On April 21, 2008, DOD issued their pre-released FY 2008.2 SBIR solicitation with topics from the Air Force, Army, Navy, DARPA, CBD, OSD, and DTRA. One of the Army topics seeks SBIR research to provide automated reality systems to use for training healthcare providers. The training needs to be geared to combat medics and combat life savers in the military, civilian counterparts including EMTs, and other first responders. Proposals will be accepted starting May 19, 2008 with a closing date of June 18, 2008.
The SBIR research needs to focus on the three main causes of trauma death which are hemorrhage, improper airway management, and tension pneumothorax. The Army is looking for innovative ideas that will use recent advances in immersive reality technologies with those of mannequin or actor-based systems. The technology developed needs to be able to superimpose virtual or real images of external or internal trauma injuries onto either a mannequin or an individual acting as a patient.
The tools developed must:
- Engage the user in a compelling realistic simulation experience
- Register the visual image on the mannequin or patient actor
- Allow for the interaction between the caregiver and the mannequin/actor
- Rapidly convert MRI or other source data into visual formats that can run on standard Image Generator (IG) systems
- Explore the capabilities of intelligent tutoring systems
- Identify the metrics needed to base trainee performance
- Be able to monitor patient/casualty vital signs along with the caregiver’s performance.
In Phase I, the feasibility study, analysis, and concept definition for the system will be developed, Phase II will develop the prototype, and Phase III will focus on commercializing the training system in both the military and civilian sectors.
For more information, go to www.dodsbir.net click on new solicitations, click on topic search and enter OSD08-H08 to see the details. Or contact Gene Wiehagen (301) 619-3258 or by email wiehagen@tatrc.org for more details.
