Patent ID: 6129552
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: A62C,G09B

Abstract:
A teaching installation for training and practice in the use of fire-fighting equipment, the teaching installation comprising:a screen (1) in front of which the person (P) performing the exercise is to be located;means for displaying on the screen (1) varying images that represent a fire in a sequence that is driven by a computer (9);at least one modified fire extinguisher device (4) that is incapable of propelling a fire-extinguishing agent, but that is fitted with means for generating a signal representing the direction of its virtual jet; andmeans for locating the virtual zone of impact of the device (4) on the screen (1), and adapted to transmit corresponding information to the computer (9) so as to cause the displayed images to vary accordingly;the installation being characterized by the fact that:a) said screen (1) is of large dimensions, such that the images displayed thereon are at the same scale as real fire scenes they represent; andb) the installation includes:at least one associated device (8) representing influential means that can be put into at least two different states, and for which a change of state can have an influence on the progress of the fire, said associated device also being adapted to be actuated by the person (P) performing the exercise, means for detecting the state of said associated device being provided and adapted to transmit corresponding information to the computer (9) so as to cause the displayed images to vary accordingly, where appropriate; anda plurality of modified fire extinguisher devices (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D) of different types, suitable for being taken selectively by the person (P), contactors associated with each of said devices being adapted to supply the computer (9) with information concerning the identity and the state of the device that has been taken,wherein the impact zone is located by an electromagnetic detection system, the modified fire extinguisher device (4) being fitted with emitting cells located on the aiming axis of the device, while fixed magnetic field sensors are distributed in the exercise zone, said system detecting both the distance and the angle of attack of the fire extinguisher device (4) relative to the screen.