Adjustable HMD Visor Light Transmission in UV-Attenuated Cockpits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing helmet-mounted display systems do not effectively adjust light transmission to optimize visibility in varying ambient light conditions, particularly in UV-attenuated environments like aircraft cockpits.

Innovation Solution

A helmet-mounted display system with a visor featuring an adjustable and controllable light transmission layer, activated by UV and visible light wavelengths, controlled by a controller that adjusts the layer based on luminosity levels detected by sensors, ensuring optimal visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a tinted visor is used to reduce ambient light brightness, then visibility in bright conditions is improved, but light transmission is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrightness of ambient lightVSAvoidlight transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The visor's light transmission property is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The control system varies the visor's transmission characteristics based on ambient light conditions, allowing optimization between brightness reduction and light transmission needs for different operating environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical parameter of light transmission is changed dynamically through electronic control. By adjusting the transmission parameter based on measured luminosity levels, the system adapts to different lighting conditions while maintaining optimal visibility and comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If light transmission is reduced to improve visibility in bright conditions, then glare is reduced, but image clarity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveglareVSAvoidimage clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The visor dynamically adjusts its light transmission properties to balance glare reduction with image clarity preservation. The control system optimizes the transmission level to reduce harmful glare while maintaining sufficient light for clear image perception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the visor can have different light transmission characteristics optimized for specific viewing zones. This allows selective glare reduction in certain areas while maintaining image clarity in critical viewing regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the visor has fixed light transmission, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to varying light conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisor manufacturingVSAvoidadaptability to light conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The visor is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a protective shield and as an adaptively controlled optical element. The same visor structure provides both manufacturing simplicity and environmental adaptability through integrated control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The visor transitions from a static component to a dynamic system that adapts to varying light conditions. This dynamic capability is achieved through electronic control mechanisms that adjust transmission properties without fundamentally complicating the base manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If automatic control of light transmission is implemented, then adaptability to ambient light is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic adaptation to light conditionsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system uses feedback from luminosity sensors to automatically adjust the visor's light transmission. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to ambient light conditions while managing system complexity through intelligent control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment based on ambient light measurements, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The visor automatically adapts to changing light conditions through integrated sensors and control mechanisms that manage themselves without user input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system provides automatic and manual control of light transmission, enhancing visibility by adapting to ambient light conditions, reducing glare, and improving image clarity in UV-attenuated environments.

Implementation Method 1

A helmet-mounted display system with a visor featuring an adjustable and controllable light transmission layer, activated by UV and visible light wavelengths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3204817B1Helmet system having adjustable light transmission
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 ELBIT SYSTEMS LTD
  • EP3204817B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3204817B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3204817B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A HMD system including a visor mounted on a head of a user. The visor includes adjustable light transmission layer activated by activation radiation of at least a visible activation waveband and an Ultra Violet (UV) activation waveband. The visor defines a Line Of sight (LOS) projecting from a point on the visor and further defines a Field Of View (FOV) projecting from at least a section of the visor that surrounds the point on the visor. The visor is configured to admit an outside scene image. The HMD system further includes a luminosity sensor configured to detect luminosity within the FOV and a UV activation radiation source configured to selectively irradiate at least a portion of the visor with activation UV light included in the UV activation waveband according to Iuminosity detected by the iuminosity sensor, thereby activating the adjustable light transmission layer.