iPhone Operating System (iOS) Framework and Application Development for Electronic Kneeboard Navy SBIR FY2016.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2016.1 Topic No.: N161-016 Topic Title: iPhone Operating System (iOS) Framework and Application Development for Electronic Kneeboard Proposal No.: N161-016-0186 Firm: Big Nerd Ranch 200 Arizona Ave NE Suite 200 Atlanta, Georgia 30307 Contact: Jenn Green Phone: (770) 356-6476 Web Site: https://www.bignerdranch.com/ Abstract: With SBIR N161-016, we aim to explore the possibilities of enhancing the F18 pilot's kneeboard leveraging Apple iPad technology. Hardware and software can not only replace, but enhance the capabilities of today's paper kneeboards in a variety of very powerful ways. Big Nerd Ranch's research efforts will focus on usability and extensibility. We aim to explore every aspect of an F18 Pilot's use of the paper kneeboard, its current limitations and shortfalls, and how the processing power of software can improve the usefulness and effectiveness of the traditional kneeboard. Calculations, commonly used charts, and even civilian airports based on geographic location can all benefit by being presented to the pilot when needed. Using device sensors (accelerometer, magnetometer, and GPS functions) we can interpret data and present the pilot with relevant information quickly and accurately. Beyond usability and reducing the number of manual processes pilots would need to engage, our research efforts will focus on designing a platform that can be easily modified for other aircraft and potentially related service applications. Successfully doing so not only increases the benefit to the navy and other armed services, but also provides more options of commercialization. Benefits: There are two main components of our research for this project: 1.) Delivering an immense amount of documentation in a way that minimizes searching time and effort, and 2.) Utilizing device sensors to present contextually relevant information. If successful during Phase I, our preference would be to continue to develop this solution for other fleets in the Navy as well as other branches of the armed forces. The anticipated results of our research could improve the effectiveness of our nation's military and safety for our pilots. Extending beyond Phase I and Phase II, there are several areas where our research could be impactful. For enterprises, one can imagine arming sales personal with literature on a plethora of products including install and support documents (we've already built similar products for large enterprises). Having a complete library of information at your fingertips would be useful to customers and impact sales presentations driving results on the bottom line. For government, one can imagine arming local officials with an app (civilian version of the kneeboard) that would provide instruction for terrorism, active shooter, or other emergency situations. While highly relevant and specific to F18 pilots, our research efforts will provide a general framework that can be easily modified to serve a variety of industries. There are literally hundreds of use cases where having volumes of information at your disposal, and being presented with timely and relevant information with minimal effort would be useful. Big Nerd Ranch aims to commercialize this project by using the results of our efforts as a framework that can be tweaked and repurposed for other government agencies and the commercial sector. Return