Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) Interface Design for Head-Up Display (HUD) Replacement

The ArchAngel HMD-HUD Assessment and Testbed is focused on exploring the feasibility of different concept-designs and symbology for HMD Interface Design for HUD Replacements by combining Subjective & Quantitative Analysis and Modeling & Simulation withRealistic, Distributed Mission Training-Type Test Scenarios & Evaluation models and processes. It's this comprehensive approach to nominating, assessing, selecting, and actually performing simulation-based testing of potential HMD-HUD candidates that setsthe ArchAngel Assessment and Testbed Approach apart from other, less comprehensive, approaches. As such, the ArchAngel approach will result in product-sets that include: actual HMD-HUD end-technologies, and a Testbed capable of supporting simulation-basedacquisition-processes for HMD-HUD candidates including integration with other aviation-related weapons and weapons systems.SDS will be apply its extensive work to date developing PC-based simulation-Testbeds to assist in selecting high-potential HMD-HUD candidates and performing simulation-based testing of those candidates early in Phase I. The ArchAngel HMD-HUD Testbed willleverage-off SDS Testbed components built for UAVs/UCAVs/Space Maneuver Vehicles/Manned Aircraft to investigate HMD-HUD symbology and techniques for transmitting information from the battlespace to the pilot. The Testbed also includes sophisticated GOTSComputer-Generated-Forces providing a realistic, simulated-combat environment, and selective component-fidelity needed to record parameters associated with determining HMD-HUD effectiveness verses current and projected HUDs.The ArchAngel HMD-HUD Assessment and Testbed Phase I is envisioned to result in multiple HMD-HUD feasibility concepts that will evolve into one or more prototype demonstrations during both Phase I & Phase II, and a Testbed capable of supportingsimulation-based acquisition-processes for HMD-HUD candidates including integration with other aviation-related information systems, weapons and weapons systems.Anticipated Benefits of replacing the aircraft's fixed HUD hardware with an ArchAngel HMD-based virtual HUD capability include, but are not limited to: 360 Augmented Reality Viewer---Enhanced Situational Awareness for Safety and Combat by providing a 360 degree virtual symbology (for example, designator boxes can even show the position of aircraft underneath ownship; and horizon line, overlay terrain,and altitude cues can aid the pilot in orientation). From a pilot performance standpoint, the use of the HMD as the sole transparent display media has the potential to provide a pilot/vehicle interface that is flexible, intuitive, and more capable comparedto current technology. These benefits go toward the enhancement of Air Force (and other services) mission effectiveness and aircrew survivability. BatteSpace InfoSphere Enhancement--AWACS / JSTARS and other friendly sensor and information sources can be displayed with common symbology. For example, an AWACS controller can designate a bandit as bandit #9 and the ArchAngel HMD-HUD would place a #9next to the designator box displayed, this would allow US warfighters to communicate sorting of targets more efficiently. Lead could tell his wingman to shoot #9 without any confusion. Other examples are