Dichoptic Vision System (DiVS)

The unlimited field of regard of head mounted displays (HMDs) provide military users significant advantages in situational awareness. Because of the limited resolution of the HMD display source, HMD designers are often faced with the “resolution/field of view invariant”, which says that an HMD can either have a wide field of view or a high resolution, but not both. One of the most promising ways to address this invariant is via the use of dichoptic imaging. Although the concept of dichoptic imaging is not new, there has not been a definitive study done that quantifies the advantages (and perhaps disadvantages) of dichoptic imaging for use in aircraft and soldier environments. SA Photonics has partnered with Rockwell Collins Optronics to investigate using dichoptic imaging to break the resolution/field of view invariant. We will do this in Phase I by using a benchtop dichoptic display system and a series of demonstrations and in Phase II with a prototype dichoptic HMD. For reference purposes, we will also use a baseline configuration where both eyes view the same high resolution, but NFOV image. If a dichoptic imaging system is proven to increase situational awareness, we will design a fieldable dichoptic HMD in Phase III. BENEFIT: The benefits of this project will be that we will collect evidence to either help prove or disprove the dichoptic hypothesis. If proven, it will open the doors to HMD designs that will significantly increase operator situational awareness. In addition, we will use this research to understand which parameters (resolution, brightness, etc.) might be adjusted to maximize user comfort and performance. If our research cast doubts on the validity of the dichoptic hypothesis, it will help ensure that research time and money are not spent unnecessarily on developing dichoptic HMDs.