Real Time Physiological Status Monitor for MicroClimate Control

The goal of this SBIR is to develop a Real Time Physiological Status Monitor (RT-PSM) that provides real time insight into a warfighter's thermal strain to optimize control of a microclimate cooling system. The microclimate cooling system is enabled by a Vapor Compression System (VCS). The RT-PSM will need to communicate with the VCS in order to optimize the power consumption by turning on cooling only when necessary. The proposed work for Phase I involves the development of a prototype RT-PSM and receiver dongle that will be able to communicate with the VCS. In Phase I, these prototypes can be used to test, collect feedback, and conduct research. The plan is then to use the feedback and research to shape the design of the next iteration RT-PSM and receiver dongle to be built during a potential Phase II. The unique advantage to SlateSafetyÆs proposal is that we already have a commercialized armband wearable (the BAND V2) with over 1,500 devices in the field today that aims to prevent injuries or deaths due to heat stress and overexertion in real-time. Because of this, the SlateSafety System already accomplishes many of the stated requirements and only needs adaptations in order to exceed the requirements as opposed to a completely new design. The SlateSafety System already measures heat strain and communicates personal status and alerts in real time. Therefore, the main goal of this SBIR technical effort is to prototype these adaptations with the SlateSafety System. SlateSafetyÆs BAND V2 can be updated very simply and quickly over the air to add new features. In this SBIR, the SlateSafety team aims to augment its current system to allow team leaders to configure heat strain thresholds that will automatically select various power levels for the VCS. In doing so, the microclimate cooling system worn by warfighters today will become more energy efficient at a reduced cognitive load, allowing for greater time on target and better operational outcomes. Overall, the BAND V2 is a wearable armband that aims to prevent injuries or deaths due to heat stress and overexertion in real-time. The BAND V2 can measure heart rate, estimated core temperature, exertion, calories burned, step count, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, and comes equipped with the ability to turn off or on GPS location, fall detection, a panic button, and more. SlateSafetyÆs BAND V2 is specifically designed to withstand rugged environments in an unobtrusive manner. The strap goes around the wearerÆs upper arm, making it easy to use while still wearing clothing and performing various activities. The BAND V2 is simple to put on and the entire system from the chargers to the straps to the software are built for large scale deployments of 100s or 1000s with minimal management overhead. As our customers say ōthe device simply works.ö