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Neuro-physiological Optical Sensor Suite for Gravity-Induced Loss of Consciousness Monitoring and Intervention

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: N00014-05-M-0101
Agency Tracking Number: O043-H10-3076
Amount: $99,989.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: OSD04-H10
Solicitation Number: 2004.3
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2004
Award Year: 2005
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2005-03-10
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2006-03-10
Small Business Information
2724 SAWBURY BOULEVARD
COLUMBUS, OH 43235
United States
DUNS: 609463302
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 S. Kingsley
 Chief Scientist
 (614) 799-0664
 skingsley@srico.com
Business Contact
 Judith Sriram
Title: VP/Business Manager
Phone: (614) 799-0664
Email: judith@srico.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Real-time monitoring of the physiological state of pilots flying high performance tactical aircraft would offer significant benefits to the prediction and detection of gravity-induced loss of consciousness (GLOC) and almost loss of consciousness (ALOC) and thus help prevent aviation mishaps and loss of lives and aircraft. Such measurements are typically difficult to accomplish because the sensor technologies currently available are hard to attach to and remove from human subjects. However, it is of increasing importance that miniature, compact, reliable and rugged sensor technologies be developed to monitor the neuro-physiological response of the brain in stressful operational environments, including the tactical cockpit, if significant performance and safety improvements are to be achieved. This proposal addresses development of a real-time neuro-physiological optical sensor suite for the prediction and detection of gravity induced loss of consciousness (GLOC), and almost loss of consciousness (ALOC). An all-optical sensor that combines Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) and optical electrodes (PhotrodeT) would provide a reliable device that could be integrated with a flight helmet. The sensing system would be suitable for integration with tactical aircraft cockpit and control systems to provide a reliable means to rapidly detect the onset of GLOC, provide alert/alarm functions and an autopilot recovery mechanism.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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