Internal Periscope Displays for Embedded Training

Proper training is essential for military forces around the world for teaching basic skills to new personnel and sustaining demanding skills that can degrade without practice. One of the training techniques that are being heavily investigated is embeddedtraining. In embedded training, computer-based simulation and control systems are installed within operational vehicles prior to a training session. In armored vehicles, such as the M1 tank or the AAAV, it is desirable for the computer-based simulation tobe located inside the periscope so that operators look at the same location for the real-world view and the simulated view. LSA proposes to develop a visual display system that can be permanently built into the periscopes on the AAAV to provide embeddedtraining capabilities over multiple periscopic view ports. The system can be toggled to either present the real out the window (OTW) view or a simulated immersive computer-generated training image through the periscope. On this project, we willconcentrate on developing the hardware for distributing video to multiple periscopic view ports and the switchable video display technique within a periscope. As a culmination of the project, we plan on demonstrating the system by integrating thesubsystems into a self-contained feasibility demonstrator. This proposal specifically aims to outfit the AAAV with ruggedized periscope displays as part of the embedded training system, but the technologies presented here can be applied to other vehiclesas well. Military applications will include integration of high resolution displays into other armored vehicles and periscopes for embedded training and wartime use. The techniques developed in this program can be modified for other situations where itwould be beneficial to have a simulated, remotely acquired or overlaid image. The micro display is an alternative rugged information display that allows a virtual large screen and high resolution in a confined space while using little power. Commercialapplications include head-mounted displays for video gaming, maintenance technicians, and other equipment for service and manufacturing users that need to be able to switch between fields of view.