TACSPEC® BODY-PC® revision 0.2.2-0
The TACSPEC® Body-PC® is the evolution of the personal computer. It enables the user to interact with digital systems, in a way that is as natural and ergonomic to the user as possible. It unleashes the user from the desktop PC and enables next-generation user-interface technologies such as direct neural I/O. The Body PC is designed for use by intelligence, security and medical markets. In particular, the Body PC is suggested as a replacement for the current US DOD Mobile Battle Terminal (MBT). It is designed to directly interface with and control, in a network-distributed manner, the latest in weapons technology such as remote demining platforms, automated area surveillance and denial systems, and the emerging Objective Individual Combat Weapon infrastructure. The Body PC is fully standards-compliant with NATO and US DOD specifications, and where indicated, all components are manufactured directly by the same industry leaders supplying the world's premiere military and intelligence communities. The wearer may utilize level-IV body armor, NBC protection, use a rifle or other tools, or integrate with airdrop and rappelling equipment without affecting primary operation of the Body PC. On the modern battlefield, having access to critical information faster than the enemy is of critical importance. Thus, militaries and intelligence units around the world are actively implementing digitization programs to capitalize on the information advantage. Even nations without access to high-quality production items are known to quickly and cost-efficiently lengthen the service life of existing platforms using digital technology. The real ingredient that makes the Body PC a real-world option is the Intel/Agent software, software which "thinks" as, and for, the user. It analyzes everything the user sees and hears. It remembers facts for later retrieval, and relays important information to command elements while the user concentrates on the immediate task. The Intel/Agent software is the most advanced network-mobile intelligent agent software available, and the Body PC was created as the optimum platform for utilizing this software on a direct, personal level. The Body PC disposes of obsolete, bulky and heavy equipment, such as radio communications packs, computer assisted targeting devices or briefcase-style laptop computers. Low power consumption with light, hot-swappable battery packs, the Body PC is a single solution in situations where mobile access to a data processing device is required. The Body PC unit facilitates continuous, secure multimedia communications amongst users in a non-invasive way. Current portable computers and PDAs fail to truly become part of our daily lives in the sense that we need to stop what we are doing and expend conscious effort to use them. They also do not have the situational awareness that they should have: while they are not being explicitly used, they are unable to remain attentive to possible ways to help the user. In response to these problems, a personal, wearable, multimedia computer, with head-mounted camera(s)/display, sensors, etc. is proposed for use in day-to-day living within the surrounding social fabric of the individual. Examples of practical uses include: face identification (memory aid for names), way-finding via sequences of freeze-frames, shared visual memory/environment maps, and other personal note-taking together with visual images. Although wearable computing, in the most common form we know it today (miniature video screen over one or both eyes, body worn processor, and input devices such as a collection of pushbutton switches or joystick held in one hand and a microphone) was invented in the 1970s for personal imaging applications, it has more recently been adopted by the military in the context of large government--funded projects. The TACSPEC® PC is a revolutionary body-worn integrated personal tactical electronics system suitable for deployment in all threat environments. TACSPEC® is pleased to offer this remarkable unit to global security and intelligence markets. Understanding the worldwide mission requirements and job specific applications of our customers, we have developed the ultimate personal tactical computer system that can be oriented or configured in almost limitless ways. Some of our customers hang upside down while others parachute, but all depend on their equipment to stay in place. Some must move quickly without noise while others must crawl. Some mus charge a building, while others lie at the perimeter and wait. Some must rappel into action, while others remain strapped to their seats. Some must hide under the cloak of darkness while others must covertly travel in broad daylight. FEATURES ERGONOMIC LOAD-BEARING VEST WITH HOT-SWAP POCKETS FOR MAXIMUM WEARER COMFORT The system is contained within a ruggedized, lightweight vest. As we looked at zippers, Velcro®, snaps, buttons, interlaced webbing and all the other fasteners that have been used to attach pockets in place, we saw no outright solution for meeting our established objective. The perfect vest or load-bearing harness system for those engaged in unconventional occupations is one that perfectly holds the tools of their trade. From radios to flash bangs, survival gear to additional ammunition, nothing provides greater comfort than knowing where things are when you need them. This need has forced many over the years to modify their issued or "off the shelf" vests by moving pockets, changing their orientation, or customizing their design altogether. Snap Track® is a revolutionary attachment design that allows for rapid one-handed reconfiguration, yet provides unmatched attachment strength for securing items. Snap Track® pockets have successfully completed 600 knot windblast testing, parachute bailout testing, and ejection seat sled testing. POWER TO GO The TACSPEC Body-PC contains a modular, hot-swap 140-watt/hour Lithium-Ion polymer cell, and utilizes two power conditioner ICs. One IC delivers 12V at up to 5 amps, this powers the CPU and main peripherals. The other IC provides 9V at up to 1 amp to drive human I/O components, primarily the head-mounted display. HIGHLY RUGGEDIZED Compatible with level-I through level-III body armor. High-strength aluminum enclosure with neoprene sleeve protects internal components from impact, moisture and contaminants. SPECIFICATIONS GROSS WEIGHT : 5 KILOGRAMS ENERGY STORAGE CAPACITY : MODULAR 140 WATT-HOUR LITHIUM-ION CELL POWER CONSUMPTION : 17-30 WATTS (IDLE-MAXIMUM UTILIZATION) RUNTIME : APPROXIMATELY 7 HOURS CONTINUOUS CHARGE PROCESSOR CLOCK SPEED : 600 MEGAHERTZ RAM : 512-MB SODIMM HORIZONTAL-MOUNT STORAGE : 80-GB 2.5-INCH 10000-RPM 80 GB FUJITSU® HARD DISC REMOVABLE MEDIA : CD-RW DRIVE, 24-SPEED I/O : GPIO, MINDDRIVE, WRIST KEYBOARD AND TWIDDLER-2 POINTER/KEYBOARD VIDEO OUTPUT : STEREOSCOPIC 1024 X 768 XGA HEAD-MOUNTED DISPLAY VIDEO INPUT : PHILIPS VIDEO CAPTURE CHIPSET, 3 MEGAPIXELS @ 15 FPS AUDIO : 4-CHANNEL AC/97-COMPATIBLE WITH FULL DUPLEX AUDIO I/O SOFTWARE INCLUDED : NOVOMETA® OS, INTELAGENT® IDS USER INSTRUCTIONS DEPLOYMENT The PC must not be located in a humid environment. When not in use, batteries should be removed and the system stored in a protective carry pack such as the G3 TAC-PAC. STATIONARY DEPLOYMENT For user convenience, the PC is designed to support extended stationary usage while the user is in range of external power / network facilities. For deployment at a stationary location, we suggest using a wheeled-base synchro chair in combination with a small laptop-type adjustable table or desk. Place the PC on the back of the chair, looping each shoulder over the backrest. Adjust until system is securely attached to chair. The small table can be used to place keyboard, HMD etc. in easy reach and/or as a work surface during diagnostics and maintainance of the PC. If required (only AC input available), connect 5-amp AC-DC transformer to external grounded 120 volt mains power. Steady green LED indicates transformer is functioning OK. Connect DC power output (12V, 5A) cable to PSU, located in the left lower front compartment of the vest. Insert user key into PSU key-switch and turn clockwise from DISABLE to ENABLE. Flip STATION/MOBILE toggle switch UP to STATION. Flashing green LED on PSU indicates power input OK. Open rear compartment flap. Confirm steady green POWER LED on CPU enclosure to indicate CPU OK. Remove HMD from front right upper compartment and place on work surface. Open HMD. Check HMD video cable and HMD power connection on CPU. Connect HMD video cable to HMD. Press POWER button on top right of HMD. Yellow LED indicates HMD OK. Remove wrist key-board from left front internal compartment and place on work-surface on top of kevlar sleeves. Connect key-board cable to CPU port. Press FUNCTION + DOWN-ARROW to enable maximum key-board illumination, indicating key-board OK. Connect any optional external peripherals (monitor, key-board, mouse, speakers) for a comfortable full-sized workstation experience. MOBILE DEPLOYMENT The PC should not be worn by wounded personnel. The PC should not be worn in extremely hot or humid environments. The PC should be worn over at least one layer of clothing, such as a thermal suit or shirt/sweater, and over the user's personal armor vest. Manually inspect PC system for loose cables, debris, excess heat, or anything that could affect PC system operation. Disconnect external power cable from the PSU socket in the left front compartment. Select PRIMARY power source by moving toggle switch to down position on PSU. Verify POWER LED is green indicating system has power. Secure PSU pocket flap. Don the vest, passing each side over each shoulder and securing the zipper. A digital wireless data tranceiver unit is integrated. It is generally configured to use commercial bandwidth at this time due to government restrictions. COMPONENTS PRODUCTION MAINTAINANCE