Inexpensive Head-tracked Display with Novel Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal Image Source

The miniaturization of high-resolution displays for head and helmet mounting is a problem that will be difficult to solve by extension of conventional display technologies. We propose here a solution that uses a novel active-matrix LCD image source wherein a reflective, conventionally processed silicon integrated circuit replaces the usual transmissive, thin-film transistor array, and wherein fast-switching ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLCs) replace the usual slower nematic liquid crystals. These image sources can be made at very low cost, while overcoming fundamental resolution, size, and cost limitations of more orthodox technologies. In addition to the image source, a complete head-mounted display (HMD) system requires viewing optics and a head tracker. We propose here to develop an innovative one-piece wide-field viewing optical system suited for implementation with low-cost plastic components. We also propose here to develop a low-cost optical head-tracking sensor system with low angular noise, and to investigate a head movement prediction algorithm. Prototypes of both optics and sensing systems will be built and tested during Phase I.