Thermal Imaging Camera Hands-Free Mounting and Image Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal imaging cameras used by firefighters limit their ability to use both hands due to the need to constantly view the camera image, and existing helmet- or mask-integrated solutions restrict image sharing with others.
Innovation Solution
A thermal imaging camera system with a detachable fastening device for protective clothing, featuring both wireless and wired interfaces for image transmission, allowing the camera to be worn, carried, or used with both hands free, and enabling image sharing with others via a display device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the thermal imaging camera is integrated into helmet or full mask, then the firefighter can use both hands, but the camera image cannot be shared with other persons
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is separated from the helmet/mask integration, allowing the camera module to be independently mounted on protective clothing while maintaining hands-free operation through the fastening device. This segmentation enables the camera to function both as a personal hands-free device and as a shareable system through external interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces output interfaces (display interface and communication interface) as intermediaries between the camera and other persons. These interfaces enable image sharing with colleagues or command centers without requiring direct line-of-sight or physical proximity, thus resolving the contradiction between hands-free operation and image sharing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless interface is used for image transmission, then image sharing is enabled, but power consumption increases and transmission reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between wireless and wired transmission modes based on operational requirements. The camera includes both wireless communication interface and wired output interface, allowing the operator to switch between modes - using wireless for mobile flexibility and wired for reliable, power-efficient transmission when connected to display devices or command centers.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system is designed with universal output capabilities supporting multiple transmission methods (wireless and wired). This multi-functionality allows the same camera to operate in different modes - wireless for portability and wired for reliability - thus resolving the contradiction between image sharing capability and transmission reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless interface is used for image transmission, then image sharing is enabled, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between wireless and wired transmission based on power availability and operational needs. When wired connection is available, the system uses it to conserve battery power, extending operational duration. Wireless transmission is used when mobility is prioritized over battery life, thus resolving the contradiction between image sharing capability and battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission parameter changes from wireless to wired mode, fundamentally altering the power consumption characteristics. Wired connection provides low-power, stable transmission for extended battery life, while wireless offers high-power, flexible transmission for shorter-duration operations, resolving the contradiction between image sharing and battery duration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances usability by allowing firefighters to use both hands while providing reliable, power-efficient image transmission and sharing, reducing errors and extending battery life through wired connections.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal imaging camera is a camera which makes the thermal radiation of an object or body, which is invisible to the human eye, visible by detection of the infrared radiation emitted by the object or the body
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal imaging camera includes a fastening device, which is configured to be mechanically coupled with a fastening element of protective clothing of a user, to detachably fasten the thermal imaging camera to the protective clothing. The thermal imaging camera further includes a first interface as well as a second interface, which are each configured to output data of a thermal image. The thermal imaging camera further includes a control circuit, which is configured to detect a mechanical coupling of the second interface with a third interface of a display device and to output the data of the thermal image exclusively via the second interface as a result of the detection of the mechanical coupling. The control circuit is further configured to output the data of the thermal image via the first interface when the second interface is not coupled mechanically with the third interface.