3D Stereo Binocular Head Mounted Display (HMD) Technology for Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Aircraft and Simulation

ABSTRACT: A method is needed to help declutter the vast amount of information presented to the F-35 pilot and to call his/her attention to important information that may get"lost"among all the other information they are asked to process. One of the channels for conveying/emphasizing information is via stereo symbology. The binocular JSF HMD is the first tactical HMD with the potential to display 3D stereoscopic symbology, but we feel that most future HMDs will be binocular as well. Stereo symbology could help organize visual information and direct operator attention to improve performance and lower workload. Our concepts for stereo HMD symbology include offsetting a warning symbol in depth, modulating this change in depth as a function of time, grouping symbols and information in depth, and guiding the operator in 3D space. Eyestrain is unacceptable in the military cockpit, and any implementation of stereo symbology must demonstrate that this will not occur. SA Photonics has significant expertise in quantifying eyestrain and visual discomfort due to HMD viewing conditions, expertise that won us and our USAF teammates the best paper in the human factors section at the I/ITSEC conference. BENEFIT: We believe the benefits of stereo symbology, if proven effective, are: Increased pilot situational awareness, with direction to target/friendly/wingman/base illustrated in 3 dimensions Reduced accidents due to missed warning symbology presented on the HMD Quicker and safer egress due to better"pathway in the sky"symbology Reduced disorientation in poor visibility