Multi-directional Boresight Reticle for HMD Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted display alignment systems often require operators to manually adjust their head position to align symbols projected by a boresight reticle unit with the head-mounted display, which can be cumbersome, especially for operators of varying heights, as the symbols are typically projected in a single direction.
Innovation Solution
The system projects multiple collimated symbols in different directions using an optical apparatus, such as a boresight reticle unit, enhancing the likelihood that one symbol will be aligned with the head-mounted display without requiring significant head movement, and includes a head tracking unit to determine the orientation and align the display with the platform's coordinate system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single symbol is projected in a fixed direction by the boresight reticle unit, then the alignment system has simple structure, but operators of varying heights cannot easily align the symbol with the head-mounted display
Solution Approach 1:
The optical apparatus is segmented into multiple independent symbol projection units, each projecting a symbol in a different direction. This allows operators of various heights to select a symbol projected at an appropriate angle without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thus improving adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from projecting a single symbol in one direction to projecting multiple symbols across different spatial dimensions (angles/directions). This dimensional expansion enables operators to find an aligned symbol without head movement regardless of their height, solving the adaptability problem while keeping each individual projection unit simple.
2Ease of operation
If operators manually adjust head position to align symbols, then alignment can be achieved, but the process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-projecting multiple symbols in different directions before the alignment process begins. This allows the operator to immediately see multiple alignment options without needing to move their head or adjust the device, significantly reducing both operational complexity and time required for alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical apparatus serves itself by automatically providing multiple alignment options across different angles. The system self-adjusts to accommodate operators of varying heights without requiring manual intervention or head movement from the operator, making the alignment process effortless and rapid.
3Measurement precision
If symbols are projected in a single direction, then the optical apparatus has simple configuration, but alignment accuracy varies with operator height
Solution Approach 1:
The symbol projection system is divided into multiple independent projection channels, each targeting a different angular direction. This segmentation ensures that regardless of operator height, at least one symbol will be projected at the correct angle for precise alignment, improving measurement precision without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds angular dimensionality to the symbol projection, transforming a single-direction projection system into a multi-directional projection system. This dimensional enhancement ensures alignment precision across varying operator heights while maintaining simplicity in each individual projection unit's configuration.
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
This approach simplifies the alignment process by increasing the chances of immediate symbol alignment, reducing operator effort and improving alignment accuracy across different operator heights, while ensuring precise alignment with the platform's coordinate system.
Implementation Method 1
projects multiple collimated symbols in different directions using an optical apparatus
Data Source
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AI summary
A system comprising a processing resource configured to: obtain a first indication of a confirmation, by an operator of a platform, of an alignment of one symbol of a first plurality of symbols with a second symbol as viewed in a head- mounted display of a head-mounting worn by the operator, the first plurality of symbols being projected by at least one optical apparatus disposed on the platform to a plurality of different viewing angles, the second symbol being projected onto the head-mounted display by a projection unit of the head-mounted display; determine which given symbol of the first plurality of symbols was aligned with the second, the given symbol having first orientation data, the second symbol having second orientation data; and perform an alignment of the head-mounting and the head- mounted display at least based on the first orientation data and the second orientation data.