Torrance, CA--Advanced technology systems integrator Physical Optics Corporation (POC) recently obtained a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award for Phase II of the Helmet Embedded Conformal Augmented Display (HECAD) system. In collaboration with the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA), the award will provide two-year funding for continued work on an embedded ‘heads-up’ display to increase personal situation awareness for emergency responders.
The HECAD system is based on a modular design that integrates miniature commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) micro displays, and includes the company's see-through, low-profile waveguide optics and lightweight, wearable, processing electronics and sensors. The next development segment builds on Phase I, during which the company provided tangible and practical see-through display results, including longwave-infrared (LWIR) sensor data in real time for demonstrating augmented reality capability. The company also developed the appropriate support electronics, software, and end-user-driven symbology by working closely with end users and equipment manufacturers. Phase I also included designing lightweight and compact mechanical packaging, resulting in the advanced mockup and the first in-mask, active-matrix display with full-motion video.
In Phase II, the company will continue development of HECAD prototypes to enable advanced situation awareness by selectively displaying potentially life-saving information and real-time video from imaging sensors. The real-time data from LWIR cameras and sensors will be shown on a see-through, heads-up display that will not occlude the user’s visual field-of-view. Testing and evaluating performance in realistic field environments to determine functionality, cost, and ease of use will also be addressed. Throughout Phase II, the company will continue to work closely with local emergency responders and commercial equipment manufacturers to create the next-gen helmet.
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