Ruggedized digital low-light viewing device

Abstract

A digital low-light viewing device comprises a housing having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end defining an optical input aperture and the second end defining an optical output aperture; an infra-red camera assembly responsive to low intensity light and infra red energy received via the input aperture for generating an output image; a signal processor coupled to the camera assembly for processing the output image; a display assembly coupled to the camera assembly for displaying the processed image; a zoom lens assembly coupled to the camera assembly for electronically variably focusing the output image; and control electronics responsive to a control mechanism disposed on a surface of the housing for controlling operating functions of the low-light viewing device, the control mechanism can be controlled via a user's digit for controlling the operating functions.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention generally relates to optical devices that enable observers to observe, identify, identify and observe objects under low light conditions, and more particularly to a hand-held shock-resistant digital low-light observation system. Background technique [0002] Low-light viewing systems are widely used in the military to provide soldiers, pilots and crew with the ability to observe objects at night or in other low-light conditions. As a result, many low-light viewing devices today are manufactured according to strict military standards and designs. Likewise, many of these low-light devices are manufactured for specific military applications, such as part of a scope for various weapons or as part of an eyewear assembly attached to a pilot's or soldier's helmet. However, many currently manufactured low-light viewing devices are expensive and not readily suitable for non-military use. [0003] Low-light observation devices can be divi...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Most digital low-light viewing devices on the market today use fixed focus lenses that must be manually adjusted, and are active devices, i.e., provide IR illumination to aid viewing, which makes the device consume power faster

[0007] The devices described above are imperfect in several respects, making them impractical for commercial use as well as for military and law enforcement agencies

Such devices tend to be bulky and fragile, unable to withstand the shock vibration and wear and tear associated with conventional military or law enforcement use, and can easily seep in water or moisture rendering them inaccurate or even unusable

[0008] in addition, such devices typically have a fixed magnification that allows the user to view the target, but lack variable magnification capabilities that allow the user to identify and identify the target after viewing it

These devices also tend to have a relatively short range, be bulky, not ergonomic in design and lack simple user controls

in addition, these devices are quite expensive and often require proprietary components and elaborate assembly techniques, making them impractical for widespread military and law enforcement use

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