CA2112745A1 - Helmet integrated display system - Google Patents
Helmet integrated display systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA2112745A1 CA2112745A1 CA002112745A CA2112745A CA2112745A1 CA 2112745 A1 CA2112745 A1 CA 2112745A1 CA 002112745 A CA002112745 A CA 002112745A CA 2112745 A CA2112745 A CA 2112745A CA 2112745 A1 CA2112745 A1 CA 2112745A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- image
- eye
- display system
- integrated display
- wearer
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
- G02B27/01—Head-up displays
- G02B27/017—Head mounted
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
- G02B27/01—Head-up displays
- G02B27/017—Head mounted
- G02B27/0172—Head mounted characterised by optical features
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
- G02B27/01—Head-up displays
- G02B27/017—Head mounted
- G02B27/0176—Head mounted characterised by mechanical features
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N7/00—Television systems
- H04N7/18—Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
- H04N7/183—Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast for receiving images from a single remote source
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
- G02B27/01—Head-up displays
- G02B27/0101—Head-up displays characterised by optical features
- G02B2027/0123—Head-up displays characterised by optical features comprising devices increasing the field of view
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
- G02B27/01—Head-up displays
- G02B27/0101—Head-up displays characterised by optical features
- G02B2027/0132—Head-up displays characterised by optical features comprising binocular systems
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
- G02B27/01—Head-up displays
- G02B27/0101—Head-up displays characterised by optical features
- G02B2027/0138—Head-up displays characterised by optical features comprising image capture systems, e.g. camera
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
- G02B27/01—Head-up displays
- G02B27/0101—Head-up displays characterised by optical features
- G02B2027/0143—Head-up displays characterised by optical features the two eyes not being equipped with identical nor symmetrical optical devices
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
- G02B27/01—Head-up displays
- G02B27/0149—Head-up displays characterised by mechanical features
- G02B2027/0154—Head-up displays characterised by mechanical features with movable elements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
- G02B27/01—Head-up displays
- G02B27/0149—Head-up displays characterised by mechanical features
- G02B2027/0154—Head-up displays characterised by mechanical features with movable elements
- G02B2027/0156—Head-up displays characterised by mechanical features with movable elements with optionally usable elements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
- G02B27/01—Head-up displays
- G02B27/017—Head mounted
- G02B2027/0178—Eyeglass type
Abstract
A Helmet Integrated Display (HID) system and device for remotely viewing a video signal, wherein the device is worn on a cameraman's head. The device has a housing containing a head-mounted, high resolution CRT (27, 27') to produce a visible image from the incoming video signal generated by an input video source such as a STEADICAM video tap camera. Through a network of mirrors (23, 28, 28') and a double convex lens (22, 22'), the visible image is converted into a virtual image, which image is presented to a sighting eye of the cameraman. An occlusion device (10, 10'), also attached to the HID system, partially blocks off the view out of a non-sighting eye such that the perceived images from both eyes combine in the cerebral cortex of the cameraman's brain into one coherent image without problems of binocular rivalry. In an alternate embodiment, an RF receiver (18) is incorporated into the HID
system for receiving an RF video signal broadcast into the airwaves from the input video source, thus eliminating the need for a direct connection to the input video source.
system for receiving an RF video signal broadcast into the airwaves from the input video source, thus eliminating the need for a direct connection to the input video source.
Description
WO 93fO1683 PCI/US92/05S41 ' 2112745 tlELNlFT INTEGRATED DISPLAY SYSTEM
~AGKt;ROUND QFJHE lNVENTlQ~!
1. E~
The present inv~ntion retates ~o the field of optical equipment, and more precisely, the inven~ion relates to, but is not limited to, applications in motion pi~ure production. The present invention is used to assist cameramen using a variety of camera stabiliza~ion or remote camera systems. Also, it may be used by puppeteers, directors, stunt coordinators, assistant directors, directors of photography or others. The present invention is for use by those requiring a view of a through-the-lens image while sgill retaining hands-free mobility with a majority of one's peripheral vision intace.
~AGKt;ROUND QFJHE lNVENTlQ~!
1. E~
The present inv~ntion retates ~o the field of optical equipment, and more precisely, the inven~ion relates to, but is not limited to, applications in motion pi~ure production. The present invention is used to assist cameramen using a variety of camera stabiliza~ion or remote camera systems. Also, it may be used by puppeteers, directors, stunt coordinators, assistant directors, directors of photography or others. The present invention is for use by those requiring a view of a through-the-lens image while sgill retaining hands-free mobility with a majority of one's peripheral vision intace.
2. ~e$criptionQ~ih~L ~ 7 Ther~ are num~rous h~lmet mounted visual pres~ntation devices which have been employed in a wid~ variety of applications including: military (air, land and sea), scisntific research, education, computer peripheral systems, aerospace, industrial engineering, general aviation, undersea explcration, motor sports, as W611 a~ many other technical applications.
There is, however, generally only one d~vice used in conn2ction with motion picture production. That device is described by Garrett Brown in U.S.
Patent No. 4,017,168 to Brown, and in his Reissue Patent No. 32,213. The device disclosed in the Brown patants is a supportive peripheral viewfinder connected to a video tap camera on a rnotion picture camera via a fiber optic cable. A major disadvantage of the Brown device is that it completely occludes the user's sighting or display eye, preventing any peripheral viewing in the display eye and grossly hampering depth perception in the SUBSrITUTE SHEET
There is, however, generally only one d~vice used in conn2ction with motion picture production. That device is described by Garrett Brown in U.S.
Patent No. 4,017,168 to Brown, and in his Reissue Patent No. 32,213. The device disclosed in the Brown patants is a supportive peripheral viewfinder connected to a video tap camera on a rnotion picture camera via a fiber optic cable. A major disadvantage of the Brown device is that it completely occludes the user's sighting or display eye, preventing any peripheral viewing in the display eye and grossly hampering depth perception in the SUBSrITUTE SHEET
3 P~/lJS92J05541 211~Z7 ~
non-display eye. Further, there is no described ap~ical adjustment to at~end to the problems encountered with refocusing or image size. Apparently, Brown's system requires that one eye focuses on the display while the other eye focuses on the much far~her away general surroundings. This unbalanced focal relationship with unchecked binocular rivalry, discussed below, is undesirable and certainly would cause headaches and disorientation, making the device undesirable and dangerous if used while navigating in cluttered work areas. Hence, the Brown device does not address th~ need tor a matting occlusion device for the non-display eye as is ~au~ht by the present invention because the device is sending two entirely separate images to the visual reception area in the brain.
Additionally, the Brown patents describe only a fiber optic link to the eyepiece with no accommodation for other external image sources.
Furiher, with the Brown device, there is no described visual enhancement in the ~orm of a higher than transmitted image quality via addi~ional lines of resolution.
Another shortcoming of the Brown viewfinder can be explained in terms of the mechanism and physiology of th~ human visual system. Each person has a binocular region with a binocular field of view, wherein the latter is defined as the en~ire area visible to both eyes at any instant and the former isthe region where the fields o~ view of both eyes overlap. The view seon in the overlapping binocular region fuses into one image in the visual cortex of the brain, which includes a "projection area" in the occipital lobe of each brain hemisphere. This projection area maps out the image seen by both eyes.
But if a view~inder is placed over one eye as in the Brown device, a phenomenon called binocular rivalry occurs. In general terms, binocular rivalry is when images from one eye alternately dominates over the images from the other. This phenomenon happ0ns because the image in the field of SUE~SrITUTE SHEET
wo 93~01683 P~r/US92/OS~4l ~ 21127~S
view in one eye is significantly different than the field of view in the other eye, which is the case when the viewfinder is placed over one eye. To be sure, the focal plane of one eye is not the same as for the other eye since the objectseen by the sighting eye is so much closer to that eye. Thus, the projection area in the brain is confused and cannot fuse the images from each eye.
There have been several types of efforts to overcome this problem, however. The simplest is to cover the nonsighting eye with an opaque patch, blocking out any visual information from entering ~hat eye. But with the nonsighting eye completely covered, the cameraman loses a great deal of visual inform~ion as compared to an unobstructed eye.
A refinement over a simple eye patGh is U.S. Patent No. 4,729,648 to Armstrong, commercially marketed as "the Eyeopener." Armstrong discloses a rectangular-shaped partial eyeshield that blocks only a portion of the field of view of th~ non-si~hting eys instead of covering the entire eye. Thus, when mounted on a camcorder, ior example, the partial ayeshi~ld blocks out only so much of the field of view as is seen through th~ sighting eye looking through the camcorder view~inder. In this manner, the image from one eye complements the image from the other.
But the Armstrong devioe has its limitations. First, it uses a viewfinder that either completely or substantially obstructs the field of view out of the `-sighting eye; only the image produc~d by the viewfinder can be seen.
Accordingly! the vision of the camera operator is impaired.
Second, because the viewfinder is positioned close to the sighting eye while the non-sighting eye, notwithstanding the partial eyeshield, has sufficient view of the surroundings, problems exist stemming from the eyes having to adjust to two focal planes. More specifically, although the binocular rivalry phenomenon may have been solved, the focal planes of the images seen by the non-sighting eye not blocked by the partial eyeshield versus the SUBSrITUTE SHE~ET
, ,- : . , ... , - , . . . .
WO 93/01683 PCr/US92/05~;41 ~1127 ~5 sighting eye looking at the vieu~inder are not the same distance away. By analogy, the effect is if a person were to look at a far away object while simultaneously having an object lined up in the foreground, even though the images from each eye would fuse in the projection area, the eyes must re-focus ~rom the close object to the distant object or vice versa. Therefore, the cameraman's eyes must constantly re-focus depending upon which object is being observed. This can become annoying to a cameraman who must constantly repeat the process to perform his job for many hours.
Other relevant art can be ~ound in several military applications that -~
employ speciali7ed, head-mounted optical devices. For instance, a HUD
(Heads Up Display) system used in fighter aircraft and ordinance delivery systems. But several of these devices that present visual information to the wearer in front of one or both eyes has rev~aled that most of these devices are prohibitively expensive and complex.
Further, they are generally designed with very specialized tasks in mind making them difficult andlor costly to adapt to motion picture work. Most of the military systems incorporate some form of projection system wherein the desired visual data is superimpossd on a high tech translucent half-silvered mirror surface which mirror still transmits to the userlpilot all of the background visual information ~rom his surroundings. For motion picture use, by comparison, such a feature would be undesirable because the cameraman would receive too much conflicting visual information and would not be able to ~ I ' concentrate solely on the camera image if he should so desire. Also with the prior art HUD systems, the cameraman does not have the control over contrast and brightness to the level which is demanded in motion picture applications.
SUNIMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a Helmet Integrated Display system (or SUBSTITUTE SHEEr WO 93/01683 PCI'/US92/05~41 2If27~s "HIDN) which is worn by a cameraman on the line and which provides a high resolution, optically adjusted video presentation ovsr a sighting ~ye. In a preferred embodiment of the present inven~ion, the image is generally provided dir~ctly from a motion picture video tap camera and can be delivered to the HID system via hard wiring, or it may be transmitted to the receiver/tuner built into the HID system. Additional information can be supsrimposed on the H5D system image including multipls capacity frameline generation representing various lens formats, level sensing (as related to camera position) and Hll:~ level indieators as well as alpha numeric data as desired ~rom a variety of sources. A CEI frameline generation system is provided to electronically indica~e on the image viewed by the wearer 1he size and shape of the ultimate image recorded by the camera used in the production.
The general purpose of the HID system is to provide its wearer, usuaily th~ cameraman, who is using any number of existing camera stabilization systems or remote operated camera systems, with a display unit that allows him to ~ffectiveiy monitor both the cam~ra image traming and his own movement about the movie set environment. Spe~ifically, this system can be - used in conjunction with a widely acceptcd professional cam~ra stabilization system known in the art as ths STEADICAM. Also, it can be used with a gyro stabilized remote actuated camera system attached to an ultralight aircraR, components of which are also used with the FASTCAM running camera system, known in the art.
With the STEADICAM, the current means of framing an imag~ requires that the camera operator look at a monitor mounted to the STEADICAM
camera unit. The limitation of this configuration is that the monitor's position is dependent on the camera's position. With such a system the cameraman is expected to maintain critical ~raming while simultaneously maneuvering through his often cluttered surroundings. By contrast, the present invention SUBSIITUTE SHEET
WO 93/01683 PCI'/USg2J05541 HID system frees the wearer of such constraints and allows him the capacity of both direc~ and peripheral vision in any direction rsgardless of camera orientation. It has been found that the need for a system such as the HID
extends to other users as well, the common element being the need to view a remotely-generated video image while maintaining as much of a normal field of view as is possible.
The present invention HID syst~m provides the wearer with a video image in the center of the field of view of his sighting or display eye when theeye is looking straigh~ ahead. The system is designed to minimize the occlusion of peripheral vision in the display eye while providing sufficient projected image size to discern image detail.
Additionally, the present invention system provides an occlusion maans which minimizes confusion to th~ wearer caus~d by images seen in the non-display eye (bri~ht focused lights, for ~xample) that would otherwise be superimposed over the displayed image due to the nature of binocular vision and ~he mixing of visual information from both ey~s in the brain's visual reception areas. In a preferred embodiment, the ocelusion means is a rectangular-shaped element partiaily blocking the view out of the non-display eye.
In contrast to the previously describ~d Brown device, th~ present invention provides considerable shared information from both eyes and reduces the CRT display image size to only 14% of the overall field of view.
, , Also, the present invention in a preferred embodiment accepts NTSC video input directly through either standard coaxial cable or by radio reception in anon-board receiverltuner from the transmission source at the video tap camera or other such broadcast information sources.
The present invention also has a visual enhancement system which is not provided in the Brown device. This system is provided by a high grade SUBSTITUTE SHEET
WC) 93/01683 PCI'SUS92/05541 21I27 l~
CRT on board ~he HID sys~em. Additionally, the present invention has an image reversal (mirror flip) feature not present in the Brown device.
Overall, there are many features and functions of the present invention not found in any prior ar~ device. These features and functions are set forth below with reference to the drawings which are briefly discu-~sed as follows.
BRIEF DE~RIPTIQN ~F THE DRAwLN~;s Figure 1 is a top view of the present invention HID system.
Figure 2 is a front view of the present inven~ion HID system.
Fi~ure 3 is a side view of the present invention HID system.
Fi~ures 4(a), (b)" and (~) provide top, ~ront and side ViBWS, respectively, of a power and signal supply assembly.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the CRT/Optical package taken along line 5-5 of Figure 1.
Figure 6 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the , ~ ~
present invention disposed on a user.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION QF THE INVENTION
The following specification describes a Helmet Integrated Display (or HID) system. In the description, specific materials and configurations are set SUBSrITUTE SHEET
.~! ... i; " ., ... .. ' . ~ ~ ' ' .
Wo 93/01683 PCrJUS92105541 21127.45 --forth in order to provide a more complete understanding of the present invention. But it is understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be praoticed without those specific details. In some instances, wel!-known elements are not described precisely so as not to obscure the invention.
The present invention provides a head-mounted op~ical display system for remotely viewing a video signal that does not impair the weare~/cameraman's field of vision. In a preferred ernbodiment shown in a plan view in Fi~ure 1, the present invention provides a I IID systern comprising of a light-weight support headband frame 5 made of rigid composite construction. Onto the headband frame 5 is mounted a high resolution CRT and optical package 6, which is housed in a tubul~r, precision-machined aluminum casing. Also mounted to the aft section of the support headband frame 5 is a rectangular-shaped aft electronics package 2, which contains a CRT drive board and high voltage circuitry. That circuitry is connected to thc CRT/Optical packagc 6 via a cable assembly 11, illustrated in a profiie view in Figure 3.
F~gur~ S is a cross-sectional view of the CRT/Optical package 6 shown in Figure 1 taken along line 5-5. Generally speaking, the CRT/Optical package 6 merges electronics with optics to obtain a highly-specialized viewfinder. In Ftgure 5, within the CRTlOptical package 6 resides a focus adjustment precision slide and vernier adjustment mechanism 14, a high resolution CRT 27, a turning mirror 28, an adjùstment optical ground glass lens 22, and a final presentation mirror 23. The CRT/Optical package 6 is mounted to a linear motion precision slide 20, as shown in t-igure 2, which in turn is affixed directly to the forward section of the headband frame 5. To the precision linear motion slide 20 is affixed a vernier adjustment screw assembly 7 actuated by a half-inch diameter knurled knob.
SUBSTtTUTE SHEET
_... . .. .. . . . .. . .. ~ . .. . . ... . . . .
WO 93/0~683 PCI'/I~S92/05541 2 1 1 2 7 4 ~i The slide adjustment assembly 20 is used to move the CRT/Optical package 6 from side to side in ordsr to center the CRT display image 29 over the sighting eye's center field of view.
As shown in Figur~ 5, the CRT/Optical package 6 is a tubular housing that has a viewfinder opening 26 at one end and a high resolution CRT 27 enclosed in the o~her. The high resolution CRT 27 receives input video and power signats Yia cable 11 from an att ele~tronics package 2, discussed in de~ail below. The CRT 27 features a display scresn 29 that projects visible images to a turning mirror 28. The tuming mirror reflects the visible image to alens 22.
The lens 22 seNes a special purpose. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lens 22 should be a double convex typc which inverts the visible images, analogous to what happens in a convsntional magnifying lens. In addition~ by using an optical technique known in the art of positionillg the CRT display 27 (i.e., the object) within the focal length of the double convex lens 22 on the CRT side, a virtual image (of the object) is projected on to the opposite side of the lens 22. In the preferred embodirnent the lens is an f 1.6 ~ocal length, 100 mm lens.
The location of the virtual image can be adjusted. To do that, the wearer can change the positioning of the CRT display 29 relative to the lens 22 by twisting on the adjustment knob 14. Twisting the knob 14 rotates a threaded shaft which slides the entire high resolution CRT 27 forward or backwar~ relative to the lens 22. Consequently, the perceived position of the virtual image moves as weil. Image focus can be obtained this way, too.
Finally, a cooperatively disposed mirror near the front end of the CRT/Optical package 6 brings the virtual image down to eye level.
Specifically, the vir~ual image is projected to a final presentation mirror 23.
According to the present invention, both mirrors 23 and 28 are conventional, SUBSTITUTE SHEET
WO 93/0~683 PCI~US9~/05~41 ~112~5 lo high grade, fuily silvered mirrors known in the art. The virtual image appearingin the final presentation mirror 23 can then be observed through the viewfinder opening 26 positioned in front of the wearer's sighting eye.
Of course there are rnany other methods of bringing the vi~ual image of the GRT display 29 to the wearer's sighting eye 25 aside from ths example just described. The foregoing description provides merely one preferred Gonfiguration.
As shown in Fi~ures~ 2 and 3, in the preferred embodiment, a nylon web headrest 4 is affixed within the ~ircumference of the rigid composite headband frame 5. Affixed to the aft section of the headband fram~ 5 is an adjustable slzing head strap 9 which incorpora~es a rotary tensioning knob 13 that pulls a 4" x 2~ flat pad 12 evenly from eenter against the back of the cameraman/weare~s head on two plas~ic straps which are connected rigidly to the headband support frame 5.
As montioned above, the aft elactronics package 2 contair.s a CRT
drive board and high voltage circuitry, known in the art. On the top of the aft electronics package 2 are two toggl~ switch~s 3 and two adjustment knobs 1, seen best in Figure 1. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the larger toggle switch is the master power on switch which activates th~ HID
system electronics. The small, guarded toggle switch is an imaga revarsal switch, which when activated flips the image from right to leR but retains correct vertical onentation. The image flip is achieved by using various conventionai technologies such as with mirrors or electronic circuitry; thus no further discussion is needed here. A guard strip 21 of eighth-inch thick rubber is used to prevent inadvertent activation of the image reversal switch while thesystem electronics is powered up, which might cause damage to the system due to high voltage spikes at the time of switching. The adjustment knobs are conventional contrast and brightness adjustments required for tailoring the SUBSTITUTE SHEET
WO 93/01683 PCI/US92~0~;541 ~ 1l 211271S
image for a variety of high and low light environment or for specific image enhancement capabilities.
A connection cable 15 exits the lowsr portion of the aft electronics package 2 and preferably extends some three fsst, terminating in a quick-disconnect, four-pin male connector. This cable 15 carries 12v power and a NTSC video signal.
AKached to the cable 15 is a 12v battery power and signal supply assernbly 18, shown in top, front and side views in Fi~ure 4(a), (b) and (c), respectively. As seen in Figure 4(a), the assembly 18 has a female section featuring a four-pin connector 16 mounted to the top of th~ power supply assembly 18, which is used to carry 12v power and the NT',C video signal. Also mounted to the top of the assembly 18 is a standard 75-ohm male ~NG video connector 17 used to connect- the present invention to a variety of NTSC video signal sources. Those video signal sources can be, namely, a STEADICAM video tap camera output; a home video camera; any professional video camera syst~m; a TV; a video monitor; a computer CRT
output; or any other video signal source known in the art. For easy on-person carry, tha assembly 18 also has a spring loaded b~lt clip 19.
As best illus~rated in Figure 2, the present inventicn also provides an o~clusion dcvice 10, mount~d adjacent to th~ ex~rnal r~gion of th~ final presentation mirror 23. The occlusion device lQ can be fabricated from any opaque, ngid or semi-ngid material formed into a rectangular or oval shape approximating the general shape of the perceived display eye presentation.
in the preferred embodiment, the occlusion dcvice 10 is a machined, rectangular aluminum element and is attached to the CRT/Optical package 6 by an adjustable slide shaft of chromed machine steel which allows linear adjustment in centering over the non-sighting eye as well as pivoting to an upward stowed position.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET
wo 93/01683 Pcr/vS92/05~41 211C~7~5 12 Thus in the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2, when a cameraman wears the present invention on his head, the view out of his left (non-sighting) eye is par~ially blocked by the occlusion device 10 while his right (sighting) eye can observ~ the images on the final presentation mirror 23 inside the CRT/Optical package 6. Naturally, the CRT/Optical package 6 and the occlusion device 10 can exchange positions so thAt th~ right (non-sighting) eye is par~ially blocked by the occlusion device 10 while the video image is presented to the left (sighting) eye.
The present invention incorporates the above-mentioned occlusion device 10 in order to "matte out" a corresponding region of the non-display eye to effectively eliminate binocular rivalry. Binocular rivalry if unattended to in this application would cause continual alternating dominant images to be projected onto the cerebral cortex. At any time in this uncompensated arran~ement, the image in the field of vi~w of one eye predominates while the other is suppressed, then suddenly the suppressed image emerges into perception and dominates the image that was predominant. Because the images seen in the medial fields of vision of each ~ye share the same visual stimulus to the corresponding foveas and thence to the projection regions of the serebral cortex, images seen in one eye can be superimposed in the reception areas in the brain to appear as though perceived from a source seen by th~ other eye.
How the above discussion relates to the present invention HID system , is ~hat, if, for example, a bright light is seen in the medial region of binocular vision in the non-sighting eye, the brain may superimpose this bright light ontothe presentation at the cerebral cortex projection area as a bright light over the sighting or display eye information stimulus. This condition is of course highlyundesirable and, although it is controllable by concentration and practice of eye dominance. it remains best attended to by use of the aforementioned WO 93/01683 PCr/US92/05541 13 . s ~
2Ii27~
occlusion device 10 andlor as discussed below, the use of a single horoptic focus for both eyes.
Adjusted Viewin~ ODtics A principal design characteristic of the present invention HID system is the adjusted viewing optical arrangement. In particular, the preferred embodiment has optically placed the perceived focal distance of the CRT
display image at approximately 10 feet through a system of ienses and physical helmet mounting, already detailed above. This arrangement eliminates the need for the wearer to grossly refocus either the displ,ay eye orthe non-disptay eye or both eyes in conjunction when the attention within the visual field is directed away from the CRT display in ~he dispiay eye as may be the case when maneuvering about obstacles on a crowded movie set. In other words, very li~tle precious time is lost during a re-focus and consequently the weare~s attention can be shifted from the display to his surroundings repeatedly and quickly without discomfort or disorientation.
Some re-focus may be necessary when viewing surroundings r~moved from the 10 foot horoptic plane; however, they are fairly minimal and hardly perceptible in most cases. Experience has shown that there is an acclamation period of 2 to 3 hours during which a user becomes accustomed to focusing on the image and controlling the dominance of the display eye. After about one week of use, the invention is much easier to use. With the display image presented at a focal distance of 10 feet, it is approximately t~e same as viewing a 42" diagonal screen TV in focus at 10 feet.
The CRT image and associated support elements occupy less than 30% and preferably about only 14% of the overall field of view in the display eye. In the preferred embodiment, the rectangular image is presented at a total of 16 horizontally in the center of the field of vision in the display eye and 12 SUBSTITUTE SHEEr wo 93/016~3 Pcr/uss2/os~q1 21127 4~ 14 total vertically from center. The region directly above the upper most portion of the CRT image is totally occluded 17 wide total from center as a result of the physical form of the lens and mirror holder configuration. It will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the ~rt that variations in the range of the field of viewing may be made withou~ departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. This arrangement affords thc wearer with an extraordinary p~ripheral field of vision as this allows some visual stimulus common to both eyes in the medial binocular field. Further, this arrangement prevents the undesirable disorientation and high percentage of occlusion associated with CRT images viewed solely with one eye while squinting the other eye closed, as is the case with current video camera CRT displays held up to the eye. Indeed, a main reason the pr~sent invention diffsrs greatly from the "Eyeopene~' (U.S. Patent No. 4,729,648 to Armstrong) mention~d above, is that the present invention has accomplished almost all of ~he benofits of an occlusion device ~or viewing a CRT close to the eye by having the CRT image adjusted to the appropriate horoptic range of the desired ambience and reducing the imag~ size to a mere 14% of the available imagery to the display eye instead of totally occluding the display eye as is the case with mos~ all video camera CRT viewers.
The current arrangement of the present invention HID system is essentiaily a semi "dichroptic" system in that it provides a high percentage of shared visual stimulus from both ~yes to the visual cerebral cortex region where projection of fused imagery is presented, but at the same time is presenting two separate images from both eyes in the centroid region of the medial binocular ~isual field. Although it is fact that a true dichroptic arrangement will create binocular rivalry complete with all of the attendant problems associated with such a visual disparity, the present invention HID
system has minimized those effects by establishing a single focal horopter for SUBSrITUTE SHEET
WO 93~01 683 15 , pcr/us92/o5~l 21127~5 both eyes coupled with minimal ~inocular medial visual field in~rusion by the display CRT image. It is still possible with the present invention to concentrate on which eye the wearer is allowed to be more dominant. This can result in the use af the display image as primary visual information to the brain with secondary periphzral imagery provided for navigation and target awareness, or it can result in secondary display imagery from the CRT which appears translucent while one's surroundings become primary and are superimposed over the display eye imagery. The translucent image is a "fill in effec~" created by the non-display eye collecting visual stimulus from the medial binocular field from the same area that would be seen by the display eye were it not covered by the display imagery. Generally, because of the focus ranges and subsequent broad depth of field that exists, it is most common whiie using the HID system to experience aninfocusfloating CRTimage on aninfocus ambient surrounding background. This is actually a delightful experience and is almostatonce accepted by the brain.
Naturally, the present invention is no~ limit~d to the pr~ferred embodiment d~scribed above. Many modi~ications are possible without departing from the breadth of this disclosure. For example, in an alternate embodiment (not shown), the support headband frame can be constn~cted using two plastic molded sections (upper and Iswer~ fused together, to which is ~t~ached the nylon head rest, the CRT/Optical package, and headband sizing adjuster assembly. The high voltage circuits and CRT drive electronics may be housed within a rectangular shape moided into the upper and lower headband support frame. The CRT/Optical package can be enclosed in a two-piece (side by side) plastic molded housing with molded-in positional holding frames for the internal devices such as the CRT, focus adjustment assembly, lenses, mirrors, etc. The linear motion slide assembly can be replaced with a simplified track or rod-type slide adjustment which SUBSTITUTE SHEET
WO 93/016X3 PCI'/US92~0~541 2112 ~ 4 5 16 inoorporates a tensioning lock lever. The high voltage lines and CRT
e!ectronic connection lines to and from the CRT and headband electronics enclosure c~n have ~uick-disconnect couplings on all the cable assemblies.
Finally, ~he precision optical lens could be fabricated using plastic instead ofglass for cost savings.
In another alternate embodiment (not shown), a conventional RF
j,..; . ;....
... . ..
receiver can be incorporated into the power supply assembly 18 for receiving the input video source signal. Consequently, the BNC video connector 17 and its associated cable can be eliminated. In this manner, the video source is nQ~ hard-wired to the present invention HID system through a cable, which limits mobility of the cameraman. Rather, the video source can broadcast i~s signal through the airwaves by convention means known in the art for reception by the self-contained RF receiver inside the assembly 18.
In yet another alternate embodiment, shown in Fi~ure 6, the CRT 27' and optics are rnounted toward the forehead of the wearer. The headband frame 5' still wraps around the skull as before. Also, the double convex lens 22' and the turning mirror 28' are in the same positions and function as in the - preferred embodiment. As is clear from the drawing, the weare~s right sighting eye looks into thè viewfinder final pres~ntation mirror 26' while the vision outof his left non-sighting is partially blocked by the occlusion device 10'.
.- ' '' ' ' ' ' , .
non-display eye. Further, there is no described ap~ical adjustment to at~end to the problems encountered with refocusing or image size. Apparently, Brown's system requires that one eye focuses on the display while the other eye focuses on the much far~her away general surroundings. This unbalanced focal relationship with unchecked binocular rivalry, discussed below, is undesirable and certainly would cause headaches and disorientation, making the device undesirable and dangerous if used while navigating in cluttered work areas. Hence, the Brown device does not address th~ need tor a matting occlusion device for the non-display eye as is ~au~ht by the present invention because the device is sending two entirely separate images to the visual reception area in the brain.
Additionally, the Brown patents describe only a fiber optic link to the eyepiece with no accommodation for other external image sources.
Furiher, with the Brown device, there is no described visual enhancement in the ~orm of a higher than transmitted image quality via addi~ional lines of resolution.
Another shortcoming of the Brown viewfinder can be explained in terms of the mechanism and physiology of th~ human visual system. Each person has a binocular region with a binocular field of view, wherein the latter is defined as the en~ire area visible to both eyes at any instant and the former isthe region where the fields o~ view of both eyes overlap. The view seon in the overlapping binocular region fuses into one image in the visual cortex of the brain, which includes a "projection area" in the occipital lobe of each brain hemisphere. This projection area maps out the image seen by both eyes.
But if a view~inder is placed over one eye as in the Brown device, a phenomenon called binocular rivalry occurs. In general terms, binocular rivalry is when images from one eye alternately dominates over the images from the other. This phenomenon happ0ns because the image in the field of SUE~SrITUTE SHEET
wo 93~01683 P~r/US92/OS~4l ~ 21127~S
view in one eye is significantly different than the field of view in the other eye, which is the case when the viewfinder is placed over one eye. To be sure, the focal plane of one eye is not the same as for the other eye since the objectseen by the sighting eye is so much closer to that eye. Thus, the projection area in the brain is confused and cannot fuse the images from each eye.
There have been several types of efforts to overcome this problem, however. The simplest is to cover the nonsighting eye with an opaque patch, blocking out any visual information from entering ~hat eye. But with the nonsighting eye completely covered, the cameraman loses a great deal of visual inform~ion as compared to an unobstructed eye.
A refinement over a simple eye patGh is U.S. Patent No. 4,729,648 to Armstrong, commercially marketed as "the Eyeopener." Armstrong discloses a rectangular-shaped partial eyeshield that blocks only a portion of the field of view of th~ non-si~hting eys instead of covering the entire eye. Thus, when mounted on a camcorder, ior example, the partial ayeshi~ld blocks out only so much of the field of view as is seen through th~ sighting eye looking through the camcorder view~inder. In this manner, the image from one eye complements the image from the other.
But the Armstrong devioe has its limitations. First, it uses a viewfinder that either completely or substantially obstructs the field of view out of the `-sighting eye; only the image produc~d by the viewfinder can be seen.
Accordingly! the vision of the camera operator is impaired.
Second, because the viewfinder is positioned close to the sighting eye while the non-sighting eye, notwithstanding the partial eyeshield, has sufficient view of the surroundings, problems exist stemming from the eyes having to adjust to two focal planes. More specifically, although the binocular rivalry phenomenon may have been solved, the focal planes of the images seen by the non-sighting eye not blocked by the partial eyeshield versus the SUBSrITUTE SHE~ET
, ,- : . , ... , - , . . . .
WO 93/01683 PCr/US92/05~;41 ~1127 ~5 sighting eye looking at the vieu~inder are not the same distance away. By analogy, the effect is if a person were to look at a far away object while simultaneously having an object lined up in the foreground, even though the images from each eye would fuse in the projection area, the eyes must re-focus ~rom the close object to the distant object or vice versa. Therefore, the cameraman's eyes must constantly re-focus depending upon which object is being observed. This can become annoying to a cameraman who must constantly repeat the process to perform his job for many hours.
Other relevant art can be ~ound in several military applications that -~
employ speciali7ed, head-mounted optical devices. For instance, a HUD
(Heads Up Display) system used in fighter aircraft and ordinance delivery systems. But several of these devices that present visual information to the wearer in front of one or both eyes has rev~aled that most of these devices are prohibitively expensive and complex.
Further, they are generally designed with very specialized tasks in mind making them difficult andlor costly to adapt to motion picture work. Most of the military systems incorporate some form of projection system wherein the desired visual data is superimpossd on a high tech translucent half-silvered mirror surface which mirror still transmits to the userlpilot all of the background visual information ~rom his surroundings. For motion picture use, by comparison, such a feature would be undesirable because the cameraman would receive too much conflicting visual information and would not be able to ~ I ' concentrate solely on the camera image if he should so desire. Also with the prior art HUD systems, the cameraman does not have the control over contrast and brightness to the level which is demanded in motion picture applications.
SUNIMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a Helmet Integrated Display system (or SUBSTITUTE SHEEr WO 93/01683 PCI'/US92/05~41 2If27~s "HIDN) which is worn by a cameraman on the line and which provides a high resolution, optically adjusted video presentation ovsr a sighting ~ye. In a preferred embodiment of the present inven~ion, the image is generally provided dir~ctly from a motion picture video tap camera and can be delivered to the HID system via hard wiring, or it may be transmitted to the receiver/tuner built into the HID system. Additional information can be supsrimposed on the H5D system image including multipls capacity frameline generation representing various lens formats, level sensing (as related to camera position) and Hll:~ level indieators as well as alpha numeric data as desired ~rom a variety of sources. A CEI frameline generation system is provided to electronically indica~e on the image viewed by the wearer 1he size and shape of the ultimate image recorded by the camera used in the production.
The general purpose of the HID system is to provide its wearer, usuaily th~ cameraman, who is using any number of existing camera stabilization systems or remote operated camera systems, with a display unit that allows him to ~ffectiveiy monitor both the cam~ra image traming and his own movement about the movie set environment. Spe~ifically, this system can be - used in conjunction with a widely acceptcd professional cam~ra stabilization system known in the art as ths STEADICAM. Also, it can be used with a gyro stabilized remote actuated camera system attached to an ultralight aircraR, components of which are also used with the FASTCAM running camera system, known in the art.
With the STEADICAM, the current means of framing an imag~ requires that the camera operator look at a monitor mounted to the STEADICAM
camera unit. The limitation of this configuration is that the monitor's position is dependent on the camera's position. With such a system the cameraman is expected to maintain critical ~raming while simultaneously maneuvering through his often cluttered surroundings. By contrast, the present invention SUBSIITUTE SHEET
WO 93/01683 PCI'/USg2J05541 HID system frees the wearer of such constraints and allows him the capacity of both direc~ and peripheral vision in any direction rsgardless of camera orientation. It has been found that the need for a system such as the HID
extends to other users as well, the common element being the need to view a remotely-generated video image while maintaining as much of a normal field of view as is possible.
The present invention HID syst~m provides the wearer with a video image in the center of the field of view of his sighting or display eye when theeye is looking straigh~ ahead. The system is designed to minimize the occlusion of peripheral vision in the display eye while providing sufficient projected image size to discern image detail.
Additionally, the present invention system provides an occlusion maans which minimizes confusion to th~ wearer caus~d by images seen in the non-display eye (bri~ht focused lights, for ~xample) that would otherwise be superimposed over the displayed image due to the nature of binocular vision and ~he mixing of visual information from both ey~s in the brain's visual reception areas. In a preferred embodiment, the ocelusion means is a rectangular-shaped element partiaily blocking the view out of the non-display eye.
In contrast to the previously describ~d Brown device, th~ present invention provides considerable shared information from both eyes and reduces the CRT display image size to only 14% of the overall field of view.
, , Also, the present invention in a preferred embodiment accepts NTSC video input directly through either standard coaxial cable or by radio reception in anon-board receiverltuner from the transmission source at the video tap camera or other such broadcast information sources.
The present invention also has a visual enhancement system which is not provided in the Brown device. This system is provided by a high grade SUBSTITUTE SHEET
WC) 93/01683 PCI'SUS92/05541 21I27 l~
CRT on board ~he HID sys~em. Additionally, the present invention has an image reversal (mirror flip) feature not present in the Brown device.
Overall, there are many features and functions of the present invention not found in any prior ar~ device. These features and functions are set forth below with reference to the drawings which are briefly discu-~sed as follows.
BRIEF DE~RIPTIQN ~F THE DRAwLN~;s Figure 1 is a top view of the present invention HID system.
Figure 2 is a front view of the present inven~ion HID system.
Fi~ure 3 is a side view of the present invention HID system.
Fi~ures 4(a), (b)" and (~) provide top, ~ront and side ViBWS, respectively, of a power and signal supply assembly.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the CRT/Optical package taken along line 5-5 of Figure 1.
Figure 6 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of the , ~ ~
present invention disposed on a user.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION QF THE INVENTION
The following specification describes a Helmet Integrated Display (or HID) system. In the description, specific materials and configurations are set SUBSrITUTE SHEET
.~! ... i; " ., ... .. ' . ~ ~ ' ' .
Wo 93/01683 PCrJUS92105541 21127.45 --forth in order to provide a more complete understanding of the present invention. But it is understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be praoticed without those specific details. In some instances, wel!-known elements are not described precisely so as not to obscure the invention.
The present invention provides a head-mounted op~ical display system for remotely viewing a video signal that does not impair the weare~/cameraman's field of vision. In a preferred ernbodiment shown in a plan view in Fi~ure 1, the present invention provides a I IID systern comprising of a light-weight support headband frame 5 made of rigid composite construction. Onto the headband frame 5 is mounted a high resolution CRT and optical package 6, which is housed in a tubul~r, precision-machined aluminum casing. Also mounted to the aft section of the support headband frame 5 is a rectangular-shaped aft electronics package 2, which contains a CRT drive board and high voltage circuitry. That circuitry is connected to thc CRT/Optical packagc 6 via a cable assembly 11, illustrated in a profiie view in Figure 3.
F~gur~ S is a cross-sectional view of the CRT/Optical package 6 shown in Figure 1 taken along line 5-5. Generally speaking, the CRT/Optical package 6 merges electronics with optics to obtain a highly-specialized viewfinder. In Ftgure 5, within the CRTlOptical package 6 resides a focus adjustment precision slide and vernier adjustment mechanism 14, a high resolution CRT 27, a turning mirror 28, an adjùstment optical ground glass lens 22, and a final presentation mirror 23. The CRT/Optical package 6 is mounted to a linear motion precision slide 20, as shown in t-igure 2, which in turn is affixed directly to the forward section of the headband frame 5. To the precision linear motion slide 20 is affixed a vernier adjustment screw assembly 7 actuated by a half-inch diameter knurled knob.
SUBSTtTUTE SHEET
_... . .. .. . . . .. . .. ~ . .. . . ... . . . .
WO 93/0~683 PCI'/I~S92/05541 2 1 1 2 7 4 ~i The slide adjustment assembly 20 is used to move the CRT/Optical package 6 from side to side in ordsr to center the CRT display image 29 over the sighting eye's center field of view.
As shown in Figur~ 5, the CRT/Optical package 6 is a tubular housing that has a viewfinder opening 26 at one end and a high resolution CRT 27 enclosed in the o~her. The high resolution CRT 27 receives input video and power signats Yia cable 11 from an att ele~tronics package 2, discussed in de~ail below. The CRT 27 features a display scresn 29 that projects visible images to a turning mirror 28. The tuming mirror reflects the visible image to alens 22.
The lens 22 seNes a special purpose. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lens 22 should be a double convex typc which inverts the visible images, analogous to what happens in a convsntional magnifying lens. In addition~ by using an optical technique known in the art of positionillg the CRT display 27 (i.e., the object) within the focal length of the double convex lens 22 on the CRT side, a virtual image (of the object) is projected on to the opposite side of the lens 22. In the preferred embodirnent the lens is an f 1.6 ~ocal length, 100 mm lens.
The location of the virtual image can be adjusted. To do that, the wearer can change the positioning of the CRT display 29 relative to the lens 22 by twisting on the adjustment knob 14. Twisting the knob 14 rotates a threaded shaft which slides the entire high resolution CRT 27 forward or backwar~ relative to the lens 22. Consequently, the perceived position of the virtual image moves as weil. Image focus can be obtained this way, too.
Finally, a cooperatively disposed mirror near the front end of the CRT/Optical package 6 brings the virtual image down to eye level.
Specifically, the vir~ual image is projected to a final presentation mirror 23.
According to the present invention, both mirrors 23 and 28 are conventional, SUBSTITUTE SHEET
WO 93/0~683 PCI~US9~/05~41 ~112~5 lo high grade, fuily silvered mirrors known in the art. The virtual image appearingin the final presentation mirror 23 can then be observed through the viewfinder opening 26 positioned in front of the wearer's sighting eye.
Of course there are rnany other methods of bringing the vi~ual image of the GRT display 29 to the wearer's sighting eye 25 aside from ths example just described. The foregoing description provides merely one preferred Gonfiguration.
As shown in Fi~ures~ 2 and 3, in the preferred embodiment, a nylon web headrest 4 is affixed within the ~ircumference of the rigid composite headband frame 5. Affixed to the aft section of the headband fram~ 5 is an adjustable slzing head strap 9 which incorpora~es a rotary tensioning knob 13 that pulls a 4" x 2~ flat pad 12 evenly from eenter against the back of the cameraman/weare~s head on two plas~ic straps which are connected rigidly to the headband support frame 5.
As montioned above, the aft elactronics package 2 contair.s a CRT
drive board and high voltage circuitry, known in the art. On the top of the aft electronics package 2 are two toggl~ switch~s 3 and two adjustment knobs 1, seen best in Figure 1. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the larger toggle switch is the master power on switch which activates th~ HID
system electronics. The small, guarded toggle switch is an imaga revarsal switch, which when activated flips the image from right to leR but retains correct vertical onentation. The image flip is achieved by using various conventionai technologies such as with mirrors or electronic circuitry; thus no further discussion is needed here. A guard strip 21 of eighth-inch thick rubber is used to prevent inadvertent activation of the image reversal switch while thesystem electronics is powered up, which might cause damage to the system due to high voltage spikes at the time of switching. The adjustment knobs are conventional contrast and brightness adjustments required for tailoring the SUBSTITUTE SHEET
WO 93/01683 PCI/US92~0~;541 ~ 1l 211271S
image for a variety of high and low light environment or for specific image enhancement capabilities.
A connection cable 15 exits the lowsr portion of the aft electronics package 2 and preferably extends some three fsst, terminating in a quick-disconnect, four-pin male connector. This cable 15 carries 12v power and a NTSC video signal.
AKached to the cable 15 is a 12v battery power and signal supply assernbly 18, shown in top, front and side views in Fi~ure 4(a), (b) and (c), respectively. As seen in Figure 4(a), the assembly 18 has a female section featuring a four-pin connector 16 mounted to the top of th~ power supply assembly 18, which is used to carry 12v power and the NT',C video signal. Also mounted to the top of the assembly 18 is a standard 75-ohm male ~NG video connector 17 used to connect- the present invention to a variety of NTSC video signal sources. Those video signal sources can be, namely, a STEADICAM video tap camera output; a home video camera; any professional video camera syst~m; a TV; a video monitor; a computer CRT
output; or any other video signal source known in the art. For easy on-person carry, tha assembly 18 also has a spring loaded b~lt clip 19.
As best illus~rated in Figure 2, the present inventicn also provides an o~clusion dcvice 10, mount~d adjacent to th~ ex~rnal r~gion of th~ final presentation mirror 23. The occlusion device lQ can be fabricated from any opaque, ngid or semi-ngid material formed into a rectangular or oval shape approximating the general shape of the perceived display eye presentation.
in the preferred embodiment, the occlusion dcvice 10 is a machined, rectangular aluminum element and is attached to the CRT/Optical package 6 by an adjustable slide shaft of chromed machine steel which allows linear adjustment in centering over the non-sighting eye as well as pivoting to an upward stowed position.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET
wo 93/01683 Pcr/vS92/05~41 211C~7~5 12 Thus in the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2, when a cameraman wears the present invention on his head, the view out of his left (non-sighting) eye is par~ially blocked by the occlusion device 10 while his right (sighting) eye can observ~ the images on the final presentation mirror 23 inside the CRT/Optical package 6. Naturally, the CRT/Optical package 6 and the occlusion device 10 can exchange positions so thAt th~ right (non-sighting) eye is par~ially blocked by the occlusion device 10 while the video image is presented to the left (sighting) eye.
The present invention incorporates the above-mentioned occlusion device 10 in order to "matte out" a corresponding region of the non-display eye to effectively eliminate binocular rivalry. Binocular rivalry if unattended to in this application would cause continual alternating dominant images to be projected onto the cerebral cortex. At any time in this uncompensated arran~ement, the image in the field of vi~w of one eye predominates while the other is suppressed, then suddenly the suppressed image emerges into perception and dominates the image that was predominant. Because the images seen in the medial fields of vision of each ~ye share the same visual stimulus to the corresponding foveas and thence to the projection regions of the serebral cortex, images seen in one eye can be superimposed in the reception areas in the brain to appear as though perceived from a source seen by th~ other eye.
How the above discussion relates to the present invention HID system , is ~hat, if, for example, a bright light is seen in the medial region of binocular vision in the non-sighting eye, the brain may superimpose this bright light ontothe presentation at the cerebral cortex projection area as a bright light over the sighting or display eye information stimulus. This condition is of course highlyundesirable and, although it is controllable by concentration and practice of eye dominance. it remains best attended to by use of the aforementioned WO 93/01683 PCr/US92/05541 13 . s ~
2Ii27~
occlusion device 10 andlor as discussed below, the use of a single horoptic focus for both eyes.
Adjusted Viewin~ ODtics A principal design characteristic of the present invention HID system is the adjusted viewing optical arrangement. In particular, the preferred embodiment has optically placed the perceived focal distance of the CRT
display image at approximately 10 feet through a system of ienses and physical helmet mounting, already detailed above. This arrangement eliminates the need for the wearer to grossly refocus either the displ,ay eye orthe non-disptay eye or both eyes in conjunction when the attention within the visual field is directed away from the CRT display in ~he dispiay eye as may be the case when maneuvering about obstacles on a crowded movie set. In other words, very li~tle precious time is lost during a re-focus and consequently the weare~s attention can be shifted from the display to his surroundings repeatedly and quickly without discomfort or disorientation.
Some re-focus may be necessary when viewing surroundings r~moved from the 10 foot horoptic plane; however, they are fairly minimal and hardly perceptible in most cases. Experience has shown that there is an acclamation period of 2 to 3 hours during which a user becomes accustomed to focusing on the image and controlling the dominance of the display eye. After about one week of use, the invention is much easier to use. With the display image presented at a focal distance of 10 feet, it is approximately t~e same as viewing a 42" diagonal screen TV in focus at 10 feet.
The CRT image and associated support elements occupy less than 30% and preferably about only 14% of the overall field of view in the display eye. In the preferred embodiment, the rectangular image is presented at a total of 16 horizontally in the center of the field of vision in the display eye and 12 SUBSTITUTE SHEEr wo 93/016~3 Pcr/uss2/os~q1 21127 4~ 14 total vertically from center. The region directly above the upper most portion of the CRT image is totally occluded 17 wide total from center as a result of the physical form of the lens and mirror holder configuration. It will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the ~rt that variations in the range of the field of viewing may be made withou~ departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. This arrangement affords thc wearer with an extraordinary p~ripheral field of vision as this allows some visual stimulus common to both eyes in the medial binocular field. Further, this arrangement prevents the undesirable disorientation and high percentage of occlusion associated with CRT images viewed solely with one eye while squinting the other eye closed, as is the case with current video camera CRT displays held up to the eye. Indeed, a main reason the pr~sent invention diffsrs greatly from the "Eyeopene~' (U.S. Patent No. 4,729,648 to Armstrong) mention~d above, is that the present invention has accomplished almost all of ~he benofits of an occlusion device ~or viewing a CRT close to the eye by having the CRT image adjusted to the appropriate horoptic range of the desired ambience and reducing the imag~ size to a mere 14% of the available imagery to the display eye instead of totally occluding the display eye as is the case with mos~ all video camera CRT viewers.
The current arrangement of the present invention HID system is essentiaily a semi "dichroptic" system in that it provides a high percentage of shared visual stimulus from both ~yes to the visual cerebral cortex region where projection of fused imagery is presented, but at the same time is presenting two separate images from both eyes in the centroid region of the medial binocular ~isual field. Although it is fact that a true dichroptic arrangement will create binocular rivalry complete with all of the attendant problems associated with such a visual disparity, the present invention HID
system has minimized those effects by establishing a single focal horopter for SUBSrITUTE SHEET
WO 93~01 683 15 , pcr/us92/o5~l 21127~5 both eyes coupled with minimal ~inocular medial visual field in~rusion by the display CRT image. It is still possible with the present invention to concentrate on which eye the wearer is allowed to be more dominant. This can result in the use af the display image as primary visual information to the brain with secondary periphzral imagery provided for navigation and target awareness, or it can result in secondary display imagery from the CRT which appears translucent while one's surroundings become primary and are superimposed over the display eye imagery. The translucent image is a "fill in effec~" created by the non-display eye collecting visual stimulus from the medial binocular field from the same area that would be seen by the display eye were it not covered by the display imagery. Generally, because of the focus ranges and subsequent broad depth of field that exists, it is most common whiie using the HID system to experience aninfocusfloating CRTimage on aninfocus ambient surrounding background. This is actually a delightful experience and is almostatonce accepted by the brain.
Naturally, the present invention is no~ limit~d to the pr~ferred embodiment d~scribed above. Many modi~ications are possible without departing from the breadth of this disclosure. For example, in an alternate embodiment (not shown), the support headband frame can be constn~cted using two plastic molded sections (upper and Iswer~ fused together, to which is ~t~ached the nylon head rest, the CRT/Optical package, and headband sizing adjuster assembly. The high voltage circuits and CRT drive electronics may be housed within a rectangular shape moided into the upper and lower headband support frame. The CRT/Optical package can be enclosed in a two-piece (side by side) plastic molded housing with molded-in positional holding frames for the internal devices such as the CRT, focus adjustment assembly, lenses, mirrors, etc. The linear motion slide assembly can be replaced with a simplified track or rod-type slide adjustment which SUBSTITUTE SHEET
WO 93/016X3 PCI'/US92~0~541 2112 ~ 4 5 16 inoorporates a tensioning lock lever. The high voltage lines and CRT
e!ectronic connection lines to and from the CRT and headband electronics enclosure c~n have ~uick-disconnect couplings on all the cable assemblies.
Finally, ~he precision optical lens could be fabricated using plastic instead ofglass for cost savings.
In another alternate embodiment (not shown), a conventional RF
j,..; . ;....
... . ..
receiver can be incorporated into the power supply assembly 18 for receiving the input video source signal. Consequently, the BNC video connector 17 and its associated cable can be eliminated. In this manner, the video source is nQ~ hard-wired to the present invention HID system through a cable, which limits mobility of the cameraman. Rather, the video source can broadcast i~s signal through the airwaves by convention means known in the art for reception by the self-contained RF receiver inside the assembly 18.
In yet another alternate embodiment, shown in Fi~ure 6, the CRT 27' and optics are rnounted toward the forehead of the wearer. The headband frame 5' still wraps around the skull as before. Also, the double convex lens 22' and the turning mirror 28' are in the same positions and function as in the - preferred embodiment. As is clear from the drawing, the weare~s right sighting eye looks into thè viewfinder final pres~ntation mirror 26' while the vision outof his left non-sighting is partially blocked by the occlusion device 10'.
.- ' '' ' ' ' ' , .
Claims (16)
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A helmet integrated display system adapted to mount on a wearer's head for combining visual images perceived by the wearer's sighting eye through a viewfinder and by the wearer's non-sighting eye, the system comprising:
a headbrace means adapted for mounting to the wearer's head, wherein the headbrace means supports the viewfinder to provide viewing by the sighting eye;
a video image means for generating the visual image from a video signal input, mounted to the viewfinder;
an optical means for converting the visual image from the video image means into a virtual image and projecting the virtual image, wherein the optical means is mounted to the viewfinder at a predetermined distance away from the video image means;
a reflecting means for directing the projected virtual image into the sighting eye, wherein the optical means is disposed between the reflecting means and the video image means, and wherein the reflecting means is mounted to the viewfinder; and an occlusion means having a shape adapted to occlude portions of the non-sighting eye for matting out objects perceived by the non-sighting eye, wherein the occlusion means is mounted to the headbrace means.
a headbrace means adapted for mounting to the wearer's head, wherein the headbrace means supports the viewfinder to provide viewing by the sighting eye;
a video image means for generating the visual image from a video signal input, mounted to the viewfinder;
an optical means for converting the visual image from the video image means into a virtual image and projecting the virtual image, wherein the optical means is mounted to the viewfinder at a predetermined distance away from the video image means;
a reflecting means for directing the projected virtual image into the sighting eye, wherein the optical means is disposed between the reflecting means and the video image means, and wherein the reflecting means is mounted to the viewfinder; and an occlusion means having a shape adapted to occlude portions of the non-sighting eye for matting out objects perceived by the non-sighting eye, wherein the occlusion means is mounted to the headbrace means.
2. The helmet integrated display system of claim 1, wherein the optical means is a double convex lens.
3. The helmet integrated display system of claim 2, wherein the predetermined distance is less than a focal length of the double convex lens.
4. The helmet integrated display system of claim 3, wherein the video image means is a high resolution CRT.
5. The helmet integrated display system of claim 4, wherein the reflecting means is a plurality of mirrors disposed cooperatively in the viewfinder to transfer the visual image to the sighting eye.
6. The helmet integrated display system of claim 5, wherein the predetermined distance can be adjusted by moving the high resolution CRT
closer to or farther away from the double convex lens.
closer to or farther away from the double convex lens.
7. The helmet integrated display system of claim 6, wherein the occlusion means defines an area that is substantially equivalent to an area obstructing the sighting eye by the viewfinder.
8. The helmet integrated display system of claim 7, wherein the occlusion means is attached to the headbrace means by a pivoting and telescoping shaft such that the occlusion means can be moved out of a field of view of the non-sighting eye.
9. The helmet integrated display system of claim 8, wherein the system further comprises high voltage circuits and CRT drive electronics enclosed in a housing mounted to the headbrace means for receiving a video signal from a video source.
10. The helmet integrated display system of claim 9, wherein the helmet integrated display system further comprises an RF receiver connected to the CRT drive electronics for receiving an RF video signal from the video source.
11. A method of presenting a visual image using a helmet integrated display system adapted for mounting on a wearer's head, wherein the system combines visual images perceived by the wearer's sighting eye through a viewfinder and by the wearer's non-sighting eye, the method comprising the steps of:
providing an input video signal;
converting the input video signal to a visible image through a video image means adapted for mounting on the wearer's head;
converting the visible image into a virtual image by refracting the visible image;
directing the virtual image to the sighting eye through a viewfinder; and partially occluding a field of view of the non-sighting eye insofar as the viewfinder occludes a field of view of the sighting eye.
providing an input video signal;
converting the input video signal to a visible image through a video image means adapted for mounting on the wearer's head;
converting the visible image into a virtual image by refracting the visible image;
directing the virtual image to the sighting eye through a viewfinder; and partially occluding a field of view of the non-sighting eye insofar as the viewfinder occludes a field of view of the sighting eye.
12. The method of presenting a visual image using a helmet integrated display system according to claim 11, wherein the video image means is a high resolution CRT having a video display.
13. The method of presenting a visual image using a helmet integrated display system according to claim 12, wherein the step of converting the visible image is performed by a double convex lens.
14. The method of presenting a visual image using a helmet integrated display system according to claim 13, wherein the step of directing the virtual image is performed by a plurality of mirrors.
15. The method of presenting a visual image using a helmet integrated display system according to claim 14, wherein the step of converting the visible image into the virtual image is performed by locating the display of theCRT a distance away from the double convex lens that is less than a focal length of the double convex lens.
16. A helmet integrated display system adapted to mount on a wearer's head for combining visual images perceived by the wearer's sighting eye through a viewfinder and by the wearer's non-sighting eye, the system comprising:
an annular frame adapted for mounting to the wearer's head having webbing disposed in a central portion;
a tubular housing mounted to the annular frame including a high resolution CRT having a display screen, a first mirror, a double convex lens disposed a distance away from the display screen that is less than a focal length of the double convex lens, and a second mirror, wherein a visible image produced by the display screen is reflected by the first mirror to the double convex lens which converts the visible image to a virtual image, which virtual image is reflected by the second mirror out of the tubular housing through a viewfinder located substantially in front of the sighting eye;
an occlusion means disposed on the annular frame to partially occlude the non-sighting eye;
an aft electronics package attached to the annular frame containing a CRT drive board and high voltage circuitry connected to the high resolution CRT through a first cable;
a portable battery power and signal supply assembly, adapted for mounting to the wearer, for providing a NTSC video signal and a power signal to the aft electronics package through a second cable; and a video signal source connected to the portable battery and signal supply assembly through the second cable for providing the NTSC video signal.
an annular frame adapted for mounting to the wearer's head having webbing disposed in a central portion;
a tubular housing mounted to the annular frame including a high resolution CRT having a display screen, a first mirror, a double convex lens disposed a distance away from the display screen that is less than a focal length of the double convex lens, and a second mirror, wherein a visible image produced by the display screen is reflected by the first mirror to the double convex lens which converts the visible image to a virtual image, which virtual image is reflected by the second mirror out of the tubular housing through a viewfinder located substantially in front of the sighting eye;
an occlusion means disposed on the annular frame to partially occlude the non-sighting eye;
an aft electronics package attached to the annular frame containing a CRT drive board and high voltage circuitry connected to the high resolution CRT through a first cable;
a portable battery power and signal supply assembly, adapted for mounting to the wearer, for providing a NTSC video signal and a power signal to the aft electronics package through a second cable; and a video signal source connected to the portable battery and signal supply assembly through the second cable for providing the NTSC video signal.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US724,196 | 1991-07-01 | ||
| US07/724,196 US5189512A (en) | 1991-07-01 | 1991-07-01 | Helmet integrated display system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2112745A1 true CA2112745A1 (en) | 1993-01-21 |
Family
ID=24909438
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002112745A Abandoned CA2112745A1 (en) | 1991-07-01 | 1992-06-29 | Helmet integrated display system |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5189512A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0592591A4 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH07508619A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU666661B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2112745A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB9326504D0 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1993001683A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1993001683A1 (en) | 1993-01-21 |
| EP0592591A1 (en) | 1994-04-20 |
| GB9326504D0 (en) | 1994-03-09 |
| AU666661B2 (en) | 1996-02-22 |
| EP0592591A4 (en) | 1994-08-24 |
| US5189512A (en) | 1993-02-23 |
| JPH07508619A (en) | 1995-09-21 |
| AU2307792A (en) | 1993-02-11 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |