Phase I Selectees
Objective
The topic involves the development of available, daylight-readable off-the-visor display solutions for use in mixed reality head-mounted display systems. Through this solicitation, the Army aims to move on to an Army Applied Small Business Innovation Research Phase II contract, where businesses can design, produce, deliver and characterize the most optimal off-the-visor solutions for use in future Soldier Vision products.
This new see-through heads-up display component would enable the use of low-cost visor optics. It would also complete display systems by offering performance compatibility with the Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System requirements.
Additionally, the technology may provide increased display-image performance over current systems. This would allow Soldiers to comfortably view sensor and computer-generated information during long-duration missions, while maintaining full situational awareness and light security on the battlefield. An optimal product or solution would provide ergonomic benefits, including lower weight, an improved center of gravity and affordability consistent with wide-spread system fielding.
Description
MR is the ability to improve someone’s situational awareness without degrading their natural ability to witness and interact with their surroundings. Advances in reduced size, weight and power micro-displays (less than 1 inch diagonal), with low-profile off-the-visor see-through optics, can deliver up to 2000fL of daytime contrasting light to the user’s eye, which is essential during combat and training conditions.
The recent availability of man-portable power methods that run these electro-optics throughout an entire mission, coupled with these high transmission optics (>50%), will finally enable an overmatching MR capability for dismounted Soldiers. Selectees will need to have experience with image alignment to avoid eye fatigue and user discomfort in these future vision capabilities.
Phase I
Research and define three viable, see-through vision technology configurations.
Phase I will focus on developing three viable designs for an off-the-visor HUD solution. Under Phase I, the selectee will research and document the trade-space for off-the-visor HUDs to include various optical configurations and image sources. By the end of Phase I, the selectee will have defined three viable see-through HUD designs, documenting the benefits and deficiencies of each.
Phase II
Prototype the most ideal, see-through vision technology configurations.
During Phase II, the selectee will produce a single prototype off-the-visor HUD, based on a design developed in the Phase I effort. At a minimum, the HUD prototype will have the ability to display static imagery or video content to the wearer at a brightness suitable for daytime use. The prototype should support at least a 30-degree field of view. The prototype will also provide a minimally distorted view through the visor of the real world in front of the wearer to avoid impeding walking and other mobility tasks.
Phase III
Submission Information
References:
Phase I Selectees
Objective
The topic involves the development of available, daylight-readable off-the-visor display solutions for use in mixed reality head-mounted display systems. Through this solicitation, the Army aims to move on to an Army Applied Small Business Innovation Research Phase II contract, where businesses can design, produce, deliver and characterize the most optimal off-the-visor solutions for use in future Soldier Vision products.
This new see-through heads-up display component would enable the use of low-cost visor optics. It would also complete display systems by offering performance compatibility with the Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System requirements.
Additionally, the technology may provide increased display-image performance over current systems. This would allow Soldiers to comfortably view sensor and computer-generated information during long-duration missions, while maintaining full situational awareness and light security on the battlefield. An optimal product or solution would provide ergonomic benefits, including lower weight, an improved center of gravity and affordability consistent with wide-spread system fielding.
Description
MR is the ability to improve someone’s situational awareness without degrading their natural ability to witness and interact with their surroundings. Advances in reduced size, weight and power micro-displays (less than 1 inch diagonal), with low-profile off-the-visor see-through optics, can deliver up to 2000fL of daytime contrasting light to the user’s eye, which is essential during combat and training conditions.
The recent availability of man-portable power methods that run these electro-optics throughout an entire mission, coupled with these high transmission optics (>50%), will finally enable an overmatching MR capability for dismounted Soldiers. Selectees will need to have experience with image alignment to avoid eye fatigue and user discomfort in these future vision capabilities.
Phase I
Research and define three viable, see-through vision technology configurations.
Phase I will focus on developing three viable designs for an off-the-visor HUD solution. Under Phase I, the selectee will research and document the trade-space for off-the-visor HUDs to include various optical configurations and image sources. By the end of Phase I, the selectee will have defined three viable see-through HUD designs, documenting the benefits and deficiencies of each.
Phase II
Prototype the most ideal, see-through vision technology configurations.
During Phase II, the selectee will produce a single prototype off-the-visor HUD, based on a design developed in the Phase I effort. At a minimum, the HUD prototype will have the ability to display static imagery or video content to the wearer at a brightness suitable for daytime use. The prototype should support at least a 30-degree field of view. The prototype will also provide a minimally distorted view through the visor of the real world in front of the wearer to avoid impeding walking and other mobility tasks.
Phase III
Submission Information
References: