Night Vision Simulation with Programmable Real-Time Shaders

To address the Navy's need for Night Vision Goggle (NVG) instruction and training system, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Nightvision Operation Computer Training Under Realistic Naval Environments (NOCTURNE) system. This proposed technology is based on the use of programmable shaders within modern graphical processing units to generate simulated night vision imagery for training and mission rehearsal. The system will offer a compact, flexible, and inexpensive means of simulating the unique aspects of night vision operation, particularly illusions: maritime and metrological effects in conjunction with an interface for the real-time operation of head-mounted displays (HMD) equipped with motion tracking sensors. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the NOCTURNE system by demonstrating rendering of selected test terrain via the use of commercially available GPU cards. In Phase II, POC plans to develop an easily integrated modeling and rendering system capable of independently training personnel, as well as providing imagery for general purpose simulation systems.