• ETRI Journal
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.1046-1055
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• 2023

We introduce a display for virtual-reality (VR) fire training. Firefighters prefer to wear and operate a real breathing apparatus while experiencing full visual immersion in a VR fire space. Thus, we used a thin head-mounted display (HMD) with a light field and folded optical system, aiming to both minimize the volume for integration in front of the face into a breathing apparatus and maintain adequate visibility, including a wide viewing angle and resolution similar to that of commercial displays. We developed the optical system testing modules and prototypes of the integrated breathing apparatus. Through iterative testing, the thickness of the output optical module in front of the eyes was reduced from 50 mm to 60 mm to less than 20 mm while maintaining a viewing angle of 103°. In addition, the resolution and image quality degradation of the light field in the display was mitigated. Hence, we obtained a display with a structure consistent with the needs of firefighters in the field. In future work, we will conduct user evaluation regarding fire scene reproducibility by combining immersive VR fire training and real firefighting equipment.

• Fire Science and Engineering
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.98-108
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• 2015

An integrated command system is critical for the safety of firefighters and effective work in the headquarters of a special disaster areas such as natural disaster or large man-made hazard. The integrated command system requires environmental information such as temperature, humidity, and $CO_2$ levels, as well as personal physical information such as pulse and air respirator levels. An Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) chip converts sensed information into digital signals, and a Micro Controller Unit (MCU) transmits the digital signals to a transmission board using serial communication through a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). The digital signals are saved in a transmission board and transmitted to the integrated command system by a Radio Frequency (RF) unit. The location of fire-fighters in a building are determined using a gyro sensor and an inertial sensor. The collected information is applied to the integrated command system for firefighter safety and to ensure that they can effectively carry out their duties. Tthis study theoretically and experimentally investigated the technologies of RF transmission, indoor position, and an integrated command system that supports decision making using the transmitted information.