Soldier Enhanced Augmented Reality (SEAR)

Warfighters have a great need for more information than can be seen by the naked eye. This can include, for example, environmental, local, and target information, and information alerts. This is accomplished through augmented reality (AR). In addition, there are many training exercises, repair techniques, and assembly methods that can use mixed reality (MR), a version of AR that adds a virtual background scene. The current solution is the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS), which is based on the Microsoft Hololens AR system. The Hololens is relatively heavy and is strapped around the head. The Army is looking to augment the IVAS with a new, off-the-visor head-up display (HUD). To meet this Army need, Holoptic, LLC, proposes to develop a new Soldier Enhanced Augmented Reality (SEAR) system. This will be based on our extensive experience in AR, VR, and MR, including an AR data overlay system for Army rifle scopes, a variety of automotive HUDs, and a commercial image combiner for smart glasses. During Phase I, we will use our expertise in this area to analyze a variety of potential near-to-eye (NTE) AR and MR systems; we have tentatively determined three technologies as those with the most potential, and anticipate fabricating a laboratory prototype using each technology to demonstrate their capabilities and develop a full trade space for future selection and development. We will end Phase I with our recommendations for the optimum technology for the SEAR, at technology readiness level 3. During Phase II, we will develop our selected technology into a complete, usable NTE system, and begin fabrication of the SEAR for delivery to the Army (TRL 6-7). We expect the final SEAR solution to be easy to use even under bright daylight conditions (luminance ?3000 cd/m2), be light enough to combine with safety goggles that can be used behind a visor, have sufficient resolution that any information or images displayed are clear, and demonstrate a transparency to the background image of >90%.