Pilot"s Wrist Computer System

ABSTRACT: Impact Technologies, proposes a Wrist Computer System for use by pilots before, during and after flight missions. The proposed system will serve to increase pilot"s productivity by displaying concise information through seamless integration with surrounding electronics. The current state of the art in wrist computing systems is cumbersome, bulky and difficult to use along with limited capabilities. Impact Technologies will incorporate state of the art technologies to reduce a currently implemented low power computing platform to a 3x2"wearable form factor that has future capability for a single package solution. Proposed is a low power open architecture computing platform with OLED display and multiple wireless communication protocols for synergistic capabilities in support of currently used head mounted display units as well as adaptable to various sensor suites. Most importantly, the system will provide multiple means of control, from voice activation, touch interface, to control through wirelessly linked electronics. Key tasks of this Phase I effort include: 1) Develop detailed use case descriptions to determine modes of operation for the PWCS; 2.) Development of SWEPPI roadmap to set foundation for successful prototyping; 3.) A proof of concept demonstration utilizing development boards. BENEFIT: Immediate benefits to the Air Force will be recognized in the form of increased pilot productivity through the use of readily available information at wrist. Pre-flight routines and checklists, flight mission tasks, and information collected and stored on the PWCS all help the pilot during his daily routines by displaying specific, directed information on a need based approach. The proposed approach to a wrist computer allows the pilot to easily access information through integration with nearby sensor suites and cockpit electronics. There is significant commercialization potential for this technology in the military and commercial arenas. The largest potential would be development of a system for use in military operations to provide vital information to the pilot in real time. The developed technology could also be used as a standard issue item for industries where a small, wearable computing system is needed. These sectors include industrial maintenance and commercial aviation. Maintenance personnel can utilize the PWCS through connectivity to mesh networked sensors, collecting equipment health data through the wearable device while the maintainer completes their daily activities. This will alert of potential failures to expedite the maintenance process and reduce equipment downtime. Furthermore, the commercial aviation sector can utilize the PWCS to achieve the same benefits as the military aviation pilots do.