Multiple displays in full face mask respiratory protection mask

Abstract

A display control unit for personal protective equipment is described. The display control unit includes a processing circuit and an eyepiece unit in communication with the processing circuit. The processing circuitry is configured to determine an image arrangement based on the at least one factor, wherein the determined image arrangement includes at least one image to be displayed on the eyepiece region and at least one image configuration parameter. The eyepiece unit is configured to display the at least one image on the eyepiece area based at least in part on the determined image arrangement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and system for arranging one or more displays / images, particularly images and / or displays arranged in personal protective equipment (PPE).

[0002] introduction

[0003] Personal protective equipment (PPE) is equipment used to protect in specific environments, such as those where fire, electricity, structural collapse, dangerous temperatures, disease, etc. PPE typically includes respirators such as full-face respirators, eye protection, full-face masks, half-face masks, etc. For example, firefighters entering a structure where a fire is present may use PPE, such as a full-face respirator coupled to a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), to protect their face and avoid inhaling dangerous gases produced by the fire.

[0004] In addition to PPE, devices can also be used to enhance the perception of the environment. Some of these devices include cameras such as thermal imaging cameras (TICs), which are generally configured to capture one or more levels of infrared light and allow first responder users (such as firefighters) to see areas that are usually not visible, such as hot areas, dark areas, etc. Other devices may include oxygen concentration sensors, proximity sensors, navigation devices, etc. The oxygen concentration sensor allows the PPE user to monitor the amount of oxygen remaining in the SCBA. The proximity sensor allows the PPE user to monitor the distance to a specific object (such as a wall) that may not be visible under certain low visibility conditions, while the navigation device provides location and direction information that can be used to find an exit point. For example, a first responder using a full-face respirator may want to use a handheld camera (e.g., such as a handheld TIC) by pointing it to an area with potentially dangerous heat. In addition, the first responder may want to use a handheld navigation device configured to display location and direction information while monitoring the oxygen sensor display worn on the wrist and listening to the beep indicating a wall approach. In other words, first responders receive critical information from several sources and are forced to frequently look in several directions, sometimes away from the typical line of sight (eg, straight ahead), to obtain critical information.

[0005] At least in the examples described above, use of PPE in conjunction with the device may result in information overload, confusion, unnecessary head and eye movements, and disorientation. Summary of the invention

[0006] Some claims advantageously provide a method, an apparatus (e.g., a display control unit (DCU) for a PPE), and a system for determining an image arrangement including one or more images (e.g., configured to show information such as symbols and data) and / or displaying images in an eyepiece area such as an area directly in front of the eyes of a user of the PPE. Any of the images may include data, information, symbols, other images associated with another device such as a thermal imaging camera, a thermal display, a proximity sensor, a navigation device, an oxygen sensor, another respirator, etc.

[0007] In one claim, the DCU is connectable to and / or arranged to be integral with any PPE such as a mask, respirator, etc. In some claims, multiple displays (i.e., eyepiece areas, thermal displays, etc.) are used in PPE such as a full-face respiratory protection mask. In some other claims, by having two or more displays (e.g., types of displays), a user (e.g., a PPE user) has immediate access to a wide range of data. In one claim, the types of displays include "look-through" displays such as microdisplays, "see-through" displays, and / or "transparent displays" such as projection displays, waveguide displays, etc. In another claim, with a combination of a look-through display and one or more see-through displays, the display control unit provides the user with immediate access to one or more pieces of information without clutter, overlap, thermal images, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] A more complete understanding of the claims set forth herein and their attendant advantages and features will be more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 An exemplary system including at least an exemplary respirator and an exemplary display control unit according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown;

[0010] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing an exemplary display control unit in communication with other display control units according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3 shows a PPE (e.g., a face mask) including at least one element of an exemplary display control unit according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 4 shows a front view of a mask including at least one element of an exemplary display control unit according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 5shows a rear view of a mask including at least one element of an exemplary display control unit according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 6 showing a front view of a mask of at least an exemplary eyepiece unit including a display control unit according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 7 a rear view of a mask showing at least an exemplary eyepiece unit including a display control unit according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 8 showing a front view of a respirator including at least an exemplary eyepiece unit of a display control unit in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0017] Fig. 9 a rear view of a respirator showing at least an exemplary eyepiece unit including a display control unit in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;

[0018] Fig.10 An exemplary image arrangement including at least one image according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0019] Fig.11 A flow chart showing an exemplary process in a display control unit according to the principles of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Devices, methods, and systems for determining an image arrangement based on at least one factor are described, wherein the image arrangement includes at least one image and at least one image configuration parameter. At least one image may be displayed on an eyepiece area of ​​a display control unit based on the determined image arrangement. The eyepiece area may correspond to a user's line of sight, for example, a first responder's line of sight viewed through a transparent mask of personal protective equipment (PPE). At least one other image may be displayed, such as in a display of a display control unit (e.g., a viewfinder of a thermal imaging camera (TIC) display). The display may be configured to display at least one other image in a direction different from the user's line of sight, such as when the user moves his eyes downward so that he can see at least one other image on the display. The display and the eyepiece area may be in different positions and directions relative to the user's eyes. For example, the eyepiece area may be an area on a mask of a PPE, such as directly in front of the eyes of a PPE user, and the display may be located below the eyes of the PPE user, i.e., in different directions. The image displayed on the eyepiece area may include at least a portion of at least one other image of the display, for example, a symbol associated with a thermal image from a TIC, such as a symbol indicating a high temperature area. By displaying portions of one or more images corresponding to a display that are not in the user's line of sight on an eyepiece area in front of the PPE user's eyes, unnecessary eye movement and / or information overload is avoided.

[0021] Before describing the exemplary claims in detail, it is noted that the claims reside primarily in combinations of device components and processing steps associated with determining an image arrangement of one or more images. One or more displays and / or eyepiece units and / or eyepiece regions and / or sensors (e.g., gas sensors, eye position sensors) and / or imaging sensing units (e.g., cameras) may be used. Therefore, system and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the claims of the present disclosure are shown so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0022] As used herein, relational terms, such as "first" and "second", "top" and "bottom", etc., may be used only to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element, without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between these entities or elements. The terms used herein are merely for describing specific claims and are not intended to limit the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when used herein, the terms "include" and / or "comprise" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups thereof.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that the terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0024] In the claims described herein, connection terms "in communication with" and the like may be used to indicate electrical or data communications, which may be achieved, for example, by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling, or optical signaling. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the various components may interoperate and that modifications and variations in achieving electrical and data communications are possible.

[0025] The term respirator may refer to any equipment (and / or device), such as personal protective equipment (PPE), and may include, but is not limited to, masks, full-face masks, half-face masks, full-face respirators, hazardous environments using equipment, full-face respiratory protection masks, etc. The term "display control unit" (DCU) used herein may be any kind of device and / or may be included in any other device such as personal protective equipment (PPE). However, the DCU is not limited to this and may be independent. In addition, the DCU may refer to any device configured to provide at least the function / feature of interfacing with a user and / or other devices. The term "eyepiece area" may refer to an area / volume associated with the visual range of a user of the DCU, for example, an area in front of the eyes of a PPE user when the PPE user wears the PPE. In addition, the eyepiece area may refer to a display and / or an area displaying one or more images and / or symbols and / or data. The image used herein may refer to any type of image. Some non-limiting examples of images may include one or more of images associated with electromagnetic radiation, thermal images, optical images, visible light images, infrared images, short wave infrared (SWIR) images, color images, monochrome images, photographs, pictures, videos, symbols, data, etc. The image may be associated with any type of image format, such as one or more computer file formats. An eyepiece area may refer to a portion of an eyepiece area or a separate area, such as a portion of a display, another display, etc. Displaying may refer to presenting and / or showing and / or projecting one or more images and / or symbols and / or data and / or information, such as for viewing by a user.

[0026] The term "image arrangement" may refer to one or more images, which may include symbols and / or data and / or information and / or other images. Symbols may include data and / or information and / or other symbols. Each symbol may have at least one symbol characteristic and / or symbol behavior and / or symbol color and / or symbol shape. A symbol may refer to one or more images. Images (and image elements such as symbols) may be arranged to have positions and / or characteristics within an area (e.g., an eyepiece area). A composite pattern may refer to a combination of one or more images and / or data and / or information and / or symbols and / or parts of one or more images.

[0027] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, Figure 11 shows a system 10 including at least one ventilator 11 (i.e., ventilator 11a) including a DCU 12. Each ventilator 11 (i.e., ventilators 11a, 11b, 11c) may be configured to communicate with another ventilator 11, for example, via the DCU 12 (and / or any component thereof). For example, ventilator 11a may be configured to communicate with ventilator 11b and / or ventilator 11c. ventilator 11b may be configured to communicate with ventilator 11a and / or ventilator 11c. Similarly, ventilator 11c may be configured to communicate with ventilator 11a and / or ventilator 11b. Although three ventilators 11 are shown, system 10 is not limited thereto and may include any number of ventilators 11. In addition, although not shown, each of ventilators 11b, 11c may include a DCU 12.

[0028] In a non-limiting example, respirator 11a may be worn by a first responder, such as a first responder that communicates with another first responder wearing respirator 11b, such as via DCU 12. Any respirator 11a may be configured to transmit / receive information / data such as image arrangement, images and / or image configuration parameters and / or display an image (e.g., based on the image arrangement), such as via DCU 12.

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an exemplary system 10 according to one or more claims is shown. The system 10 includes one or more DCUs, such as DCUs 12a, 12b, 12c (collectively referred to as DCUs 12), wherein DCU 12a can communicate directly with each of DCUs 12b and 12c, such as via one or more of wireless communications and / or wired communications using one or more communication protocols. Similarly, DCU 12b can communicate directly with DCU 12c, such as via one or more of wireless communications and / or wired communications using one or more communication protocols.

[0030] The DCU 12 (e.g., DCU 12a) includes a processing circuit 20. The processing circuit 20 may include a processor 22 and a memory 24. Specifically, in addition to or instead of a processor (such as a central processing unit) and a memory, the processing circuit 20 may include an integrated circuit for processing and / or control, such as one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or an FPGA (field programmable gate array) and / or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) suitable for executing instructions. The processor 22 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) the memory 24, which may include any kind of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as a cache and / or buffer memory and / or a RAM (random access memory) and / or a ROM (read-only memory) and / or an optical memory and / or an EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory).

[0031] In addition, the DCU 12 (e.g., DCU 12a) may include software stored internally, for example, in the memory 24. The software may be executed by the processing circuit 20. The processing circuit 20 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes and / or features and / or tasks and / or steps described herein, and / or cause such methods and / or processes and / or features and / or tasks and / or steps to be performed, for example, by the DCU 12 and / or communicate with any of the components of the DCU 12. In a non-limiting example, the processing circuit 20 is configured to determine an image arrangement and / or cause the eyepiece unit 40 to display at least one image. The processor 22 corresponds to one or more processors 22 for performing the functions of the DCU 12 described herein. The memory 24 is configured to store data, programming software code, and / or other information described herein. In some claims, the software may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 22 and / or the processing circuit 20, cause the processor 22 and / or the processing circuit 20 to perform the processes described herein with respect to the DCU 12.

[0032] In addition, the DCU 12 (e.g., DCU 12a) may include a communication interface 26 that is configured to communicate with at least another DCU 12 (e.g., DCU 12b, 12c) and / or any other device, such as via one or more of wireless communication and / or wired communication using one or more communication protocols. More specifically, the communication interface 26 of the DCU 12a may communicate with the DCU 12b via a communication link 28. In addition, the communication interface 26 of the DCU 12a may communicate with the DCU 12c via a communication link 30. Similarly, the DCU 12b may communicate with the DCU 12c via a communication link 32. The communication link 30 may be a wireless communication link using a suitable wireless communication protocol.

[0033] The DCU 12 (e.g., DCU 12a) may also include an image sensing unit 34 and / or a sensor 36 and / or a display 38 and / or an eyepiece unit 40. The image sensing unit 34 and / or the sensor 36 and / or the display 38 and / or the eyepiece unit 40 may be configured to communicate with any component / element of the DCU 12, for example, may communicate with the processing circuit (and / or the processor 22 and / or the memory 24) and / or the communication interface 26. The image sensing unit 34 may be configured to capture and / or detect and / or record and / or sense and / or determine any image, such as a thermal image. In a non-limiting example, the image sensing unit 34 may be a camera (e.g., a thermal imaging camera), but is not limited thereto, and may be any device. The sensor 36 may be any type of sensor and / or may be configured to determine and / or detect and / or measure at least one of eye movement, eye position, smoke concentration, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) oxygen concentration, hazardous gas concentration, display control unit position, battery charge value and / or any other parameter / variable / reading.

[0034] The display 38 may be configured to display one or more images (e.g., corresponding to an image of a camera), pages and / or symbols and / or data (e.g., associated with an image). In a non-limiting example, the image may be displayed on the display 38 from an angle downward from the user's eyes. In other words, the display 38 may be configured to be in an "out of sight, out of mind" state so that the user cannot see the image displayed on the display 38 when looking straight ahead through the face mask of the PPE, such as when wearing a respirator during a first responder incident such as a fire.

[0035] The eyepiece unit 40 may be configured to perform any of the steps and / or features and / or tasks and / or methods described herein, such as displaying at least one image on the eyepiece area based at least in part on the determined image arrangement and / or determining the image arrangement based on at least one factor. In addition, the eyepiece unit 40 may be part of the processing circuit 20. The eyepiece unit 40 may also be a stand-alone unit and / or include any of the components of the DCU 12, such as the processing circuit 20, the processor 22, the memory 24, the communication interface 26, the image sensing unit 34, the sensor 36, the display 38, etc.

[0036] In addition, any DCU 12 (e.g., DCU 12a) may be configured to communicate with the processing circuit 20, the processor 22 and / or the memory 24 and / or the image sensing unit 34 and / or the sensor 36 and / or the display 38 and / or the eyepiece unit of another DCU 12 (e.g., DCU12b) to perform the processes, features, tasks and / or steps described in the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 3An exemplary mask including at least one element of the DCU 12 (e.g., display 38 and / or eyepiece unit 40) is shown. More specifically, a user 42 wears a mask 44 including a display 38 and / or an eyepiece unit 40. The display 38 is oriented in a direction 48, for example, so that the user 42 can move the eye 46 downward and look down at the display 38. For example, the user 42 can see the thermal image (and / or other features) on the display 38 by looking down. The user 42 can also look in another direction such as direction 50. The eyepiece unit 40 can display at least one image based on the determined image arrangement. In a non-limiting example, when the mask is used in a hazardous environment such as a structure on fire, the user 42 can view through the eyepiece unit 40 (and / or the eyepiece area 58 of the eyepiece unit 40). The eyepiece unit 40 can be configured to display at least one element (e.g., a symbol, a portion of an image, an image) and / or one or more images (and corresponding symbols) corresponding to the display 38, for example, so that the user 42 does not have to look down at the display 38. Each of the display 38 and the eyepiece unit 40 may be capable of being connected (eg, fixed, releasably connected, etc.) to the mask 44 .

[0038] Figure 4 A front view of an exemplary mask 44 is shown. The mask 44 has a first region 52 corresponding to the nasal region and a second region 54 corresponding to the oral region. In addition, the mask 44 includes a display 38 and a display assembly 56 coupled to the display 38 and the mask 44.

[0039] Figure 5 The display 38 is shown. Figure 4 14 is a rear view of an exemplary mask 44. Although the mask 44 is not shown as including the eyepiece unit 40, the mask 44 may include the eyepiece unit 40 and / or any other components of the DCU 12.

[0040] Figure 6 The eyepiece unit 40 is shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 46a, 46b of the user 42. The eyepiece unit 40 includes an eyepiece area 58 and an eyepiece side area 60, for example, in front of the eyes 46a, 46b of the user 42. The eyepiece area 58 and / or the eyepiece side area 60 may be configured to display one or more images and / or symbols and / or data (e.g., of a determined image arrangement) and may be aligned with the eye 46 using a sensor 36 such as a sensor configured to determine the position of the eye 46. The eyepiece area 58 and / or the eyepiece side area 60 may be configured so that the user does not have to look at the one or more images and / or symbols and / or information and / or data in the direction 48, which may be critical during a first responder incident. The eyepiece unit 40 may be coupled to the mask 44.

[0041] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A rear view of an exemplary mask 44 in which the eyepiece unit 40 is placed at different locations on the mask 44 and can be extended to include eyepiece areas 58a, 58b, which may include an eyepiece sub-area 60.

[0042] Figure 8 4 is a front view of an exemplary respirator 11. The respirator 11 may include an eyepiece unit 40, a mask 44, and a seal 62 (e.g., such as a face seal). The mask 44 includes a display 38 and may be coupled to the respirator 11. In addition, the eyepiece unit 40 may be coupled to the respirator 11 (e.g., coupled to a mask of the respirator 11) and / or the mask 44, and / or may be disposed thereon and / or placed therein. The eyepiece unit 40 includes an eyepiece area 58, which may include one or more eyepiece areas 60a, 60b, 60c (collectively referred to herein as eyepiece areas 60). In a non-limiting example, the eyepiece area 60c may correspond to an area associated with the display 38. The eyepiece area 60c (and / or any other sub-area) may be enabled / disabled based on whether the display 38 is turned on and / or displayed and / or triggered to display. The eyepiece area 60c (and / or any other sub-area) may be configured to display a composite pattern of at least a portion of an image including the display 38.

[0043] Fig. 9 for Figure 8 1. Although the eyepiece unit 40 has been shown as including one eyepiece area 58 and three eyepiece sub-areas 60a, 60b, 60c, the eyepiece unit 40 is not limited thereto and may include any number of eyepiece areas 58 and eyepiece sub-areas 60.

[0044] Fig.10 An exemplary image arrangement including at least one image 66 (e.g., an image seen by a user of the DCU 12, such as when wearing a respirator 11) is shown. At least one image 66 is displayed on an eyepiece region 58 (e.g., a mask coupled to the respirator 11) that may include one or more eyepiece regions 60a, 60b. The eyepiece region 58 may refer to one or more displays. The eyepiece region 60 may refer to a portion of the eyepiece region 58 and / or one or more displays. At least one image 66 includes one or more objects 68 that the user of the DCU 12 can see when using the DCU 12, such as a wall 68a, another wall 68b, and a floor 68c (elements 68a to 68c are collectively referred to herein as elements 68). For example, the user 42 may see the object 68 when wearing the respirator 11 (e.g., via a mask) and / or when displayed by the eyepiece unit 40 (e.g., such as via an image captured by an image sensing unit 34 (such as a camera)).

[0045] In addition, at least one image 66 may include one or more symbols 70. Any of the symbols 70 (and / or images 66) may be arranged according to one or more configuration parameters and / or one or more factors. For example, any of the symbols 70 (and / or images 66) may be positioned and / or moved and / or hidden and / or enabled and / or disabled and / or sized and / or shaped and / or caused to behave in a predetermined manner. Any of the symbols 70 (and / or images 66) may be positioned (e.g., on the eyepiece area 58 and / or the eyepiece area 60) based on at least one configuration parameter such as a symbol position parameter and / or displayed for a period of time based on a symbol display period parameter. The following non-limiting example describes an exemplary arrangement of symbols 70 on one or more images 66.

[0046] In a non-limiting example, symbol 70a indicates a warning about a high temperature area, which is shown by a polygon, and / or indicates that a high temperature may be located within a determined distance, for example, less than 6 feet. That is, symbol 70a is arranged on image 66 based on factors such as sensor measurements (e.g., measured by sensor 36) and / or user input (e.g., input received by processing circuit 20 and / or communication interface 26 requesting to move symbol 70a). However, any symbol 70 may be determined / provided (or retrieved) by one or more of processing circuit 20 and / or communication interface 26 (e.g., from another DCU 12, another device, etc.), image sensing unit 34 (e.g., thermal imaging camera), sensor 36 (e.g., temperature sensor), and / or display 38 (e.g., image from display 38), and / or eyepiece unit 40.

[0047] In another non-limiting example, the symbol 70b may include a concentration indicator, such as oxygen (O2) in a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). 2 ) concentration. The concentration indication may be provided to the DCU 12 by an external device and / or provided by the sensor 36 and / or the image sensing unit 34. The symbol 70b is arranged on the lower left corner of the image 66 (displayed on the eyepiece area 58), which may be based on user input (such as a configuration with a symbol associated with the oxygen concentration in a predetermined position displayed on the eyepiece area 58).

[0048] In a limiting example, symbol 70c may indicate the direction toward a point, such as the direction toward an exit point on a structure and / or the distance to the exit point. In a non-limiting example, DCU 12 (and / or any one of its components) may be configured to determine whether another symbol 70 (such as symbol 70a and symbol 70b indicating a critical condition) is triggered and symbol 70c is included in the image arrangement. In other words, DCU 12 may be configured to determine whether a symbol 70 such as symbol 70c is included in the image 66 based on an event with a high priority (e.g., an indication of hypoxia and / or a dangerous temperature). Symbol 70d may indicate a percentage of power such as determined and / or indicated by sensor 36 (e.g., a battery sensor), such as 12%. In another non-limiting example, symbol 70d may be included in the image 66 and / or displayed for a period of time based on a predetermined threshold of the percentage of power.

[0049] The above examples describe several non-limiting examples of arrangements of symbols 70 (symbols 70a to 70d are collectively referred to herein as symbols 70). However, the arrangement is not limited to symbols and may also be applied to images. For example, the image may be arranged to include one or more images provided by one or more components of the DCU 12, such as the processing circuit 20 and / or the communication interface 26 (e.g., from another DCU 12, another device, etc.), the image sensing unit 34 (e.g., a thermal imaging camera), the sensor 36 (e.g., an infrared sensor), and / or the display 38 (e.g., an image of the display 38), and / or the eyepiece unit 40.

[0050] Fig.11 A flow chart of an exemplary process (i.e., method) in the DCU 12 is shown. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of the DCU 12, such as one or more of the processing circuit 20, the processor 22, the memory 24, the communication interface 26, the image sensing unit 34, the sensor 36, the display 38, and the eyepiece unit 40 (which may be part of the processing circuit 20). The DCU 12, such as via one or more of the processing circuit 20, the processor 22, the memory 24, the communication interface 26, the image sensing unit 34, the sensor 36, the display 38, and the eyepiece unit 40, is configured to determine (box S100) an image arrangement 64 based on at least one factor, such as via the processing circuit 20 and / or the display 38 and / or the eyepiece unit 40, the determined image arrangement 64 including at least one image 66 to be displayed on the eyepiece area 58 and at least one image configuration parameter; and display (box S102) at least one image 66 on the eyepiece area 58, at least in part based on the determined image arrangement 64, such as via the processing circuit 20 and / or the display 38 and / or the eyepiece unit 40.

[0051] In some claims, the display control unit 12 further includes a display 38 , and the method further includes displaying at least one other image on the display 38 along the first direction 48 , the at least one other image being based on the thermal image capture.

[0052] In some other claims, any of the at least one image 66 and the at least one image configuration parameter is based on at least one other image.

[0053] In one claim, at least one image 66 displayed on the eyepiece area 58 corresponds to the second direction 50, the at least one image 66 displayed including a see-through portion, the second direction being the user's line of sight.

[0054] In another claim, at least one of the eyepiece areas 58 includes at least one of a first eyepiece area 60a, a second eyepiece area 60b, and a third eyepiece area 60c; and at least one of the eyepiece areas 58, the first eyepiece area 60a, the second eyepiece area 60b, and the third eyepiece area 60c is positioned based on at least one of an eye position and an eye movement measured by a sensor of a display control unit.

[0055] In some claims, at least one image 66 to be displayed on the eyepiece area 58 includes at least one of a first image 66a, a second image 66b, and a third image 66c corresponding to the first eyepiece area 60a, the second eyepiece area 60b, and the third eyepiece area 60c, respectively, and at least a portion of any one of the first image 66a, the second image 66b, and the third image 66c is capable of moving within the eyepiece area, and images 66a to 66c are collectively referred to as image 66 in this document.

[0056] In some other claims, at least one of the first eyepiece mirror area 60a, the second eyepiece mirror area 60b, and the third eyepiece mirror area 60c is enabled or disabled based on whether at least one other image is being displayed on the display 38 of the display control unit 12 and at least one of a user input.

[0057] In one claim, the method also includes, when any one of the first eyepiece mirror area 60a, the second eyepiece mirror area 60b and the third eyepiece mirror area 60c is enabled and at least one other image is to be displayed on the display of the display control unit: turning off the display 38; and the eyepiece unit 40 displaying a composite image on the corresponding enabled eyepiece mirror area 60, the composite image including at least one image and at least a portion of at least one other image, the at least one image and any one of the at least one other image being any one of a thermal image, a visible light image and a short-wave infrared SWIR image.

[0058] In another claim, the method further includes measuring at least one of eye movement, eye position, smoke concentration, SCBA oxygen concentration, hazardous gas concentration, display control unit position, and battery charge value, such as via sensor 36.

[0059] In some claims, the at least one factor includes at least one of a sensor measurement, an event priority, a message, a warning, a direction, and a user input.

[0060] In some other claims, the at least one image 66 includes any of at least one symbol 70 and at least one symbol 70 having data associated with the at least one symbol 70 .

[0061] In one claim, at least one configuration parameter comprises a symbol display period indicating a time range within which at least one symbol 70 is to be displayed by the eyepiece unit 40 .

[0062] In another claim, at least one configuration parameter includes at least one symbol position parameter, wherein the at least one symbol position parameter is determined based on at least one of the eyepiece area, the eyepiece side area, the user position, the user input, the eye movement, the eye position, the environmental feature, and the environmental feature position. The at least one symbol position parameter indicates where the at least one symbol 70 is to be displayed on at least one of the eyepiece area 58 and the eyepiece side area 60; and at least one image 66 including the determined image arrangement 64 of the at least one symbol 70 is displayed based on the at least one symbol position parameter.

[0063] In some claims, the at least one symbol 70 is determined based on at least one other symbol associated with at least one other image of the display 38 .

[0064] In some other claims, the display control unit 12 is connectable to either the mask 44 or the respirator 11 .

[0065] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present claims are not limited to what has been specifically shown and described above. In addition, unless otherwise stated above, it should be noted that all drawings are not drawn to scale. Various modifications and variations are possible according to the above teachings and the following claims.

Claims

1. A display control unit for personal protective equipment, the display control unit comprising a processing circuit and an eyepiece unit in communication with the processing circuit: The processing circuit is configured to: determining an image arrangement based on at least one factor, the determined image arrangement comprising at least one image to be displayed on the eyepiece area and at least one image configuration parameter; and The eyepiece unit is configured as: The at least one image is displayed on the eyepiece area based at least in part on the determined image arrangement.

2. The display control unit according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit further comprises a display, wherein the display is configured as: At least one other image is displayed along the first direction, the at least one other image being captured based on the thermal image. 3 . The display control unit according to claim 2 , wherein any one of the at least one image and the at least one image configuration parameter is based on the at least one other image.

4. The display control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one image displayed on the eyepiece area corresponds to a second direction, the at least one image displayed includes a perspective portion, and the second direction is a user's line of sight.

5. The display control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one of the following: The eyepiece area includes at least one of a first eyepiece area, a second eyepiece area, and a third eyepiece area; and At least one of the eyepiece area, the first eyepiece side area, the second eyepiece side area, and the third eyepiece side area is positioned based on at least one of an eye position and an eye movement measured by a sensor of the display control unit.

6. A display control unit according to claim 5, wherein the at least one image to be displayed on the eyepiece area includes at least one of a first image, a second image and a third image corresponding to the first eyepiece area, the second eyepiece area and the third eyepiece area respectively, and at least a portion of any one of the first image, the second image and the third image is capable of moving within the eyepiece area.

7. A display control unit according to any one of claims 5 and 6, wherein at least one of the first eyepiece mirror area, the second eyepiece mirror area and the third eyepiece mirror area is enabled or disabled based on whether at least one other image is being displayed on the display of the display control unit and at least one of user input.

8. The display control unit according to claim 7, wherein:The processing circuit is further configured to, when any one of the first eyepiece mirror area, the second eyepiece mirror area, and the third eyepiece mirror area is enabled and the at least one other image is to be displayed on the display of the display control unit: turning off the display; and The eyepiece unit is caused to display a composite image on the corresponding enabled eyepiece sub-area, the composite image including at least one image and at least a portion of at least one other image, any of the at least one image and the at least one other image being any of a thermal image, a visible light image, and a short-wave infrared (SWIR) image.

9. The display control unit of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the display control unit further comprises a sensor configured to measure at least one of eye movement, eye position, smoke concentration, SCBA oxygen concentration, hazardous gas concentration, display control unit position, and battery charge value.

10. The display control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one factor comprises at least one of a sensor measurement result, an event priority, a message, a warning, a direction, and a user input.

11. The display control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one image includes any one of at least one symbol and the at least one symbol having data associated with the at least one symbol.

12. A display control unit according to claim 11, wherein the at least one configuration parameter includes a symbol display period indicating a time range within which the at least one symbol is to be displayed by the eyepiece unit.

13. The display control unit according to any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein the at least one configuration parameter comprises at least one symbol position parameter, the at least one symbol position parameter being determined based on at least one of the eyepiece area, the eyepiece side area, a user position, a user input, eye movement, eye position, an environmental feature, and an environmental feature position, the at least one symbol position parameter indicating where the at least one symbol is to be displayed on at least one of the eyepiece area and the eyepiece side area; and The eyepiece unit is further configured to display the at least one image comprising the determined image arrangement of the at least one symbol based on the at least one symbol position parameter.

14. A display control unit according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the at least one symbol is determined based on at least one other symbol associated with at least one other image of the display.

15. The display control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the display control unit is connectable to any one of a mask and a respirator.

16. A method implemented in a display control unit for personal protective equipment, the display control unit comprising an eyepiece unit, the method comprising: determining an image arrangement based on at least one factor, the determined image arrangement comprising at least one image to be displayed on the eyepiece area and at least one image configuration parameter; as well as The at least one image is displayed on the eyepiece area based at least in part on the determined image arrangement.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the display control unit further comprises a display, and the method further comprises: The at least one other image is displayed on the display along a first direction, the at least one other image being captured based on the thermal image.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein any of the at least one image and the at least one image configuration parameter is based on the at least one other image.

19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein at least one image displayed on the eyepiece area corresponds to a second direction, the at least one image displayed includes a see-through portion, and the second direction is a user's line of sight.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, comprising at least one of the following: The eyepiece area includes at least one of a first eyepiece area, a second eyepiece area, and a third eyepiece area; and At least one of the eyepiece area, the first eyepiece side area, the second eyepiece side area, and the third eyepiece side area is positioned based on at least one of an eye position and an eye movement measured by a sensor of the display control unit.

21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the at least one image to be displayed on the eyepiece area includes at least one of a first image, a second image and a third image corresponding to the first eyepiece area, the second eyepiece area and the third eyepiece area, respectively, and at least a portion of any one of the first image, the second image and the third image is capable of moving within the eyepiece area.

22. A method according to any one of claims 20 and 21, wherein at least one of the first eyepiece mirror area, the second eyepiece mirror area and the third eyepiece mirror area is enabled or disabled based on whether at least one other image is being displayed on the display of the display control unit and at least one of user input.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the method further comprises, when any one of the first eyepiece mirror area, the second eyepiece mirror area, and the third eyepiece mirror area is enabled and the at least one other image is to be displayed on the display of the display control unit: Turning off the display; and The eyepiece unit is caused to display a composite image on the corresponding enabled eyepiece sub-area, the composite image including at least one image and at least a portion of at least one other image, any of the at least one image and the at least one other image being any of a thermal image, a visible light image, and a short-wave infrared (SWIR) image.

24. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 23, wherein the method further comprises: At least one of eye movement, eye position, smoke concentration, SCBA oxygen concentration, hazardous gas concentration, display control unit position, and battery charge value is measured.

25. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one factor comprises at least one of a sensor measurement, an event priority, a message, a warning, a direction, and a user input.

26. The method of any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein the at least one image comprises any of at least one symbol and the at least one symbol having data associated with the at least one symbol.

27. A method according to claim 26, wherein the at least one configuration parameter includes a symbol display period indicating a time range during which the at least one symbol is to be displayed by the eyepiece unit.

28. The method of any one of claims 26 and 27, the at least one configuration parameter comprising the at least one symbol position parameter, the at least one symbol position parameter being determined based on at least one of the eyepiece area, the eyepiece side area, a user position, a user input, eye movement, eye position, an environmental feature, and an environmental feature position, the at least one symbol position parameter indicating where the at least one symbol is to be displayed on at least one of the eyepiece area and the eyepiece side area; and The at least one image comprising the determined image arrangement of the at least one symbol is displayed based on the at least one symbol position parameter.

29. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the at least one symbol is determined based on at least one other symbol associated with at least one other image of the display.

30. The method of any one of claims 16 to 29, wherein the display control unit is connectable to either a mask and a respirator.

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