SBIR-STTR Award

Safe Environment Engineering proposes to build a next generation confined space monitoring system that expands on the Lifeline monitoring system currently operational within the Air Force. The next generation system will leverage on giving the confined space entrants more information about the work environment they are entering. This information shall include atmospheric/environmental data, relative location information, and upload and display information such as schematics or technical data. The system shall make use of the higher bandwidth capabilities of the 2.4Ghz band yielding capabilities of sending and receiving both voice and video information. Interoperability will be of prime focus. The system will provide an interface that will integrate information from other sensors and detectors and transmit this information to recipients who can interpret and respond. This integration will greatly enhance the safety of the entrant by streaming real-time information and reducing the entrants need to enter and exit the space. The concept and demonstration system will consist of several Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), a central monitoring console, full integration with the Lifeline monitoring system, audible and visual components for both the PDA and console, several access points and/or repeaters and be representative of a final production ready system.

Keywords:
Confined Space, Wireless, Interoperability, First Responder, Wireless Sensor Networks, Lifeline, Lean, Wireless Network

The development of the Next Generation Confined Space Monitoring System will achieve a new level or worker safety at Tinker and other air force bases. This system will incorporate a privision for state-of-the-art gas, radiation and physiological monitoring, biometric logon, indoor personnel tracking, video surveillance and portable handheld devices utilizing COTS (commercial off the shelf) hardware. Biometrics will allow quick and easy worker logon and authentication while indoor tracking technology monitors the workers location throughout the facility. Sensors and instruments will be wirelessly enabled and will transmit secure, encrypted data from the confined space to the monitoring attendant. A worker in distress can easily send a help alarm to the attendant. Automated alarms will be generated upon detection of unsafe gas levels, radiation levels or physiological heat stress as detected by the workers sensors and instruments. The worker or attendant can establish voice communications that will aid in the mitigation and confirmation of an emergency situation. Video surveillance will be available to the attendant to monitor activities around the entrance of confined spaces utilizing high quality pan/tilt and zoom wireless cameras. The system incorporates several unique features specifically evaluated for SBIR. The system will also feature traditional Life·lineÔ functionality as well as enhanced features as found in Safe Environment Engineering’s Critical·Path software suite for the first response and HAZMAT sector. The core competency of the Safe Environment’s Engineering group in conjunction with a SBIR phase II award will allow the successful development and deployment of the Next Generation Confined Space Monitoring System.

Keywords:
CONFINED SPACE, BIOMETRICS, PERSONNEL TRACKING, CO