EMBEDDED TRAINING DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY FOR THE ARMY'S FUTURE COMBAT VEHICLES

Abstract : This paper describes an innovative solution for a low cost, compact, lightweight (i.e. <500g), see-through, deployable head-mounted projection display (HMPD) system for embedded training simulation of out-the window (OTW) scenes for Future Combat System ground vehicles. A unique capability is that virtual images are visible only when the user is looking at strategically located screens that simulate windows in the real environment. The display is inherently see-through with the physical surroundings visible through the display optics. This provides users with unencumbered access to the vehicle's controls while viewing the simulated OTW scene. In this paper we shall detail the underlying principle of the display, its optical design and assessment, and show an early integration of the optics in a HMPD prototype for demonstration.