CRT replacement considerations for the next-generation head-up display

Michael Billings

doi:10.1117/12.397772

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28 August 2000 CRT replacement considerations for the next-generation head-up display

Michael Billings

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Proceedings Volume 4022, Cockpit Displays VII: Displays for Defense Applications; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.397772
Event: AeroSense 2000, 2000, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

The initial research request called for a Head-Up Display (HUD) that is smaller, lighter, cheaper, and more reliable HUD than currently designed. The study directives stated that advanced HUDs of classical functionality would require 0.5 cubic feet of volume, need a 28 VDC power supply, weigh 30 pounds, cost 85 K, and have a Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of over 2000 hours. Reliability enhancements will significantly reduce the overall cost of maintenance actions. The Cathode-Ray-Tubes (CRTs) create the most significant problem for reliability to the HUD. Finding a solution for CRT replacement will solve reliability and power issues. The HUD must operate in an open cockpit with indirect sunlight. The intensity of the HUD symbology on the HUD combiner must be set to a value of approximately 1800 fL to withstand this environment. To achieve this intensity on the combiners requires that the CRT screen brightness be in excess of 5,000 fL. Operation at these high intensities causes rapid deterioration of CRT screen phosphor; thereby shortening the half-life of the CRT. The primary goal of this project was to identify existing and developing technologies as candidates for replacement of the CRT acting as the projector in the HUD. Reliability of the new projector technologies is of prime importance. The selected new technology must also add performance and quality value to the HUD symbology presentation. CRTs have a number of benefits, for example brightness, resolution, and contrast ratio, that must be achieved by a replacement technology. Of these, the most difficult to replace is contrast ratio. Size and weight of the HUD are two other concerns of the customer. The size and weight issue have already been solved by Flight Visions, Inc (FVI). Thus, this study concentrated on CRT replacement.

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Michael Billings "CRT replacement considerations for the next-generation head-up display", Proc. SPIE 4022, Cockpit Displays VII: Displays for Defense Applications, (28 August 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.397772

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