Comparison Testing of 0.7-in. Field Emission Display (FED) and 0.7-in. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) for Use in Head-Mounted Displays,

Miniature displays for portable electronic devices have tremendous utility potential both in military and commercial applications. Emerging technologies would benefit from the high resolution graphic and video images that the displays could provide, thus enhancing the operators access to information without disrupting the whole field of vision or requiring hands-on operation. The displays demonstrated little difference in their power consumption, magnetic signatures, size, and usefulness in temperature extremes. However, one of the most promising advantages of the field emission display FED is its self-illuminating feature. This puts the liquid crystal display LCD at a disadvantage if a low magnetic signature is required since its backlight would also have to be redesigned. Redesigning the circuit board for low magnetic signature should be approximately the same for both displays. Although benchtop testing indicated some measurable differences in color, brightness, and resolution, the opinions of the users were not as clear cut. Both benchtop and user testing however rated the LCD better than the FED for resolution and color accuracy. Neither display was acceptable in bright sunlight both would require shading. More extensive testing would be required to completely evaluate the displays. Environmental and field testing should be expanded before introduction into the Fleet.