During a demonstration day (Pentagon’s Lab Day) organized by the various research organizations of the US military, they showed off a new device called TAR (tactical augmented reality) headset that is being developed internally and is mostly based on commercial off the shelf (COTS) components. The device will combine several other devices including GPS and communication devices into one device that is worn on the helmet of the soldier and allows a step into science fiction movies and video games of the last decade.
US Army TAR headset enhances situational awareness
A similar device based on a monochrome display has been used by the US army since 2010, but now they are working on the full color version. As the press release from the US Army clearly spells out, the key to the development was the availability of a micro display with sufficient resolution to drive the device. They are not saying who is the supplier and what display technology is being used, they leave that to the imagination of the reader.
Mcrodisplay used in the US Army TAR headset
While the article speaks mostly about the head up display or augmented reality headset, we should be clear that this is only one part of the whole system. In addition there is a tablet-like device worn by the soldier and an imager included in the scope of the rifle. All these displays are communicating with each other, allowing them to enhance the situational awareness. This includes the ability to distinguish between friend and foe as well as seeing enemies that are not in the direct sight of the individual but are been seen by other groups.
To make this system work, the researchers had to fit the imager into a 1″ x 1″ (2.5 x 2.5 cm) eyepiece and be bright enough to be seen in bright daylight. This is the part where the display development became critical to the overall success of the device. The development started in 2008 and by 2010 they had a monochrome version ready for field use, but it took another seven years to get to the point of achieving the same image quality in full color. (NH)
Analyst Comment
Although the military didin’t say so, I think a reasonable bet would be on Kopin as a source of the device, as the firm has been a supplier to defence forces for a long time and has a 2K x 2K 1″ display. (Kopin’s New 2Kx2K OLED on Si Panel to Advance VR Image Quality). (BR)
