Portable rescue device and rescue method

Abstract

A portable rescue device includes a wireless receiver configured to receive a beacon signal from a wireless transmitter associated with a personnel, and a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system configured to generate a LIDAR signal based on a surrounding environment. The portable rescue device further includes a processor communicably coupled to the wireless receiver and the LIDAR system. The processor is configured to receive the beacon signal from the wireless receiver and determine at least one parameter based on the beacon signal received from the wireless receiver. The processor is further configured to receive the LIDAR signal from the LIDAR system if the at least one parameter meets a predetermined condition. The processor is further configured to generate an ambient image of the surrounding environment based on the LIDAR signal. The processor is further configured to display, via a display unit, the ambient image.

Description

[0001] PORTABLE RESCUE DEVICE AND RESCUE METHOD

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a portable rescue device and a rescue method for use with a portable rescue device. The present disclosure also relates to an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) including a portable rescue device.

[0004] Background

[0005] Firefighters and other emergency responders frequently work in dangerous environments or other immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environments. There is always a threat of entrapment or getting lost in such environments. For example, emergency responders may often suffer from disorientation and / or lack of information when entering such environments to rescue a trapped item / person / fellow team member, because such environments frequently have extremely low visibility, high temperatures, presence of smoke, etc. Thus, locating the lost or trapped is not always possible using sight alone. This has resulted in the advent of radio location beacons used by emergency responders.

[0006] Current rescue technologies may assist search and rescue teams in locating downed, trapped, or lost personnel (e.g., a firefighter or other emergency personnel) by following the radio location beacons. Specifically, such rescue technologies utilize radio waves between a receiver and a transmitter (i.e., the radio location beacon) associated with the trapped personnel. However, radio location beacons are not a perfect solution. Depending on how radio waves travel the site, it may give off spurious directions. Once the emergency responder gets close to the transmitter, the radio waves that helped the emergency responder in getting closer may flood the receiver making it impossible to zero in on the trapped personnel.

[0007] Summary

[0008] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a portable rescue device carried by a user. The portable rescue device includes a display unit. The portable rescue device further includes a wireless receiver configured to receive a beacon signal from a wireless transmitter associated with a personnel. The portable rescue device further includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system configured to generate a LIDAR signal based on a surrounding environment. The portable rescue device further includes a processor communicably coupled to each of the display unit, the wireless receiver, and the LIDAR system. The processor is configured to receive the beacon signal from the wireless receiver. The processor is further configured to determine at least one parameter based on the beacon signal received from the wireless receiver. The processor is further configured to receive the LIDAR signal from the LIDAR system if the at least one parameter meets a predetermined condition. The processor is further configured to generate an ambient image of the surrounding environment based on the LIDAR signal. The processor is further configured to display, via the display unit, the ambient image.

[0009] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) including the portable rescue device of the first aspect.

[0010] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a portable rescue device carried by a user. The portable rescue device includes a display unit. The portable rescue device further includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system configured to generate a LIDAR signal based on a surrounding environment. The portable rescue device further includes a thermal camera configured to generate a thermal signal based on the surrounding environment. The portable rescue device further includes a processor communicably coupled to each of the display unit, the LIDAR system, and the thermal camera. The processor is configured to receive the LIDAR signal from the LIDAR system. The processor is further configured to generate an ambient image of the surrounding environment based on the LIDAR signal. The processor is further configured to receive the thermal signal from the thermal camera. The processor is further configured to generate a thermal image based on the thermal signal. The processor is further configured to display, via the display unit, each of the ambient image and the thermal image.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) including the portable rescue device of the third aspect.

[0012] In a fifth aspect, the present disclosure provides a rescue method for use with a portable rescue device. The rescue method includes receiving, via a wireless receiver, a beacon signal from a wireless transmitter associated with a personnel. The rescue method further includes receiving, via a processor communicably coupled to the wireless receiver, the beacon signal from the wireless receiver. The rescue method further includes determining, via the processor, at least one parameter based on the beacon signal received from the wireless receiver. The rescue method further includes receiving, via the processor, a LIDAR signal from a LIDAR system if the at least one parameter meets a predetermined condition. The LIDAR system is communicably coupled to the processor. The rescue method further includes generating, via the processor, an ambient image of a surrounding environment based on the LIDAR signal. The rescue method further includes displaying, via a display unit, the ambient image.

[0013] The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0014] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the following figures. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a portable rescue device carried by a user, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the portable rescue device, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) including the portable rescue device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of the portable rescue device, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the article of personal protective equipment (PPE), according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0021] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a rescue method, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Detailed Description

[0023] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures that form a part thereof and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0024] In the following disclosure, the following definitions are adopted.

[0025] As used herein, the term “transmitter” may generally include any device, circuit, or apparatus capable of transmitting an electromagnetic signal, such as a radio wave signal.

[0026] As used herein, the term “receiver” may generally include any device, circuit, or apparatus capable of receiving an electromagnetic signal, such as a radio wave signal.

[0027] As used herein, the term “coupled” generally means either a direct connection between two or more elements that are connected or an indirect connection through one or more passive or active intermediary devices.

[0028] As used herein, the term “communicably coupled” generally refers to any type of connection or coupling that allows for communication of information. The term communicably coupled may include, but is not limited to, electrically coupled (e.g., through a wire), optically coupled (e.g., through an optical cable), audibly coupled, wirelessly coupled (e.g., through a radio frequency or other similar technologies), and / or the like. The technology by which the information is transmitted is not material to the meaning of communicably coupled.

[0029] As used herein, the term “signal” includes, but is not limited to, one or more electrical signals, optical signals, electromagnetic signals, analog and / or digital signals, one or more computer instructions, a bit and / or bit stream, and / or the like.

[0030] As used herein, the term “signal strength” generally refers to a measured field strength or radiation power, depending on the application.

[0031] As used herein, the term “hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions” may be used throughout the disclosure to include environmental conditions, such as, high ambient temperature, lack of oxygen, presence of explosives, exposure to radioactive or biologically harmful materials, and exposure to other hazardous substances. Examples of hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions may include, but are not limited to, fire fighting, biological and chemical contamination clean-ups, explosive material handling, working with radioactive materials, and working in confined spaces with limited or no ventilation. The term “hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions” may also be used throughout the disclosure to refer to physiological conditions associated with an individual, such as, heart rate, respiration rate, core body temperature, or any other condition which may result in injury and / or death of an individual.

[0032] As used herein, the term “LIDAR” is an acronym for Light Detection and Ranging, and generally refers to an optical remote sensing technology that utilizes a light source (e.g., a laser light) for detection of an object by illuminating the object with the light source. As used herein, the term “light source” generally refers to any source capable of emitting photons. As used herein, the term “laser” is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, and generally refers to coherent light with a narrow range of wavelengths. As used herein, the term “light” must be understood broadly, since lasers have covered radiation at wavelengths ranging from infrared range to ultraviolet range and even soft x-ray range.

[0033] As used herein, the term “optical beacon generator” generally refers to a device which generates a signal (e.g., a visible light signal) which may be used as a reference signal by another device or person. The optical beacon generator may emit a continuous, periodic, sporadic, or other type of signal. The optical beacon generator may emit a directed signal (e.g., a signal which is most easily detected by devices at a certain incident angle) or a signal of equal strength in all directions.

[0034] As used herein, the term “light beacon” generally refers to a light signals.

[0035] As used herein, all numbers should be considered modified by the term “about”. As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably.

[0036] The term “about”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 5% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match. As used herein as a modifier to a property or attribute, the term “generally”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means that the property or attribute would be readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill but without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match (e.g., within + / - 20 % for quantifiable properties).

[0037] As used herein, the term “configured to” and like is at least as restrictive as the term “adapted to” and requires actual design intention to perform the specified function rather than mere physical capability of performing such a function.

[0038] Firefighters and other emergency responders frequently work in dangerous environments or other immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environments. Emergency responders may often suffer from disorientation and / or lack of information when entering such environments to rescue a trapped item / person / fellow team member, because such environments frequently have extremely low visibility, high temperatures, presence of smoke, etc. Current rescue technologies may assist search and rescue teams in locating downed, trapped, or lost personnel (e.g., a firefighter or other emergency personnel) by following radio location beacons used by emergency responders. Specifically, such rescue technologies utilize radio waves between a receiver and a transmitter (i.e., the radio location beacon) associated with the trapped personnel. However, radio location beacons are not a perfect solution. Depending on how radio waves travel the site, it may give off spurious directions. Once the emergency responder gets close to the transmitter, the radio waves that helped the emergency responder in getting closer may flood the receiver making it impossible to zero in on the trapped personnel.

[0039] The present disclosure provides a portable rescue device carried by a user. The portable rescue device includes a display unit. The portable rescue device further includes a wireless receiver configured to receive a beacon signal from a wireless transmitter associated with a personnel. The portable rescue device further includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system configured to generate a LIDAR signal based on a surrounding environment. The portable rescue device further includes a processor communicably coupled to each of the display unit, the wireless receiver, and the LIDAR system. The processor is configured to receive the beacon signal from the wireless receiver. The processor is further configured to determine at least one parameter based on the beacon signal received from the wireless receiver. The processor is further configured to receive the LIDAR signal from the LIDAR system if the at least one parameter meets a predetermined condition. The processor is further configured to generate an ambient image of the surrounding environment based on the LIDAR signal. The processor is further configured to display, via the display unit, the ambient image.

[0040] The portable rescue device of the present disclosure integrates the LIDAR system and the wireless receiver together in the portable rescue device to improve information that is received by the user of the portable rescue device related to the surrounding environment. The user of the portable rescue device may utilize the wireless receiver to follow the beacon signal received from the wireless transmitter associated with the personnel to a general area of interest. Subsequently, in case the wireless receiver obtains the beacon signal from multiple directions or other confusing information, the LIDAR system may automatically engage to provide the ambient image of the surrounding environment, thereby providing additional information to the user for locating the personnel. In some cases, the user of the portable rescue device may also be able to manually activate the LIDAR system or utilize the LIDAR system independently of the wireless receiver. Preferably, the LIDAR system may include beam steering functionality that is low profile, requires less energy, and is smaller in size with fewer moving parts.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a portable rescue device 100 carried by a user 102. In some examples, the user 102 may be an emergency personnel, e.g., a firefighter, a law enforcement personnel, a medical personnel, a first responder, a paramedic, or any other personnel working in potentially hazardous environments, e.g., fires. The portable rescue device 100 may be carried by the user 102 inside a building, a house, or any other similar enclosed construction. In some examples, the enclosed construction may have limited visibility. For example, the enclosed construction may be out of visible light or may be covered with smoke due to fire. In some examples, the enclosed construction may include one or more obstacles, such as walls, partition panels, glass panes, windows, dry walls, etc., and one or more openings such as a doorway, a window, or an emergency exit.

[0042] The portable rescue device 100 carried by the user 102 may assist in rescuing a personnel 110 trapped in the enclosed construction. In some examples, the personnel 110 may be another emergency personnel downed, trapped, or lost in the enclosed construction. For example, the personnel 110 may be injured or unconscious.

[0043] The portable rescue device 100 includes a wireless receiver 120 configured to receive a beacon signal 114 from a wireless transmitter 112 associated with the personnel 110. In some examples, the wireless transmitter 112 may be a part of a personal alert safety system (PASS) device. Generally, the PASS device may be a battery-powered device designed to assist emergency personnel during their mission. For example, the PASS device may be carried by the personnel 110 and may generate the beacon signal 114 and / or sound a loud audible alert to notify others if the personnel 110 is in distress.

[0044] In some examples, the wireless transmitter 112 may be associated with a backpack style harness of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), a turnout coat, or any other protective clothing worn by the personnel 110. Further, the wireless transmitter 112 may be activated manually or automatically. For example, the wireless transmitter 112 may be triggered manually by pressing a button, or automatically by a motion sensing device that triggers the wireless transmitter 112 when the personnel 110 has not moved in a certain threshold amount of time, e.g., when the personnel 110 is unconscious. In some examples, when the immobility of the personnel 110 is detected, the wireless transmitter 112 may automatically generate the beacon signal 114 in all directions to notify that the personnel 110 is in a hazardous situation and may need to be rescued. In some examples, the wireless transmitter 112 may typically not turn itself off unless manually reset. Thus, the wireless transmitter 112 may keep on generating the beacon signal 114 in all directions that may be received by the wireless receiver 120 of the portable rescue device 100, such that the user 102 may follow the beacon signal 114 to locate the personnel 110 and subsequently rescue the personnel 110.

[0045] In some examples, the wireless transmitter 112 may utilize radio waves for transmitting the beacon signal 114. For example, the wireless transmitter 112 may utilize 2.4 GHz radio frequency (RF) protocols, such as, Zigbee, long range (LoRa), etc., ultra-wideband (UWB), Bluetooth ®, WiFi, Z-Wave, etc., to transmit the beacon signal 114. Examples are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of wireless communication protocol, including known or related art, and / or later developed technologies for transmitting the beacon signal 114.

[0046] The portable rescue device 100 further includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system 122 configured to generate a LIDAR signal 124 based on a surrounding environment SE. The LIDAR signal 124 may be indicative of a presence of an object in the surrounding environment SE. For example, the LIDAR system 122 may detect the presence of surrounding objects based on reflection of waves (e.g., electromagnetic waves) utilized by the LIDAR system 122.

[0047] In some examples, the LIDAR system 122 may include components, such as, a light source, scanner and optics, a photodetector and receiver electronics, and a position and navigation system. For example, the LIDAR system 122 may include the light source that emits laser pulses and a detector that receives reflections of the laser pulses. In some examples, a suitable laser beam (e.g., wide or narrow) may be chosen for determining physical features of the surrounding environment SE with high resolution. In some examples, the LIDAR system 122 may assist in identifying the personnel 110 by detecting physical features of the personnel 110.

[0048] The portable rescue device 100 further includes a display unit 104. In some examples, the display unit 104 may be disposed on the portable rescue device 100. In some examples, the display unit 104 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat panel display, a solid state display, a plasma display, or any other display technology, for displaying information or content to the user 102. The portable rescue device 100 further includes a processor 130 communicably coupled to each of the display unit 104, the wireless receiver 120, and the LIDAR system 122.

[0049] In some examples, the processor 130 may be embodied in a number of different ways. For example, the processor 130 may be embodied as various processing means, such as one or more of a microprocessor or other processing elements, a coprocessor, or various other computing or processing devices, including integrated circuits, such as, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or the like. In some examples, the processor 130 may be configured to execute instructions stored in a memory. In some examples, the memory may be a cache memory, a system memory, or other memory. Alternatively, or in addition, the memory may be integral with the processor 130, such as a cache or random-access memory for the processor 130.

[0050] As such, whether configured by hardware, or by a combination of hardware and software, the processor 130 may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in a circuitry - in the form of a processing circuitry) capable of performing operations according to some embodiments while configured accordingly. Thus, for example, when the processor 130 is embodied as the ASIC, the FPGA, or the like, the processor 130 may have specifically configured hardware for conducting the operations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when the processor 130 may be embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor 130 to perform the operations described herein.

[0051] The processor 130 is configured to receive the beacon signal 114 from the wireless receiver 120. The processor 130 is further configured to determine at least one parameter P based on the beacon signal 114 received from the wireless receiver 120. The processor 130 is further configured to receive the LIDAR signal 124 from the LIDAR system 122 if the at least one parameter P meets a predetermined condition C.

[0052] In some examples, the at least one parameter P includes a distance DI between the portable rescue device 100 and the wireless transmitter 112. In some examples, the processor 130 may determine the distance DI between the portable rescue device 100 and the wireless transmitter 112 as the user 102 approaches the personnel 110. In some examples, the processor 130 is further configured to determine the distance DI between the portable rescue device 100 and the wireless transmitter 112 based on a signal strength S of the beacon signal 114.

[0053] For example, the processor 130 may determine the signal strength S of the beacon signal 114 along one or more directions by pointing the portable rescue device 100 or the wireless receiver 120 in the one or more directions. When the beacon signal 114 is received by the portable rescue device 100 in the one or more directions through the wireless receiver 120, the beacon signal 114 may be passed on to a receiving circuitry (not shown) that converts the beacon signal 114 into corresponding electrical signals for processing by the processor 130. In some examples, the processor 130 may determine the signal strength S by calculating one or more signal strength metrics, such as received signal code power (RSCP), reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), signal to noise ratio (SNR), and signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR). In some examples, the user 102 may follow the direction along which the beacon signal 114 has the maximum signal strength S. Subsequently, the processor 130 may determine the distance DI between the portable rescue device 100 and the wireless transmitter 112 based on the signal strength S of the beacon signal 114, e.g., via an intensity of the beacon signal 114. In other words, an attenuation of the beacon signal 114 may be utilized to infer the distance DI between the portable rescue device 100 and the wireless transmitter 112. In some examples, the processor 130 is further configured to display, via the display unit 104, the signal strength S of the beacon signal 114.

[0054] In some examples, the predetermined condition C is that the distance DI between the portable rescue device 100 and the wireless transmitter 112 is less than a predetermined threshold distance D2. For example, the processor 130 may receive the LIDAR signal 124 from the LIDAR system 122 when the user 102 reaches near the personnel 110, i.e., when the distance DI is less than the predetermined threshold distance D2. Thus, in case where the wireless receiver 120 obtains the beacon signal 114 from multiple directions or other confusing information, the LIDAR system 122 may automatically engage to provide additional information on the surrounding environment SE to the user 102 for locating the personnel 110. The predetermined threshold distance D2 may vary based on application requirements.

[0055] In some examples, the at least one parameter P includes a number of beacon signals N from the same wireless transmitter 112 received by the wireless receiver 120. In some examples, the predetermined condition C is that the number of beacon signals N from the same wireless transmitter 112 being received by the wireless receiver 120 is greater than one (i.e., N > 1) indicative of one or more spurious beacon signals being received by the wireless receiver 120. Thus, the processor 130 may receive the LIDAR signal 124 from the LIDAR system 122 upon receiving one or more spurious beacon signals by the wireless receiver 120.

[0056] The processor 130 is further configured to generate an ambient image 106 of the surrounding environment SE based on the LIDAR signal 124. For example, the processor 130 may process the LIDAR signal 124 to generate the ambient image 106 of the surrounding environment SE. The processor 130 is further configured to display, via the display unit 104, the ambient image 106. Thus, the user 102 may refer to the ambient image 106 for supplementary information for locating the personnel 110.

[0057] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the portable rescue device 100 carried by the user 102, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In some examples, the LIDAR system 122 is configured to be switched between an on state LI and an off state L2. For example, the user 102 of the portable rescue device 100 may have the option to switch the LIDAR system 122 between the on state LI and the off state L2 based on requirements. Thus, the user 102 may selectively keep the LIDAR system 122 in the on state LI if the user 102 wishes to keep receiving the LIDAR signal 124 from the LIDAR system 122. Alternatively, the user 102 may selectively switch the LIDAR system 122 to the off state L2, for example, to limit a power requirement of the portable rescue device 100. In some examples, the LIDAR system 122 is normally in the off state L2, for example, to save power. In some examples, the processor 130 is further configured to switch the LIDAR system 122 to the on state LI if the at least one parameter P meets the predetermined condition C. Thus, the processor 130 may automatically switch the LIDAR system 122 to the on state LI if the at least one parameter P meets the predetermined condition C. In some examples, the LIDAR system 122 uses beam steering 126 to generate the LIDAR signal 124. This may enable the LIDAR system 122 to be geometrically smaller in size with fewer moving parts and have a low profile that require less energy.

[0058] In some examples, the LIDAR system 122 is further configured to receive a light beacon 142 from an optical beacon generator 140 associated with the personnel 110. The optical beacon generator 140 may be a part of the PASS device, or the SCBA, or any other protective clothing associated with the personnel 110. In some examples, the light beacon 142 may include a high intensity light, e.g., a laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) light. In some examples, the light beacon 142 may be in the form of an electrically-powered radially symmetrical and omni-directional beam generated by an LED (light emitting diode) source or a similar light source incorporated within the optical beacon generator 140.

[0059] In some examples, the LIDAR system 122 may incorporate one or more optical receivers (not shown) capable of receiving the light beacon 142 from the optical beacon generator 140 associated with the personnel 110 and generate one or more electrical signals indicative of a presence and a direction of the light beacon 142. In some examples, the processor 130 may receive the one or more electrical signals as additional inputs for locating the personnel 110.

[0060] In some examples, the portable rescue device 100 further includes a thermal camera 144 communicably coupled to the processor 130 and configured to generate a thermal signal 146. The thermal camera 144 generally refers to all kinds of known and suitable infrared detectors, such as, for example, thermopiles, thermistors, bolometers, pyroelectric sensors, and semiconductor sensors. In some examples, the thermal camera 144 may include an infrared light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, including a photo resistor (PTR) or a photodiode (PD), to detect an amount of a reflected light. When the light emitted from the light emitting unit is reflected from a surface of an object and is incident upon the light receiving unit, the thermal camera 144 may generate an image of the object.

[0061] In some examples, the thermal camera 144 is configured to generate the thermal signal 146 based on the surrounding environment SE. In some examples, the processor 130 is further configured to receive the thermal signal 146 from the thermal camera 144. In some examples, the processor 130 is further configured to generate a thermal image 148 based on the thermal signal 146. In some examples, the processor 130 is further configured to display, via the display unit 104, the thermal image 148. The thermal image 148 may be indicative of the surrounding environment SE and provides additional information to the user 102 for locating the personnel 110. In some examples, the processor 130 is further configured to identify one or more objects 108 in the ambient image 106 using machine learning 150. For example, the processor 130 may utilize image processing techniques, e.g., a fuzzy logic image processing technique, a computer vision technique, a shape detection technique, a feature extraction technique, a technique that includes use of a color histogram, a motion detection technique, and / or the like for identifying the one or more objects 108 in the ambient image 106. In some examples, the processor 130 may identify the one or more objects 108 by determining physical characteristics of the one or more objects 108. In some examples, the processor 130 may be trained previously to identify the one or more objects 108 (e.g., human beings, walls, windows, furniture, etc.) of a specific shape, size, or color in the ambient images 106.

[0062] In some examples, the processor 130 may be communicably coupled to a remote server or a cloud database that may store data related to emergency personnel. In some examples, the data may include information, such as name, sex, age, height, weight, body features, facial features, and other distinguishing features. Such a database may be used for identification of emergency personnel.

[0063] In some examples, the processor 130 is further configured to highlight the one or more objects 108 in the ambient image 106 using machine learning. For example, the processor 130 may highlight the one or more objects 108 by encircling the one or more objects 108 in the ambient image 106. In some examples, the processor 130 may highlight a human being or an animal in the ambient image 106. This may draw an attention of the user 102 towards the one or more objects 108 in the ambient image 106, thereby allowing the user 102 to quickly focus on the one or more objects 108 and act accordingly.

[0064] In some examples, the processor 130 is further configured to perform edge detection 152 of the one or more objects 108 (e.g., human beings, walls, windows, furniture, etc.) in the ambient image 106. As used herein, the term “edge detection” generally refers to a computer algorithm that identifies edges (e.g., abrupt changes or gradients in image brightness). For example, the computer algorithm may identify edge features and utilize the edge features to predict edges within the ambient image 106. As used herein, the term “edge feature” generally refers to characteristics of a digital image indicating one or more edges. For example, the edge features may include variations in brightness or strong gradients within a digital image indicative of an edge (e.g., a line segment).

[0065] In some examples, the portable rescue device 100 may further include other sensors configured to generate signals indicative of the one or more objects 108 in the surrounding environment SE. In some examples, such sensors may be disposed on the portable rescue device 100 or may be directly or indirectly coupled to the portable rescue device 100. In some examples, such sensors may include, for example, proximity / position sensors, force sensors, distance sensors, global positioning system (GPS) sensors, sonar sensors, infrared sensors, visible light sensors, and / or the like. In some examples, proximity / position sensors may include a gyroscope, a compass, a geomagnetic sensor, and / or the like. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) 200 including the portable rescue device 100. In some examples, the article of PPE 200 may include a self- contained breathing apparatus (SOBA) or a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR).

[0066] Examples of the article of PPE 200 may include, but are not limited to, respiratory protection equipment (including disposable respirators, reusable respirators, and supplied air respirators), facemasks, oxygen tanks, air bottles, protective eyewear, such as visors, goggles, filters or shields (any of which may include augmented reality functionality), protective headwear, such as hard hats, hoods or helmets, mining caps, hearing protection (including ear plugs and ear muffs), protective shoes, protective gloves, other protective clothing, such as coveralls, aprons, coat, vest, suits, boots and / or gloves, protective articles, such as sensors, safety tools, detectors, mining cap lamps, fall protection harnesses, exoskeletons, self-retracting lifelines, heating and cooling systems, gas detectors, and any other suitable gear configured to protect the user 102 from injury. The article of PPE 200 may include any other type of clothing or device / equipment that may be worn by the user 102 to protect against fire, extreme temperatures, reduced oxygen levels, explosions, reduced atmospheric pressure, radioactive and / or biologically harmful materials.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, in some examples, the portable rescue device 100 is disposed on the article of PPE 200. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the article of PPE 200 includes a face mask 202. Specifically, the face mask 202 includes the portable rescue device 100. In some examples, the display unit 104 of the portable rescue device 100 is disposed on the face mask 202. The portable rescue device 100 further includes the wireless receiver 120 configured to receive the beacon signal 114 from the wireless transmitter 112 associated with the personnel 110. The portable rescue device 100 further includes the LIDAR system 122 configured to generate the LIDAR signal 124 based on the surrounding environment SE.

[0068] The portable rescue device 100 further includes the processor 130 communicably coupled to each of the display unit 104, the wireless receiver 120, and the LIDAR system 122. The processor 130 is further configured to generate the ambient image 106 of the surrounding environment SE based on the LIDAR signal 124 and display the ambient image 106 via the display unit 104. Thus, the user 102 of the portable rescue device 100 may be able to easily access the ambient image 106 without significantly deviating attention from the intended tasks as the display unit 104 is mounted on the face mask 202.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a portable rescue device 300 carried by a user 302. In some examples, the portable rescue device 300 may be similar to the portable rescue device 100 shown in FIGS. 1-3, and same components in this embodiment are referred to by similar reference numerals. In some examples, the user 302 may be an emergency personnel, e.g., a firefighter, a law enforcement personnel, a medical personnel, a first responder, a paramedic, or any other personnel working in potentially hazardous environments, e.g., fires. The portable rescue device 300 carried by the user 302 may assist in rescuing a personnel 310 trapped in the enclosed construction. In some examples, the personnel 310 may be another emergency personnel downed, trapped, or lost in the enclosed construction. For example, the personnel 310 may be injured or unconscious.

[0070] The portable rescue device 300 includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system 322 configured to generate a LIDAR signal 324 based on the surrounding environment SE. The LIDAR system 322 may be substantially similar to the LIDAR system 122 of FIGS. 1-3. In some examples, the LIDAR system 322 uses beam steering 326 to generate the LIDAR signal 324. The portable rescue device 300 further includes a thermal camera 344 configured to generate a thermal signal 346 based on the surrounding environment SE. The thermal camera 344 may be substantially similar to the thermal camera 144 of FIGS. 1-2.

[0071] The portable rescue device 300 further includes a display unit 304. The portable rescue device 300 further includes a processor 330 communicably coupled to each of the display unit 304, the LIDAR system 322, and the thermal camera 344. The processor 330 is configured to receive the LIDAR signal 324 from the LIDAR system 322. The processor 330 is further configured to generate an ambient image 306 of the surrounding environment SE based on the LIDAR signal 324. The processor 330 is further configured to receive the thermal signal 346 from the thermal camera 344. The processor 330 is further configured to generate a thermal image 348 based on the thermal signal 346.

[0072] The processor 330 is further configured to display, via the display unit 304, each of the ambient image 306 and the thermal image 348. In some examples, the display unit 304 may display the ambient image 306 and the thermal image 348 side by side, such that the user 302 may refer to both the ambient image 306 and the thermal image 348 while using the portable rescue device 300.

[0073] In some examples, the LIDAR system 322 is further configured to receive a light beacon 342 from an optical beacon generator 340 associated with the personnel 310. The optical beacon generator 340 may be a part of the PASS device, or the SCBA, or any other protective clothing associated with the personnel 310. In some examples, the light beacon 342 may include a high intensity light, e.g., a laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) light. In some examples, the LIDAR system 322 may incorporate one or more optical receivers capable of receiving the light beacon 342. The light beacon 342 may be utilized as additional input for locating the personnel 310.

[0074] In some examples, the processor 330 is further configured to identify one or more objects 308 in the ambient image 306 using machine learning 350. For example, the processor 330 may utilize image processing techniques, e.g., a fuzzy logic image processing technique, a computer vision technique, a shape detection technique, a feature extraction technique, a technique that includes use of a color histogram, a motion detection technique, and / or the like to identify the one or more objects 308 in the ambient image 306. In some examples, the processor 330 may be trained previously to identify the one or more objects 308 (e.g., human beings, walls, windows, furniture, etc.) of a specific shape, size, or color in the ambient images 306.

[0075] In some examples, the processor 330 is further configured to highlight the one or more objects 308 in the ambient image 306 using machine learning. For example, the processor 330 may highlight the one or more objects 308 by encircling the one or more objects 308 in the ambient image 306. This may draw an attention of the user 302 towards the one or more objects 308 in the ambient image 306, thereby allowing the user 302 to quickly focus on the one or more objects 308 and act accordingly.

[0076] In some examples, the processor 330 is further configured to perform edge detection 352 of the one or more objects 308 (e.g., human beings, walls, windows, furniture, etc.) in the ambient image 306. For example, the processor 330 may utilize computer algorithms that identifies edges (e.g., abrupt changes or gradients in image brightness) of the one or more objects 308 in the ambient image 306.

[0077] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an article of PPE 400 including the portable rescue device 300. In some examples, the article of PPE 400 includes a self-contained breathing apparatus (SOBA) or a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR).

[0078] Examples of the article of PPE 400 may include, but are not limited to, respiratory protection equipment (including disposable respirators, reusable respirators, and supplied air respirators), facemasks, oxygen tanks, air bottles, protective eyewear, such as visors, goggles, filters or shields (any of which may include augmented reality functionality), protective headwear, such as hard hats, hoods or helmets, mining caps, hearing protection (including ear plugs and ear muffs), protective shoes, protective gloves, other protective clothing, such as coveralls, aprons, coat, vest, suits, boots and / or gloves, protective articles, such as sensors, safety tools, detectors, mining cap lamps, fall protection harnesses, exoskeletons, self-retracting lifelines, heating and cooling systems, gas detectors, and any other suitable gear configured to protect the user 302 from injury. The article of PPE 400 may include any other type of clothing or device / equipment that may be worn by the user 302 to protect against fire, extreme temperatures, reduced oxygen levels, explosions, reduced atmospheric pressure, radioactive and / or biologically harmful materials.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in some examples, the portable rescue device 300 is disposed on the article of PPE 400. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, the article of PPE 400 includes a face mask 402. Specifically, the face mask 402 includes the portable rescue device 300. In some examples, the display unit 304 of the portable rescue device 300 is disposed on the face mask 402. The portable rescue device 300 further includes the LIDAR system 322 and the thermal camera 344 configured to generate the LIDAR signal 324 and the thermal signal 346, respectively, based on the surrounding environment SE.

[0080] The portable rescue device 300 further includes the processor 330 communicably coupled to each of the display unit 304, the LIDAR system 322, and the thermal camera 344. The processor 330 is configured to generate the ambient image 306 and the thermal image 348 of the surrounding environment SE based on the LIDAR signal 324 and the thermal signal 346, respectively. The processor 330 is further configured to display each of the ambient image 306 and the thermal image 348 via the display unit 304. Thus, the user 302 of the portable rescue device 300 may be able to easily access each of the ambient image 306 and the thermal image 348 without significantly deviating attention from the intended tasks as the display unit 304 is mounted on the face mask 402.

[0081] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a rescue method 500 for use with the portable rescue device 100 (shown in FIGS. 1-3). The rescue method 500 will be described with reference to the portable rescue device 100 of FIGS. 1-3. Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 and 6, at step 502, the rescue method 500 includes receiving, via the wireless receiver 120, the beacon signal 114 from the wireless transmitter 112 associated with the personnel 110.

[0082] At step 504, the rescue method 500 further includes receiving, via the processor 130 communicably coupled to the wireless receiver 120, the beacon signal 114 from the wireless receiver 120.

[0083] At step 506, the rescue method 500 further includes determining, via the processor 130, the at least one parameter P based on the beacon signal 114 received from the wireless receiver 120.

[0084] At step 508, the rescue method 500 further includes receiving, via the processor 130, the LIDAR signal 124 from the LIDAR system 122 if the at least one parameter P meets the predetermined condition C. The LIDAR system 122 is communicably coupled to the processor 130. In some examples, the LIDAR system 122 uses the beam steering 126 to generate the LIDAR signal 124.

[0085] In some examples, the at least one parameter P includes the distance DI between the portable rescue device 100 and the wireless transmitter 112. The predetermined condition C is that the distance DI between the portable rescue device 100 and the wireless transmitter 112 is less than the predetermined threshold distance D2. In some examples, the rescue method 500 further includes determining, via the processor 130, the distance DI between the portable rescue device 100 and the wireless transmitter 112 based on the signal strength S of the beacon signal 114.

[0086] In some examples, the at least one parameter P includes the number of beacon signals N from the same wireless transmitter 112 received by the wireless receiver 120. The predetermined condition C is that the number of beacon signals N from the same wireless transmitter 112 being received by the wireless receiver 120 is greater than one indicative of one or more spurious beacon signals being received by the wireless receiver 120.

[0087] In some examples, the LIDAR system 122 is configured to be switched between the on state LI and the off state L2. In some examples, the LIDAR system 122 is normally in the off state L2. In some examples, the rescue method 500 further includes switching, via the processor 130, the LIDAR system 122 to the on state LI if the at least one parameter P meets the predetermined condition C. At step 510, the rescue method 500 further includes generating, via the processor 130, the ambient image 106 of the surrounding environment SE based on the LIDAR signal 124.

[0088] At step 512, the rescue method 500 further includes displaying, via the display unit 104, the ambient image 106.

[0089] In some examples, the rescue method 500 further includes performing, via the processor 130, the edge detection 152 of the one or more objects 108 in the ambient image 106.

[0090] In some examples, the rescue method 500 further includes identifying, via the processor 130, the one or more objects 108 in the ambient image 106 using machine learning 150.

[0091] In some examples, the rescue method 500 further includes highlighting, via the processor 130, the one or more objects 108 in the ambient image 106 using machine learning.

[0092] In some examples, the rescue method 500 further includes receiving, via the LIDAR system 122, the light beacon 142 from the optical beacon generator 140 associated with the personnel 110.

[0093] In some examples, the rescue method 500 further includes receiving, via the processor 130, the thermal signal 146 from the thermal camera 144. The thermal camera 144 is communicably coupled to the processor 130. In some examples, the rescue method 500 further includes generating, via the processor 130, the thermal image 148 based on the thermal signal 146. In some examples, the rescue method 500 further includes displaying, via the display unit 104, the thermal image 148.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the portable rescue device 100, 300 and the rescue method 500 of the present disclosure integrates the LIDAR system 122, 322 and the wireless receiver 120 together in the portable rescue device 100, 300 to improve information that is received by the user 102, 302 of the portable rescue device 100, 300 related to the surrounding environment SE. The user 102, 302 of the portable rescue device 100, 300 may utilize the wireless receiver 120 to follow the beacon signal 114 received from the wireless transmitter 112 associated with the personnel 110, 310 to a general area of interest. Subsequently, in case the wireless receiver 120 obtains the beacon signal 114 from multiple directions or other confusing information, the LIDAR system 122, 322 may automatically engage to provide the ambient image 106, 306 of the surrounding environment SE, thereby providing additional information to the user 102, 302 for locating the personnel 110, 310. In some cases, the user 102, 302 of the portable rescue device 100, 300 may also be able to manually activate the LIDAR system 122, 322 or utilize the LIDAR system 122, 322 independently of the wireless receiver 120. Preferably, the LIDAR system 122, 322 may include the beam steering 126, 326 functionality that is low profile, requires less energy, and is smaller in size with fewer moving parts.

[0095] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

[0096] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0097] Spatially related terms, including but not limited to, “proximate,” “distal,” “lower,” “upper,” “beneath,” “below,” “above,” and “on top,” if used herein, are utilized for ease of description to describe spatial relationships of an element(s) to another. Such spatially related terms encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the particular orientations depicted in the figures and described herein. For example, if an object depicted in the figures is turned over or flipped over, portions previously described as below, or beneath other elements would then be above or on top of those other elements.

[0098] As used herein, when an element, component, or layer for example is described as forming a “coincident interface” with, or being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled with,” “stacked on” or “in contact with” another element, component, or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, directly coupled with, directly stacked on, in direct contact with, or intervening elements, components or layers may be on, connected, coupled or in contact with the particular element, component, or layer, for example. When an element, component, or layer for example is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” “directly coupled with,” or “directly in contact with” another element, there are no intervening elements, components or layers for example.

[0099] Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

[0100] List of Illustrative Embodiments:

[0101] Al. A portable rescue device carried by a user, comprising: a display unit; a wireless receiver configured to receive a beacon signal from a wireless transmitter associated with personnel; a LIDAR system configured to generate a LIDAR signal based on the surrounding environment; a processor communicably coupled to the display unit, wireless receiver, and LIDAR system, configured to: receive the beacon signal; determine at least one parameter based on the beacon signal; receive the LIDAR signal if the parameter meets a predetermined condition; generate an ambient image based on the LIDAR signal; display the ambient image via the display unit.

[0102] A2. The portable rescue device of embodiment Al, wherein: the parameter comprises a distance between the device and the wireless transmitter; the predetermined condition is that the distance is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0103] A3. The portable rescue device of embodiment A2, wherein: the processor determines the distance based on the signal strength of the beacon signal.

[0104] A4. The portable rescue device of embodiment Al , wherein: the parameter comprises a number of beacon signals from the same transmitter; the predetermined condition is that the number of signals is greater than one, indicating spurious signals.

[0105] A5. The portable rescue device of embodiment Al, wherein: the LIDAR system can be switched between on and off states; the system is normally off, and the processor switches it on if the parameter meets the condition.

[0106] A6. The portable rescue device of embodiment Al, wherein: the processor performs edge detection of objects in the ambient image.

[0107] A7. The portable rescue device of embodiment Al, wherein: the processor identifies objects in the ambient image using machine learning.

[0108] A8. The portable rescue device of embodiment Al, wherein: the processor highlights objects in the ambient image using machine learning.

[0109] A9. The portable rescue device of embodiment Al , wherein: the LIDAR system uses beam steering to generate the LIDAR signal.

[0110] A10. The portable rescue device of embodiment Al, wherein: the LIDAR system receives a light beacon from an optical beacon generator associated with personnel.

[0111] Al l. The portable rescue device of embodiment Al, further comprising: a thermal camera communicably coupled to the processor, configured to generate a thermal signal; the processor generates a thermal image based on the thermal signal and displays it via the display unit.

[0112] BL An article of personal protective equipment (PPE) comprising the portable rescue device of embodiment AL B2. The article of PPE of embodiment Bl, further comprising: a face mask with the display unit disposed on it.

[0113] B3. The article of PPE of embodiment Bl, further comprising: a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR).

[0114] Cl. A portable rescue device carried by a user, comprising: a display unit; a LIDAR system configured to generate a LIDAR signal based on the surrounding environment; a thermal camera configured to generate a thermal signal; a processor communicably coupled to the display unit, LIDAR system, and thermal camera, configured to: receive the LIDAR signal; generate an ambient image based on the LIDAR signal; receive the thermal signal; generate athermal image based on the thermal signal; display both images via the display unit.

[0115] C2. The portable rescue device of embodiment Cl, wherein: the processor performs edge detection of objects in the ambient image.

[0116] C3. The portable rescue device of embodiment Cl, wherein: the processor identifies objects in the ambient image using machine learning.

[0117] C4. The portable rescue device of embodiment Cl, wherein: the processor highlights objects in the ambient image using machine learning.

[0118] C5. The portable rescue device of embodiment Cl, wherein: the LIDAR system uses beam steering to generate the LIDAR signal.

[0119] C6. The portable rescue device of embodiment Cl, wherein: the LIDAR system receives a light beacon from an optical beacon generator associated with personnel.

[0120] DI. An article of personal protective equipment (PPE) comprising the portable rescue device of embodiment CL

[0121] D2. The article of PPE of embodiment DI, further comprising: a face mask with the display unit disposed on it.

[0122] D3. The article of PPE of embodiment DI, further comprising: a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR).

[0123] EL A rescue method for use with a portable rescue device, comprising: receiving a beacon signal via a wireless receiver; determining a parameter based on the beacon signal; receiving a LIDAR signal if the parameter meets a condition; generating an ambient image based on the LIDAR signal; displaying the ambient image via a display unit.

[0124] E2. The rescue method of embodiment El, wherein: the parameter comprises a distance between the device and the transmitter; the condition is that the distance is less than a threshold.

[0125] E3. The rescue method of embodiment E2, further comprising: determining the distance based on the signal strength of the beacon signal. E4. The rescue method of embodiment El, wherein: the parameter comprises a number of beacon signals from the same transmitter; the condition is that the number of signals is greater than one, indicating spurious signals.

[0126] E5. The rescue method of embodiment El, wherein: the LIDAR system can be switched between on and off states; the method includes switching the system on if the parameter meets the condition.

[0127] E6. The rescue method of embodiment El, further comprising: performing edge detection of objects in the ambient image.

[0128] E7. The rescue method of embodiment El, further comprising: identifying objects in the ambient image using machine learning.

[0129] E8. The rescue method of embodiment El, further comprising: highlighting objects in the ambient image using machine learning.

[0130] E9. The rescue method of embodiment El, wherein: the LIDAR system uses beam steering to generate the LIDAR signal.

[0131] E10. The rescue method of embodiment El, further comprising: receiving a light beacon from an optical beacon generator associated with personnel.

[0132] El l. The rescue method of embodiment El, further comprising: receiving a thermal signal from a thermal camera; generating a thermal image based on the thermal signal; displaying the thermal image via the display unit.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A portable rescue device carried by a user, the portable rescue device comprising: a display unit; a wireless receiver configured to receive a beacon signal from a wireless transmitter associated with a personnel; a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system configured to generate a LIDAR signal based on a surrounding environment; and a processor communicably coupled to each of the display unit, the wireless receiver, and the LIDAR system, wherein the processor is configured to: receive the beacon signal from the wireless receiver; determine at least one parameter based on the beacon signal received from the wireless receiver; receive the LIDAR signal from the LIDAR system if the at least one parameter meets a predetermined condition; generate an ambient image of the surrounding environment based on the LIDAR signal; and display, via the display unit, the ambient image.

2. The portable rescue device of claim 1, wherein the at least one parameter comprises a distance between the portable rescue device and the wireless transmitter, and wherein the predetermined condition is that the distance between the portable rescue device and the wireless transmitter is less than a predetermined threshold distance.

3. The portable rescue device of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the distance between the portable rescue device and the wireless transmitter based on a signal strength of the beacon signal.

4. The portable rescue device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one parameter comprises a number of beacon signals from the same wireless transmitter received by the wireless receiver, and wherein the predetermined condition is that the number of beacon signals from thesame wireless transmiter being received by the wireless receiver is greater than one indicative of one or more spurious beacon signals being received by the wireless receiver.

5. The portable rescue device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the LIDAR system is configured to be switched between an on state and an off state, wherein the LIDAR system is normally in the off state, and wherein the processor is further configured to switch the LIDAR system to the on state if the at least one parameter meets the predetermined condition.

6. The portable rescue device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the LIDAR system is further configured to receive a light beacon from an optical beacon generator associated with the personnel.

7. The portable rescue device of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a thermal camera communicably coupled to the processor and configured to generate a thermal signal, wherein the processor is further configured to: receive the thermal signal from the thermal camera; generate a thermal image based on the thermal signal; and display, via the display unit, the thermal image.

8. An article of personal protective equipment (PPE) comprising the portable rescue device of any of the preceding claims.

9. The article of PPE of claim 8, further comprising a face mask, wherein the display unit is disposed on the face mask.

10. A portable rescue device carried by a user, the portable rescue device comprising: a display unit; a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system configured to generate a LIDAR signal based on a surrounding environment; a thermal camera configured to generate a thermal signal based on the surrounding environment; and a processor communicably coupled to each of the display unit, the LIDAR system, and the thermal camera, wherein the processor is configured to: receive the LIDAR signal from the LIDAR system;generate an ambient image of the surrounding environment based on the LIDAR signal; receive the thermal signal from the thermal camera; generate a thermal image based on the thermal signal; and display, via the display unit, each of the ambient image and the thermal image.

11. The portable rescue device of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to perform edge detection of one or more objects in the ambient image.

12. A rescue method for use with a portable rescue device, the rescue method comprising: receiving, via a wireless receiver, a beacon signal from a wireless transmitter associated with a personnel; receiving, via a processor communicably coupled to the wireless receiver, the beacon signal from the wireless receiver; determining, via the processor, at least one parameter based on the beacon signal received from the wireless receiver; receiving, via the processor, a LIDAR signal from a LIDAR system if the at least one parameter meets a predetermined condition, wherein the LIDAR system is communicably coupled to the processor; generating, via the processor, an ambient image of a surrounding environment based on the LIDAR signal; and displaying, via a display unit, the ambient image.

13. The rescue method of claim 12, wherein the at least one parameter comprises a distance between the portable rescue device and the wireless transmitter, and wherein the predetermined condition is that the distance between the portable rescue device and the wireless transmitter is less than a predetermined threshold distance.

14. The rescue method of claim 13, further comprising determining, via the processor, the distance between the portable rescue device and the wireless transmitter based on a signal strength of the beacon signal.

15. The rescue method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one parameter comprises a number of beacon signals from the same wireless transmitter received by the wireless receiver, andwherein the predetermined condition is that the number of beacon signals from the same wireless transmitter being received by the wireless receiver is greater than one indicative of one or more spurious beacon signals being received by the wireless receiver.

16. The rescue method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the LIDAR system is configured to be switched between an on state and an off state, wherein the LIDAR system is normally in the off state, and wherein the method further comprises switching, via the processor, the LIDAR system to the on state if the at least one parameter meets the predetermined condition.

17. The rescue method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising receiving, via the LIDAR system, a light beacon from an optical beacon generator associated with the personnel.

18. The rescue method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising: receiving, via the processor, a thermal signal from a thermal camera, wherein the thermal camera is communicably coupled to the processor; generating, via the processor, a thermal image based on the thermal signal; and displaying, via the display unit, the thermal image.

Images