Head-worn Display Superimposing Virtual Markers on Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft pilots face challenges in judging distances and sizes of objects or terrain features while navigating, which can lead to misjudgments and safety risks, especially in emergency situations where precise observational judgments are critical.
Innovation Solution
The use of a head-worn display that superimposes virtual markers or information onto the real image of the terrain viewed by the pilot, providing clear and accurate indications of safe landing areas, points of interest, speed trajectories, and terrain features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pilots rely on naked eye observation of real images through windows, then they maintain simple equipment and direct visual contact, but they suffer from imprecise distance and size judgment leading to safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the real-world visual scene with virtual informational overlays in a single integrated display. The head-mounted display combines the pilot's direct view of the external environment with superimposed virtual markers, measurements, and navigation data, allowing simultaneous access to both raw visual information and processed interpretive data without switching between separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The head-mounted display acts as an intermediary device that processes raw visual input and augments it with computed information. It serves as a mediator between the pilot's natural vision and the complex data processing systems, presenting processed information (distance markers, size references, trajectory indicators) in a form that directly enhances perceptual accuracy without requiring the pilot to interpret raw data independently
2Measurement precision
If pilots use on-board display equipment for navigation and landing, then they gain accurate and reliable information, but they lose direct visual contact with the real environment and must compensate for perspective differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial augmentation rather than complete replacement of visual input. It overlays selective virtual information (specific distance markers, relevant size references, key navigation cues) onto the real-world view rather than presenting a fully synthetic display, providing just enough additional information to correct perceptual errors without overwhelming the pilot with excessive data that would require additional cognitive processing
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual overlays are applied locally to specific regions of interest in the visual field rather than uniformly across the entire display. Distance markers and size references are positioned at relevant locations in the scene (e.g., at the target landing area or object of interest), and the information density varies spatially to match the pilot's operational needs at different parts of the visual field
3Reliability
If pilots make judgments based on real images viewed with their own eyes, then they maintain direct visual contact, but they require great attention and focus and may misjudge size or distance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary processing of distance and size information before it reaches the pilot's decision-making process. Virtual markers and reference indicators are pre-calculated and positioned based on the aircraft's position, altitude, and speed, providing ready-to-use visual cues that eliminate the need for the pilot to perform complex mental calculations or compensations during critical moments
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing information to a person in an aircraft, comprising obtaining information from an environment external to the aircraft and providing a display on a head worn display device worn by the person, the display depicting the obtained information superimposed on a real image viewed through the display.