SBIR-STTR Award

The goal of the program is conduct research and trade studies using Cost as an Independent Variable (CAIV) to determine optimum solutions for a military helmet-mounted display device which offers performance superior to that which is already commercially available. The trade study will include analysis of various flat panel technologies (LCD, LCoS, OLED, etc.), varieties of optical configurations (see-through, panoramic, visor, etc.), performance specification evaluation (field of view, resolution, eye relief, etc.), and a survey of head-tracker technology. The intent is to choose a best low-cost approach for prototyping in a later phase of the program.

Benefits:
The primary beneficiary of this effort will initially be the government/military sector, including customers involved in training simulation as well as actual military platform users. However, due to the universal demand for performance improvement and the emphasis on low-cost approaches, there is a substantial potential to breach commercial markets interested in virtual reality equipment.

Keywords:
optics, display, eyepiece, study, head-tracker, flat-panel, CAIV

The purpose of this Phase II SBIR program is to design and fabricate a prototype head-mounted display which meets the Air Force requirements and may be transitioned into fielded cockpit and training display systems. The program will first define requirements based on feasibility data generated during Phase I, and will then proceed to design and fabricate hardware needed to demonstrate a working prototype model. The display will outperform all commercially available units in terms of parameters such as field of view, resolution, eye relief, and "see-through" capability, and will thus provide the U.S. warfighter a distinct technical advantage. The successful conclusion of this effort will establish a low-risk basis for launching a limited quantity military head-mounted display production program which may eventually result in commercial applications.

Keywords:
Hmd, Simulation, Training, Helmet-Mounted, Optics, Display, Head-Mounted, Cockpit