Eye-Tracked Steerable Reticle for Helmet Visor Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current helmet-mounted display (HMD) systems with off-axis target tracking provide a fixed reticle location outside the main field of view, which limits the pilot's ability to track targets efficiently without obstructing the main field of view.
Innovation Solution
A steerable reticle system integrated with an eye tracker and steerable light assemblies, allowing the reticle image to be dynamically positioned on the visor's inner reflective surface based on the pilot's eye orientation, using directing optics and actuators controlled by a controller to maintain the reticle within the pilot's field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed reticle location is used outside the main field of view, then the pilot's primary vision is not obstructed, but the target tracking efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reticle is transformed from a fixed position to a dynamic, movable position on the visor. The reticle can be steered to different locations including within the main field of view when needed, and returned to a default position outside the main field of view, allowing adaptive adjustment based on operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
An eye tracker serves as an intermediary device that detects the pilot's eye orientation and triggers reticle steering. The controller acts as another intermediary, receiving signals from the eye tracker and commanding the directing optics to reposition the reticle accordingly, creating an automated feedback loop
2Productivity
If a steerable reticle system with eye tracker is implemented, then target tracking efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The directing optics assembly serves multiple functions: it projects the reticle image, steers the reticle to different positions, and can be controlled either automatically via eye tracker or manually by the pilot. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the pilot's own eye movements as the control input for reticle positioning. The eye tracker detects natural eye orientation, and the system automatically steers the reticle to follow the pilot's gaze, eliminating the need for separate control interfaces or additional pilot actions
3Productivity
If the reticle is positioned outside the main field of view, then the main field of view remains clear, but the pilot's ability to quickly acquire targets is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reticle position is made dynamic, allowing it to move between the main field of view and areas outside it. When rapid target acquisition is needed, the reticle can be steered into the main field of view; when continuous monitoring is prioritized, it returns to the default position outside the main field of view
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-positions the reticle in a default location outside the main field of view where it does not obstruct the pilot's primary vision. However, the capability for rapid repositioning into the main field of view is maintained, allowing quick response when targets need to be acquired or highlighted
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
Enables quick and efficient reticle tracking outside the main field of view with minimal impact on the pilot's primary vision, enhancing target acquisition and tracking capabilities while maintaining a clear main field of view.
Implementation Method 1
Directing optics are arranged to image light from the light source onto the inner reflective surface of the visor to provide a reticle image
Implementation Method 2
The reflective coating reflects the projected imagery into the pilot's eyes without blocking the pilot's field of view
Data Source
AI summary
A helmet mounted display system is described. A visor has an inner reflective surface and is mountable to head gear. A light source is arranged to emit light. Directing optics are arranged to image light from the light source onto the inner reflective surface of the visor to provide a reticle image on the inner reflective surface of the visor. An eye tracker is configured to determine the orientation of an eye of a wearer of the head gear. A controller is configured to receive an indication of the determined orientation of the eye, and to control the at least one actuator to change the orientation and shape of the directing optics to change the position of reticle image based on the indication of the determined orientation of the eye such that the eye views the reticle image.