Vuzix Corporation (VUZI)

[Diva1963]

VUZIX WINS SBIR AWARD FROM THE OFFICE OF NAVAL RESEARCH



"Vuzix Corp. had received a $150,000 phase one and phase one option, small business innovation research (SBIR) award from the Office of Naval Research. The SBIR program entitled "Head Worn Display ("HWD") Augmented Reality for Military Training Applications" is to develop a lightweight, low-cost, high-performance device to superimpose computer generated information on an individual's view of the real world. Augmented reality is a technology that places virtual computer-generated objects into a person's field of view. Placing virtual characters, objects, and effects in the real world has the potential to revolutionize training. Currently, one of the biggest challenges to using augmented reality technologies in dismounted applications is the head worn display. To allow for the use of augmented reality HWDs there is a need for them to have the form factor of sunglasses or ballistic goggles along with the ability to operate for hours without needing to be recharged. The Navy commented that the commercial sector is rapidly developing augmented reality applications for smart phones, but that there is a need for a consumer grade HWD for serious military training applications. PHASE I of this SBIR will be to develop a concept for a low-cost, high-performance device to superimpose computer-generated information on an individual's view of the real world. For simplicity, we will call this a Head Worn Display (HWD).Follow-on phases of the award, which are expected to be valued at significantly higher dollar value, will develop pathways to lightweight, easy to wear, curved visors. Paul Travers, President of Vuzix Corporation, stated, "Vuzix' engineering team demonstrated an in-depth command of the technical and development challenges needed to meet the see through and wide field of view needs of the Navy's requirements." Mr. Travers continued, "This system is to be based on an advanced optical waveguide version of Vuzix' see-through Blade based technology that enables high definition (HD) displays to be incorporated into very thin lenses similar to normal eyeglasses."


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