Exit pupil locator tool

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10143372-B1
Application number	US-201615365900-A
Country	US
Kind code	B1
Filing date	Nov 30, 2016
Priority date	Nov 30, 2016
Publication date	Dec 4, 2018
Grant date	Dec 4, 2018

Abstract

An exit pupil locator tool including a connector and a target. The connector is configured to engage an optics component that defines an optics axis of a helmet mounted display. The target includes a reticle, a first aperture, and a second aperture and defines a tool axis that is arranged at an oblique tool angle relative to the optics axis.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. An exit pupil locator tool for a helmet comprising:
wherein the helmet comprises a helmet mounted display having a computer, an image source, an optics component, and a combiner;
wherein the tool comprises
a connector configured to engage the optics component defining an optics axis of the helmet mounted display; and
a target comprising a reticle, a first aperture, and a second aperture and defining a tool axis arranged at an oblique tool angle relative to the optics axis.

2. The exit pupil locator tool of claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a tab configured to engage the optics component with a press fit.

3. The exit pupil locator tool of claim 1 , wherein the connector comprises a recess sized to receive a projection formed on the optics component.

4. The exit pupil locator tool of claim 1 , wherein the reticle defines an X shape.

5. The exit pupil locator tool of claim 1 , wherein the first aperture and the second aperture are generally oval shaped.

6. The exit pupil locator tool of claim 1 , wherein the first aperture is larger than the second aperture.

7. The exit pupil locator tool of claim 6 , wherein the tool angle is about thirty degrees.

8. The exit pupil locator tool of claim 1 , further comprising a first lens positioned adjacent the first aperture and a second lens positioned adjacent the second aperture.

9. The exit pupil locator tool of claim 1 , further comprising a first lens associated with the first aperture and positioned upstream of the reticle.

10. The exit pupil locator tool of claim 1 , further comprising a light source arranged upstream of the reticle.

11. The exit pupil locator tool of claim 10 , further comprising a battery providing power to the light source.

12. The exit pupil locator tool of claim 10 , wherein the exit pupil locator tool is three dimensionally printed from a plastic.

13. A fitting system for a helmet comprising a helmet mounted display having a computer, an image source, an optical component, and a combiner, the fitting system comprising:
an exit pupil locator tool comprising:
a connecting feature configured to engage the optical component; and
a reticle configured to receive light from the optical component;
and wherein the exit pupil locator tool has:
a first aperture positioned adjacent to the reticle to receive light from the reticle; and
a second aperture positioned downstream of the first aperture and configured to project a targeting image onto the combiner.

14. The fitting system of claim 13 , wherein the reticle is substantially X shaped.

15. The fitting system of claim 13 , wherein the first aperture is larger than the second aperture.

16. The fitting system of claim 13 , wherein the optical component defines an optics axis, and wherein the exit pupil locator tool defines a tool axis arranged at an oblique tool angle relative to the optics axis.

17. The fitting system of claim 13 , further comprising a light source separate from the optics component and arranged to provide light to the reticle.

18. A method of fitting a helmet comprising a helmet mounted display, the method comprising:
installing an exit pupil locator tool onto an optics component of the helmet mounted display, where the exit pupil locator tool comprises a connector configured to engage the optics component of the helmet mounted display, and a target comprising a reticle, the exit pupil locator tool having a first aperture and a second aperture;
projecting light into the exit pupil locator tool;
projecting a reticle shaped targeting image onto a combiner of the helmet mounted display with the exit pupil locator tool;
observing a reflection of the targeting image on a user's eye; and
determining a differential distance between a center of the targeting image and the user's eye.

19. The method of claim 18 , further comprising:
constructing a custom liner for the helmet based at least in part of the determined differential distance.

20. The method of claim 18 , further comprising:
using the exit pupil locator tool to confirm alignment of the targeting image and the user's eye; and
removing the exit pupil locator tool from the optics component.

Assignees

• Rockwell Collins Inc

Inventors

• Raynal Francois
• Foote Bobby D

Classifications

• G02B27/0176 Primary

  characterised by mechanical features · CPC title

• G02B27/0172

  characterised by optical features · CPC title

• A61B3/152 Primary

  for aligning · CPC title

• A42B3/042

  Optical devices (night vision goggles G02B23/12) · CPC title

• G02B2027/0161

  characterised by the relative positioning of the constitutive elements · CPC title