Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Homeland Security SBIR Phase II: To address the HSARPA need for a next generation helmet with an embedded heads up display

Description

To address the HSARPA need for a next generation helmet with an embedded heads up display for personal situation awareness for emergency responders, Physical Optics Corporation, POC, proposes to continue the development of the Helmet Embedded Conformal Augmented Display, HECAD, system. The HECAD system is based on a modular design that integrates miniature commercial off the shelf microdisplays, our see through low profile waveguide optics, and lightweight, wearable, processing electronics and sensors. The successful Phase I investigation provides tangible and practical see through display results that included LWIR sensor data in real time for demonstrating augmented reality capability while consuming very low power. In accomplishing this feat, POC also developed the appropriate support electronics and software including end user driven symbology as well as lightweight and compact mechanical packaging, resulting in an advanced mockup and the first in mask active matrix display with full motion video. In the proposed Phase II, POC plans to develop HECAD prototypes, which will ultimately provide advanced situation awareness by selectively displaying potentially life saving information and real time video from imaging sensors such as LWIR cameras on a see through display that does not occlude the users visual field of view. Throughout the Phase II effort POC will continue our relationship with the end users and equipment manufacturers.