The FLAIR SystemTM is a wildfire management solution which utilizes FLAIR Mobile software, a Ricoh 500SE® rugged camera, a TDS (or Trimble) Nomad® rugged handheld computer, and a PC at the Incident Command Post (ICP). FLAIR functions to allow a firefighter to categorize, annotate, map, and wirelessly send geocoded (GPS) and compass-coded images to the secure FLAIR server. The FLAIR Server software creates secure, intelligent web-based data from the uploaded images. The images are viewable within Google Maps™ and Google Earth™ on the ICP PC. The application is unique in that it brings together different tried-and-true hardware components for the purpose of gathering highly detailed, location-specific and timely intelligence to quickly stop the spread of raging forest fires. As a result of timely data transmission of the images using wireless networks, firefighters are deployed on their missions more quickly and precisely, which ultimately minimizes damage and loss of life.
Additionally, FLAIR is a geospatial solution that can be customized to suit various applications within local, state, and federal government, including homeland security and the armed forces. FLAIR Mobile software includes a user-friendly interface requiring little training, yet offering great usefulness when categorizing and annotating geocoded images. The hardware is capable of handling the harshest of environments, whether combat or weather-related. The Ricoh 500SE camera is a GPS-enabled, rugged digital camera equipped with Bluetooth technology for transferring images to the TDS (or Trimble) Nomad handheld computer. The Nomad is the most powerful and full-featured rugged handheld computer available. The Nomad features an 806 MHz processor, up to 2 GB of Flash storage, a long-life battery, and integrated Bluetooth, GPS, 802.11 and cellular data capabilities. Combining customizable software, rugged hardware, and a PC at the Incident Command Post (ICP), FLAIR by SDG Systems offers the backbone of a one-of-a-kind, adaptable solution for a wide array of government applications. Additionally, SDG Systems has an experienced engineering staff available to customize the FLAIR application to suit the needs of almost any government organization requiring the timely delivery of high-quality, categorized, geocoded images.
The FLAIR Mobile software, in conjunction with the Ricoh camera and TDS Nomad, eliminates manual steps and saves time. Currently, timely images may be sent to the Incident Command Post (ICP) using cell phones, but cell phone images are usually not categorized, edited or geocoded. FLAIR allows the user to categorize the images, highlight and describe important objects on the images using the edit feature, and map the images. These features provide meaningful data to the ICP, eliminating the need for voice or other communication between the ICP and firefighter. Additionally, some smart phones may support capturing and sending geocoded images, but the images produced are typically not high quality and the phone is not rugged enough to face the demands of a firefighting situation. The hardware components used in FLAIR are rugged, overcoming the limitations of smart phones.
The TDS Nomad delivers unsurpassed quality, simplicity and ruggedness compared to its competitors. In addition to the usability options mentioned previously, the TDS Nomad boasts an IP 67 rating making it impervious to dust and water. The Nomad is operable at extreme temperatures ranging from -22 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The Nomad meets MIL-STD-810F testing standards including high-level standards for drops, vibration and altitude. No matter what the conditions, the TDS Nomad outperforms it competitors.
The Ricoh 500SE offers a geoimaging solution unlike any other camera, integrating both GPS and compass data into images. It quickly and easily integrates quality images into mapping software applications such as FLAIR. The Ricoh 500SE delivers high quality 8MP images by combining high ISO settings with fast shutter speeds. The 28mm wide-angle lens, easy-to-view 2.5 inch LCD anti-reflective screen, large buttons and dials for simple manipulation, and powerful built-in flash contribute to making the Ricoh 500SE the ideal camera for FLAIR and similar customized applications.
