The Virtual Retinal Display as New and Innovative Display Technology for Presenting Visual Imagery and Symbology to Helicopter Pilots

The Virtual Retinal Display (VRD) is innovative display technology with the performance characteristics (high resolution, high brightness, high contrast) needed for the presentation of visual imagery and symbology to helicopter pilots. The VRD is fundamentally different from previous display technologies It offers significant advantages over competing, flat panel display technologies. Under Phase I of this SBIR, Microvision will accomplish five objectives: (1) design a helmet-mounted display using the VRD as a display engine, (2) describe an innovative way to provide timely, full-color information to a pilot, (3) conduct a technology review, (4) develop a technology roadmap, and (5) develop a commercialization roadmap. BENEFITS: The research proposed for Phase I will immediately support the Army's need for a new and innovative display technology to present visual imagery to helicopter pilots. In the long term, refinements in VRD technology derived from this work will serve a range of diverse applications in the military and commercial sectors including telemaintenance, telemedicine, and applications in various types of head and helmet-mounted display systems.