Augmented Reality Gaze-Under-control Super-resolution Head Mounted Display Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Topic No.: N091-003 Topic Title: Augmented Reality Gaze-Under-control Super-resolution Head Mounted Display Proposal No.: N091-003-0238 Firm: Physical Optics Corporation Photonic Systems Division 20600 Gramercy Place, Bldg. 100 Torrance, California 90501 Contact: Alexander Naumov Phone: (310) 320-3088 Web Site: www.poc.com Abstract: To address the USMC need for a dynamic foveal vision display, which increases situational awareness of dismounted Marines, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Augmented Reality Gaze-Under-control Super-resolution Head-Mounted Display (ARGUS HMD). The ARGUS-HMD is based on optical-electronic-software implementation of foveal vision that creates an illusion of a panoramic high-resolution image on a see-through display from data stored in a PDA. This unique performance is achieved due to innovative system design and optimized image rasterization software integrated with eye-safe eye trackers. The image with a high resolution raster is rendered within the foveal area and with gradually lower resolution in the peripheral area. The rasterized image is projected onto a see-through ballistic-impact face shield that allows the Marine to see augmented high-resolution data such as detailed 3D maps, floor plans, or instruction text while looking through this image to a real ambient scene. In Phase I POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the ARGUS-HMD system and identify potential advantages and limitations of the proposed approach. In Phase II POC plans to develop a fully operating prototype implemented on a real HMD, which will be ready for testing by Marines in a field environment. Benefits: The proposed ARGUS-HMD, when fully developed, will substantially increase situational awareness of a dismounted Marine by providing the capability to simultaneously observe panoramic and high-resolution visual information, which can be stored in a low-performance and inexpensive PDA. These advantageous features make the ARGUS system beneficial for troops in various military branches, including the Marines, Army, and SOCOM. It will be also commercially attractive to law enforcement officers, and to the simulation, video game, and virtual reality industries. Return