Enhanced vision systems

This research attempted to examine technology transfer, adapting government developed research to consumer utilization, through the analysis of one such technology, enhanced vision systems (EVS). To this end, the history and current capabilities of head-up displays and infrared sensors as they related to EVS technology and applications for aircraft and automotive use were defined. This concept of synthetic vision was then broadened to include the incorporation of millimeter-wave radar (MMW) and automatic target recognition (ATR). MMW was suggested to fill the gaps caused during high precipitation conditions while ATR was introduced to aid the pilot in target identification and reduce false alarms. Advantages and drawbacks of EVS systems were then analyzed for both aircraft and automotive applications.

It was concluded that, in today's technology, the majority of benefits gained from an EVS-equipped HUD would be supplied by a HUD-only configuration for a magnitude less in price. However, as the Department of Transportation's Intelligent Vehicle Highway System funding is applied to EVS systems, great gains may be made both in capability and in cost reduction.