Weapon-Mounted Heads-Up Display Cursor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer-assisted weapons systems do not allow for sophisticated computer manipulation, such as controlling a cursor on a screen, while maintaining control of the weapon, limiting the soldier's ability to perform complex functions.
Innovation Solution
A switch plate with buttons mounted on the weapon allows users to generate and manipulate a cursor on a heads-up display, using inertial measurement unit data to move the cursor with the weapon's movement, and a second switch for mouse click functions, enabling seamless transition between computer and non-computer tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a soldier uses a weapon-mounted video sight to view the camera image, then the soldier can acquire targets effectively, but the soldier must shift focus between the weapon sight and the larger scene, reducing operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the weapon sight view and the larger scene view into a single heads-up display overlay. The video image from the weapon sight is superimposed onto the broader visual field displayed in the goggles, allowing the soldier to see both the magnified target view and the surrounding environment simultaneously without switching between different viewing devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The heads-up display serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays the magnified weapon sight view for target acquisition, the larger scene view for situational awareness, and computer control interface elements for system operation. This multi-functional display eliminates the need to switch between separate viewing systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sophisticated computer manipulation functions are added to the weapon system, then the soldier's ability to perform complex functions is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The weapon itself serves as a universal control input device for computer functions. The inertial measurement unit sensors that detect weapon movement are repurposed to control cursor movement on the computer interface, while the existing triggers and switches handle both weapon firing and computer command selection. This eliminates the need for separate control devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the soldier's natural weapon handling movements to control the computer interface. The weapon's own motion sensors detect the movement and automatically translate it into cursor control, requiring no additional control mechanisms or learning curves for the soldier.
3Ease of operation
If the cursor is controlled by weapon movement data, then the soldier can manipulate the computer interface without additional controls, but the weapon control and computer control become coupled, potentially affecting weapon accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions into distinct phases: the first trigger press activates computer control mode and freezes weapon firing, separating computer interaction from weapon discharge. The second trigger press resumes weapon control. This temporal segmentation ensures that computer cursor manipulation and weapon aiming do not occur simultaneously, eliminating interference between the two functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through the heads-up display showing the cursor position and computer interface state in real-time as the soldier moves the weapon. This feedback loop allows the soldier to see the result of their weapon movements on the computer interface while maintaining situational awareness through the overlaid display.
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 perform complex computer functions without losing control of the weapon, enhancing operational efficiency and versatility in both military and gaming applications.
Implementation Method 1
movement data from an inertial measurement unit to move a cursor on a screen
Implementation Method 2
The glass may pass light from the visual field 610 to the observer while simultaneously reflecting light from a video display strategically placed based on the angle of the glass
Implementation Method 3
The glass may pass light from the visual field 610 to the observer while simultaneously reflecting light from a video display
Data Source
AI summary
A method, computer-readable medium and apparatus are described for providing a user interface control for use with a manipulable object, such as a weapon. As the object is moved, images from a video camera are projected into a heads-up display. A user of the object may activate a user interface control by pressing a button on the object, causing an image of a user interface control to be projected into the heads-up display. Movement of the object may cause a cursor to be moved across the heads-up display, allowing the user to select user interface features without removing hands from the object. Pressing a button may cause a mouse click command to be generated, allowing the user to type or perform other functions.