Emergency response personnel tracking and communication system

Abstract

The invention discloses an emergency response personnel tracking and communication system and method. The system includes one or more wearable devices. Each wearable device is associated with at least one first user, and each wearable device is configured to act as a node to form a mesh network between the wearable devices. The wearable device is configured to enable a first user to track and communicate with other first users. The system further includes at least one user device associated with a second user. The first user is an emergency responder and the second user is an emergency commander. Further, the computing device communicates with the wearable device and the user device. The computing device is configured to receive data relating to emergency responders and to enable three-dimensional tracking and communication between the responders and three-dimensional tracking and communication with an emergency commander.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 436,157, filed on December 30, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to tracking and communication systems and, more particularly, to emergency responder tracking and communication systems and methods. Background Art

[0004] Emergency responders are organizations and individuals who provide law enforcement, safety, and protection services to the public. Emergency responders include law enforcement, fire, and security personnel, such as police officers, sheriffs, highway patrol officers, detectives, special law enforcement officers, firefighters, combat personnel, emergency medical services personnel, Red Cross personnel, and other first responders.

[0005] During indoor emergencies, emergency responders must navigate many unpredictable situations, such as the building structure, the severity of the disaster, and the number of required responders, which can increase depending on the situation. In these situations, responders require situational awareness to successfully complete their operations without causing casualties. For example, during a fire emergency, the door to a specific room may be blocked, trapping responders and civilians inside. The incident commander or fellow responders nearby need to be aware of the situation in order to rescue the trapped responders and civilians. However, with existing conventional systems, a trapped responder can only communicate that they are trapped in the room. Conventional systems include intercoms for communicating with fellow responders or the incident commander. Sometimes, depending on the room's structure and location (for example, a basement), communication is impossible. The incident commander and fellow responders must search the entire building to locate the trapped responders and civilians. However, in such situations, searching the entire building is not even a viable option and often results in casualties.

[0006] Few of the patent application references attempt to address the problems cited in the Background as prior art to the presently disclosed subject matter and are explained below.

[0007] Prior art US Pat. No. 8,706,414, titled “Method and system for locating and monitoring first responders,” assigned to Benjamin E. Funk et al., discloses a method and system for locating and monitoring the status of personnel and movable assets, such as emergency responders. The system and method use inertial navigation to determine the position, motion, and orientation of a person or asset, and communicate with an external monitoring station to receive requests for position, motion, orientation, and status information and transmit the position, motion, orientation, and status information to the monitoring station.

[0008] Another prior art US11051156, assigned to Patrick O'Connor et al. and entitled "Tracking and Accountability Device and System," discloses a first personal tracking unit (PTU) configured to be worn to determine one's location within a building. The PTU communicates with a wireless communication network and is used to transmit a signal of location data to a command unit. The system generates a visual illustration of ambient temperature data and location data obtained from each of the first and second PTUs in the form of a map. Measurements from accelerometers and gyroscopes or MEMS sensors allow the system to determine the position and orientation of the PTU. However, existing systems fail to ensure seamless communication and tracking in any type of environment.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a system and method that can track the location of emergency responders in indoor and outdoor environments. Furthermore, there is a need for such a system and method that enables communication between emergency responders and with emergency commanders. Furthermore, there is a need for such a system and method that facilitates emergency responders in tracking the location of other emergency responders in an emergency environment and enabling communication with other emergency responders in an emergency environment. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention discloses a system and method for tracking and communicating with emergency responders. The system includes one or more wearable devices, at least one user device, and a computing device. Each wearable device is associated with an emergency responder dispatched to an emergency environment. The user device is associated with a second user, who is the emergency commander. The computing device communicates with the wearable device and the user device.

[0011] Each wearable device is configured to act as a node and communicate with other wearable devices in real time to form a wireless mesh network. Each wearable device includes a controller, a communication module connected to the controller, and an inertial measurement unit that communicates with the controller. The communication module includes ultra-wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (BLE), and Zigbee. In one embodiment, the inertial measurement unit includes a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope, and a magnetometer. Each wearable device is configured to perform autonomous calculations and transmit position tracking data to a computing device in real time. The time-of-flight data between the wearable devices is used to determine the position data.

[0012] The computing device is configured to receive location tracking data for each wearable device. The computing device enables real-time viewing of the location tracking data for each wearable device via a user device. The location tracking data includes the location of each emergency responder, the distance between each emergency responder, the floor on which each emergency responder is located, the distance traveled by the emergency responder, the orientation of the emergency responder, and the direction of movement of the emergency responder. The computing device further enables communication with the emergency responder via the user device.

[0013] The wearable device further includes one or more biometric sensors and medical sensors in communication with the controller and configured to transmit health-related data of the emergency responder to the computing device.

[0014] The wearable device further includes a microphone in communication with a controller, a memory in communication with the controller, one or more connection ports in communication with the controller, and one or more control buttons in communication with the controller. The control buttons are configured to enable emergency responders to control the wearable device. The wearable device further includes a power supply for supplying power to the wearable device and at least one display in communication with the controller for displaying information relevant to the emergency responders. In one embodiment, the display is an egocentric display configured to display the distance, position, azimuth, and elevation of the emergency responders in the emergency environment. In one embodiment, the connection ports include an LCD connection port, a battery connection port, and an external device connection port. The wearable device further includes a pressure sensor and an altimeter in communication with the controller. Furthermore, each wearable device includes a unique identifier. Each wearable device is configured to receive and process time-of-flight data of radio signals to provide the responder's location. Furthermore, each wearable device is configured with autonomous computing and edge computing capabilities. In addition, each wearable device is configured with multipath fading immunity and intrusion protection capabilities.

[0015] The computing device is configured to enable a second user to view health-related data for each emergency responder in real time. The computing device is further configured to display the distance, position, azimuth, and elevation of the emergency responder relative to a reference location at the user device. The computing device is configured to provide situational awareness from the moment the emergency responder is deployed until the rescue operation at the emergency environment is completed. In one embodiment, the emergency environment includes an indoor environment and an outdoor environment.

[0016] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration only, as various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description of the invention may be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For purposes of illustrating the invention, exemplary configurations of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and structures disclosed herein. The description of a method step or structure indicated by a reference numeral in a drawing applies to the description of that method step or structure indicated by the same reference numeral in any subsequent drawing herein.

[0018] Figure 1 An environment of an emergency responder tracking and communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily illustrated.

[0019] Figure 2 It is shown as an example Figure 1 printed circuit boards for wearable devices.

[0020] Figure 3 Screen shots of a user interface displayed to an emergency incident commander are exemplarily illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4A A graph indicating the movement of emergency responders based on accelerometer data according to an embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily illustrated.

[0022] Figure 4B A graph indicating the orientation of emergency responders based on magnetometer data according to an embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily illustrated.

[0023] Figure 4C An exemplary illustration of the tracking Figure 4A and Figure 4B A model generated based on the movement and orientation of emergency responders in a disaster zone.

[0024] Figure 5AA graph indicating movement of emergency responders based on accelerometer data according to another embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily illustrated.

[0025] Figure 5B A graph indicating the orientation of emergency responders based on magnetometer data according to another embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily illustrated.

[0026] Figure 5C An exemplary illustration of the tracking Figure 5A and Figure 5B A model generated based on the movement and orientation of emergency responders in a disaster zone.

[0027] Figure 6A A graph indicating the movement of emergency responders based on accelerometer data according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily illustrated.

[0028] Figure 6B A graph indicating the orientation of emergency responders based on magnetometer data according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily illustrated.

[0029] Figure 6C An exemplary illustration of the tracking Figure 6A and Figure 6B A model generated based on the movement and orientation of emergency responders in a disaster zone.

[0030] Figure 7A A graph indicating the movement of emergency responders based on accelerometer data according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily illustrated.

[0031] Figure 7B A graph indicating the orientation of emergency responders based on magnetometer data according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily illustrated.

[0032] Figure 7C An exemplary illustration of the tracking Figure 7A and Figure 7B A model generated based on the movement and orientation of emergency responders in a disaster zone.

[0033] Figure 8 The model representing emergency response personnel going up and down stairs provided by the system according to an embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily illustrated.

[0034] Figure 9 It is shown as an example Figure 1 A perspective view of a wearable device.

[0035] Figure 10 It is shown as an example Figure 1 A block diagram of the components of a wearable device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is contemplated that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive.

[0037] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a system for tracking and communicating with emergency responders according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG100 . The system includes one or more wearable devices (102A, 102B, 102C, 102N) associated with a first user, such as an emergency responder (104A, 104B, 104C, 104N). At least one wearable device (102A, 102B, 102C, 102N) is associated with at least one emergency responder (104A, 104B, 104C, 104N). Wearable devices 102A, 102B, 102C, 102N are generally referred to as wearable devices 102 or devices 102 hereinafter. Emergency responders (104A, 104B, 104C, 104N) are generally referred to as emergency responders 104 or responders 104 hereinafter.

[0038] Each device 102 is configured to act as a node. Further, the devices 102 are configured to communicate node-to-node in real time and create a mesh network between each wearable device 102. The system further includes a computing device 106 configured to receive data from the wearable devices 102. The computing device 106 is configured to receive and display data related to the emergency responders 104. The computing device 106 enables tracking and communication with the emergency responders 104.

[0039] The system further includes a user device associated with a second user (e.g., an emergency commander) to access the computing device 106 to track and communicate with the emergency responders 104. The user device can be, for example, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant, etc. The user device is configured to execute one or more client applications, such as, but not limited to, a web browser for accessing and viewing content over a computer network, an email client for sending and receiving emails, an instant messaging client for communicating with other users, and a file transfer protocol (FTP) client for file transfers. In various embodiments, the user device can include a wireless application protocol (WAP) browser or other wireless or mobile device protocol suite.

[0040] The wearable device 102 includes one or more solid-state inertial measurement units (IMUs) 210 integrated with an ultra-wideband (UWB) radio to receive and process time-of-flight data, such as Figure 2The IMU 210 includes one or more sensors, including but not limited to a 3-axis accelerometer and a 3-axis gyroscope 240, a magnetometer 244, and a low-power accelerometer 246 (e.g., Figure 10 (as shown). Wearable device 102 includes one or more biometric sensors and medical sensors. Device 102 is further configured to perform autonomous computing and transmit data to computing device 106 in real time, eliminating the need for pre-deployed infrastructure. Thus, wearable devices 102 collectively form a mesh communication network and provide three-dimensional tracking of emergency responders 104 in indoor environments. Furthermore, devices 102 enable emergency commanders to view real-time data related to the location of emergency responders 104 in indoor environments. This system enhances the mesh networking capabilities between each wearable device 102 node.

[0041] Device 102 is configured to perform autonomous computations and transmit location tracking data to computing device 106 in real time. The location tracking data is determined using time-of-flight data between wearable devices 102. Device 102 is configured to provide the location of emergency responders 104 with an accuracy of at least 1 meter. In another embodiment, device 102 is configured to provide the location of emergency responders 104 with an accuracy of at least 2 meters. Computing device 106 is configured to receive the location tracking data of each wearable device 102. Computing device 106 is configured to enable real-time viewing of the location tracking data of each wearable device 102 via a user device. The location tracking data includes the location of each emergency responder, the distance between each emergency responder, the floor each emergency responder is on, the distance traveled by the emergency responder, the orientation of the emergency responder, and the direction of movement of the emergency responder. Computing device 106 further enables communication with the emergency responders via the user device.

[0042] Computing device 106 is configured to enable a second user to view health-related data for each emergency responder in real time. Computing device 106 is further configured to display the distance, position, azimuth, and elevation of the emergency responder relative to a reference location at the user device. Computing device 106 is configured to provide situational awareness from the moment the emergency responder is deployed until the rescue operation at the emergency environment is completed.

[0043] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 10, the printed circuit board 200 includes a controller with an embedded algorithm and one or more microelectronic components in communication with the controller. The microelectronic components include, but are not limited to, an ultra-wideband (UWB) 202, a pressure sensor 206, a temperature sensor 238, a microphone 204, an altimeter 208, a memory chip or memory 228, a storage chip, a liquid crystal display connection port 216, a microprocessor, and an inertial measurement unit 210, which includes a 3-axis accelerometer and a 3-axis gyroscope 240, a magnetometer 244, and a low-power accelerometer 246. The printed circuit board 200 further includes one or more ports in communication with the controller for connecting external devices. These ports include a battery connection port or charging port 212 and an external device connection port 214. The microphone 204 enables emergency responders to communicate with stored / saved contacts.

[0044] Ultra-wideband 202 uses radio technology that can very accurately measure the time of flight of radio signals, thereby providing the location of responders 104 with an accuracy of less than 1 meter. Custom PCB 200 is designed to be reliable for indoor locations by achieving strong immunity to multipath and interference (e.g., walls). Device 102 further includes a power supply or source 236. In one embodiment, the power supply is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Device 102 is configured with autonomous computing and edge computing capabilities. Device 102 is further configured with IEEE Standard 802.154z to provide physical layer security using a distance-time bounded protocol. Device 102 further includes one or more control buttons that facilitate user control of device 102. The control buttons include, but are not limited to, an on button and an off button. Device 102 further includes a display. In one embodiment, the display is configured to display the range and azimuth of one or more responders 104 to the emergency commander and responders 104. In another embodiment, the display is an egocentric display configured to display azimuth and elevation. The display is further configured to display real-time data relevant to emergency responders 104. In one embodiment, the display is a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0045] The wearable device 102 further includes one or more biometric sensors and medical sensors configured to transmit data related to the health attributes of the emergency responder 104 to the computing device 106. The emergency commander is able to track the health attributes of the emergency responder 104 via the user device. The device 102 further includes one or more programmable buttons 218 connected to the controller, one or more programmable light emitting diodes (LEDs) 220, a programmable audio buzzer 222, sensor electrodes 224, and a reset button 226. The device 102 further includes a slot 234 for receiving a memory 228, and a Bluetooth 230 and NFC tag 232 for communicating with third-party devices or other wearable devices 102. The device 102 further includes a wireless charging module 248 for wirelessly charging the device 102.

[0046] refer to Figure 9 , wearable device 102 has a compact structure and can be worn on the wrist or any part of the body. In one embodiment, device 102 is suitable for being worn on the wrist of emergency responder 104. In another embodiment, device 102 is provided as a clip-on wearable device. In yet another embodiment, device 102 can be carried in the pocket of emergency responder 104. In yet another embodiment, device 102 is suitable for being worn on the body of emergency responder 104, for example, on the chest of emergency responder 104. In one embodiment, wearable device 102 can be worn using a tether. In another embodiment, wearable device 102 can be worn using a retractable tether. Wearable device 102 is a low-cost, compact, and lightweight device. In an example, device 102 measures 2"×3" and weighs approximately 2 ounces. In another example, device 102 measures 1"×1" and weighs approximately 1.5 ounces.

[0047] Devices 102 are configured to determine real-time range and bearing from emergency responders 104 and a reference location. In one embodiment, the reference location is the location of the incident commander. In one embodiment, real-time range and bearing are calculated using an algorithm based on dead reckoning, two-way ranging (TWR), time difference of arrival (TDOA), and phase difference of arrival (PDoA) calculations. Each wearable device 102 associated with an emergency responder 104 is configured to act as a node and is configured to perform autonomous computations between the nodes.

[0048] Wearable device 102 includes a communication module. The communication module is a wireless communication module that includes ultra-wideband 202 and Bluetooth (BLE) for determining the range between nodes. The communication module further includes Zigbee. Limitations may include packet error rate (PER) and receiver blocking rate. In an example, device 102 has a typical blocking level to provide an ultra-wideband packet error rate (UWB PER) of 1% at a 3dB backoff from the sensitivity point. Device 102 is configured to operate in different categories of emergency responder 104 environments (e.g., firefighter, combat personnel, medical services, and law enforcement environments). Device 102 is configured with high multipath fading immunity. Device 102 is further configured with ingress protection. Device 102 has an ingress protection rating of, for example, IP67 or IP68. Device 102 is configured to download a three-dimensional map of the emergency environment upon receiving information related to the location of the emergency environment and display it to the emergency responders.

[0049] Figure 3 A screenshot 300 of a user interface displayed to an emergency commander according to an embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily illustrated. The user interface is configured to display a simulated screen of an emergency environment. The user interface is configured to display data related to emergency response personnel 104. The data includes the number of emergency response personnel 104, the location of each emergency response personnel 104, the distance between each emergency response personnel 104, the floor on which each emergency response personnel 104 is located, and the orientation of the emergency response personnel 104. The data further includes whether the emergency response personnel 104 is walking upright, crawling, not moving, and moving toward the ceiling. The data further includes the heart rate of the emergency response personnel 104. Each wearable device 102 is configured with a name. The location of the emergency response personnel 104 is indicated using the configured name (e.g., E1A, E1B, E1C, E1D, and E1E).

[0050] In one embodiment, the system of the present invention is customized for emergency responders 104, such as firefighters, combatants, etc. The system includes one or more wearable devices 102. Each firefighter can have a wearable device 102. Each wearable device 102 is configured with a name, such as Engine A, Engine B. In another example, each wearable device 102 is configured with a code name for the firefighter. In yet another example, each wearable device 102 is configured with a name corresponding to a seat in the emergency responder's vehicle, such as 4A, 4B, and 4C. 4A and 4B represent seats behind the driver, and 4C represents the driver. The devices 102 are configured to provide situational awareness from the moment the firefighter is deployed until the rescue operation at the emergency environment is completed. The firefighter can wear the wearable device 102 on his chest using a retractable tether. The wearable device 102 is configured to display real-time data related to each firefighter to the emergency commander.

[0051] For example, if a fireball hits and firefighters are dispersed, the system is configured to enable the emergency commander to track the location of the firefighters within the building and the external environment. In another example, if a firefighter (also referred to as Node 1) wants to know the location of another firefighter (also referred to as Node 2), the device 102 is configured to display the range and bearing from Node 2 to Node 1. The firefighter (Node 1) needs to pull the device 102 off his chest and hold it against his mask to track the location of the firefighter (Node 2).

[0052] In one embodiment, the system of the present invention is customized for emergency responders 104, such as police officers, combat personnel, and special weapons and tactics (SWAT) teams. During a search warrant incident, searches are conducted in indoor environments (e.g., homes and apartments). Officers are required to travel to the scene with a tactical team. Tactical team members and officers can wear wearable devices 102. If an adverse outcome occurs, such as an officer down, the system is configured to provide situational awareness to the officers and teams. Further, the system is configured to enable commanders to track officers and teams in real time and maximize safety.

[0053] Figure 4A A graph 400 is exemplarily illustrated indicating the movement of emergency responders 104 based on accelerometer data according to an embodiment of the present invention. Segment 402A indicates the movement of emergency responders 104, and segment 402B indicates a rest period. Figure 4B A graph 410 is exemplarily illustrated indicating the orientation of the emergency responder 104 based on magnetometer data according to an embodiment of the present invention. Segment 412A represents a rest period, and segment 412B indicates the orientation or heading of the emergency responder 104. Figure 4CAn exemplary illustration of the tracking Figure 4A and Figure 4B The model 420 is generated based on the movement and orientation of the emergency responders 104. The model 420 provides data related to the position, orientation, distance traveled, time required to reach the distance, and movement of the responders 104.

[0054] Figure 5A A graph 500 indicating the movement of emergency responders 104 based on accelerometer data according to another embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily illustrated. Figure 5B A graph 510 is exemplarily illustrated indicating the orientation of emergency responders 104 based on magnetometer data according to another embodiment of the present invention. Segment 502 indicates a change in direction. Figure 5C An exemplary illustration of the tracking Figure 5A and Figure 5B The model 520 is generated based on the movement and orientation of the emergency responders 104. The model 520 provides data related to the position, orientation, distance traveled, time required to reach the distance, and movement of the responders 104.

[0055] Figure 6A A graph 600 is exemplarily illustrated that indicates the movement of the emergency responder 104 based on accelerometer data according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Segment 602 represents continuous walking of the emergency responder 104. Figure 6B A graph 610 is shown that indicates the orientation of the emergency responder 104 based on magnetometer data according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Segment 612 represents a change in the direction of the emergency responder 104. Figure 6C An exemplary illustration of the tracking Figure 6A and Figure 6B The model 620 is generated based on the movement and orientation of the emergency responders 104. The model 620 provides data related to the position, orientation, distance traveled, time required to reach the distance, movement of the responders 104, and x / y coordinates.

[0056] Figure 7A A graph 700 indicating the movement of emergency responders 104 based on accelerometer data according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily illustrated. Figure 7B A graph 710 indicating the orientation of the emergency responder 104 based on magnetometer data according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is exemplarily illustrated. Figure 7C An exemplary illustration of the tracking Figure 7A and Figure 7BThe model 720 is generated based on the movement and orientation of the emergency responders 104. The model 720 provides data related to the position, orientation, distance traveled, time required to travel that distance, movement of the responders 104, and x / y coordinates of the responders 104.

[0057] Figure 8 The model 800 provided by the system according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustratively shown as representing an emergency responder 104 ascending or descending stairs. The model 800 provides information related to the height (denoted as H) at which the responder 104 is located in an indoor environment. The device 102 is configured to provide the location of the emergency responder 104 with an accuracy of at least 0.5 meters or less than 0.5 meters.

[0058] The system of the present invention provides a micro device 102 for tracking the location of emergency responders 104 in surface and underground building structures (such as tunnels and basements). Further, the system is configured to facilitate three-dimensional tracking of emergency responders 104 in indoor and outdoor environments. The system can be robustly customized for different types of emergency responders 104. The system of the present invention does not utilize pre-deployed infrastructure. The system of the present invention enhances situational awareness, safety and security, which reduces the risk faced by emergency responders 104. The present invention provides a low-cost, affordable system so that any user can take advantage of the technology. The system is configured to enable communication between emergency responders 104 and with emergency incident commanders.

[0059] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific systems, devices, or components thereof to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed for carrying out the present disclosure, but the present disclosure will include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, the use of the terms "first", "second", etc. does not indicate any order or importance, but rather the terms "first", "second" are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0060] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. 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 also be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, or parts, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or groups thereof.

[0061] The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the present disclosure in various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. A system for tracking and communicating with emergency responders, the system comprising: one or more wearable devices, wherein each wearable device is configured to communicate in real-time with the other wearable devices and form a wireless mesh network, wherein each wearable device is associated with an emergency responder dispatched at an emergency event environment, wherein each wearable device includes a controller, a communication module connected to the controller, and an inertial measurement unit in communication with the controller, wherein each wearable device is configured to perform autonomous computations and transmit position tracking data in real-time to a computing device, wherein the position tracking data is determined using time-of-flight data between the wearable devices; at least one user device associated with a second user; and The computing device, the computing device being in communication with the wearable device and the user device, wherein the computing device is configured to: Receive location tracking data for each wearable device, enabling real-time viewing of location tracking data of each wearable device via the user device, wherein the location tracking data includes the location of each emergency responder, the distance between each emergency responder, the floor on which each emergency responder is located, the distance traveled by the emergency responder, the orientation of the emergency responder, and the direction of movement of the emergency responder; and Communications with the emergency responders are enabled via the user device.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the wearable device further comprises: one or more biometric sensors and medical sensors in communication with the controller and configured to transmit health-related data of the emergency responder to the computing device; a microphone in communication with the controller; a memory in communication with the controller; one or more connection ports, the one or more connection ports communicating with the controller; one or more control buttons in communication with the controller, wherein the control buttons are configured to enable the emergency responder to control the wearable device; a power supply, configured to supply power to the wearable device; A wireless charging module, configured to wirelessly charge the wearable device; as well as At least one display is in communication with the controller and is configured to display information relevant to the emergency responders.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the display is an egocentric display configured to display the range, position, azimuth, and elevation of the emergency responder in an emergency environment.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the connection port comprises a liquid crystal display connection port, a battery connection port, and an external device connection port. The system of claim 1 , wherein each wearable device includes a unique identifier.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the computing device is configured to: enabling the second user to view health-related data of each emergency responder in real time, wherein the second user is an emergency incident commander; displaying the range, bearing, azimuth, and elevation of the emergency responder relative to a reference position at the user device; displaying the location tracking data and health-related data of the emergency responder in a simulation screen of the emergency event environment using a unique identifier; as well as Situational awareness is provided from the time the emergency response personnel are deployed until the rescue operation at the emergency environment is concluded.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication module comprises ultra-wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (BLE), and Zigbee.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the inertial measurement unit comprises a 3-axis accelerometer, a 3-axis gyroscope, and a magnetometer.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the wearable device further comprises a pressure sensor and an altimeter in communication with the controller.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein each wearable device is configured to receive and process time-of-flight data of radio signals to provide location tracking data for the emergency responder.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein each wearable device is configured with autonomous computing and edge computing capabilities.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the emergency environment comprises an indoor environment and an outdoor environment.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein each wearable device is configured with multipath fading immunity and intrusion protection capabilities.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein each wearable device is configured to download a three-dimensional map of the emergency environment and display it to the emergency responders upon receiving information related to the location of the emergency environment.

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