Wearable apparatus with integrated infrared imaging module
First Claim
1. A method of presenting a user-viewable image on a wearable apparatus having a shield, the method comprising:
- capturing, using a focal plane array (FPA) of an infrared imaging device of the wearable apparatus, a thermal image of an external environment;
converting the thermal image into a user-viewable image of the external environment;
presenting the user-viewable image using a display for viewing by a user while wearing the wearable apparatus;
passing, by the shield, at least some visible light from the external environment to the user for viewing the external environment through the shield;
passing, by a window provided in the shield, infrared radiation from the external environment to the infrared imaging device, wherein the infrared imaging device is positioned behind the window of the shield to receive the infrared radiation passed through the window; and
protecting the infrared imaging device, the display, and at least a portion of the user'"'"'s face from the external environment by the shield while the wearable apparatus is worn by the user,wherein the infrared imaging device and the display are positioned interior to and behind the shield to be protected from the external environment.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Various techniques are disclosed for providing a wearable apparatus having an integrated infrared imaging module. In one example, a wearable apparatus implemented as a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) may include a shield to protect a user from an external environment, one or more infrared imaging modules, a projector, a processor, and a communication module for projecting a user-viewable thermal image onto a surface of the shield. Such infrared imaging modules may be positioned internal to the SCBA for protection from a hazardous external environment. In another example, a wearable apparatus implemented as a welding mask may include one or more infrared imaging modules, a projector, a processor, and a communication module, so as to project a user-viewable thermal image onto a surface of a shield of the welding mask, while at the same time protecting these components and the welder'"'"'s face from a harsh welding environment.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of presenting a user-viewable image on a wearable apparatus having a shield, the method comprising:
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capturing, using a focal plane array (FPA) of an infrared imaging device of the wearable apparatus, a thermal image of an external environment; converting the thermal image into a user-viewable image of the external environment; presenting the user-viewable image using a display for viewing by a user while wearing the wearable apparatus; passing, by the shield, at least some visible light from the external environment to the user for viewing the external environment through the shield; passing, by a window provided in the shield, infrared radiation from the external environment to the infrared imaging device, wherein the infrared imaging device is positioned behind the window of the shield to receive the infrared radiation passed through the window; and protecting the infrared imaging device, the display, and at least a portion of the user'"'"'s face from the external environment by the shield while the wearable apparatus is worn by the user, wherein the infrared imaging device and the display are positioned interior to and behind the shield to be protected from the external environment. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification