Abstract:
Image-intensifying or night vision glasses are suitable for certain commercial and entertainment applications by virtue of their light weight, small size, and economical production, compared to certain other night vision products. In one embodiment, input light passes through two Amici prisms and a field-flattening lens to reach an image intensifier. The intensified image it produces is reflected off a first folding mirror, passes through a lens, reflects off a curved mirror, and passes back through the lens the other way. The intensified image then passes through two additional, non-doublet lenses, between which an intermediate image exists. The intensified image then reflects off the “lens” or visor of the glasses and proceeds to the pupil of the eye of the wearer. Alternative embodiments use a helmet visor, mirror, or other (at least partially) reflective surface for the final reflection.
Abstract:
Image-intensifying glasses 100 that are suitable for certain commercial and entertainment applications by virtue of their light weight, small size, and economical production, compared to certain other night vision products. In one disclosed embodiment, input light passes through two Amici prisms 144 and 148 and a field-flattening lens 150 to reach an image intensifier 152. The intensified image it produces is reflected off a first folding mirror 162, passes through a lens 154, reflects off a curved mirror 156, and passes back through the lens 154 the other way. The intensified image then passes through two additional, non-doublet lenses 158 and 160, between which an intermediate image exists. The intensified image then reflects off the “lens,” or visor 130, of the glasses and proceeds to the pupil of eye 131 of the wearer. Alternative embodiments use a helmet visor, mirror, or other (at least partially) reflective surface for the final reflection.
Abstract:
Image-intensifying glasses 100 are disclosed that are suitable for certain commercial and entertainment applications by virtue of their light weight, small size, and economical production, compared to certain other night vision products. In one disclosed embodiment, input light passes through two Amici prisms 144 and 148 and a field-flattening lens 150 to reach an image intensifier 152. The intensified image it produces is reflected off a first folding mirror 162, passes through a lens 154, reflects off a curved mirror 156, and passes back through the lens 154 the other way. The intensified image then passes through two additional, non-doublet lenses 158 and 160, between which an intermediate image exists. The intensified image then reflects off the “lens,” or visor 130, of the glasses and proceeds to the pupil of eye 131 of the wearer. Alternative embodiments use a helmet visor, mirror, or other (at least partially) reflective surface for the final reflection.
Abstract:
Image-intensifying devices (for example, glasses, goggles, etc.) suitable for certain commercial and entertainment applications by virtue of their light weight, small size, and economical production are disclosed. In one embodiment, input light passes through an Amici reflector, which is used to adjust the orientation of the intensified image to register it with the real world. In another embodiment, input light passes through at least two Amici reflectors, which are used to adjust the orientation of the intensified image to register it with the real world. In alternate embodiments, at least one Amici reflector folds the light at a non-perpendicular angle and/or input light is rotated by an angle other than (180°). Other embodiments include a field-flattening lens disposed in front of an image intensifier. The intensified image is then sent through a projective lens assembly to reach the viewer's eye.
Abstract:
A night vision goggle system is shown, including optical modules, a heads-up display (HUD) module, and a camera module. Each module may be added to and removed from the system without structural, electrical, or optical damage to itself or the remaining modules. Each optical module takes input light at one end and provides an intensified image at the other. A heads-up display module (HUD) can provide an informational display in any of at least two of the optical modules or both. A camera module is capable of recording both the intensified image produced by a particular optical module, as well as the HUD information shown through that module with substantially no offset from the original display. Both the camera module and the HUD module are installable onto the same optical module at the same time, and can be installed on either (or in some embodiments, any) optical module.
Abstract:
A night vision goggle system is shown, including optical modules, a heads-up display (HUD) module, and a camera module. Each module may be added to and removed from the system without structural, electrical, or optical damage to itself or the remaining modules. Each optical module takes input light at one end and provides an intensified image at the other. A heads-up display module (HUD) can provide an informational display in any of at least two of the optical modules or both. A camera module is capable of recording both the intensified image produced by a particular optical module, as well as the HUD information shown through that module with substantially no offset from the original display. Both the camera module and the HUD module are installable onto the same optical module at the same time, and can be installed on either (or in some embodiments, any) optical module.
Abstract:
A night vision goggle system is shown, including optical modules, a heads-up display (HUD) module, and a camera module. Each module may be added to and removed from the system without structural, electrical, or optical damage to itself or the remaining modules. Each optical module takes input light at one end and provides an intensified image at the other. A heads-up display module (HUD) can provide an informational display in any of at least two of the optical modules or both. A camera module is capable of recording both the intensified image produced by a particular optical module, as well as the HUD information shown through that module with substantially no offset from the original display. Both the camera module and the HUD module are installable onto the same optical module at the same time, and can be installed on either (or in some embodiments, any) optical module.
Abstract:
A modular binocular-like vision assembly (300) has individual interconnecting inner (320, 330) and outer (310, 340) optical modules. Each module is separately sealed and self-contained and includes image intensifier means for converting incoming light to an intensified visible image for presentation to the eyes of the observer in low light conditions. Electrical connectors are provided between the modules for permitting free flow of electrical power and information between the modules. Attaching system is provided for removably attaching the outer modules to the inner modules to deliver a panoramic field of vision and removal of any single module from the assembly will not break any pressure seals or degrade the optical performance of the removed module or the remaining modules.
Abstract:
A night vision goggle system is shown, including optical modules, a heads-up display (HUD) module, and a camera module. Each module may be added to and removed from the system without structural, electrical, or optical damage to itself or the remaining modules. Each optical module takes input light at one end and provides an intensified image at the other. A heads-up display module (HUD) can provide an informational display in any of at least two of the optical modules or both. A camera module is capable of recording both the intensified image produced by a particular optical module, as well as the HUD information shown through that module with substantially no offset from the original display. Both the camera module and the HUD module are installable onto the same optical module at the same time, and can be installed on either (or in some embodiments, any) optical module.
Abstract:
A night vision goggle system is shown, including optical modules, a heads-up display (HUD) module, and a camera module. Each module may be added to and removed from the system without structural, electrical, or optical damage to itself or the remaining modules. Each optical module takes input light at one end and provides an intensified image at the other. A heads-up display module (HUD) can provide an informational display in any of at least two of the optical modules or both. A camera module is capable of recording both the intensified image produced by a particular optical module, as well as the HUD information shown through that module with substantially no offset from the original display. Both the camera module and the HUD module are installable onto the same optical module at the same time, and can be installed on either (or in some embodiments, any) optical module.