Active Index Matching for Micro-optics (AIMM)

Current near-eye display technology has deficiencies that makes it difficult to utilize during military missions, either due to being overly obtrusive or unable to survive the full range of environments experienced on those missions. Recent advancements in microdisplay and liquid crystal technology provide an opportunity to develop a transparent near-eye display capability that minimizes the impact on the user’s natural view of the world. nVision Technology and NewSight Reality (NSR) are presently collaborating to develop prototypes that utilize NSR’s Transparent Optical Management Module (TOMM) capability with 6 microdisplays to present fire control information directly in the field of view of a  rifle scope. This system allows a user to range to targets using his laser rangefinder and view his firing solution without moving his eye from the scope. However, there is a slight but noticeable influence on the view downrange. NSR has previously worked with Kent State University (KSU) to explore ways to minimize that impact through active control of the optical elements used to image the display presented by the TOMM. nVision, NSR and KSU are teaming together to continue this investigation and develop an Active Index Matching for Micro-Optics (AIMM) approach that can be applied to the rifle scope-mount prototypes and other TOMM-based systems to enhance the performance with minimal change to the rest of the system.