This proposed NOAA SBIR Project will demonstrate the feasibility of a low-cost Head-Up Display (HUD) for mariners, that will display 2 and 3-dimensional navigation and nautical chart data. The capabilities of the Phase 1 HUD system will be based on operational requirements determined during the NOAA SBIR research phase. The proposed HUD requirements of other classes of ships and marine craft will be investigated in Phase 2. The proposed HUD and data extraction system will permit operations during inclement/limited visibility conditions, day, or night that would normally limit or curtail operations. The proposed Low-Cost HUD (LCHUD) technology is based on the use of HUD technology that is used in several high-performance and luxury automobiles and in military vehicles. Leveraging such existing technology is critical to developing a low-cost HUD system that has significant commercialization potential. The Phase 1 LCHUD system will be capable of displaying 2-D images extracted from existing raster and vector nautical chart databases and situational data from navigation sensors. The proposed Phase 2 LCHUD system will project 3-D images that will be conformal to the real world and provide valuable information for navigation and collision avoidance. Summary of
Anticipated Results: Successful development of a low-cost HUD system will improve marine situational awareness and enhance safe navigation.
Potential Commercial Applications: The HUD systems can be used by NOAA for precise navigation during R&D operations as well as on operational craft engaged in routing acquisition of water depth data, location of data buoys, and other oceanographic operations. The proposed LCHUD system will have great market potential for marine craft operating on rivers and the intercoastal waterways. There is significant market potential for both military and private large marine craft. As the price of the units decrease with increased volume production, the retail price will be reduced significantly, making the HUD system attractive to commercial fishing vessels and pleasure crafts
