Curved Waveguide Visor Display (CWVD)

ABSTRACT: Advancements in waveguide optics technology offer the chance to drastically improve upon currently deployed head mounted displays. In addition to size, weight, and power shortcomings, current systems also fail to provide the high acuity and fields-of-view that are desired by today"s war fighters as well as commercial users. When laser eye protection is incorporated into classical optics HMD designs even more mass is added thereby compounding the problem. To solve these problems a novel approach is needed based on advanced optical design techniques. HOLOEYE Systems, Inc. (HSI) and our partners have extensive experience with waveguide optics and HMDs, having designed and manufactured both monocular and binocular planar waveguide HMDs. HSI will design a binocular, wide FOV, high resolution holographic waveguide whose specifications will exceed that which is currently available with micro-CRT and classical optics. Additionally, HSI"s cutting edge LCOS microdisplays are ideal for designing a high brightness and high resolution projection engine. This will result in an HMD design addressing each of the shortcomings of the current systems. Additionally, we will address the challenges of curved waveguide structures and their manufacturability, while also looking at pathways to color. BENEFIT: Increased pilot situational awareness in both military and commercial aerospace, including enhanced simulator environments. Augmented reality applications for dismounted soldiers, as well as in commercial and consumer markets.