Infrared toy viewing scope and games utilizing infrared radiation

Abstract

An infrared scope toy for observing a scene illuminated by infrared electromagnetic energy comprising an input focusing lens, an infrared sensor having an infrared sensitive surface and an output responsive to the infrared electromagnetic energy incident to the infrared sensitive surface, a display screen having a display surface and being operably connected to the output of the infrared sensor and capable of producing an image in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum which is similar to the infrared electromagnetic energy incident to the infrared sensitive surface of the infrared sensor. The infrared scope toy overcomes the problem of seeing in low or nonexistence visible light situations and provides a toy for children and others, which may be used in playing games.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority of PCT / US03 / 14051, filed May 7, 2003, and U.S. Provisional Application 60 / 378,508, filed May 7, 2002, which is incorporated herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to toys and games, and more particularly, to scope toys for viewing images of reflected or emitted infrared (IR) radiation light under ambient, low level and totally absent visible light conditions and games utilizing such toys. [0003] There are presently available night vision devices used by the military and for other applications, which through photo electronic multiplication or amplification techniques amplify ambient light and project a viewable image for the user in low light conditions. These devices can be found in military surplus stores, outdoor equipment catalogs, and the like. These devices generally utilize a photo multiplier / light amplifier imaging tube that produces an image on a small, phosphor coated surface viewing screen, which is vie...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, an infrared light source is present for illuminating the scene with infrared light, which is reflected from the objects in the scene to increase the infrared light energy incident upon the infrared photo sensor in the infrared scope toy.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, an infrared light source is capable of being “flashed” or “strobed” at intervals and the scope is synchronized with the infrared source so that the scope processes receive infrared signals during the period of the “flash” or “strobed” infrared illumination to produce an image of the visible light which has a higher signal to noise ratio and greater definition and clarity.

[0025] Still another embodiment of this first facet or aspect is an input sensitivity control or controls which allows for the user to manually, automatically or semi-automatically adjust the sensitivity of the IR receiver and signal processing portion for optimum sensitivity to weak or low level infrared light, thereby increasing the range of operation of the view scope and the operating sensitivity to infrared light.

Problems solved by technology

These types of devices do not utilize infrared light.

Because of the costs of photo multiplier / light amplifier imaging tubes and the high voltage required to operate such imaging tubes, this technology is not suitable or safe for a toy product.

There are presently available very expensive commercial products for viewing infrared light that convert it to the visible light part of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as products that are used by firefighters to observe flames through smoke by means of detection of the infrared energy radiated by the flames.

Also available, are expensive infrared detectors used to detect heat “leaks” from a house or building that are used as part of energy audits to lower energy usage by detecting heat leaks.

Similar expensive devices have been used by law enforcement to detect unusual heat radiation (due to internal lighting) from buildings in which cultivation of illegal plants may be occurring.

These devices are very expensive.

These devices also do not provide infrared illumination of a scene.

However, there is no mention of any actual image being formed or seen to become visible and no means to implement the aforesaid electronics is disclosed in the '744 Patent.

Games under low visible light conditions have been hampered because the level of ambient visible light under certain conditions has been insufficient to produce an enjoyable game environment.

Such games under low illumination ambient visible light conditions suffer from the problem of reduced visibility.

Images