Color symbology in helmet mounted visors and heads up displays

ABSTRACT: Color coding of symbology can improve operator performance and reduce workload by reducing display clutter and aiding visual search. Color coding stores indicators (fuel, weapons, chaff/flares) allows pilots to know status with a quick glance, without having to read the total number of units. SA Photonics proposes researching color sets that are resistant to being washed out by the color of the out the window (OTW) environment, be it a blue sky, desert scenery or setting sun. When the display is viewed against imager from a night vision goggle, the displayed color symbology must not be excessively skewed by the green of the night vision goggle. This color set must not conflict with cultural stereotypes, military displays, and especially other cockpit displays. The SA Photonics team will leverage its more than 25 years in research into color desaturation by high ambient environments and night vision goggles. We will demonstrate our color sets on a monitor, an HMD and a HUD with varying backgrounds and survey observers for subjective comments on the color set performance, setting the stage for a formal experiment in a Phase II effort. BENEFIT: The benefits of a color set that does not wash out due to exposure to high ambient environments or NVG imagery are: Increased performance and situational awareness due to preservation of color cues Uniform visibility across multiple backgrounds including blue skies and oceans, red sunsets, brown desert scenery and green vegetation