Physical Optics Corp. (POC), a small systems integrator and advanced technologies manufacturer, received a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award for its helmet embedded conformal augmented display (HECAD) system, it announced. In collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, the HECAD Phase II award will provide two-year funding for continued work on an embedded heads-up display to increase personal situational awareness for emergency responders. Based on a modular design, the HECAD system integrates miniature commercial, off-the-shelf micro displays and includes POC’s see-through, low-profile waveguide optics and lightweight, wearable processing electronics and sensors. The next development segment builds on the success of Phase I, during which the company provided long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensor data in real time for demonstrating augmented reality capability, while consuming very low power. In addition, POC developed appropriate support electronics, software and end-user-driven symbology. This resulted in the advanced mockup and the first in-mask, active-matrix display with full-motion video, the company said. In Phase II, POC will develop HECAD prototypes that selectively display potentially life-saving information and real-time video from imaging sensors. The real-time data from LWIR cameras and sensors will be shown on a see-through, heads-up display that will not occlude the user’s visual field of view. The systems will be tested and evaluated in realistic field environments to determine functionality, cost and ease of use. POC said it will work closely with local emergency responders and commercial equipment manufacturers to create the new helmets. For more information, visit: www.poc.com