Pivot head-up display device

Abstract

SOLUTION: To provide a head-up display device for attachment to a helmet, in which the head display device is pivotable out of a line of sight of a user when not in use, the head-up display device is structured to use in daylight conditions, the head-up display device includes a pivot mechanism having two axes of rotation, and in which the pivot mechanism is structured to allow for single-handed operation when moving a head-up display (HUD) between a deployed position when the HUD is in use and a stowed position when the HUD is not in use.EFFECT: A single-handed operation is advantageous in military scenarios because it allows a soldier to reposition a head-up display (HUD) with one hand as needed while maintaining control of his / her weapon with the other hand.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 623,303, filed on January 21, 2024. The foregoing application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this specification.

Background Art

[0002] The present development relates to a head - up display device for mounting on a helmet that is pivotable out of the user's line of sight when not in use. In a preferred embodiment, the head - up display device of this specification is configured for use in daylight conditions. In a preferred embodiment, a pivot mechanism with dual - axis rotation is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the pivot mechanism is intended to enable a one - hand operation to move a head - up display (HUD) between a deployed position during use and a stowed position when not in use. This one - hand operation is advantageous in military scenarios, allowing a soldier to re - position the HUD with one hand if necessary while maintaining control of their weapon with the other hand.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, the head-up display device includes a power bridge assembly configured for detachable coupling to a helmet mount assembly. The bridge pivot arm assembly is pivotally attached to the power bridge assembly and configured to pivot relative to the power bridge assembly about a first pivot axis that extends generally horizontally and generally parallel to the user's line of sight. The head-up display (HUD) assembly is attached to the bridge pivot arm assembly and includes a HUD pivot arm having a HUD disposed at a distal end of the HUD pivot arm and a HUD pivot assembly disposed at a proximal end of the HUD pivot arm. The HUD pivot arm is configured to pivot relative to the bridge pivot arm about a second pivot axis that extends generally vertically. Pivoting movement of the bridge pivot arm relative to the power bridge assembly causes the HUD to move between a lowered position and a raised position along an arcuate path in a generally vertical plane. When the bridge pivot arm is in the lowered position, pivoting movement of the HUD pivot arm relative to the bridge pivot arm causes the HUD to move between a viewing position and a lateral displacement position along an arcuate path in which the HUD is in a generally horizontal plane.

[0004] In a more restricted aspect, the pivoting movement of the bridge pivot arm relative to the power bridge assembly and the pivoting movement of the HUD pivot arm relative to the bridge pivot arm are configured for single-handed operation, thereby enabling the user to pivot the HUD between a lowered position and a raised position and between a viewing position and a lateral displacement position using one hand.

[0005] In another more limited aspect, the power bridge assembly includes a base configured to receive a first plurality of electrical contacts configured to electrically engage mating contacts on the helmet mount assembly, and a power and data circuit board, the base being pivotally coupled to the bridge pivot arm, the base and the bridge pivot arm cooperating to define a pivot joint. The detent mechanism includes one or more spring elements that engage one or more detent members, the one or more detent members being configured to resiliently engage one or more complementary openings formed on opposing surfaces of the pivot joint when the bridge pivot arm is in the lowered position. The detent mechanism is configured to provide a force that overcomes the mechanism for fixing the bridge pivot arm in the lowered position and for allowing the pivot arm to pivot to the raised position in response to the application of sufficient force.

[0006] In another more limited aspect, the head-up display device further includes one or more tension washers disposed at the pivot joint to control friction and resistance during the pivotal movement of the bridge pivot arm.

[0007] In another more limited aspect, the HUD assembly includes a data and power cable including a plurality of conductors and a HUD electrical connector configured to electrically engage a bridge electrical connector disposed on the power and data circuit board.

[0008] In another more limited aspect, the HUD assembly includes a first slide connector disposed on the bridge pivot arm and a second slide connector complementary to the first slide connector, the first and second slide connectors being configured to detachably couple the HUD assembly to the bridge pivot arm.

[0009] In another more limited aspect, the first slide connector generally includes a T-shaped protrusion and the second slide connector generally includes a T-shaped groove.

[0010] In another more limited aspect, generally the T-shaped protrusion includes a gap, and the first slide connector includes a spring-biased slide lock disposed within the gap, and the slide lock engages with the T-shaped channel to selectively lock the HUD assembly in a predetermined position on the bridge pivot arm.

[0011] In another more limited aspect, the HUD pivot arm is pivotable relative to the second slide connector about a second pivot axis.

[0012] In another more limited aspect, the head-up display device further includes a pivot plate fixed to a surface facing above the proximal end of the HUD pivot arm. A pivot screw retainer is disposed intermediate the pivot plate and the surface facing above the proximal end of the HUD pivot arm. A recess is formed in the housing shell of the HUD assembly for receiving the pivot screw retainer. A pivot lock screw passes through the clearance opening of the second slide connector and the central opening of the pivot plate and threadedly engages with the pivot screw retainer through this opening.

[0013] In another more limited aspect, the head-up display device further includes a pivot stop pin fixed to the lower surface of the second slide connector and running through an arcuate groove formed in the upper surface of the pivot plate, thereby limiting the angle of rotation of the HUD pivot arm relative to the bridge pivot arm.

[0014] In another more limited aspect, the HUD assembly includes an external data and power connector configured to transfer external video data to the HUD assembly.

[0015] In another more limited aspect, the HUD assembly further includes video processing electronics configured to receive video information and an input signal representing a human-visible display.

[0016] In another more limited aspect, the video processing electronic device includes one or more video signal processing components selected from the group consisting of image enhancement, graphic overlay, text overlay, video signal format, digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) circuit, and display driver circuit.

[0017] In another more limited aspect, the human-visible display is selected from the group consisting of light-emitting diode (LED) display, organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, liquid crystal display (LCD), digital light processing (DLP) display, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) display.

[0018] In another more limited aspect, the head-up display device further includes a heat sink in thermal communication with the human-visible display.

[0019] In another more limited aspect, the head-up display device further includes a beam splitter, a combiner lens, and a field-of-view lens positioned adjacent to the human-visible display and configured to focus the image output from the display onto the beam splitter. The human-visible display and the field-of-view lens are in generally parallel planes that are inclined at approximately 45 degrees with respect to the plane of the beam splitter and approximately 90 degrees with respect to the plane of the combiner lens.

[0020] In another more limited aspect, the head-up display device further includes an elastic focusing gasket disposed between the human-visible display and the field-of-view lens. The focusing gasket is formed from an elastic material, and the degree of compression of the focusing gasket is adjustable to change the distance between the field-of-view lens and the human-visible display.

[0021] In another more limited aspect, the human-visible display is configured to project an image toward a beam splitter through a field lens, and the beam splitter is configured to reflect a portion of the light rays from the human-visible display toward a combiner lens. The combiner lens is configured to reflect a portion of the light rays received from the beam splitter along an optical path toward the user's eye in order to project the image from the human-visible display into the user's field of view. The combiner lens and the beam splitter are further configured to allow non-changing light rays from the user's external environment to pass therethrough, whereby the image from the human-visible display is superimposed on the user's natural view through the HUD assembly.

[0022] In another more limited aspect, the head-up display device further includes a protrusion extending from the HUD assembly and forming a hood configured to block unwanted reflections from at least one direction at the beam splitter.

[0023] The present invention can take forms in various components and arrangements of components, as well as in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only intended to illustrate the preferred embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Next, reference is made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the present invention. One or more examples thereof are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided to explain the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to utilize the present invention in fact in any appropriately detailed structure in various ways. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather are intended to provide an understandable description of the development. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment to yield still other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is intended to cover modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0026] As used herein, the term "a" or "an" is defined as one or more. As used herein, the term "another" is defined as at least a second, or more. As used herein, the terms "including" and / or "having" are defined as comprising (i.e., open transition). As used herein, the terms "coupled" or "operatively coupled" are defined as connected either indirectly or directly.

[0027] As used in this application, the terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "above", "below", "left", "right", and other directional descriptors are intended to facilitate the description of exemplary embodiments (s) of the present invention and are not intended to limit the structure thereof to any particular position or direction.

[0028] All numbers in this specification are assumed to be modified by the term "about" unless otherwise indicated. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 1 - 10, like reference numerals refer to like or similar components throughout the several views, and a helmet 100 having a front - mounted shroud 104 attached thereto is shown. Next, a head - mounted assembly (HMA) 108 is detachably coupled to the shroud 104. A push - button or slider 106 is provided to selectively detach the HMA 108 from the shroud 104. The helmet 100 can be a military helmet, a ballistic helmet, a field helmet, a tactical helmet, a combat helmet, an aviation helmet, etc. In an embodiment, the front shroud 104 is a component of, or an interface with, a helmet accessory mount platform 112 as shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 500,657, filed Nov. 2, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 427,496, filed Nov. 23, 2022. In an embodiment, the helmet accessory mount platform 112 is a WILCOX® Universal Helmet Mount Assembly (UHMA). In an embodiment, the HMA 108 is a mount in the WILCOX® G24 product line. In an embodiment, the HMA 108 is a WILCOX® G24Xe HMA.

[0030] In an embodiment, the HMA108 includes a generally vertical pivot portion 116 that includes a mounting or interface portion 120 that is removably coupled to a complementary interface on the shroud 104. The vertical pivot portion 116 also includes a slide portion 124 that is selectively slidable in a direction perpendicular to the mounting portion 120 and can be attached at a desired position to provide a height adjustment function for the HMA108. In the illustrated embodiment, a pivot lever 128 is provided to selectively lock and unlock the sliding movement of the slide portion 124. The mounting portion 124 includes a power and data interface 122 for transmitting power and data signals from the helmet accessory mount platform 112 to the HMA108.

[0031] Next, the slide portion 124 is pivotally attached to a carrier arm 132 via a barrel pivot assembly 136. The carrier arm 132 pivots about a generally horizontal lateral pivot axis 140. The barrel pivot assembly 136 includes a push button 144 and enables the carrier arm 132 to be selectively pivoted between the deployed position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and an upward-facing stowed position (not shown). A manually rotatable tilt adjustment knob 148 includes a rotating disk (not shown) having an off-center or eccentric axis, a lateral and generally horizontal axis of rotation 152, and enables a user to finely adjust the tilt axis of the carrier arm 132.

[0032] The carriage arm 132 transfers the slide carriage 156. The slide carriage 156 is selectively movable generally along a horizontal fore-and-aft axis 160, which is referred to herein as the longitudinal direction. An axis extending parallel to the horizontal fore-and-aft direction 160 will be referred to herein as the vertical axis. The slide carriage 156 has a hot shoe receptacle interface 158, which is configured to removably couple to a power bridge assembly 190 that defines a hot shoe compatible with the hot shoe receptacle interface 158. The power bridge assembly 190 is configured to receive a head-up display (HUD) assembly 170. In an embodiment, a spring-loaded push button 162 is provided on the slide carriage 156 to enable the HUD assembly 170 to be separated from the slide carriage 156.

[0033] The slide carriage 156 is slidable along the arm 132 and can be positioned at a desired axial position to provide a desired eye relief therealong. In an embodiment, a spring-loaded locking tooth or pin (not shown) within the carriage 156 is biased to engage a gear rack 164 to prevent the carriage 156 from sliding. When it is desired to slide the carriage, for example, to adjust the eye relief, the button 168 is pressed to overcome the force of the biasing spring and move the tooth or pin out of engagement with the gear rack 164. The carriage 156 can then be slid to the desired position. The button 168 is then released and the tooth or pin engages the gear rack 164 again by the biasing of the spring to lock the carriage 156 in the desired position.

[0034] The HUD device of this specification includes a HUD assembly 170. The HUD assembly 170 has a proximal end 172 and a distal end 176. The proximal end 172 is pivotally coupled to an "X" plane slide lock member 180. The proximal end 172 of the HUD assembly 170 pivots about a vertical pivot axis 184 with respect to the "X" plane slide lock member 180.

[0035] The "X" plane slide lock member 180 is coupled to a pivot arm 188. The pivot arm 188 is then pivotally coupled to a power bridge assembly 190. The power bridge assembly 190 includes a base 192 having opposing pivot rings 196. A pivot pin 200 passes through the opposing rings 196 and through a bore of a hinge knuckle 204 on the pivot arm 188. The pivot pin 200 has a head 208 with an enlarged diameter at one end, and a threaded opposite end 212 that threadedly engages a threaded pivot end cap 216.

[0036] The pivot pin 200 generally defines a horizontal and longitudinal pivot axis 220. A first tension washer 224 is disposed intermediate the enlarged diameter head 208 and one of the pivot rings 196. A second tension washer 224 is disposed intermediate the pivot end cap 216 and the other of the pivot rings 196. Tightening or loosening the threaded end cap 216 compresses or releases the tension washer 224 to achieve a desired amount of pressure or friction applied to the hinge pin, thereby controlling the friction or resistance in the pivotal movement between the pivot arm 188 and the bridge base 192.

[0037] The side pivot plate 230 is fixed to a surface facing upward above the proximal end 172 of the HUD assembly 170 via a threaded fastener 232. The side pivot threaded retainer 236 is disposed intermediate the side pivot plate 230 and the upward-facing surface of the proximal end 172 of the HUD assembly 170. A recess or cavity 238 is formed in the housing shell 240 of the HUD assembly 170 and is provided to enable the side pivot threaded retainer 236 to be positioned in the same plane as the upper surface of the proximal end 172 of the HUD assembly 170.

[0038] The wear / slip washer 248 and the drag O-ring 252 are coaxially disposed about the central opening 256 of the side pivot plate 230 and the "X" plane slide lock member 180. The opening 256 may have a countersink or bevel for receiving the wear / slip washer 248 and the drag O-ring 252. The side pivot lock screw 260 passes through the clearance opening, the opening 256, of the "X" plane slide lock member 180 and threadedly engages the side pivot threaded retainer 236. The side pivot stop pin 262 is fixed to the lower surface of the "X" plane slide lock member 180 and moves within the arcuate groove 266 on the upper surface of the side pivot plate 230 that limits the rotational angle of the HUD assembly 170. In an embodiment, the arc of the groove 266 subtends an angle of about 30 degrees, although other angles are contemplated.

[0039] The upward-facing surface of the "X" plane slide lock member 180 has a channel 264 generally of a T-shaped cross-sectional shape that slidably and removably receives an elongate rail 268 generally of a complementary T-shaped cross-sectional shape. For the channel 264 and the rail 268, other interlock cross-sectional shapes, such as a double-tail shape, are contemplated.

[0040] The elongated rail 268 is segmented into a proximal segment 270 and a distal segment 272. The slide lock member 276 is captured within a gap or notch between the rail segments 270 and 272 and retained therein by a slide lock cover plate 280. The slide lock cover plate 280 is secured by a plurality (e.g., four) of threaded fasteners 284 that pass through clearance openings in the plate 280 and threadedly engage tapped openings (not shown) in the lower surface of the pivot arm 188. One or more captured spring elements 288 urge the slide lock member 276, biasing it laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis or axial direction of the elongated rail 268. In an embodiment, the slide lock member 276 has a projecting actuator portion 290 and a main body portion 292.

[0041] During operation, the HUD assembly 170 is attached to the pivot arm 188 by sliding the "X" plane slide lock member 180 over the first segment 270 on the elongate rail 268 and then over the slide lock member 268 and onto the second segment 272. When the "X" plane slide lock member 180 has completely passed over the slide lock member 268, one or more spring elements 288 urge the main body 292 of the slide lock member 276 out of alignment with the elongate rail 268, thereby acting as a stop to prevent the slideable removal of the "X" plane slide lock member 180 from the pivot arm 188. When it is desirable to remove the HUD assembly 170 from the pivot arm 188, the actuator portion 290 is manually depressed to compress the one or more spring elements 288 and move the main body 292 of the slide lock member 276 back into alignment with the elongate rail 268 to enable the slideable removal of the "X" plane slide lock member 180 from the pivot arm 188. In an embodiment, the main body 292 has a rounded, chamfered, curved, or angled leading edge that allows the sliding movement of the "X" plane slide lock member 180 to completely pass over the slide lock member 276 during slide attachment and has a flat or square trailing edge that prevents removal in the reverse direction unless the slide lock member 276 is first manually pushed in by the user.

[0042] As best seen in FIG. 6, the pivot arm 188 is pivotable about 90 degrees around the power bridge base 192 about the pivot axis 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 296 is captured within respective openings 300 of the power bridge base 192. Each of the openings 300 partially receives a detent member 304. The detent member 304 elastically engages with one or more complementary openings or slots 308 formed in the opposing surface of the hinge knuckle 204 on the pivot arm 188 when the pivot arm 188 is in the deployed position. The detent member 304 provides a force to overcome the mechanism that fixes the pivot arm 188 in the deployed position and allows the pivot arm 188 to pivot to the stowed position when sufficient manual force is applied to rotate the pivot arm 188 about the pivot axis 220.

[0043] Similarly, the detent member 304 elastically engages with one or more complementary openings or slots 310 formed in the corresponding opposing surface of the pivot arm 188 when the pivot arm 188 is in the stowed position. The detent member 304 provides a force to overcome the mechanism that fixes the pivot arm 188 in the deployed position and allows the pivot arm 188 to pivot to the stowed position when sufficient manual force is applied to rotate the pivot arm 188 about the pivot axis 220.

[0044] During operation, when the user desires to stop using the HUD, the HUD assembly 170 is first pivoted away from the user's eyes about the vertical pivot axis 184, as shown in FIG. 4. Next, the HUD assembly 170 pivots the pivot arm 188, which is still in the outward pivot position, upward about the longitudinal axis 220.

[0045] In certain embodiments, a switch may be provided to turn off the power of the HUD assembly 170 when the unit is in the storage position to reduce power consumption. In certain embodiments, a magnet (not shown) is disposed on the HUD assembly 170, and when the HUD assembly 170 is moved to the storage position, the magnet moves close to a sensor such as a Hall effect sensor or a magnetic reed switch, automatically turning off the power of the HUD assembly when the electronic device is in the storage position.

[0046] The power bridge assembly 190 includes an aperture 312. A power and data contact circuit board 316 is disposed on the aperture 312. The aperture can be defined by an inset or shoulder 320 such that the circuit board 316 is positioned in the same plane as the upper surface of the power bridge base 192. An internal power / data cable interface or connector 324 is disposed on the lower surface of the circuit board 316. The connector 324 is then coupled to a complementary connector 328 on the internal data and power cable 330.

[0047] The hot shoe insulator 332 is formed from an insulating material such as a thermosetting or thermoplastic resin, or other suitable dielectric material, and is disposed on the circuit board 316. A plurality of apertures or vias 336 within the hot shoe insulator 332 receive corresponding conductive pins 340, which electrically engage corresponding contacts such as contact pads 344 on the circuit board 316. In an embodiment, the pins 340 are spring-loaded pins, such as pogo pins.

[0048] The upright boss 348 on the hot shoe insulator 332 receives a sealing ring or gasket 350 to prevent the ingress of moisture or other external contamination. The hot shoe frame 352 is fixed onto the hot shoe insulator 332 by a threaded fastener 356 that passes through a clearance opening 360 within the hot shoe frame 352, an aligned clearance opening 364 within the hot shoe insulator 332, and a threaded engagement opening 368 within the power bridge base 192.

[0049] As best seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the HUD assembly 170 includes a housing 240 that can be formed from a molded polymer material and includes a left housing shell 240L and a right housing shell 240R. The left and right housing shells may be fixed via a threaded fastener (not shown) that passes through an opening 242 of the shell half 240R and engages an aligned opening (not shown) of the shell half 240L. Alignment pins 246 engage openings 250 of the shells 240R, 240L.

[0050] The distal end 176 of the HUD assembly 170 forms an eyepiece assembly 370. The eyepiece assembly 370 includes a beam splitter frame 372 that holds a beam splitter 376. The beam splitter 376 can be any suitable optical element that can reflect a portion of the incident light rays while allowing transmissive visualization therethrough, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The beam splitter frame 372 functions as a viewing aperture, the beam splitter 376 functions as an eyepiece lens, and both are aligned with an optical centerline 380 that is aligned with the optical axis 384 of the user's eye 388 during operation.

[0051] The eyepiece assembly 370 receives the combiner lens 392 and further includes a combiner lens frame 390 that defines the objective lens of the eyepiece assembly 370. The beam splitter 376 is present in a plane that is inclined at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the plane in which the combiner lens 392 is present. The beam splitter frame 372 functions as a bezel for the beam splitter 376 and is fixed via a threaded fastener 396 that passes through a clearance opening 398 in the frame 372 and threadedly engages an opening in the combiner frame 390. A third threaded fastener 397 passes through a clearance opening 399 in the frame 372 and threadedly engages an alignment opening in the housing 240.

[0052] The internal data and power cable 330 passes through an opening 244 in the housing 240. The proximal end of the internal data and power cable 330 is operably coupled to video processing electronics 400, which receives an input signal representing video information to be displayed on the display 404 via the cable 330. The video processing electronics 400 is disposed within the housing 240 at the proximal end 172 of the HUD assembly 170. The video processing electronics 400 can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) and integrated into a printed wiring assembly (PWA) on which video signal processing components such as image enhancement, graphics or text overlay, video signal format, digital - analog conversion (DAC) circuitry, display driver circuitry, etc. are implemented.

[0053] The video output signal is output from the video processing electronic device 400 to the display 404 via the flexible circuit 408. Alternatively, a ribbon cable may be used. The display may be any suitable display type including, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, an active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital light processing (DLP) display, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) display, and the like. In an embodiment, the display 404 is an OLED display.

[0054] In an embodiment, the display 404 is in thermal communication with a heat sink 412 to manage and dissipate heat generated during operation of the display 404. In an embodiment, a thermal compound is applied between the display and the heat sink 408. In an embodiment, a label 416, such as an adhesive label, for example, may be disposed on the outer surface of the heat sink. The label 416 may include, for example, product information or identification, product brand, etc., or may be configured to provide a desired finished appearance in other ways.

[0055] The field lens 420 is positioned adjacent to the display 404. The display 404 and the field lens 420 are disposed between the heat sink 412 and the display / field lens positioning frame 424. The threaded fastener 428 passes through a clearance opening 430 in the heat sink 412 and is threadedly engaged with an opening 432 in the display / field lens positioning frame 424.

[0056] The field lens 420 focuses the image output from the display 404 onto the beam splitter 376. The display 404 and the field lens 420 are generally in parallel planes that are inclined at approximately 45 degrees with respect to the plane of the beam splitter 376 and at approximately 90 degrees with respect to the plane of the combiner lens 392.

[0057] In an embodiment, the elastic focusing gasket 436 is disposed intermediate the display 404 and the viewing lens 420. In certain embodiments, the focusing gasket 436 is formed from an elastic elastomeric material. In a preferred embodiment, the focusing gasket 436 is formed from a closed cell foam material. The focusing gasket 436 seals against the ingress of moisture or other contaminants. The focusing gasket 436 also provides focusing adjustment. By adjusting the three fasteners 328, the degree of compression of the gasket 436 is adjusted to change the distance between the viewing lens 420 and the display 404, thereby enabling precise focusing of the image from the display 404 to the beam splitter 376.

[0058] For example, in certain embodiments, the nominal focal length of the viewing lens 420 is about 0.032 inches. The gasket of the focusing gasket 436 has a thickness of 0.050 inches and is elastically biased to move the display 404 away from the viewing lens 420. The gasket 436 compresses when the fastener 428 is tightened to achieve the desired focus, thereby accounting for the slight variation in focus that varies from assembly to assembly.

[0059] During operation, the image generated by the display 404 is projected through the field lens 420 towards the beam splitter 376. The beam splitter 376 reflects a portion of the light rays from the display 404 towards the combiner lens 392. Next, the combiner lens 392 reflects a portion of the light rays received from the beam splitter 376 along the optical path 380 towards the user's eye 388. In this way, the image from the display 404 is projected into the user's field of view. Further, the combiner lens 392 and the beam splitter 376 are substantially transparent, allowing light rays from the user's external environment to pass through the eyepiece assembly 370 without change, such that the image from the display 404 is superimposed over the user's natural field of view through the eyepiece assembly 370.

[0060] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the information displayed by the HUD assembly 170 comes from one or more devices associated with the helmet accessory mount platform 112 and is transmitted to the HUD assembly via the HMA 108 using the internal data and power cable 330.

[0061] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, an optional external data and power cable 331 is provided, which enables external video data to be transferred to the video processing electronics 400 within the HUD assembly 170 independently of the helmet accessory mount platform 112. The cable 331 passes through the opening 245 of the housing 240.

[0062] The HUD assembly can display video information 170 in any manner and is recognized to enhance situation awareness and provide important data to the user. In certain embodiments, the video information displayed by the HUD assembly 170 includes information from an associated helmet accessory mount platform (such as platform 112). In certain embodiments, the video information displayed by the HUD assembly 170 includes navigation data such as compass bearing, GPS coordinates, waypoints, and routes. In certain embodiments, the video information displayed by the HUD assembly 170 includes target information such as target coordinates, range to the target, target identification, etc. In certain embodiments, the video information displayed by the HUD assembly 170 includes weapon information such as type of ammunition, round count, weapon system status, barrel temperature, etc. In certain embodiments, the video information displayed by the HUD assembly 170 includes terrain information such as elevation data, terrain contour, obstacle warnings, etc. In certain embodiments, the video information displayed by the HUD assembly 170 includes communication status such as radio frequency and channel, incoming communication alerts, team communication status, etc. In certain embodiments, the video information displayed by the HUD assembly 170 includes team member information such as the GPS location of team members, status updates of team members, etc. In certain embodiments, the video information displayed by the HUD assembly 170 includes weather data such as local weather conditions, wind speed and direction, temperature and humidity, etc. In certain embodiments, the video information displayed by the HUD assembly 170 includes health and biometric information such as vital signs of the user or team members, medical alerts or status. In certain embodiments, the video information displayed by the HUD assembly 170 includes mission objective information such as location of the target, mission updates, mission parameters, etc. In certain embodiments, the video information displayed by the HUD assembly 170 includes threat alerts including detected nearby threats, warnings of incoming projectiles, enemy positions, etc.In certain embodiments, the video information displayed by the HUD assembly 170 includes logistics information including inventory status, tracking of supplies and equipment, availability of resources, etc. In certain embodiments, the video information displayed by the HUD assembly 170 includes identification friend or foe (IFF) information, which includes identification of friendly forces, status of nearby friendly units, etc. In certain embodiments, the video information displayed by the HUD assembly 170 includes tactical overlay information such as grid coordinates, tactical map overlays, marking of strategic points, etc. In certain embodiments, the video information displayed by the HUD assembly 170 includes alerts and notifications such as tactical alerts, mission updates, etc. In certain embodiments, the video information displayed by the HUD assembly 170 includes intelligence and reconnaissance information such as intelligence updates, live video feeds from drones or reconnaissance assets. In certain embodiments, the video information displayed by the HUD assembly 170 includes training simulation information such as HUD overlays for training scenarios, simulations for mission planning and rehearsal. In certain embodiments, the video information displayed by the HUD assembly 170 is dynamically adjusted in response to user head tracking data.

[0063] FIG. 11 shows a head-up display assembly 170a of an additional embodiment that can be used in place of the head-up display assembly 170 as shown and described above with reference to FIGS. 1-10. The head-up display assembly 170a is coupled to a power bridge assembly 190 that can be as described above. The head-up display assembly 170a includes a protrusion 375 that extends from below the beam splitter 376. Otherwise, the above description of the head-up display assembly 170 is equally applicable to the head-up display assembly 170a.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 375 extends from the lower portion of the beam splitter frame 372. It will be recognized that other configurations are contemplated. For example, in certain embodiments, the protrusion is a separately formed member that is attached to the head-up display assembly 170a. In further embodiments, the protrusion 375 is integral with another component of the head-up display assembly 170a. For example, in an embodiment, the protrusion 375 is formed integrally with the housing 240.

[0065] During operation, the protrusion 375 extends towards the user and serves as an anti-reflection shield or hood to prevent reflection of unwanted images from at least one direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 375 is disposed under the beam splitter 376 to prevent reflections that are reflected off the surface of the beam splitter 376 into the user's eye, such as the user's feet, the floor, the ground, etc., which cause distracting reflections. The protrusion 375 is depicted as having a generally flat shelf-like or plate-like configuration. However, it will be recognized that other configurations are contemplated, including curved structures that completely or partially surround the beam splitter 376. The head-up display 170a can be substituted for the head-up display assembly 170 as shown and described in FIGS. 1-10, and the description of FIGS. 1-10 is equally applicable to FIG. 11, except that it includes the protrusion 375, and the remaining features and functions are as described above.

[0066] The present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. Upon reading and understanding the foregoing detailed description, modifications and variations will occur to others. The present invention is intended to be construed as including all such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

**Claim 1** A head-up display device, a power bridge assembly configured to be detachably coupled to a helmet mount assembly, a bridge pivot arm assembly pivotally attached to the power bridge assembly, the bridge pivot arm assembly having a bridge pivot arm configured to pivot with respect to the power bridge assembly about a first pivot axis, the first pivot axis extending in a direction generally horizontal and generally parallel to the user's line of sight, a head-up display (HUD) assembly attached to the bridge pivot arm assembly, the HUD assembly including a HUD pivot arm having a HUD disposed at a distal end of the HUD pivot arm and a HUD pivot assembly disposed at a proximal end of the HUD pivot arm, the HUD pivot arm being configured to pivot with respect to the bridge pivot arm about a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis extending generally in a vertical direction, comprising wherein the pivotal movement of the bridge pivot arm with respect to the power bridge assembly causes the HUD to move between a lowered position and a raised position along an arcuate path in a generally vertical plane, when the bridge pivot arm is in the lowered position, the pivotal movement of the HUD pivot arm with respect to the bridge pivot arm causes the HUD to move between a viewing position and a lateral displacement position along an arcuate path in a generally horizontal plane, the head-up display device. **Claim 2** The pivotal movement of the bridge pivot arm with respect to the power bridge assembly and the pivotal movement of the HUD pivot arm with respect to the bridge pivot arm are configured for one-handed operation, thereby enabling the user to pivot the HUD between the lowered position and the raised position and between the viewing position and the lateral displacement position using one hand, the head-up display device according to claim 1. **Claim 3** The power bridge assembly is A base configured to receive a first plurality of electrical contacts configured to electrically engage aligned contacts on the helmet mount assembly and on the power and data circuit board, the base being pivotally coupled to the bridge pivot arm, the base and the bridge pivot arm cooperating to define a pivot joint, the base and A detent mechanism including one or more spring elements that engage one or more detent members, the one or more detent members being configured to resiliently engage one or more complementary openings formed on opposing surfaces of the pivot joint when the bridge pivot arm is in the lowered position, the detent mechanism being configured to provide a force that, in response to the application of sufficient force, secures the bridge pivot arm in the lowered position and overcomes a force that would otherwise allow the pivot arm to pivot to the raised position, the detent mechanism and The head-up display device according to claim 1, comprising.

4. The head-up display device according to claim 3, further comprising one or more tension washers disposed at the pivot joint to control friction and resistance during pivotal movement of the bridge pivot arm.

5. The HUD assembly includes a data and power cable, the data and power cable The head-up display device according to claim 3, comprising a plurality of conductors and a HUD electrical connector configured to electrically engage a bridge electrical connector disposed on the power and data circuit board.

6. The head-up display device according to claim 3, further comprising a first slide connector disposed on the bridge pivot arm and a second slide connector complementary to the first slide connector, the first slide connector and the second slide connector being configured to detachably couple the HUD assembly to the bridge pivot arm.

7. The head-up display device according to claim 6, wherein the first slide connector includes a generally T-shaped protrusion and the second slide connector includes a generally T-shaped channel.

8. The generally T-shaped protrusion includes a gap, and the first slide connector further includes a spring-biased slide lock disposed within the gap, the slide lock engaging with the T-shaped channel to selectively lock the HUD assembly in a predetermined position on the bridge pivot arm, the head-up display device according to claim 7.

9. The head-up display device according to claim 6, wherein the HUD pivot arm is pivotable relative to the second slide connector about the second pivot axis.

10. A pivot plate fixed to a surface facing upward above the proximal end of the HUD pivot arm, A pivot screw retainer disposed intermediate the pivot plate and the surface of the proximal end of the HUD pivot arm facing upward, A recess formed in the housing shell of the HUD assembly for receiving the pivot screw retainer, A pivot lock screw passing through a clearance opening in the second slide connector, a central opening of the pivot plate, and engaging in screw engagement with the pivot screw retainer through the opening, The head-up display device according to claim 9, further comprising.

11. Further comprising a pivot stop pin, the pivot stop pin being fixed to the lower surface of the second slide connector and running through an arcuate groove formed in the upper surface of the pivot plate, thereby limiting the angle of rotation of the HUD pivot arm relative to the bridge pivot arm, the head-up display device according to claim 10.

12. The head-up display device according to claim 1, wherein the HUD assembly includes an external data and power connector configured to transfer external video data to the HUD assembly.

13. The head-up display device according to claim 1, wherein the HUD assembly further includes video processing electronics configured to receive an input signal representing video information, and a human-visible display.

14. The head-up display device according to claim 13, wherein the video processing electronic device includes one or more video signal processing components selected from the group consisting of image enhancement, graphic overlay, text overlay, video signal format, digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) circuit, and display driver circuit.

15. The head-up display device according to claim 13, wherein the human-visible display is selected from the group consisting of a light-emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, an active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital light processing (DLP) display, and a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) display.

16. The head-up display device according to claim 13, further comprising a heat sink in thermal communication with the human-visible display.

17. A beam splitter, A combiner lens, A field lens positioned adjacent to the human-visible display and configured to focus an image output from the display onto the beam splitter, Further comprising, The head-up display device according to claim 13, wherein the human-visible display and the field lens are in a generally parallel plane that is inclined at approximately 45 degrees with respect to the plane of the beam splitter and at approximately 90 degrees with respect to the plane of the combiner lens.

18. The head-up display device according to claim 17, further comprising an elastic focusing gasket disposed between the human-visible display and the field lens, the focusing gasket being formed of an elastic material, and the degree of compression of the focusing gasket being adjustable to change the distance between the field lens and the human-visible display.

19. The human-visible display is configured to project an image toward the beam splitter through the field lens, The beam splitter is configured to reflect a portion of the light rays from the human-visible display toward the combiner lens, The combiner lens is configured to reflect a part of the light beam received from the beam splitter along the optical path toward the user's eye, thereby projecting the image from the human visible display into the user's field of view. The head-up display device according to claim 17, wherein the combiner lens and the beam splitter are further configured to allow light rays that do not change from the user's external environment to pass through, whereby the image from the human visible display is superimposed on the user's natural field of view through the HUD assembly. **Claim 20** The head-up display device according to claim 19, further comprising a protrusion that extends from the HUD assembly and forms a hood configured to block unnecessary reflections from the beam splitter from at least one direction.

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