Fresno State faculty patents device to help firefighters see through smoke

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A Fresno State faculty member has patented a new device that can help firefighters save more lives.

The university says the “System and Method for Human and Animal Detection in Low Visibility” can be used to see through heavy smoke, making it easier to find and rescue people and animals. The handheld device uses an infrared camera and a radar sensor to process data and relay objects of interest in real time.

The potentially life-saving invention was patented by Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Dr. Hovannes Kulhandjian. The invention originally started with three students as a senior design project.

“By tackling a critical challenge faced by firefighters in search and rescue operations, particularly in environments with heavy smoke, this invention showcases the university’s commitment to innovation and societal impact,” Kulhandjian said. “It not only enhances the safety and efficiency of firefighting activities but also underscores the university’s role as a leader in cutting-edge technology with real-world applications.”

According to Fresno State, Kulhandjian plans to commercialize the invention by developing a fully functional prototype and seeking partnerships with groups interested in mass-producing the tool.

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