Abstract: A display device for displaying information is provided with an optical system for guiding the light of the display device to the eye, the optical system having, in the order in the proceeding direction of the light, an entrance face for receiving the light, a curved face for totally reflecting the light and a reflecting face concave to the eye side and adapted to reflect the light toward the eye. The reflected light is transmitted by the curved face and reaches the eye. Thus there is obtained a compact display device with satisfactorily suppressed aberrations.

Abstract: A semi-spherical system holding mechanism 8 such as to cover the head portion of the user is provided in the upper portion of a user holding mechanism 9 such as chair, sofa, or the like. A display apparatus 7 is fixed in the system holding mechanism 8. In the display apparatus 7, a video image displayed on a display panel 14 is enlarged by a lens 13, so that a virtual image is formed. The virtual images which are observed by the right and left eyes of the user are arranged at the same position in a space.

Abstract: Helmet mounted system is provided which includes a helmet which is custom fitted to a user, an optical system which is removably attachable to the helmet, an attachment which is fixedly attached to the optical system, and a mount which is custom fitted and fixedly attached to the helmet. The mount is located on the helmet such that once the attachment is snap-fit onto the mount, the optical system is in place for use by the user, without any further adjustment.

Abstract: A semi-spherical system holding mechanism 8 such as to cover the head portion of the user is provided in the upper portion of a user holding mechanisms 9 such as chair, sofa, or the like. A display apparatus 7 is fixed in the system holding mechanism 8. In the display apparatus 7, a video image displayed on a display panel 14 is enlarged by a lens 13, so that a virtual image is formed. The virtual images which are observed by the right and left eyes of the user are arranged at the same position in a space.

Abstract: A system including binoculars augmented with a computer-generated virtual display of navigation information (hereinafter referred to as “nav glasses”) and marine navigation systems employing such binoculars. The computer-generated display is superimposed on the real world image available to the user. Nav glasses also have the components needed to link them to a navigation system computer which is utilized to generate the see-through display of the navigation information. They are preferably equipped with sensors compass and an inclinometer for acquiring azimuth and inclination information needed by the navigation computer and a sensor for measuring any magnification of the field of view. The nav glasses can be employed to lock onto a moving target, which can then be tracked by onboard radar. The navigation system in which the nav glasses are incorporated also accept inputs from other sources such as a shipboard compass, a GPS, and other navigation aids; and a route planning system.

Abstract: A visual display device is provided for delivering a generated image, preferably combinable with environment light, to the eye of a user. The device is lightweight and compact but yields a high quality image. In one embodiment, a color shutter provides a high-density color image. In one embodiment, a shroud protects from stray light and holds optical elements in desired alignment. In one embodiment an image generator is masked by at least two masks to provide for a high quality image without waste. In one embodiment, a removably mounted shield or activatable device can convert the apparatus from a see-through device to an immersion device and back again. In one embodiment, the device can be comfortably mounted to the user's head while still allowing for use of conventional eyeglasses. In one embodiment various controls, such as a mute button, volume control and the like can be provided, such as by mounting on the head-mounted display device.

Abstract: An optical element has a plurality of reflecting regions for reflecting light in succession, each of the plurality of reflecting regions comprises a curved surface, at least two of the reflecting regions has a common reflecting surface, and the optical paths of the light defined by the plurality of reflecting regions intersect with one another.

Abstract: Disclosed is a removable device for the supporting of equipment in an aircraft, especially to fasten the support of a head-up collimator with its projection system, above the seat of the pilot of the aircraft. To enable the support to be dismounted (for maintenance for example), and to be put back in place at its exact position, the fastening device is made as follows: it is hinged on the aircraft by a hinge and it is fastened by bolts enabling the fastening of the support according to an angle that is variable about a rotation axis. The device furthermore comprises a centering block that cooperates with a centering pawl, one of the two elements being part of the aircraft while the other is part of the support, the pawl being housed in a removable way in a positioning aperture formed in the centering block, the block comprising a cup filled with resin, the resin being used to define and maintain the position of the aperture with respect to the cup.

Abstract: A head up display (HUD) mounting assembly (MA) enables the secure, yet flexible mounting of major HUD components within vehicles and particularly within the cockpit of an aircraft. Flexibility is desirable because of slight movement of airframe members during maneuvers and changing temperature and air pressure conditions, yet stability must be maintained in order to preserve optical alignment between the HUD projector and image combiner components. The inventive MA provides an integrated support for the HUD projector and image combiner thus improving optical stability over discretely mounted systems. The MA has a relatively rigid support arm attached to two end brackets, where one is a spring bracket and the other is an anti-twist bracket. The brackets are mounted to the ceiling of an aircraft cockpit to support the arm and to resiliently hold the HUD components in optical alignment.

Abstract: An exemplary viewing apparatus comprises a visual display which transmits image data to a user and which is rotatably coupled, preferably in three dimensions, to a boom which supports the visual display. According to one embodiment, the operator inserts his head into the visual display and grasps the control grips with both hands to interact in three dimensions with a virtual world and with virtual objects in the virtual world via graphics displayed to each eye. The visual display may be equipped with sensing devices which allow for the sensing of both location and directional coordinates in three dimensions relative to the user and the virtual world and objects. The visual display preferably houses two LCD displays which direct separate images to the user's eyes so that the images are perceived stereoscopically. Because the visual display is mechanically coupled to the boom, the apparatus may be left unattended.

Abstract: An optical element including a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface, at least one of the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface being a curved surface, and at least one of the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface being a reflecting surface. Also included are side surfaces disposed opposite to each other, and positioning members for positioning the optical element, the positioning members being provided on the side surfaces.

Abstract: An optical unit 1 includes a liquid crystal panel 2, a back light 3, a reflecting mirror 4, a lens 5, and a casing 6 for accommodating these constituents therein. The optical unit 1 can be arranged in front of either the left eye or the right eye of the user. A half mirror 8 disposed below the optical unit 1 reflects an image beam emitted from the optical unit 1 toward an eye 10 of the user and transmits a light beam from the background view. The eye of the user which observes a virtual image is changed by shifting the optical unit 1 to the left eye or to the right eye.

Abstract: An optical device that can be either permanently or temporarily affixed to a headgear, such as a cap or a visor, is disclosed. The optical device comprises right and left barrels or lens holders, each of which is non-adjustable or if adjustable is joined to a gear assembly. The barrels may be joined separately to the gear assembly in some embodiments. The gear assembly includes a knob for moving the lens for focus adjustments. By using the optical device of the present invention, the user does not have to continuously hold the optical device in close proximity to the eyes to view distant objects or require constant focusing. The optical device may be used for indoor or outdoor events.

Abstract: A night vision viewing system (13a or 13b) suitable for mounting on an observer's headgear (11) wherein light rays from a forward scene pass to the observer's eye (E) via a path comprising a forward looking objective lens (19), a first inclined reflector (23) which directs the rays upwardly onto the input face of a downward-looking image intensifier (25). Intensified rays from the image intensifier pass, in turn, via a fibre optic stub image rotator (27), a second inclined reflector (29), a relay lens arrangement (31) and third and fourth inclined reflectors (33) and (35), the fourth reflector directing the rays downwardly into an eyepiece (15) which is in the observer's forward line of sight. The eyepiece (15) incorporates an internal surface (39) having both light reflective and light transmissive properties which directs rays entering the eyepiece (15) from the intensifier (25) to the observer's eye.

Abstract: A wearable display device displays a sequence of words into the field of view of a person wearing the device in order to communicate information to the person, such as captions for hearing-impaired persons or translations of speech spoken by another person. Various embodiments of the device include an eyeglass frame configured to be worn by the person, a housing mounted to the eyeglass frame, including a circuit for receiving a signal containing the sequence of words, a display for displaying the sequence of words received by the circuit, a mirror mounted to reflect the displayed sequence of words downwardly through the housing, and a lens disposed in the path of the mirror to magnify the displayed sequence of words downwardly reflected by the mirror, and a partially reflective beamsplitter, mounted to the housing and extending downwardly over an eye of the person, for receiving the downwardly reflected sequence of words and projecting them into the field of view of the person.

Abstract: A dual use heads-up display panel for a vehicle may be orientated in a first orientation wherein it displays information onto the window of a vehicle. The display panel may be selectively moved to a facing-forward position wherein it directs information towards the operator of the vehicle. The control for the display panel determines which of the two positions the display panel is in, and modifies the information displayed on the panel accordingly. The information should be reversed in a mirror image between the two orientations such that it is properly orientated when read off of the windshield, and is also properly orientated when read from the facing-forward position. In a further feature, a convergent optical system, which may be a lens, is placed in the path of the light from the display panel when in the heads-up position. The lens causes the size of the information displayed on the windshield to be reduced such that its intensity is increased.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for counterbalancing a video display comprises a stationary housing, a boom rotatably fixed to the housing which supports the video display, a counterweight boom disposed within the housing and below the boom for counterbalancing the torque imparted on the boom by the video display, a coupling member which mechanically couples the counterweight boom to the boom such that they move in unison, and a stabilizer which limits the speed at which the boom and counterweight boom travel to prevent injury to users. The location of the counterweight boom inside the housing and below the boom results in a lower center of mass of the apparatus which significantly improves stability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pilot's helmet with a tinted visor that can be locked in raised position during nighttime use by a device using spring-loaded balls, and that can be lowered manually, or automatically when the pilot ejects thanks to a spring-loaded system tending to close the visor.

Abstract: A single eye vision device includes a head mount, a vision assist assembly mounted on the head mount for selectable positioning in front of an eye of a wearer and single lever operated positioning apparatus for positioning of the vision assist assembly on the head mount.

Abstract: A compact and lightweight head- or face-mounted image display apparatus in which curvature of field is reduced to improve visibility without using a relay optical system or a prism. The image display apparatus has an image display device (1) and an optical system for leading an image displayed by the image display device (1) to an observer's eyeball (5) without effecting image formation on the way to the observer's eyeball (5). The image display device (1) and the optical system are retained on an observer's head or face by a retaining device. Light rays from the image display device (1) are reflected by a semitransparent surface (2) and then reflected by a reflecting surface (4) of a back-coated mirror (3). Thereafter, the light rays pass through the semitransparent surface (2) to enter the observer's pupil (5).

Abstract: A compact, wide-field, high-resolution, low-cost and easy-to-handle head- or face-mounted image display apparatus in which unwanted light is reduced without using a polarizing member or a louver optical system.

Abstract: A Head Mounted Display (HMD) having both single viewing capability and group viewing capability is provided. The eyepiece of the HMD can be either converted to a group viewing projector or can be replaced or interchangeable with a group viewing unit.

Abstract: A protective helmet including a shell equipped with an optronic unit allowing visualization of an image by a wearer of the helmet. Adjustment of a position of the optronic unit with respect to the sight of the wearer is simplified by prior adjustment of an interpupillary distance of the optronic unit.

Abstract: A device for putting away a holographic mirror includes at least one curved slideway, a carriage for moving on the slideway from an operational position to a position where the mirror is put away, the carriage being fixedly joined to the mirror, and a holder holding the mirror in a position where it is put away. The device is used for stowing of a holographic mirror in an aircraft.

Abstract: A head-mounted display device for enlarging an image formed by an image display element as a virtual image. The head-mounted display device according to this invention comprises a virtual image forming optical system (3) including an image display element (9) and a lens (11) for enlarging an image formed by the image display element (9); a device main body (1) that houses the image forming optical means (3); and a switching means mounted in the device main body (1) for holding the virtual image forming optical system (3) in such a way that the system (3) can be moved in the direction of the width of the eye and placing the virtual image forming optical system (3) in front of one of the user's eyes. The image display element (9) and the lens (11) are disposed so that the optical axis of the virtual image forming optical system (3) approximately aligns with the user's line of sight taken while he or she is looking horizontally.

Abstract: A display device comprises an indicator for displaying informations concerning vehicles, a photographing unit for photographing a driver, an image processing unit for detecting a position of the driver from the pictures photographed by the photographing unit and an adjusting mechanism for adjusting an angle of reflecting means which reflects a display light emitted by the indicator on the basis of the position of the driver's eyes detected by the image processing unit.

Abstract: A virtual image instrument panel display (20) has a display source (22) and reflective elements (24, 26). The display source (22) generates a beam (28) including an image to be viewed. The reflecting elements (24, 26) receive the beam and provide a virtual image of the image of the beam. The virtual image is focused on a viewing plane at a predetermined and substantial virtual distance away from the user to enable easy eye focus transition between the virtual image and distant objects. The folded nature of the optical system provides for a compact package suitable for installation in an automotive dashboard.

Abstract: A dual camera test fixture that allows quantitative optical performance measurements to be made on a combiner, which is the primary optical element of a head-up display optical system. The fixture replicates an embodiment of the head-up display system, with the cameras in place of a users eyes. This configuration allows quantitative optical measurements to be made, just as the user would observe them. The test fixture makes quantitative measurements of the optical performance of individual combiners. The measurements that are made are binocular, and the measurement time is less than one minute per combiner. The test fixture determines actual coordinates of an image produced by the combiner. These coordinates allow accurate and quantitative calculations regarding the combiner to be made including vertical disparity, image distance, percent distortion, and image size. The cameras are adjustable in a manner that simulates the motion of human eyes as well as the motion of the human head.

Abstract: All components and parts of a head-up displaying device are formed in a unit and secured to a dashboard or a rear panel of a vehicle. The displaying device has a case composed of a base member, a bottom plate and a cover. The base member is secured to the dashboard or the rear panel and forms a turntable with the bottom plate. An image projection unit, a control unit and a reflecting member are housed in the case, and a foldable flat combiner is pivotally secured to the cover of the case. A shade member is formed on the cover to prevent the image projection unit from coming into the driver's line of sight. The combiner is held by a holder which forms a hinge using clips secured to the case and shafts formed on the sides of the holder so that the inclination angle of the combiner may be adjusted.

Abstract: A helmet system having a visor attached to a support bracket mounted on a helmet wherein the support bracket is formed with an extension operative to block the visor from lifting upwards when the visor is pushed toward the helmet by wind pressure while not obstructing the normal circumferential movement of said visor in the absence of wind pressure.

Abstract: A helmet display system is provided comprising a display visor 3 located on helmet 1 on which helmet is also positioned image projection means for projecting an image via a holographic combiner 4 on the display visor 3. The helmet further comprises an anti-glare visor 2 which has optical transmission characteristics similar to those of a neutral density visor, with the exception that these characteristics are modified to compensate for the low transmission value of the display visor 3 to frequencies within a narrow waveband to which the combiner 4 is tuned. The invention provides a helmet display system which can be used in conjunction with an aircraft head-up display if required.

Abstract: A device for the mechanical hooking of a display system to a helmet which includes a sheath that surrounds the body of the display system except for elbowed optical elements leading to the combiner forming the eye-piece of the display system and that has a projecting longitudinal ridge acting as a guiding shaft for the hooking and as a fastening lug, and also includes a hooking stud. The device also has a stage that is interposed between the side wall of the helmet and the sheath. This stage is provided with a channel designed to receive the longitudinal ridge of the sheath and a hook jaw designed to grasp the hooking stud. The device is fixed to the side wall of the helmet by mechanism enabling the adjustment of its position both vertically and laterally, to enable the adjusting of the position of the eye-piece of the display system in the alignment of the helmet wearer's eye.

Abstract: Device for rapidly and automatically deploying and retracting a combiner attached to a visored helmet. A combination of opposing springs, one made from conventional materials and the other from shape memory alloy (SMA), effects a detent mechanism and the retracting and deploying mechanism. The conventional spring normally exerts a greater force than the SMA spring, but the latter exerts the greater force upon being heated, preferably by means of an electric current passing through the spring. Alternative deployment and retraction means include a solenoid-conventional spring combination or an electrical motor which used in conjunction with a locking and unlocking means incorporating a SMA spring.

Abstract: A helmet mounted display system comprising: a transparent visor; and an optical system which directs rays of light from a display produced by a display source onto a spherical region of the visor to provide by reflection at the visor, at a helmet wearer's eye position, a collimated virtual image of the display on a line of sight of a wearer of the helmet through the visor; the region of the visor being of a shape which is rotationally symmetric about a first axis and the optical system being mounted for rotation about the first axis, thereby to allow rotation of the eye position about the axis.

Abstract: The system deflects an optical beam and is composed of at least one prism. The prism is provided with at least one reflection face and is rotationally seated with respect to a rotational axis. In order to achieve high speeds, at least regions of the prism are provided with an outside contour designed essentially rounded.

Abstract: A retractable holographic combiner, of the type comprising a movable holographic mirror placed before the pilot's eyes and designed for the presenting of light images collimated at infinity, superimposed on the external scene, and coming from a projector positioned upline with respect to the combiner, the holographic mirror being connected to a fixed part of the aircraft by a hinged support that provides for holding it and positioning it, wherein the support of the holographic mirror is constituted by a single lateral connecting arm comprising a first upper hinge connecting said arm by one of its ends to the fixed part of the aircraft and a second lower hinge connecting said arm by its other end to a side of the holographic mirror so as to obtain a complete retraction of the assembly.

Abstract: A device for supporting and guiding a collimator, particularly for a collimator designed to be installed on the ceiling of an aircraft. A collimator follows a complex predefined trajectory in a three-dimensional space (X, Y, Z ) with up to six degrees of freedom, between a given operational position and a stored position. The device includes a first structure (3) attached to the aircraft having three guiding grooves, a first central groove (30) following a plane trajectory in a first plane (X, Y), and two lateral grooves (31, 32) on opposite sides of the central groove which follow second and third trajectories located in two planes perpendicular to the first plane. A second structure (4) rigidly attached to the collimator (1) moves along grooves by means of rollers (8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10), the number and shape of which enable the second structure to have six degrees of freedom along the complex trajectory.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a mirror mounted near the roof for reflecting an image generated by a display source. The display source and mirror are shaped and positioned to provide a virtual image of the image generated by the display source which is focused at infinity.

Abstract: A helmet mounted display system comprising an eyepiece (3) through which a wearer of the helmet directly views a forward scene (13). The eyepiece also serves to combine an intensified image of the forward scene with the wearer's direct view of the scene. The intensified image is produced by an optical arrangement including an image intensifier (6) from which light is passed to the eyepiece via a prism (2). The prism serves to compensate for orientation of the intensified image in other parts of the optical arrangement so that the intensified image is in the same orientation as the wearer's direct view of the forward scene. In addition the prism allows the various components in the system light path to conform to the profile of the helmet thereby making the helmet more comfortable for a wearer.

Abstract: A combiner is pivotally mounted for movement between an operating position in the line of sight of an operator and a storage position. A sector gear fixed to the combiner engages a slidable rack so that sliding the rack causes pivotal movement of the combiner. A control knob and stem are mounted for rotary movement and translation. A cam rotated by the knob engages followers on the rack to slide the rack upon knob translation or rotation. Knob translation effects movement of the combiner between operating and storage position, and when in operating position, knob rotation effects fine adjustment of the combiner to adjust image position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for minimizing initial surface reflections which can be reflected from the surroundings via the reflecting surface of an electronic display screen in the direction towards a given observation position, whereby the display screen is arranged on a base, preferably mounted on a dashboard of a vehicle, whereby at least a certain region of, or adjoining, the base to which the display screen is intended to be attached, is treated in such manner that a low reflecting surface is obtained.

Abstract: A four bar linkage (46) supports a head-up-display (HUD) combiner (12) for movement between an upper storage position and a lower operating position. A stop and overcenter mechanism (28a,58;28b,52a;48,52) securely locks the combiner (12) in the operating position. A switch (60) is actuated by the linkage (46) when the combiner (12) is in the operating position.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes an image source displaying information and a magnifying mirror element reflecting the displayed information and projecting one or more images thereof viewable by the operator in one or more focal planes, the mirror element being partially light transmissive. A display data source is also provided so that, in a first mode, the display data is not visible and in a second mode the display data is visible to the operator through the mirror. A motor mechanism is operable to pivot the display between a stowed position and an unstowed operational position.

Abstract: A display apparatus in which light outputted from an LED array arranged in a column is reflected by a vibrating mirror such that a two-dimensional image is obtained, comprising: a half mirror which reflects light having a wavelength identical with a light emitting wavelength of the LED array and transmits therethrough visible light having other wavelengths than the light emitting wavelength; the half mirror being so disposed as to not only transmit therethrough the visible light from outside but also reflect the light proceeding from the LED array via the vibrating mirror such that the two-dimensional image has an outer scene as its background.

Abstract: A display system for use with headgear of a user includes a visor display mounted to the headgear so as to define a cavity between the head of the user and an inner surface of the visor display. The visor display has at least one partially reflective aspheric surface section directed inward to the user. The partially reflective aspheric surface is at a position which intercepts a forward line of sight of at least one eye of the user and which is at a tilt angle with respect to a plane that is substantially transverse to the forward line of sight. A shallow packaged image source is positioned above an eye within the cavity at a predetermined angle with the plane which is substantially transverse with a forward line of sight. A fiber optic faceplate having a first and second end section is coupled to the image source at the first end section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a display apparatus which can display information well and does not compromise the feel of a helmet in which the display apparatus is incorporated. The helmet has a front opening formed therein and has a transparent shield mounted thereon so as to cover the front opening. The display apparatus incorporates a display unit disposed on the inner side of the helmet for displaying information thereon. Display light from the display unit is reflected toward a visual point position by an inner face of the shield so that an observer visually observes a virtual image of the display information of the display unit from within the helmet through the shield. The display unit is disposed on the inner side of a chin portion of the helmet so as to not to create any obstruction to the observer.

Abstract: The disclosed mixer comprises a rotating optical block with a symmetry of revolution. This block is axially sectioned into two, and one face of one of the half blocks has a semi-reflective coating. This block cooperates with a source, the images of which have to be always transmitted and with a source, the images of which have to be transmitted only in one case of use.

Abstract: An optical mixer for use in a helmet visual display system including a light intensifier tube for night vision and a cathode-ray tube for the display of a synthetic image. The mixer includes a swinging glass plate with a spectrally reflective and angularly selective coating. When the angle of the swinging glass plate is changed, the amount of light transmitted through the mixer is changed.

Abstract: A combiner for a head-up display apparatus is integrally molded with a support for the combiner into a single piece. A baffle preventing direct occupant viewing of the display source of the head-up display may also be integrally molded for the combiner and the support. The integrally molded combiner and support provides for improved quality of the head-up display at a reduced price.