Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A14-038

Description

To address the Army need for dismounted soldier see-through display, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop the new Wireless Soldier Information Technology Enhanced Head Mounted Display (WiSITE-HMD) based on the use of a unique waveguide configuration and UWB based HD display interface compatibility. The see-through capability is made possible by a thin image routing waveguide with an extended exit pupil of >20 mm. The HD display can achieve LPD during night and maintain visibility during the day by using POCs custom high dynamic range solid-state lighting. The clip-in feature enables use of the HMD on either eye through a universal mount compatible with the ACH and ECH. The swivel-stow capability, along with compatible APEL eyewear, allow the simultaneous use of masks such as the JSPGM. The UWB link enables low-latency HD video data links for personal area transmission andprovides LPD, and encryption prevents friendly eavesdropping. In Phase I, POC plans to generate a detailed system design based on a comprehensive trade study with wireless HMD and common display video input, and to detail the anticipated SWaP, performance, and cost for the HMD. In Phase II, POC will develop and fabricate prototype systems at TRL-5 for Army evaluation.