The award recognizes the rugged Pocket PC solution TDS provided to the U.S. Army's Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) in Morrow County, Oregon. CSEPP uses TDS's
Recon handheld computers to let emergency incident responders share critical real-time information with a central operations station.
(Click here for a larger image of the Recon)With the Recon, CSEPP responders have the entire response plan accessible in an onboard database, according to TDS. The Recon provides other capabilities, including:
- Responders can call up a map of the chemical plume that shows wind speed and direction in relation to their exact position;
- They can access a real-time status board that tells them about the specifics of the incident-type, size, initial injuries-in real time;
- Responders can use the Recon with TDS's "SOLO Field" software to navigate to where they need to be, and download maps showing facility locations, occupancy numbers, building layouts, contact people and more.
TDS says its Recon handheld computer, which runs Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PCs, offers CSEPP a host of other capabilities as well. The device's CompactFlash slots and interface ports allow users to attach a variety of peripheral devices; for example, CSEPP has already experimented with using portable printers and bar-code scanners to put coded wristbands on injured people -- helping expedite treatment on site or at the hospital. Responders can also take digital, on-the-scene photos and send them to central ops or medical personnel; and they can complete and send reports on the spot, ensuring accuracy.
"We designed the Recon to be a versatile tool, and CSEPP is a great example of users adapting its capabilities for very specific needs," said Bill Martin, TDS president. "We're proud that the Recon is being trusted to perform such vital emergency functions, and we're pleased to be honored with the GTC award."
About the ReconThe Recon is designed for all-day operation in extreme outdoor and industrial environments. TDS says it meets MIL-STD-810F military standards for drops, vibration and temperature extremes. It also has an IP67 rating, meaning it's impervious to water and dust.
The Recon comes with a 200- or 400-MHz Intel XScale processor, 64 MB of SDRAM and up to 128 MB of internal nonvolatile Flash storage. It also features two CompactFlash slots, plus a standard 9-pin serial port and a high-speed USB port for connecting to a PC. The standard PowerBoot Module features a 15-hour rechargeable NiMH battery.
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