Operational Console Modernization Tool Navy SBIR FY2014.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2014.1 Topic No.: N141-049 Topic Title: Operational Console Modernization Tool Proposal No.: N141-049-0690 Firm: Product Development Associates, Inc 1145 East Cliff Road Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 Contact: Steven Karban Phone: (952) 895-5153 Web Site: www.pda-engineering.com Abstract: Operational consoles and workstations for combat ships and submarines need to become more efficient in their utilizations as vessel crew staffing decreases, while mission requirements continue to expand. Multiple missions maximizing human and machine resources continue to increase. A method is needed to assess impacts to operational combat console performance and operators for potential changes, whether technological or mission requirements driven prior to deployment. This effort will utilize the standard console from the LCS Freedom Class combat system as the baseline product and develop a tool where a number of technical and mission variables are applied to that console and attempt to assess and predict a number of performance and cost impacts for the vessel's systems and crew. Should this concept prove feasible, the resulting technology refresh cycles and Total Cost of Ownership for the system could be significantly improved. Benefits: Commercialization of a toolset with the projected capabilities has typically been used for aircraft, automobile, and control/command centers where an operator has to manage various and sometimes complex pieces of information. Incorporating a toolset as envisioned by this SBIR could not only be used in these situations, but in many others where humans interact with machines improving efficiency, safety, and the total operator experience. Return