Monitoring the deployment of fireman wearing breathing apparatus

• Main Author: WERNER JUMPERTZ
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 07.07.2004
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING; HUMAN NECESSITIES; LIFE-SAVING; OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS, OR APPARATUS; OPTICS; PHYSICS

A monitoring device (1) includes an image recording device (2) through which an image falling into the field of vision of the apparatus wearer can be recorded, an indicating device (4), a signal processing device (5) with which at least the image signals recorded by the image recording device (2) can be evaluated, an input medium (3), a storage medium (6) for a building topology, and means for determining the current position of the apparatus wearer by evaluating the image signals supplied by the image recording device (2) by pattern recognition. The advantage of the invention consists essentially in that the position is determined immediately by evaluating, by means of pattern recognition, an image signal supplied by an image recording device on the basis of a stored building topology and in that a direct reference to the building topology is therefore established. This allows much greater accuracy of the position determination than would be possible with conventional position sensors. For example, it can be established whether the wearer of the apparatus is standing in front of or behind a wall, or whether he has already passed through a certain door. Building topology is understood to include fixed points, for example supporting columns, door openings, window openings and staircases which are not changed by a fire and are therefore suitable as reference points. An infrared camera, which also supplies patterns that can be used in a dark, smoky atmosphere, is ideal as an image recording device. The current position is indicated by an indicating device that can be carried by the wearer of the apparatus.