A micro-projector system for head-mounted and head-up displays is to be tested next year by Finnish optical technology company Upstream Engineering. The device will project colour images on to visors and combiners and could replace the monochrome cathode-ray tubes now used in such displays.
Upstream, which developed the projector with help from Finnish government research and development agency Tekes, plans to miniaturise the projector to as small as a matchbox within in three years. "We have only demonstrated it in our labs and that was a cigarette box-sized prototype," says Upstream president Mikko Alasaarela.
The device uses "photon vacuum" technology, which Alasaarela declines to describe as patents are pending. The company says the technology collects the photons from a light source with maximum efficiency and is able to eliminate many of the components normally used in projectors.
ROB COPPINGER / LONDON
Source: Flight International