The future of firefighting – A HMD-AR user interface concept for first responders
Headmounted display (HMD) Augmented Reality (AR) technology is only a few short years away (trust us, we know…) and the Department of Homeland Security is actively exploring methods to help our firefighters benefit from information displays to help them stay alive and help others in the deadly environment that is a building fire.
Tanagram, under a grant provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), developed a phase-zero self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) enhancement that leverages HMD / AR technology to display critical factors all-the-while not obscuring the firefighter’s field of view. Dubbed Helmet with Embedded Active Display for Emergency Responders or HEADER, our concept vision was researched with participation from the Champaign, IL Fire Department. (We even sent a few people to firefighter training!) In our literature review, we found little research has been done with regards to embedded, mixed media (augmented reality) display technology that focuses on unobtrusiveness and consumer acceptance (our fancy word for user friendly). Because of this we are sharing our work with you in hopes that it sparks a conversation that will be very relevant, very soon.
How do we design for an embedded environment?
What is the interaction vocabulary when there is no screen or mice?
What disciplines become relevant in this new medium? Interior design? Architecture? Industrial Design?
This is a first concept. Much work is being done to refine this interface so that it is even more user friendly, relevant, and safe. Please add your feedback below (click here for comments). This is a discussion we hope to promote and grow for the benefit of everyone.
Next week, we’re going to post details on the hardware prototype we developed using Ardiuno gear. Stay tuned!!
Special thanks to http://www.madtownmedia.com/ for their work producing this video.
Posted by Joseph Juhnke on August 18, 2011
Search
Welcome to the spill. The overflow buffer for the passion we have for interaction.
Spill is the blog from Tanagram, Inc. a technology innovation and design company based in Chicago, Illinois.
1 Comment on The future of firefighting – A HMD-AR user interface concept for first responders
By Ronald Dubois on August 22, 2011 at 7:07 am
Very interesting application. We would interested in working with you – possibly integrating NetTalon’s technology which would shorten the time it take to find and conrol the fire. Take the time to check out our video’s on the website of YouTube – NetTalon.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Write a Comment on The future of firefighting – A HMD-AR user interface concept for first responders
Comments on The future of firefighting – A HMD-AR user interface concept for first responders are now closed.