SBIR-STTR Award

JESSEY represents our proposed solution to this SBIR, which is to create an interactive, 3D virtual worlds environment that is populated with very high fidelity (close to photo-real) avatars and situations that can interact with the User in an almost life like way. Our strategic objective for this effort however is more than just creating a highly realistic computer generated environment, it is also to create a set of tools that will allow Psychological Health (PH) subject matter experts to create/edit/update the avatar/User interactions so that as needs change and the PH community becomes more knowledgeable about how to deploy such as tool, they can quickly make changes without having to engage software developers or other ‘middlemen’ in the process. Our plan is to draw upon existing and emerging tools within the commercial computer gaming industry to create a high fidelity, interactive simulation that can be tailored by PH subject matter experts (SME). TIS will capitalize upon this 3D technology and using its experiences both in the commercial game world and in it’s understanding of the DoD/Federal Government unique needs, mold that technology into a high fidelity 3D virtual world where people can privately explore PH issues.

Keywords:
Simulation, Realworld, Speech Recognition, Game-Based Training, Ptsd, Psychological Health, Behavioral Health

JESSEY is being developed by Total Immersion Software (TIS) as a highly interactive PC videogame application with voice interactive capability for educating military service members about the needs and availability of Psychological Health (PH) options and to familiarize the user with the military PH process. The goal is to educate the user about exploring PH options for themselves or others and to familiarize the user with available options. The game will strive to make users more likely to recognize PH issues and to seek treatment for themselves, their colleagues, and family members. In addition to the active-duty population, the application should be expandable to the VA and civilian populations.

Keywords:
Post Traumatic Stress, Ptsd, Psychological Health, Self Help, Veterans, Speech Recognition, Psychological Health Education, Simulation