A Tactile-Based Alert Device to Improve Safety Around High-Risk Areas

Aircraft carrier personnel are exposed to additional risks when working around propeller-driven aircraft such as the E-2C and C-2A. To avoid injury from rotating propeller blades, an alert system is needed that performs even under conditions of poorvisibility or high noise. Creare proposes a proximity-based, tactile alert device that can be worn as a wristband to alert the wearer when (s)he penetrates a region that is established as high-risk. The components of the system are inexpensive enough sothat the device can be standard issue to all deck personnel. Creare will demonstrate the feasibility of our innovation during Phase I through bench-top tests. During Phase II, we will develop and field-test a prototype system. Because the proposed alertsystem provides proximity-based tactile feedback, these devices could be used for personnel guidance as well as personnel safety. For instance, the device could be used by the visually impaired to locate particular zones or objects (e.g., the telephone ordoorknob).