Method and apparatus for using thermal imaging and augmented reality
First Claim
1. A method for using thermal imaging and augmented reality, comprisingproviding a thermal imaging device to acquire an image of the user'"'"'s environment;
- providing a tracking system mechanically coupled to the device;
using the tracking system to collect the position and orientation of the device;
providing a computer;
using the device to capture a thermal view of the environment to be augmented;
sending the view to a video capture device connected to the computer;
using the computer to compute and render a simulated thermal image of objects and features to be augmented onto the thermal view of the environment;
combining the simulated thermal image of the objects and features with the thermal image of the real world to display a single, augmented view to the user that represents an augmented thermal view of the real world;
displaying the single, final, augmented thermal view to the user.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for using Augmented Reality (AR), in conjunction with a real or simulated thermal imager. A primary application is to train emergency first responders. Particularly, the system uses a thermal imaging camera or standard video camera, and tracking system to provide a tracked viewpoint in an AR environment. The augmented portions of the environment can consist of fire, smoke, extinguishing agent, or other emergencies. This allows for inexpensive, flexible, and realistic on-site training of fire fighting, damage control, search and rescue, and other first responder techniques using thermal imaging.
20 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method for using thermal imaging and augmented reality, comprising
providing a thermal imaging device to acquire an image of the user'"'"'s environment; -
providing a tracking system mechanically coupled to the device; using the tracking system to collect the position and orientation of the device; providing a computer; using the device to capture a thermal view of the environment to be augmented; sending the view to a video capture device connected to the computer; using the computer to compute and render a simulated thermal image of objects and features to be augmented onto the thermal view of the environment; combining the simulated thermal image of the objects and features with the thermal image of the real world to display a single, augmented view to the user that represents an augmented thermal view of the real world; displaying the single, final, augmented thermal view to the user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification