Voice-Activated Poor Visibility Emergency Response System (VAPERS)

This proposed effort will develop the Voice Activated Poor Visibility Emergency Response Systems (VAPERS) by combining hardware and software concepts in a manner that will significantly increase Crash-Fire-Rescue (CFR) vehicle effectiveness without a corresponding increase in operator workload. The proposed VAPERS will provide the CFR operators and fire fighters with the ability to locate and travel to a fire or crash site quickly and safely in all weather conditions while using the most direct route, avoiding any obstacles or non-traversable terrain. The system willl provide navigation and maps, receive critical information while enroute to the site, and communicate present position of each vehicle to the dispatcher and/or fire chief for maximum control of all emergency equipment. The VAPERS concept utilizes sensors together with processing and display technology which can be integrated and software controlled in a manner that will result in saving lives and property in emergency situations. During Phase I pertinent analysis and preliminary design will show feasibility and viability of the VAPERS system.