirmation button 30.

Also the procedure for selecting the encoded images shown on the double panel 2a of the finish line is therefore particularly safe against accidental errors, as it is always carried out by using the confirmation button 30.

The control system S according to the present invention allows race control to manage the operation of all the signaling devices 1 provided in the various MP posts very rapidly and effectively.

In particular, the instructions given by the central control station 19 always take precedence over the instructions given by the individual mobile units 7.

So, for example, in given situations race control may issue instructions to the individual signaling devices 1 more quickly than individual track marshals can, for example because it may be immediately aware of any danger along the track 4, and also, the time required to send the required communications (for example via radio) to the marshals might be too long.

Or, race control can quickly correct any mistakes made by the marshals in the selection of encoded images.

If, for some reason, one or more signaling devices 1 are not connected to the data network 21, these may in any case autonomously operate to instructions given by their respective track marshal through their portable control unit 7. Another important function is to be able, simply and quickly, to select a specific encoded image 5 to be displayed simultaneously in the signaling devices 1 of all the MP posts provided along the track 4, much more quickly than individual track marshals could do.

It has thus been seen how the invention achieves the intended purposes.

The present invention has been described according to preferred embodiments, but equivalent variants are still possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims.