Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for providing a portable visual display device. The device, in one embodiment, can be worn over the head by a viewer in the manner of a helmet. The viewer then looks at a screen within the helmet and "sees" created images. The helmet is equipped with sensors which determine the geographical direction as well as the relative movement of the viewer. The images are stored in a processor as a series of objects, each having associated therewith physical characteristics, including both audio and visual.

Abstract: The Display for Advanced Research and Training (DART), a wrap-around display system for presenting out-the-window visual imagery in a flight simulator, is substantially improved by adding a helmet mounted display of modest field-of-view that displays only an area-of-interest view (HMAoI) The HMAoI display displays a modest field-of-view, high resolution image, according to the head position of a simulator pilot as determined by a helmet mounted position indicator, that replaces the lower resolution view provided by the DART for the same image. The corresponding DART image is not displayed to prevent displaying a confusing view. The remaining DART display provides a peripheral view for a simulator pilot. The imagery provided through the HMAoI may be a two part image comprising a very high resolution central image surrounded by a lower, but still higher than the DART, resolution image.

Abstract: A head-mounted visual display apparatus for displaying an image generated by an image generator to a wearer of the apparatus. The visual display apparatus comprises a helmet (10) comprising a shell and a headband (66) engaged to an interior surface of the shell; an adjustment mechanism (90) mounted to an exterior surface of the helmet for adjusting the size of the headband; and a video display (18,20) housed within the helmet and connected to the image generator for displaying the image. In a preferred embodiment the adjustment mechanism includes a knob (90) mounted on an exterior surface of the shell and connected to the headband by a rotatable shaft (99) disposed through the shell between the knob and the headband.

Abstract: A system includes a control station for remotely controlling an animated character. Radio frequencies are used to transfer audio, video and other control signals to the animated character to provide speech, hearing, vision and practically any movement in real-time. A camera is used in the head of the animated character, and microphones are used in its ears to provide vision and hearing to a monitoring operator at the control station. A speaker is co-located with the animated character to generate sound from the operator. Servo control units are included within the animated character to provide a plurality of body movements. Other aspects of the animated character includes a multi-layer skin composite to make it appear more life-like, and an audio driver circuit for controlling the mouth of the animated character in proportion to the level of an audio signal generated at the control station.