Kopin developing daytime readable see-through HUD (Heads Up Display) module for warfighters

Kopin Corporation, a provider of application-specific optical systems and high-performance microdisplays for defense, enterprise, industrial, consumer and medical products, secured a contract to further develop its daytime-readable, augmented reality HUD (Head-Up Display) technology in support of warfighters.

The goal of this next-generation HUD is to offer enhanced resolution, better daytime readability and a greater see-through field of view—and require less power.

“Warfighters want to keep their eyes on the horizon to detect and address threats, instead of looking down at a device,” says Bill Maffucci, Sr. VP Business Development and Strategy. “Our technology provides a wide range of augmented geospatial information in a heads-up format, reducing the loss of situational awareness. In addition, the new HUD module aims to meet the growing demand for an advanced display solution that is easily readable in daytime lighting.”

Kopin has been developing daytime-readable, see-through HUDs and demonstrating early prototypes. The new contract award is for the development of a next-generation HUD with advanced specifications for a specific targeted application. Key features and capabilities include:

• Higher-resolution OLED microdisplay
• Larger see-though daytime readable field of view
• Superior power efficiency (compared to waveguides)
• Better visual acuity
• Lighter weight and lower profile
• A path to full-color daytime readability
  

“We have established ourselves as a leading optical display solution provider, which has resulted in the award of this contract after a rigorous selection process,” says Maffucci. “This development funding will give us the opportunity to enhance our existing HUD capabilities with the end goal being the release of a deployable product that will enable the Warfighter to safely and efficiently carry out operations.”