Advanced Personal Communicator (APC)

"Communication is paramount in nearly all military operations, ranging from tactical operations to the efficient maintenance of equipment. On the battlefront, warfighters are constantly in need of updated information describing the battle zone. To supportthese warfighters, maintenance personnel need access to a myriad of technical documents and schematics instantly and conveniently. Since maintenance takes place in the field, the maintenance engineer requires display technology that can give him theinformation he needs in very tight spaces, without causing eyestrain or discomfort. Especially important is a communication device which accesses a central database of information, and that leaves the user's hands free to accomplish other tasks at hand.A device is needed which addresses all of these problems in whole. We propose a system that utilizes modularity to approach the variety of challenges. Modules would consist of display units, input devices, and virtual tools. All would be wireless andinterfaced through a Personal Computing Unit, (PCU) which could be worn about the waist, leaving the operative with both hands free.This technology has commercial applications in the areas of flight maintenance and field maintenance. It would also beuseful for search and rescue teams, and hazardous waste monitoring and cleanup systems."