Noise Cancellation SmartVOX for Firefighters

The difficulty in hearing ambient sounds caused by SCBA equipment and the failure of conventional voice operated switch (VOX) devices in first responder environments must be corrected with an economical solution that does not require replacement of existing radio equipment. Communication between first responders and other radio users is vital; failures cause loss of life and property. To meet the need for improved hands-free communications in first responder environments, Williams-Pyro, Inc., proposes to develop a system that will enhance, not replace, existing communications equipment. In Phase I, our research and development efforts will demonstrate the feasibility of a system that performs two novel types of digital VOX functionality in order to address both radio and ambient sound intelligibility challenges.