Power Efficient Digital Binocular Night Vision Imaging System (PEDBNVIS)

Recent advancements in digital night vision technology mean the opportunity now exists to replace the two currently separate pilot helmet visual systems—one for night, another for day—with one, hybrid system leveraging emerging technologies including metaoptics, advanced vacuum electronics-based infrared II designs and materials, power efficient algorithms and processors optimized for human foveal visual perception (e.g neuromorphic, neural-net optimized pipeline), and complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) digital visual-band sensors and microdisplays. These advancements in the imaging technology will allow for development of a lightweight, minimal form factor head mounted display for aviators and ground special operators that can incorporate digital augmented reality overlays to greatly aid in user situational awareness. Merge Plot and Vision Products have teamed up to create a Power Efficient Digital Binocular Night Vision Imaging System, or PEDBNVIS, which will meet or exceed current analog night vision performance while also offering the potential ability to incorporate contrast and other image enhancements, edge detection, symbology and imagery overlay, artificial intelligence driven enhancement and offboarding of images. PEDBNVIS consists of a high resolution low light level camera and a SWIR sensor, along with high resolution displays, and low-power electronics. The device’s power, mass properties, and volume will be minimized sufficiently to achieve end-user acceptance and will be comfortable for wearing under combat conditions for hours and be usable as a vision aid during night (including overcast starlight), day, and all-weather operations.