Binoculars adaptable to the dominant eye
The mechanical system in binoculars allows for interchangeable channel positioning based on the user's dominant eye, addressing the need for separate night vision binoculars by enabling a single power supply and efficient image fusion.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PHOTONIS FRANCE
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing night vision binoculars require separate types for left- and right-eye dominant users due to fixed channel configurations, necessitating two power supplies and separate fusion systems, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
A mechanical system allowing the bridge of binoculars to be rotated 180 degrees and channels to be reversed, enabling interchangeable channel positioning based on the user's dominant eye, with a single power supply for both channels.
Enables adaptable binoculars for both left- and right-eye dominant users without needing to dismantle channels, using a single power supply and maintaining image fusion functionality.
Smart Images
Figure FR2025051133_09072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] BINOCULAR BINOCULARS ADAPTABLE TO THE DOMINANT EYE
[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to binocular binoculars adaptable to the dominant eye of a user and, more particularly, binoculars with separate information on the two channels.
[0004] The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of night vision.
[0005] STATE OF THE ART
[0006] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the binocular binoculars 100 are classically presented in the form of two channels 11 connected by a bridge 12. Each channel 11 is mobile in rotation around an axis of the bridge, so as to be able to adjust the spacing of said channels 11 according to the morphology of the user.
[0007] In addition, the bridge 12 is conventionally mounted in a removable manner on a clip 13 of the user's helmet 14, this clip 13 being configured to be movable between two positions: a usage position, Figure 1, in which the binoculars 100 are positioned in front of the user's eyes; and
[0008] a retracted position, figure 2, in which the claw 13 is raised and the tracks 11 are placed against each other, and therefore in a non-operational position.
[0009] To limit the volume of the binoculars 100 in the retracted position, the channels 11 can be mounted on the rotation axis of the bridge 12 with a predetermined rotation amplitude presenting a rotation angle of up to 90 degrees.
[0010] Binoculars can incorporate night vision channels with several components positioned along the optical axis of the user's eye to transform the image of the observed scene. More specifically, each night vision channel consists of, from the outside of the scene to the user's eye, a lens, a light-intensifying tube, and an eyepiece. The lens typically includes one or more lenses to capture the photons of the electromagnetic radiation from the observed scene. The eyepiece, similarly to the lens, includes one or more lenses to capture and, optionally, view the photons of the light signal emitted by the light-intensifying tube. The light-intensifying tube typically comprises at least three distinct components: a photocathode, an electron multiplier, and a phosphor screen.
[0011] Night vision binoculars, which include multiple night vision channels, are particularly useful in very dimly lit operational environments and can incorporate mechanisms for adjusting the brightness to limit the risk of glare for the user. However, the electronic components integrated into these binoculars require a power supply, and it is recommended to use night vision binoculars with a shared power supply for the different channels.
[0012] These power supply components are typically located between the two channels and under the bridge, in the space opposite the one attached to the user's helmet clamp. Furthermore, this space under the bridge is also known to house specific sensors for image fusion on at least one of the binocular channels.
[0013] This fusion technique is described in more detail in documents US 10419691 and EP 2679 000 and aims to provide, on one of the two channels, specific information about the scene being observed, particularly to guide the user's firing.
[0014] However, the dominant eye of users can vary, so it is often necessary to provide two separate types of binoculars, each incorporating a specific channel with a fusion system. Thus, the channel with the fusion system is located on the left for left-eye dominant users, and on the right for right-eye dominant users.
[0015] To limit the need for two separate types of equipment, it is possible to use systems mounted on standard binoculars or generic bridges, also known as "Bi-Mono" systems. These binoculars or generic bridges are designed to accommodate interchangeable, self-contained channels that may or may not include fusion systems. These interchangeable channels have the advantage of being able to be positioned on the left or right depending on the user's dominant eye. However, these interchangeable channels are not connected to each other, so it is necessary to provide two power systems for the two independent channels, and the user must ensure that both batteries of the two independent systems are charged before any operation, unlike integrated systems which have the advantage of only one battery to manage.
[0016] Thus, there is a need for binoculars that allow for the integration of adaptable fusion systems for the user's dominant eye, preferably with integrated power for both channels.
[0017] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] To address this technical problem, the invention proposes a mechanical system allowing the position of the tracks to be reversed by mounting the tracks with a large amplitude rotation axis and also allowing the bridge to be turned around, so that it can be fixed on a claw on two distinct faces of the bridge.
[0019] To this end, the invention relates to binocular binoculars comprising two channels with distinct information on each channel; each channel being mounted on a bridge via a rotation axis with a predetermined rotation amplitude, the bridge having a first and a second opposite face.
[0020] The invention is characterized in that the bridge incorporates fastening means on said two opposite faces configured to allow the bridge to be fixed with a claw using either of these opposite faces. Thus, the fastening means and said predetermined amplitude of rotation are adapted so that the binoculars have a first configuration in which the channels are positioned opposite the first face while said fastening means are implemented on the second face, and a second configuration in which the channels are brought by pivoting around the axes of rotation opposite the second face while said fastening means are implemented on the first face.
[0021] The invention thus allows a user with a dominant left or right eye, who notices that their helmet has binoculars that are not adapted to their dominant eye, to rotate the bridge 180 degrees. Following this initial rotation, both channels are also rotated so that they are reversed for the user. For example, the predetermined rotation angle is strictly greater than 90°, preferably greater than 120°, and even more preferably greater than 160°. Preferably, the two channels correspond to night vision channels incorporating electronic elements positioned on the optical axis of the user's eye, and the electronic elements of both channels are powered by a single power supply attached to one or the other of the two channels.
[0022] Furthermore, binoculars preferably incorporate a system for fusing two different optical images, allowing information to be inserted onto a channel associated with the user's dominant eye. The fusion system preferably includes an optical sensor positioned below the channel associated with the user's dominant eye so that the central position of the bridge is free on both its upper and lower surfaces.
[0023] Indeed, these two faces can be used to attach the bridge to the claw depending on the track position associated with the fusion system. To achieve this, the fastening means can incorporate two mounting brackets fixed to the two opposite faces of the bridge so that the bridge can be attached to a claw by either of the two mounting brackets.
[0024] Alternatively, the fastening means incorporate a removable fastening support cooperating with the bridge so that the bridge can be fixed onto a claw by moving the removable fastening support.
[0025] Thus, the invention makes it possible to provide binocular binoculars with two separate channels in which the position of the channel associated with the user's dominant eye can be interchanged without the need to dismantle the channels on the bridge and while allowing the use of a single power supply between the different channels.
[0026] Switching from one track positioned over one of the user's eyes to the other is possible with two rotational movements: a complete turn of the bridge and a second turn of the tracks by at least 160 degrees. Preferably, this track turn is between 170 and 190 degrees to simultaneously accommodate the user's eye spacing.
[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0028] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and carried out in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which identical reference numerals designate identical or analogous features, and in which:
[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of prior art binoculars in a position of use; Figure 2 illustrates the prior art binoculars of Figure 1 in a retracted position;
[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of binocular binoculars according to a first embodiment of the invention and in a first position;
[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the twins in Figure 3 in a first stage of transformation;
[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the twins in Figure 3 in a second transformation stage;
[0033] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the binoculars in Figure 3 in a second position;
[0034] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of binocular binoculars according to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0035] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the twins in Figure 7 in a first stage of transformation; and
[0036] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of the binoculars of Figure 7 in a second position.
[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] As illustrated in Figure 3, the invention relates to binocular binoculars 10a in which two channels 1a and 11b are fixed to a bridge 12a. The bridge may be a substantially parallelepiped-shaped metal or plastic part. Above this bridge 12a, fastening means 15a are conventionally fixed so as to attach a clip 13 of a user's headset 14, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.
[0039] More specifically, the fastening means 15a are fixed to a first face Fl of the bridge, while the tracks lia and 11b are placed opposite a second face F2 of the bridge 12a. Furthermore, the tracks lia and 11b are fixed to the bridge 12a with an axis of rotation Ar such that the tracks lia and 11b are free to rotate about this axis Ar.
[0040] Preferably, channels 11a and 11b correspond to night vision channels incorporating image transformation mechanisms to increase brightness. To achieve this, these channels typically include an objective lens followed by a light-intensifying tube and an eyepiece. The objective lens generally comprises several lenses to capture photons from the electromagnetic radiation of the observed scene. The eyepiece also includes one or more lenses to capture and visualize photons from the light signal emitted by the light-intensifying tube. The light-intensifying tube, positioned between the objective lens and the eyepiece, typically includes a photocathode, an electron multiplier, and a phosphor screen.The photocathode is a semi-transparent photosensitive layer that receives electrons from the incident electromagnetic radiation, i.e., the photons transmitted by the lens. The interaction of these photons with the photocathode, through the photoelectric effect, produces the emission of electrons called primary electrons. These primary electrons are then subjected to an initial electric field within a first acceleration zone, which directs the primary photons towards the electron multiplier. This electric field is created by applying a voltage between the photocathode and the electron multiplier. The electron multiplier typically consists of a disc of microchannels covered by electrodes. The microchannels pass completely through the body of the electron multiplier disc and are parallel to each other.In addition, these microchannels have an axis of revolution inclined a few degrees relative to the normal of the surface of the electron multiplier so as to introduce multiple collisions of primary electrons in the microchannels.
[0041] In the electron multiplier, a second electric field is applied between the two faces of the multiplier by means of electrodes placed on either side of the microchannel wafer. This second electric field introduces an electric current into each microchannel, enabling the multiplication of primary electrons during multiple collisions within the microchannels. Thus, a large number of secondary electrons are generated at the output of the microchannel wafer. These secondary electrons are also accelerated in a second acceleration zone until they reach the phosphorescent screen, which transforms them into photons transmitted to the eyepiece.
[0042] To power the various acceleration zones or the microchannel wafer, a power supply is required. This power supply is not shown in Figures 3 to 9, but it can typically be integrated into bridge 12a illustrated in Figure 3 so as to power both channels 11a and 11b with a single battery.
[0043] As illustrated in Figure 3, it should be noted that the two channels are not identical. Channel 11a typically corresponds to a night vision channel, while channel 11b corresponds to a night vision channel preferably equipped with a fusion system. In the example shown in Figure 3, this fusion system is adapted to fuse the images from the image intensifier tube described above and an optical sensor 16 positioned under the channel associated with the user's dominant eye. Of course, this fusion system can also be placed in other locations and, for example, integrated into the bridge 12a. Since the fusion system is integrated on only one of the channels, channel 11b in the example shown in Figure 3, the invention proposes a mechanical system to allow the inversion of this channel 11b for a dominant eye that is not positioned in the same configuration as that shown in Figure 3.Indeed, in figure 3 the dominant eye corresponds to the user's right eye, considering that the user is looking through channels 11a and 11b.
[0044] To ensure that channel 11b is positioned on the left for a user whose dominant eye is their left eye, the invention proposes a first step of relocating the mounting bracket 15a of the claw. Thus, in the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 6, the mounting bracket 15a is removed from the bridge 12a and placed on the second face F2, as illustrated in Figure 4. As illustrated in Figure 5, the bridge 12a can then be completely rotated through 180 degrees so that the second face F2 is positioned at the top and the first face F1 at the bottom. The mounting bracket 15a is then positioned at the top and can be attached to the claw 13 of a headset 14.
[0045] To achieve the complete reversal of the two tracks 11a and 11b, they can then be rotated around the axis of rotation Ar so that both tracks 11a and 11b are positioned opposite the first face Fl of bridge 12a, as illustrated in Figure 6. Thus, the predetermined amplitude of rotation of the axis of rotation Ar is typically at least greater than 90 degrees, preferably greater than 120 degrees, and even more preferably greater than 160 degrees. Typically, in the example of Figures 3 to 6, this angle of rotation is between 170 and 190 degrees.
[0046] Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 7 to 9, bridge 12b can be smaller and, in the first position, the two channels 1a and 11b can already be tilted relative to bridge 12a to adjust the user's eye spacing. Thus, when bridge 12b is reversed, as illustrated in Figure 8, and channels 1a and 11b are moved, as illustrated in Figure 9, the angle of rotation of the channels is much smaller, typically between 120 and 160 degrees.
[0047] Furthermore, the embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 9 illustrates the use of two fastening means 15b fixed on either side of the bridge 12b, such that it is not necessary to remove the fastening means 15b before reversing the bridge 12b. This embodiment of Figures 7 to 9 is therefore quicker to implement for changing the dominant eye of the binoculars 10b, but it requires two fastening supports 15b fixed to the two faces Fl and F2 of the bridge 12b, whereas the embodiment of Figures 3 to 6 requires only one removable fastening support 15a. In conclusion, the invention provides mechanical means for switching the dominant eye of binoculars 10a, 10b by rotating the bridge 12a, 12b and the channels 11a, 11b.This invention is particularly suitable for night vision binoculars, especially binoculars with separate information present on each channel, typically with the use of a fusion system.
Claims
DEMANDS 1. Binoculars (10a, 10b) comprising two channels (lia, 11b) with distinct information on each channel (lia, 11b); each channel (lia, 11b) being mounted on a bridge (12a, 12b) via a rotation axis (Ar) with a predetermined amplitude of rotation, the bridge having a first and a second opposite face (Fl, F2); characterized in that the bridge (12a, 12b) incorporates fastening means (15a, 15b) on said two opposite faces (Fl, F2) configured to allow fastening of the bridge (12a, 12b) with a claw (13) using either of these opposite faces (Fl, F2);the fixing means (15a, 15b) and said predetermined amplitude of rotation being adapted so that the binocular binoculars (10a, 10b) have a first configuration in which the channels (lia, 11b) are placed opposite the first face (F1) while said fixing means (15a, 15b) are implemented on the second face (F2), and a second configuration in which the channels (lia, 11b) are brought by pivoting around the axes of rotation opposite the second face (F2) while said fixing means (15a, 15b) are implemented on the first face (F1).; 2. Binoculars according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined rotation amplitude has an angle strictly greater than 90°, preferably greater than 120° and even more preferably greater than 160°.
3. Binoculars according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the two channels (lia, 11b) correspond to night vision channels integrating electronic elements placed on the optical axis of the user's eye.
4. Binocular binoculars according to claim 3, wherein the electronic elements of the two channels are powered by a single power supply fixed to one or the other of the two channels (lia, 11b).
5. Binoculars according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the binoculars (10a, 10b) incorporate a system for fusing two different optical images, allowing information to be inserted on a channel (11b) associated with the user's dominant eye.
6. Binoculars according to claim 5, wherein the fusion system comprises an optical sensor (16) disposed under said channel (11b) associated with the user's dominant eye.
7. Binoculars according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fixing means incorporate two fixing supports (15b) fixed on the two opposite faces (F1, F2) of the bridge (12a, 12b).
8. Binoculars according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fixing means incorporate a removable fixing support (15a) cooperating with the bridge (12a, 12b).
9. Binocular binoculars according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the axis of rotation of each channel (lia, 11b) is configured to permit rotation with an angle between 170 and 190 degrees.