SBIR-STTR Award

The ability to display critical information within the optical train of a night vision device has become a requirement in the aviation community. The current display approaches rely on CRT's, optical combiners, lenses, and fiber optic cable to inject the symbology within the optical train of the night vision device. Besides decreased image tube life, bulkiness, and additional weight, the performance and safety of such systems is considered marginal. Night Vision Corporation (NVC) has developed a unique approach to incorporate symbology within the optical train of a night vision device with much greater potential. We are proposing the insertion of a transparent LCD at the output side of the tabe which can provide a multi-color display. This approach also allows for a relatively simple image fusion of intensified and HUD projected scenes. NVC proposes to conduct a complete survey of current technology to develop system requirements and then build and deliver a prototype of the approach within a ANVIS Night Vision Goggle Monocular.

Keywords:
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD) NIGHT VISION ANVIS (AN/AVS-6) HEADS UP DISPLAY (HUD) SYMBOLOGY

A liquid-crystal display (LCD) is superimposed on the output of an image intensifier. The LCD is edge-lit and pulsed, so that it is visible for only a fraction of the time; during the remaining time, the image intensifier is visible. It is operated in conjunction with a (proprietary) liquid-crystal shutter which improves display contrast and effective speed. The LCD displays symbolic information from the aircraft's instruments, so that the pilot can see both the outside world via the image intensifier, and essential flight information simultaneously. The symbology is in a color which contrasts with the image-intensifier output; multi-color symbology may also be possible. This direct-overlay approach is more compact and simpler than schemes which use external displays and optical combiners.