Biocular Microdisplay System for Tactical Image Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tactical image display systems using small monochrome CRTs are limited in their ability to display high-quality, high-resolution color imagery, and they struggle to support applications requiring high-definition color video sources, especially in environments where the user needs to view images while moving, such as during combat.
Innovation Solution
A compact image display and control system utilizing a microdisplay projection system with a diffused but transmissive optical projection screen optically coupled with a biocular, which is mechanically coupled with the user, incorporating RGB LED lighting, LCOS reflective microdisplays, and a closed-loop control system for adjusting image brightness and characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a small monochrome CRT is used in the display system, then the system size is reduced and compactness is achieved, but the ability to display high-quality color imagery and high-definition video is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple functional components: a high-definition color video source, a microdisplay device for image generation, optical elements for image transmission and magnification, and a biocular for final presentation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling high-quality color imagery to be displayed in a compact form factor by replacing the single integrated CRT with a distributed optical system.
2Ease of operation
If a biocular is used to present images to both eyes, then the user can freely move their head and view the same image at the same light level, but unconstrained movement becomes problematic in tactical applications where the user needs to view images carefully while moving during combat
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic stabilization mechanisms that detect head movement and adjust the optical path accordingly. The biocular includes movable optical elements and adjustment mechanisms that track and compensate for user head movements, maintaining image stability and proper alignment with the user's eyes even during tactical maneuvers and combat movements.
3Manufacturing precision
If a microdisplay projection system is used instead of a CRT, then high-resolution color imagery can be displayed in a compact format, but the system complexity increases with multiple optical components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical functions are merged into integrated optical assemblies and compact housings. The microdisplay device, optical elements, and biocular are combined into a single integrated unit with shared mechanical structures and alignment mechanisms. This merging reduces the overall system complexity despite the increased functional requirements for high-resolution color display.
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 high-resolution color imagery that is stable and adaptable to user movement, enhancing tactical applications by ensuring clear, high-quality image presentation even in dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
Bioculars may also provide the additional feature of a stabilized viewing platform by coupling the user's head with and proximate to the biocular viewing optics
Implementation Method 2
a diffused but transmissive optical projection screen that is optically coupled with and viewable through a biocular
Implementation Method 3
a microdisplay video projector that projects a color image from a non-CRT image source onto a diffused but transmissive optical projection screen
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electronic image display and control system comprising in various embodiments a microdisplay video projector that projects a high quality color image from a non-CRT image source onto a diffused but transmissive optical projection screen that is optically coupled with and viewable through a biocular adapted to this purpose. Systems are disclosed that are adapted to be mechanically coupled with a user to prevent relative movement between the biocular and the user, for instance in tactical applications. Closed-loop control electronics are provided for automatically controlling the brightness and chromaticity of the image.