Virtual Fire Extinguisher Tracking for Multi-User Indoor Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire extinguishing training systems are complex, costly, and often limited to outdoor use, lacking the ability to provide realistic and efficient training for multiple participants, and there is a lack of reliable virtual fire extinguishing training systems.

Innovation Solution

A fire extinguishing training system that uses a tracking device with passive transmitters and trackers to determine the spatial position and orientation of training fire extinguishers without cameras or gyroscopes, allowing multiple users to train simultaneously, and provides real-time feedback on extinguishing behavior through a display unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a camera-based tracking system is used to determine the position of training fire extinguishers, then the system can provide visual feedback, but the system becomes too complex and computationally intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the tracking function from complex camera-based systems and implements it using simple passive transmitters and trackers. The location signal transmission is separated from the position calculation, with transmitters only emitting signals and a central computing unit performing all computational tasks. This extraction eliminates the need for complex on-device processing while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/optical camera-based tracking with an electromagnetic field-based passive transmitter system. Instead of using cameras that require complex image processing algorithms, the system uses electromagnetic location signals that can be detected and processed mathematically, substituting a simpler physical principle for a complex mechanical-optical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If multiple training fire extinguishers are used simultaneously for group training, then training efficiency increases, but the cost and complexity of the system increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal tracking system where a single set of transmitters and a central computing unit can track multiple training fire extinguishers simultaneously. Each extinguisher has its own tracker, but all share the same infrastructure, allowing the system to serve multiple functions (tracking any number of extinguishers) without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the computing resources into a single central unit that processes data from all trackers. Instead of each tracker having its own processing unit, the system combines all computational tasks in one location, reducing overall system complexity while enabling simultaneous tracking of multiple extinguishers for group training scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If real fire is used for training purposes, then realistic training experience is provided, but the training cannot be conducted in enclosed spaces and requires extensive safety measures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining realismVSAvoidtraining location flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of real fire behavior through software simulation. The virtual fire replicates the visual appearance and response to extinguishing actions of real fire, providing realistic training experience without the actual fire. This copying approach maintains training effectiveness while eliminating safety constraints and location limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a virtual fire as an intermediary between the trainee and real fire. Instead of directly interacting with real fire, the trainee interacts with a virtual representation that mediates the training process, providing realistic feedback while eliminating the dangers and location restrictions associated with actual fire.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If traditional fire extinguishing training systems are used, then actual firefighting practice is provided, but these systems are too expensive to replace with virtual training systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining effectivenessVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses inexpensive passive transmitters and trackers instead of expensive camera systems or complex sensor arrays. These simple components can be manufactured at low cost and replaced if needed, making the overall system economically viable while maintaining training effectiveness through accurate position tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enables realistic and efficient virtual fire extinguishing training for multiple participants, reducing costs and complexity while providing accurate feedback on extinguishing techniques, suitable for indoor use.

Implementation Method 1

at least one tracker (7) with at least one sensor (8) for detecting the at least one location signal (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3795219B1Fire suppression training system, method for carrying out fire suppression training and use of a locating device
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 AISCO FIRETRAINER GMBH
  • EP3795219B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3795219B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a fire extinguishing training system (1) for conducting a fire extinguishing exercise on a virtual fire, comprising a display unit (2) for displaying the virtual fire, at least one training fire extinguisher (3) and a tracking device (4) for determining the position of the at least one training fire extinguisher (3), wherein the fire extinguishing training system (1) has at least two transmitting units (5) by which at least two types of tracking signals (6) can each be generated, wherein at least one tracker (7) with at least one sensor (8) for detecting each tracking signal (6) is arranged on a quenching nozzle (11) of the at least one training fire extinguisher (3), and wherein a data transmission line (9) is provided from the at least tracker (7) to a basic computing unit (10) of the fire extinguishing training system (1) (Fig. 1).