In the past several years Kopin has demonstrated the ability to provide ultra-high brightness, low power display solutions
in VGA, SVGA, SXGA and 2k x 2k display formats. This paper will review various approaches for integrating high
brightness overlay displays with existing direct view rifle sights and augmenting their precision aiming and targeting
capability. Examples of overlay display systems solutions will be presented and discussed. This paper will review
significant capability enhancements that are possible when augmenting the real-world as seen through a rifle sight with
other soldier system equipment including laser range finders, ballistic computers and sensor systems.
The integration of overlay displays into rifle scopes can transform precision Direct View Optical (DVO) sights into
intelligent interactive fire-control systems. Overlay displays can provide ballistic solutions within the sight for
dramatically improved targeting, can fuse sensor video to extend targeting into nighttime or dirty battlefield conditions,
and can overlay complex situational awareness information over the real-world scene. High brightness overlay
solutions for dismounted soldier applications have previously been hindered by excessive power consumption, weight
and bulk making them unsuitable for man-portable, battery powered applications. This paper describes the
advancements and capabilities of a high brightness, ultra-low power text and graphics overlay display module developed
specifically for integration into DVO weapon sight applications. Central to the overlay display module was the
development of a new general purpose low power graphics controller and dual-path display driver electronics. The
graphics controller interface is a simple 2-wire RS-232 serial interface compatible with existing weapon systems such as
the IBEAM ballistic computer and the RULR and STORM laser rangefinders (LRF). The module features include
multiple graphics layers, user configurable fonts and icons, and parameterized vector rendering, making it suitable for
general purpose DVO overlay applications. The module is configured for graphics-only operation for daytime use and
overlays graphics with video for nighttime applications. The miniature footprint and ultra-low power consumption of the
module enables a new generation of intelligent DVO systems and has been implemented for resolutions from VGA to
SXGA, in monochrome and color, and in graphics applications with and without sensor video.
Kopin’s recently introduced low-power “Jewel Module” family of plug-and-play integrated AMLCD microdisplay
modules are fully-tested, off-the-shelf assemblies that can be easily integrated into customer products without the need
for an expensive application-specific development. The “Jewel Module” is the culmination of many years of technology
advancement that has reduced the size and power for all of the elements of the display system: microdisplay, LED
backlight, display driver ASIC, video FPGA, heater and display controller. This paper presents the performance
characteristics of both current and planned modules with display resolutions from 640x480 to 1280x1024 as well as
development roadmap. Applications of the “Ruby Module” with SVGA microdisplay are described with examples of its
integration into display system products.
The HMD (Helmet Mounted Display) visor is a sophisticated article. It is both the optical combiner for the display and
personal protective equipment for the pilot. The visor must have dimensional and optical tolerances commensurate with
precision optics; and mechanical properties sufficient for a ballistic shield. Optimized processes and tooling are
necessary in order to manufacture a functional visor. This paper describes the manufacturing development of the visor
for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) HMD. The analytical and experimental basis for the tool and manufacturing process
development are described; as well as the metrological and testing methods to verify the visor design and function.
The requirements for the F-35 JSF visor are a generation beyond those for the HMD visor which currently flies on the
F-15, F-16 and F/A-18. The need for greater precision is manifest in the requirements for the tooling and molding
process for the visor. The visor is injection-molded optical polycarbonate, selected for its combination of optical,
mechanical and environmental properties. Proper design and manufacture of the tool - the mold - is essential. Design
of the manufacturing tooling is an iterative process between visor design, mold design, mechanical modeling and
polymer-flow modeling. Iterative design and manufacture enable the mold designer to define a polymer shrinkage
factor more precise than derived from modeling or recommended by the resin supplier.
Conference Committee Involvement (2)
Display Technologies and Applications for Defense, Security, and Avionics IX
22 April 2015 | Baltimore, MD, United States
Display Technologies and Applications for Defense, Security, and Avionics VIII
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