The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 21, 1996
Filed:
Sep. 19, 1994
Joseph P Smalanskas, Westchester, CA (US);
Dale W Hopkins, Garden Grove, CA (US);
Scott T Wood, Los Angeles, CA (US);
Ernest S Blazic, Ypsilanti, MI (US);
Hughes Aircraft Company, Los Angeles, CA (US);
Abstract
A virtual image display management system using a head-up display that improves the ability of an operator of an automobile, or other equipment, to focus on primary functions, such as vehicle operation, while providing secondary information within the operator's primary visual field without requiring the operator to refocus. The present virtual image display management system integrates one or more secondary function displays into one reconfigurable virtual image head-up display. Several secondary functions are displayed sequentially using analog/digital symbology, icon representation, alphanumeric text or static/motion picture format. The operator may select secondary functions to be monitored, the display format, and the data acquisition intervals. A reconfigurable virtual image display processor accommodates more sophisticated sensor and communication functionality without penalizing efficiency and safety of the operator's primary functions. The present system integrates, interprets, selects and displays data derived from multiple sensors and communications systems at an optimum visual location within the operator's primary field of view. By displaying data in this fashion, an operator can vigilantly perform critical system functions while being kept well-informed of vehicle performance data, communication data and other useful functions and information.