Synthetic Targeting System for HMD Sight Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tactical Augmented Reality (TAR) Head Mounted Displays (HMDs) are underutilized when used for aiming hand-held weapons as they need to be in a 'stowed' position, and aiming through a see-through lens can distort the sight's field of view and is challenging for soldiers.
Innovation Solution
A synthetic targeting system that aligns the sight field of view with the synthetic targeting field of view and the see-through HMD field of view by detecting an optical sight, determining its magnification factor, and displaying computer-generated data relative to this magnification level, using eye-tracking sensors and forward-facing sensors to track eye movements and detect the sight's presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the HMD is used in a see-through mode for aiming hand-held weapons, then the hands are freed for other activities, but the sight's field of view is distorted and the aiming becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a synthetic targeting field of view (ST-FOV) as an intermediary layer between the real-world view through the HMD lens and the sight's reticle. This ST-FOV, generated by the display device, provides virtual aiming references (crosshairs, range indicators, target markers) that overlay the distorted visual field, enabling accurate aiming despite the optical distortion from the see-through lens. The intermediary ST-FOV compensates for the distortion by providing a corrected reference frame for targeting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the parameters of the synthetic targeting field of view based on detected sight characteristics. The processor determines the sight type and magnification factor, then modifies the ST-FOV parameters (scaling, positioning, reticle pattern) to match the optical characteristics of the attached sight. This parameter adaptation ensures that the virtual aiming references align with the physical sight's field of view, maintaining aiming accuracy across different sight configurations.
2Measurement precision
If the HMD is stowed out of the user's field of view while aiming, then the sight's field of view is not distorted, but the HMD is underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the HMD's display capability with the sight's targeting function by combining the real-world view through the lens with the synthetic targeting information from the display device. The ST-FOV overlays virtual aiming references, range data, and target information directly onto the sight's field of view, creating a unified targeting interface. This merging allows the HMD to remain in the field of view during aiming operations without obstructing or distorting the sight's view, as the useful information is composited into the same visual space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the HMD to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains the see-through capability for situational awareness while also providing synthetic targeting information for accurate aiming. The display device can switch between different modes (ST-FOV for aiming, full situational awareness display when sight is not detected), making the HMD versatile for both targeting and general tactical awareness operations without requiring it to be stowed away.
3Loss of information
If computer-generated data is displayed in the sight field of view, then situational awareness is enhanced, but the display must be aligned with the magnified view
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses forward-facing sensors and image processing to detect the sight's presence, type, and magnification factor in real-time. This feedback information is fed to the processor, which automatically adjusts the ST-FOV parameters (scaling, positioning, orientation) to match the detected sight characteristics. The continuous feedback loop ensures that the displayed computer-generated data remains properly aligned with the magnified view even when the sight is moved or when different sights are attached, eliminating the need for manual alignment calibration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising detecting, by a processor, an optical sight of a device in range of a lens of a head mounted display (HMD) apparatus. The lens has an HMD field of view (H-FOV) of a real-world view. The method comprises determining, by the processor, a magnification factor of a sight field of view (S-FOV) for the detected sight. The method includes displaying, by a display device of the HMD apparatus, computer generated data (CGD) in the S-FOV relative to a magnification level according to the magnification factor of the S-FOV of the real-world view while looking through the sight. A system and computer readable medium are also provided.