Bae Systems Electronics Limited

Bae Systems, Inc.

Christopher T Bartlett

A head tracker system for determining a user's head orientation relative to a datum () comprises: a head mounting () for attachment to the user's head; an optical sensor () which in use is located in fixed relation with a known fixed point relative to the head mounting () and a plurality of distinguishable markings () each of which when in use is located in fixed relation with a respective known point which is fixed relative to the datum (). The head tracker further comprises an optical correlator () for optically correlating the optical image from the optical sensor () with an optical image representative of at least one of said markings (); and means () for determining the orientation of the head mounting using the output from the optical correlator when it detects that there is correlation between the images.

Head tracker system

A head tracker system for determining a user's head orientation relative to a datum comprises: a head mounting, preferably a helmet ( ), for attachment to the user's head and a sensor system ( ) for sensing the orientation of the head mounting ( ) relative and the datum. A distinguishable marking ( ) is provided at a first known point fixed relative to the head mounting or a second known point fixed relative to the datum. At the other known point an optical sensor ( ), preferably a video camera, is mounted. The system further comprises processing means ( ) for determining when the marking is within the field of view of the optical sensor and the output of the processing means is used to correct for drift in the sensor system or to provide an independent verification that the system is functioning within preselected tolerances.

A display arrangement particularly suitable for replacing a conventional CRT in a pilot's helmet mounted display includes a light source having a modulated output which is scanned by a scanner across a screen to produce an image. The image is transferred into the pilot's field of view by relay optics. The scanner and screen are mounted on the pilot's helmet and the light source is remote therefrom.

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Maidstone, United Kingdom

Christopher T Bartlett