Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N151-078

Description

To address the Navy need for a device that will monitor physiological conditions of a diver and relay the information to other devices, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Diver Operational Status Indicator (DOSI) system incorporating three major components: (1) an array of physiological sensors, (2) processing and communication electronics, and (3) mechanical packaging for DOSI to provide a comprehensive solution. The novel design of the open-architecture system will be developed based on POCs prior developments in compatible dive equipment and working with the industrial leaders including Interspiro and Cochran. Leveraging POCs previous technologies, the proposed DOSI system provides critical information not only on the physiological status of multiple divers to be monitored but also transmitted to other team members and commanders. In Phase I, POC plans to provide a prototype demonstration of sensors specifically designed for Navy needs placed at strategic positions inside a divers SCUBA mask. In Phase II, POC plans to develop a fully functional prototype system according to the outline developed in the Phase I for further testing and implementation of smart algorithms that predict the divers state-of-health.