Mechanically Activated Insignia Data Display

To address the Army need for a novel interactive insignia for combat uniforms, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a novel Mechanically Activated Insignia Data Display (MAIDD) technology. MAIDD is based on low-cost, low-risk, mature mass production techniques--injection molding, lamination, and stencil printing. The MAIDD will not only display simple characters and symbols that can be mechanically activated/deactivated in the field by a soldier, but will also blend in with the camouflage pattern of the uniform when disabled. The MAIDD can be secured directly to the fabric of a uniform by rivets common to the garment industry, and is protected against combat environments and contaminants. The operation of the MAIDD system is controlled by a mechanical membrane switch, integrated into the patch. In Phase I POC will demonstrate prototype MAIDD materials for several types of insignia. In Phase II we plan to mature MAIDD technology to TRL-6 by optimizing the material and the fabrication process