DIORAMA enhances efficiency of a mass casualty incident: System and experimentation.

In this paper we show DIORAMA efficiency in a simulated Mass Casualty Incident drill. As shown by our results DIORAMA system has achieved orderly transport of patients from site of injury to collection point, all red before the yellow were transported (no order was obeyed in the paper drills). We also show that DIORAMA system was used by responders with very short training time and by responders that are not familiar with each other.

Vision-based responders localization techniques in urban search and rescue scenarios.

In this paper, we introduce a vision-based localization algorithm that can accurately track responders during rescue operations in urban areas that are Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-denied. The proposed algorithm works successfully with the rich visual features of an urban environment and obtains an average localization accuracy of 2.5 ft.

Spatial-temporal forensic analysis of mass casualty incidents using video sequences.

In this paper we introduce DIORAMA based forensic analysis of mass casualty incidents (MCI) using video sequences. The video sequences captured on site are automatically annotated by metadata, which includes the capture time and the camera location and viewing direction. Using a visual interface the MCI investigators can easily understand the availability of video clips in specific areas of interest, and efficiently review them.

Evaluation of a Scalable Information Analytics System for Enhanced Situational Awareness in Mass Casualty Events.

We investigate the utility of DIORAMA-II system which provides enhanced situational awareness within a disaster scene by using real-time visual analytics tools and a collaboration platform between the incident commander and the emergency responders. Our trials were conducted in different geographical areas (feature-rich and featureless regions) and in different lighting conditions (daytime and nighttime). DIORAMA-II obtained considerable time gain in efficiency compared to conventional paper based systems.

PERCEPT-II: smartphone based indoor navigation system for the blind.

In this paper we introduce PERCEPT-II, a low cost and user friendly indoor navigation system for blind and visually impaired users. Using an Android Smartphone that runs PERCEPT-II application with accessibility features, the blind user obtains navigation instructions to the chosen destination when touching specific landmarks tagged with Near Field Communication tags. The system was deployed and tested in a large building at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Mobile DIORAMA-II: infrastructure less information collection system for mass casualty incidents.

In this paper we introduce DIORAMA-II system that provides real time information collection in mass casualty incidents. Using a mobile platform that includes active RFID tags and readers as well as Smartphones, the system can determine the location of victims and responders. The system provides user friendly multi dimensional user interfaces as well as collaboration tools between the responders and the incident commander.

Automatic generation of indoor navigation instructions for blind users using a user-centric graph.

The complexity and diversity of indoor environments brings significant challenges to automatic generation of navigation instructions for blind and visually impaired users. Unlike generation of navigation instructions for robots, we need to take into account the blind users wayfinding ability. In this paper we introduce a user-centric graph based solution for cane users that takes into account the blind users cognitive ability as well as the user's mobility patterns.

Autonomous mobile platform for enhanced situational awareness in Mass Casualty Incidents.

To enhance the efficiency of the search and rescue process of a Mass Casualty Incident, we introduce a low cost autonomous mobile platform. The mobile platform motion is controlled by an Android Smartphone mounted on a robot. The pictures and video captured by the Smartphone camera can significantly enhance the situational awareness of the incident commander leading to a more efficient search and rescue process.

Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of PERCEPT indoor navigation system for visually impaired users.

In this paper we introduce qualitative and quantitative evaluation of PERCEPT system, an indoor navigation system for the blind and visually impaired. PERCEPT system trials with 24 blind and visually impaired users in a multi-story building show PERCEPT system effectiveness in providing appropriate navigation instructions to these users. The uniqueness of our system is that it is affordable and that its design follows Orientation and Mobility principles.

Audible vision for the blind and visually impaired in indoor open spaces.

In this paper we introduce Audible Vision, a system that can help blind and visually impaired users navigate in large indoor open spaces. The system uses computer vision to estimate the location and orientation of the user, and enables the user to perceive his/her relative position to a landmark through 3D audio. Testing shows that Audible Vision can work reliably in real-life ever-changing environment crowded with people.

PAGAS: Portable and Accurate Gait Analysis System.

Gait analysis systems are powerful tools in the monitoring and rehabilitation of many health conditions which result in an altered gait (such as Parkinson's disease and rheumatoid arthritis), along with the injury of lower limbs. However, current systems that provide accurate gait monitoring and analysis are large and expensive, and therefore are available only in professional settings. The goal of this research is to develop and test a Portable and Accurate Gait Analysis System, denoted PAGAS, which enables patients to monitor their own gait and track their progress and improvement over time.

ARhT: a portable hand therapy system.

We introduce ARhT (Automated Relearning hand Therapy), a portable hand therapy system that enables a user to perform physical therapy at the comfort of their own home. This reduces rehabilitation time, enhances the user experience, reduces cost and provides accountability to physical therapy sessions. ARhT complements traditional therapy methods by interacting with the user in real time and providing the patient user friendly instructions, feedback, and progress tracking.

PERCEPT Indoor Navigation System for the Blind and Visually Impaired: Architecture and Experimentation.

We introduce PERCEPT system, an indoor navigation system for the blind and visually impaired. PERCEPT will improve the quality of life and health of the visually impaired community by enabling independent living. Using PERCEPT, blind users will have independent access to public health facilities such as clinics, hospitals, and wellness centers.

MiRTE: Mixed Reality Triage and Evacuation game for Mass Casualty information systems design, testing and training.

In this paper we introduce a Mixed Reality Triage and Evacuation game, MiRTE, that is used in the development, testing and training of Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) information systems for first responders. Using the Source game engine from Valve software, MiRTE creates immersive virtual environments to simulate various incident scenarios, and enables interactions between multiple players/first responders. What distinguishes it from a pure computer simulation game is that it can interface with external mass casualty incident management systems, such as DIORAMA.

RiBOMS: RFID-based object management system for home environments.

In this paper we introduce a RFID-based object management system, RiBOMS, for home environments. The system has an easy to use pictorial user interface aimed at older adults with associative memory impairments. The system technical correctness was successfully tested in a lab environment.

Scalable patients tracking framework for mass casualty incidents.

We introduce a system that tracks patients in a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) using active RFID triage tags and mobile anchor points (DM-tracks) carried by the paramedics. The system does not involve any fixed deployment of the localization devices while maintaining a low cost triage tag. The localization accuracy is comparable to GPS systems without incurring the cost of providing a GPS based device to every patient in the disaster scene.

PERCEPT: indoor navigation for the blind and visually impaired.

In order to enhance the perception of indoor and unfamiliar environments for the blind and visually-impaired, we introduce the PERCEPT system that supports a number of unique features such as: a) Low deployment and maintenance cost; b) Scalability, i.e. we can deploy the system in very large buildings; c) An on-demand system that does not overwhelm the user, as it offers small amounts of information on demand; and d) Portability and ease-of-use, i.

DIORAMA: dynamic information collection and resource tracking architecture.

DIORAMA is a real-time scalable decision support framework built on rapid information collection and accurate resource tracking functionalities. Using RFID technology the proposed system tracks emergency responders and victims at the disaster scene. DIORAMA improves the accuracy and decreases the time it takes rescuers to triage, treat and evacuate victims from a disaster scene, as compared to the traditional methods and process that involves using paper triage tags.

INSIGHT: RFID and Bluetooth enabled automated space for the blind and visually impaired.

In this paper we introduce INSIGHT, an indoor location tracking and navigation system to help the blind and visually impaired to easily navigate to their chosen destination in a public building. INSIGHT makes use of RFID and Bluetooth technology deployed within the building to locate and track the users. The PDA based user device interacts with INSIGHT server and provides the user navigation instructions in an audio form.

Mass casualty incident surveillance and monitoring using identity aware video analytics.

In this paper, we propose an identity aware video analytic system that can assist securing the perimeter of a mass casualty incident scene and generate identity annotated video records for forensics and training purposes. Establishing a secure incident scene perimeter and enforcing access control to different zones is a demanding task for current video surveillance systems which lack the ability to provide the identity of the target and its security clearance. Our system which combines active RFID sensors with video analytic tools recovers the identity of the target enabling the activation of suitable alert policies.

RESPLA: a decision support framework for emergency resource planning.

In this paper, we propose a web based framework, RESPLA that can assist resource managers in emergency resource planning during the preparedness phase of the emergency management cycle. This framework computes the deployment schedule and associated response times of the required resources to a specific disaster site, given the location and available resources at each depot. Using a web based interface to Google maps, RESPLA enables the users (e.

FIREGUIDE: Firefighter guide and tracker.

In this paper, we introduce an indoor location tracking and navigation system (FIREGUIDE) using Bluetooth and RFID technology. FIREGUIDE assists the firefighters to find the nearest exit location and presents the Incident Commander the current firefighter's location superimposed on a map of the building floor. We envision that the FIREGUIDE system will save significant number of fire fighters and victims' lives.

Real time localization of victims at an emergency site: Architecture, algorithms and experimentation.

During an emergency, determining accurate location of victims is crucial for expediting rescue efforts. In this paper, we present a mass-deployable active RFID RSSI-based real time locating system to localize victims at an emergency site. The system architecture, localization algorithms and experimental results are discussed in the paper.

DiNAR: health monitoring of IT systems in emergency response.

Disaster management and emergency response mechanisms have come of age post 9/11. Undoubtedly the introduction of Information Technology (IT) in emergency response management has been revolutionary from the perspective of better management of the emergency response. However, the various components which make up the IT infrastructure, such as sensors, computers, PDAs, network devices, etc, are inherently volatile in nature.

Distributed visual analytics for collaborative emergency response management.

In emergency response management, there is a large volume of incoming data and minimal time to process it before making critical decisions. Multiple experts, physicians, incident commander who are geographically distributed, collaboratively work on the collected data to make efficient and timely decisions. In this paper we introduce a distributed visualization environment that supports collaboration among geographically dispersed users.