Heads-up Display Video Image Registration for Infantry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infantry technologies, such as night vision goggles and laser illuminators, hinder target acquisition and accuracy due to the cumbersome process of switching between different visual fields, leading to potential exposure and decreased reaction time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for aligning video images with an underlying visual field using orientation sensors and a computer to dynamically position the video feed within the heads-up display, ensuring accurate and simultaneous viewing of both the visual field and target information without obscuring relevant content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If night vision goggles are used to view targets, then the soldier can see obscured targets in the dark, but the soldier must flip the goggles out of the way and reacquire the target with the sight on the weapon, which takes time and may cause exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the night vision goggles and weapon sight into a single integrated heads-up display system. The video feed from the weapon sight is optically overlaid onto the center of the visual field of the night vision goggles, allowing the soldier to view both the enhanced night vision image and the weapon sight reticle simultaneously without switching between devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The night vision goggle system is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating a beam combiner and video display capabilities. The system can now provide both night vision enhancement and weapon sight overlay functions through a single device, eliminating the need for separate night vision goggles and weapon sights.
2Ease of operation
If a laser illuminator is used to illuminate the target, then the soldier can keep his goggles on and see the illuminated point, but the illuminator may give away the soldier's position to the enemy
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a laser illuminator that projects light to illuminate the target, the system uses a video camera to capture an optical image of the target and displays it on the heads-up display. This copying approach allows the soldier to view the target through the video feed without emitting light that could be detected by the enemy, thus maintaining stealth while preserving visual contact.
3Ease of manufacture
If the video feed is superimposed directly into the center of the visual field, then the video image can be displayed, but the video feed remains stationary in the center, obscuring content in the center of the visual field and causing offset between the two images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic image registration by continuously adjusting the position and size of the video feed overlay based on the orientation and focus state of the night vision goggles. As the goggles rotate or zoom, the video feed automatically repositions and resizes to maintain proper alignment with the corresponding region of the enhanced night vision image, preventing obscuration of important visual content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from orientation sensors and focus detectors to dynamically control the video feed display parameters. The sensors detect the orientation and focus state of the night vision goggles, and this information is fed back to the video processing system to automatically adjust the video feed position and size, ensuring accurate registration without obscuring relevant visual information.
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 soldiers to acquire and engage targets more quickly and accurately by integrating video images into the visual field without disorientation, enhancing situational awareness and reducing exposure risks.
Implementation Method 1
This is accomplished using a beam combiner, which optically overlays one image over another.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for aligning video images with an underlying visual field are provided. A video camera is coupled with a heads up display, and a computer positions images from the video camera on the heads up display based on the relative orientations of the camera and the display. As the video camera moves with respect to the display, the images are repositioned within the heads up display. The video image, which may, for example, come from a weapon sight, is aligned within the heads up display so that an observer can easily view the camera image without having to shift focus from the larger scene.