SmartGrip Controller
Frontline soldiers, police, emergency responders, and similar field-work personnel are commonly required to operate a multiplicity of electronic devices while doing their job. In addition to their weapon, a typical soldier is required to control radios, thermal sights, torches, laser designators, and computers (and more), each with their own unique and separate control interface. While each device is valuable, their combined impact increasingly diverts the soldier’s attention, decreasing his situational awareness, accuracy and responsiveness.
Kord Defence has developed the “SmartGrip” controller to help people in hazardous and stressful situations control their electronic devices – without always having to look at a display or take their hands off what they are doing. It is operated by pressing single or multiple buttons (called chords) – like playing a computer game. The device may be hand-held, body worn or attached, or it may be incorporated within other devices such as the sleeve of a Pocket PC, a SmartPhone, or the steering wheel of a car.
Small on-screen symbols show which buttons to press. Initially, the symbols guide the user (which is useful for training purposes) but after a relatively short time he remembers the combinations (from muscle memory) and the interface can be operated “eyes free” – without the need for a display (if necessary). Audio and voice prompting can be used to enhance this capability.
Typically it takes only a few minutes to understand how to operate the device. Because the SmartGrip is digital (there is no moving a cursor or pointer) it is not affected by ambient vibration or movement – consequently it can be used in the most arduous of conditions. In addition it can be operated covertly since little movement or noise is involved.
The first military application of the “SmartGrip”, called the Rifle Input Control (RIC), was developed in partnership with Thales Australia for attachment to the front of the Austeyr Rifle. A new version called the SmartGrip RIC has been developed for defence, homeland security and law enforcement markets worldwide.
The SmartGrip RIC provides a simple generic interface which can be operated easily, quickly and safely under the most arduous of conditions. It can also be customized to meet individual user requirements or for particular roles or functions. It can capitalise on existing capability and turn a seemingly disparate suite of accessories into a truly integrated system without the need for sophisticated and often expensive computing technologies.
The SmartGrip RIC has been designed to attach to most rifles and it contains a small programmable microprocessor for interfacing to a limited number of electronic devices such as: Thermal Weapon Sights, Infra-red Sensors, Night Aiming Devices, Laser Range Finders, Radios, Torches and Computers. The latest version also contains prototype wireless circuitry so that it can control body worn devices without the need for cables. Adding new electronic devices requires a simple firmware upgrade instead of replacing the whole unit.
The SmartGrip RIC is available for purchase. For pricing information please contact trevor.finklaire@korddefence.com.au