Matthew Racine

Ideations for a Panic Button with GPS - In this section, I wanted to show actual sketches in my sketchbook when I am working on a project. These were my early ideations for a panic button for officers on the field. Disguised to look like a lighter, officers can press the button to show location for backup or medical help.

Ideations for a 2-way Radio with a Camera - Again these are actually from my sketchbook and have only been alter to fit this site's format. Combining Gear into one device.

Interview with an Officer - This is actually where my project began. Here I wrote notes in my sketchbook about our conversation, which gave me an objective for this project. To design a 2-way radio that would not fall when in pursuit of a criminal or in a physical situation. If possible include a camera for better evidence of the situation that could be used in court.

Eye Camera Sketches - My idea was to redesign the two way radio an officer carries on his shoulder, but also include some other key functions.

Sketches cont. - One idea is to include a camera that relays back to the officers car, so there is video/picture evidence of what happening in a crime scene.

Sketches cont. - The problem about the eye piece is that it's a future device and what is needed today had to be less of a big step in technology and more familar to the user. So I started go towards a more familar shape similar to what officers use today.

Sketches cont. - At this point of the project, I started to like the idea of keeping the device as a requirement to wear for officers, which mean it has to have functions needed for the job.

Wearable Gear Sketches - I really started to like the idea of making a sash or some kind of belt, because I could fit some other gear that I thought was needed for officers to wear.

Refinement Radio/Camera/Light Shoulder Pads - When I started to refine my design, I went with the shoulder pads. I talked to the officer about this idea and he seemed really interested in reducing all the gear that he would wear as an attachment to his belt into two simple light weight wearable pads. He also like the idea that the pads could also serve as a second non-lethal weapon.

Final Refinement Before 3-D Model - After making a few mockups on how the straps would work, I decided to go with an X strap system which allowed more movement in the arms. The materials used to make the pads are as followed: Fiber Speakers, Liquid Kevlar Padding, Flexible Batteries with Kinetic Charger, Sewed in Button, Fiber Glass, LED Lights, Camera, and Elastic Bands The capabilites: Left Pad: 2-way Radio, Clip for Badge, Clip for Gun Holster Right Pad: Camera, Flashlight, Clip for a Second Holster