Optical vision system
The optical vision system with projection channels and indicator lights addresses the issue of eyepiece misalignment in night vision binoculars, ensuring stable and comfortable viewing by providing visual feedback for correct positioning.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023011303
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-16
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-10-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing night vision binoculars often cause eye strain and discomfort due to improper positioning of the eyepieces relative to the user's eyes, leading to crosstalk and loss of field of view or resolution over time, especially in hands-free devices.
An optical vision system with projection channels and indicator lights that assist in adjusting the eyepieces relative to the user's eyes, providing visual feedback on correct positioning through adjustable mechanisms.
Ensures stable and comfortable viewing by preventing misalignment of the eyepieces, reducing eye strain and maintaining resolution during movement, enhancing user comfort and mobility.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Optical vision system
[0001] The present invention relates to an optical vision system. The present invention also relates to binoculars comprising such an optical vision system.
[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a system for helping to optimize and verify the correct position of a user's eyes in relation to the exit pupil of the eyepieces of night vision binoculars, or connected binoculars, or any other hands-free type equipment.
[0003] In the field of night vision binoculars, various hands-free devices exist (generally integrated into a helmet). They all feature a display channel allowing the user to view the image from an intensifier tube or a screen and adapt the vision to their eyesight. They are equipped with mechanical accessories connected to the helmet, hereafter referred to as "hands-free mounts," which allow the user to adjust the position of the binoculars in front of their eyes, generally according to four ergonomic adjustment ranges (up / down, forward / backward, tilt, and interpupillary distance).
[0004] In particular, two types of devices are distinguished:
[0005] - monocular devices, where the user looks with only one eye (so-called intensified eye) through an optical system. Observation with this eye requires adjusting the position of the binoculars according to the four adjustment ranges mentioned above.
[0006] - binocular or binocular devices where the user looks with both The eyes capture an intensified image. Observation requires adjusting the position of the binocular eyepieces according to the four aforementioned adjustment ranges for both eyes. Interpupillary distance adjustment is generally integrated into binoculars.
[0007] Optical solutions for projecting the image towards the eye, commonly available on the market, are of two types:
[0008] - Magnifying glass type solutions. Conventional night vision binoculars use Magnifying eyepieces are used as a means of visualization. In practice, the user roughly adjusts the position of their eyes relative to each eyepiece of the binoculars and brings the optics closer together until a comfortable viewing position is achieved. For magnifying eyepieces, the typical eye positioning range that allows viewing the entire image field, hereafter referred to as the "eye box," is represented by hatching in [Fig. 1]. Note that the optical quality of the eyepiece is generally optimized only in the area showing both hatching and dotted lines.
[0009] - Ring-pull type solutions. For ring-pull type eyepieces, the The eyepiece box is represented by a dotted line in [Fig. 1]. Note that the optical quality of the eyepiece is optimized over the entire dotted area.
[0010] Thus, in the case of binocular or bio-ocular devices, if one of the two eyes is positioned outside the hatched area (magnifying eyepiece) or the dotted area (ring-pull eyepiece), that eye does not have access to the entire field of view perceived by the other eye. The user may have the impression of comfortably perceiving the entire field, but over time, eye strain may occur (crosstalk between the two eyes).
[0011] If one of the two eyes is positioned outside the area that is both hatched and dotted, that eye does not have access to the resolution in the image field perceived by the other eye. The user may initially feel that the resolution is comfortable, but over time, eye strain may also occur (crosstalk between the two eyes).
[0012] Finally, if one or both eyes are positioned at the edge of the zone, the user may feel they have comfortable vision. However, various instabilities (headset positioning and play in the hands-free support mechanisms) can generate crosstalk between the two eyes, or even a loss of field of view / resolution in both eyes. Hands-free supports have some play, and the headset can move relative to the head. This can cause instability in the position of the binoculars in front of the eyes during movement, and therefore discomfort, especially if the user has previously adjusted their settings by unknowingly positioning their eyes near the edge of the dotted zone.
[0013] There is therefore a need for a means to help position the eyepiece(s) of a vision system in front of a user's eyes so as to limit eye strain and visual discomfort during movement.
[0014] To this end, the invention relates to an optical vision system comprising: a. at least one projection channel of a useful image in the form of a useful image field, the projection channel or each projection channel comprising an eyepiece defining an exit pupil for the projection channel, b. a device for assisting in adjusting the position of the eyepiece or each eyepiece relative to the eyes of a user, the adjustment device comprising a unit for generating indicator lights in the projection channel or each projection channel so that the indicator lights are positioned at the edge of the useful image field,
[0015] the indicator lights, present in the field of vision of a user looking into the eyepiece(s), indicating whether an observation condition is met or not for the or each projection channel, the observation condition stipulating that the user's eye is positioned relative to the exit pupil of the corresponding eyepiece in a predetermined area allowing the entire extent of the useful image field to be viewed,
[0016] when the observation condition is not met, the indicator lights showing the movements of the eyepiece(s) to be made to meet the observation condition, and a. a mechanism for adjusting the position of the eyepiece(s) relative to the user's eyes according to the movements indicated by the indicator lights.
[0017] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the optical vision system comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations:
[0018] - the useful image is generated by an image generation unit, the generation unit of images being a screen or a light intensifier tube;
[0019] - the indicator light generation unit is a transparent screen on which are displayed the indicator lights so that the indicator lights (are at the edge of the useful image field;
[0020] - the transparent screen is positioned at the output of the image generation unit or in an intermediate image plane of the image generation unit;
[0021] - an intermediate image of the useful image is generated in the or each channel of projection with a peripheral light flux surrounding the intermediate image, the unit for generating light indicators being a diaphragm open according to a main aperture so as to allow passage in the main aperture only of the flux from the intermediate image, the diaphragm comprising notches at the edge of the main aperture, each notch allows the passage of a portion of the peripheral light flux, the portion of the peripheral light flux passing through each notch forming a light indicator;
[0022] - the useful image field is divided into four sectors of identical size, the unit the generation of indicator lights being capable of generating at least three indicator lights positioned at the edge of distinct sectors of the useful image field;
[0023] - each indicator light is formed of an internal part and an external part having different shapes, the inner part being closer to the edge of the useful image field than the outer part, only the inner part of each light indicator being present in the user's field of vision when the observation condition is met;
[0024] - the observation condition is not met when the indicator lights those viewed by the user exhibit one or more of the following characteristics: a. The perceived size of each indicator light differs from a reference size. b. The perceived intensity of each indicator light differs from a reference intensity. c. The perceived color of each indicator light is different from a reference color, d. The indicator light(s) located at the upper edge of the field of vision and the indicator light(s) located at the lower edge of the field of vision exhibit asymmetry, e. the indicator light(s) located on the right edge of the field of vision and the indicator light(s) located on the left edge of the field of vision exhibit an asymmetry, and f. One or more indicator lights are not in the field of vision.
[0025] The invention also relates to binoculars comprising an optical system as described above.
[0026] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the binoculars form a hands-free device, for example mounted on a helmet.
[0027] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which:
[0028] [Fig. 1], [Fig. 1], a schematic representation of the areas where the eye should be positioned from a user's perspective compared to an eyepiece for viewing the entire image field without discomfort, in the case of a magnifying eyepiece and ring drawtube,
[0029] [Fig.2], [Fig.2], a schematic representation of an example of an optical system vision system comprising two projection channels, an adjustment aid for each channel and an adjustment mechanism,
[0030] [Fig.3], [Fig.3], a schematic representation of an example of a diaphragm of a unit for generating indicator lights,
[0031] [Fig.4], [Fig.4], a schematic representation of an example of the useful image field with four indicator lights along the edge covering four distinct quadrants of the useful image field,
[0032] [Fig.5], [Fig.5], a schematic representation of an example of the field of vision of a user in whom an asymmetry of the indicator lights is visible, indicating a misalignment of the eyepiece relative to the eye,
[0033] [Fig.6], [Fig.6], a schematic representation of an example of indicator lights completely visible in the field of vision, indicating that the eyepiece is too close to the eye.
[0034] [Fig.7], [Fig.7], a schematic representation of an example where the witnesses Bright lights are no longer perceived in the field of vision, indicating that the eyepiece is too far from the eye, and
[0035] [Fig.8], [Fig.8], a schematic representation of an example where the witnesses Bright lights seen in the field of vision indicate that the eyepiece is correctly positioned relative to the eye.
[0036] An example of an optical vision system 10 is illustrated by [Fig.2].
[0037] Such an optical system 10 is for example included in binoculars.
[0038] Binoculars form, for example, a hands-free device. For example, binoculars are designed to be mounted on a helmet or head harness. Alternatively, the binoculars are held in the user's hand.
[0039] Binoculars are, for example, connected binoculars incorporating data visualization elements, or night vision binoculars.
[0040] Binoculars are any type of binoculars, including monocular binoculars, bioocular binoculars, binocular binoculars or panoramic binoculars (4-way intensified).
[0041] The optical system 10 includes at least one projection channel 12, a setting aid device 14 and a setting mechanism 16.
[0042] An example of such an optical system 10 is illustrated in [Fig. 2]. In this example, the optical system 10 comprises two projection channels 12 (thus suitable for binocular or binocular binoculars). In another example, the optical system 10 comprises a single projection channel 12 (monocular).
[0043] Each projection channel 12 is suitable for projecting a useful image in the form of a useful image field C. In particular, each projection channel 12 includes an eyepiece 20 defining an exit pupil for the projection channel 12. The exit pupil is defined as the diameter of the light beam exiting the eyepiece 20.
[0044] Preferably, the useful image is generated by an image generation unit 21. The image generation unit 21 is, for example, a screen or a light intensifier tube (night vision binoculars).
[0045] The adjustment aid device 14 is designed to assist in adjusting the position of the eyepiece or each eyepiece 20 relative to the eyes of a user.
[0046] The adjustment aid device 14 includes a unit 22 for generating indicator lights T in the or each projection channel 12 so that the indicator lights T are positioned at the edge (or periphery) of the useful image field C. By the term "edge", it is understood that the indicator lights T are at the edge of the useful image field C but without being superimposed on this useful image field C.
[0047] The indicator lights T, present in the field of vision of a user looking into the eyepiece(s) 20, indicate whether an observation condition is met or not for the projection channel(s) 12.
[0048] The viewing condition stipulates that the user's eye is positioned relative to the exit pupil of the corresponding eyepiece 20 within a predetermined area allowing visualization of the entire useful image field C. The predetermined area is typically the hatched area in [Fig. 1], and preferably the dashed area (better optical quality) for magnifying eyepieces, and the dashed area in [Fig. 1] for ring-pull eyepieces. Preferably, the viewing condition stipulates that the user's eye is positioned at the center of the predetermined area.
[0049] When the observation condition is not met, the light indicators T show the movements of the eyepiece(s) 20 to be made to meet the observation condition.
[0050] In an example implementation, the observation condition is not met when the indicator lights T seen by the user have one or more of the following characteristics: a. The perceived size of each indicator light T is different from a reference size, b. The perceived intensity of each indicator light T is different from a reference intensity, c. The perceived color of each indicator light T is different from a reference color, d. the indicator light(s) T located at the upper edge of the field of vision and the indicator light(s) T located at the lower edge of the field of vision exhibit an asymmetry, e. the indicator light(s) T located at the right edge of the field of vision and the indicator light(s) T located at the left edge of the field of vision exhibit an asymmetry, and f. One or more indicator lights T are not in the field of vision.
[0051] The reference dimension, the reference intensity and the reference color are for example entered in a reference manual, or in a setting menu accessible by the user.
[0052] In one example of an implementation, the indicator light generation unit 22 T is a transparent screen on which the indicator lights T are displayed so that the indicator lights T are at the edge of the useful image field C. In this example of an implementation, the indicator light generation unit 22 T is suitable for turning off the indicator lights T following the activation of an extinction command.
[0053] The term "transparent screen" means a screen that allows a user to see what is displayed on the screen while also being able to see through the screen. The surrounding light therefore passes through the screen. The transparent screen is, for example, an OLED screen (from the English "Organic Light Emitting Diode").
[0054] The transparent screen is, for example, positioned at the output of the image generation unit 21 or in an intermediate image plane of the image generation unit 21.
[0055] In another embodiment, applicable in particular to ring-pull eyepieces, an intermediate image of the useful image is generated in the projection channel or channels 12 with a peripheral light flux surrounding the intermediate image. The unit 22 for generating indicator lights T is a diaphragm 30 open via a main aperture 31 so as to allow only the flux from the intermediate image to pass through the main aperture 31. The diaphragm 30 includes notches 32 at the edge of the main aperture 31. Each notch 32 allows the passage of a portion of the peripheral light flux. The portion of the peripheral light flux passing through each notch 32 forms an indicator light T. The notches are of any shape, the shape of each notch being the shape of the corresponding indicator light T. The [Fig.3] illustrates an example of a diaphragm 30 comprising four notches 32, each on the edge of a distinct sector of the useful image field C (considering that the useful image field C is divided into four sectors S of identical size).
[0056] Preferably, the useful image field C is divisible into four sectors S of identical size. The indicator light generation unit T 22 is capable of generating at least three indicator lights T positioned at the edges of distinct sectors S of the useful image field C. Figure 4 illustrates an example with four indicator lights T, each positioned at the edge of a distinct sector of the useful image field C.
[0057] Preferably, each indicator light T is formed of an inner part 36 and an outer part 38 of different shapes. In particular, a discontinuity in shape separates the inner part 36 and the outer part 38, allowing the user to visually identify each part. The inner part 36 is closer to the edge of the useful image field C than the outer part 38. When the viewing condition is met, only the inner part 36 of each indicator light T is visible in the user's field of vision.
[0058] For example, the indicator light T is an arrow, the inner part 36 being the shaft of the arrow, and the outer part 38 the tip of the arrow. Alternatively, any other shape of indicator light T having two parts, one of which has a discontinuity in shape with respect to the other, is usable.
[0059] Preferably, the indicator lights T are of identical shape, but oriented differently.
[0060] The adjustment mechanism 16 is suitable for adjusting the position of the eyepiece or each eyepiece 20 relative to the user's eyes according to the movements indicated by the indicator lights T.
[0061] Preferably, the adjustment mechanism 16 is suitable for performing at least one of the following adjustments: a. Up and down adjustment, b. front and rear adjustment, c. tilt adjustment, and d. adjustment of interpupillary distance.
[0062] An example of the operation of the optical vision system 10 will now be described.
[0063] The user wishing to use the optical vision system 10 positions each of his eyes in front of the eyepiece 20 of the corresponding projection channel 12.
[0064] Optionally, when it is not continuously activated, it activates the indicator light generation unit 22 T which generates the indicator lights T in each projection channel 12.
[0065] Depending on the perception (or non-perception) of the light indicators T in his field of vision, the user adjusts the position of the eyepieces 20 via the adjustment mechanism 16.
[0066] An example of an adjustment sequence is given below for a monocular, starting from the indicator lights T of [Fig. 4]. For a binocular or bioocular pair, the sequence is performed so as to obtain the image of [Fig. 8] in both eyes.
[0067] In the example of [Fig. 5], an asymmetry is observed because only two of the four indicator lights T are visible. This indicates that the eyepiece 20 is misaligned with respect to the eye. In this example, the indicator lights T are arrows showing the transverse direction in which to move the eyepiece 20, via the adjustment mechanism 16, so that the eye is centered with respect to the eyepiece 20. The adjustment mechanism 16 is then used by the user to move the eyepiece 20 in the direction of the arrows.
[0068] In the example of [Fig. 6], the four indicator lights T are seen symmetrically and in a perfectly aligned manner. This indicates that the eyepiece 20 is aligned with the eye but is too close. The adjustment mechanism 16 is then used by the user to move the eyepiece 20 further away from their eye.
[0069] In the example of [Fig. 7], the four indicator lights T are no longer visible. This indicates that the eyepiece 20 is too far from the eye. The adjustment mechanism 16 is then used by the user to bring the eyepiece 20 closer to their eye.
[0070] In the example of [Fig. 8], the four indicator lights T are perceived symmetrically without the outer part 38 of the indicator lights T (arrowhead). This indicates that the eyepiece 20 is aligned with the eye and is at the correct distance. The user knows that their eye is correctly positioned and is located in the central area of the eye box.
[0071] Optionally, once the settings have been made, the indicator lights T are turned off (for the embodiment where the indicator light generation unit 22 T is a transparent screen).
[0072] Thus, the optical vision system 10 optimizes and verifies the correct positioning of a user's eyes relative to the exit pupil of the eyepieces 20 of the vision system 10, thereby ensuring visual comfort over the duration of use. In particular, the indicator lights T provide the user with feedback on the correct positioning of their eyes relative to the eyepieces 20 (positioning close to the center of the eye box), thus preventing them from unknowingly positioning themselves at the edge of the eye box.
[0073] Positioning one's eye in the eye box, preferably in the center of the eye box, increases user comfort (stability of the field of vision and resolution during movement).
[0074] In the case of night vision binoculars, the ergonomics of use of night vision binoculars directly contributes to the user's viewing comfort and ensures that the binoculars improve the infantryman's night mobility capacity by generating as little fatigue as possible over time.
[0075] A person skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments and variants described above can be combined with each other provided that they are technically compatible.
[0076] Furthermore, the preceding examples mainly concern binoculars. Nevertheless, the optical vision system 10 can be integrated into all vision entities distinct from binoculars, for example, a microscope or a telescope.
Claims
1. Demands Optical vision system (10) comprising: a. at least one projection channel (12) of a useful image in the form of a useful image field (C), the projection channel or each projection channel (12) comprising an eyepiece (20) defining an exit pupil for the projection channel (12), the useful image being generated by an image generation unit (21), the image generation unit (21) being a screen or a light intensifier tube, b. a device (14) for assisting in adjusting the position of the eyepiece(s) (20) relative to the eyes of a user, the adjustment device (14) comprising a light indicator (T) generation unit (22) in the projection channel(s) (12) such that the light indicators (T) are positioned at the edge of the useful image field (C), the light indicator (T) generation unit (22) being a transparent screen on which the light indicators (T) are displayed such that the light indicators (T) are at the edge of the useful image field (C), the transparent screen being positioned at the output of the image generation unit (21) or in an intermediate image plane of the image generation unit (21), the indicator lights (T), present in the field of vision of a user looking through the eyepiece(s) (20), indicating whether a viewing condition is met or not for the projection channel(s) (12), the viewing condition stipulating that the user's eye is positioned relative to the exit pupil of the corresponding eyepiece (20) in a predetermined area allowing the entire extent of the useful image field (C) to be viewed, when the viewing condition is not met, the indicator lights (T) indicating the movements of the eyepiece(s) (20) to be made to meet the viewing condition, and a. a mechanism (16) for adjusting the position of the eyepiece or each eyepiece (20) relative to the user's eyes according to the movements indicated by the indicator lights (T).
2. Optical system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the useful image field (C) is divided into four sectors (S) of identical size, the light indicator generation unit (22) being suitable for generating at least three light indicators (T) positioned at the edge of distinct sectors (S) of the useful image field (C).
3. Optical system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each light indicator (T) is formed of an inner part (36) and an outer part (38) having different shapes, the inner part (36) being closer to the edge of the useful image field (C) than the outer part (38), only the inner part (36) of each light indicator being present in the user's field of vision when the viewing condition is met.
4. Optical system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the observation condition is not met when the indicator lights (T) viewed by the user have one or more of the following characteristics: a. the perceived size of each indicator light (T) is different from a reference size, b. the perceived intensity of each indicator light (T) is different from a reference intensity, c. the perceived color of each indicator light (T) is different from a reference color, d. the indicator light(s) (T) located at the upper edge of the field of vision and the indicator light(s) (T) located at the lower edge of the field of vision have an asymmetry, e. the indicator light(s) (T) located at the right edge of the field of vision and the indicator light(s) (T) located at the left edge of the field of vision have an asymmetry, and f.one or more indicator lights (T) are not in the field of vision.
5. Binoculars comprising an optical system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. Binoculars according to claim 5, wherein the binoculars form a hands-free device, for example mounted on a helmet.