Night vision binoculars

Abstract

The present invention relates to a night vision binocular (10), the night vision binocular (10) comprising: a. Projection axis (A P a fixed lens assembly including a projection lens (26) having an output axis called the projection lens (26); b. Two eyepieces (14A, 14B), each of which has a visual axis (A V ), the visual axes of the two eyepieces (14A, 14B) are parallel and separated by an adjustable distance called the interpupillary distance (IPD), and the visual axis (A V ) also corresponds to the projection axis (A P ) and is parallel to the projection axis (A P ) and each eyepiece (14A, 14B) is aligned with the projection axis (A) of the lens assembly (12) to adjust for interpupillary distance (IPD). P ) can be rotated relative to the

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to night vision binoculars.

[0002] More precisely, the present invention relates to night vision binoculars configured to capture and intensify an image resulting from a scene. The intensification spectral region is typically between 450 nm and 950 nm. Such binoculars are called "connected" when they are configured to project information resulting from the screen on the intensified image.

Background Art

[0003] Connected night vision binoculars with two capture paths associated with each eyepiece are known in the art. However, only one of the two paths is associated with the means for projecting information from the screen on the captured image. Therefore, the information resulting from the screen can only be seen through one of the eyepieces, which is a problem when this eyepiece does not correspond to the user's dominant eye.

[0004] Such projection to only one of the two paths is explained by the technical and economic difficulties of providing a mechanism for adjusting the interpupillary distance (IPD) between the two eyepieces. In particular, in commercially available night vision binoculars, the IPD adjustment is either linear or rotational.

[0005] In the case of linear IPD adjustment, the two binocular bodies are mechanically guided by slide links on a bracket. The bracket connects the two binocular bodies to a mechanical mount of a helmet or a head harness. In non-connected night vision binoculars (without a screen), the power supply to the intensifier tube proceeds through a flexible web connecting the binocular bodies to the bracket or through electrical contacts on a track.

[0006] In the case of connected night vision binoculars, the cable that provides power supply to the screen and connection to the video signal is added to the one that supplies power to the intensifier tube, making the incorporation of such a cable into the binoculars complex both technically and economically. Commercially available night vision binoculars thus do not have adjustable IPD and have a screen on a single path.

[0007] In the case of rotational IPD adjustment, the two binocular bodies are mechanically guided by a swivel link on a bracket that connects the two binocular bodies to the mechanical support frame of the helmet or head harness. This type of IPD adjustment makes it easier for the cable to pass through than in the case of the linear IPD adjustment solution.

[0008] However, in the case of connected night vision binoculars, this type of IPD adjustment induces rotation of the image from the screen. The image from the screen is thus recognized by the user's tilt. A solution of incorporating a mechanical self-rotation correction mechanism can be considered, but it is not appropriate from a microeconomic perspective. Therefore, for such reasons as well, commercially available night vision binoculars do not have adjustable IPD and have a screen on a single path.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for connected night vision binoculars that can visualize an intensified image of a scene with information from the screen through both eyepieces while having adjustable IPD.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] For this purpose, this specification relates to night vision binoculars, and the night vision binoculars a. One or two fixed lens assemblies, where the or each lens assembly (12) i. A capture lens configured to capture an image of a scene ii. A photosensitizing device configured to sensitize a captured image in order to obtain an enhanced image. iii. A screen suitable for generating additional images, iv. A lens assembly comprising a projection lens having an output axis ("projection axis"), configured to project an additional image onto an augmented image such that the output beam of the projection lens ("projection beam") carries the obtained image, b. The binoculars have two eyepieces that receive either the same projection beam if the binoculars have a single lens assembly, or different projection beams if the binoculars have two lens assemblies. Each eyepiece has an output axis ("visual axis"), and the visual axes of two eyepieces are parallel and separated by an adjustable distance ("interpupillary distance"). The visual axis of each eyepiece is further parallel to the projection axis of the corresponding lens assembly and has the same non-zero center-to-center distance as the projection axis of the corresponding lens assembly. Each eyepiece is rotatable around the projection axis of the corresponding lens assembly to adjust the interpupillary distance.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the binoculars, either individually or in any technically possible combination, have one or more of the following features: - A projected beam is a parallelized or nearly parallelized beam. - The optical axis of each eyepiece is the optical axis of the eyepiece. - Binoculars consist of two lens assemblies, where the IPD is the sum of the nominal distance and the adjustment range, the value of which is a function of the rotation of each eyepiece and lies within a limited range concentrated on zero, and the center-to-center distance between the visual axis of each eyepiece and the corresponding projection axis of the lens assembly is equal to half the positive limit of the limited range. - Each eyepiece has an input axis that coincides with the projection axis of the corresponding lens assembly, the visual axis of each eyepiece is offset from the input axis of the eyepiece by a layover formed by two diopters, each diopter has a flat optical surface parallel to the flat optical surface of the other diopter, the first diopter is configured to reflect at least a portion of the projection beam output by the lens assembly corresponding to the direction of the second diopter, and the second diopter is configured to reflect the projection beam in the direction of the visual axis. - IPD is the sum of the ranges of adjustment, which are a function of the nominal distance and the rotation of each eyepiece, where the range of adjustment is a function of the center-to-center distance between the projection axis and the visual axis of the eyepiece, the nominal orientation of the eyepiece, and the rotation angle of each eyepiece relative to the nominal orientation. - The binoculars have two lens assemblies. - The binoculars have a single lens assembly such that the projection axis is a common axis of rotation of the two eyepieces, and the flat optical surface of the first diopter of one of the eyepieces ("first eyepiece") is partially reflective so as to reflect a portion of the projection beam in the direction of the second diopter of the first eyepiece and transmit the other portion in the direction of the other eyepiece ("second eyepiece"). - Each lens assembly is positioned along the projection axis A of the corresponding projection lens by a layover formed by two diopters. P The input axis is offset from the ), and each diopter has a flat optical surface parallel to the flat optical surface of the other diopters, the first diopter is located in a capture lens, and the second diopter is located in a projection lens and is in the path of the beam reflected by the first diopter. - The additional images are of scenes in different spectral bands than the image captured by the capture lens.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following description of embodiments of the invention, provided with reference to the drawings, simply as examples. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] These are schematic diagrams of examples of night vision binoculars according to the first and second embodiments. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of an example of night vision binoculars according to the third embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of an example of the path of night vision binoculars according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram shows various examples of IPD adjustment according to the first embodiment, illustrating the offset between the entrance pupil of the lens assembly and the exit pupil of the eyepiece. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of an example of the path of night vision binoculars according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of an example of IPD adjustment according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram illustrating two example paths of night vision binoculars according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of an example of IPD adjustment according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Examples of night vision binoculars 10 are schematically shown in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 corresponds to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 corresponds to the third embodiment of the present invention. As described below, binoculars 10 are "connected" binoculars because they include a screen and projection lenses.

[0015] This description begins by outlining elements common to the three embodiments. Each embodiment is then described in more detail.

[0016] Comprehensive Embodiment The binoculars 10 are intended to be mounted, for example, on a helmet or head harness. Advantageously, the binoculars 10 are also intended to be fixed to a vertically (up and down) adjustable support, thus allowing for height adjustment of the binoculars 10.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the binoculars 10 comprises at least one lens assembly 12 and two eyepieces 14A and 14B.

[0018] If the binoculars 10 have two separate lens assemblies 12, as shown in Figure 1, each eyepiece 14A, 14B is associated with its respective lens assembly 12 and therefore does not receive a beam of light from the other lens assembly 12. If the binoculars 10 have a single lens assembly 12, as shown in Figure 2, the lens assembly 12 is shared by the two eyepieces 14A, 14B.

[0019] The association of one eyepiece 14A, 14B with the corresponding lens assembly 12 forms an optical path, and the binoculars 10 thus have two optical paths.

[0020] Each lens assembly 12 is fixed, meaning it cannot be translated or rotated.

[0021] Each lens assembly 12 comprises at least the following elements: a capture lens 20, a light-sensitizing device 22, a screen 24, and a projection lens 26.

[0022] The capture lens 20 is configured to capture images from the screen. For example, the capture lens 20 comprises an assembly of several lenses.

[0023] The photosensitizer 22 is configured to sensitize a captured image in order to obtain an enhanced image. For example, the photosensitizer 22 comprises one or more sensitizer tubes.

[0024] Screen 24 is suitable for generating additional images. These additional images are intended to provide additional information to the user of the binoculars 10.

[0025] For example, the additional image is an image of a scene in a different spectral band than the image captured by the capture lens 20. For example, the different spectral band is in the infrared (near, far, or mid-infrared) band, and the capture lens 20 is suitable for capturing images in the visible band (380 to 780 nm) or the extended band (400 to 900 nm), for example. The additional image is obtained, for example, by an additional optical path present in the binoculars 10.

[0026] In one variant, the additional image arises from data obtained from sensors or other sources.

[0027] The projection lens 26 has an output beam (projection beam F P The beam F is configured to project the additional image onto the amplified image so that it carries the resulting image (a superposition of the amplified image and the additional image). P It should be noted that only one ray is shown in the relevant diagram for the purpose of simplification.

[0028] Advantageously, within the intermediate space between the projection lens 26 and the corresponding eyepieces 14A and 14B, the projection beam F P This is a parallelized or nearly parallelized beam. "Parallelized" refers to a projected beam F P This means that the light rays are parallel or nearly parallel in the intermediate space. "Nearly parallelized" refers to the projected beam F P This means that the rays are locally approximately parallel over a distance smaller than or equal to a value that would allow the optical axis of each eyepiece 14A, 14B to be unresponsive to the eccentricity of the mechanical axis between the eyepieces 14A, 14B and one or more corresponding lens assemblies 12.

[0029] The projection lens 26 is also the output axis of the lens assembly 12, the output axis ("projection axis A"). P It has ''.

[0030] For example, the projection lens 26 comprises an assembly of several lenses.

[0031] Each of the eyepieces 14A, 14B is an image transport lens, i.e., suitable for carrying the image obtained from the projection to the user's eye.

[0032] When the binoculars 10 comprise two separate lens assemblies 12 as shown in Fig. 1, the two eyepieces 14A, 14B receive separate projection beams FP and thus carry separate resulting images. When the binoculars 10 comprise a single lens assembly 12 as shown in Fig. 2, the two eyepieces 14A, 14B receive the same projection beam F P and thus carry the same resulting image.

[0033] Each of the eyepieces 14A, 14B has an output axis (the "visual axis A V ") (see particularly Figs. 3 to 8 described in detail below). The visual axes of the two eyepieces 14A, 14B are parallel and are separated by an adjustable distance (the "interpupillary distance IPD"). The IPD is typically the sum of a nominal distance N (fixed) and an adjustment range R (variable).

[0034] The visual axis A V of each of the eyepieces 14A, 14B is parallel to the projection axis A P of the corresponding lens assembly 12 and is a non-zero center distance E from the projection axis A P of the corresponding lens assembly 12. The center distance is the same for both eyepieces 14A, 14B.

[0035] Each of the eyepieces 14A, 14B is rotatable relative to the projection axis A P of the corresponding lens assembly 12 so as to change the adjustment range R and thus adjust the interpupillary distance IPD.

[0036] The following describes aspects of the operation of the binoculars 10 that are common to the three embodiments.

[0037] To adjust the IPD between the eyepieces 14A and 14B of the binoculars 10, the user adjusts the projection axis A of the corresponding lens assembly. P Rotate the eyepieces 14A and 14B around each other. In particular, in the average adjustment configuration where the adjustment range R is zero, the user rotates each eyepiece 14A and 14B outward to increase the IPD and inward to decrease the IPD.

[0038] When the IPD is adjusted, the image obtained from the projection of the additional image onto the augmented image of the scene is seen by the user through each eyepiece 14A, 14B.

[0039] Therefore, such connected night vision binoculars 10 make it possible to visualize images obtained from the projection of an additional image onto an augmented image of the scene through both eyepieces 14A, 14B. This makes it easier to visualize such images than with conventional devices where the obtained image can only be viewed on a single optical path.

[0040] In particular, compared to conventional binoculars with linear IPD adjustment, IPD adjustment via a rotation mechanism makes it easier to integrate the power cables for the photosensitizer 22 and screen 24 into the binoculars 10. Therefore, the cables do not pass through the eyepieces 14A and 14B and are independent of the IPD adjustment mechanism.

[0041] Furthermore, unlike conventional binoculars with rotating IPD adjustment, the IPD adjustment does not affect the resulting image of the scene. This is due to the fact that only the eyepieces 14A and 14B are movable, while one or more lens assemblies 12 with the screen 24 are fixed.

[0042] Therefore, the connected night vision binoculars 10 have a projection axis A of each lens assembly 12. P and the corresponding optical axis A of eyepieces 14A and 14B VThis allows the obtained images to be visualized on each eyepiece 14A, 14B while maintaining the adjustability of the IPD due to the asymmetry between them.

[0043] Such an architecture can be adapted to both binocular and binocular-type binoculars. In particular, it enables night vision binoculars with optical fusion (enhanced path and infrared path) with a single infrared capture path that is redistributed over two projection paths (right and left) and adapted to IPD adjustment on both paths.

[0044] Furthermore, if the beams in the intermediate space are parallelized or nearly parallelized, maintaining parallelism between the right and left paths is facilitated after the IPD is adjusted.

[0045] First Embodiment The following describes specific aspects of the binoculars 10 according to the first embodiment, with reference to Figures 1, 3, and 4.

[0046] As described above, the binoculars 10 according to the first embodiment comprises two lens assemblies 12. These lens assemblies 12 are advantageously identical. The optical axis of each lens assembly 12 is advantageously aligned with the projection axis A of the projection lens 26 of the lens assembly 12. P This matches.

[0047] In the first embodiment, the visual axis A of each eyepiece 14A, 14B V This coincides with the optical axis of eyepieces 14A and 14B. Therefore, the input axis of each eyepiece 14A and 14B is the same as the visual axis A of the eyepieces 14A and 14B. V This matches.

[0048] In the first embodiment, the adjustment range R has values ​​within a limited range [-X; +X] centered at zero. The maximum limit of the range +X is therefore equal to the opposite of the minimum limit of the range -X. As shown in Figure 3, the visual axis A of each eyepiece 14A, 14B V and the projection axis A of the corresponding lens assembly 12 PThe distance E between the centers is the positive limit of the limited range (maximum limit) + half of X.

number

[0049] Figure 4 shows the corresponding projection axis A to obtain different adjustments of IPD. P The diagram shows three configurations obtained by rotating each eyepiece 14A and 14B around it. In particular, the diagram also shows the exit pupil P1 of the lens assembly 12 and the exit pupil P2 of the eyepieces 14A and 14B.

[0050] In the intermediate configuration (intermediate adjustment), the IPD corresponds to an average distance equal to the nominal distance N, and the adjustment range R is zero. In this configuration, the relative eccentricity of the eyepieces 14A and 14B is oriented vertically and does not affect the IPD adjustment. In the illustrated configuration, the eccentricity is oriented downward. However, upward eccentricity is also possible. When the binoculars 10 are fixed to a vertically (up and down) adjusted support, the vertical eccentricity of the binoculars 10 can be compensated for by translation.

[0051] The configuration on the left corresponds to the minimum IPD, where the adjustment range R is equal to the lower limit -X of the restricted range [-X; +X]. In this case, the IPD is equal to NX. For intermediate adjustment (intermediate configuration), the eccentricity of each eyepiece 14A, 14B relative to the corresponding lens assembly 12 is oriented inward.

[0052] The configuration on the right corresponds to the maximum IPD, and the adjustment range R is equal to the upper limit +X of the limited range [-X; +X]. In this case, the IPD is equal to N + X. For intermediate adjustment (intermediate configuration), the eccentricity of each eyepiece 14A, 14B relative to the corresponding lens assembly 12 is oriented outward.

[0053] Therefore, the binoculars 10 according to the first embodiment have asymmetry obtained by the eccentricity between the projection lens and the corresponding eyepieces 14A, 14B, enabling IPD adjustment and other advantages described with respect to the comprehensive embodiment.

[0054] Second Embodiment A specific embodiment of the binoculars 10 according to the second embodiment is described below with reference to Figures 1, 5, and 6.

[0055] As described above, the binoculars 10 according to the second embodiment include two lens assemblies 12 (one for each eyepiece 14A, 14B). These lens assemblies 12 are advantageously identical.

[0056] In the specific example shown in Figure 5, the input axis of each lens assembly 12 is the projection axis A of the projection lens 26 of the lens assembly 12. P It does not match.

[0057] In particular, in this example, the input axis of each lens assembly 12 is the projection axis A of the corresponding projection lens 26, formed by a layover created by two diopters L1 and L2. P It is offset from. In this example, each diopter L1, L2 has a flat optical surface parallel to the flat optical surface of the other diopter. Such a layover is also called a rhombohedral layover. The first diopter L1 is located within the capture lens 20 and is suitable for capturing the scene and reflecting the amplified image in the direction of the second diopter L2. The second diopter L2 is located within the projection lens 26 and lies on the path of the beam reflected by the first diopter L1.

[0058] In this example, the flat optical surface of the second diopter L2 is partially reflective, so as to reflect the beam originating from the first diopter L1 on one side and transmit the beam originating from screen 24 on the other side, thereby the two beams originating from the second diopter L2 along projection axis A P They are superimposed in that direction. For example, the first diopter L1 is a reflecting mirror.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will see that the second embodiment is not limited to this configuration of the lens assembly 12, and that it is functional regardless of the configuration of the lens assembly 12. Thus, in one variant, the input axis of each lens assembly 12 is the projection axis A of the projection lens 26 of the lens assembly 12, as in the first embodiment. P This matches.

[0060] In the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, each eyepiece 14A, 14B is positioned along the projection axis A of the corresponding lens assembly 12. P It has an input axis that matches the following. The visual axis A of each eyepiece 14A, 14B V The output axis is offset from the input axis of the eyepieces 14A, 14B by a layover formed by two diopters L1', L2'. In this example, each diopter L1', L2' has a flat optical surface parallel to the flat optical surface of the other diopter. Such a layover is also called a rhombohedral layover. The input axis of the rhombohedron (and therefore the eyepiece) is the projection axis A of the corresponding projection lens 26. P It will be placed at the center.

[0061] In particular, the first diopter L1' projects the projection beam F when it exits the corresponding projection lens 26. P It is located within the path and projected beam F in the direction of the second diopter L2'. P It is positioned to reflect light. The second diopter L2' is positioned along the visual axis A V Projection beam F in the direction P They are positioned to reflect light. In one example, the first diopter L1' and the second diopter L2' are reflectors.

[0062] In this second embodiment, the adjustment range R is the projection axis A of the corresponding eyepieces 14A and 14B. P and visual axis A V The center-to-center distance E between the two, the nominal orientation β of the eyepieces 14A and 14B, and the rotation angle α of each eyepiece 14A and 14B relative to the nominal orientation β. p , α n It is a function of the two projection axes A. The nominal orientation β is the two projection axes A.P Defined as the angle between the axes of symmetry of a plane (with right and left axes) and a rhombohedron.

[0063] More precisely, for example, the nominal distance N is given by the following formula: N = D + 2.E. tan(β) During the ceremony, • D is the center-to-center distance between the projection axes of the two lens assemblies 12 (shown in Figure 6).

[0064] The adjustment range R is given, for example, by the following formula:

number

[0065] Therefore, IPD corresponds to the projection axis A P The adjustment is made by rotating each eyepiece 14A and 14B around it.

[0066] In particular, at the intermediate adjustment position, the relative rotation of the symmetrical plane of the rhombohedrons of the eyepieces 14A and 14B with respect to the lens assembly 12 is oriented at the nominal orientation β (α p and α n (is zero). At maximum distance, this rotation is angle β-α p It is oriented outward by this. At the minimum distance, this rotation is at an angle β+α n It is oriented inward by this.

[0067] Therefore, the binoculars 10 according to the second embodiment have asymmetry obtained by the rhombohedral layover of the eyepieces 14A and 14B, enabling IPD adjustment and other advantages described with respect to the comprehensive embodiment.

[0068] The range of rotation of the eyepieces 14A and 14B for IPD adjustment is reduced compared to the first embodiment. Furthermore, since the entire optical system has rotational symmetry, aberrations are reduced.

[0069] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the length of the binocular body 10 is reduced compared to conventional binoculars with inline optical elements. Thus, the cantilevered structure of the binoculars 10 mounted on a helmet or head harness is reduced.

[0070] Third Embodiment A specific embodiment of the binoculars 10 according to the third embodiment is described below with reference to Figures 2, 7, and 8.

[0071] As described above, the binoculars 10 according to the third embodiment include a single lens assembly 12 shared by both eyepieces 14A and 14B. In particular, projection axis A P This is the shared axis of rotation of the two eyepieces 14A and 14B. For example, lens assembly 12 is a lens assembly according to any of the examples described for the first or third embodiment.

[0072] In the third embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, each eyepiece 14A, 14B is on the projection axis A of the same lens assembly 12. P It has an input axis that matches the following. The visual axis A of each eyepiece 14A, 14B V The (output axis) is offset from the input axis of eyepieces 14A and 14B by a layover formed by two diopters: L1-A and L2-A in eyepiece 14A, and L1-B and L2-B in eyepiece 14B. Each diopter L1-A and L2-A has a flat optical surface parallel to the flat optical surface of the other diopters L1-A and L2-A. Each diopter L1-B and L2-B has a flat optical surface parallel to the flat optical surface of the other diopters L1-B and L2-B. Similar to the third embodiment, such a layover is a rhombohedron. The input axis of each rhombohedron is the projection axis A of the projection lens 26. P It will be placed at the center.

[0073] In particular, the flat optical surface of the first diopter L1-A of the first eyepiece 14A is partially reflective. The first diopter L1-A of the first eyepiece 14A projects a beam F in the direction of the second diopter L1-B of the first eyepiece 14A. P The projection beam F emanating from the projection lens 26 reflects a portion of it and transmits the other portion in the direction of the first diopter L2-A of the second eyepiece lens 14B. P It is positioned so that it is within the path.

[0074] The second diopter L2-A of the first eyepiece 14A is aligned with the visual axis A of the first eyepiece 14A. V In the direction of the first diopter L1-A, a projected beam F P It is positioned to reflect light. For example, the second diopter L2-A is a reflector.

[0075] The first diopter L1-B of the second eyepiece 14B is positioned to receive and reflect a portion of the beam transmitted by the first diopter L1-A of the first eyepiece 14A in the direction of the second diopter L2-B of the second eyepiece 14B. For example, the first diopter L1-A is a reflector.

[0076] The second diopter L2-B of the second eyepiece 14B is located on the visual axis A of the second eyepiece 14B. V In the direction of the second eyepiece 14B, a projection beam F originates from the first diopter L1-B. P It is positioned to reflect light. For example, the first diopter L1-B is a reflecting mirror.

[0077] Advantageously, the projection axis A of each eyepiece 14A, 14B (corresponding to the distance between the reflective surface and each rhombohedron) P and the visual axis A V The distance E between the centers satisfies the following conditions. E + D1 = D2 + E + D3 During the ceremony, • D1 is the focal point P of the first diopter L1-A and the first eyepiece 14A. AThe first eyepiece 14A's optical axis A V It is the distance along the line, D2 is the projection axis A between the first diopter L1-A of the first eyepiece 14A and the first diopter L1-B of the second eyepiece 14B. P It is the distance along the line, • D3 is the second diopter L1-B and the second eyepiece 14B at focal point P B The second eyepiece 14B's visual axis A V It is the distance along the line.

[0078] In this third embodiment, the adjustment range R is the projection axis A of the corresponding eyepieces 14A and 14B. P and visual axis A V The center-to-center distance E between the two, the nominal orientation β of the eyepieces 14A and 14B, and the rotation angle α of each eyepiece 14A and 14B relative to the nominal orientation β. p , α n It is a function of .

[0079] More precisely, for example, the nominal distance N is given by the following formula: N=2.E.tan(β)

[0080] The adjustment range R is given, for example, by the following formula:

number

[0081] Therefore, IPD corresponds to the projection axis A P The adjustment is made by rotating each eyepiece 14A and 14B around it.

[0082] In particular, at the intermediate adjustment position, the relative rotation of the symmetrical plane of the rhombohedrons of the eyepieces 14A and 14B with respect to the lens assembly 12 is oriented at the nominal orientation β (α p and α n (is zero). At maximum distance, this rotation is angle β-α p It is oriented outward by this. At the minimum distance, this rotation is at an angle β+α n It is oriented inward by this.

[0083] Therefore, the binoculars 10 according to the third embodiment enable a binocular field of view device having asymmetry with respect to each eyepiece 14A, 14B, created by the rhombohedral layover of the eyepieces 14A, 14B. This enables IPD adjustment and other advantages described with respect to the comprehensive embodiment.

[0084] The range of rotation of the eyepieces 14A and 14B for IPD adjustment is reduced compared to the first embodiment. Furthermore, since the entire optical system has rotational symmetry, aberrations are reduced.

[0085] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the length of the binocular body 10 is reduced compared to conventional binoculars with inline optical elements. In this way, the cantilevered structure of the binoculars 10 mounted on a helmet or head harness is reduced.

[0086] Those skilled in the art will see that the embodiments described above can be combined in the event of interchangeability. In particular, the rhombohedral lens assembly 12 described in relation to the second embodiment is interchangeable with those of the first and third embodiments. Similarly, the inline lens assembly 12 described in relation to the first embodiment is interchangeable with those of the second and third embodiments.

[0087] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will see that in an optical system, the term "output axis" corresponds to the output of the optical system and the optical axis of the optical element, and the term "input axis" corresponds to the input of the optical system and the optical axis of the optical element. Therefore, when the optical system is centered, both the output axis and the input axis correspond to the optical axis of the optical system. In particular, in the embodiments described, the projection axis A P The output axis of the lens assembly is parallel to the input axis of the lens assembly (the optical axis of the capture lens 20).

[0088] Finally, those skilled in the art will see that in the second and third embodiments (Figures 5 and 6 on the one hand, and Figures 7 and 8 on the other), the nominal orientation refers to the orientation taken as a reference. In particular, in the second embodiment (Figures 5 and 6), the nominal orientation is the angle β between the plane with the two projection axes and the axis of symmetry of the rhombohedron. The axis of symmetry of the rhombohedron corresponds to the plane of symmetry of the rhombohedron, which includes the output axis of the projection lens and the corresponding output axis of the eyepiece. In the third embodiment (Figures 7 and 8), since there is only a single projection axis, it is also possible to define the nominal orientation as the angle between the plane with the two output axes of the eyepiece (IPD adjustment at the nominal position) and the axis of symmetry of the rhombohedron. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 10 Night Vision Binoculars 12 Lens Assembly 14A Eyepiece 14B Eyepiece 20 Capture Lenses 22. Photosensitizing devices 24 screens 26 Projection lens

Claims

1. Night vision binoculars (10), a. One or two fixed lens assemblies (12), each of the lens assemblies (12) is i. A capture lens (20) configured to capture an image of the scene. ii. A photosensitizer (22) configured to sensitize the captured image in order to obtain an enhanced image. iii. Screen (24) suitable for generating additional images. iv. Projection beam (F Ｐ The output beam of the projection lens (26), called ), is configured to carry the obtained image, and the additional image is projected onto the sensitized image, with the projection axis (A Ｐ A lens assembly (12) is provided with a projection lens (26) having an output axis called, b. If the binoculars (10) are equipped with a single lens assembly (12), the same projection beam (F Ｐ ), or if the binoculars (10) are equipped with two lens assemblies (12), different projection beams (F Ｐ Two eyepieces (14A, 14B) that accept either of the following: Equipped with, Each eyepiece (14A, 14B) has an optical axis (A Ｖ It has an output axis called the ), and the visual axis (A) of the two eyepieces (14A, 14B) Ｖ ) are parallel and separated by an adjustable distance called the interpupillary distance (IPD), The visual axis (A Ｖ ) of each eyepiece lens (14A, 14B) is further parallel to the projection axis (A Ｐ ) of the corresponding lens assembly (12), and has the same non-zero center-to-center distance (E) as the projection axis (A Ｐ ) of the corresponding lens assembly (12). Each eyepiece (14A, 14B) adjusts the interpupillary distance (IPD) of the corresponding lens assembly (12) along the projection axis (A Ｐ A pair of night vision binoculars (10) that are rotatable relative to ).

2. The projection beam (F Ｐ The night vision binoculars (10) according to claim 1, wherein the beams are parallelized or nearly parallelized.

3. The visual axis (A) of each eyepiece (14A, 14B) Ｖ The night vision binoculars (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the optical axis of the eyepieces (14A, 14B) is the optical axis of the eyepieces (14A, 14B).

4. The binoculars (10) comprises two lens assemblies (12), the interpupillary distance (IPD) is the sum of the nominal distance (N) and the adjustment range (R), the value of which is a function of the rotation of each eyepiece (14A, 14B) and is within a limited range ([-X; +X]) concentrated on zero, and the optical axis (A) of each eyepiece (14A, 14B) Ｖ ) and the projection axis (A) of the corresponding lens assembly (12) Ｐ The center-to-center distance (E) between the two points is half the positive limit (+X) of the restricted range. [Math 1] A night vision binocular (10) according to claim 1 or 2, which is equivalent to the one described above.

5. Each eyepiece (14A, 14B) is positioned on the projection axis (A) of the corresponding lens assembly (12). Ｐ The input axis has a corresponding angle to the visual axis (A) of each eyepiece (14A, 14B). Ｖ The first diopter (L1'; L1-A, L2-A, L1-B, L2-B) is offset from the input axis of the eyepiece (14A, 14B) by a layover formed by two diopters (L1', L2'; L1-A, L2-A, L1-B, L2-B), and each diopter (L1', L2'; L1-A, L2-A, L1-B, L2-B) has a flat optical surface parallel to the flat optical surface of the other diopter (L1', L2'; L1-A, L2-A, L1-B, L2-B), and the first diopter (L1'; L1-A, L1-B) is directed towards the second diopter (L2'; L2-A, L2-B) by the corresponding lens assembly (12) and the projected beam (F Ｐ The second diopter (L2'; L2-A, L2-B) is configured to reflect at least a portion of the optical axis (A Ｖ The projection beam (F Ｐ A night vision binocular (10) according to claim 1 or 2, configured to reflect )

6. The interpupillary distance (IPD) is the sum of the nominal distance (N) and the adjustment range (R), which is a function of the rotation of each eyepiece (14A, 14B), and the adjustment range (R) is the projection axis (A Ｐ ) and the visual axis (A) of the eyepiece lenses (14A, 14B) Ｖ The center-to-center distance (E) between the two, the nominal orientation (β) of the eyepieces (14A, 14B), and the nominal orientation (α ｐ , α ｎ The night vision binoculars (10) according to claim 1 or 2, which is a function of the rotation angle of each eyepiece (14A, 14B) relative to ).

7. The night vision binoculars (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the binoculars (10) comprises two lens assemblies (12).

8. The binoculars (10) have the projection axis (A Ｐ A single lens assembly (12) is provided such that the common axis of rotation of the two eyepieces (14A, 14B), and the flat optical surface of the first diopter (L1-A) of one of the eyepieces, called the first eyepiece (14A), is directed toward the projection beam (F) in the direction of the second diopter (L2-A) of the first eyepiece (14A). Ｐ The night vision binoculars (10) according to claim 5, which are partially reflective so as to reflect a portion of the light and transmit the other portion in the direction of another eyepiece called a second eyepiece (14B).

9. Each of the lens assemblies (12) has a layover formed by two diopters (L1, L2) that projects the projection axis (A) of the corresponding projection lens (26). Ｐ The night vision binoculars (10) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an input axis offset from the first diopter (L1, L2), each diopter (L1, L2) having a flat optical surface parallel to the flat optical surface of the other diopter (L1, L2), the first diopter (L1) being located within the capture lens (20), and the second diopter (L2) being located within the projection lens (26) and in the path of the beam reflected by the first diopter (L1).

10. The night vision binoculars (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the additional image is an image of the scene in a spectral band different from the spectral band of the image captured by the capture lens (20).

Images