WO2024116022A1

WO2024116022A1 - In mask display control system

Info

Publication number: WO2024116022A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/061749
Authority: WO
Inventors: Darin K. THOMPSON; William B. Howell; Traian MORAR; Longin J. KLOC; Johnathan R. GRAVES
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
Priority date: 2022-12-01
Filing date: 2023-11-21
Publication date: 2024-06-06

Abstract

A control unit configurable to communicate with at least an accessory device of a plurality of accessory devices and a personal protective equipment, PPE, unit, is described. Each one of the plurality of accessory devices and the PPE unit is configurable to communicate with each other. The control unit comprising processing configured to: determine at least one of a first information element associated with at least one accessory device of the plurality of accessory devices, a second information element associated with the PPE unit, and a third information element associated with the control unit; and cause a display of at least one of the first information element, the second information element, and the third information element.

Description

IN MASK DISPLAY CONTROL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a method and system for controlling the display of one or more information elements, in particular, controlling the display of images and/or symbols on a display associated with personal protective equipment (PPE).

INTRODUCTION

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is equipment that is used for protection in particular environments such as environments where there is fire, electricity, structural collapse, dangerous temperatures, diseases, etc. PPE typically includes respirators such as full-face respirators, eye protection, full-face masks, half-face masks, etc. For example, a first responder entering a structure where a fire is present may use PPE such as a full-face respirator coupled to a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) for face protection and to avoid inhaling dangerous gases that result from fires.

In addition to PPE, devices may be used to enhance awareness of the environment. Some of these devices include accessory devices such as locator devices, oxygen level sensors, proximity sensors, navigation devices, etc. Locator devices provide information/data that can be used to locate and/rescue persons such as first responders. Oxygen level sensors allow PPE users to monitor amounts of oxygen left in an SCBA. Proximity sensors allow PPE users to monitor distance to certain objects such as walls that may not be visible in certain low visibility conditions, while navigation devices provide location and directional information which may be useful for finding egress points. Some accessory devices have a display configured to display data/information and buttons to perform functions on the accessory device.

A first responder using a full-face respirator may want to use a handheld locator device to locate and/or rescue other first responders. In addition, the firefighter may want to use an oxygen level sensor to monitor an oxygen level displayed on the oxygen level sensor. Further, to change a screen on the locator device, the first responder uses one or more buttons on the locator device to display first responder location information on the display of the locator device. Similarly, the first responder may have to press one or more buttons to show the oxygen level and/or other data a display of the locator device. In other words, the first responder receives critical information from several sources and is forced to frequently look in several directions.

At the very least in the examples above, the use of PPE in conjunction with accessory devices may result in information overload, use of different buttons on different devices, confusion, unnecessary head and eye movement, and disorientation. SUMMARY

Some embodiments advantageously provide a method, an apparatus (e.g., control unit (CU) for PPE), and a system for determining at least one of a first information element associated with at least one accessory device (AD) of the plurality of accessory devices, a second information element associated with the PPE unit, and a third information element associated with the control unit; and/or cause a display of at least one of the first information element, the second information element, and the third information element. In some embodiments, any of the first, second, third information elements may include a symbol and/or an image and/or data and/or information. In some other embodiments, the first information element may be a symbol and/or an image and/or data and/or information associated with at least one accessory device, e.g., a gas detector. In a nonlimiting example, a symbol being displayed on a display of the gas detector and/or indicating a high concentration of gas may be displayed in a display of a PPE unit, such as a respirator. In some embodiments, an input unit may be configured to receive a user input and/or cause the display of any information element on any display, such as the display of the PPE unit. The input unit may include one or more input elements, e.g., buttons, configured to perform one or more actions associated with displaying any information elements, e.g., navigating menu pages on the display of the PPE unit where the pages are associated with the accessory device, moving a symbol associated with the accessory device on a page being displayed on the display of the PPE unit, etc.

In one or more embodiments, the CU may be standalone, part of an accessory device, and/or part of a PPE unit such as a facepiece, respirator, etc. In another embodiment, the CU is configured to detect (i.e., determine) that one or more accessory devices are connected to the PPE unit and/or determine one or more actions that any of the input elements can trigger on the display of the PPE unit. That is, the CU unit may be configurable to detect what accessory device is connected to the PPE unit and determine and/or assign and/or perform one or more actions based on the accessory device (e.g., type of accessory device, configuration of the accessory device, capabilities of the accessory device, specifications of the accessory device, connection status of the accessory device, etc.). The actions may include displaying a symbol/image/data/information of the accessory device on the display of the PPE unit.

In some embodiments, a system architecture is described. The system architecture allows controlling and/or manipulating, by a wirelessly connected secondary device (e.g., CU, AD), a display mounted in/on a respiratory protection facepiece (i.e., PPE unit). The wirelessly connected device may be an SCBA, handheld tracking device (i.e., locator device), gas detector, remotely mounted control (such as a wrist band, head band, shirt/PPE mounted control). The controls (i.e., actions) can include, without being limited to, screen panning, feature/menu selection, screen paging, screen selection, automatic device display, etc. In some other embodiments, an image of an information element may include a screen, a menu, and any feature displayable by a display. In some other embodiments, one or more buttons on each device/unit (i.e., CU, AD) may be configured to control what is displayed in the mask (i.e., PPE unit) such as in real time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of embodiments described herein, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows an example system including a control unit (CU), an accessory device (AD), and a PPE unit according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example system according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows an example CU according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows an example AD according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 shows an example of information element according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 shows another example AD according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 shows an example PPE unit according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 shows an example system according to the principles of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows an example information element according to the principles of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of an example process according to the principles of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Apparatuses, methods, and systems are described for determining at least one or more information elements and/or causing a display of any of the information elements. The information elements may be associated with one or more accessory devices, PPE units, and CUs. Causing the display may include displaying on one or more displays associated with one or more accessory devices, PPE units, and one or more CUs. Displaying any of the information elements may include displaying an information element of one or more device/unit on the display of another device/unit and/or performing actions on the display of the other device/unit.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components and processing steps related to causing the display of information elements. Accordingly, the system and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In embodiments described herein, the joining term, “in communication with” and the like, may be used to indicate electrical or data communication, which may be accomplished by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling or optical signaling, for example. One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that multiple components may interoperate and modifications and variations are possible of achieving the electrical and data communication.

The term respirator may refer to any equipment (and/or device) such as personal protective equipment (PPE) (i.e., PPE unit) and may include masks, full-face mask, half-face mask, full-face respirators, equipment used hazardous environments, full-face respiratory protected facepiece, etc. The term “control unit” (CU) used herein may be any kind of device and/or may be comprised in any other device such as a personal protective equipment (PPE) unit and/or an accessory device. However, CU is not limited as such and may be standalone. Further, CU may refer to any device configurable to provide functions/features to interface at least with a user and/other devices. The term “ocular region” may refer to a region of an area/volume associated with a visual range of a user of the CU, e.g., a region that is in front of the eyes of PPE unit user when the PPE unit user is wearing the PPE unit. Further, ocular region may refer to a display and/or be a region where one or more images and/or symbols and/or data is displayed. An ocular subregion may refer to a portion of the ocular region or a standalone region, e.g., a portion of a display, another display, etc. Displaying may refer to presenting and/or showing and/or projecting one or more images and/or symbols and/or data and/or information, e.g., for a user to see.

The term accessory device may include any device such as gas detector, a locator device, a distress signal device, an SCBA device, a personnel accountability device, a sensor device, and/or any other device such as a device used by a first responder.

The term information element may include a symbol, an image, data and/or information. The information element may be associated with a device, e.g.., an accessory device, a unit, e.g., a PPE unit, a control unit, etc. Symbols may include data and/or information and/or other symbols. Each symbol may have at least one symbol characteristic and/or a symbol behavior and/or a symbol color and/or a symbol shape. Symbols may refer to one or more images. The images (and elements of the image such as symbols, data, and/or information) may be arranged to have a position within a display, within a region, e.g., an ocular region, and/or characteristics. Composite image may refer to a combination of one or more images and/or data and/or information and/or symbols and/or portions of one or more images.

A user input may refer to any input such as an input provided by a user and may include touch input, input using a force/pressure, voice input, haptic inputs, etc. A feedback action may include any action such as a vibration including bone conduction vibration, an audible action such as an audible output, a display action such as displaying an information element on a display, turning a light on/off, transmitting/receiving a message which may include an information element, establishing/ maintaining/terminating communication with another device/unit, display navigation action such as navigating through pages on a display, selecting/creating/moving/deleting/enabling/disabling a symbol/ image/data/information on any device/unit, etc. An input unit may refer to any unit configurable to receive user input and may include one or more input elements. Input element may refer to any element configurable to receive user input such as touch input, input using a force/pressure, voice input, haptic inputs, etc. Input elements may include a button, a display (or portion of a display) configurable to receive touch input such as a touch screen, a haptic sensor, a camera such as a camera configured to detect gestures, a sensor such as a proximity sensor, motion sensor, pressure sensor, etc.

Referring now to the drawing figures, in which like elements are referred to by like reference numerals, there is shown in FIG. 1 a system 10 including a control unit (CU) 12, an accessory device (AD) 14, and a PPE unit 16. CU 12 may refer to one or more units such as CUs 12a, 12b, 12c (herein collectively referred to as CU 12). AD 14 may refer to one or more devices such as ADs 14a, 14b, 14c (herein collectively referred to as accessory device 14). Similarly, PPE unit 16 may refer to one or more units such as PPE units 16a, 16b, 16c (herein collectively referred to as PPE unit 16). Further, CU 12 may be a standalone unit or part of another unit of device. In a nonlimiting example, AD 14 may include a CU 12 such as CU 12a (not shown), and PPE unit 16 may include another CU 12 such as CU 12b (not shown).

Each unit/device (and/or any of its components) may be configured to communicate with another unit/device, (and/or any of its components). For example, CU 12 may be configured to communicate with AD 14 and/or PPE unit 16. Similarly, Accessory device 14 may be configured to communicate with PPE unit 16 and vice versa. Communicating with refers to establishing and/or maintaining and/or terminating communication using any communication protocol. Communication may be wireless and/or wired communication.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example system 10 according to one or more embodiments. System 10 includes CU 12, AD 14, and PPE unit 16. Each unit/device may be in direct communication with another unit device such as via one or more of wireless and/or wired communication using one or more communication protocols.

CU 12 includes processing circuitry 20. The processing circuitry 20 may include a processor 22 and a memory 24. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 20 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and/or control, e.g., one or more processors and/or processor cores and/or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 22 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and/or read from) the memory 24, which may comprise any kind of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memory and/or RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/or optical memory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

Further, CU 12 may include software stored internally in, for example, memory 24. The software may be executable by the processing circuitry 20. The processing circuitry 20 may be configured to control any of the methods and/or processes and/or features and/or tasks and/or steps described herein and/or to cause such methods, and/or processes and/or features and/or tasks and/or steps to be performed, e.g., by CU 12, and/or be in communication with any of the components of CU 12. Processor 22 corresponds to one or more processors 22 for performing CU 12 functions described herein. The memory 24 is configured to store data, programmatic software code and/or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 22 and/or processing circuitry 20, causes the processor 22 and/or processing circuitry 20 to perform the processes described herein with respect to CU 12. Processing circuitry 20 may include CU management unit 34 which may be configured to perform any of the steps and/or features and/or functions and/or tasks and/or processes described herein, e.g., determine at least one of a first information element associated with at least one accessory device of the plurality of accessory devices, a second information element associated with the PPE unit, and a third information element associated with the control unit; and/or cause a display of at least one of the first information element, the second information element, and the third information element.

In addition, the CU 12 (e.g., CU 12a) may include a communication interface 26 configured to communicate at least with another CU 12, e.g., 12 b, 12c, and/or AD 14 and/or PPE unit 16 and/or any other device/unit, such as via one or more of wireless and/or wired communication using one or more communication protocols. More specifically, the communication interface 26 of CU 12 may communicate with communication interface 46 of AD 14 via communication link 80. In addition, the communication interface 26 of the CU 12 may communicate with communication interface 66 of PPE unit 16 via communication link 82. Similarly, communication interface 46 of AD 14 may communicate with communication interface 66 of PPE unit 16 via communication link 84.

CU 12 may also include input unit 28 (and/or input element 29) and/or sensor 36 and/or display 38. Input unit 28 (and/or input element 29) and/or sensor 36 and/or display 38 may be configured to communicate with any component/element of CU12, e.g., may be in communication with processing circuitry (and/or processor 22 and/or memory 24 and/or CU management unit 34) and/or communication interface 26. Input unit 28 may be configured to receive a user input, e.g., to perform a command action such as cause the display of an information element; and/or perform a feedback action (e.g., turn on a light indicating a command action has been confirmed) based at least in part on the user input. Input unit 28 may include one or more input elements 29 (e.g., input elements 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d, 29e, collectively referred to as input element 29). Input unit 28 (and/or input element 29) may also be configured perform an action such as an output action (e.g., display an information element 90, vibrate, turn a light one, change the color of the light, etc.). In a nonlimiting example, a first input element 29a and a second input element 29b are included in input unit 28, the first input element 29a (e.g., left button) may be configured to perform a first action (e.g., move left), while the second input element 29b (e.g., e.g., right button) may be configured to perform a second action (e.g., move right). However, input unit 28 is not limited to having only two input elements 29 and may have any quantity of input elements 29. Similarly, each input element 29 is not limited to performing only a first action and/or second action and may perform any action(s).

Sensor 36 may be any type of sensor and/or may be configured to determine and/or detect and/or measure at least one of, without being limited to, a smoke level, a Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) oxygen level, a harmful gas level, a control unit location, a battery charge value, and/or any other param eter/variable/reading. Sensor 36 may also be configured to capture and/or detect and/or record and/or sense and/or determine any image such as a thermal image, non-thermal image, etc. In a nonlimiting example, sensor 36 may be a camera (e.g., a thermal camera) but is not limited as such and can be any sensor. Display 38 may be configured to display one or more information elements, which may include images, e.g., images corresponding to a camera, pages and/or symbols and/or data (e.g., associated with the images) and/or information. Display 38 may also be configured to display at least one information element such as image on an ocular region, ocular subregion, and/or any other region.

Further, any CU 12 may be configured to communicate with processing circuitry 20, processor 22 and/or memory 24 and/or sensor 36 and/or display 38 of another CU 12 and/or any component of AD 14 and/or PPE unit 16 and/or any other device/unit to perform the processes, features, tasks, and/or steps described in the present disclosure.

AD 14 includes processing circuitry 40. The processing circuitry 40 may include a processor 42 and a memory 44. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 40 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and/or control, e.g., one or more processors and/or processor cores and/or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 42 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and/or read from) the memory 44, which may comprise any kind of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memory and/or RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/or optical memory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

Further, AD 14 may include software stored internally in, for example, memory 44. The software may be executable by the processing circuitry 40. The processing circuitry 40 may be configured to control any of the methods and/or processes and/or features and/or tasks and/or steps described herein and/or to cause such methods, and/or processes and/or features and/or tasks and/or steps to be performed, e.g., by AD 14 and/or be in communication with any of the components of AD 14. Processor 42 corresponds to one or more processors 42 for performing AD 14 functions described herein. The memory 44 is configured to store data, programmatic software code and/or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 42 and/or processing circuitry 40, causes the processor 42 and/or processing circuitry 40 to perform the processes described herein with respect to AD 14. Processing circuitry 40 may include AD management unit 54 which may be configured to perform any of the steps and/or features and/or functions and/or tasks and/or processes described herein.

In addition, AD 14 (e.g., AD 14a) may include a communication interface 46 configured to communicate at least with another AD 14, e.g., 14 b, 14c, and/or CU 12 and/or PPE unit 16 and/or any other device/unit, such as via one or more of wireless and/or wired communication using one or more communication protocols. More specifically, the communication interface 46 of AD 14 may communicate with communication interface 26 of CU 12 via communication link 80. In addition, the communication interface 46 of the AD 14 may communicate with communication interface 66 of PPE unit 16 via communication link 84.

AD 14 may also include input unit 48 (and/or input element 49) and/or sensor 56 and/or display 58. Input unit 48 (and/or input element 49) and/or sensor 56 and/or display 58 may be configured to communicate with any component/element of AD 14, e.g., may be in communication with processing circuitry (and/or processor 42 and/or memory 44 and/or AD management unit 54) and/or communication interface 46. Input unit 48 may be configured to receive a user input, e.g., to perform a command action such as cause the display of an information element; and/or perform a feedback action (e.g., turn on a light indicating a command action has been confirmed) based at least in part on the user input. Input unit 48 may include one or more input elements 49 (e.g., input elements 49a, 49b, 49c, 49d, 49e, collectively referred to as input element 49). Input unit 48 (and/or input element 49) may also be configured perform an action such as an output action (e.g., display an information element 90, vibrate, turn a light one, change the color of the light, etc.). In a nonlimiting example, a first input element 49a and a second input element 49b are included in input unit 48, the first input element 49a (e.g., left button) may be configured to perform a first action (e.g., move left), while the second input element 49b (e.g., e.g., right button) is configured to perform a second action (e.g., move right). However, input unit 48 is not limited to having only two input elements 49 and may have any quantity of input elements 49. Similarly, each input element 49 is not limited to performing only a first action and/or second action and may perform any action(s).

Sensor 56 may be any type of sensor and/or may be configured to determine and/or detect and/or measure at least one of, without being limited to, a smoke level, a Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) oxygen level, a harmful gas level, a control unit location, a battery charge value, and/or any other param eter/variable/reading. Sensor 36 may also be configured to capture and/or detect and/or record and/or sense and/or determine any image such as a thermal image, non-thermal image, etc. In a nonlimiting example, sensor 36 may be a camera (e.g., a thermal camera) but is not limited as such and can be any sensor.

Display 58 may be configured to display more information elements, which may include one or more images, e.g., images corresponding to a camera, pages and/or symbols and/or data (e.g., associated with the images) and/or information. Display 58 may also be configured to display at least one information element such as image on an ocular region, ocular subregion, and/or any other region.

Further, any AD 14 may be configured to communicate with processing circuitry 40, processor 42 and/or memory 44 and/or sensor 56 and/or display 58 of another AD 14 and/or any component of CU 12 and/or PPE unit 16 and/or any other device/unit to perform the processes, features, tasks, and/or steps described in the present disclosure. PPE unit 16 includes processing circuitry 60. The processing circuitry 60 may include a processor 62 and a memory 64. In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 60 may comprise integrated circuitry for processing and/or control, e.g., one or more processors and/or processor cores and/or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Array) and/or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuitry) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 62 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and/or read from) the memory 64, which may comprise any kind of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory, e.g., cache and/or buffer memory and/or RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read-Only Memory) and/or optical memory and/or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

Further, PPE unit 16 may include software stored internally in, for example, memory 64. The software may be executable by the processing circuitry 60. The processing circuitry 60 may be configured to control any of the methods and/or processes and/or features and/or tasks and/or steps described herein and/or to cause such methods, and/or processes and/or features and/or tasks and/or steps to be performed, e.g., by PPE unit 16 and/or be in communication with any of the components of PPE unit 16. Processor 62 corresponds to one or more processors 62 for performing PPE unit functions described herein. The memory 64 is configured to store data, programmatic software code and/or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 62 and/or processing circuitry 60, causes the processor 62 and/or processing circuitry 60 to perform the processes described herein with respect to PPE unit 16. Processing circuitry 60 may include PPE management unit 74 which may be configured to perform any of the steps and/or features and/or functions and/or tasks and/or processes described herein.

In addition, PPE unit 16 (e.g., PPE unit 16a) may include a communication interface 66 configured to communicate at least with another PPE unit 16, e.g., 16b, 16c, and/or CU 12 and/or AD 14 and/or any other device/unit, such as via one or more of wireless and/or wired communication using one or more communication protocols. More specifically, the communication interface 66 of PPE unit 16 may communicate with communication interface 26 of CU 12 via communication link 82. In addition, the communication interface 66 of the PPE unit 16 may communicate with communication interface 46 of AD 14 via communication link 84.

PPE unit 16 may also include sensor 76 and/or display 78. Sensor 76 and/or display 78 may be configured to communicate with any component/element of PPE unit 16, e.g., may be in communication with processing circuitry (and/or processor 62 and/or memory 64 and/or PPE management unit 74) and/or communication interface 66. Input unit 68 may be configured to receive a user input, e.g., to perform a command action such as cause the display of an information element; and/or perform a feedback action (e.g., turn on a light indicating a command action has been confirmed) based at least in part on the user input. Input unit 68 may include one or more input elements 69 (e.g., input elements 69a, 69b, 69c, 69d, 69e, collectively referred to as input element 69). Input unit 68 (and/or input element 69) may also be configured perform an action such as an output action (e.g., display an information element 90, vibrate, turn a light one, change the color of the light, etc.). In a nonlimiting example, a first input element 69a and a second input element 69b are included in input unit 68, the first input element 69a (e.g., left button) may be configured to perform a first action (e.g., move left), while the second input element 69b (e.g., e.g., right button) is configured to perform a second action (e.g., move right). However, input unit 68 is not limited to having only two input elements 69 and may have any quantity of input elements 69. Similarly, each input element 69 is not limited to performing only a first action and/or second action and may perform any action(s).

Sensor 76 may be any type of sensor and/or may be configured to determine and/or detect and/or measure at least one of, without being limited to, a smoke level, a Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) oxygen level, a harmful gas level, a control unit location, a battery charge value, and/or any other param eter/variable/reading. Sensor 36 may also be configured to capture and/or detect and/or record and/or sense and/or determine any image such as a thermal image, non-thermal image, etc. In a nonlimiting example, sensor 36 may be a camera (e.g., a thermal camera) but is not limited as such and can be any sensor.

Display 78 may be configured to display one or more information elements, which may include images, e.g., images corresponding to a camera, pages and/or symbols and/or data (e.g., associated with the images) and/or information. Display 78 may also be configured to display at least one information element such as image on an ocular region, ocular subregion, and/or any other region.

Further, any PPE unit 16 may be configured to communicate with processing circuitry 60, processor 62 and/or memory 64 and/or sensor 76 and/or display 78 of another PPE unit 16 and/or any component of CU 12 and/or AD 14 and/or any other device/unit to perform the processes, features, tasks, and/or steps described in the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an example CU 12 according to some embodiments. The example control unit 12 includes input unit 28 which may include input elements 29 such as first input element 29a, second input element 29b, and/or third input element 29c. First input element 29a, second input element 29b, and/or third input element 29c may be buttons configured to receive a user input, e.g., be pressed by a user. However, input elements 29 such as first input element 29a, second input element 29b, and/or third input element 29c are not limited as such and may be any other input element. For example, CU 12 may also include an optional display 38. When CU 12 includes the optional display 38, input elements 29 may be touch buttons on a display 38, e.g., a touch screen, and/or one or more information elements 90 may be shown on display 38. Information elements 90 may also be displayed on any part of input unit 48 and/or input elements 29.

FIG. 4 shows an example AD 14 according to some embodiments. The example AD 14 may include one or more input elements 49 such as first input element 29a, second input element 29b, and/or third input element 29c. Input elements 49 may be configured to receive a user input, e.g., be pressed by a user. For example, first input element 29a and second input element 29b may be configured to provide interface functions such as interacting with information elements 90 of display 58. Third input element 49c may be configured as an emergency alarm button. AD 14 may further include a sensor 56 configured to measure a gas pressure (e.g., breathing air pressure) and/or display the measured gas pressure on an analog gauge and/or display 58. Accordingly, display 58 may be configured to display one or more information elements. The example AD 14 may be a device associated with an SCBA system.

FIG. 5 shows an example of information element 90 associated with the AD 14 of FIG. 4 according to some embodiments. Information element 90 may include an image 92. Information element 90 (and/or image 92) may include one of more of: symbols 94 (e.g., symbols 94a, 94b, 94c, ..., 94i, herein collectively referred to as symbol 94), data 96 (e.g., data 96a, 96b, 96c, ..., 96i, herein collectively referred to as data 96), information 98 (e.g., information 98a, 98b, 98c, ..., 98i, herein collectively referred to as information 98). Information element 90 (and/or image 92 and/or symbol 94 and/or data 96 and/or information 98) may have one or more characteristics, behaviors, modes, etc. In this nonlimiting example, symbol 94a may be a Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) symbol; second symbol 94b may be an error indication; symbol 94c may be evacuation indication; symbol 94d may be a batter charge indication; symbol 94e may be a time to whistle indication, while data 96e may be the time to whistle; symbol 94f may be an indication of a measurement associated with a gas pressure, while data 96f may be the measurement associated with the gas pressure, and information 98f may be a corresponding legend item; symbol 94g may be an indication of a communication protocol, e.g., when enabled/disabled; symbol 94h may be an indication of a telemetry connection; and symbol 94i may be a settings/configuration symbol and/or pages up/down symbols, while information 98 describes “time on air” which may be associated with data 96i such as the value in minutes of the time on air.

FIG. 6 shows another example AD 14 according to some embodiments. AD 14 (e.g., a locator device, which may be used to locate first responders) may include one or more displays 58 (display 58 a, display 58b, display 58c, herein collectively referred to as display 58). Display 58a may be configured to display rescue code(s) such as “zero_039 99 searching”. Display 58b may be configured to display a signal strength value associated with a signal used to locate a first responder and/or a signal strength indication bar associated with the signal used to locate the first responder. Display 58c may be a low battery alarm indication. AD 14 may further include one or more input elements 49. Input element 49a may be a signal locking button and/or be configured to receive a user input such as a long press. Input element 49b may be a signal switch button and/or be configured to receive a user input such as a long press.

FIG. 7 shows an example PPE unit 16 according to some embodiments. PPE unit 16 may include one or more displays 78 configured to display one or more information elements 90 such as information elements associated with the operation of PPE unit 16 and/or accessory devices 14 and/or CU 12.

FIG. 8 shows an example system 10 according to some embodiments. System 10 may include control unit 12 and/or AD 14 and/or PPE unit 16. CU 12 is configured to communicate with PPE unit 16 and/or any AD 14. Each one of AD 14a and AD 14b may be configured to communicate with CU 12 and/or PPE unit 16. Similarly, PPE unit may be configured to communicate with CU 12 and/or any AD 14. CU 12 (which may be part of any AD 14 and/or PPE unit 16) may be connected to PPE unit 16, such as via communication interfaces 26, 66 (shown in FIG. 2). Each one of AD 14a and AD 14b may be connected to PPE unit 16 such as via communication interfaces 46a, 46b, 66 (shown in FIG. 2). Any one of the input elements 49 of AD 14a and input elements 49 of AD 14b may be input elements 29 of CU 12, such as when CU 12 is part of AD 14, and perform the steps and/or functions and/or processes and/or tasks of input elements 29 and/or input elements 49. In this nonlimiting example, input elements 29, 49 may be configured to cause the display 78 of PPE unit 16 to display an information element 90 associated with corresponding AD 14a, 14b. In a specific nonlimiting example, input element 29 (which may be input element 49 of AD 14a) may cause display 78 of PPE unit 16 to display an information element 90 associated with AD 14a, e.g., an image 92 and/or a symbol 94 and/or data 96 and/or information 98 shown on FIG. 5. Similarly, input element 29 (which may be input element 49 of AD 14b) may cause display 78 of PPE unit 16 to display an information element 90 associated with AD 14b, e.g., an image 92 and/or a symbol 94 and/or data 96 and/or information 98, e.g., such as rescue code(s) such as “zero_039 99 searching” and/or signal strength value associated with a signal used to locate a first responder and/or a signal strength indication bar associated with the signal used to locate the first responder and/or a battery alarm indication.

FIG. 9 shows an example information element 90 according to some embodiments. Information element may be determined/caused to be displayed on any unit/device by CU 12 (and/or any of its components). Information element 90 may include image 92 (and/or symbol 94 and/or data 96 and/or information 98) which may be caused to be displayed on display 78 (e.g., such as on an ocular region/subregion) of PPE unit 16. Image 92 may be a composite image configured to allow a user to see through and/or include symbols, data, information, etc. Information element 90 and/or image 92 may include symbol 94a and/or data 96a corresponding to symbol 94e and/or data 96e, respectively, as shown on FIG. 5. Information element 90 and/or image 92 may include symbol 94b and/or data 96b and/or information 98b corresponding to symbol 94i and/or data 96i and/or information 98i, respectively, as shown on FIG. 5. In addition, information element 90 and/or image 92 may include symbol 94c corresponding to symbol 94c shown on FIG. 5. That is, CU 12 may be configured to determine (and/or cause the display of) one or more information elements 90 (and/or image 92 and/or symbol 94 and/or data 96 and/or information 98) associated with one unit/device such as AD 14 (e.g., AD 14a). However, CU 12 is not limited as such and may be configured to determine (and/or cause the display of) one or more information elements 90 (and/or image 92 and/or symbol 94 and/or data 96 and/or information 98) associated with one or more units/devices such as another AD 14 (e.g., AD 14b). In this nonlimiting example, information element 90 and/or image 92 may include symbol 94d and/or data 96d and/or information 98d corresponding to symbols and/or data and/or information associated with displays 58a, 58b, 59c of AD 14 shown in FIG. 6.

Further, CU 12 may be configured to determine a parameter of at least one information element 90 (and/or image 92 and/or symbol 94 and/or data 96 and/or information 98). The parameter may correspond to a position, a behavior, an inheritance feature, a category, a page menu, a page, navigation feature on a display, etc. CU 12 may be further configured to cause the display of the at least one information element 90 (and/or image 92 and/or symbol 94 and/or data 96 and/or information 98) based on the determined parameter. In a nonlimiting example, a position and a behavior (e.g., symbol visibility) of any symbol 94 on display 78 of PPE unit 16 may be determined, and the symbol 94 be displayed on display 78 based on the determined position and behavior. In another nonlimiting example, the information element 90 (and/or image 92 and/or symbol 94 and/or data 96 and/or information 98) is determined/caused to be displayed based on whether the corresponding device/unit e.g., AD 14, is connected to another device/unit, e.g., PPE unit 16. The determination may include determining at least one action that CU 12, e.g., input element 29, performs when input element 29 is activated, e.g., pressed, selected, enabled, etc.

In addition, the information element 90 may be configured to include see-through portions, e.g., allowing the user of CU 12 (and/or AD 14 and/or PPE unit 16) to see objects 100 which may be in the user line of sight such as object 100a (e.g., a wall), object 100b (e.g., another wall), and object 100c (e.g., a floor).

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of an example process (i.e., method) in CU 12. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of CU 12 such as by one or more of processing circuitry 20, processor 22, memory 24, communication interface 26, input unit 28 (and/or input element 29), CU management unit 34 (which may be part of processing circuitry 20), sensor 36, and/or display 38. CU 12, such as via one or more of processing circuitry 20, processor 22, memory 24, communication interface 26, input unit 28, CU management unit 34, sensor 36, display 38, is configured to: determine (Block SI 00), such as via processing circuitry 20 and/or communication interface 26 and/or input unit 28, at least one of a first information element 90a associated with at least one accessory device of the plurality of accessory devices 14, a second information element 90b associated with the PPE unit 16, and a third information element 90c associated with the control unit 12; and cause a display of at least one of the first information element 90a, the second information element 90b, and the third information element 90c.

In some embodiments, causing the display includes causing the PPE unit 16 to display, e.g., via display 78, at least one of: the first information element 90a associated with at least one accessory device 14; and the third information element 90c associated with the control unit;

In some other embodiments, causing the display includes causing the at least one accessory device 14 to display, e.g., via display 58, at least one of: the second information element 90b associated with the PPE unit 16; and the third information element 90c associated with the control unit 12.

In one embodiment, causing the display includes causing the control unit 12 to display, e.g., via display 38, at least one of: the first information element 90a associated with at least one accessory device 14; the second information element 90b associated with the PPE unit 16; and the third information element 90c associated with the control unit 12.

In another embodiment, the method further includes determining that the at least one accessory device 14 is connected to the PPE unit 16, causing the display of at least one of the first information element 90a, the second information element 90b, and the third information element 90c being based on the determination that the at least one accessory device 14 is connected to the PPE unit 16.

In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of: receiving a user input, on the input unit 28, e.g., via input element 29, to cause the display, e.g., on display 38, 58, 78, of at least one of the first information element 90a, the second information element 90b, and the third information element 90c; and performing a feedback action, on the input unit 28, based at least in part on the user input.

In some other embodiments, the input unit includes at least a first input element 29a and a second input element 29b, and the method further includes performing a first action, e.g., via the first input element 29a; and performing a second action, e.g., via the second input element 29b. The first and second actions are associated with displaying at least one of the first, second, and third information elements.

In one embodiment, the first and second actions are determined based on the at least one accessory device 14.

In another embodiment, each one of the first, second, and third information elements 90a, 90b, 90c includes at least one of a symbol 94 and an image 92 associated with at least one of the accessory device 14, the PPE unit 16, and the control unit 12.

In some embodiments, the at least one: the accessory device 14 is any one of a gas detector, a locator device, a distress signal device, an SCBA device, a personnel accountability device, and a sensor device; the PPE unit 16 is any one of a respirator and a mask; and the control unit 12 is any one of a standalone unit, incorporated into the accessory device 14, and incorporated into the PPE unit 16. Although the steps and/or processes and/or features and/or functions and/or methods of FIG. 10 are described as being performed by CU 12 (and/or any of its components), the steps and/or processes and/or features and/or functions and/or methods described may be performed by AD 14 (and/or any of its components) and/or PPE unit 16 (and/or any of its components). In some embodiments, CU 12 is part of AD 14 and/or PPE unit 16. In some other embodiments, the steps and/or processes and/or features and/or functions and/or methods performed by and/implemented by input unit 28 and/or input element 29 may be performed by at least one of input unit 48 and/or input element 49 of AD 14 and/or input unit 68 and/or input element 69 of PPE unit 16.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiments are not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and following embodiments.

Claims

Claims:

1. A control unit configurable to communicate with at least an accessory device of a plurality of accessory devices and a personal protective equipment, PPE, unit, each one of the plurality of accessory devices and the PPE unit being configurable to communicate with each other, the control unit comprising processing configured to: determine at least one of a first information element associated with at least one accessory device of the plurality of accessory devices, a second information element associated with the PPE unit, and a third information element associated with the control unit; and cause a display of at least one of the first information element, the second information element, and the third information element.

2. The control unit of Claim 1, wherein causing the display includes causing the PPE unit to display at least one of: the first information element associated with at least one accessory device; and the third information element associated with the control unit;

3. The control unit of any one of Claims 1 and 2, wherein causing the display includes causing the at least one accessory device to display at least one of: the second information element associated with the PPE unit; and the third information element associated with the control unit;

4. The control unit of any one of Claims 1-3, wherein causing the display includes causing the control unit to display at least one of: the first information element associated with at least one accessory device; the second information element associated with the PPE unit; and the third information element associated with the control unit.

5. The control unit of any one of Claims 1-4, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to: determine that the at least one accessory device is connected to the PPE unit, causing the display of at least one of the first information element, the second information element, and the third information element being based on the determination that the at least one accessory device is connected to the PPE unit.

6. The control unit of any one of Claims 1 -5, wherein the control unit further includes an input unit configured to at least one of: receive a user input to cause the display of at least one of the first information element, the second information element, and the third information element; and perform a feedback action based at least in part on the user input.

7. The control unit of Claim 6, wherein the input unit includes at least a first input element and a second input element, the first input element being configured to perform a first action, the second input element being configured to perform a second action, the first and second actions being associated with displaying at least one of the first, second, and third information elements.

8. The control unit of Claim 7, wherein the first and second actions are determined based on the at least one accessory device.

9. The control unit of any one of Claims 1-8, wherein each one of the first, second, and third information elements includes at least one of a symbol and an image associated with at least one of the accessory device, the PPE unit, and the control unit.

10. The control unit of any one of Claims 1-9, wherein at least one: the accessory device is any one of a gas detector, a locator device, a distress signal device, an SCBA device, a personnel accountability device, and a sensor device; the PPE unit is any one of a respirator and a mask; and the control unit is any one of a standalone unit, incorporated into the accessory device, and incorporated into the PPE unit.

11. A method implemented in a control unit configurable to communicate with at least an accessory device of a plurality of accessory devices and a personal protective equipment, PPE, unit, each one of the plurality of accessory devices and the PPE unit being configurable to communicate with each other, the method comprising: determining at least one of a first information element associated with at least one accessory device of the plurality of accessory devices, a second information element associated with the PPE unit, and a third information element associated with the control unit; and causing a display of at least one of the first information element, the second information element, and the third information element.

12. The method of Claim 11, wherein causing the display includes causing the PPE unit to display at least one of: the first information element associated with at least one accessory device; and the third information element associated with the control unit;

13. The method of any one of Claims 11 and 12, wherein causing the display includes causing the at least one accessory device to display at least one of: the second information element associated with the PPE unit; and the third information element associated with the control unit;

14. The method of any one of Claims 11-13, wherein causing the display includes causing the control unit to display at least one of: the first information element associated with at least one accessory device; the second information element associated with the PPE unit; and the third information element associated with the control unit.

15. The method of any one of Claims 11-14, wherein the method further includes: determining that the at least one accessory device is connected to the PPE unit, causing the display of at least one of the first information element, the second information element, and the third information element being based on the determination that the at least one accessory device is connected to the PPE unit.

16. The method of any one of Claims 11-15, wherein the control unit further includes an input unit, the method further including at least one of: receiving a user input, on the input unit, to cause the display of at least one of the first information element, the second information element, and the third information element; and performing a feedback action, on the input unit, based at least in part on the user input.

17. The method of Claim 16, wherein the input unit includes at least a first input element and a second input element, the method further including: performing a first action; and performing a second action, the first and second actions being associated with displaying at least one of the first, second, and third information elements.

18. The method of Claim 17, wherein the first and second actions are determined based on the at least one accessory device.

19. The method of any one of Claims 11-18, wherein each one of the first, second, and third information elements includes at least one of a symbol and an image associated with at least one of the accessory device, the PPE unit, and the control unit.

20. The method of any one of Claims 11-19, wherein at least one: the accessory device is any one of a gas detector, a locator device, a distress signal device, an SCBA device, a personnel accountability device, and a sensor device; the PPE unit is any one of a respirator and a mask; and the control unit is any one of a standalone unit, incorporated into the accessory device, and incorporated into the PPE unit.