Head-Up Display for Mariners

This proposed NOAA SBIR Project will demonstrate the feasibility of a low-cost Head-Up Display (HUD) for mariners, that will display 2 and 3-dimensional navigation and nautical chart data. The capabilities of the Phase 1 HUD system will be based on operational requirements determined during the NOAA SBIR research phase. The proposed HUD requirements of other classes of ships and marine craft will be investigated in Phase 2. The proposed HUD and data extraction system will permit operations during inclement/limited visibility conditions, day, or night that would normally limit or curtail operations. The proposed Low-Cost HUD (LCHUD) technology is based on the use of HUD technology that is used in several high-performance and luxury automobiles and in military vehicles. Leveraging such existing technology is critical to developing a low-cost HUD system that has significant commercialization potential. The Phase 1 LCHUD system will be capable of displaying 2-D images extracted from existing raster and vector nautical chart databases and situational data from navigation sensors. The proposed Phase 2 LCHUD system will project 3-D images that will be conformal to the real world and provide valuable information for navigation and collision avoidance.