An augmented-reality head-up display in a diver’s helmet

June 17, 2016

Prototype of the Divers Augmented Vision Display (DVAD) in a dive helmet (credit: Richard Manley/U.S. Navy photo)

The U.S. Navy’s Naval Surface Warfare Center has developed what may be the first underwater augmented-reality head-up display (HUD) built into a diving helmet.

The Divers Augmented Vision Display (DAVD) gives divers a real-time, high-res visual display of everything from sector sonar (real-time topside view of the diver’s location and dive site), text messages, diagrams, and photographs to augmented-reality videos. Having real-time visual data enables them to be more effective and safe in their missions — providing expanded situational awareness and increased accuracy in navigating to a ship, downed aircraft, or other objects of interest.

Lab simulation view of an augmented reality image of an airplane through the Divers Augmented Vision Display (DVAD). Divers Augmented Vision Display (DVAD) (credit: Richard Manley/U.S. Navy photo)

Lab simulation view of a sector sonar image with navigation aids through the Divers Augmented Vision Display (DVAD) (credit: Richard Manley/U.S. Navy photo)

The Naval Sea Systems Command is now developing the next generation of the DAVD, with enhanced sensors such as miniaturized sonar and video video systems to enable divers to see in higher resolution up close, even when water visibility is near zero.


U.S. Navy | Diver Augmented Vision Display (DAVD)