Advanced Helmet Systems Umbilical Interface

The U S N currently has a need for a flexible, high bandwidth umbilical (Helmet Vehicle Interface, HVI) for helmet-mounted display and cueing systems. These systems are capable of being used for an ever increasing number of cockpit applications such ashigh definition displays, high resolution vision sensors, head/eye tracking systems, physiological monitoring technologies, and mission related requirements. As sensor and display capabilities are improved, the number of electrical signals needed totranscieve information increases, the density of the HVI assembly grows, resulting in an increase in cable diameter, stiffness and weight. This in turn affects the pilot's head movement and fatigue.We propose to convert most of the signal lines within the cable from conventional copper wire cables and electrical contacts to optical fiber and shuttered termini. The signal traffic may then be multiplexed in order to minimize the number of FOconductors. The HVI will contain the entire signal conditioning electronics needed to convert and multiplex the signals received by it, making it possible to retrofit some existing systems. HMD and HMC systems have become the accepted method of cueing-advanced weapons systems. Key to their successful operation is a reliable and affordable HVI that can support the ever-increasing number and type of complex sensor and display elements.There are emerging Media schemes that will require the use of large scale theater applications of individual display and head/body tracking technologies. One key to the successful implementation of these media presentations schemes is a reliable,unobtrusive means of communicating the entertainment or other media to the individual viewer. This technology can be a means of fulfilling this niche. Additionally, the displays and trackers that are being developed for the HMD/HRC applications willrequire greater bandwidth than that currently available in flying systems. Here again this research has the potential to provide in excess of the needs of today so that the future systems may be accommodated.Additionally we have had the opportunity to keep pace with the HVI needs of new display and tracker developments and we will be able to include their unique requirements in our design considerations. The Microvision direct imaging system will require thecapabilities of the Advanced Umbilical in order for it to be flown safely in US Aircraft. This display needs visible light fibers in addition to the data traffic for a head tracker and camera.At a minimum, the advanced umbilical research will result in wider bandwidth, an affordable F.O. shutter, lighter weight and greater flexibility in an HVI capable of supporting today's and tomorrows HMD needs for power and signals