NASA is seeking a PC Application (Android emulator or similar function) that runs on Windows 10 and supports data transmission via Bluetooth and USB connection to external medical & scientific devices, as well as other processing functions provided through Android apps.
Background
Mobile devices’ ability to acquire and process data paired with their lightweight and small form factor has led to a plethora of ultra-portable scientific and medical devices. Examples include air quality sensors, handheld spectrometers, infrared thermal or ultraviolet detectors, as well as sophisticated mHealth devices, which provide medical grade ECG or lung sounds and respiratory patterns for telemedicine and self-medical care. Further, they provide an attractive alternative to their large clinical or lab-based alternatives, especially for weight constrained flight environments.
However, mobile devices used to process the data from mHealth and portable scientific devices may not be robust or safe enough to operate in extreme space environments. As such, our client seeks to identify a Windows-based Android emulator or other application that will have the ability to interface with multiple external devices in lieu of an actual mobile device.
Constraints
Software will:
- Run on Windows 10 operating system
- Use PC interfaces (Bluetooth and USB) to allow continuous connection with peripheral mHealth and other scientific hardware
- Be very resource lean to accommodate computing constraints; potentially eliminating mobile device functions that are unnecessary for spaceflight (phone, GPS, etc.)
- Have a seamless and simple user interface, operable by users without coding or advanced computer interface skills
- Store and provide access to mobile device app data files on the PC’s file structure
- Provide a means of updating configuration of this application and the mobile device applications it supports; able to handle new generations of host hardware, apps and interfaces
- Support fail over to another instance running on separate hardware
- Will not require a connection to the internet
- Ultimately must meet NASA requirements for flight software (stability, security, and supportability)
Possible Solution Areas
- Mobile device emulators that allow Android gaming on PCs
- Continuous software development tools that feature mobile device emulators and simulators
- Digital health research platforms or health data aggregation platforms
Desired Outcome of the Solution
NASA prefers a commercial off the shelf software that meets the above criteria. Alternatively, software that can be quickly and inexpensively modified to meet the requirements would be considered.
Field of Use and Intended Applications
The solution will be used on space missions to retrieve and process data from lightweight, portable mHealth and scientific devices.
Related Tech Needs
NASA Seeking: Precision Health Techniques
Seeking: Liquid Biopsy Technology for Early Cancer Detection
Seeking: InSpace Novel Sanitization and Sterilization Techniques
Photo Credit: National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
