Wearable Assisted Perception Module for Hazardous Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for first responders in high-stress environments, such as firefighting and search & rescue, lack the computational resources and software to provide advanced image processing and data visualization in real-time, leading to impaired visibility and increased risk of accidents and injuries.
Innovation Solution
A wearable assisted perception module attached to a helmet, integrating sensors, processors, and output devices to process and display enhanced characterization data as augmented reality images, reducing cognitive load and improving decision-making in hazardous environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If thermal imaging cameras and augmented reality optics are used to provide hands-free thermal display, then visibility in hazardous environments is improved, but the systems lack computational resources for real-time advanced image processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides computational tasks between the wearable device's local processor and remote servers. The wearable device handles immediate processing needs while complex image processing and data visualization are performed remotely, splitting the computational burden to enable real-time processing without overwhelming local resources.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication interface acts as an intermediary between the wearable thermal imaging system and remote processing resources. This intermediary enables the wearable device to access advanced image processing capabilities and data visualization features through wireless communication, effectively extending computational resources without adding physical hardware to the wearable unit.
2Loss of information
If crew members manually scan and process thermal images, then information is captured, but the Stop, Look, Process and Remember paradigm is cumbersome and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated image processing, hazard identification, and information extraction without requiring manual intervention from crew members. The processed thermal images and extracted information are automatically presented to users, eliminating the need for the Stop, Look, Process and Remember paradigm and enabling continuous operation without cognitive overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual scanning and cognitive processing operations are replaced with automated computational processes. The system uses algorithms to automatically analyze thermal images, identify hazards, and present relevant information, substituting human mental processing with machine-based automated analysis to reduce time and cognitive load.
3Loss of information
If more information is provided to the senses, then situational awareness is improved, but the brain's cognitive ability to process impoverished or jumbled sensory inputs becomes the limiting factor
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of thermal images and sensor data before presenting information to users. By pre-processing images to enhance relevant features, extract key information, and organize data in meaningful ways before display, the system reduces the cognitive burden on users while maintaining comprehensive situational awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms raw thermal image data into enhanced characterization data by changing parameters such as contrast, edge enhancement, and feature highlighting. This parameter transformation converts impoverished or jumbled sensory inputs into clearly distinguishable visual information that is easier for the human brain to process while maintaining rich situational awareness.
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
The module significantly reduces the time to complete critical tasks, enhances safety, and decreases stress by providing real-time, intuitive visual and auditory cues, improving situational awareness and communication among responders.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal imaging camera (TIC) carried by the user to collect thermal images of an incident
Implementation Method 2
a processor coupled to the TIC, wherein the processor executes one or more enhancement engines to process the thermal images into enhanced characterization images
Data Source
AI summary
An assisted perception (AP) module comprises an attachment mechanism to attach the AP module to a helmet, and a housing to integrate modular components of the AP module. The housing comprises a front portion and side portion, the front portion located over an eye of the user. The modular components include sensors to collect information about an environment as sensor data, and processors located in the side portion. The processors execute one or more assisted perception engines that process the sensor data from the sensors into enhanced characterization data. Output devices electronically communicate the enhanced characterization data to a user, wherein at least one of the output devices protrudes from the front portion of the housing in front of an eye of the user.