Wearable Retinal Display Micro-Projector for Visually Assisted Autonomous Operations

NASA and Military programs utilizing see-through augmented reality head mounted display have failed to meet their human performance objectives, due to their inherent waveguide and combiner optics. This raises caution for use of see-through HMD to assist astronauts and mission specialists in autonomous medical care. Placing digital content on a screen between the user and their environment results in poor user experience on earth, in the atmosphere or in space. The image is difficult to see due to poor resolution and contrast. The environment is obscured by the waveguide and content, and the data is distracting, ultimately increasing cognitive burden. See-through devices have poor ergonomics, resulting in physical impairment. Amalgamated Visions patented optical design is entirely different than current commercial products. The technology is founded on unique engineering and optical principles that deliver the features and performance required to satisfy NASA SBIR Phase I II H12.05 and are aligned with the objectives of the NASA Human Health and Performance and Exploratory Medical Capabilities group. AV display is based on laser beam scanning and is a virtual retinal display. The image is projected directly on to the retina there is no screen. The display is extremely small, lightweight (approximately 25 grams on the face and 85 grams overall) and does not obstruct the users normal line of sight. Image quality is excellent and bright enough for direct sunlight use. AV technology provides critical just in time information while allowing the user an unobstructed view of their environment and the task at hand. Critical design phases have been completed and we are ready now to build a minimum viable product prototype. NASA and Military programs utilizing see-through augmented reality head-mounted displays have failed to meet their human performance objectives due to waveguide/combiner optics. This raises caution for the use of see-through HMD to assist astronauts and mission specialists in autonomous medical care.  Digital content on a screen between the user and their environment results in poor user experience.  The image is difficult to see, the environment is obscured, and the distracting data increases cognitive burden.  These devices have poor ergonomics, resulting in physical impairment.  Amalgamated Vision technology is founded on unique engineering and optical principles that deliver features and performance required by NASA and are aligned with the objectives of the NASA Human Health and Performance and Exploratory Medical Capabilities group.  The AV display is extremely small and lightweight.  The image is projected directly onto the retina-there is no screen. AV technology provides critical “just in time” information, providing an unobstructed view of the environment and task at hand. This NASA Phase II effort is aimed at leveraging the investment made by the USAF by conducting a program to further develop AV's technology into a minimum viable product that demonstrates the capabilities of our unique display and meets the needs of the NASA Exploratory Medical Capabilities group.  Advancing past a rudimentary prototype will ensure a successful transition to a usable commercial product for NASA end-users.  This program is meant to provide additional engineering efforts to design and build a working standalone headset with wireless connectivity and simple ergonomic adjustments.  This will be followed by a program of re-design and optimization based on the feedback of NASA end users and potential strategic partners and develop a plan for integration into a known HMD electromechanical eco-system. The intent is to conclude with a strategic partnership agreement and advance to the manufacture of a field-testable commercial product.  Further R&D and IP protection will be required to sustain the commercial viability of the product.  After the program, AV will have built and tested a minimum viable product and evaluated user experience with the expectation that our display technology meets NASA mission requirements for autonomous medical care as well as other potential indications, including maintenance & repair, vehicle operations, and other visually assisted tasks.

The aerospace industry recognized the importance of spatial computing for improving operations. NASA requires medical support technology that will enable greater autonomy and self-reliance. The solicitation requests advanced “just in time” training modalities, enhanced procedure execution technologies, and integrated clinical decision-making support tools. Relevant applications: visual assistance and guidance for emergency medical procedures in space, to reduce need for extensive training and medical knowledge, improving safety for crew members Applications include integration of AV core display into any existing manufacturer's head-mounted display for any application – “AV inside.” - Maintenance and repair (dual use for NASA). - Supply & logistics (dual use for NASA). - Warfighter and support personnel critical information, situational awareness, and object identification. - Confidential and secure communications. - Consumer electronics.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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