NEC: On-site activity support solution for firefighting:
-Utilization of smart mask equipped with infrared camera-
February 7, 2022
NEC:
When visibility is poor, such as in the dark or under heavy smoke,
Indoors where GPS does not reach
Achieve quick and safe firefighting activities,
We have developed a “firefighting support solution”.
Firefighting support solution:
Smart mask:
Equipped with an infrared camera to support search activities for people in need of rescue even in the dark.
Firefighters wear clothes at fire scenes.
On the face of the air respirator,
With a head-mounted display,
Equipped with infrared camera and visible light camera,
Infrared camera images support “activities in the dark and in heavy smoke and search activities for people requiring rescue”.
Indoor positioning system:
You can check “location information of firefighters indoors where GPS does not reach” in real time.
Indoors where GPS does not reach
Without the need for location infrastructure
Wear a mobile beacon,
It is an indoor positioning system that can check the position information of firefighters.
NEC Laboratories America:
We utilize the indoor positioning patent “TrackIO” using UWB (Ultra Wide Band).
Command support system:
A tablet terminal equipped with a command support function, with firefighters and command centers, etc.
Support information sharing and command transmission.
NEC X, Inc
NEC North American Laboratories
NEC’s subsidiary NEC X, Inc and NEC Laboratories America are conducting a demonstration experiment at a North American fire department.
Press Release | NEC
https://jpn.nec.com/press/202202/20220207_02.html
NEC develops ‘smart mask’ for firefighters
NEC：
has developed high-tech equipment to help firefighters navigate smoke-filled rooms.
The firm and its partners
have created a mask that can see in the dark and display crucial information.NEC says
the so-called ‘smart mask’
is equipped with an infrared camera.It can help firefighters
find their way and locate people waiting to be rescued, even in extreme conditions.Images are shown on a small display mounted near the eyes.
It can also show data including how much oxygen is left in air tanks.
The mask shares
the images and data with commanders and allows them to communicate with firefighters in harm’s way.NEC’s Fukukawa Masatoshi says,
“Every second counts during a fire. The mask will help firefighters see in the dark, which could significantly shorten the amount of time they need to be in a dangerous situation.”
NEC hopes to put the system into practical use by early 2023.
NHK WORLD-JAPAN News