Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF151-018

Description

ABSTRACT:To address the Air Force need for a clip-on helmet-mounted digital panoramic night vision goggle (NVG) having cueing functionality, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Multi-Aperture Tiled In-line Sensor Digital Panoramic Night Vision Goggle (MATIS-DPNVG). The proposed NVG is based on a unique integration of POCs four key technologies: multi-spectral multi-aperture sensor based on compact reflective optics, multi-micro displays with extended dynamic-range light engine, optical tiling waveguide image router optics, and parallel pipe-line electronic processor. The innovation of the MATIS-DPNVG system integration will provide low size, weight and power (SWaP), wide FOV (120 deg(H) 50 deg(V)), and high dynamic range imagery over day and night conditions. By providing a 1:1 sensor/display imagery in real time in a common line-of-sight, the device will provide cueing capability and symbology overlay of on-board sensors and data. In Phase I, POC will develop the design of MATIS-DPNVG with acceptable mass properties that integrates cueing and day/night vision, with fusion of on/off helmet data and video inputs, and demonstrate the design through a laboratory breadboard system. In Phase II, POC will fabricate, test against current analog in-line NVG, demonstrate, and deliver a MATIS-DPNVG prototype to the Air Force.BENEFIT:The proposed MATIS-DPNVG system will have revolutionary new capability of night, all-conditions day/night viewability, with an extremely light and low-profile clip-on HMD, that will replace the current I^2T-based military standard night vision goggles (NVGs). By providing these new capability the MATIS-DPNVG can help give U.S. military forces a renewed advantage and capabilities including panoramic wide field-of-view, on/off helmet data and video input fusion, image recording, processing and communication to/from helmet system. It also can become an integral component in commercial and security surveillance systems where wearable night vision technologies are currently used, including civilian law enforcement, commercial vehicle operator, first responders, forest and urban firefighters, border patrol, and security personnel.