U.S. patent application number 10/041035 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-09 for helmet.
Invention is credited to Slack, Gordon.
Application Number | 20020053101 10/041035 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24223306 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020053101 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Slack, Gordon |
May 9, 2002 |
Helmet
Abstract
A helmet comprising a helmet shell; a breathing apparatus face
mask and a visor, for breathing apparatus and the visor being
connected to the helmet shell; an augmented reality viewer
positioned within the helmet shell and adapted to receive a video
signal and to display the signal as a video image, the video image
being arranged such that it can be viewed by a wearer of the
helmet; the helmet further comprising a power socket adapted to be
connected to an external source of power for the augmented reality
viewer.
Inventors: |
Slack, Gordon; (Luddington,
GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP
P. O. Box 10356
Palo Alto
CA
93403
US
|
Family ID: |
24223306 |
Appl. No.: |
10/041035 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10041035 |
Dec 28, 2001 |
|
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09556904 |
Apr 20, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A62B 18/082 20130101;
A42B 3/288 20130101; G02B 23/125 20130101; A42B 3/042 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/7 |
International
Class: |
A42B 001/00 |
Claims
1. A helmet comprising a helmet shell; a breathing apparatus face
mask for connection to a breathing apparatus and a visor, the
breathing apparatus face mask and the visor being connected to the
helmet shell; an augmented reality viewer positioned within the
helmet shell and adapted to receive a video signal and to display
the signal as a video image, the video image being arranged such
that it can be viewed by a wearer of the helmet; the helmet further
comprising a power socket adapted to be connected to an external
power source for the augmented reality viewer.
2. A helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the video image
displayed by the augmented reality viewer is arranged such that it
can be viewed by the wearer of the helmet whilst looking through
the visor.
3. A helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the augmented reality
viewer is located behind the breathing apparatus face mask.
4. A helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the helmet further
comprises a video socket adapted to receive a video signal from an
external source for display by the augmented reality viewer.
5. A helmet as claimed in claim 4, wherein the external video
source comprises a thermal imaging camera.
6. A helmet as claimed in claim 4, wherein the helmet further
comprises a thermal imaging sensor, the thermal imaging sensor
being adapted to be connected to an external image interpretation
circuit; the image interpretation circuit being adapted to generate
a video signal in response to the signal received from the thermal
imaging sensor; and, the video socket being adapted to receive the
video signal generated by the external image interpretation circuit
for display by the augmented reality viewer.
7. A helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the helmet further
comprises a thermal imaging sensor, the thermal imaging sensor
being connected to an integrated image interpretation circuit; the
image interpretation circuit being adapted to generate a video
signal in response to the signal received from the thermal imaging
sensor; and, the augmented reality viewer being adapted to receive
the video signal from the image interpretation circuit for
display.
8. A viewing system for mounting on a breathing apparatus face
mask, the viewing system comprising an augmented reality viewer
adapted to receive a video signal and to display the signal as a
video image, the video image being arranged such that it can be
viewed by a wearer of the face mask; and, a power socket adapted to
be connected to an external source of power for the augmented
reality viewer.
9. A viewing system as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a
thermal imaging sensor and integrated image interpretation circuit,
the image interpretation circuit being adapted to generate a video
signal in response to the signal received from the thermal imaging
sensor; the augmented reality viewer being adapted to receive the
video image generated by the image interpretation circuit for
display.
10. A viewing system as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a
thermal imaging sensor adapted to be connected to an external image
interpretation circuit, the external image interpretation circuit
being adapted to generate a video signal in response to the signal
received from the thermal imaging sensor; the augmented reality
viewer being adapted to receive the video image generated by the
image interpretation circuit for display.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a helmet. More
particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to
a helmet for use by firefighters and search and rescue teams in
smoke or thick fog.
[0002] It is extremely difficult to find accident or fire victims
in conditions of poor visibility. This problem is particularly well
know to fire fighters who are required to search for and rescue
victims of smoke inhalation in smoke filled environments such as
buildings, ships, oil rigs, tunnels etc. It is necessary to find
such victims as quickly as possible. Even slight delays can have
important consequences for the future health of the victims.
[0003] In an attempt to overcome this problem fire fighters and
search and rescue crews often use hand held thermal imaging
cameras. However, when using such a camera it is necessary for the
operator to hold the camera up to his/her breathing apparatus face
mask, and-look into the camera monitor and then at his/her
surroundings. This can make it difficult for the operator to
interpret the image produced by the camera monitor. Mobility is
also made difficult because his/her hands are not free. Also,
whilst using the camera the operator may suffer from tunnel
vision.
[0004] Helmets having integrated thermal imaging cameras are also
known. Such helmet mounted systems comprise a helmet shell adapted
to receive the head of a wearer. Located within the helmet shell is
a thermal imaging camera, electronics to process the image received
by the camera and an augmented reality viewer to display the image.
These components are powered by a power source also located within
the helmet shell. Such integrated systems are relatively heavy.
Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention provides a
helmet comprising
[0005] a helmet shell;
[0006] a breathing apparatus face mask for connection to a
breathing apparatus and a visor, the breathing apparatus face mask
and the visor being connected to the helmet shell;
[0007] an augmented reality viewer positioned within the helmet
shell and adapted to receive a video signal and to display the
signal as a video image, the video image being arranged such that
it can be viewed by a wearer of the helmet;
[0008] the helmet further comprising a power socket adapted to be
connected to an external power source for the augmented reality
viewer.
[0009] As with the integrated system a wearer of the helmet
according to the invention can view the video image from the camera
without having to hold the camera to the helmet, so overcoming the
problems of lack of mobility and tunnel vision of the wearer.
However, unlike the integrated system the helmet according to the
invention can be used with a power source located separately from
the helmet, for example around the waist or on the back of the
wearer. This reduces the weight of the helmet, so enabling it to be
worn for longer periods.
[0010] Preferably, the video image displayed by the augmented
reality viewer is arranged such that it can be viewed by the wearer
of the helmet whilst looking through the visor. The video image
therefore overlies the image seen by the wearer though the visor
which greatly facilitates interpretation of the video image.
[0011] Preferably, the augmented reality viewer is located behind
the breathing apparatus face mask. This has the advantage that no
matter how dirty and obscured the visor becomes the video image is
not affected.
[0012] Preferably the helmet further comprises a video socket
adapted to receive a video signal from an external source for
display by the augmented reality viewer. Such a helmet is able to
receive a video signal from an external video camera and display
the resulting video image so that it can be seen directly by the
wearer of the helmet. As the helmet does not include a camera its
weight is further reduced. Also, because the helmet can be used
with an external thermal imaging camera it can be purchased by fire
brigades which have already invested large sums in such
cameras.
[0013] Preferably the external video source comprises a thermal
imaging camera.
[0014] Preferably the helmet further comprises a thermal imaging
sensor, the thermal imaging sensor being adapted to be connected to
an external image interpretation circuit, the image interpretation
circuit being adapted to generate a video signal in response to the
signal received from the thermal imaging sensor; and, the video
socket being adapted to receive the video signal generated by the
external image interpretation circuit for display by the augmented
reality viewer.
[0015] In such an arrangement a relatively light thermal imaging
sensor is located in the helmet whilst the heavier image
interpretation circuit is located external to the helmet, for
example around the waist or on the back of the wearer. This enables
hands free operation of the thermal imaging sensor without
significant increase the weight of the helmet.
[0016] Preferably the helmet further comprises a thermal imaging
sensor, the thermal imaging sensor being connected to an integrated
image interpretation circuit;
[0017] the image interpretation circuit being adapted to generate a
video signal in response to the signal received from the thermal
imaging sensor; and,
[0018] the augmented reality viewer being adapted to receive the
video signal from the image interpretation circuit for display.
[0019] In such an arrangement a relatively light thermal imaging
sensor and integrated image interpretation circuit can be located
within the helmet so enabling hands free operation of the thermal
imaging sensor.
[0020] In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a
viewing system for mounting on a breathing apparatus face mask, the
viewing system comprising
[0021] an augmented reality viewer adapted to receive a video
signal and to display the video signal as a video image, the video
image being arranged such that it can be viewed by a wearer of the
face mask; and,
[0022] a power socket adapted to be connected to an external source
of power for the augmented reality viewer.
[0023] Preferably, the viewing system according to the invention
further comprises a thermal imaging sensor and integrated image
interpretation circuit, the image interpretation circuit being
adapted to generate a video signal in response to the signal
received from the thermal imaging sensor; the augmented reality
viewer being adapted to receive the video image generated by the
image interpretation circuit for display.
[0024] Preferably, the viewing system according to the invention
further comprises a thermal imaging sensor adapted to be connected
to an external image interpretation circuit, the external image
interpretation circuit being adapted to generate a video signal in
response to the signal received from the thermal imaging sensor;
the augmented reality viewer being adapted to receive the video
image generated by the image interpretation circuit for
display.
[0025] The present invention will now be described by way of
example only, and not in any limitative sense, with reference to
the accompanying drawings of which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a known helmet including
a thermal imaging camera, an augmented reality viewer and a power
supply;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a helmet according to a first
embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a helmet according to a second
embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a viewing system according to
a third embodiment of the invention.
[0030] Shown in FIG. 1 is a known helmet 1 used by fire fighters
and search and rescue teams. The helmet 1 comprises a helmet shell
2 having a visor aperture 3 and an entrance aperture 4. Sealingly
attached to the edge of the visor aperture 3 is a breathing
apparatus face mask 5 for connection to a breathing apparatus and a
transparent visor 6. Connected around the entrance aperture 4 is a
flame resistant neck skirt 7, preferably made of nomex. The shell 2
is typically a glass fibre/Kevlar shell bonded with a fire
retardant resin. The visor 6 is typically a polycarbonate.
[0031] Located within the helmet shell 2 is a thermal imaging
camera 8 comprising a thermal imaging sensor 9 and an image
interpretation circuit 10. The lens 11 of the thermal imaging
camera 8 extends through an aperture 12 located above the visor 6.
The thermal imaging camera 8 is arranged to point in the same
direction as the wearer of the helmet 1. It is held in the correct
position by a spigotted retainer 13 and ring 14 located at the
front and a spring hook 15 located at the rear of the helmet 1.
[0032] Located inside the visor 6 of the helmet 1 is an augmented
reality viewer 16. The augmented reality viewer 16 is adapted to
receive a video signal from the thermal imaging camera 8 and to
display this on a transparent member 17. The transparent member 17
is arranged to be at the eye level of the wearer of the helmet
1.
[0033] In use the wearer inserts his/her head through the neck
skirt 7 and entrance aperture 4 and into the helmet shell 2. The
helmet 1 is then positioned with the aid of internal straps 18 so
that the wearer can see clearly through the visor 6. The image
received by the thermal imaging camera 8 is processed by the image
interpretation circuit 10 to produce a video signal. The video
signal is transferred to the augmented reality viewer 16 which
converts the video signal to a video image which is then displayed
on the transparent member 17. As the transparent member 17 is at
the eye level of the wearer the wearer simultaneously sees both the
scene through the visor 6 and a superimposed video image. Similar
systems are used in aircraft where they are termed `head up
displays`. When the wearer turns his/her head the image received by
the thermal imaging camera 8 changes and the video image displayed
by the augmented reality viewer 16 is automatically updated.
[0034] Power is supplied to both the thermal imaging camera 8 and
the augmented reality viewer 16 by a power supply 19 located in the
rear of the helmet shell 2, behind the wearer's head.
[0035] Such a known helmet 1 is relatively heavy than normal due to
the presence of the image interpretation circuit 10 and power
supply 19 in the helmet shell 2. In addition it is relatively
expensive.
[0036] Shown in FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a helmet 20 according
to the invention. The helmet 20 comprises a helmet shell 2, a
breathing apparatus face mask 5, a visor 6 and an augmented reality
viewer 16 as previously described.
[0037] Extending from the helmet shell 2 is a power socket 21
connected to the augmented reality viewer 16. The power socket 21
is adapted to be connected to a portable power supply 22 remote
from the helmet 1.
[0038] The portable power supply 22 is typically located at the
waist or on the back of the wearer of the helmet 1. The power
supply 22 is used to power the augmented reality viewer 16.
[0039] Also extending from the helmet shell 2 is a video socket 23
connected to the augmented reality viewer 16. Video signals
received by this video socket 23 are displayed by the augmented
reality viewer 16. The video socket 23 is connected to a hand held
thermal imaging camera 24 so that in use images received by the
thermal imaging camera 24 are displayed by the augmented reality
viewer 16. The thermal imaging camera 24 is connected indirectly to
the video socket 23 by a video relay unit 25 as shown. In an
alternative embodiment the camera 24 is connected directly to the
video socket 23.
[0040] The camera 24 is powered by its own power supply. In an
alternative embodiment the camera 24 is powered by the power supply
22 used to power the augmented reality viewer 16.
[0041] Shown in FIG. 3 is a second embodiment of a helmet according
to the invention. The helmet 30 comprises a helmet shell 2, a
breathing apparatus face mask 5, a visor 6, an augmented reality
viewer 16 and a power socket 21 extending from the helmet shell 2
as previously described.
[0042] The helmet 30 further comprises a thermal imaging sensor 9
which is connected to an external image interpretation circuit 10.
The external image interpretation circuit 10 is adapted to generate
a video signal in response to the signal received from the thermal
imaging sensor 9.
[0043] The external image interpretation circuit 10 is connected to
a video socket 23 which extends from the helmet shell 2. The video
signal generated by the external image interpretation circuit 10 is
received by the video socket 23 for display by the augmented
reality viewer 16.
[0044] The thermal imaging sensor 9 and the augmented reality
viewer 16 are powered by an external power supply 22. In an
alternative embodiment the thermal imaging sensor 9 is powered by a
separate power supply to the augmented reality viewer 16.
[0045] In a further embodiment of a helmet according to the
invention (not shown) the image interpretation circuit 10 is
located within the helmet. Low weight circuitry is used so as not
to unduly increase the weight of the helmet.
[0046] Shown in cross section in FIG. 4 is a viewing system 40
according to a further aspect of the invention. The viewing system
40 is mounted on a helmet in combination with a breathing apparatus
face mask 5. The viewing system 40 comprises a housing 41 having
straps 42 for mounting the viewing system 40 on to either the
wearer of the helmet 5. Located within the housing 41 is an
augmented reality viewer 16 and a thermal imaging sensor 9. The
thermal imaging sensor 9 and the augmented reality viewer 16 are
both connected to an external power source 22 by sockets 42 which
extend from the viewing system housing 41. The thermal imaging
sensor 9 is connected to an external image interpretation circuit
10 which converts the signal from the thermal imaging sensor 9 to a
video signal. The video signal is then transmitted from the image
interpretation circuit 10 to the augmented reality viewer 16 via a
video socket 23 extending from the face mask housing 41.
[0047] In use the breathing apparatus face mask 5 and the viewing
system 40 are fitted to the face in conjunction with a fire
fighting helmet. This combination is used in conditions where the
ability to breathe and to see is impaired. If visibility improves
the viewing system 40 can be removed and the breathing apparatus
face mask 5 and the helmet used as normal.
[0048] In a further embodiment of the viewing system according to
the invention (not shown) the image interpretation circuit 10 is
located withing the housing 41. Low weight circuitry is used so as
not to unduly increase the weight of the viewing system.
* * * * *