In General XR News
August 7, 2024 – Kopin Corporation, a provider of optical solutions and high-performance microdisplays for defense, enterprise, consumer, and medical products, has recently announced that it has been awarded a follow-on contract worth USD $1.5 million to supply a near eye, thermal imaging vision system, designed to fit inside of a firefighter mask.
According to Kopin, the firefighting mask helps to dramatically enhance a firefighter’s effectiveness whilst operating in smoke-filled buildings and saving potential victims. The mask includes a Kopin thermal imaging vision system composed of a miniaturized AMLCD (active-matrix liquid crystal display) and optics, integrated into the mask’s facepiece.
Firefighters can look at a display inside the mask, which is connected to a small thermal camera mounted to the side of the mask. The mask enables firefighters to operate the display system hands-free and view clear, real-time video of thermal imagery in their field of view, unaffected by environmental conditions such as smoke.
Kopin stated that traditionally, firefighters have relied on handheld thermal imaging cameras, which can hinder their performance, focus and dexterity. The ruggedized, in-mask, thermal imaging vision system from the company offers an adjustable optical solution that adapts to the firefighter, freeing both hands, and enhancing their effectiveness during life-saving search and rescue missions.
“Firefighters require a reliable vision system that offers them greater situational awareness and consistent thermal imaging performance in very hostile environments,” said Bill Maffucci, SVP of Business Development and Strategy. “We are proud of our long-standing relationship with this repeat customer and their confidence in Kopin engineering and products. We look forward to our continued partnership and meeting their full production needs with our custom optical module solution.”
Kopin stated that deliveries of its thermal imaging vision system, in support of the follow-on contract, are planned throughout the 2025 calendar year.
For more information on Kopin and its display and optical technologies, please visit the company’s website.
Image credit: Kopin Corporation
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Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.