Dual-Mode Variable-Collimation and Real-Image Display

There is an acute need for an immersive simulator display capable of delivering all necessary visual cues necessary for training rotary craft pilots. In order for a display system to meet the requirements of these applications, it must have the following characteristics: correct presentation of obstructions and flight hazards, cultural features, and vegetation, especially forested areas; map-of-the-earth terrain and feature rendering based from new Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, (ISR) stereo camera imagery; low-altitude weather effects; low-altitude Night Vision Goggle (NVG) presentation; chin window and cargo hatch viewing of low-altitude and landing zones with changes in depth perception that are correct with dynamic changes in own-aircraft altitude; and f) full correlation with the forward field-of-view (Out-the-Window/windshield) imagery; large enough FOV to accommodate multiple simultaneous users; and thin and light-weight design to fit within current simulators. The aim of this program is to prove the feasibility of a variable collimating display capable of meeting these requirements. The optical system is based on Holochip"s patented solid-state adaptive optics architecture that utilizes an arrangement of adaptive lenses (APLs). As a result, the display can comprise a compact, solid-state format, flexible in size, while generating images having an extremely large number of pixels (or voxels) with high density, digital addressability and autostereoscopic viewability over a wide field. The fast response of the adaptive lenses and low-f/# and wide aperture allows rapid z-axis scanning and a large FOV of the volumetric image. These and other advantages, enable a 3-D display that is uniquely suitable for a number of applications. Markets for such displays include applications in commercial and military simulators, workstation displays, large scale entertainment venues, medical imaging, industrial, CAD/CAE, scientific, computer graphics and consumer displays.