Amalgamated Vision NASA SBIR Phase I

Amalgamated Vision (AV) is an engineering company designing optics for head mounted display (HMD). AV’s optical engine is intended to be an OEM component that is vendor and content agnostic. It can be integrated into the electromechanics of any HMD for a user experience that avoids the common visual and physical impairments associated with current HMD systems. Based on laser beam scanning, virtual retinal display, and a patented diffuser/pancake lens design, our system provides superior image quality and ergonomics in an incredibly small, lightweight, non-obstructive form factor with high-resolution, extreme brightness, a large exit pupil, and deep color saturation with minimal color aberration. Images are projected directly onto the retina using a pupil relay system - there is no waveguide or combiner screen. No eye tracking is necessary. Superior performance is due to 1:1 on axis, symmetric optics that are predominantly reflective, with geometry that corresponds exactly to the MEMS laser scanner output. There is no 2D unfolding or field distortion. Light output maintains a 2000 nit, class 1 laser status visible in outdoor sunlight. Laser safety interlocks are present. Small size and ultra near to eye position (<16mm) allows for monocular true augmented reality or binocular “look down” reference display, depending on user needs and complexity of data presented. All versions are non-obstructive to the normal visual field, allowing for 100% situational awareness. Field of view depends on the module size - currently either 43°x25° or 24°x13.5°. Resolution is 1920 x1440 “pixels” in the larger module with a volume <.03cc; the smaller module is less than half this size. Key components can be plastic, and weight of the larger module is <20 grams; the smaller module 9 grams. IP is patent protected. Our 2020 NASA iTech award-winning technology is based on widely available components from mature industries and is ready for rapid development, fabrication, and utilization.

AV’s optical engine, integrated into hands-free wearable displays, will be a critical component of informatics dependent medical care for crew members without immediate access to healthcare professionals during long-duration missions. AV technology is directly applicable to NASA’s LunaNet program which will create an information network in space and is in line with the NASA Human Health and Performance Directorate initiatives for AR enhanced procedural & technical guidance, training and fitness while limiting physical and cognitive impairment.

AV optics inside an ergonomically correct non-obstructive, hands free, wearable device providing high image quality for simple or complex data transforms the concept of HMDs. Potential applications are broad: military combat and non-combat missions, industry maintenance & repair, warehouse & supply logistics; healthcare; disaster response; real-time navigation; consumer electronics.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.