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NEED
Advances in mobile computing such as notebook computers and
personal data assistants (PDA) have provided modern users
with an extraordinary amount of on-the-move information, but
at a price. Current mobile computing devices call for the
use of both hands and require that the user significantly
divert his/her attention for proper operation. Particularly
observed by the military, distractions have been known to
introduce serious threats when operating in hostile
environments.
Throughout the military, first responder, and civilian
communities, there is a need for an easily viewable remote
control and monitoring system that interacts with existing
computer systems and applications. Such technologies would allow
operators to maintain focus on their primary task, without
sacrificing individual situational awareness for device
operation. In particular, military and law enforcement users
face a significant personal risk when manipulating computers
in the field, particularly when attention must be given to
both the retrieval of the stowed system and for application
manipulation and monitoring. Minimizing this risk depends on
providing the operator with an easily accessible system
designed to limit the need for manual interaction. In order
to be practical for the mobile operator, these devices must
operate in real time, remain continually active, and provide
instant information to the user at any time.
The Military requires the ability to maintain real-time
situational awareness, Command and Control (C2) and Combat
Identification (CID) of both friendly and enemy troops on a
battlefield. A troop’s need for electronic information about
opposing forces, neutrals and noncombatants, terrain maps,
spot reports and messages is essential to situational
awareness. This can also include the collection and
dissemination of intelligence information such as imagery,
Global Positioning System (GPS) information, threat
detection information, or direct downlink of live video
streams from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to units on
the ground. The use of wearable situation awareness technology would
provide ground troops with immediate and efficient access to
this information without having to consult a laptop
computer. Mapping, GPS and intelligence information could
also be displayed without hindering the operator’s
responsiveness or hand mobility. The ability for troops to be continually aware of their surroundings, while efficiently operating in threatening or hostile environments, improves their lethality and survivability.
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