Consolidated data acquisition and management for first responders

Abstract

PurposeTo design an efficient and integrated framework for automated and simple data acquisition and processing targeted for first response scenarios.Design/methodology/approachUtilizes existing software/hardware integration tools and primarily off‐the‐shelf components. Use the modular system architecture for development of new applications. System construction is preceded by the analysis of currently available devices for specific data acquisition and processing.FindingsThe development and integration of data acquisition and processing tools for first responder scenarios can be rapidly achieved by the modular and already existing software/hardware integration platform. Data types processed by this system are biometrics, live video/audio and textual/command data. The data acquisition is followed by the prompt dissemination of information from the incident scene thus overcoming interoperability issues.Practical implicationsIntegration of new modules is achieved through simple system upgrades – new applications are created and integrated while the rest of the platform remains intact. Off‐the‐shelf components used eliminate the need for specialized hardware development. The speech user interface allows simple interaction with the system in an eyes‐off, hands‐off manner.Originality/valueThe system represents an efficient platform for integrated data acquisition and processing specially targeted for first response. The test‐bed flexibility allows for straightforward integration of devices/applications handling new data type as required by the user.