Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: SOCOM15-002

Description

To address the SOCOM need for developing intuitive, configurable easy-to-use Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) for use by Naval Special Warfare surface combatant craft tactical computer operators, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Integrated Head and Eye Tracker (IHET) system. This proposed IHET solution is based on innovative integration of video-based tracking of the head position and eye gaze along with accelerometer signal to provide stabilized control of the computer cursor. Novel filtering and sensor fusion software will help mitigate disturbances due to severe platform movements and provide intuitive, convenient computer control interface. In Phase I, leveraging our prior development experience, POC will conduct comprehensive feasibility study of the available technologies, and define the architecture and major components of the IHET system. Phase I effort will culminate in a proof-of-concept demonstration of the IHET system, allowing evaluation of its main aspects. In Phase II, POC will optimize the proposed system, focusing on the development of a fully functional breadboard prototype of the IHET system. POC will document the Application Programming Interface (API) of the proposed system and provide guidelines for accessing the feasibility and usability of the IHET software package.