Live geo-coded location view images that allow a viewer to see images as if he or she were actually in a vehicle being tracked is now available for both commercial and military use, thanks to the solution developed by Xybernaut that features Tokyo-based AOS Technologies proprietary Location View System technology.
The Location View System is a unique multi-headed and fully automated 360-degree panoramic image capture and mapping system that rapidly produces geocoding location view imagery as it moves or is moved throughout a city, military or industrial complex, recreational area, building or campus environment of any type -- either indoors and outdoors.
Under terms of an agreement between the two companies, Xybernaut has been granted an exclusive license to market and integrate AOS proprietary Location View Systems for all levels of U.S. government agencies and organizations -- local, state and federal -- for both civilian and military use. Xybernaut, a leader in wearable and wireless mobile computing solutions, has also been granted non-exclusive rights worldwide.
The Location View System can be mounted on a variety of transport systems ranging from simple motorized or hand-propelled carts to armored robotic platforms and conventional cars and trucks. This flexibility makes it the perfect solution for both commercial and military applications. In such transport applications, the viewer would "see" the footage as if actually in or on the vehicle that captured it.
Geocoding applications as diverse as training and education for first responders of all kinds (such as fire, police, rescue, emergency medical technicians, security and military teams) to viewing that same information en route to an emergency on Xybernaut patented user-supported computers and smart displays are now possible through this unique combination of technologies by Xybernaut and AOS. Actual real-time use of that same information during tactical responses to emergency situations by first responders is also now supported.
"When we looked around to find the right partner to take the Location View System to market, it was an easy decision," said Takamasa Sasaki, president and CEO of AOS. "Xybernaut proprietary technology and solutions for homeland security threats makes it the ideal partner for us. We expect to make a real difference in the security of the United States through this collaboration"
Ed Newman, chairman and CEO of Xybernaut, added, "Location View System, when combined with our own homeland security solutions, allows us to provide more current, richer and more realistic information to first responders. If there is anything worse than inadequate intelligence during a response, it is incorrect information. Location View System addresses that problem by allowing far more frequent updates to all databases of information."
Newman noted that the geocoding joint security solution would have particular appeal for first response/homeland security applications, such as the program Xybernaut is working on with first responders at the Port of Charleston.
Demonstrations of a vehicle-mounted Location View System to Xybernaut key clients in critical infrastructure protection applications will begin initially in early January 2004 in northern California.