Thermal imaging camera with mobile phone location

Abstract

The present invention relates to a thermal imaging camera (100) to be carried by an emergency worker, comprising a first receiving device (101), a first display device (200), a second receiving device (110), and an output device (170). The first receiving device (101) is configured here to receive infrared radiation emitted by objects or bodies in the environment in which the thermal imaging camera (100) is used. The first display device (200) is configured to display a thermal image (B) on the basis of infrared radiation received by means of the first receiving device (101). The second receiving device (110) is configured to receive emitted signals according to the PPP or point-to-point method, which signals are emitted by mobile communication apparatus (M), for example. The output device (170) is used to output messages about the reception of these received signals.

Description

[0001] Robert Pöppler

[0002] Description

[0003] Thermal imaging camera with mobile phone tracking

[0004] The present invention relates to a thermal imaging camera according to claim 1, a system according to claim 10, a method according to claim 12, and a use according to claim 15, respectively, according to the preamble or generic term of this claim.

[0005] Firefighters and other rescue workers use thermal imaging cameras in a wide variety of situations. Portable thermal imaging cameras can, for example, enable a rescuer to orient themselves in situations with poor visibility, such as heavy smoke.

[0006] Thermal imaging cameras make the heat radiation emitted by an object or body, which is invisible to the human eye, visible by detecting the infrared radiation radiated by the object or body. This heat radiation is displayed in the form of a thermal image (e.g., color-coded and / or grayscale). Optionally, the thermal imaging camera can also detect optical radiation in the visible part of the spectrum.

[0007] In other words, a thermal imaging camera comprises an image generation circuit designed to produce thermal image data based on infrared radiation (and optionally visible radiation) in the camera's environment. The thermal image can be either a moving image or a still image. Robert Pöppler

[0008] One object of the present invention may be to provide a further thermal imaging camera for use by rescue workers, a system with such a thermal imaging camera and a method for its use.

[0009] The problem according to the invention can be solved by a thermal imaging camera with the features of claim 1, a system with the features of claim 10, a method with the features of claim 12, and a method with the features of claim 15.

[0010] The present invention relates to a thermal imaging camera for use by a rescue worker, for example a female or male firefighter, comprising a first receiving device, a first display device, a second receiving device and an output device.

[0011] The first receiving device is configured to receive infrared radiation emitted by objects or bodies in the environment where the thermal imaging camera is used. The first display device is configured to display a thermal image based on the infrared radiation received by the first receiving device.

[0012] The second receiving unit is configured to receive signals emitted via PPP or Point-to-Point communication, or based on Bluetooth, which are transmitted, for example, by mobile communication devices such as cell phones, smartphones, tablets, Blackberries, etc. The output unit is used to display messages about the receipt of these received signals. Robert Pöppler

[0013] The system according to the invention consists of, or comprises: a (r) thermal imaging camera according to one of the preceding claims; and a (r) mobile (n) communication device, in particular a (em) mobile / s terminal device.

[0014] The method according to the invention serves to locate a person and / or a mobile communication device. It comprises the following steps:

[0015] Providing a thermal imaging camera according to the invention;

[0016] Emitting signals using the PPP or Point-to-Point method, on a radio frequency or according to a Bluetooth protocol by the mobile communication device and / or

[0017] Receiving such signals emitted by the mobile communication device using the second receiving device; and

[0018] Issuing messages about the reception of signals from mobile communication devices using the output device.

[0019] The use according to the invention relates to the use of the thermal imaging camera according to the invention for locating a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet or Blackberry.

[0020] The thermal imaging camera, system, method, and use discussed herein are the subject of the present invention and are therefore in accordance with the invention. Robert Pöppler

[0021] Inventive embodiments may, based on any one of the independent claims, have and / or consist of one or more of the features mentioned above or below. The features mentioned herein may be the subject of any combination of inventive embodiments based on any one of the independent claims, provided that a person skilled in the art does not recognize a specific combination as technically impossible.

[0022] In all the above and all subsequent statements, the use of the expression "can be" or "can have" etc. is to be understood as synonymous with "is preferably" or "has preferably" etc. and is intended to explain embodiments according to the invention.

[0023] Whenever numerical terms are used herein, the person skilled in the art understands them to indicate a lower numerical limit. Provided this does not lead to any contradiction apparent to the person skilled in the art, the person skilled in the art therefore always interprets the term "a" or "a" as meaning "at least one" or "at least one." This understanding is encompassed by the present invention, as is the interpretation that a numerical term such as "a" can alternatively be meant as "exactly one," wherever this is technically feasible to the person skilled in the art. Both are encompassed by the present invention and apply to all numerical terms used herein.

[0024] Whenever spatial terms such as "above", "below", "left" or "right" are used herein, the expert understands this to mean the arrangement in the figures attached here and / or in the state of use. "Below" is the term used by Robert Pöppler.

[0025] closer to the Earth's center or the bottom edge of the figure than to "top".

[0026] Advantageous further developments of the present invention are each the subject of dependent claims and embodiments.

[0027] Whenever a particular embodiment is mentioned herein, it refers to an exemplary embodiment according to the invention, based on one of the independent claims, which is not to be understood as limiting.

[0028] If it is disclosed herein that the object according to the invention has one or more features in a particular embodiment, it is also disclosed herein that the object according to the invention expressly does not have precisely this or these features in other embodiments, which are also according to the invention, e.g., in the sense of a disclaimer. For each embodiment mentioned herein, the opposite embodiment, for example formulated as a negation, is therefore also disclosed.

[0029] Embodiments as disclosed herein further develop the invention as defined by the independent claims.

[0030] When the term "mobile communication device" is used herein, it can encompass all state-of-the-art mobile communication devices, in particular mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops, Blackberries (here representing Robert Pöppler).

[0031] Personal Digital Assistants or messenger devices), e-book readers such as Kindles, Tolinos and / or the like.

[0032] In particular, mobile devices can be understood as a “mobile communication device” which are carried for private purposes, e.g. the aforementioned.

[0033] The issuance of messages regarding the receipt of these received signals can also be understood as the issuance of a message regarding the type of mobile communication device, i.e., indicating whether it is a mobile phone, smartphone, etc.

[0034] When the terms "programmed" or "configured" are used herein, these terms may be interchangeable in some implementations.

[0035] When this text refers to a signal or communication connection between two components, for example for forwarding and / or outputting data, it can mean a connection that is already in use. It can also mean that preparations are underway for such a signal connection (wired, wireless, or implemented in any other way), for example by coupling the two components, such as by pairing, etc.

[0036] Pairing is a process used in computer networks to establish an initial connection between computer units for communication purposes. The most well-known example is establishing a Bluetooth connection, which connects various devices (e.g., smartphones, headphones). Pairing is sometimes also referred to as bonding.

[0037] A signal or communication connection can exist, in particular, between any of the individual components of the thermal imaging camera, or these components can be prepared or suitable for this purpose.

[0038] Bluetooth, as used here, refers to the technology based on the standards of the Bluetooth SIG, in which devices transmit as Short Range Devices (SRDs) in a license-free ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) band, preferably between 2.402 GHz and 2.480 GHz. PPP, as used here, primarily refers to the standard protocol used by internet service providers (ISPs) for connecting customers to the internet. Using PPP, the ISP provides the customer's computer or router, which is to be connected to the internet, with important data, such as its IP address or the DNS server to be used. Previously, PPP was mostly used over modem or ISDN connections; however, nowadays it is also used with newer connection types, such as GPRS / UMTS mobile data connections or (typically as PPPoE) with DSL connections. The PPP specification is not limited to IP connections but allows for various network protocols (e.g.,...).IPX or AppleTalk); it is standardized in RFC 1661.

[0039] A point-to-point internet protocol exchanges Internet Protocol (IP) addresses between processing units to establish a point-to-point communication link between them over the internet. An initial point-to-point internet protocol includes the steps described by Robert Pöppler.

[0040] (a) Storing in a database the respective IP address of each set of processing units that have an online status with respect to the Internet; (b) Transmitting a query from a first processing unit to a link server to determine the online status of a second processing unit; and (c) Retrieving the IP address of the second unit from the database by means of the link server in response to the determination of a positive online status of the second processing unit, in order to establish a point-to-point communication link between the first and second processing units over the Internet.A second point-to-point Internet protocol comprises the steps (a) transmitting an email signal containing a first IP address from a first processing unit; (b) processing the email signal over the Internet to transmit the email signal to a second processing unit; and (c) transmitting a second IP address to the first processing unit to establish a point-to-point communication link between the first and second processing units over the Internet.

[0041] The radio frequencies received by the second receiving device can conform to mobile communication standards. These can include UMTS, HSDPA, LTE, LTE Advanced, and 5G. The second receiving device can be configured to receive these frequencies.

[0042] In some versions of the thermal imaging camera, the first receiving unit, the second receiving unit, and the first display unit are arranged in a single housing. Robert Pöppler

[0043] In some implementations, the output device is the first display device or it is encompassed by it.

[0044] In some implementations, the first display device and the output device are realized in a single display device.

[0045] In some implementations, the second receiving device is configured to determine the direction from which signals emitted by mobile communication devices, such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a Blackberry, etc., are received or transmitted.

[0046] In these implementations, the direction from which signals emitted by mobile communication devices were received or transmitted can be displayed on the output device. This can be done, for example, via an arrow, a highlight, a color marker, a flashing light, a frame, or another suitable graphic representation. A non-graphical indication, such as an audible signal or vibration, can also be provided, either additionally or alternatively. For instance, a sound can be emitted from the left side of the thermal imaging camera, clearly indicating that it is not coming from the right side. Similarly, the right side of the thermal imaging camera can vibrate to alert the user to the direction from which the signal from the mobile communication device is coming, in this case, from the right, and so on.

[0047] The direction from which the signals reach the thermal imaging camera can be described in these implementation forms, according to Robert Pöppler.

[0048] This includes cardinal direction or an orientation (left-right-front-back). It can be displayed accordingly, e.g., by arrows, symbols such as N, O, S, W for the cardinal directions, R for right, L for left, etc.

[0049] This is particularly advantageous because, for example, it eliminates the need to infer the direction of the signal based on a changing signal strength, and no special cognitive effort is required.

[0050] In some implementations, the second receiving device is configured to determine the intensity of the signals emitted by mobile communication devices.

[0051] In some implementations, the second receiving device is configured to assess the intensity of signals emitted by mobile communication devices, for example with regard to a distance between a thermal imaging camera and the mobile communication device.

[0052] In some implementations, the second receiving device is configured to detect or differentiate the number of mobile communication devices emitting signals in the vicinity. The thermal imaging camera, or a component thereof, can be configured to output the detected number, e.g., as a numerical value, via the output device, e.g., as a number that appears on the display device.

[0053] In some versions, the second

[0054] Reception setup configured, mobile Robert Pöppler

[0055] Communication devices, for example those of rescue workers, such as their own smartphones, equipment, etc., should be recognized and / or filtered as such, i.e., their proximity should not be displayed or reported via the output device. Carrying one's own smartphone would, in this case, not hinder or impede the targeted use of the thermal imaging camera, which is intended to detect other mobile communication devices and not the rescuer's smartphone.

[0056] For this purpose, in some implementation forms a kind of suppression list may be stored, for example in the database, e.g. in the thermal imaging camera or a component thereof, in which, for example, the numbers or other identification or distinguishing features relating to the emitted signals of the rescue workers and helpers are stored permanently or for a limited time.

[0057] In some forms, the mobile communication device is a mobile terminal, in particular a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, ebook or Blackberry.

[0058] In certain implementations, the output of messages about the reception of signals from mobile communication devices includes a statement about the type of mobile communication device, such as whether it is a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet or Blackberry, which can be represented graphically, for example.

[0059] The method according to the invention can include any suitability of the thermal imaging camera according to the invention as a method step. Thus, if it is evident for the thermal imaging camera, as Robert Pöppler states, that it is suitable for receiving, for example, a specific signal, then receiving this specific signal is a method step in one embodiment of the method, even if this is not explicitly mentioned herein.

[0060] In some implementations, there is no configuration of the thermal imaging camera or any of its components, or the method does not include the transmission of a value of the signal emitted by the mobile communication device that would indicate the strength of the signal, and / or that such a value would be displayed.

[0061] In some implementations, there is no configuration of the thermal imaging camera or any of its components such that, or the method does not include, an indication of the name or unique identification of the mobile communication device, and / or that such an indication would be displayed.

[0062] Some or all embodiments according to the invention may have one, several or all of the advantages mentioned above and / or below.

[0063] One advantage of the present invention may be that, for example, during a search in the field, it is possible to better distinguish between a person and other heat sources, e.g., an animal carcass.

[0064] A further advantage of the present invention may be that people can be located more quickly when needed, since there are usually people in the vicinity of a located mobile communication device who can then be searched for using thermal imaging. Robert Pöppler

[0065] By combining two receivers that respond to different signals in one housing, the rescuer still has one hand free for other tasks. This can be a further advantage.

[0066] By means of a stable housing, which a thermal imaging camera usually already has, the second receiving device for receiving signals from a mobile communication device is also advantageously well protected against external influences, such as high temperatures, humidity, mechanical stress or the like.

[0067] Under unfavorable temperature conditions, e.g., near bodies of water in summer, capturing reliable thermal images is difficult. The signals received by the second receiver from a mobile communication device can help in such situations, for example, by locating people more quickly. This can also represent a further advantage of the present invention.

[0068] The present invention is described below by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures. In these figures, identical reference numerals denote identical or similar components. The following applies:

[0069] Fig. 1 shows a highly simplified schematic diagram of a thermal imaging camera according to the invention in a first embodiment; Robert Pöppler

[0070] Fig. 2 shows a thermal imaging camera for locating a mobile communication device in a further embodiment; and

[0071] Fig. 3 shows a display as an example of a first display device with an example of a thermal image; and

[0072] Fig. 4 shows the schematic sequence of the inventive method for locating a person and / or a mobile communication device in one embodiment.

[0073] Fig. 1 shows a highly simplified schematic representation of a thermal imaging camera 100 according to the invention in a first embodiment.

[0074] The thermal imaging camera 100 for use by a rescue worker comprises, in the example of Fig. 1, a first receiving device 101, configured to receive infrared radiation emitted by objects or bodies in the environment in which the thermal imaging camera 100 is used.

[0075] It further comprises a second receiving device 110 for receiving emitted signals according to the PPP or Point-to-Point protocol or a Bluetooth protocol, which are emitted continuously or at, mostly regular, intervals when mobile communication devices (M) are switched on (not shown in Fig. 1), for example a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a Blackberry, etc. Robert Pöppler

[0076] The received data can be collected, stored, analyzed, processed, visualized, interpreted, sorted, filtered, validated, shared, or the like by means of a computing unit 150. From this unit, it can be forwarded and / or displayed by means of a communication device 160 to a first display device 200 and / or to external devices, for example, to a second, external display device 201, such as a computer, a third-party smartphone, and / or the like.

[0077] On the first display device 200, which is configured to display a thermal image B (not shown in Fig. 1, see the following figures), a thermal image B of the environment can be generated and / or displayed based on the infrared radiation received by means of the first receiving device 101.

[0078] If the second receiving device 110 receives signals emitted by a mobile communication device, this can be displayed on an output device 170 to issue messages about the reception of signals from mobile communication devices (M). This can be done, for example, visually, e.g., via the display device 200, but also acoustically, e.g., as an alarm tone, or haptically, e.g., by means of vibration.

[0079] In the example shown in Fig. 1, the components mentioned above are arranged by way of example in a common housing 500. Robert Pöppler

[0080] Fig. 2 shows a thermal imaging camera 100 for locating a mobile communication device M in a further embodiment.

[0081] Reference is made to the reference numerals and the explanations relating to Fig. 1.

[0082] Even when no conversation or data is being transmitted, a switched-on mobile communication device M, represented here as a smartphone, regularly sends a signal (shown by dashed arrows in Fig. 2) to indicate its current location. This signal can be received by the second

[0083] The receiving unit 110 (see Fig. 1) can be received or detected.

[0084] In some versions, the mobile communication device M can be located using these signals, i.e., its location can be determined in this way using the thermal imaging camera 100.

[0085] Fig. 3 shows a display as an example of a first display device 200 with an example of a thermal image B.

[0086] The status indicators 210 of the thermal imaging camera 100 are represented in Fig. 3 by white placeholders or a battery indicator. These indicators inform the rescue worker during use of the thermal imaging camera 100 (not shown) about, for example, the selected operating mode (search and rescue mode, firefighting mode, etc.), whether any additional devices (lights, laser pointers, etc.), if present, are active, the temperature in the displayed temperature measurement range 220 (e.g., as a numerical display in Celsius or Fahrenheit), and / or the battery charge level. These indicators can also include warnings, such as an overheating indicator, a nearly empty or depleted battery, or similar warnings. Temperature scales and other prior art indicators can also be included in the status indicators 210.

[0087] In addition to the status indicators 210, the example in Fig. 3 shows an indicator 250 for a located mobile phone. The position on the display unit 200 and the design of the indicator 250 are purely exemplary and not to be considered limiting.

[0088] Additional displays, e.g., on the display unit 200, may be provided, for example, to show the number of detected mobile communication devices, the direction from which the signals are coming, the signal intensity, etc. The direction can be indicated, e.g., by arrows on the display unit, and this can, for example, allow for a quick distinction as to whether the mobile smartphone detected by the thermal imaging camera is located in front of, behind, or to the side of the thermal imaging camera.

[0089] Fig. 4 shows the schematic sequence of the inventive method for locating a person and / or a mobile communication device M in one embodiment, with the steps

[0090] Ml Providing a according to the invention

[0091] Thermal imaging camera 100; Robert Pöppler

[0092] M2 Receiving, by means of the second receiving device 110, signals according to the PPP or Point-to-Point method, on a radio frequency or according to a Bluetooth protocol, which are or were each emitted by the mobile communication device M;

[0093] M3 Output of at least one notification of the receipt of such signals from the mobile communication device M by means of the output device 170, which can communicate optically, acoustically and / or in other ways.

[0094] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. These serve only for illustration.

[0095] Robert Pöppler

[0096] Reference symbol list

[0097] Thermal imaging camera first receiving unit; IR camera unit second receiving unit; tracking unit

[0098] Computer facility

[0099] Communication facility

[0100] From the first display unit, the second display unit, there would be a first display unit.

[0101] Status indicators of the thermal imaging camera

[0102] Display temperature measuring range

[0103] Indication of a signal reception from a mobile device

[0104] Communication device

[0105] Housing

[0106] B Thermal image

[0107] Mobile communication device; mobile phone; tablet

Claims

Robert Pöppler Claims 1. Thermal imaging camera (100) for use by a rescue worker, comprising: a first receiving device (101) configured to receive infrared radiation emitted by objects or bodies in the environment in which the thermal imaging camera (100) is used; a first display device (200) configured to display a thermal image (B) based on infrared radiation received by means of the first receiving device (101); a second receiving device (110) for receiving signals emitted by mobile communication devices (M), in particular mobile phone, smartphone, tablet or Blackberry, according to the PPP or point-to-point method, on a radio frequency or according to a Bluetooth protocol; and an output device (170) for issuing messages about the reception of signals from mobile communication devices (M).

2. Thermal imaging camera (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first receiving device (101), the second receiving device (110) and the first display device (200) are arranged in a common housing. Robert Pöppler 3. Thermal imaging camera (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the output device (170) is or is encompassed by the first display device (200).

4. Thermal imaging camera (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first display device (200) and the output device (170) are implemented in a common display device.

5. Thermal imaging camera (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second receiving device (110) is configured to determine the direction from which the signals emitted by mobile communication devices (M) are received or transmitted.

6. Thermal imaging camera (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second receiving device (110) is configured to determine the intensity of the signals emitted by mobile communication devices (M).

7. Thermal imaging camera (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second receiving device (110) is configured to evaluate the intensity or reception intensity of the signals emitted by mobile communication devices (M), for example with regard to a distance between thermal imaging camera (100) and mobile communication device (M).

8. Thermal imaging camera (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein it is not configured to measure the strength or intensity or reception intensity of the Robert Pöppler mobile communication devices (M) to indicate emitted signals.

9. Thermal imaging camera (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein it is not configured to detect and / or display an indication of the naming or unique identification of the mobile communication device (M).

10. System comprising or comprising: a thermal imaging camera (100) according to one of the preceding claims; and a mobile communication device (M), in particular a mobile terminal device.

11. System according to claim 10, wherein the mobile (n) communication device (M) is a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet or Blackberry.

12. Method for locating a person and / or a mobile communication device (M), comprising the steps Providing a thermal imaging camera (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9; Emitting signals using the PPP or point-to-point method, on a radio frequency or using a Bluetooth protocol by the mobile communication device (M); Receiving the signals emitted by the mobile communication device (M) by means of the second receiving device (110); and Robert Pöppler Issuing messages about the reception of signals from mobile communication devices (M) using the output device ( 170 ).

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the mobile communication device (M) is a mobile terminal, in particular a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet or Blackberry.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the issuing of messages about the reception of signals from mobile communication devices (M) comprises a statement about the type or nature of the mobile communication device (M), in particular mobile phone, smartphone, tablet or Blackberry.

15. Using a thermal imaging camera ( 100 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for locating a mobile communication device (M) which is a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet or Blackberry .

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