- Author
-
Teeter, R. R.
|
Richter, R. C.
|
Frank, J. G.
- Title
- Voice Activated Poor Visibility Emergency Response System (VAPERS). Final Report. July 27, 1994-February 28, 1995.
- Coporate
- Orbital Technologies Corp., Madison, WI
- Sponsor
- Flight Dynamics Directorate, Tyndall AFB, FL
- Report
-
WL-TR-95-3108,
February 1995,
73 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service LIMITED DISTRIBUTION to U.S. Government agencies only
- Keywords
-
aircraft rescue
|
emergencies
|
fire fighting
|
safety
|
visibility
- Identifiers
- voice activated control; Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF)
- Abstract
- A need exists to aid and increase the effectiveness of Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle operators during times of adverse visibility, such as nighttime, fog, smoke, dust, snow, and heavy rain. To address this need, ORBITEC has proposed the development of the VAPERS, and has shown its feasibility by combining existing hardware and software concepts in a manner that significantly increases ARFF vehicle effectiveness while minimizing operator workload. Appropriate integration of this technology can save lives during most types of emergencies. VAPERS provides ARFF operators and firefighters with the ability to locate a fire or crash site quickly in all weather conditions and environments, and to travel to the site quickly and safely using the most direct route while avoiding obstacles or non-traversable terrain. Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera technology provides vision enhancement in low-visibility conditions. The system utilizes voice activation technology and allows the operator to use the VAPERS hands-free, minimizing workload while maintaining a head-up posture and external view while simultaneously receiving critical emergency information. VAPERS has both military and commercial qpplications.