Tracking, safety and navigation system for firefighters
US6826117B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 30, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S15/74
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An ultrasonic signal is used to link a beacon unit to a tracker unit to provide a tracking and navigation system for firefighters to use in a smoke filled environment at the scene of a fire. The beacon unit transmits an omnidirectional ultrasonic signal. The tracker unit, using a directional ultrasonic receiver provides a display or other indication of the signal strength of the received ultrasonic signal to allow the direction to the beacon unit to be determined. The ultrasonic signal provided by the beacon unit may be pulse modulated to include digitally encoded data that may be used to identify particular individuals, objects, materials, dangers, or exits. In addition, the tracker unit may be provided with a transmitter and the beacon unit provided with a receiver such that audio communication may be established therebetween.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.