Development of Low-Cost Augmented Reality Head Mounted Display

There is ample evidence that training infantry in a realistic environment is beneficial; however there is not an easy transition path due to the complexities of interfacing with a mobile soldier. Although there are many challenges, the most difficult ones to overcome are that an augmented reality system for a soldier must be untethered, lightweight, low-cost, have easy to see color imagery even in high ambient light, and have minimal peripheral obscurations. SA Photonics has designed a low-cost augmented reality system for use in infantry training. This system has the following advantages: • Innovative moldable, low-cost, high performance optics • Viewability in high ambient lighting via a novel light control system, a high brightness display and an efficient eyepiece design • Battery operated, with just a few standard batteries • “Frameless” design for minimal peripheral obscuration, so the Marine feels more immersed in the training environment • Automatic vergence control so that, if desired, the vergence of the display can be adjusted automatically as the Marine directs their attention to different locations within the training environment