Dear Toby:
I've been brain-storming over potential applications for MVIS VRD technology and would be interested on your feedback - am I just dreaming or could we see some of these reach fruition in the next 3-5 years.
1) Heads up displays for military pilots are clearly high on the agenda but what about the poor old infantry grunt in a foxhole? Right now he has about the same access to tactical information (such as satellite feeds, AWACS radar scans, remote drones, sensors, even orders from HQ)as a WWII infantryman. Tactical HQ is equipped with advanced communications and massive computing power but no efficient method to communicate with every man in a unit.
It seems to me that you could combine current cellular transmission technology (something along the lines of Qualcomm's CDMA) with next generation chip technology (basically the power of 5 pentiums in a single chip) into a Newton sized pocket computer with a microphone for simple voice recognition commands and a MVIS heads-up-display visor for display. Every soldier in a company could be immediately contacted by his officer. Sensors similar to those used by astronauts could automatically transmit medical information back to the unit's medic when a soldier is wounded. Pictures from remote cameras, aircraft, infra-red sensors could be displayed. Maps could be downloaded showing enemy positions and strength, etc, etc, etc.
2. Laptop computers using a VRD would have much longer battery life and you could even work in private on a plane. Nobody can possibly see what you are working on - there's no external display.
3. No more tiny screens for Newton computers, beepers, Nintendo Game-Boys or even that tiny TV in your airplane seat. This technology may have enormously wide applicability.
4. Could an array of these devices be used to create a "Panavision" theatre effect?
Am I just dreaming science fiction stuff or are these real possibilities?
Regards,
David Rodella |
