Projection/Reflection Heads-up Display

To address the NASA need for an extravehicular activity (EVA) information display device, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to advance development of a new Projection/Reflection Heads-up Display (Pro/Ref-HUD) based on innovative integration of liquid crystal display (LCD) screen projectors, partially see-through optical reflectors and unique ergonomic designs. This approach enables the displayed image to meet NASA EVA requirements and is completely decoupled from the user's head while achieving full sunlight readability with automated rapid ambient light response. The Pro/Ref-HUD offers full-color, high-resolution collimated images, with large fields of view, highly suited to the space and weight constraints inside an astronaut's suit. In Phase I, POC successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the Pro/Ref-HUD system by designing, building, and testing a TRL-4 prototype. In this Phase II, POC proposes to develop a fully functional prototype to demonstrate sunlight readability and SXGA resolution, investigate thermal and radiation issues, and analyze ignition safety due to a 100% oxygen operating environment as well as vacuum and extreme temperature environments. The results to be developed and demonstrated in Phase II will offer NASA capabilities to perform EVA operations with heads-up displays internal to the helmet enhancing crew situation awareness, comfort, and safety.