SLATE.2: Collaborative Tools for Tactical Teams
SLATE Simulation
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SLATE map annotation
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SLATE timeline
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SLATE map waypoints
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Program Description
Distributed tactical teams require field-ready collaboration tools that help teams rapidly and effectively communicate spatial information, coordinate activities, and manage information.
SLATE is a wireless collaboration tool for distributed tactical teams (e.g., MIO, SOF, DHS) that integrates chat and whiteboards to allow annotation and text directly on shared mission documents, images, and maps. It supports spatial communication, coordinated activities, team situation awareness, and message management. Special attention is paid to human factors to streamline the interface.
Operational Gap
Current field-ready tools support voice and chat but fail to support spatial information or embed it within mission documents where it can be understood effectively. Shared whiteboards are messy and offer little control over the operational picture. Common Operational Picture (COP) systems tend to be bulky, high bandwidth systems that are appropriate for command centers but not for communication with and among field elements.
Value to the Warfighter
SLATE supports collaborative activities more effectively than current mobile technologies. SLATE provides better comprehension and more effective communication by allowing warfighters to import, share, and collaboratively annotate mission documents, images, and maps. SLATE manages messages for faster interruption recovery and a cleaner common operational picture. SLATE offers a streamlined interface for nonverbal, secure, wireless field use.
Approach
PSE has developed SLATE as a field-ready prototype for tablet PCs and desktop systems. We seek to license the capabilities/interface as a stand-alone tool or value added component. We can provide customization upon request.
Results
SLATE participated in Trident Warrior 2008 in simulations of Special Forces missions and in Trident Warrior 2010 in a maritime interdiction vessel search simulation. SLATE is currently collaborating with the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Network Innovation and Experimentation, in field exercises of maritime interdiction operations (Fall/Winter 2010, TRL 4).