Off the Visor Heads Up Display (HUD)

This project seeks to expand the boundaries of what can be achieved in AR HMD display systems which utilize a visor as the final combining element in the optical system. We will examine three unique off-the-visor (OTV) optical forms utilizing various image sources and optical approaches. We will lift the constraints of conventional HUD designs through the incorporation of freeform optics, curved display image planes and image plane sizes exceeding 1ö diagonal. Design forms will be developed to comply with the SBIR requirements (Threshold) and our understanding of the IVAS imaging system requirements (Objective). We will incorporate high-brightness (HB) OLED microdisplays with image sources of 1.0ö diagonal as well as emerging medium format (MF) displays with image plane sizes ranging from 1öto 5ö. We believe that each of these HB OLED displays will exceed the IVAS OTV HUD brightness requirements. The SBIR lists basic HUD performance goals (Threshold) of FOV (30 degree), see-through transmission (>50%), and brightness to the eye (2,000fL). Of paramount importance are the requirements for end-use in the IVAS system which we propose to address in two main categories: IVAS Imaging System Requirements and Human Factors & Human Visual System Compatibility. We propose to enlist Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from both the IVAS PM office and C5ISRÆs RTI Directorate to assist in establishing and prioritizing parameters in each of these areas. At completion of the project each optical form will be evaluated and scored based on the perceived risk associated with achieving the threshold and objective (IVAS System) targets for each established parameter.