Immersive, ASA(ALT), Phase I
Off-the-Visor Heads-Up Display
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
- The primary commercial, dual-use potential pertains to the workforce and automotive industries, providing hands-free critical information within complex environments.
- Commercial HUD applications for see-through optics have daylight contrast requirements that necessitate high display brightness.
- Potential dual-use market applications for heads-up displays include:
- Manufacturing workers using HUDs to receive instructions, visualize assembly processes or monitor equipment status.
- Automotive applications in both vehicles and motorcycle helmets.
- Environmental monitoring in hazardous sites (e.g., mining and construction).
- Healthcare applications, such as vital sign monitoring in the operating room.
- Immersive entertainment, including gaming and media consumption.
Submission Information
- All eligible businesses must submit proposals by 12 PM EST.
- To view full solicitation details, click here.
- For more information, and to submit your full proposal package, visit the DSIP Portal.
- Applied SBIR Help Desk: usarmy.pentagon.hqda-asa-alt.mbx.army-applied-sbir-program@army.mil
References:
- Mixed Reality; Head Mounted Display; Integrated Visual Augmentation System ; Low-cost visor optics; off-the-visor; sensors; micro-displays.
- Hamer, et. al., “High-performance OLED microdisplays made with multi-stack OLED formulations on CMOS backplanes”, SPIE Proceedings Volume 11473, Organic and Hybrid Light Emitting Materials and Devices XXIV; 114730F (2020), https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2569848 2. Vogel, et. al., “”OLED micro displays in near-to-eye applications: challenges and solutions””, SPIE Proceedings Volume 10335, Digital Optical Technologies 2017; 1033503 (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2270224
- Vogel, et. al., “”OLED microdisplays in near-to-eye applications: challenges and solutions””, SPIE Proceedings Volume 10335, Digital Optical Technologies 2017; 1033503 (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2270224
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
- The primary commercial, dual-use potential pertains to the workforce and automotive industries, providing hands-free critical information within complex environments.
- Commercial HUD applications for see-through optics have daylight contrast requirements that necessitate high display brightness.
- Potential dual-use market applications for heads-up displays include:
- Manufacturing workers using HUDs to receive instructions, visualize assembly processes or monitor equipment status.
- Automotive applications in both vehicles and motorcycle helmets.
- Environmental monitoring in hazardous sites (e.g., mining and construction).
- Healthcare applications, such as vital sign monitoring in the operating room.
- Immersive entertainment, including gaming and media consumption.
Submission Information
- All eligible businesses must submit proposals by 12 PM EST.
- To view full solicitation details, click here.
- For more information, and to submit your full proposal package, visit the DSIP Portal.
- Applied SBIR Help Desk: usarmy.pentagon.hqda-asa-alt.mbx.army-applied-sbir-program@army.mil
References:
- Mixed Reality; Head Mounted Display; Integrated Visual Augmentation System ; Low-cost visor optics; off-the-visor; sensors; micro-displays.
- Hamer, et. al., “High-performance OLED microdisplays made with multi-stack OLED formulations on CMOS backplanes”, SPIE Proceedings Volume 11473, Organic and Hybrid Light Emitting Materials and Devices XXIV; 114730F (2020), https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2569848 2. Vogel, et. al., “”OLED micro displays in near-to-eye applications: challenges and solutions””, SPIE Proceedings Volume 10335, Digital Optical Technologies 2017; 1033503 (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2270224
- Vogel, et. al., “”OLED microdisplays in near-to-eye applications: challenges and solutions””, SPIE Proceedings Volume 10335, Digital Optical Technologies 2017; 1033503 (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2270224