Annex A. Science And Technology Objectives (STOs)
Army Science and Technology Master Plan (ASTMP 1997)

III.J.31. Computer-Aided Diagnosis and Treatment. This concept seeks to integrate all of the various individual soldier medically-oriented advanced technology and route the data gathering, calculation, decision-making, and communication through the Soldier Individual Computer common to all 21st Century Land Warriors. The approach is to develop medical overlays to tactical computing/communicating capability already under development, in order to assess performance without injure, and to compare data post-injury to pre-injury ("control") data for individualized injure severity assessment. Research efforts will develop a variety of non-invasive vital sign sensor (most utilizing infrared or near infrared technology) to determine deep tissue microvascular blood flow, tissue oxygenation, lactate and CO2 build-up, and tissue pH. Additional efforts will develop interfaces and controllers between these sensors and the Soldier Individual Computer. Finally, R&D efforts will focus on the development of medical decision assist algorithms which will aid the combat medic in diagnosing and selecting appropriate treatments. Such algorithms will be capable of up-dating every minute, to provide assessment of treatment effectiveness or continued medical threat. By FY97, transition to advanced validation studies non-invasive vital sign sensors for combat trauma diagnostics and monitoring; by FY99 transition vital sign sensor interface to Soldier Individual Computer (21CLW); by FY00 transition medical decision assist algorithm.

Supports: Early Entry, Dismounted, Mounted, Battle Command, and Combat Service Support Battle Labs. Supports Army Modernization Plan objectives "Project and Sustain the Force."