SBIR-STTR Award

Aircrew management device software, based upon USAARL code and information contained in the "Leader's Guide to Crew Endurance" (Comperature& Caldwell, USAARL/USASC 1996) will be refined and optimized for inclusion in an improved existing activity monitoring device. A 3-year cooperative effort between the Walter Reed Army Research Institute and Precision Control Design, Inc., resulted in the functioning, commercially available SLEEP WATCH-L, an actigraph instrument that inCorporationorates many of the features necessary to complete an aircrew management device. WRAIR studies directed by Col. D. Redmond, M.D., tested and developed sleep deprivation and performance algorithms inCorporationorated in the SLEEP WATCH-L. LCD displays time-of-day and sleep history for 7 or more days and a calculated performance estimation and light levels. The proposed software effort will be the framework for implementation of predictive scheduling based on circadian rhythm, sleep/wake patterns, environmental conditions, time zones, and expected duty hours. Components from the SLEEP WATCH-L will be combined with an ergonomic miniature keypad for data entry.. A prototype will be tested on subjects for sleep deprivation and performance decrement. The combined expertise ofAmbulatory Monitoring, Inc., in software development and Precision Control Design, Inc., in hardware development assures successful completion of Phase I. Phase II will implement miniaturization and validate results in cooperation with existing military and Department of Transportation efforts for use by military aircrew, commercial pilots, and truck drivers.

Benefits:
A wrist-worn air-crew management device containing precision accelerometer, keypad and time display provides vitalinformation for military and commercial air personnel using their personal recorded sleep history and circadian cycles to predict performance and optimal work scheduling. Sleep length, timing, naps, meal times, time zones, circadian rhythm and light are software inputs. Sale of such device, as well as rental and consulting service are a lucrative, desirable business opportunity for use by pilots and truckers.

Keywords:
WRISTWATCH ACCELEROMETER KEYPAD DATA ENTRY CURRENT TIME DISPLAY AIRCREW MANAGEMENT DEVICE

Adetluate steep sustains effective performance. Managing sleep to sustain effective performance is a critical problem in military operations. To solve this problem, the U.S. Army is developing a sleep management system for integration into the Warfighter Physiological Status Indicator (PSI). The WPSM is an important component of the developing Land Warrior,warrior edic, and other soldier-based computing systems. Essential to the success of the sleep management system is the development of an unobtrusive means to measure sleep and predict performance under operational conditions. This Phase II SBIR will produce a Military Sleep Watch 2000 which will perform these functions and provide the software and hardware to integrate sleep measurement and performance prediction into the WPSM. A process of rapid prototyping and development will lead to a robust, low-cost Military Sleep Watch 2000 based on an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The Military Sleep Watch 2000 will have applicability to sustaining performance and preventing errors and accidents in any operational setting whether military or civilian (to include aviation, trucking, and rail transport, medical work, and just in time manufacturing). This device will revolutionize the management of sleep to sustain performance in both military and civilian settings.

Benefits:
In military settings, the device will allow commanders to improve operational effectiveness and prevent casualties through effectively managing sleep to sustain performance. In civilian settings, the device will improve performance and productivity, and reduce errors and accidents.

Keywords:
SLEEP/ACTIVITY MONITOR MILITARY SLEEP WATCH DEVICE REASSURING SLEEP AND PREDICTING SLEEP-SCORING ALG