"Virtual window" technology for Bradley Fighting Vehicle announced at AUSA
NewsOctober 08, 2018
AUSA 2018--WASHINGTON. Honeywell and the U.S. Army announced at AUSA that they are testing a prototype of an advanced helmet-mounted vision system in the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, one of the U.S. Army?s most notable ground vehicles.
According to the team, the vision system -- originally developed and tested by Honeywell and the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) under the Ground X-Vehicle Technologies program -- melds augmented-reality (AR) and virtual-reality (VR) technology with a helmet-mounted display for use by operators of armored vehicle. For the drivers, say the companies, the technology results in a natural viewing experience of their surroundings in a “closed-hatch” environment and enables much better protection for the crew.
Named the Ground X-Vehicle Technologies (GXV-T) Crew Station Augmentation Concept, the technology is aided by an existing suite of 360-degree awareness sensors that will collectively deliver a more comprehensive and mission-effective driving experience for combat-vehicle operators. The partners assert that new U.S. Army ground-vehicle programs could leverage this capability to enhance soldier protection while allowing remote monitoring and control of robotic and optionally-manned vehicles and would enable vehicle operators to drive, navigate, and control multiple vehicles while also keeping a human in the loop for assured control.
The helmet-mounted vision system includes a range of forward-facing cameras that deliver imagery projected into the left and right eye of the user through a pair of holographic optical elements, a technique that enables operators to perceive depth in the imagery while showing a wide field of regard without causing nausea or eyestrain. Gaining the ability to simulate direct-sight conditions in a way that mimics natural viewing is key to achieving fully operational, closed-hatch driving for armored vehicles; the helmet-mounted system also allows a combination of other cameras to relay views from other angles around the vehicle, so operators have awareness beyond what is directly in front of them.
Visit Honeywell at AUSA at Booth 7741.
