MICRO-HEADS-UP DISPLAY

A revolutionary microsized heads-up display (micro-HUD), which weighs only a few ounces and can be worn as a pair of conventional eyeglasses, is described. A microsize optical system makes the display possible. An advanced state-of-the-art visible light-emitting diode (VLED) array and a vibrating fiber ribbon generate the image. The system uses a microprocessor display generator that produces a dynamic image with 128 x 128 elements of resolution. This gives the micro-HUD the capability of presenting the same information as a standard heads-up display. Development of the custom-designed linear array of light-emitting diodes along with the specially fabricated fiber-optic scanner is also described. Results of laboratory and flight tests are discussed. Potential improvements such as higher resolution and multicolor versions of the display are described. Finally, the possible applications and future of the system is discussed.