Helmet-mounted sight systems track the helmet angular orientation, thereby allowing the user to readily point weapons and sensors or to cue viewing among crew members. Most helmet- mounted display applications require that the helmet orientation be measured so that the displayed information can be properly presented. Helmet-mounted sights, also referred to as head trackers or helmet trackers, have been mechanized using a variety of technologies, each having apparent advantages. The leading technology candidates include magnetic, electro- optic, and ultrasonic head tracking systems. The selection of a particular concept is usually dependent on the specific application and the associated operational requirements. A technology overview is presented describing various electro-optic, ultrasonic, and magnetic mechanizations that have been developed. The performance characteristics are summarized with an indication of the strengths and weaknesses inherent in each approach.

Date Published: 1 August 1991
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 1456, Large Screen Projection, Avionic, and Helmet-Mounted Displays, (1 August 1991); doi: 10.1117/12.45422

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 1456:
Large Screen Projection, Avionic, and Helmet-Mounted Displays
Harry M. Assenheim; Richard A. Flasck; Thomas M. Lippert; Jerry Bentz, Editor(s)