DIRECT TO PHASE II: Mission Center Large Screen Display Modernization

Navy SBIR 25.1- Topic N251-D04
Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)
Pre-release 12/4/24   Opens to accept proposals 1/8/25   Closes 2/5/25 12:00pm ET    [ View Q&A ]

N251-D04 TITLE: DIRECT TO PHASE II: Mission Center Large Screen Display Modernization

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Advanced Materials;FutureG

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate innovative technologies that upgrade the large screen display system in Ship’s Mission Center (SMC) to improve mission viewing, introduce advanced mounting methodologies, and enhance viewing specifications to meet Navigation Electronic Chart Display and Information System – Navy (ECDIS-N) requirements.

DESCRIPTION: Improvement to the operational picture within the SMC is needed to modernize key capabilities by replacing the currently obsolete system. The Navy seeks an innovative large screen display with improved access for maintenance, improved operational availability (Ao) and minimal Mean-Time-To-Repair. The proposer should develop and demonstrate innovative technologies that upgrade the display system in the SMC to improve mission viewing, introduce advanced mounting methodologies, and enhance viewing specifications to meet Navigation Electronic Chart Display and Information System – Navy (ECDIS-N) requirements.

The Ship’s display system requires an upgrade that will promote and support an efficient and rapidly responsive combat environment. The current configuration consists of four (4) projectors displaying an image on one (1) large display. Any proposed modular display should not exceed the dimensions of 280"x50" and must meet all environmental qualification requirements. Proposed technology must be capable of displaying high resolution content using computer inputs as well as a Jumbotron fine pixel pitch. Solutions must provide an acceptable viewing distance/range from 6ft to 30ft. The upgraded display system must be modular, facilitate ease of repair, and have a display and mounting structure no thicker than 6" from the bulkhead. Technology must fit within the existing interior of the SMC. Solution should utilize advanced mounting methodologies that incorporate shock and vibration mitigation. Any repairs should be quickly implemented to allow for continued operations and testing. Minimal training should be required for this process. The improved display should reduce maintenance and improve safety with a secured system by allowing for accessible maintenance. Ship integration of selected panel technology must incorporate Navy specific data inputs as determined by a review of existing system discrepancies and limitations. Develop display upgrades to bring available wall display technologies up to Navy standards for current Navy Combatant ships, starting with the DDG 1000 class. Supporting documents to be developed will include updates of drawing packages and Ship Change Documents submission. Leveraging existing commercial wall display technologies, potential solutions should advance system capabilities to meet or exceed all Navy ship specific requirements.

PHASE I: For a Direct to Phase II topic, the Government expects that the small business would have accomplished the following in a Phase I-type effort and developed a concept for a workable prototype or design to address, at a minimum, the basic requirements of the stated objective above. The below actions would be required in order to satisfy the requirements of Phase I:

Display viewing area as large as feasible to fit within the SMC not to exceed 280" wide x 50" high.

Provide resolution appropriate for viewing distance/range from 6ft to 30ft.

Display must meet color, brightness, and resolution requirements of ECDIS-N and other conventional ship console displayed systems.

Display system must be modular, easy to repair, and hatchable at the lowest replaceable unit level.

FEASIBILITY DOCUMENTATION: Offerors interested in participating in Direct to Phase II must include in their response to this topic Phase I feasibility documentation that substantiates the scientific and technical merit and Phase I feasibility described in Phase I above has been met (i.e., the small business must have performed Phase I-type research and development related to the topic NOT solely based on work performed under prior or ongoing federally funded SBIR/STTR work) and describe the potential commercialization applications. The documentation provided must validate that the proposer has completed development of technology as stated in Phase I above. Documentation should include all relevant information including, but not limited to technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results. Work submitted within the feasibility documentation must have been substantially performed by the offeror and/or the principal investigator (PI). Read and follow all of the DoN SBIR 25.1 Direct to Phase II Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) Instructions. Phase I proposals will NOT be accepted for this topic.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate innovative technologies that upgrade the large screen display system in the SMC to improve mission viewing, introduce advanced mounting methodologies, and enhance viewing specifications to meet ECDIS-N requirements. Continue to develop the large screen display prototype through specified analysis and qualification testing to Navy requirements. Utilize mock-ups and customized application testing to validate the prototype hardware performance and that the above requirements are met and propose necessary modifications.

Provide specific design and hardware plan for a DDG 1000 SMC large screen display to meet or exceed the threshold performance objectives. Manufacture a prototype display to scale appropriate for evaluation. Develop a qualification test plan to include environmental requirements. Ensure the system design accommodates all shipboard input formats and meets Navy cyber protection standards. Execute test plan to fully qualify display and mounting system for a DDG 1000 SMC. Work with a Program Office to develop a final packaging design that meets the platform’s Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP). Produce qualified first article at full scale suitable for installation in a DDG 1000 class ship. Demonstrate system performance in a military-relevant environment and ensure production readiness.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Support the DoD in transitioning large format displays to other operational environments. Commercial applications for such technology could include outdoor venues, cruise ships, fishing boats, golf courses, and sporting events.

REFERENCES:

1. Canedy, Chadwick L.; Bewley, William W.; Tomasulo, Stephanie; Kim, Chu Soo; Merritt, Charles D.; Vurgaftman, Igor; Meyer, Jerry, R.; Kim, Miijin; Rotter, Thomas J.; Balakrishnan, Ganesh and Golding, Terry D. "Mid-infrared interband cascade light emitting devices grown on off-axis silicon substrates." Opt. Express 29, 2021, pp. 35426-35441. https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.435825

2. Ermolaev, M., Lin, Y., Shterengas, L., Hosoda, T., Kipshidze, G., Suchalkin, S., & Belenky, G. "GaSb-Based Type-I Quantum Well 3–3.5-µm Cascade Light Emitting Diodes." IEEE Photonics Technology Letters, 30(9), 8, 2018, pp. 69-872. https://doi.org/10.1109/LPT.2018.2822621

3. Brereton, Erin. "Universities Use Video Walls as Storytelling Tools." EdTech, 20 Feb 2024. https://edtechmagazine.com/higher/article/2024/02/universities-use-video-walls-storytelling-tools

4. "Video Wall Installation - The Top 5 Questions we hear from our clients!" Casaplex, 11 June 2024. https://casaplex.com/video-walls/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMItIa9jfzThgMVSYiuBR0liASCEAAYAiAAEgJaMPD_BwE

KEYWORDS: Screen Display; Navigation Electronic Chart Display and Information System – Navy (ECDIS-N); High Resolution; Modular; Mounting Technology; Secured System

TPOC 1: Chad Droz
(202) 327-4814
Email: [email protected]

TPOC 2: Mark Miller
(301) 995-852
Email: [email protected]


** TOPIC NOTICE **

The Navy Topic above is an "unofficial" copy from the Navy Topics in the DoD 25.1 Direct to Phase II (DP2) SBIR BAA. Please see the official DoD Topic website at www.dodsbirsttr.mil/submissions/solicitation-documents/active-solicitations for any updates.

The DoD issued its Navy 25.1 SBIR Topics pre-release on December 4, 2024 which opens to receive proposals on January 8, 2025, and closes February 5, 2025 (12:00pm ET).

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Topic Q & A

12/11/24  Q. Would a head mounted display (HMD) with head tracking be considered as an alternative solution ?
   A. No a head mounted display (HMD) cannot be considered a Alternative solution as it is a single person solution. The Large Screen display (LSD) must be a solution for all watch standers in the Ships Mission Center. That would vary between 5-20 personnel. Also using multiple HMD would not be an alternative solution as the SMC team transition in and out of roles/positions so prior situational awareness using the LSD prior/during turnover is required so a single person solution would not work.

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