SBIR-STTR Award

LSA proposes to develop a visual display monitor that can be permanently built into the periscopes on the AAAV to provide embedded training capabilities. Our novel approach provides three modes of operation. The system can be switched ON so that the display becomes opaque for presenting the simulated out-the- window (OTW) view provided by the on-board embedded training simulator server. The display can be switched OFF so that the synthetic imagery display is transparent and the vehicle operator can view outside of the vehicle in a normal fashion through the periscope. A third state is added to further enhance the functionality of the internal display by allowing the system to superimpose synthetic imagery over the OTW view. In training, this capability allows synthesized targets to be overlayed on the real- world view. On the battlefield, navigation status and reconnaissance data can be incorporated in the OTW view, augmenting situational awareness without obscuring important details. Allowing the operator to maintain focus on the periscope view port and stay aware of crucial status information will enhance battlefield effectiveness.

Benefits:
This proposal specifically aims to outfit the AAAV with ruggedized periscope displays as part of the embedded training system, but the technologies presented here can be applied to other vehicles as well. Military applications will include integration of high-resolution displays into other armored vehicles and periscopes for embedded training and wartime use. The techniques developed in this program can be modified for other situations where it would be beneficial to have an overlaid image. The microdisplay is an alternative rugged information display that allows a virtual large screen and high resolution in a confined space while using little power. Commercial applications include head-mounted displays for video gaming, maintenance technicians, and other equipment for service and manufacturing users that need to be able to switch between fields of view.

Keywords:
AAAV, displays, ruggedized, monolithic optics, periscopes, embedded training, microdisplays, simulator

Proper training is essential for military forces around the world for teaching basic skills to new personnel and sustaining demanding skills that can degrade without practice. One of the training techniques that are being heavily investigated is embedded training. In embedded training, computer-based simulation and control systems are installed within operational vehicles prior to a training session. In armored vehicles, such as the M1 tank or the AAAV, it is desirable for the computer-based simulation to be located inside the periscope so that operators look at the same location for the real-world view and the simulated view. LSA proposes to develop a visual display system that can be permanently built into the periscopes on the AAAV to provide embedded training capabilities over multiple periscopic view ports. The system can be toggled to either present the real out the window (OTW) view or a simulated immersive computer-generated training image through the periscope. On this project, we will concentrate on developing the hardware for distributing video to multiple periscopic view ports and the switchable video display technique within a periscope. As a culmination of the project, we plan on demonstrating the system by integrating the subsystems into a self-contained feasibility demonstrator. This proposal specifically aims to outfit the AAAV with ruggedized periscope displays as part of the embedded training system, but the technologies presented here can be applied to other vehicles as well. Military applications will include integration of high resolution displays into other armored vehicles and periscopes for embedded training and wartime use. The techniques developed in this program can be modified for other situations where it would be beneficial to have a simulated, remotely acquired or overlaid image. The micro display is an alternative rugged information display that allows a virtual large screen and high resolution in a confined space while using little power. Commercial applications include head-mounted displays for video gaming, maintenance technicians, and other equipment for service and manufacturing users that need to be able to switch between fields of view.

Keywords:
Aaav, Displays, Ruggedized, Monolythic Optics, Periscopes, Embeded Training, Micro Displays, Simulator