Importance

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Abstract

A system and method for automatically detecting fires in select areas, and reacting thereto to put out the fires. A stationary, earth orbit satellite, pilotless drone aircrafts or piloted aircraft contains one or more infrared detectors and optical means for detecting small fires when they first occur in fields and wooded areas, preferably where man made campfires and trash dumping are prohibited. A computer in the satellite, drone or piloted aircraft and/or on the ground receives and analyzes image signals of the earth area or areas being monitored and, upon detecting infrared radiation of varying intensity and variable shape, indicative that a fire has started, generates coded signals which are (a) indicative of the coordinate locations of the fire, (b) the extent of the fire, (c) the shape of the area(s) burning, (d) the direction of movement of the fires (e) the speed(s) of the flame fronts, (f) smoke condition, (g) intensity of the fire, (h) fire ball location(s), etc. In one form, a conventional and/or infrared television camera(s) generates image or video signals which are digitized and recorded in memory and/or on tape or disc. Expert system logic, such as fuzzy logic, is used to prioritize dangerous areas to assist in directing fire fighting. Such information, or select portions thereof, is automatically transmitted to one or more earth bound and/or aircraft contained receivers where fire fighting equipment such as helicopter and aircraft containing drainable water or other fire fighting agents is available for immediate dispatch to the fire zone.

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First Claim