Display for Embedded, Deployable Training Systems

NVIS is proposing to develop a prototype of a new display concept for out-the-window simulation. This system utilizes projection optics in a head-mounted configuration, referred to as a Head-Mounted Projective Display, or HMPD. The HMPD is a lightweightdisplay that projects images onto a thin retro-reflective screen that can be placed virtually anywhere in the surrounding environment. Images are reflected back towards the user, independent of the viewing angle between the screen and the user.Unlike most head-mounted displays, the HMPD is inherently see-through, with the augmented images only appearing where the retro-reflective screen is present, such as on a physical window or opening. This provides the user with the correct cutoff betweenthe real environment and the OTW scene. All other areas of the physical environment will be visible through the display optics. This will allow users to operate the vehicle controls that would be instrumented to the deployed image generator.NVIS will develop the HMPD to attach to standard military flight gear using off-the-shelf hardware, similar to a night vision goggle attachment. The retro-reflective screen can be placed virtually anywhere in the environment, allowing the HMPD concept tobe adapted easily for both ground and air vehicles.The head-mounted projective display (HMPD) is a generalized display concept that will have far-reaching benefits for military and commercial applications. In the most general sense, the technology provides free and arbitrary placement of